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VYM vs MAIN: Dividend Comparison 2026

VYM yields 2.91% · 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 $25.9K in total portfolio value
10 years
VYM
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
2.91%
Share price
$118.40
Annual div
$3.44
5Y div CAGR
7.8%
Payout ratio
45%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$31.3K
Annual income
$785.17
Full VYM 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 — VYM vs MAIN

Annual dividend income

MetricVYMMAIN
Forward yield2.91%8.41%
Annual dividend / share$3.44$4.44
Payout ratio45%82%
1-year div growth6.2%3.7%
5-year div CAGR7.8%5.1%
Portfolio after 10y$31.3K$57.2K
Annual income after 10y$785.17$2,355.47
Total dividends collected$5.2K$15.5K
Payment frequencyquarterlymonthly
SectorETFBDC

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

YearVYM PortfolioVYM Income/yrMAIN PortfolioMAIN Income/yrGap
1$11,223$313.20$12,124$883.80$901.00MAIN
2$12,592$347.33$14,629$1,001.91$2.0KMAIN
3$14,123$385.04$17,573$1,130.42$3.5KMAIN
4$15,835$426.70$21,022$1,269.75$5.2KMAIN
5$17,748$472.73$25,049$1,420.29$7.3KMAIN
6$19,887$523.54$29,738$1,582.45$9.9KMAIN
7$22,276$579.64$35,182$1,756.64$12.9KMAIN
8$24,945$641.54$41,488$1,943.25$16.5KMAIN
9$27,925$709.84$48,775$2,142.72$20.9KMAIN
10$31,251$785.17$57,179$2,355.47$25.9KMAIN

VYM vs MAIN: Complete Analysis 2026

VYMETF

VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, holding ~450 large-cap US companies with above-average dividend yields. With an ultra-low 0.06% expense ratio, it's one of the cheapest dividend ETFs available. Excellent core holding for long-term dividend growth investors seeking broad diversification and reliable income.

Full VYM 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 VYM or MAIN better for dividend income in 2026?
VYM currently offers a 2.91% yield (3.44/share/year) while MAIN offers 8.41% (4.44/share/year). MAIN provides higher current income. However, VYM has grown its dividend faster (7.8% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in VYM vs MAIN earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: VYM pays approximately $291/year. MAIN pays approximately $841/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $785/year (VYM) and $2,355/year (MAIN).
Does VYM or MAIN pay monthly dividends?
VYM 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.