Ares Capital Corporation vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $18.74 (market cap $13.48B), while Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF trades at $32.52. The key difference: Ares Capital Corporation pays a 10.22% dividend while Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF pays none, and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, Ares Capital Corporation nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ARCC | SCHD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.48B | — |
Sector | Financials | Broad Market / Factor |
52-Week High | $23.25 | $32.83 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $26.38 |
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.
SCHD trades at $32.40, up 0.43% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The ETF focuses on U.S. dividend equities, offering a yield around 3.2%, and has shown strong performance in 2026, outpacing the S&P 500. Recent news highlights its appeal for long-term income investors, though some analysts note underperformance concerns versus broader indices.
Outlook remains positive for dividend-focused portfolios, supported by quality stock selection and low fees. Key risks include interest rate sensitivity and market rotation away from value stocks. Institutional sentiment is mixed, with bullish technicals contrasting with fundamental debates on total returns.
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 →SCHD is an ETF that tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. It selects high-quality companies with a consistent track record of paying dividends, focusing on financial strength metrics like cash flow to total debt and return on equity, and excluding REITs. The fund aims to provide both income and capital appreciation, making it a popular choice for long-term, dividend-focused investors.
Read more on SCHD →