Compare Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) vs Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) Price & Performance
Price performance
Price movement over the last 24 hours
Key statistics
Key statistics
Ares Capital Corporation vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $18.75 (market cap $13.48B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $284.99 (market cap $83.35B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is far larger — about 6.2× 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 | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.48B | $83.35B |
Sector | Financials | Energy |
52-Week High | $23.25 | $282.88 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $131.77 |
Dividend Yield | 10.22% | 1.71% |
Enterprise Value | — | $89.10B |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
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.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $280.69, down 0.2% on the day, with strong technical momentum as the stock approaches resistance near $285. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 expected at $10.03 EPS. Fundamentals show solid profitability with 17.72% ROE and improving cash flow projections for 2026. Recent news highlights strong refining margins and Gulf Coast operational advantages supporting the bullish outlook.
VLO presents a compelling investment case with strong earnings momentum and favorable industry dynamics, though investors face risks from energy market volatility and declining revenue trends. The stock trades above the consensus price target of $257.57, suggesting limited near-term upside despite 58% analyst buy ratings. The upcoming dividend payment of $1.20 provides additional shareholder return potential.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Ares Capital Corporation
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 →About Valero Energy Corporation
Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →
