HomeCompareCAEP vs MAIN

CAEP vs MAIN: Dividend Comparison 2026

CAEP yields 4.00% · MAIN yields 8.41% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MAIN wins by $29.1K in total portfolio value
10 years
CAEP
CAEP
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 CAEP calculator →
MAIN
Main Street Capital Corporation
8.41%
Share price
$52.80
Annual div
$4.44
5Y div CAGR
5.1%
Payout ratio
82%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$57.2K
Annual income
$2,355.47
Full MAIN calculator →

Portfolio growth — CAEP vs MAIN

Annual dividend income

MetricCAEPMAIN
Forward yield4.00%8.41%
Annual dividend / share$2.00$4.44
Payout ratio50%82%
1-year div growth5%3.7%
5-year div CAGR5%5.1%
Portfolio after 10y$28.0K$57.2K
Annual income after 10y$899.19$2,355.47
Total dividends collected$6.4K$15.5K
Payment frequencyquarterlymonthly
SectorStockBDC

Year-by-year: CAEP vs MAIN ($10,000, DRIP)

YearCAEP PortfolioCAEP Income/yrMAIN PortfolioMAIN Income/yrGap
1$11,120$420.00$12,124$883.80$1.0KMAIN
2$12,357$458.31$14,629$1,001.91$2.3KMAIN
3$13,721$499.76$17,573$1,130.42$3.9KMAIN
4$15,227$544.58$21,022$1,269.75$5.8KMAIN
5$16,885$593.02$25,049$1,420.29$8.2KMAIN
6$18,713$645.34$29,738$1,582.45$11.0KMAIN
7$20,724$701.81$35,182$1,756.64$14.5KMAIN
8$22,938$762.73$41,488$1,943.25$18.6KMAIN
9$25,372$828.41$48,775$2,142.72$23.4KMAIN
10$28,047$899.19$57,179$2,355.47$29.1KMAIN

CAEP vs MAIN: Complete Analysis 2026

CAEPStock

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

Full CAEP Calculator →

MAINBDC

Main Street Capital is a Business Development Company providing debt and equity capital to lower middle market companies. It pays regular monthly dividends plus semi-annual special dividends. One of the few BDCs consistently trading at a premium to NAV, with an exceptional track record since its 2007 IPO. Often called the gold standard of BDCs.

Full MAIN Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CAEP or MAIN better for dividend income in 2026?
CAEP currently offers a 4.00% yield (2.00/share/year) while MAIN offers 8.41% (4.44/share/year). MAIN provides higher current income. However, MAIN has grown its dividend faster (5.1% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in CAEP vs MAIN earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: CAEP pays approximately $400/year. MAIN pays approximately $841/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $899/year (CAEP) and $2,355/year (MAIN).
Does CAEP or MAIN pay monthly dividends?
CAEP pays quarterly dividends. MAIN pays monthly dividends. MAIN pays monthly, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.
📬

Get this CAEP vs MAIN comparison by email

Save your analysis + get weekly dividend insights. Free forever.

More comparisons

CAEP vs SCHDCAEP vs JEPICAEP vs OCAEP vs KOCAEP vs ARCCCAEP vs HTGCCAEP vs GBDCCAEP vs ORCCMAIN vs ARCCMAIN vs HTGCMAIN vs GBDCMAIN vs ORCC

⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.