Ares Capital Corporation vs Quest Diagnostics Inc — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $18.83 (market cap $13.48B), while Quest Diagnostics Inc trades at $210.28 (market cap $22.96B). The key difference: Quest Diagnostics Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Ares Capital Corporation pays the higher dividend (10.22%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | DGX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.48B | $22.96B |
Sector | Financials | Health |
52-Week High | $23.25 | $216.02 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $166.42 |
Dividend Yield | 10.22% | 1.66% |
Enterprise Value | — | $28.98B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Ares Capital (ARCC) trades at $18.78, up 2.01% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong analyst support. The stock shows a P/E of 11.52 and P/B of 0.96, trading below the consensus price target of $20.58. Recent earnings have missed expectations, with Q2 2026 results pending, while revenue declined to $1.51B in 2025 from $1.7B in 2024. A dividend of $0.48 is scheduled for payment on June 30, 2026, supporting income appeal amid mixed sentiment.
ARCC presents a value opportunity with a high dividend yield and undervaluation relative to analyst targets, but faces headwinds from earnings misses and a bearish technical outlook. Risks include revenue volatility and competitive pressures in the BDC space, though institutional buy ratings suggest confidence in recovery potential. Investors should weigh income stability against growth challenges.
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) trades at $207.44, down 0.29% today, with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. The company reported $11.04B revenue in 2025 with a 9.08% net margin, supported by strong cash flow from operations of $1.89B. Recent news highlights expansion of oncology testing services, including New York State approval for Haystack MRD, enhancing its diagnostic portfolio.
DGX offers steady growth with a consensus price target of $226, implying 9% upside. Risks include rising debt levels and healthcare policy uncertainties, but analyst sentiment leans positive with 38% buy ratings. The stock's valuation at a P/E of 22.92 appears reasonable given its profitability and market position.
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 →Quest Diagnostics is a leading independent provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services in the U.S. The company generates over 95% of its revenue through clinical testing, anatomic pathology, esoteric testing, and substance abuse testing with specimens collected at its national network of roughly 2,300 patient service centers, as well as multiple doctors offices and hospitals. The firm also runs a much smaller diagnostic solutions segment that provides clinical trials testing, risk assessment services, and information technology solutions.
Read more on DGX →