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VIG vs MAIN: Dividend Comparison 2026

VIG yields 1.29% · 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 $24.1K in total portfolio value
10 years
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 →
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 — VIG vs MAIN

Annual dividend income

MetricVIGMAIN
Forward yield1.29%8.41%
Annual dividend / share$2.40$4.44
Payout ratio35%82%
1-year div growth8.5%3.7%
5-year div CAGR9.2%5.1%
Portfolio after 10y$33.0K$57.2K
Annual income after 10y$346.26$2,355.47
Total dividends collected$2.3K$15.5K
Payment frequencyquarterlymonthly
SectorETFBDC

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

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

VIG vs MAIN: Complete Analysis 2026

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 →

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 VIG or MAIN better for dividend income in 2026?
VIG currently offers a 1.29% yield (2.40/share/year) while MAIN offers 8.41% (4.44/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 VIG vs MAIN earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: VIG pays approximately $129/year. MAIN pays approximately $841/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $346/year (VIG) and $2,355/year (MAIN).
Does VIG or MAIN pay monthly dividends?
VIG 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.