Is QYLD or HTGC a better dividend investment in 2026?

QYLD currently yields 11.43% with a -2.1% 5-year dividend growth rate. HTGC yields 10.22% with 4.2% growth. The better choice depends on your goal: QYLD offers higher current income, while HTGC is better for long-term compounding. Use the DRIP calculator above to model your specific scenario.

What is the dividend yield difference between QYLD and HTGC?

QYLD has a forward dividend yield of 11.43% (1.92/share annually). HTGC yields 10.22% (1.88/share annually). The yield gap is 1.21 percentage points.

How much would $10,000 in QYLD vs HTGC pay in dividends per year?

With $10,000 invested: QYLD would pay approximately $1143/year in dividends. HTGC would pay approximately $1022/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these amounts grow substantially due to compounding.

Home › Compare › QYLD vs HTGC

QYLD vs HTGC: Dividend Comparison 2026

QYLD yields 11.43% · HTGC yields 10.22% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers

After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled

🏆 HTGC wins by $34.1K in total portfolio value

INVESTMENT

TIME HORIZON10 years

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 →

HTGC

Hercules Capital Inc.

10.22%

Share price

$18.40

Annual div

$1.88

5Y div CAGR

4.2%

Payout ratio

90%

After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP

Portfolio value

$53.7K

Annual income

$3,064.35

Full HTGC calculator →

Portfolio growth — QYLD vs HTGC

Annual dividend income

MetricQYLDHTGC

Forward yield	11.43% ✓	10.22%
Annual dividend / share	$1.92 ✓	$1.88
Payout ratio	95%	90% ✓
1-year div growth	-5.2%	5.6% ✓
5-year div CAGR	-2.1%	4.2% ✓
Portfolio after 10y	$19.5K	$53.7K ✓
Annual income after 10y	$3,553.75 ✓	$3,064.35
Total dividends collected	$20.2K ✓	$19.5K
Payment frequency	monthly	quarterly
Sector	ETF	BDC

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

Year	QYLD Portfolio	QYLD Income/yr	HTGC Portfolio	HTGC Income/yr	Gap
1	$10,279	$1,118.86	$12,045	$1,064.65	$1.8K → HTGC
2	$10,645	$1,229.16	$14,442	$1,216.94	$3.8K → HTGC
3	$11,111	$1,360.44	$17,242	$1,384.73	$6.1K → HTGC
4	$11,695	$1,517.70	$20,501	$1,568.89	$8.8K → HTGC
5	$12,420	$1,707.39	$24,280	$1,770.26	$11.9K → HTGC
6	$13,315	$1,937.94	$28,649	$1,989.67	$15.3K → HTGC
7	$14,417	$2,220.42	$33,685	$2,227.97	$19.3K → HTGC
8	$15,775	$2,569.54	$39,472	$2,485.98	$23.7K → HTGC
9	$17,455	$3,005.06	$46,104	$2,764.50	$28.6K → HTGC
10	$19,543	$3,553.75	$53,687	$3,064.35	$34.1K → HTGC

QYLD vs HTGC: Complete Analysis 2026

QYLD — ETF

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 →

HTGC — BDC

Hercules Capital specializes in lending to venture-backed technology and life sciences companies. This unique focus allows it to capture higher yields than traditional BDCs. Strong origination network with leading VC firms. HTGC pays regular plus supplemental dividends, making total yield among the highest in BDC space.

Full HTGC Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QYLD or HTGC better for dividend income in 2026?

QYLD currently offers a 11.43% yield (1.92/share/year) while HTGC offers 10.22% (1.88/share/year). QYLD provides higher current income. However, HTGC has grown its dividend faster (4.2% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.

How much would $10,000 in QYLD vs HTGC earn per year?

With $10,000 invested today: QYLD pays approximately $1143/year. HTGC pays approximately $1022/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $3,554/year (QYLD) and $3,064/year (HTGC).

Does QYLD or HTGC pay monthly dividends?

QYLD pays monthly dividends. HTGC pays quarterly dividends. QYLD pays monthly, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.

📬

Get this QYLD vs HTGC comparison by email

Save your analysis + get weekly dividend insights. Free forever.

More comparisons

QYLD vs XYLD QYLD vs JEPI QYLD vs JEPQ QYLD vs RYLD QYLD vs QYLG QYLD vs MAIN QYLD vs ARCC QYLD vs GBDC HTGC vs MAIN HTGC vs ARCC HTGC vs GBDC HTGC vs ORCC

⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.