Beyond Ares Capital Stock: This Is An Even Better Buy Today

Group 1: Ares Capital Overview - Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) is the world's largest business development corporation (BDC) with a forward dividend yield of 9.9%, but sustaining this yield is becoming challenging as interest rates decline [1] - Ares finances "middle market" companies, investing in 603 companies across a $29.5 billion portfolio, with 60.5% allocated to first-lien secured loans and 5% to second-lien secured loans to mitigate credit risk [2] Group 2: Interest Rate Impact - Ares' floating-rate loans are influenced by the Fed's benchmark rate, requiring these rates to remain in a "Goldilocks" zone for consistent profits; higher rates can boost net income but also create macro headwinds for portfolio companies [4] - The Fed's rate changes have led to a decrease in Ares' EPS from $2.68 in 2023 to $1.86 in 2025, which is below its forward dividend rate of $1.92 per share [5] Group 3: Comparison with Realty Income - Realty Income (NYSE: O) is highlighted as a more attractive investment compared to Ares, owning over 15,500 commercial properties and being one of the largest real estate investment trusts (REITs) [6] - REITs like Realty Income generally grow faster than BDCs as interest rates decline, making property acquisition cheaper and tenant acquisition easier; Realty Income has maintained an occupancy rate above 96% since its IPO in 1994 [7][8] - Realty Income pays monthly dividends and has raised its payout 133 consecutive times, offering a forward yield of 5.1% [8]