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STEP vs HTGC: Dividend Comparison 2026

STEP yields 4.00% · 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 $25.6K in total portfolio value
10 years
STEP
STEP
4.00%
Share price
$50.00
Annual div
$2.00
5Y div CAGR
5%
Payout ratio
50%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$28.0K
Annual income
$899.19
Full STEP 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 — STEP vs HTGC

Annual dividend income

MetricSTEPHTGC
Forward yield4.00%10.22%
Annual dividend / share$2.00$1.88
Payout ratio50%90%
1-year div growth5%5.6%
5-year div CAGR5%4.2%
Portfolio after 10y$28.0K$53.7K
Annual income after 10y$899.19$3,064.35
Total dividends collected$6.4K$19.5K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorStockBDC

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

YearSTEP PortfolioSTEP Income/yrHTGC PortfolioHTGC Income/yrGap
1$11,120$420.00$12,045$1,064.65$925.00HTGC
2$12,357$458.31$14,442$1,216.94$2.1KHTGC
3$13,721$499.76$17,242$1,384.73$3.5KHTGC
4$15,227$544.58$20,501$1,568.89$5.3KHTGC
5$16,885$593.02$24,280$1,770.26$7.4KHTGC
6$18,713$645.34$28,649$1,989.67$9.9KHTGC
7$20,724$701.81$33,685$2,227.97$13.0KHTGC
8$22,938$762.73$39,472$2,485.98$16.5KHTGC
9$25,372$828.41$46,104$2,764.50$20.7KHTGC
10$28,047$899.19$53,687$3,064.35$25.6KHTGC

STEP vs HTGC: Complete Analysis 2026

STEPStock

STEP is a dividend-paying stock. Use this calculator to estimate your future dividend income, DRIP compounding returns, and passive income potential from investing in STEP shares.

Full STEP Calculator →

HTGCBDC

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 STEP or HTGC better for dividend income in 2026?
STEP currently offers a 4.00% yield (2.00/share/year) while HTGC offers 10.22% (1.88/share/year). HTGC provides higher current income. However, STEP has grown its dividend faster (5% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in STEP vs HTGC earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: STEP pays approximately $400/year. HTGC pays approximately $1022/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $899/year (STEP) and $3,064/year (HTGC).
Does STEP or HTGC pay monthly dividends?
STEP pays quarterly dividends. HTGC pays quarterly dividends. Neither pay monthly — both use a quarterly schedule, 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.