ARCC vs MAIN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 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 9.73%, ARCC has the higher dividend-safety score, and ARCC trades at the larger discount to fair value (+14%).
| Metric | ARCC | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 9.73% | 5.66% |
| 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 | -3% | 37% |
| Dividend safety score | 57 (C) | 54 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $22.49 | $32.76 |
| Upside to fair value | +14% | -42% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $14.2B | $5.3B |
| P/E ratio | 14.7 | 11.3 |
Higher yield
ARCC
9.73%
Safer dividend
ARCC
Grade C
Faster growth
MAIN
5.2%
Better value
ARCC
+14% upside
ARCC vs MAIN — FAQ
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