AES vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, AES and SO are closely matched. AES offers the higher yield at 4.77%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and AES trades at the larger discount to fair value (+85%).
| Metric | AES | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.77% | 3.19% |
| Annual dividend | $0.70 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 37% | 76% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.2% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -38% | 45% |
| Dividend safety score | 84 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $27.36 | $93.61 |
| Upside to fair value | +85% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $10.6B | $106.5B |
| P/E ratio | 7.7 | 24.4 |
Higher yield
AES
4.77%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
AES
4.2%
Better value
AES
+85% upside
AES vs SO — FAQ
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.