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MAIN vs MSFT: Dividend Comparison 2026

MAIN yields 8.41% · MSFT yields 0.72% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MSFT wins by $19.7K 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 →
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
0.72%
Share price
$415.20
Annual div
$3.00
5Y div CAGR
10.2%
Payout ratio
24%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$76.9K
Annual income
$198.68
Full MSFT calculator →

Portfolio growth — MAIN vs MSFT

Annual dividend income

MetricMAINMSFT
Forward yield8.41%0.72%
Annual dividend / share$4.44$3.00
Payout ratio82%24%
1-year div growth3.7%10.5%
5-year div CAGR5.1%10.2%
Portfolio after 10y$57.2K$76.9K
Annual income after 10y$2,355.47$198.68
Total dividends collected$15.5K$1.3K
Payment frequencymonthlyquarterly
SectorBDCTechnology

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

YearMAIN PortfolioMAIN Income/yrMSFT PortfolioMSFT Income/yrGap
1$12,124$883.80$12,290$79.62$166.00MSFT
2$14,629$1,001.91$15,094$88.32$465.00MSFT
3$17,573$1,130.42$18,528$97.90$955.00MSFT
4$21,022$1,269.75$22,731$108.46$1.7KMSFT
5$25,049$1,420.29$27,874$120.09$2.8KMSFT
6$29,738$1,582.45$34,167$132.92$4.4KMSFT
7$35,182$1,756.64$41,865$147.05$6.7KMSFT
8$41,488$1,943.25$51,280$162.62$9.8KMSFT
9$48,775$2,142.72$62,793$179.77$14.0KMSFT
10$57,179$2,355.47$76,869$198.68$19.7KMSFT

MAIN vs MSFT: 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 →

MSFTTechnology

Microsoft has grown its dividend 10%+ annually for a decade, making it one of the best dividend growth stories in tech. Azure cloud dominance and AI integration (Copilot) drive strong cash generation. Low payout ratio of ~24% means dividends are extremely safe with significant room to grow.

Full MSFT Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MAIN or MSFT better for dividend income in 2026?
MAIN currently offers a 8.41% yield (4.44/share/year) while MSFT offers 0.72% (3.00/share/year). MAIN provides higher current income. However, MSFT has grown its dividend faster (10.2% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in MAIN vs MSFT earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MAIN pays approximately $841/year. MSFT pays approximately $72/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $2,355/year (MAIN) and $199/year (MSFT).
Does MAIN or MSFT pay monthly dividends?
MAIN pays monthly dividends. MSFT 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.