<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-22-003646.txt : 20220112
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-22-003646.hdr.sgml : 20220112
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20220112172016
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-22-003646
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20220112
ITEM INFORMATION:		Results of Operations and Financial Condition
FILED AS OF DATE:		20220112
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20220112

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			ARES CAPITAL CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001287750
		IRS NUMBER:				331089684
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MD
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	814-00663
		FILM NUMBER:		22527254

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		245 PARK AVENUE, 44TH FLOOR
		CITY:			NEW YORK
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			10167
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2127507300

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		245 PARK AVENUE, 44TH FLOOR
		CITY:			NEW YORK
		STATE:			NY
		ZIP:			10167
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>tm222456d2_8k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 8-K
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<P STYLE="margin: 0">&nbsp;</P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 18pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>UNITED STATES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 18pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>WASHINGTON, DC 20549</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 18pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>FORM&nbsp;8-K</B></P>

<P STYLE="text-align: center; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>CURRENT REPORT</B></P>

<P STYLE="text-align: center; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d)&nbsp;of
the</B></P>

<P STYLE="text-align: center; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>Securities Exchange Act of 1934</B></P>

<P STYLE="text-align: center; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center">Date of report (Date of earliest event reported)
January&nbsp;12, 2022</P>

<P STYLE="text-align: center; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 18pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center"><B>ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)</P>

<P STYLE="text-align: center; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse">
  <TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; width: 32%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>Maryland</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; width: 32%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>814-00663</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; width: 32%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>33-1089684</B></FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(State or Other Jurisdiction<BR>
</FONT>of Incorporation)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Commission<BR>
</FONT>File Number)</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(IRS Employer<BR>
</FONT>Identification No.)</TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse">
  <TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; width: 49%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; width: 49%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>10167</B></FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">(Zip Code)</FONT></TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">Registrant&rsquo;s telephone number, including
area code <B>(212) 750-7300</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center">(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since
Last Report)</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (<I>see</I> General Instruction
A.2. below):</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; width: 100%"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: justify">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: left">Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the
Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; width: 100%"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: justify">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: left">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; width: 100%"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: justify">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: left">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; width: 100%"><TR STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: justify">
<TD STYLE="width: 0.25in"></TD><TD STYLE="width: 0.25in; text-align: left"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="text-align: left">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</TD>
</TR></TABLE>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">Securities registered pursuant to Section&nbsp;12(b)&nbsp;of the Act:</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse">
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom">
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; width: 40%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>Title of each class</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; width: 20%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>Trading symbol</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; width: 40%; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt"><B>Name of each exchange on which registered</B></FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Common stock, $0.001 par value</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: bottom; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">ARCC</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="vertical-align: top; text-align: center"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">NASDAQ Global Select Market</FONT></TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.25in">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth
company as defined in as defined in Rule&nbsp;405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (&sect; 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule&nbsp;12b-2 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (&sect; 240.12b-2 of this chapter).</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0 0pt 0.15in"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Emerging
growth company <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a)&nbsp;of the Exchange Act. <FONT STYLE="font-family: Wingdings">&#168;</FONT></FONT></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B><U>Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.</U></B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify"><B><I>Public Offering</I></B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">On January&nbsp;12, 2022, Ares Capital
Corporation (the &ldquo;Company&rdquo;) filed a preliminary prospectus supplement (the &ldquo;Preliminary Prospectus
Supplement&rdquo;) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &ldquo;SEC&rdquo;) in connection with a proposed offering of
shares of its common stock. The Preliminary Prospectus Supplement included a summary of certain preliminary estimates regarding the
Company&rsquo;s financial results for the quarter ended December&nbsp;31, 2021 as well as certain other recent developments, which
are set forth below. The preliminary estimated data and other information set forth below should not be considered a substitute for
the financial information to be filed with the SEC in the Company&rsquo;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended
December&nbsp;31, 2021 once it becomes available. These estimates are based on management's preliminary determination and have not been approved by our board of directors.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B><I>Preliminary Estimates of Results as of December 31, 2021</I></B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">The Company estimates that basic and diluted GAAP
earnings per share (&ldquo;EPS&rdquo;) will be in the range of $0.77 to $0.86 and basic and diluted Core EPS will be in the range of $0.56
to $0.58, in each case, for the three months ended December&nbsp;31, 2021 and net asset value per share as of December&nbsp;31, 2021 will
be in the range of $18.90 to $19.00. These estimates are based on management&rsquo;s preliminary determination and have not been approved by the Company&rsquo;s board of directors.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">Basic and diluted Core EPS is a non-GAAP financial
measure. Core EPS is the net per share increase (decrease) in stockholders&rsquo; equity resulting from operations less 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. The Company believes that Core EPS provides useful information to investors
regarding financial performance because it is one method the Company 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.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">A reconciliation of the Company&rsquo;s estimated
basic and diluted Core EPS to the Company&rsquo;s estimated and basic and diluted GAAP EPS, the most directly comparable GAAP financial
measure, for the three months ended December&nbsp;31, 2021 is provided below:</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" STYLE="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: White">
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; padding-bottom: 1pt; text-indent: -0.125in; padding-left: 0.125in">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; padding-bottom: 1pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: center">For the three months ended<BR> December&nbsp;31, 2021</TD><TD STYLE="padding-bottom: 1pt; font: bold 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204,238,255)">
    <TD STYLE="width: 73%; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.125in; padding-left: 0.125in">Range of estimated basic and diluted Core EPS</TD><TD STYLE="width: 2%; font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 1%; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">$</TD><TD STYLE="width: 23%; font-size: 10pt; text-align: right"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">0.56 - 0.58</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="width: 1%; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: White">
    <TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.125in; padding-left: 0.125in">Range of estimated net realized and unrealized gains (losses)</TD><TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: right">0.26 - 0.35</TD><TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204,238,255)">
    <TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.125in; padding-left: 0.125in">Range of estimated capital gains incentive fees attributed to net realized and unrealized gains and losses</TD><TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD><TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: right">(0.05) - (0.07)</TD><TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: White">
    <TD STYLE="padding-bottom: 1pt; font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.125in; padding-left: 0.125in">Range of estimated income tax expense related to net realized gains and losses</TD><TD STYLE="padding-bottom: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left"></TD><TD STYLE="border-bottom: Black 1pt solid; font-size: 10pt; text-align: right"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">0.00 - 0.00</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="padding-bottom: 1pt; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(204,238,255)">
    <TD STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.125in; padding-left: 0.125in">Range of estimated basic and diluted GAAP EPS</TD><TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">$</TD><TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: right"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">0.77 - 0.86</FONT></TD><TD STYLE="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  </TABLE>


<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">The estimates presented above are based on
management&rsquo;s preliminary determinations only and, consequently, the data set forth in the Company&rsquo;s Annual Report for
the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2021 may differ from these estimates. For example,
estimated net asset value per share is based on the value of the Company&rsquo;s total assets, including the Company&rsquo;s investments
(substantially all of which are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available, the fair value of which must
be determined by the Company&rsquo;s board of directors in good faith). The fair value of such investments have not yet been
determined by the Company&rsquo;s board of directors and the actual fair value of such investments, when determined by the
Company&rsquo;s board of directors, may be different than the estimates reported herein. In addition, the information presented
above does not include all of the information regarding the Company&rsquo;s financial condition and results of operations as of and
for the period ended December&nbsp;31, 2021 that may be important to investors. As a result, investors are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on the information presented above and should view this information in the context of the Company&rsquo;s full fourth
quarter results when such results are disclosed by the Company in its Annual Report for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2021. The
information presented above is based on current management expectations that involve substantial risk and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, such information. The Company assumes no
duty to update these preliminary estimates except as required by law.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">The preliminary financial estimates provided herein
have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, management. Neither KPMG LLP, the Company&rsquo;s independent registered accounting
firm, nor any other independent accountants, have audited, reviewed, compiled, or performed any procedures with respect to the accompanying
preliminary financial data. Accordingly, KPMG LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B><I>Other Recent Developments</I></B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in">From October&nbsp;1, 2021
through December&nbsp;29, 2021, the Company made new investment commitments of approximately $5.6 billion, including $296 million of new
investment commitments to IHAM. Of the approximately $5.6 billion of new investment commitments, $4.8 billion were funded. Of these new
commitments, 64% were in first lien senior secured loans, 16% were in second lien senior secured loans, 2% were in subordinated certificates
of the SDLP, 2% were in senior subordinated loans, 4% were in preferred equity and 12% were in other equity. Of the approximately $5.6
billion of new investment commitments, 83% were floating rate, 12% were non-income producing and 5% were fixed rate. The weighted average
yield of debt and other income producing securities funded during the period at amortized cost was 7.2% and the weighted average yield
on total investments funded during the period at amortized cost was 6.3%. The Company may seek to sell all or a portion of these new investment
commitments, although there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in">From October&nbsp;1, 2021
through December&nbsp;29, 2021, the Company exited approximately $3.5 billion of investment commitments, including $1.3 billion of loans
sold to IHAM or certain vehicles managed by IHAM. Of the total investment commitments exited, 78% were first lien senior secured loans,
15% were second lien senior secured loans, 4% were senior subordinated loans, 2% were subordinated certificates of the SDLP and 1% were
other equity. Of the approximately $3.5 billion of exited investment commitments, 98% were floating rate, 1% were non-income producing
and 1% were on non-accrual status. The weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities exited or repaid during the
period at amortized cost was 7.0% and the weighted average yield on total investments exited or repaid during the period at amortized
cost was 6.8%. Of the approximately $3.5 billion of investment commitments exited from October&nbsp;1, 2021 through December&nbsp;29,
2021, the Company recognized total net realized losses of approximately $11 million, including $3 million of net realized losses from
the sale of loans to IHAM or certain vehicles managed by IHAM.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in">In addition, as of December&nbsp;29,
2021, the Company had an investment backlog and pipeline of approximately $1.0 billion and $29 million, respectively. Investment backlog
includes transactions approved by the Company&rsquo;s investment adviser&rsquo;s investment committee and/or for which a formal mandate,
letter of intent or a signed commitment have been issued, and therefore the Company believes are likely to close. Investment pipeine 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 the Company&rsquo;s due diligence investigation of the prospective portfolio company, the Company&rsquo;s acceptance
of the terms and structure of such investment and the execution and delivery of satisfactory transaction documentation. In addition, the
Company may sell all or a portion of these investments and certain of these investments may result in the repayment of existing investments.
The Company cannot assure you that it will make any of these investments or that it will sell all or any portion of these investments.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">The information presented under Item 2.02 is being
 &ldquo;furnished&rdquo; and shall not be deemed to be &ldquo;filed&rdquo; for purposes of Section&nbsp;18 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933, except as may be expressly
set forth by specific reference in such a filing.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"><B><U>Item 7.01. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.</U></B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">The information contained in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference herein.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">The information presented under this Item
7.01 is being &ldquo;furnished&rdquo; and shall not be deemed to be &ldquo;filed&rdquo; for purposes of Section&nbsp;18 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of
1933, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

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<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-align: center"><B>SIGNATURES</B></P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0; text-indent: 0.5in">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse">
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Date: January&nbsp;12, 2022</FONT></TD>
    <TD COLSPAN="2">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD STYLE="width: 50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD STYLE="width: 5%"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">By:</FONT></TD>
    <TD STYLE="border-bottom: black 1pt solid; width: 45%"><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">/s/ Penni F. Roll</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Name:</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Penni F. Roll</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR STYLE="vertical-align: top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Title:</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT STYLE="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, Serif; font-size: 10pt">Chief Financial Officer</FONT></TD></TR>
  </TABLE>
<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0">&nbsp;</P>

<P STYLE="font: 10pt Times New Roman, Times, Serif; margin: 0pt 0"></P>

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