BAC vs MAIN: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, BAC (Bank of America Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MAIN offers the higher yield at 5.75%, BAC has the higher dividend-safety score, and BAC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price).
Key facts: BAC vs MAIN
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.75%, versus 2.56% for Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades BAC's dividend safety A (87/100) and MAIN's C (54/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, BAC has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and MAIN for 3.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, BAC pays out 28% of its earnings as dividends and MAIN pays out 86%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, BAC's fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price and MAIN's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price, so BAC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BAC vs MAIN: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bac-vs-main
| Metric | BAC | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.56% | 5.75% |
| Annual dividend | $1.28 | $3.18 |
| Payout ratio | 28% | 86% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 3 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.4% | 5.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 12% | 24% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 54 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $63.43 | $45.34 |
| Upside to fair value | +27% | -18% |
| Frequency | quarterly | monthly |
| Market cap | $345.1B | $5.2B |
| P/E ratio | 11.9 | 11.1 |
Higher yield
MAIN
5.75%
Safer dividend
BAC
Grade A
Faster growth
BAC
8.4%
Better value
BAC
+27% upside
BAC vs MAIN — FAQ
Is BAC or MAIN a better dividend stock?
On the data, BAC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MAIN offers the higher yield (5.75%), while BAC has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, BAC or MAIN?
MAIN has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.75%, versus 2.56% for BAC.
Is BAC or MAIN safer?
BAC has the higher dividend-safety score (87/100 vs 54/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is BAC or MAIN better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, BAC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 27% above its share price (undervalued). For MAIN, its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.