Ares Capital Corporation vs e l f Beauty Inc — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $19.96 (market cap $14.35B), while e l f Beauty Inc trades at $95 (market cap $5.62B). The key difference: Ares Capital Corporation is far larger — about 2.6× e l f Beauty Inc's market cap, and Ares Capital Corporation pays a 9.61% dividend while e l f Beauty Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | ELF | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.35B | $5.62B |
Sector | Financials | Technology |
52-Week High | $22.68 | $146.67 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $49.57 |
Dividend Yield | 9.61% | — |
Enterprise Value | — | $6.20B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ARCC trades at $20.01, up 1.99% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. Recent earnings show Q2 2026 EPS of $0.47, slightly below the $0.4731 estimate, continuing a trend of minor misses. Revenue declined to $1.51B in 2025 from $1.7B in 2024, with net income margin at 81.77%. The stock offers a high dividend yield, with consistent payouts highlighted in recent news.
Outlook is mixed: strong analyst buy consensus (75%) and a stable dividend history support income investors, but declining revenue and tight dividend coverage pose risks. Price target consensus is $19.63, below the current price, suggesting limited upside. Macro risks in private credit, per WSJ on August 9, 2026, add caution.
ELF trades at $98.49, up 6.69% in 24 hours, near its 52-week high. The stock exhibits a bullish technical trend with strong support at $93 and resistance at $101. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $1.75 versus $0.71 expected, driven by 36% revenue growth and the Rhode acquisition. The company raised fiscal 2027 guidance, reflecting robust demand and international expansion.
Outlook remains positive due to consistent sales growth and strategic initiatives, but risks include high valuation (P/E 97.18) and reliance on acquisitions for growth. The stock offers growth potential but faces margin pressure from increased investments and competitive dynamics in the beauty sector.
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 →e.l.f. Beauty is a leading cosmetics company offering high-quality, 100% vegan, and cruelty-free products. It is known for its affordable and prestige-quality makeup and skincare items for a diverse global audience.
Read more on ELF →