Ares Capital Corporation vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $19.87 (market cap $14.34B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $283.93 (market cap $112.20B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 7.8× Ares Capital Corporation's market cap, and Ares Capital Corporation pays the higher dividend (9.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.34B | $112.20B |
Sector | Financials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $22.68 | $291.28 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $171.00 |
Dividend Yield | 9.61% | 0.2% |
Enterprise Value | — | $116.30B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ARCC trades at $19.875, down 0.53% on the day, with strong analyst support showing 24 buy ratings and a consensus price target of $19.63. The stock maintains a bullish technical signal with moving averages supporting upward momentum, though oscillators indicate some near-term pressure. Recent earnings showed Q2 2026 EPS of $0.47, slightly below expectations, while the company continues its 17-year dividend streak with consistent $0.48 quarterly payments.
The outlook remains positive with solid fundamentals including 81.77% net income margin and 6.88% ROE, though investors should monitor declining revenue trends from $1.7B in 2024 to projected $1.2B in 2026. Key risks include private credit market strain and dividend coverage tightening to 104%, while institutional confidence remains high with no sell ratings among 32 analysts covering the stock.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $283.94, up 0.08% with strong bullish momentum following consecutive earnings beats. The stock shows robust fundamentals with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.33 beating estimates by 7.3%, driven by 24% revenue growth in aerospace and defense markets. Technical indicators signal bullish momentum with the current price above key support levels. The company raised full-year 2026 guidance, reflecting confidence in continued demand across commercial aerospace and gas turbine segments.
Outlook remains positive with 84% analyst buy ratings and $334.63 consensus price target suggesting 18% upside. Key risks include execution of capacity expansion plans and potential supply chain constraints. The combination of strong earnings momentum, raised guidance, and institutional support positions HWM for continued growth, though investors should monitor Q3 2026 results due for confirmation of guidance sustainability.
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 →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →