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MAIN vs T: Dividend Comparison 2026

MAIN yields 8.41% · T yields 6.24% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MAIN wins by $48.1K 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 →
T
AT&T Inc.
6.24%
Share price
$17.80
Annual div
$1.11
5Y div CAGR
-8.2%
Payout ratio
58%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$9.1K
Annual income
$432.01
Full T calculator →

Portfolio growth — MAIN vs T

Annual dividend income

MetricMAINT
Forward yield8.41%6.24%
Annual dividend / share$4.44$1.11
Payout ratio82%58%
1-year div growth3.7%0%
5-year div CAGR5.1%-8.2%
Portfolio after 10y$57.2K$9.1K
Annual income after 10y$2,355.47$432.01
Total dividends collected$15.5K$5.0K
Payment frequencymonthlyquarterly
SectorBDCTelecom

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

YearMAIN PortfolioMAIN Income/yrT PortfolioT Income/yrGap
1$12,124$883.80$9,962$572.46+$2.2KMAIN
2$14,629$1,001.91$9,912$557.56+$4.7KMAIN
3$17,573$1,130.42$9,850$542.34+$7.7KMAIN
4$21,022$1,269.75$9,776$526.88+$11.2KMAIN
5$25,049$1,420.29$9,691$511.23+$15.4KMAIN
6$29,738$1,582.45$9,595$495.45+$20.1KMAIN
7$35,182$1,756.64$9,489$479.58+$25.7KMAIN
8$41,488$1,943.25$9,374$463.69+$32.1KMAIN
9$48,775$2,142.72$9,250$447.82+$39.5KMAIN
10$57,179$2,355.47$9,118$432.01+$48.1KMAIN

MAIN vs T: 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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TTelecom

AT&T is one of the largest telecom companies in the US. After spinning off WarnerMedia in 2022 and cutting its dividend, AT&T has stabilized its payout at $1.11/year. High yield makes it attractive for pure income investors, though dividend growth has been absent. The company is focused on debt reduction and fiber network expansion.

Full T Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MAIN or T better for dividend income in 2026?
MAIN currently offers a 8.41% yield (4.44/share/year) while T offers 6.24% (1.11/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 T earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MAIN pays approximately $841/year. T pays approximately $624/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $2,355/year (MAIN) and $432/year (T).
Does MAIN or T pay monthly dividends?
MAIN pays monthly dividends. T 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.