This Monthly Dividend Stock Has Raised Its Base Payout 12 Times Since 2021 -- And Never Cut It Since 2007

Main Street Capital (NYSE: MAIN) has been a very reliable income stock. The business development company (BDC) has never cut its base monthly dividend since going public in 2007, something most of its peers have done at least once. Instead, it has increased this payment by 141% overall, including 12 raises since 2021.

Here's a closer look at what makes it such a bankable monthly dividend stock.

Image source: Getty Images.

A stable and steadily rising income base

Main Street Capital currently pays a base monthly dividend of $0.265 per share ($3.18 annualized). At its current annualized rate and share price, it yields 5.4%. The base rate has grown by 3.9% over the past year and by over 29% since 2021.

Several factors have helped drive its stable, growing dividend. Main Street Capital set its base monthly dividend at a conservative level. Its distributable net investment income (DNII) before taxes currently covers the payout by a comfy 1.4 times. Meanwhile, its investment portfolio primarily consists of secured loans that generate recurring interest income to support the dividend. Additionally, Main Street Capital will make equity investments in its portfolio companies that generate dividend income and provide capital appreciation. The upside from those equity investments has been a key driver of dividend growth over the years, as Main Street can monetize gains and reinvest the proceeds to expand its portfolio of income-generating investments. They've helped grow its net asset value per share by 164% since 2007.

But wait, there's even more income here

As a BDC, Main Street Capital must distribute at least 90% of its taxable net income to shareholders in dividends. Given its conservative monthly dividend level, the company needs to return additional income to shareholders, which it does by periodically paying supplemental quarterly dividends. Main Street has paid one for 20 consecutive quarters, including maintaining its current rate of $0.30 per share since early 2024. Add that to the monthly payments ($4.38 annualized), and Main Street's total current income yield is 7.4%.

Unlike the monthly dividend, Main Street Capital has cut and suspended this supplemental payment in the past due to market conditions. However, this dual dividend structure provides investors with a bankable recurring monthly income stream and the potential for meaningful additional income each quarter from supplemental payments. It has already declared its next supplemental dividend of $0.30 per share, payable in September. It currently expects to pay an additional significant supplemental dividend in December, based on its expectation of continued strong performance in the third quarter.

One bankable payment plus a potential income bonus

Main Street Capital offers investors the opportunity to earn two income streams. It pays a base dividend set at a level it can sustain and grow. Additionally, it periodically pays supplemental dividends from its excess income. The BDC has increased its base payment 12 times since 2021, while making 20 straight supplemental quarterly payments. While there might be a time in the future when it doesn't make a supplemental payment, the BDC should continue to sustain and grow its base payment. Its unique dividend policy makes it an excellent passive-income stock to hold over the long term.

Matt DiLallo has positions in Main Street Capital. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.