Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) P/E Ratio History
Fairly ValuedTrading at 9.7x, near 5Y avg of 9.2x · 55th percentile · In line with own history · Data 2005–2026
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P/E Ratio Analysis
As of June 21, 2026, Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.7x, with a stock price of $18.03 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $1.60.
The current P/E is roughly in line with its 5-year average of 9.2x. Over the past five years, ARCC's P/E has ranged from a low of 5.0x to a high of 15.5x, placing the current valuation at the 55th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Financial Services sector median P/E of 13.6x, ARCC trades at a 29% discount to its sector peers. The sector includes 783 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.0x to 196.5x.
The PEG ratio of 0.94 (P/E divided by -24% EPS growth) suggests the stock may be undervalued relative to its earnings growth. Peter Lynch popularized the rule that a PEG below 1.0 indicates an attractive entry point.
Relative to the broader market, ARCC trades at a notable discount to the S&P 500 median P/E of 24.4x. Investors should consider the company's growth prospects, competitive position, and earnings quality when evaluating whether the current valuation is justified.
For a comprehensive intrinsic value estimate using discounted cash flow analysis, see our ARCC DCF Valuation Calculator →
Note: P/E ratio is just one valuation metric. It does not account for balance sheet strength, cash flow quality, or growth sustainability. Always conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
ARCC Cross-Benchmark Valuation
How does the current P/E compare to sector peers and the broader market?
ARCC P/E vs Peers
Private credit and BDC lenders peers sorted by market cap
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3B | 8.7 | 0.28 | +4% | |
| $5B | 8.8 | 1.99 | -19% | |
| $203M | 4.1Lowest | 4.04 | +49%Best | |
| $3B | 8.4 | - | +15% | |
| $5B | 9.2 | 0.14Best | -6% | |
| $678M | 7.3 | 0.20 | -3% | |
| $761M | 10.8 | 0.16 | -36% | |
| $676M | 51.1 | - | -86% | |
| $742M | 10.4 | 1.17 | -49% |
Lower P/E can signal a discount or weaker growth expectations; PEG adds growth context.
ARCC Historical P/E Data (2005–2026)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Period End | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q1 | - | $18.00 | $1.63 | 11.0x | +0% |
| FY2025 Q4 | Dec 31 2025 | $20.23 | $1.86 | 10.9x | -1% |
| FY2025 Q3 | - | $20.41 | $2.00 | 10.2x | -8% |
| FY2025 Q2 | Jun 30 2025 | $21.96 | $2.05 | 10.7x | -3% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mar 31 2025 | $22.16 | $2.05 | 10.8x | -2% |
| FY2024 Q4 | - | $21.89 | $2.45 | 8.9x | -19% |
| FY2024 Q3 | Sep 30 2024 | $20.94 | $2.60 | 8.1x | -27% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Jun 30 2024 | $20.84 | $2.85 | 7.3x | -34% |
| FY2024 Q1 | Mar 31 2024 | $20.82 | $2.92 | 7.1x | -35% |
| FY2023 Q4 | Dec 31 2023 | $20.03 | $2.67 | 7.5x | -32% |
| FY2023 Q3 | Sep 30 2023 | $19.47 | $2.30 | 8.5x | -23% |
| FY2023 Q2 | Jun 30 2023 | $18.79 | $1.64 | 11.5x | +4% |
| FY2023 Q1 | Mar 31 2023 | $18.27 | $1.27 | 14.4x | +30% |
| FY2022 Q4 | Dec 31 2022 | $18.47 | $1.19 | 15.5x | +41% |
| FY2022 Q3 | Sep 30 2022 | $16.88 | $1.70 | 9.9x | -10% |
| FY2022 Q2 | - | $17.93 | $2.22 | 8.1x | -27% |
| FY2022 Q1 | - | $20.95 | $3.09 | 6.8x | -39% |
| FY2021 Q4 | Dec 31 2021 | $21.19 | $3.53 | 6.0x | -46% |
| FY2021 Q3 | - | $20.33 | $3.58 | 5.7x | -49% |
| FY2021 Q2 | Jun 30 2021 | $19.59 | $3.89 | 5.0x | -54% |
| FY2021 Q1 | Mar 31 2021 | $18.71 | $3.45 | 5.4x | -51% |
| FY2020 Q4 | - | $16.89 | $1.16 | 14.6x | +32% |
| FY2020 Q3 | Sep 30 2020 | $13.95 | $0.75 | 18.6x | +69% |
| FY2020 Q2 | - | $14.45 | $0.12 | 120.4x | +991% |
| FY2019 Q4 | - | $18.65 | $1.86 | 10.0x | -9% |
| FY2019 Q3 | Sep 30 2019 | $18.64 | $1.74 | 10.7x | -3% |
| FY2019 Q2 | Jun 30 2019 | $17.94 | $1.82 | 9.9x | -11% |
| FY2019 Q1 | Mar 31 2019 | $17.14 | $1.95 | 8.8x | -20% |
| FY2018 Q4 | Dec 31 2018 | $15.58 | $2.02 | 7.7x | -30% |
| FY2018 Q3 | Sep 30 2018 | $17.19 | $2.20 | 7.8x | -29% |
| FY2018 Q2 | Jun 30 2018 | $16.45 | $2.04 | 8.1x | -27% |
| FY2018 Q1 | Mar 31 2018 | $15.87 | $1.86 | 8.5x | -23% |
| FY2017 Q4 | Dec 31 2017 | $15.72 | $1.57 | 10.0x | -9% |
| FY2017 Q3 | Sep 30 2017 | $16.39 | $1.27 | 12.9x | +17% |
| FY2017 Q2 | Jun 30 2017 | $16.38 | $1.29 | 12.7x | +15% |
| FY2017 Q1 | Mar 31 2017 | $17.38 | $1.37 | 12.7x | +15% |
| FY2016 Q4 | Dec 31 2016 | $16.49 | $1.51 | 10.9x | -1% |
| FY2016 Q3 | Sep 30 2016 | $15.50 | $1.32 | 11.7x | +6% |
| FY2016 Q2 | - | $14.20 | $1.34 | 10.6x | -4% |
| FY2016 Q1 | - | $14.84 | $1.31 | 11.3x | +3% |
| FY2015 Q4 | - | $14.25 | $1.21 | 11.8x | +7% |
| FY2015 Q3 | Sep 30 2015 | $14.48 | $1.65 | 8.8x | -20% |
| FY2015 Q2 | - | $16.46 | $1.85 | 8.9x | -19% |
| FY2015 Q1 | - | $17.17 | $1.86 | 9.2x | -16% |
| FY2014 Q4 | Dec 31 2014 | $15.61 | $1.93 | 8.1x | -27% |
| FY2014 Q3 | - | $16.16 | $1.89 | 8.6x | -23% |
| FY2014 Q2 | Jun 30 2014 | $17.86 | $1.84 | 9.7x | -12% |
| FY2014 Q1 | Mar 31 2014 | $17.62 | $1.86 | 9.5x | -14% |
| FY2013 Q4 | - | $17.77 | $1.79 | 9.9x | -10% |
| FY2013 Q3 | Sep 30 2013 | $17.29 | $2.04 | 8.5x | -23% |
| FY2013 Q2 | Jun 30 2013 | $17.20 | $2.11 | 8.2x | -26% |
| FY2013 Q1 | Mar 31 2013 | $18.10 | $2.02 | 9.0x | -19% |
| FY2012 Q4 | Dec 31 2012 | $17.50 | $2.19 | 8.0x | -28% |
| FY2012 Q3 | Sep 30 2012 | $17.14 | $2.03 | 8.4x | -24% |
| FY2012 Q2 | Jun 30 2012 | $15.96 | $1.64 | 9.7x | -12% |
| FY2012 Q1 | Mar 31 2012 | $16.35 | $1.41 | 11.6x | +5% |
| FY2011 Q4 | Dec 31 2011 | $15.45 | $1.53 | 10.1x | -9% |
| FY2011 Q3 | Sep 30 2011 | $13.77 | $1.81 | 7.6x | -31% |
| FY2011 Q2 | - | $16.07 | $2.28 | 7.0x | -36% |
| FY2011 Q1 | - | $16.95 | $3.83 | 4.4x | -60% |
| FY2010 Q4 | Dec 31 2010 | $16.48 | $3.83 | 4.3x | -61% |
| FY2010 Q3 | - | $15.65 | $3.57 | 4.4x | -60% |
| FY2010 Q2 | Jun 30 2010 | $12.53 | $3.52 | 3.6x | -68% |
| FY2010 Q1 | Mar 31 2010 | $14.82 | $2.15 | 6.9x | -38% |
| FY2009 Q4 | - | $12.45 | $1.90 | 6.6x | -41% |
| FY2009 Q3 | Sep 30 2009 | $11.02 | $0.58 | 19.0x | +72% |
| FY2008 Q2 | Jun 30 2008 | $10.08 | $0.62 | 16.3x | +47% |
| FY2008 Q1 | Mar 31 2008 | $12.57 | $1.06 | 11.9x | +7% |
| FY2007 Q4 | Dec 31 2007 | $14.63 | $1.38 | 10.6x | -4% |
| FY2007 Q3 | Sep 30 2007 | $16.27 | $1.63 | 10.0x | -10% |
| FY2007 Q2 | Jun 30 2007 | $16.85 | $1.70 | 9.9x | -10% |
| FY2007 Q1 | Mar 31 2007 | $18.17 | $1.66 | 10.9x | -1% |
| FY2006 Q4 | Dec 31 2006 | $19.11 | $1.58 | 12.1x | +10% |
| FY2006 Q3 | Sep 30 2006 | $17.42 | $1.61 | 10.8x | -2% |
| FY2006 Q2 | Jun 30 2006 | $16.93 | $1.64 | 10.3x | -6% |
| FY2006 Q1 | Mar 31 2006 | $17.18 | $1.53 | 11.2x | +2% |
| FY2005 Q4 | Dec 31 2005 | $16.07 | $1.86 | 8.6x | -22% |
| FY2005 Q3 | Sep 30 2005 | $16.28 | $1.75 | 9.3x | -16% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 11.0x
Full Stock Analysis
Deep dive into ARCC consensus models and risk factors.
Intrinsic Valuation
DCF models, multiple analysis, and analyst estimates.
Historical Returns
21+ years return with dividends reinvested.
DCA Calculator
See how regular investing compounds over time.
Peer Comparison
Compare growth, multiples, and margins vs sector.
ARCC — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying ARCC stock.
What is ARCC's P/E ratio?
Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) trailing twelve-month P/E ratio is 9.7x, based on TTM diluted EPS of $1.60. The 5-year average P/E is 9.2x and the historical range spans 5.0x to 15.5x.
Is ARCC stock overvalued or undervalued?
ARCC trades at 9.7x P/E, near its 5-year average of 9.2x. The 55th percentile ranking within the 5.0x–15.5x historical range places valuation within normal bounds.
Is ARCC stock expensive?
ARCC is fairly valued relative to its own history. The current P/E of 9.7x is near the 5-year average of 9.2x (55th percentile of historical range).
What is ARCC's historical P/E range?
Over the past 5 years, ARCC's P/E ratio has ranged from 5.0x to 15.5x, with a median of 8.9x and an average of 9.2x. The current P/E of 9.7x places the stock at the 55th percentile of this range. Full historical data spans 2005–2026.
How does ARCC's P/E compare to the S&P 500?
ARCC trades at 9.7x P/E versus the S&P 500 median of 24.4x. The 60% discount to the market suggests lower growth expectations or perceived higher risk.
How does ARCC's valuation compare to Financial Services peers?
Ares Capital Corporation P/E of 9.7x compares to the Financial Services sector median of 13.6x. The discount suggests lower growth expectations, weaker margins, or higher perceived risk relative to peers. See the peer comparison table on this page for ticker-by-ticker P/E and PEG.
What is ARCC's PEG ratio?
ARCC PEG ratio is 0.94, based on a P/E of 9.7x and EPS growth of -23.8%. A PEG below 1.0 indicates the valuation is supported by the earnings growth rate — typically considered attractive.
What is ARCC's earnings yield?
ARCC earnings yield is 10.32%, the inverse of its 9.7x P/E ratio. Earnings yield represents the percentage of each dollar invested that the company earns. It can be compared directly to bond yields to assess relative attractiveness of stocks versus fixed income.