Dividend comparison

MAIN vs OBDC: Which Is Better for Income?

Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Main Street Capital Corporation and Blue Owl Capital Corporation, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.

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MAIN vs OBDC: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
  • Income. OBDC pays more income, yielding 13.95% over the last twelve months versus 8.15% for MAIN. That is about $581 more a year on $10,000. MAIN pays monthly, OBDC pays quarterly.
  • Performance. Over the last 5 years, MAIN returned 69.9% versus 6.7% for OBDC, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $16,994 in MAIN and $10,667 in OBDC.
  • Risk. OBDC has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -32.5%, against -27.1% for MAIN.
  • Dividend growth. MAIN grew its yearly payout 13.2% a year over the last 4 years, versus 4.3% for OBDC.

Bottom line: MAIN fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns, smaller drawdowns and faster dividend growth. OBDC 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.
MetricMAIN
Main Street Capital Corporation
OBDC
Blue Owl Capital Corporation
Dividend yield (TTM)8.15%13.95%
Dividend / share (TTM)$4.33$1.38
Payout frequencyMonthlyQuarterly
Last dividend$0.2650 on Oct 15, 2026$0.3100 on Oct 15, 2026
Ex-dividend dateDec 8, 2026Sep 30, 2026
Next payment$0.2650 on Nov 13, 2026—
Dividend growth (CAGR)13.2% over 4 yrs4.3% over 4 yrs
Price$53.36$9.92
Payout ratio (TTM)77.3%262.3%
Dividend growth streak4 years—
Beta0.750.69
Max drawdown (5Y)-27.1%-32.5%
Market cap$5.03B$5.02B
ExchangeNYSENYSE
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

OBDC

$116.27/mo

$1395 /yr at 13.95% yield

Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. MAIN pays monthly; OBDC pays quarterly.
YearMAINOBDC
2025$4.2300$1.5600
2024$4.1100$1.7000
2023$3.6950$1.5700
2022$2.9450$1.2700
2021$2.5750$1.3200
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 $10,667 in OBDC.
PeriodMAINOBDC
1 month-4.53%-11.19%
3 months-3.63%-9.74%
Year to date-11.64%-20.19%
1 year-7.51%-21.89%
3 years61.01%-7.03%
5 years69.94%6.67%
  • MAIN
  • OBDC
72145218202120222023202420252026170107

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. OBDC fits better if you care most about more income today. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.

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Frequently asked questions

Is MAIN or OBDC better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MAIN currently yields 8.15% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while OBDC yields 13.95%. 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 OBDC?
Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) is a stock listed on NYSE. Blue Owl Capital Corporation (OBDC) 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 OBDC?
Over the last 5 years, MAIN has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: MAIN returned 69.9% and OBDC returned 6.7%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, MAIN or OBDC?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, OBDC has been riskier: MAIN fell as much as 27.1% and OBDC as much as 32.5%. Their betas are 0.75 and 0.69.
How often do MAIN and OBDC pay dividends?
MAIN pays monthly and OBDC pays quarterly.
How much income does $10,000 in MAIN vs OBDC generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in MAIN would generate roughly $67.89 per month ($815 annually). The same amount in OBDC would produce about $116.27 per month ($1395 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both MAIN and OBDC?
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 OBDC with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how MAIN and OBDC 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.