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MAIN vs QYLD: Dividend Comparison 2026

MAIN yields 8.41% · QYLD yields 11.43% · See full DRIP projection below

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After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MAIN wins by $37.6K 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 →
QYLD
Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF
11.43%
Share price
$16.80
Annual div
$1.92
5Y div CAGR
-2.1%
Payout ratio
95%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$19.5K
Annual income
$3,553.75
Full QYLD calculator →

Portfolio growth — MAIN vs QYLD

Annual dividend income

MetricMAINQYLD
Forward yield8.41%11.43%
Annual dividend / share$4.44$1.92
Payout ratio82%95%
1-year div growth3.7%-5.2%
5-year div CAGR5.1%-2.1%
Portfolio after 10y$57.2K$19.5K
Annual income after 10y$2,355.47$3,553.75
Total dividends collected$15.5K$20.2K
Payment frequencymonthlymonthly
SectorBDCETF

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

YearMAIN PortfolioMAIN Income/yrQYLD PortfolioQYLD Income/yrGap
1$12,124$883.80$10,279$1,118.86+$1.8KMAIN
2$14,629$1,001.91$10,645$1,229.16+$4.0KMAIN
3$17,573$1,130.42$11,111$1,360.44+$6.5KMAIN
4$21,022$1,269.75$11,695$1,517.70+$9.3KMAIN
5$25,049$1,420.29$12,420$1,707.39+$12.6KMAIN
6$29,738$1,582.45$13,315$1,937.94+$16.4KMAIN
7$35,182$1,756.64$14,417$2,220.42+$20.8KMAIN
8$41,488$1,943.25$15,775$2,569.54+$25.7KMAIN
9$48,775$2,142.72$17,455$3,005.06+$31.3KMAIN
10$57,179$2,355.47$19,543$3,553.75+$37.6KMAIN

MAIN vs QYLD: 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 →

QYLDETF

QYLD sells covered calls on the full Nasdaq 100 index, generating very high monthly income (10%+ yield). The strategy caps upside participation in exchange for income. Best suited for investors who prioritize maximum current income over capital appreciation. NAV erosion over time is a known trade-off.

Full QYLD Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MAIN or QYLD better for dividend income in 2026?
MAIN currently offers a 8.41% yield (4.44/share/year) while QYLD offers 11.43% (1.92/share/year). QYLD 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 QYLD earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MAIN pays approximately $841/year. QYLD pays approximately $1143/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $2,355/year (MAIN) and $3,554/year (QYLD).
Does MAIN or QYLD pay monthly dividends?
MAIN pays monthly dividends. QYLD 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.