MAIN vs V: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 2026, V (Visa Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. MAIN offers the higher yield at 5.75%, V has the higher dividend-safety score, and MAIN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price).
Key facts: MAIN vs V
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 0.65% for Visa Inc. (V).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MAIN's dividend safety C (54/100) and V's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, MAIN has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and V for 17.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, MAIN pays out 86% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, MAIN's fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price, so MAIN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MAIN vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/main-vs-v
| Metric | MAIN | V |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.75% | 0.65% |
| Annual dividend | $3.18 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 86% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.2% | 14.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 24% | 113% |
| Dividend safety score | 54 (C) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $45.34 | $321.86 |
| Upside to fair value | -18% | -22% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.2B | $773.0B |
| P/E ratio | 11.1 | 33.6 |
Higher yield
MAIN
5.75%
Safer dividend
V
Grade A
Faster growth
V
14.9%
Better value
MAIN
-18% upside
MAIN vs V — FAQ
Is MAIN or V a better dividend stock?
On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). MAIN offers the higher yield (5.75%), while V has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MAIN or V?
MAIN has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.75%, versus 0.65% for V.
Is MAIN or V safer?
V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 54/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MAIN or V better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, MAIN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 18% below its share price (overvalued). For V, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.