ARCC vs MAIN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 8, 2026, MAIN (Main Street Capital Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ARCC offers the higher yield at 10.41%, ARCC has the higher dividend-safety score, and ARCC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price).
Key facts: ARCC vs MAIN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 8, 2026, Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.41%, versus 5.87% for Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN).
- As of Oct 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARCC's dividend safety C (57/100) and MAIN's C (54/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 8, 2026, ARCC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and MAIN for 3.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, ARCC pays out 143% of its earnings as dividends and MAIN pays out 86%.
- As of Oct 8, 2026, ARCC's fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price and MAIN's fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price, so ARCC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ARCC vs MAIN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/arcc-vs-main
| Metric | ARCC | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 10.41% | 5.87% |
| Annual dividend | $1.92 | $3.18 |
| Payout ratio | 143% | 86% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.7% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | -12% | 26% |
| Dividend safety score | 57 (C) | 54 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $21.60 | $45.56 |
| Upside to fair value | +17% | -16% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $13.2B | $5.1B |
| P/E ratio | 13.8 | 10.9 |
Higher yield
ARCC
10.41%
Safer dividend
ARCC
Grade C
Faster growth
MAIN
5.2%
Better value
ARCC
+17% upside
ARCC vs MAIN — FAQ
Is ARCC or MAIN a better dividend stock?
On the data, MAIN wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ARCC offers the higher yield (10.41%), while ARCC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ARCC or MAIN?
ARCC has the higher forward dividend yield at 10.41%, versus 5.87% for MAIN.
Is ARCC or MAIN safer?
ARCC has the higher dividend-safety score (57/100 vs 54/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ARCC or MAIN better value right now?
As of Oct 8, 2026, ARCC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price (undervalued). For MAIN, its fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.