Dividend comparison
FSK vs HTGC: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for FS KKR Capital Corp. and Hercules Capital, Inc., side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
FSK vs HTGC: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. FSK pays more income, yielding 20.12% over the last twelve months versus 12.13% for HTGC. That is about $798 more a year on $10,000. FSK pays monthly, HTGC pays quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, HTGC returned 50.5% versus -10.5% for FSK, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $15,046 in HTGC and $8,949 in FSK.
- Risk. FSK has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -52.8%, against -35.5% for HTGC.
- Dividend growth. HTGC grew its yearly payout 7.8% a year over the last 4 years, versus 3.4% for FSK.
Bottom line: FSK fits better if you care most about more income today. HTGC fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and faster dividend growth.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | FSK FS KKR Capital Corp. | HTGC Hercules Capital, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 20.12% | 12.13% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $2.04 | $1.95 |
| Payout frequency | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.4400 on Oct 2, 2026 | $0.4700 on Aug 18, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Dec 16, 2026 | Aug 11, 2026 |
| Next payment | $0.2000 on Dec 15, 2026 | — |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 3.4% over 4 yrs | 7.8% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $10.13 | $16.28 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | — | 87.9% |
| Dividend growth streak | — | 2 years |
| Beta | 0.93 | 0.76 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -52.8% | -35.5% |
| Market cap | $2.85B | $3.06B |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
FSK
$167.65/mo
$2012 /yr at 20.12% yield
HTGC
$101.12/mo
$1213 /yr at 12.13% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. FSK pays monthly; HTGC pays quarterly.
| Year | FSK | HTGC |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2.8000 | $2.0900 |
| 2024 | $3.6000 | $2.0000 |
| 2023 | $2.9300 | $1.9000 |
| 2022 | $2.6000 | $1.9700 |
| 2021 | $2.4500 | $1.5500 |
Strategy: Alternative income
Income vehicles outside ordinary stocks and bonds: real estate investment trusts, preferred shares, business development companies that lend to private firms, and energy pipeline partnerships. Each is structured to pass most of its earnings through to shareholders, which is why yields are high. Their payouts depend on rents, loan books or pipeline volumes rather than on corporate dividend policy.
These income streams are sensitive to interest rates and credit conditions, and much of the income is taxed as ordinary income rather than qualified dividends.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $8,949 in FSK and $15,046 in HTGC.
| Period | FSK | HTGC |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -10.27% | -6.06% |
| 3 months | -3.15% | 0.68% |
| Year to date | -22.43% | -13.50% |
| 1 year | -19.02% | -4.40% |
| 3 years | -18.31% | 31.08% |
| 5 years | -10.51% | 50.46% |
- FSK
- HTGC
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Quick verdict
FSK fits better if you care most about more income today. HTGC fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and faster dividend growth. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how FSK vs HTGC fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is FSK or HTGC better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. FSK currently yields 20.12% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while HTGC yields 12.13%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between FSK and HTGC?
FS KKR Capital Corp. (FSK) is a stock listed on NYSE. Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC) is a stock listed on NYSE. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which has performed better, FSK or HTGC?
Over the last 5 years, HTGC has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: FSK returned -10.5% and HTGC returned 50.5%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, FSK or HTGC?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, FSK has been riskier: FSK fell as much as 52.8% and HTGC as much as 35.5%. Their betas are 0.93 and 0.76.
How often do FSK and HTGC pay dividends?
FSK pays monthly and HTGC pays quarterly.
How much income does $10,000 in FSK vs HTGC generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in FSK would generate roughly $167.65 per month ($2012 annually). The same amount in HTGC would produce about $101.12 per month ($1213 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both FSK and HTGC?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare FSK vs HTGC with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how FSK and HTGC fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
Related comparisons
For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.