Dividend comparison
MAIN vs HTGC: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Main Street Capital Corporation and Hercules Capital, Inc., side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
MAIN vs HTGC: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. HTGC pays more income, yielding 12.13% over the last twelve months versus 8.15% for MAIN. That is about $399 more a year on $10,000. MAIN pays monthly, HTGC pays quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, MAIN returned 69.9% versus 50.5% for HTGC, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $16,994 in MAIN and $15,046 in HTGC.
- Risk. HTGC has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -35.5%, against -27.1% for MAIN.
- Dividend growth. MAIN grew its yearly payout 13.2% a year over the last 4 years, versus 7.8% for HTGC.
Bottom line: MAIN fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and faster dividend growth. HTGC fits better if you care most about more income today.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | MAIN Main Street Capital Corporation | HTGC Hercules Capital, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 8.15% | 12.13% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $4.33 | $1.95 |
| Payout frequency | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.2650 on Oct 15, 2026 | $0.4700 on Aug 18, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Dec 8, 2026 | Aug 11, 2026 |
| Next payment | $0.2650 on Nov 13, 2026 | — |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 13.2% over 4 yrs | 7.8% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $53.36 | $16.28 |
| Payout ratio (TTM) | 77.3% | 87.9% |
| Dividend growth streak | 4 years | 2 years |
| Beta | 0.75 | 0.76 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -27.1% | -35.5% |
| Market cap | $5.03B | $3.06B |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
MAIN
$67.89/mo
$815 /yr at 8.15% yield
HTGC
$101.12/mo
$1213 /yr at 12.13% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. MAIN pays monthly; HTGC pays quarterly.
| Year | MAIN | HTGC |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4.2300 | $2.0900 |
| 2024 | $4.1100 | $2.0000 |
| 2023 | $3.6950 | $1.9000 |
| 2022 | $2.9450 | $1.9700 |
| 2021 | $2.5750 | $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 $16,994 in MAIN and $15,046 in HTGC.
| Period | MAIN | HTGC |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -4.53% | -6.06% |
| 3 months | -3.63% | 0.68% |
| Year to date | -11.64% | -13.50% |
| 1 year | -7.51% | -4.40% |
| 3 years | 61.01% | 31.08% |
| 5 years | 69.94% | 50.46% |
- MAIN
- 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
MAIN fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and faster dividend growth. HTGC fits better if you care most about more income today. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how MAIN vs HTGC fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is MAIN or HTGC better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MAIN currently yields 8.15% 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 MAIN and HTGC?
Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) 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, MAIN or HTGC?
Over the last 5 years, MAIN has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: MAIN returned 69.9% and HTGC returned 50.5%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, MAIN or HTGC?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, HTGC has been riskier: MAIN fell as much as 27.1% and HTGC as much as 35.5%. Their betas are 0.75 and 0.76.
How often do MAIN and HTGC pay dividends?
MAIN pays monthly and HTGC pays quarterly.
How much income does $10,000 in MAIN vs HTGC generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in MAIN would generate roughly $67.89 per month ($815 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 MAIN 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 MAIN vs HTGC with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how MAIN 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.
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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.