Ares Capital Corporation vs Exxon Mobil Corporation — how do they compare? Ares Capital Corporation trades at $19.95 (market cap $14.35B), while Exxon Mobil Corporation trades at $159.58 (market cap $634.34B). The key difference: Exxon Mobil Corporation is far larger — about 44.2× 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 | XOM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.35B | $634.34B |
Sector | Financials | Energy |
52-Week High | $22.68 | $171.52 |
52-Week Low | $17.45 | $106.13 |
Dividend Yield | 9.61% | 2.69% |
Enterprise Value | — | $673.57B |
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.
ExxonMobil (XOM) trades at $159.80, up 4.49% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst consensus. Recent earnings show mixed results, beating in Q1 2026 but missing in Q2, while revenue and net income have trended lower since 2022. The company maintains robust cash flow from operations and a solid balance sheet with low debt levels, supporting consistent dividends.
Outlook remains positive due to high oil price forecasts and Permian Basin growth, but risks include declining profitability margins and geopolitical volatility. The stock offers value near the consensus price target of $163.71, with institutional sentiment leaning bullish amid energy sector tailwinds.
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 →Exxon Mobil Corporation operates petroleum and petro chemicals businesses. The Company provides operations include exploration and production of oil and gas, electric power generation, and coal and minerals operations. Exxon Mobil also manufactures and markets fuels, lubricants, and chemicals. Exxon Mobil serves customers worldwide.
Read more on XOM →