Ares Capital Corporation vs Starbucks Corp — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $20 (market cap $14.34B), while Starbucks Corp trades at $106.68 (market cap $121.59B). The key difference: Starbucks Corp is far larger — about 8.5× 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 | SBUX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.34B | $121.59B |
Sector | Financials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $22.68 | $108.37 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $78.46 |
Dividend Yield | 9.61% | 2.33% |
Volume | — | 7,493,833 |
Enterprise Value | — | $140.42B |
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.
Starbucks (SBUX) trades at $104.65, down 0.88% on the day, with technical indicators neutral and support near $104. The company reported mixed quarterly EPS results, beating in Q1 and Q2 2026 but missing in Q4 2025, while raising its fiscal 2026 outlook. Revenue grew to $37.18B in 2025, but net income fell to $1.86B, compressing margins. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $113.60 price target, citing a traffic recovery and cost initiatives.
The outlook hinges on sustaining sales momentum and margin expansion amid high valuation multiples. Risks include execution on turnaround plans, competitive pressure, and debt levels. Upside potential exists if earnings recovery continues, but investors face volatility from macroeconomic headwinds and premium pricing.
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 →Starbucks Corporation retails, roasts, and provides its own brand of specialty coffee. The Company operates retail locations worldwide and sells whole bean coffees through its sales group, direct response business, supermarkets, and on the world wide web. Starbucks also produces and sells bottled coffee drinks and a line of ice creams.
Read more on SBUX →