Is STAG or ARCC a better dividend investment in 2026?

STAG currently yields 3.99% with a 1% 5-year dividend growth rate. ARCC yields 9.06% with 3.1% growth. The better choice depends on your goal: ARCC offers higher current income, while ARCC is better for long-term compounding. Use the DRIP calculator above to model your specific scenario.

What is the dividend yield difference between STAG and ARCC?

STAG has a forward dividend yield of 3.99% (1.47/share annually). ARCC yields 9.06% (1.92/share annually). The yield gap is 5.07 percentage points.

How much would $10,000 in STAG vs ARCC pay in dividends per year?

With $10,000 invested: STAG would pay approximately $399/year in dividends. ARCC would pay approximately $906/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these amounts grow substantially due to compounding.

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STAG vs ARCC: Dividend Comparison 2026

STAG yields 3.99% · ARCC yields 9.06% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers

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

🏆 ARCC wins by $24.4K in total portfolio value

INVESTMENT

TIME HORIZON10 years

STAG

STAG Industrial Inc.

3.99%

Share price

$36.80

Annual div

$1.47

5Y div CAGR

Payout ratio

72%

After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP

Portfolio value

$19.4K

Annual income

$606.20

Full STAG calculator →

ARCC

Ares Capital Corporation

9.06%

Share price

$21.20

Annual div

$1.92

5Y div CAGR

3.1%

Payout ratio

88%

After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP

Portfolio value

$43.8K

Annual income

$2,279.31

Full ARCC calculator →

Portfolio growth — STAG vs ARCC

Annual dividend income

MetricSTAGARCC

Forward yield	3.99%	9.06% ✓
Annual dividend / share	$1.47	$1.92 ✓
Payout ratio	72% ✓	88%
1-year div growth	0.5%	2% ✓
5-year div CAGR	1%	3.1% ✓
Portfolio after 10y	$19.4K	$43.8K ✓
Annual income after 10y	$606.20	$2,279.31 ✓
Total dividends collected	$5.0K	$15.5K ✓
Payment frequency	monthly	quarterly
Sector	REIT	BDC

Year-by-year: STAG vs ARCC ($10,000, DRIP)

Year	STAG Portfolio	STAG Income/yr	ARCC Portfolio	ARCC Income/yr	Gap
1	$10,723	$403.45	$11,774	$933.74	$1.1K → ARCC
2	$11,490	$423.42	$13,808	$1,045.61	$2.3K → ARCC
3	$12,302	$444.01	$16,135	$1,166.34	$3.8K → ARCC
4	$13,161	$465.24	$18,786	$1,296.19	$5.6K → ARCC
5	$14,069	$487.12	$21,800	$1,435.41	$7.7K → ARCC
6	$15,029	$509.63	$25,215	$1,584.23	$10.2K → ARCC
7	$16,042	$532.80	$29,076	$1,742.84	$13.0K → ARCC
8	$17,112	$556.61	$33,430	$1,911.44	$16.3K → ARCC
9	$18,241	$581.08	$38,328	$2,090.21	$20.1K → ARCC
10	$19,431	$606.20	$43,827	$2,279.31	$24.4K → ARCC

STAG vs ARCC: Complete Analysis 2026

STAG — REIT

STAG Industrial is a single-tenant industrial REIT paying monthly dividends. Its portfolio of 500+ warehouses and distribution centers benefits from e-commerce growth. Amazon is its largest tenant. Monthly income frequency makes it attractive for investors who prefer regular cash flow over quarterly payments.

Full STAG Calculator →

ARCC — BDC

Ares Capital is the largest Business Development Company by assets. It provides financing to middle market companies and pays a generous quarterly dividend plus occasional special dividends. With $21B+ in AUM and diversified exposure across industries, ARCC is the benchmark BDC for income investors.

Full ARCC Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is STAG or ARCC better for dividend income in 2026?

STAG currently offers a 3.99% yield (1.47/share/year) while ARCC offers 9.06% (1.92/share/year). ARCC provides higher current income. However, ARCC has grown its dividend faster (3.1% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.

How much would $10,000 in STAG vs ARCC earn per year?

With $10,000 invested today: STAG pays approximately $399/year. ARCC pays approximately $906/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $606/year (STAG) and $2,279/year (ARCC).

Does STAG or ARCC pay monthly dividends?

STAG pays monthly dividends. ARCC pays quarterly dividends. STAG 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.