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MAIN vs AEP: Dividend Comparison 2026

MAIN yields 8.41% · AEP yields 4.00% · 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
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 →
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 — MAIN vs AEP

Annual dividend income

MetricMAINAEP
Forward yield8.41%4.00%
Annual dividend / share$4.44$2.00
Payout ratio82%50%
1-year div growth3.7%5%
5-year div CAGR5.1%5%
Portfolio after 10y$57.2K$28.0K
Annual income after 10y$2,355.47$899.19
Total dividends collected$15.5K$6.4K
Payment frequencymonthlyquarterly
SectorBDCUtilities

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

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

MAIN vs AEP: Complete Analysis 2026

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 →

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 MAIN or AEP better for dividend income in 2026?
MAIN currently offers a 8.41% yield (4.44/share/year) while AEP offers 4.00% (2.00/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 MAIN vs AEP earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MAIN pays approximately $841/year. AEP pays approximately $400/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $2,355/year (MAIN) and $899/year (AEP).
Does MAIN or AEP pay monthly dividends?
MAIN pays monthly dividends. AEP pays quarterly 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.