Ares Capital Corporation vs First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $18.83 (market cap $13.48B), while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd trades at $54.16. The key difference: Ares Capital Corporation pays a 10.22% dividend while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd pays none, and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Idx Fd is trading nearer its 52-week high, Ares Capital Corporation nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | QCLN | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.48B | — |
Sector | Financials | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $23.25 | $68.47 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $34.31 |
Dividend Yield | 10.22% | — |
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.
QCLN trades at $55.7, down 1.5% amid a bearish technical setup with moving averages and ADX signaling selling pressure. The clean energy ETF faces mixed sentiment as policy uncertainty under the Trump administration threatens $121 billion in renewable investments, while global demand for low-emission power grows. Key support sits at $55 with resistance at $57.
Outlook remains cautious due to regulatory headwinds and supply chain costs, but long-term exposure to energy transition themes offers potential. Risks include U.S.-China trade tensions and volatile commodity prices affecting solar and wind projects.
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 →QCLN invests in U.S.-listed companies engaged in clean energy technologies. It focuses on solar power, wind, electric vehicles, and energy storage, with major holdings in firms like Tesla, ON Semiconductor, and Rivian.
Read more on QCLN →