Ares Capital Corporation vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $18.77 (market cap $13.48B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $326.5 (market cap $73.55B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 5.5× Ares Capital Corporation's market cap, and Ares Capital Corporation pays the higher dividend (10.22%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.48B | $73.55B |
Sector | Financials | Technology |
52-Week High | $23.25 | $327.47 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $259.49 |
Dividend Yield | 10.22% | 1.65% |
Enterprise Value | — | $89.31B |
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.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $327.47, up 1.14% with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamental performance. The stock shows consistent earnings beats, with Q1 2026 EPS of $2.65 exceeding expectations of $2.49. Valuation metrics include a P/E of 27.59 and ROE of 17.6%, while analyst consensus targets $342.67. Recent developments include the pending merger with Union Pacific and upcoming Q2 2026 earnings on July 23, 2026.
NSC presents a favorable investment case with strong profitability and merger potential, though regulatory scrutiny and rich valuations pose risks. The stock's proximity to 52-week highs suggests limited near-term upside, but long-term growth prospects remain solid if merger approvals proceed smoothly and operational efficiency improves.
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 →Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major North American railroad company operating one of the largest freight rail networks in the eastern United States. The company transports a diverse range of commodities, including coal, intermodal containers, and various industrial products. NSC is a critical link in the nation's supply chain, providing efficient, long-haul transportation services to and from ports and industrial centers.
Read more on NSC →