Ares Capital (ARCC) vs Main Street Capital (MAIN): Dividend Comparison
Why this comparison
Ares Capital and Main Street Capital: widely owned BDCs that lend to middle-market companies and pay high distributions. A go-to pair for comparing BDC dividend income.
Side-by-Side Metrics
- MetricARCCMAIN
- Current Yield10.27%8.36%
- TTM Dividend/Share$1.92$4.28
- Payout Ratio117.79%90.11%
- Div Growth (5Y CAGR)3.71%13.41%
- Consecutive Growth Years06
- CCC classification—Dividend Challenger
- Chowder score14.0%21.8%
- Yield zone (vs 5Y avg)BUYBUY
- Safety Score1/81/8
- Income per $10,000$1026.74$835.61
- FrequencyQuarterlyMonthly
| Metric | ARCC | MAIN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Yield | 10.27% | 8.36% | ARCC |
| TTM Dividend/Share | $1.92 | $4.28 | — |
| Payout Ratio | 117.79% | 90.11% | MAIN |
| Div Growth (5Y CAGR) | 3.71% | 13.41% | MAIN |
| Consecutive Growth Years | 0 | 6 | MAIN |
| CCC classification | — | Dividend Challenger | — |
| Chowder score | 14.0% | 21.8% | MAIN |
| Yield zone (vs 5Y avg) | BUY | BUY | — |
| Safety Score | 1/8 | 1/8 | — |
| Income per $10,000 | $1026.74 | $835.61 | ARCC |
| Frequency | Quarterly | Monthly | — |
Income Comparison
One vertical scale for all amounts: annual bars are tallest, then quarterly, then monthly. Within each pair, the taller bar is the higher payout for that cadence.
Dividend Growth
Historical compound annual growth of dividends per share. Bars use one scale across all periods.
Frequently asked questions
Which stock pays more dividends, Ares Capital or Main Street Capital?
Ares Capital currently offers a higher dividend yield at 10.27%. Ares Capital (ARCC) yields 10.27% while Main Street Capital (MAIN) yields 8.36%.
Is Ares Capital or Main Street Capital a better dividend growth investment?
Main Street Capital has a faster 5-year dividend growth rate. Ares Capital (ARCC) CAGR: 3.7%, Main Street Capital (MAIN) CAGR: 13.4%. Higher growth means more income in the future.
Can I compare Ares Capital and Main Street Capital dividend income side by side?
Yes. Enter any investment amount above to see how much annual, monthly, and quarterly dividend income each stock would generate at current prices and yields.
Explore more
ARCC — Dividend History
Yield, safety score, and full payment history
MAIN — Dividend History
Yield, safety score, and full payment history
ARCC — Dividend Calculator
Calculate historical dividend income from any date
MAIN — Dividend Calculator
Calculate historical dividend income from any date
ARCC — Dividend Forecast
Project future income with DRIP and growth rates
MAIN — Dividend Forecast
Project future income with DRIP and growth rates