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.

Compare
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.

Total returnMAIN vs POET

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MAIN +254.7% (+13.5%/yr)POET +27.0% (+2.4%/yr)MAIN compounded faster over this window
0100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$355$127
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

MetricMAINPOET
P/E ratio11.33N/A
Forward P/E14.75N/A
P/S ratio7.47612.69
P/B ratio1.651.24

Profitability

MetricMAINPOET
Gross margin100.00%100.00%
Operating margin80.71%-3150.50%
Net margin64.50%-4420.65%
ROE14.25%-8.93%
ROICN/A-6.69%

Dividends

MetricMAINPOET
Dividend yield6.65%N/A
Payout ratio74.80%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricMAINPOET
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.

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.