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ARCC vs AEP: Dividend Comparison 2026

ARCC yields 9.06% · AEP yields 4.00% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 ARCC wins by $15.8K in total portfolio value
10 years
ARCC
Ares Capital Corporation
9.06%
Share price
$21.20
Annual div
$1.92
5Y div CAGR
3.1%
Payout ratio
88%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$43.8K
Annual income
$2,279.31
Full ARCC calculator →
AEP
AEP
4.00%
Share price
$50.00
Annual div
$2.00
5Y div CAGR
5%
Payout ratio
50%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$28.0K
Annual income
$899.19
Full AEP calculator →

Portfolio growth — ARCC vs AEP

Annual dividend income

MetricARCCAEP
Forward yield9.06%4.00%
Annual dividend / share$1.92$2.00
Payout ratio88%50%
1-year div growth2%5%
5-year div CAGR3.1%5%
Portfolio after 10y$43.8K$28.0K
Annual income after 10y$2,279.31$899.19
Total dividends collected$15.5K$6.4K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorBDCUtilities

Year-by-year: ARCC vs AEP ($10,000, DRIP)

YearARCC PortfolioARCC Income/yrAEP PortfolioAEP Income/yrGap
1$11,774$933.74$11,120$420.00+$654.00ARCC
2$13,808$1,045.61$12,357$458.31+$1.5KARCC
3$16,135$1,166.34$13,721$499.76+$2.4KARCC
4$18,786$1,296.19$15,227$544.58+$3.6KARCC
5$21,800$1,435.41$16,885$593.02+$4.9KARCC
6$25,215$1,584.23$18,713$645.34+$6.5KARCC
7$29,076$1,742.84$20,724$701.81+$8.4KARCC
8$33,430$1,911.44$22,938$762.73+$10.5KARCC
9$38,328$2,090.21$25,372$828.41+$13.0KARCC
10$43,827$2,279.31$28,047$899.19+$15.8KARCC

ARCC vs AEP: Complete Analysis 2026

ARCCBDC

Ares Capital is the largest Business Development Company by assets. It provides financing to middle market companies and pays a generous quarterly dividend plus occasional special dividends. With $21B+ in AUM and diversified exposure across industries, ARCC is the benchmark BDC for income investors.

Full ARCC Calculator →

AEPUtilities

AEP is a dividend-paying stock. Use this calculator to estimate your future dividend income, DRIP compounding returns, and passive income potential from investing in AEP shares.

Full AEP Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ARCC or AEP better for dividend income in 2026?
ARCC currently offers a 9.06% yield (1.92/share/year) while AEP offers 4.00% (2.00/share/year). ARCC provides higher current income. However, AEP has grown its dividend faster (5% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in ARCC vs AEP earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: ARCC pays approximately $906/year. AEP pays approximately $400/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $2,279/year (ARCC) and $899/year (AEP).
Does ARCC or AEP pay monthly dividends?
ARCC pays quarterly dividends. AEP pays quarterly dividends. Neither pay monthly — both use a quarterly schedule, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.
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⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.