Is Ares Capital a Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2026?

Core Viewpoint - Ares Capital is recognized for its ability to sustain a high dividend yield of 9.6%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.1%, making it an attractive investment option for income-seeking investors [1][8]. Company Overview - Ares Capital is a specialty finance company that provides direct loans and investments to private middle-market companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $1 billion [3]. - The company is part of Ares Management, which manages nearly $600 billion in assets across various sectors, giving Ares Capital access to high-quality investment opportunities [4]. Financial Performance - Ares Capital has a market capitalization of $14 billion and a gross margin of 76.26% [5][6]. - As of the end of the third quarter, Ares Capital has $28.7 billion in total investments across 587 portfolio companies, with 71% of its portfolio consisting of senior secured loans [6]. - The company has maintained a cumulative net realized loss of less than 0% since its inception, indicating a strong risk management profile [6]. Dividend Sustainability - Ares Capital is required to distribute 90% of its taxable income as dividends to comply with IRS regulations, contributing to its high dividend yield [7]. - The company has a track record of 16 years of stable to increasing quarterly dividends, with a current quarterly dividend of $0.48 per share, which is below its GAAP net income level of $0.57 per share [8][9]. - Ares Capital has built a cushion of approximately $1.26 per share of taxable income from the previous year, allowing it to maintain its dividend even in the event of temporary income declines [9]. Growth Opportunities - The company sees significant growth potential due to a decline in the number of banks in the U.S. and an increasing demand for credit, estimating a $3 trillion opportunity for middle-market companies and an additional $2.4 trillion for larger companies [10]. - Ares Capital raised over $1 billion in new debt capital in the third quarter, enhancing its liquidity and enabling it to make $3.9 billion in new investment commitments [11]. Future Outlook - Ares Capital is well-positioned for continued success in 2026, with a strong portfolio and financial profile that supports its high-yielding dividend [12].