Ares Capital Corporation vs Kohl's Corporation — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $19.83 (market cap $14.34B), while Kohl's Corporation trades at $18.77 (market cap $2.10B). The key difference: Ares Capital Corporation is far larger — about 6.8× Kohl's Corporation's market cap, and Ares Capital Corporation pays the higher dividend (9.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | KSS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.34B | $2.10B |
Sector | Financials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $22.68 | $24.71 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $11.72 |
Dividend Yield | 9.61% | 2.7% |
Enterprise Value | — | $8.20B |
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.
Kohl's stock trades at $19.04, down 1.35% with a bullish technical signal despite recent weakness. The company shows improving fundamentals with three consecutive earnings beats and positive cash flow projections for 2026. Valuation metrics appear attractive with P/E of 7.77 and P/B of 0.52, while recent management changes and proprietary brand growth provide operational momentum.
Kohl's presents a turnaround opportunity with undervalued metrics and improving operational execution, though declining revenue and thin margins pose significant challenges. Analyst consensus remains cautious with a $16.75 price target below current levels, reflecting concerns about sustained growth in a competitive retail environment.
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 →Kohl's operates 1,165 department stores in 49 states that sell moderately priced private-label and national brand clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings. Most of these stores are in strip centers. Kohl's also operates a large digital sales business. Women's apparel is Kohl's largest category, having generated 27% of its 2021 sales. The retailer, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, opened its first department store in 1962.
Read more on KSS →