Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) vs POET Technologies Inc. (POET)
A side-by-side comparison of Main Street Capital Corporation and POET Technologies Inc. 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.
Different business models: MAIN is classified in Financial Services; POET is classified in Technology. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
MAIN
Main Street Capital Corporation
$56.22Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
POET
POET Technologies Inc.
$7.95TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — MAIN vs POET
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yMAIN +254.7% (+13.5%/yr)POET +27.0% (+2.4%/yr)MAIN compounded faster over this window
MAIN POET
MAIN vs POET: by the numbers
- •MAIN is the larger company ($5.23B vs $1.05B market cap).
- •MAIN is profitable (64.50% net margin) while POET runs a net loss (-4420.65%).
- •MAIN grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.02% vs -22.68% CAGR).
- •MAIN pays a dividend (6.65% yield), while POET has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MAIN | POET |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 11.33 | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 14.75 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 7.47 | 612.69 |
| P/B ratio | 1.65 | 1.24 |
Profitability
| Metric | MAIN | POET |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| Operating margin | 80.71% | -3150.50% |
| Net margin | 64.50% | -4420.65% |
| ROE | 14.25% | -8.93% |
| ROIC | N/A | -6.69% |
Dividends
| Metric | MAIN | POET |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 6.65% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 74.80% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MAIN | POET |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 11.02% | -22.68% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 65.11% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 14.86% | -1.21% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, MAIN or POET?
- Over the past five years, MAIN grew revenue faster — MAIN at a 11.02% CAGR versus POET at -22.68%.
- Does MAIN or POET pay a bigger dividend?
- MAIN pays a dividend (6.65% yield), while POET has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is MAIN or POET more profitable?
- MAIN runs the higher net margin — MAIN at 64.50% versus POET at -4420.65%.
- How have MAIN and POET total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, MAIN delivered 13.25% and POET delivered 2.75% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Main Street Capital P/E ratioMain Street Capital dividend yieldMain Street Capital ROEPOET Technologies ROEMain Street Capital operating marginPOET Technologies operating marginMain Street Capital revenue growthPOET Technologies revenue growthPOET Technologies free cash flow
Main Street Capital & POET Technologies 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.