Ares Capital Corporation vs AT&T Inc. — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $19.95 (market cap $14.35B), while AT&T Inc. trades at $24.49 (market cap $164.80B). The key difference: AT&T Inc. is far larger — about 11.5× 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 | T | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.35B | $164.80B |
Sector | Financials | Media |
52-Week High | $22.68 | $29.62 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $20.49 |
Dividend Yield | 9.61% | 4.62% |
Enterprise Value | — | $310.12B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ARCC trades at $20.01, up 1.99% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. Recent earnings show Q2 2026 EPS of $0.47, slightly below the $0.4731 estimate, continuing a trend of minor misses. Revenue declined to $1.51B in 2025 from $1.7B in 2024, with net income margin at 81.77%. The stock offers a high dividend yield, with consistent payouts highlighted in recent news.
Outlook is mixed: strong analyst buy consensus (75%) and a stable dividend history support income investors, but declining revenue and tight dividend coverage pose risks. Price target consensus is $19.63, below the current price, suggesting limited upside. Macro risks in private credit, per WSJ on August 9, 2026, add caution.
AT&T (T) trades at $23.80, up 0.38% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $27.69. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $0.65 exceeding the $0.59 estimate. Revenue grew to $125.65 billion in 2025, and net income surged to $21.95 billion, reflecting a robust profit margin of 17.47%. Recent news highlights fiber expansion and 5G network investments.
The outlook is positive, supported by improving cash flow, strategic investments, and a 4.8% dividend yield. However, risks include competitive pressure from new entrants like SpaceX's Starlink and high debt levels. Analyst sentiment is mixed but leans bullish, with 41% buy ratings. The stock presents a value opportunity with a low P/E of 7.85, but investors should monitor execution on growth initiatives.
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 →AT&T Inc. is a communications holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides local and long-distance phone service, wireless and data communications, Internet access and messaging, IP-based and satellite television, security services, telecommunications equipment, and directory advertising and publishing.
Read more on T →