MAIN vs ARCC: Dividend Yield, Total Return & Fees Compared

This page compares Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) with Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) using prices and distributions through November 9, 2026. The numbers update automatically after each trading session.

With dividends reinvested, ARCC has led over the last 12 months at +5.85% versus +5.15% for MAIN. ARCC currently yields 9.92% (trailing 12-month) against 7.60% for MAIN. Across five years the total-return gap is +85.43% for MAIN vs +49.35% for ARCC.

ARCC leads on both current yield and 1-year total return. Yields and returns move with markets, so check the longer periods below before drawing conclusions.

Across 1,265 shared trading dates from October 26, 2021 to November 9, 2026, the largest observed peak-to-trough decline with dividends reinvested was -27.04% for MAIN and -21.78% for ARCC. These figures use the same available dates for both instruments, exclude intraday moves, and are not forecasts.

MAIN's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.255 to $0.300 per share across 16 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

ARCC's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.480 to $0.480 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

Fund expense ratios are annual operating costs, not a bill added to the historical returns shown here. Trading spreads, brokerage costs and personal taxes can reduce an investor's realized return.

Identify whether each instrument is a company, a preferred-security fund or a BDC fund. Review credit exposure, leverage and expenses in its documents before interpreting the distribution rate.

Review Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) payment history and Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) payment history before choosing assumptions for the dividend reinvestment calculator. Run each scenario separately; the calculator uses your rates rather than importing these historical returns.

For a cash target, use the income goal calculator. Read our guide to comparing dividend ETFs and data and editorial approach for context on the historical figures.