Mastercard Incorporated (MA) vs Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN)
A side-by-side comparison of Mastercard Incorporated and Main Street Capital Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MAIN
Main Street Capital Corporation
$56.22Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MA vs MAIN
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)MAIN +242.9% (+13.1%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
MA MAIN
MA vs MAIN: by the numbers
- •MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $5.23B market cap).
- •MAIN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.33 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MAIN converts more revenue to profit (64.50% vs 46.34% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 11.02% CAGR).
- •MAIN pays the higher dividend yield (6.65% vs 0.60%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MA | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 31.31 | 11.33 |
| Forward P/E | 28.52 | 14.75 |
| P/S ratio | 14.23 | 7.47 |
| P/B ratio | 88.97 | 1.65 |
Profitability
| Metric | MA | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| Operating margin | 59.84% | 80.71% |
| Net margin | 46.34% | 64.50% |
| ROE | 289.73% | 14.25% |
Dividends
| Metric | MA | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.60% | 6.65% |
| Payout ratio | 18.54% | 74.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MA | MAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.09% | 11.02% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 20.93% | 65.11% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 10.88% | 14.86% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, MA or MAIN?
- MAIN has the lower trailing P/E: MA trades at 31.31 and MAIN at 11.33. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, MA or MAIN?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — MA at a 16.09% CAGR versus MAIN at 11.02%.
- Does MA or MAIN pay a bigger dividend?
- MA yields 0.60% and MAIN yields 6.65% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MA or MAIN more profitable?
- MAIN runs the higher net margin — MA at 46.34% versus MAIN at 64.50%.
- How have MA and MAIN total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MA delivered 19.83% and MAIN delivered 13.25% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Mastercard P/E ratioMain Street Capital P/E ratioMastercard dividend yieldMain Street Capital dividend yieldMastercard ROEMain Street Capital ROEMastercard operating marginMain Street Capital operating marginMastercard revenue growthMain Street Capital revenue growth
Mastercard & Main Street Capital appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.