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MAIN vs SO: Dividend Comparison 2026

MAIN yields 8.41% · SO yields 3.42% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MAIN wins by $35.4K 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 →
SO
The Southern Company
3.42%
Share price
$84.20
Annual div
$2.88
5Y div CAGR
3.1%
Payout ratio
72%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$21.7K
Annual income
$613.85
Full SO calculator →

Portfolio growth — MAIN vs SO

Annual dividend income

MetricMAINSO
Forward yield8.41%3.42%
Annual dividend / share$4.44$2.88
Payout ratio82%72%
1-year div growth3.7%3%
5-year div CAGR5.1%3.1%
Portfolio after 10y$57.2K$21.7K
Annual income after 10y$2,355.47$613.85
Total dividends collected$15.5K$4.7K
Payment frequencymonthlyquarterly
SectorBDCUtilities

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

YearMAIN PortfolioMAIN Income/yrSO PortfolioSO Income/yrGap
1$12,124$883.80$10,833$352.65+$1.3KMAIN
2$14,629$1,001.91$11,728$375.81+$2.9KMAIN
3$17,573$1,130.42$12,692$400.29+$4.9KMAIN
4$21,022$1,269.75$13,727$426.14+$7.3KMAIN
5$25,049$1,420.29$14,839$453.42+$10.2KMAIN
6$29,738$1,582.45$16,034$482.21+$13.7KMAIN
7$35,182$1,756.64$17,316$512.58+$17.9KMAIN
8$41,488$1,943.25$18,692$544.59+$22.8KMAIN
9$48,775$2,142.72$20,167$578.32+$28.6KMAIN
10$57,179$2,355.47$21,749$613.85+$35.4KMAIN

MAIN vs SO: 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.

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SOUtilities

Southern Company is a Dividend Aristocrat with 23+ consecutive years of increases. It serves 9M+ customers across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi through its regulated electric and gas utilities. Vogtle Unit 4 nuclear plant completion in 2024 adds decades of low-carbon baseload generation capacity.

Full SO Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MAIN or SO better for dividend income in 2026?
MAIN currently offers a 8.41% yield (4.44/share/year) while SO offers 3.42% (2.88/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 SO earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MAIN pays approximately $841/year. SO pays approximately $342/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $2,355/year (MAIN) and $614/year (SO).
Does MAIN or SO pay monthly dividends?
MAIN pays monthly dividends. SO 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.