ETF Comparison
O vs MAIN: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Realty Income Corporation and Main Street Capital Corporation covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| O | MAIN | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Realty Income Corporation | Main Street Capital Corporation |
| Issuer | — | — |
| Price | $61.88 | $51.91 |
| Distribution yield | — | — |
| Expense ratio | — | — |
| AUM | — | — |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | — |
| Underlying index | — | — |
| Objective | A real estate investment trust that invests in freestanding, single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term net lease agreements. Known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," Realty Income has a long track record of monthly dividend payments and consistent dividend growth. | — |
| Asset class | Real Estate | Equity |
| Inception date | 10/18/1994 | — |
| Beta | — | — |
| Last dividend | $0.27 | $0.30 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/31/2026 | 03/20/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
O (Realty Income Corporation) and MAIN (Main Street Capital Corporation) are both popular monthly-pay a real estate investment trust that invests in freestanding, single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term net lease agreements. known as "the monthly dividend company," realty income has a long track record of monthly dividend payments and consistent dividend growth. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
MAIN is the larger fund by assets (—), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, O would generate roughly $0.00/month while MAIN would produce $0.00/month at current distribution rates. Both pay monthly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, O would cost approximately $0 in fees vs $0 for MAIN (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
O tracks — with a a real estate investment trust that invests in freestanding, single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term net lease agreements. known as "the monthly dividend company," realty income has a long track record of monthly dividend payments and consistent dividend growth. approach, while MAIN tracks — using a — strategy.
Fund details
O is managed by — (launched 10/18/1994) with — in assets. MAIN is managed by — (launched —) with — in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is O or MAIN better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. O currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between O and MAIN?
O (Realty Income Corporation) tracks — with a a real estate investment trust that invests in freestanding, single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term net lease agreements. known as "the monthly dividend company," realty income has a long track record of monthly dividend payments and consistent dividend growth. strategy, while MAIN (Main Street Capital Corporation) tracks — with a — approach. They are issued by — and — respectively.
Can I hold both O and MAIN?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, O or MAIN?
O has an expense ratio of — while MAIN charges —. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in O vs MAIN generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in O would generate roughly $0.00 per month ($0.00 annually). The same in MAIN would produce about $0.00 per month ($0.00 annually).
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