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.

Compare

Total returnMA vs MAIN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)MAIN +242.9% (+13.1%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$599$343
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

MetricMAMAIN
P/E ratio31.3111.33
Forward P/E28.5214.75
P/S ratio14.237.47
P/B ratio88.971.65

Profitability

MetricMAMAIN
Gross margin100.00%100.00%
Operating margin59.84%80.71%
Net margin46.34%64.50%
ROE289.73%14.25%

Dividends

MetricMAMAIN
Dividend yield0.60%6.65%
Payout ratio18.54%74.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMAMAIN
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.

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.