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T vs MAIN: Dividend Comparison 2026

T yields 6.24% · MAIN yields 8.41% · 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
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 →
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 →

Portfolio growth — T vs MAIN

Annual dividend income

MetricTMAIN
Forward yield6.24%8.41%
Annual dividend / share$1.11$4.44
Payout ratio58%82%
1-year div growth0%3.7%
5-year div CAGR-8.2%5.1%
Portfolio after 10y$9.1K$57.2K
Annual income after 10y$432.01$2,355.47
Total dividends collected$5.0K$15.5K
Payment frequencyquarterlymonthly
SectorTelecomBDC

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

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

T vs MAIN: Complete Analysis 2026

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.

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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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

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