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MAIN vs VIG: Dividend Comparison 2026

MAIN yields 8.41% · VIG yields 1.29% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MAIN wins by $24.1K 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 →
VIG
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
1.29%
Share price
$185.60
Annual div
$2.40
5Y div CAGR
9.2%
Payout ratio
35%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$33.0K
Annual income
$346.26
Full VIG calculator →

Portfolio growth — MAIN vs VIG

Annual dividend income

MetricMAINVIG
Forward yield8.41%1.29%
Annual dividend / share$4.44$2.40
Payout ratio82%35%
1-year div growth3.7%8.5%
5-year div CAGR5.1%9.2%
Portfolio after 10y$57.2K$33.0K
Annual income after 10y$2,355.47$346.26
Total dividends collected$15.5K$2.3K
Payment frequencymonthlyquarterly
SectorBDCETF

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

YearMAIN PortfolioMAIN Income/yrVIG PortfolioVIG Income/yrGap
1$12,124$883.80$11,281$141.21+$843.00MAIN
2$14,629$1,001.91$12,723$156.15+$1.9KMAIN
3$17,573$1,130.42$14,347$172.64+$3.2KMAIN
4$21,022$1,269.75$16,173$190.82+$4.8KMAIN
5$25,049$1,420.29$18,227$210.86+$6.8KMAIN
6$29,738$1,582.45$20,538$232.95+$9.2KMAIN
7$35,182$1,756.64$23,137$257.30+$12.0KMAIN
8$41,488$1,943.25$26,059$284.13+$15.4KMAIN
9$48,775$2,142.72$29,343$313.70+$19.4KMAIN
10$57,179$2,355.47$33,034$346.26+$24.1KMAIN

MAIN vs VIG: 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 →

VIGETF

VIG tracks companies that have grown their dividends for 10+ consecutive years — the definition of dividend quality. With 315+ holdings and 0.06% expense ratio, it's a core holding for dividend growth investors. Lower current yield but superior long-term dividend growth versus high-yield alternatives.

Full VIG Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MAIN or VIG better for dividend income in 2026?
MAIN currently offers a 8.41% yield (4.44/share/year) while VIG offers 1.29% (2.40/share/year). MAIN provides higher current income. However, VIG has grown its dividend faster (9.2% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in MAIN vs VIG earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: MAIN pays approximately $841/year. VIG pays approximately $129/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $2,355/year (MAIN) and $346/year (VIG).
Does MAIN or VIG pay monthly dividends?
MAIN pays monthly dividends. VIG 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.