Ares Capital Corporation Announces March 31, 2024 Financial Results and Declares Second Quarter 2024 Dividend of $0.48 Per Share

Rhea-AI Summary

Ares Capital announced its Q1 2024 financial results with a dividend of $0.48 per share for Q2 2024. The company reported a strong start to the year with increased earnings, low non-accruals, and moderate leverage. Ares Capital made $3.6 billion in new investment commitments in Q1 2024 and continues to support growth in existing portfolio companies. The company remains well-positioned with available capital and competitive advantages.

Positive

• Ares Capital reported a healthy level of earnings and record net asset value per share for Q1 2024.

• The company made $3.6 billion in new investment commitments in Q1 2024, demonstrating strong growth and market presence.

• Ares Capital continues to support the growth of existing portfolio companies with over $6 billion in available capital.

• The company's competitive advantages and direct origination platform position it well for generating attractive investment returns.

Negative

• Ares Capital experienced a decrease in net investment income for Q1 2024 compared to the previous year.

• The company realized net losses of $32 million in Q1 2024, impacting overall financial performance.

• The debt/equity ratio for Ares Capital decreased slightly from the previous quarter, raising concerns about leverage.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The dividend declaration and consistent dividend payout of $0.48 per share indicate a stable cash return to shareholders, which could imply confidence by Ares Capital management in the company's cash flow stability. However, the dividend yield should be considered in relation to the stock's price to assess attractiveness to dividend-oriented investors. An increase in GAAP net income from $278 million to $449 million, alongside a core EPS rise from $0.57 to $0.59, suggests operational growth. However, this should be weighed against the potential dilution effect of the 20 million new shares issued in connection with the 2024 Convertible Notes repayment.

Moreover, the company's debt/equity ratio improved from 1.07x to 0.99x, reflecting a healthier balance sheet. Investors should closely monitor this metric as it provides insight into financial leverage and potential risk. The portfolio's diversification, with 510 company investments and a maintained average grade of the portfolio at fair value, shows risk mitigation strategies, which is critical given the potential for market fluctuations.

Overall, the company's proactive financial management through the issuance of the 2029 Notes and amendments to existing credit facilities to secure lower interest rates or extended maturities demonstrates a strategic approach to capital structure optimization. These actions could signal to investors the management's commitment to sustaining growth while managing liabilities effectively.

Market Research Analyst

With a portfolio growth to $23.124 billion from $22.874 billion and an increase in net assets per share from $19.24 to $19.53, Ares Capital appears to be effectively managing and expanding its investment portfolio. The weighted average yield on investments remains consistent, suggesting steady income-generating capabilities from the portfolio. Investors should appreciate the emphasis on senior secured loans, which tend to be less risky compared to unsecured or subordinated loans.

The investment activity data reveals a significant increase in new commitments, rising from $766 million to $3.554 billion, indicating an aggressive expansion strategy. However, investors need to be mindful of the liquidity constraints and market conditions that could affect the deployment of these commitments and the realization of projected yields.

From a market perspective, the floating rate majority of the portfolio could be seen as a positive in an environment of rising interest rates, as it suggests the potential for higher income as rates increase. Nevertheless, the management comments about leveraging their market coverage and origination platform to source opportunities should be taken with cautious optimism and evaluated against the performance and realization of these ventures.

Legal Expert

The amendment of credit facilities and the issuance of the 2029 Notes reflect Ares Capital's diligence in maintaining a flexible capital structure. The terms of the credit agreements, such as the interest rates and maturity extensions, are significant for investors to gauge the company's future interest obligations and refinancing risk. The interest rate swap agreement tied with the 2029 Notes issuance serves as a hedge against fluctuating rates and is a prudent move to manage interest rate exposure.

Additionally, the full repayment of the 2024 Convertible Notes and the mechanism of part cash and part stock settlement showcase an adept approach to liability management and equity dilution control. These strategic financial actions suggest a proactive legal and risk management framework within Ares Capital. However, investors should be aware of the covenants and conditions associated with these new financial structures as they could impinge on the company's operational freedom and impact future dividend policies.

DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ares Capital Corporation (“Ares Capital”) (NASDAQ: ARCC) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a second quarter 2024 dividend of $0.48 per share. The second quarter 2024 dividend is payable on June 28, 2024 to stockholders of record as of June 14, 2024.

MARCH 31, 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Ares Capital also announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

OPERATING RESULTS
		Q1-24(1)								Q1-23(1)
(dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)		Total Amount				Per Share				Total Amount				Per Share
GAAP net income per share(2)(3)						$	0.76							$	0.52
Core EPS(4)						$	0.59							$	0.57
Dividends declared and payable						$	0.48							$	0.48
Net investment income(2)		$	325			$	0.55			$	318			$	0.60
Net realized losses(2)		$	(32	)		$	(0.05	)		$	(50	)		$	(0.10	)
Net unrealized gains(2)		$	156			$	0.26			$	10			$	0.02
GAAP net income(2)(3)		$	449			$	0.76			$	278			$	0.52

		As of
(dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)		March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Portfolio investments at fair value		$	23,124		$	22,874
Total assets		$	24,256		$	23,800
Stockholders’ equity		$	11,872		$	11,201
Net assets per share		$	19.53		$	19.24
Debt/equity ratio		0.99x			1.07x
Debt/equity ratio, net of available cash(5)		0.95x			1.02x

____________________________________________

(1)		Net income can vary substantially from period to period due to various factors, including the level of new investment commitments, the recognition of realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation. As a result, quarterly comparisons of net income may not be meaningful.
(2)		All per share amounts and weighted average shares outstanding are basic. The basic weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were approximately 591 million and 534 million, respectively.
(3)		In March 2024, in connection with the repayment of the 2024 Convertible Notes (as defined below), Ares Capital issued approximately 20 million shares of common stock. As a result, the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was approximately 591 million. Ares Capital’s diluted GAAP net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $0.51. The weighted average shares outstanding for the purpose of calculating the diluted GAAP net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was approximately 555 million shares, which includes approximately 21 million shares related to the assumed conversion of the 2024 Convertible Notes.
(4)		Core EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure. Core EPS is the net increase (decrease) in stockholders’ equity resulting from operations, and excludes net realized and unrealized gains and losses, any capital gains incentive fees attributable to such net realized and unrealized gains and losses and any income taxes related to such net realized gains and losses, divided by the basic weighted average shares outstanding for the relevant period. GAAP net income (loss) per share is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Ares Capital believes that Core EPS provides useful information to investors regarding financial performance because it is one method Ares Capital uses to measure its financial condition and results of operations. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of GAAP net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Core EPS are set forth in Schedule 1 hereto.
(5)		Computed as total principal debt outstanding less available cash divided by stockholders’ equity. Available cash excludes restricted cash as well as cash held for uses specifically designated for paying interest and expenses on certain debt.

“We are off to a strong start to the year, with a healthy level of earnings, low non-accruals, moderate leverage, increased year-over-year investment activity and record net asset value per share,” said Kipp deVeer, Chief Executive Officer of Ares Capital. “We believe our broad market coverage and the scale of our direct origination platform across the middle market enable us to source differentiated investment opportunities. With our competitive advantages, we believe we are well positioned to build upon our nearly 20-year track record of generating attractive investment returns for our shareholders.”

“We continued to bolster and diversify our capital base by issuing, amending or renewing over $7 billion of financing at attractive rates so far this year,” said Scott Lem, Chief Financial Officer of Ares Capital. “With over $6 billion of available capital, and leverage levels below 1.0x, we believe we are well positioned to continue to support the growth of our existing portfolio companies and to remain opportunistic investors in this market environment.”

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
(dollar amounts in millions)		Q1-24				Q1-23
Portfolio Activity During the Period:
Gross commitments		$	3,554			$	766
Exits of commitments		$	3,414			$	1,884
Portfolio Information:
		As of
		March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
Portfolio investments at fair value		$	23,124			$	22,874
Fair value of accruing debt and other income producing securities(6)		$	20,490			$	20,375
Number of portfolio company investments			510				505
Percentage of floating rate securities at fair value(7)			68	%			69	%
Weighted average yields on debt and other income producing securities(8):
At amortized cost			12.4	%			12.5	%
At fair value			12.4	%			12.5	%
Weighted average yields on total investments(9):
At amortized cost			11.1	%			11.3	%
At fair value			11.0	%			11.2	%
Asset class percentage at fair value:
First lien senior secured loans			46	%			44	%
Second lien senior secured loans			13	%			16	%
Subordinated certificates of the SDLP			6	%			6	%
Senior subordinated loans			5	%			5	%
Preferred equity			11	%			11	%
Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P.(10)			9	%			9	%
Other equity			10	%			9	%

____________________________________________

(6)		Includes the fair value of Ares Capital’s equity investment in Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P. (“IHAM”).
(7)		Includes Ares Capital's investment in the subordinated certificates of the SDLP (as defined below).
(8)		Weighted average yields on debt and other income producing securities are computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of original issue discount and market discount or premium earned on accruing debt and other income producing securities (including the annualized amount of the dividend received by Ares Capital related to its equity investment in IHAM during the most recent quarter end), divided by (b) the total accruing debt and other income producing securities at amortized cost or at fair value (including the amortized cost or fair value of Ares Capital’s equity investment in IHAM as applicable), as applicable.
(9)		Weighted average yields on total investments are computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of original issue discount and market discount or premium earned on accruing debt and other income producing securities (including the annualized amount of the dividend received by Ares Capital related to its equity investment in IHAM during the most recent quarter end), divided by (b) total investments at amortized cost or at fair value, as applicable.
(10)		Includes Ares Capital’s subordinated loan and equity investments in IHAM, as applicable.

In the first quarter of 2024, Ares Capital made new investment commitments of approximately $3.6 billion, of which approximately $2.5 billion were funded. New investment commitments included 16 new portfolio companies and 45 existing portfolio companies. As of March 31, 2024, 240 separate private equity sponsors were represented in Ares Capital’s portfolio. Of the approximately $3.6 billion in new commitments made during the first quarter of 2024, 88% were in first lien senior secured loans, 2% were in second lien senior secured loans, 1% were in subordinated certificates of the Senior Direct Lending Program (the “SDLP”), 7% were in Ares Capital’s subordinated loan investment in IHAM and 2% were in other equity. Of the approximately $3.6 billion in new commitments, 97% were in floating rate debt securities, of which 95% contained interest rate floors and 1% were in the subordinated certificates of the SDLP. The weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities funded during the period at amortized cost was 11.0% and the weighted average yield on total investments funded during the period at amortized cost was 10.8%. Ares Capital may seek to sell all or a portion of these new investment commitments, although there can be no assurance that Ares Capital will be able to do so. Also in the first quarter of 2024, Ares Capital funded approximately $396 million related to previously existing unfunded revolving and delayed draw loan commitments.

Also in the first quarter of 2024, Ares Capital exited approximately $3.4 billion of investment commitments, including approximately $35 million of loans sold to IHAM or certain vehicles managed by IHAM. Of the approximately $3.4 billion of exited investment commitments, 71% were first lien senior secured loans, 18% were second lien senior secured loans, 7% were Ares Capital’s subordinated loan investment in IHAM, 3% were subordinated certificates of the SDLP and 1% were preferred equity. Of the approximately $3.4 billion of exited investment commitments, 98% were floating rate, 1% were non-income producing and 1% were on non-accrual.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the weighted average grade of the portfolio at fair value was 3.1 and 3.1, respectively, and loans on non-accrual status represented 1.7% of the total investments at amortized cost (or 0.7% at fair value) and 1.3% at amortized cost (or 0.6% at fair value), respectively. For more information on Ares Capital’s portfolio investment grades and loans on non-accrual status, see “Part I—Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio and Investment Activity” in Ares Capital’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 1, 2024.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of March 31, 2024, Ares Capital had $509 million in cash and cash equivalents and $11.8 billion in total aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding ($11.7 billion at carrying value). Subject to borrowing base and other restrictions, Ares Capital had approximately $5.5 billion available for additional borrowings under its existing credit facilities as of March 31, 2024.

In January 2024, Ares Capital issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and mature on March 1, 2029 (the “2029 Notes”). The 2029 Notes pay interest semi-annually and all principal is due upon maturity. The 2029 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at Ares Capital’s option at a redemption price equal to par plus a “make whole” premium, if applicable, as determined pursuant to the indenture governing the 2029 Notes, and any accrued and unpaid interest. The 2029 Notes were issued at a discount to the principal amount. In connection with the 2029 Notes, Ares Capital entered into an interest rate swap agreement for a total notional amount of $1.0 billion that matures on March 1, 2029. Under the interest rate swap agreement, Ares Capital receives a fixed interest rate of 5.875% and pays a floating interest rate of one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 2.023%.

In February 2024, Ares Capital and its consolidated subsidiary, ARCC FB Funding LLC (“AFB”), entered into an agreement to amend AFB’s revolving funding facility (the “BNP Funding Facility”). The amendment, among other things, adjusted the interest rate charged on the BNP Funding Facility from an applicable SOFR or a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the BNP Funding Facility) plus a margin of (i) 2.80% during the reinvestment period and (ii) 3.30% following the reinvestment period to an applicable SOFR or a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the BNP Funding Facility) plus a margin of (i) 2.65% during the reinvestment period and (ii) 3.15% following the reinvestment period.

In March 2024, Ares Capital and its consolidated subsidiary, Ares Capital JB Funding LLC (“ACJB LLC”), entered into an agreement to amend ACJB LLC’s revolving funding facility (the “SMBC Funding Facility”) with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and each of the other parties thereto. The amendment, among other things, (a) extended the reinvestment period from May 28, 2024 to March 28, 2027; (b) extended the stated maturity date from May 28, 2026 to March 28, 2029; and (c) adjusted the interest rate charged on the SMBC Funding Facility from an applicable spread of either (i) 1.75% or 2.00% over one month SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% or (ii) 0.75% or 1.00% over a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the SMBC Funding Facility) to an applicable spread of either (x) 2.50% over one month SOFR or (y) 1.50% over a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the SMBC Funding Facility).

In March 2024, Ares Capital repaid in full the $403 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes, which bore interest at a rate of 4.625% per year, payable semi-annually (the “2024 Convertible Notes”) upon their maturity, resulting in a realized loss on extinguishment of debt of $14 million. In accordance with the indenture governing the 2024 Convertible Notes, Ares Capital settled the repayment of the 2024 Convertible Notes with a combination of cash and shares of its common stock. Approximately $393 million of aggregate principal amount was settled with approximately 20 million shares of Ares Capital’s common stock and the remaining $10 million was settled with available cash.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, Ares Capital issued and sold approximately 4.2 million shares of common stock under its equity distribution agreements, with net proceeds totaling approximately $84.1 million, after giving effect to sales agents’ commissions and certain estimated offering expenses.

FIRST QUARTER 2024 DIVIDENDS PAID

On February 7, 2024, Ares Capital announced that its Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2024 dividend of $0.48 per share for a total of approximately $291 million. The first quarter 2024 dividend was paid on March 29, 2024 to stockholders of record as of March 15, 2024.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

In April 2024, Ares Capital amended and restated its senior secured credit facility (as amended and restated, the “A&R Credit Facility”). The amendment, among other things, (a) reduced the total commitment under the A&R Credit Facility from $4,758 million to $4,488 million, (b) extended the expiration of the revolving period for lenders electing to extend their revolving commitments in an amount equal to approximately $3,005 million from April 19, 2027 to April 12, 2028, during which period Ares Capital, subject to certain conditions, may make borrowings under the A&R Credit Facility, (c) extended the stated maturity date for lenders electing to extend their revolving commitments in an amount equal to approximately $3,005 million from April 19, 2028 to April 12, 2029 and (d) extended the stated maturity date for $968 million of the lenders electing to extend their term loan commitments from April 19, 2028 to April 12, 2029. Lenders who elected not to extend their revolving commitments in an amount equal to approximately $269 million and $107 million will remain subject to a revolving period expiration of March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025, respectively, and a stated maturity date of March 31, 2027 and March 31, 2026, respectively. Lenders who elected not to extend their term loan commitments in an amount equal to $70 million, $41 million and $28 million will remain subject to a maturity date of April 19, 2028, March 31, 2027 and March 31, 2026, respectively.

The A&R Credit Facility is composed of a revolving loan tranche equal to approximately $3,381 million and a term loan tranche equal to approximately $1,107 million. The A&R Credit Facility includes an “accordion” feature that allows Ares Capital, under certain circumstances, to increase the size of the facility by an amount up to $2,244 million.

In April 2024, the Ares Capital and its consolidated subsidiary, AFB, entered into an agreement to amend the BNP Funding Facility. The amendment, among other things, adjusted the interest rate charged on the BNP Funding Facility from an applicable SOFR or a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the BNP Funding Facility) plus a margin of (i) 2.65% during the reinvestment period and (ii) 3.15% following the reinvestment period to an applicable SOFR or a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the BNP Funding Facility) plus a margin of (i) 2.50% during the reinvestment period and (ii) 3.00% following the reinvestment period. The other terms of the BNP Funding Facility remained materially unchanged.

In April 2024, Ares Capital, through a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary, priced a $476 million term debt securitization. The transaction is expected to close in May 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Term debt securitization is also known as a collateralized loan obligation and is a form of secured financing incurred by Ares Capital which is consolidated by it and subject to its overall asset coverage requirement.

From April 1, 2024 through April 24, 2024, Ares Capital made new investment commitments of approximately $1.2 billion, of which approximately $1.1 billion were funded. Of the approximately $1.2 billion in new investment commitments, 85% were in first lien senior secured loans, 7% were in senior subordinated loans, 7% were in preferred equity and 1% were in other equity. Of the approximately $1.2 billion in new investment commitments, 92% were floating rate, 7% were fixed rate and 1% were non-income producing. The weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities funded during the period at amortized cost was 11.6% and the weighted average yield on total investments funded during the period at amortized cost was 11.5%. Ares Capital may seek to sell all or a portion of these new investment commitments, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so.

From April 1, 2024 through April 24, 2024, Ares Capital exited approximately $249 million of investment commitments. Of the approximately $249 million of exited investment commitments, 64% were first lien senior secured loans, 7% were subordinated certificates of the SDLP, 23% were Ares Capital’s subordinated loan investment in IHAM and 6% were other equity. Of the approximately $249 million of exited investment commitments, 94% were floating rate and 6% were non-income producing. The weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities exited or repaid during the period at amortized cost was 11.5% and the weighted average yield on total investments exited or repaid during the period at amortized cost was 10.9%. Of the approximately $249 million of investment commitments exited from April 1, 2024 through April 24, 2024, Ares Capital recognized total net realized gains of approximately $1 million.

In addition, as of April 24, 2024, Ares Capital had an investment backlog and pipeline of approximately $1.3 billion and $30 million, respectively. Investment backlog includes transactions approved by Ares Capital’s investment adviser’s investment committee and/or for which a formal mandate, letter of intent or a signed commitment have been issued, and therefore Ares Capital believes are likely to close. Investment pipeline includes transactions where due diligence and analysis are in process, but no formal mandate, letter of intent or signed commitment have been issued. The consummation of any of the investments in this backlog and pipeline depends upon, among other things, one or more of the following: satisfactory completion of Ares Capital due diligence investigation of the prospective portfolio company, Ares Capital’s acceptance of the terms and structure of such investment and the execution and delivery of satisfactory transaction documentation. In addition, Ares Capital may sell all or a portion of these investments and certain of these investments may result in the repayment of existing investments. Ares Capital cannot assure you that it will make any of these investments or that Ares Capital will sell all or any portion of these investments.

WEBCAST / CONFERENCE CALL

Ares Capital will host a webcast/conference call on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss its quarter ended March 31, 2024 financial results. PLEASE VISIT ARES CAPITAL’S WEBCAST LINK LOCATED ON THE HOME PAGE OF THE INVESTOR RESOURCES SECTION OF ARES CAPITAL’S WEBSITE FOR A SLIDE PRESENTATION THAT COMPLEMENTS THE EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL.

All interested parties are invited to participate via telephone or the live webcast, which will be hosted on a webcast link located on the Home page of the Investor Resources section of Ares Capital’s website at www.arescapitalcorp.com. Please visit the website to test your connection before the webcast. Domestic callers can access the conference call toll free by dialing +1 (800) 579-2543. International callers can access the conference call by dialing +1 (785) 424-1789. All callers are asked to dial in 10-15 minutes prior to the call so that name and company information can be collected and to reference the conference ID ARCCQ124. For interested parties, an archived replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call through May 30, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to domestic callers by dialing toll free +1 (800) 839-5635 and to international callers by dialing +1 (402) 220-2561. An archived replay will also be available through May 30, 2024 on a webcast link located on the Home page of the Investor Resources section of Ares Capital’s website.

ABOUT ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION

Founded in 2004, Ares Capital is a leading specialty finance company focused on providing direct loans and other investments in private middle market companies in the United States. Ares Capital’s objective is to source and invest in high-quality borrowers that need capital to achieve their business goals, which often times can lead to economic growth and employment. Ares Capital believes its loans and other investments in these companies can help generate attractive levels of current income and potential capital appreciation for investors. Ares Capital, through its investment manager, utilizes its extensive, direct origination capabilities and incumbent borrower relationships to source and underwrite predominantly senior secured loans but also subordinated debt and equity investments. Ares Capital has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) and was the largest publicly traded BDC by market capitalization as of March 31, 2024. Ares Capital is externally managed by a subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), a publicly traded, leading global alternative investment manager. For more information about Ares Capital, visit www.arescapitalcorp.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included herein or on the webcast/conference call may constitute “forward-looking statements,” which relate to future events or Ares Capital’s future performance or financial condition. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results and conditions may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Ares Capital’s filings with the SEC. Ares Capital undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made herein or on the webcast/conference call.

ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions, except per share data)
	As of
	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
ASSETS	(unaudited)
Total investments at fair value (amortized cost of $22,805 and $22,668, respectively)	$	23,124		$	22,874
Cash and cash equivalents		509			535
Restricted cash		68			29
Interest receivable		251			245
Receivable for open trades		213			16
Other assets		82			91
Operating lease right-of-use asset		9			10
Total assets	$	24,256		$	23,800
LIABILITIES
Debt	$	11,695		$	11,884
Base management fee payable		87			84
Income based fee payable		88			90
Capital gains incentive fee payable		112			88
Interest and facility fees payable		107			132
Payable to participants		68			29
Payable for open trades		14			7
Accounts payable and other liabilities		164			234
Secured borrowings		34			34
Operating lease liabilities		15			17
Total liabilities		12,384			12,599
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000 common shares authorized; 608 and 582 common shares issued and outstanding, respectively		1			1
Capital in excess of par value		11,251			10,738
Accumulated undistributed earnings		620			462
Total stockholders’ equity		11,872			11,201
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	24,256		$	23,800
NET ASSETS PER SHARE	$	19.53		$	19.24

ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest income from investments	$	513			$	470
Capital structuring service fees		28				10
Dividend income		147				121
Other income		13				17
Total investment income		701				618
EXPENSES
Interest and credit facility fees		159				139
Base management fee		87				79
Income based fee		88				76
Capital gains incentive fee		25				(6	)
Administrative fees		3				3
Other general and administrative		7				7
Total expenses		369				298
NET INVESTMENT INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		332				320
Income tax expense, including excise tax		7				2
NET INVESTMENT INCOME		325				318
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS:
Net realized losses		(18	)			(50	)
Net unrealized gains		156				10
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign currency and other transactions		138				(40	)
REALIZED LOSS ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT		(14	)			—
NET INCREASE IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS	$	449			$	278
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic	$	0.76			$	0.52
Diluted	$	0.76			$	0.51
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING:
Basic		591				534
Diluted		591				555

SCHEDULE 1

Reconciliations of GAAP net income per share to Core EPS

Reconciliations of GAAP net income per share, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Core EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are provided below.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
	(unaudited)				(unaudited)
GAAP net income per share(1)(2)	$	0.76			$	0.52
Adjustments:
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses(1)		(0.21	)			0.08
Capital gains incentive fees attributable to net realized and unrealized gains and losses(1)		0.04				(0.01	)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to net realized gains and losses(1)		—				(0.02	)
Core EPS(3)	$	0.59			$	0.57

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(1)		All per share amounts and weighted average shares outstanding are basic. The basic weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately 591 million and 534 million, respectively.
(2)		In March 2024, in connection with the repayment of the 2024 Convertible Notes, Ares Capital issued approximately 20 million shares of common stock. As a result, the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was approximately 591 million. Ares Capital’s diluted GAAP net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $0.51. The weighted average shares outstanding for the purpose of calculating the diluted GAAP net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was approximately 555 million shares, which includes approximately 21 million shares related to the assumed conversion of the 2024 Convertible Notes.
(3)		Core EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure. Core EPS is the net increase (decrease) in stockholders’ equity resulting from operations, and excludes net realized and unrealized gains and losses, any capital gains incentive fees attributable to such net realized and unrealized gains and losses and any income taxes related to such net realized gains and losses, divided by the basic weighted average shares outstanding for the relevant period. GAAP net income (loss) per share is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Ares Capital believes that Core EPS provides useful information to investors regarding financial performance because it is one method Ares Capital uses to measure its financial condition and results of operations. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240430444976/en/

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Ares Capital Corporation

John Stilmar or Carl Drake

(888) 818-5298

irarcc@aresmgmt.com

Source: Ares Capital Corporation

FAQ

What was Ares Capital's dividend for Q2 2024?

Ares Capital declared a dividend of $0.48 per share for the second quarter of 2024.

How much did Ares Capital make in new investment commitments in Q1 2024?

Ares Capital made approximately $3.6 billion in new investment commitments in the first quarter of 2024.

What is the debt/equity ratio for Ares Capital as of March 31, 2024?

Ares Capital's debt/equity ratio was 0.99x as of March 31, 2024, showing a slight decrease from the previous quarter.

When will Ares Capital host a webcast to discuss its financial results?

Ares Capital will host a webcast/conference call on May 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss its quarter ended March 31, 2024 financial results.