Ares Capital Corporation vs Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $19.77 (market cap $14.34B), while Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp trades at $57.09 (market cap $26.40B). The key difference: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp is the larger of the two by market cap, and Ares Capital Corporation pays the higher dividend (9.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | CTSH | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.34B | $26.40B |
Sector | Financials | Technology |
52-Week High | $22.68 | $86.70 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $38.73 |
Dividend Yield | 9.61% | 2.25% |
Enterprise Value | — | $27.44B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ARCC trades at $19.98, down 0.15% on the day, with a P/E of 14.9 and P/B of 1.03. Recent quarterly earnings have consistently missed expectations, with Q2 2026 EPS of $0.47 falling short of the $0.4731 estimate. Technical indicators show a bullish moving average signal but bearish oscillators, with RSI at 78.37 suggesting overbought conditions. The company maintains a strong dividend yield of approximately 9.6% with consistent $0.48 quarterly payments.
While ARCC offers attractive income with its high dividend yield and strong analyst support (24 buy ratings), investors face risks from declining revenue trends and compressed earnings. The stock trades near consensus price targets, limiting near-term upside potential. Credit quality concerns in the private lending sector and potential interest rate sensitivity present additional headwinds for this business development company.
CTSH trades at $58.31, up 1.11% today, near its consensus price target of $59.92. The stock shows bullish technical signals with moving averages supporting an uptrend, though oscillators indicate overbought conditions. Recent Q2 2026 earnings missed estimates, but revenue beat expectations, and the company maintains strong profitability with a net margin of 10.26%. AI initiatives and financial services growth are key drivers, as highlighted in recent earnings calls (Seeking Alpha, 2026-07-29).
Outlook: CTSH offers value with a P/E of 12.58 and stable cash flows, but faces risks from client spending caution and competitive pressures. Upside potential exists if AI investments yield growth, though macroeconomic headwinds could limit near-term gains. Analysts are mixed, with 43% recommending buy.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Ares Capital Corp is a United States-based closed-ended specialty finance company. Its investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. The company focuses on investing primarily in U.S. middle-market companies with investment opportunities as well as in larger companies. Its portfolio comprises of first lien senior secured loans, second lien senior secured loans, and mezzanine debt (subordinated unsecured loan), which may include equity components that are diversified by industry and sector. The company may invest in preferred and common equity investments to a lesser proportion. Its revenue mainly consists of interest and dividend income received from the investment made.
Read more on ARCC →Cognizant is a global IT services provider, offering consulting and outsourcing services to some of the world's largest enterprises spanning the financial services, media and communications, healthcare, natural resources, and consumer products industries. Cognizant employs nearly 300,000 people globally, roughly 70% of whom are in India, although the company's headquarters are in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Read more on CTSH →