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ESS vs MAIN: Dividend Comparison 2026

ESS 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
ESS
ESS
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 ESS 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 — ESS vs MAIN

Annual dividend income

MetricESSMAIN
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
SectorREITBDC

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

YearESS PortfolioESS 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

ESS vs MAIN: Complete Analysis 2026

ESSREIT

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

Full ESS 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 ESS or MAIN better for dividend income in 2026?
ESS 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 ESS vs MAIN earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: ESS pays approximately $400/year. MAIN pays approximately $841/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $899/year (ESS) and $2,355/year (MAIN).
Does ESS or MAIN pay monthly dividends?
ESS pays quarterly dividends. MAIN pays monthly dividends. MAIN pays monthly, 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.