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N-2 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |
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Dec. 31, 2023 | Sep. 30, 2023 | Jun. 30, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Sep. 30, 2022 | Jun. 30, 2022 | Mar. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2013
Cover [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Central Index Key |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0001287750 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amendment Flag |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | false |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Securities Act File Number |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 814-00663 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Document Type |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10-K |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Registrant Name |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Address, Address Line One |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 245 Park Avenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Address, Address Line Two |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 44th Floor |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Address, City or Town |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | New York |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Address, State or Province |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | NY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10167 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
City Area Code |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 212 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Local Phone Number |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 750-7300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Yes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Entity Emerging Growth Company |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | false |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fee Table [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shareholder Transaction Expenses [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price): |  |
Sales load | — |  | (1)
Offering expenses | — |  | (2)
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses | Up to $15 Transaction Fee | (3)
Total stockholder transaction expenses paid | — |  | (4)
Annual expenses (as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock)(5): |  |
Base management fees | 3.18 | % | (6)
Income based fees and capital gains incentive fees | 3.66 | % | (7)
Interest payments on borrowed funds | 5.60 | % | (8)
Other expenses | 0.60 | % | (9)
Acquired fund fees and expenses | 2.98 | % | (10)
Total annual expenses | 16.02 | % | (11)
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)If shares of our common stock are sold to or through underwriters, the applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load (underwriting discount or commission). Purchases of shares of our common stock on the secondary market are not subject to sales charges but may be subject to brokerage commissions or other charges. The table does not include any sales load that stockholders may have paid in connection with their purchase of shares of our common stock. (2)The applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated amount of offering expenses, the offering price and the offering expenses borne by us as a percentage of the offering price. (3)The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “Other expenses.” The plan administrator’s fees under the plan are paid by us. If a participant elects by notice to the plan administrator in advance of termination to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a transaction fee of up to $15 plus a $0.12 per share fee from the proceeds. See “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for more information. (4)The applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement will disclose the offering price and the total stockholder transaction expenses as a percentage of the offering price. (5)The "consolidated net assets attributable to common stock" used to calculate the percentages in this table is our average net assets of $10.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. (6)Our base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.5% based on the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters; provided, however, the base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.0% on the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) that exceeds the product of (A) 200% and (B) our net asset value at the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter. The 3.18% reflected on the table is higher than 1.5% because it is calculated on our average net assets (rather than our average total assets) for the year ended December 31, 2023. See “Business—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.” (7)This item represents our investment adviser’s income based fees and capital gains incentive fees based on actual income based fees for the year ended December 31, 2023, and adding the capital gains incentive fee expense accrued in accordance with GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2023, even though there was no capital gains incentive fee actually payable under the investment advisory and management agreement as of December 31, 2023. GAAP requires that the capital gains incentive fee accrual consider the cumulative aggregate unrealized capital appreciation in the calculation, as a capital gains incentive fee would be payable if such unrealized capital appreciation were realized, even though such unrealized capital appreciation is not permitted to be considered in calculating the fee actually payable under the Investment Company Act or the investment advisory and management agreement. This GAAP accrual is calculated using the aggregate cumulative realized capital gains and losses and aggregate cumulative unrealized capital depreciation included in the calculation of the capital gains incentive fee actually payable under the investment advisory and management agreement plus the aggregate cumulative unrealized capital appreciation. If such amount is positive at the end of a period, then GAAP requires us to record a capital gains incentive fee equal to 20% of such cumulative amount, less the aggregate amount of actual capital gains incentive fees paid or capital gains incentive fees accrued under GAAP in all prior periods. The resulting accrual for any capital gains incentive fee under GAAP in a given period may result in an additional expense if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period or a reversal of previously recorded expense if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period. If such cumulative amount is negative, then there is no accrual. There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future or that the amount accrued for will ultimately be paid. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that these fees will be payable (in the case of the capital gains incentive fee) and that they will remain constant, although they are based on our performance and will not be paid unless we achieve certain goals. We expect to invest or otherwise utilize all of the net proceeds from securities registered under our registration statement pursuant to a particular prospectus supplement within three months of the date of the offering pursuant to such prospectus supplement and may have capital gains and interest income that could result in the payment of these fees to our investment adviser in the first year after completion of such offerings. Since our IPO through December 31, 2023, the average quarterly fees accrued related to income based fees and capital gains incentive fees (including capital gains incentive fees accrued under GAAP even though they may not be payable) have been approximately 0.66% of our weighted average net assets for such period (2.65% on an annualized basis). For more detailed information about income based fees and capital gains incentive fees previously incurred by us, please see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. Income based fees are payable quarterly in arrears in an amount equal to 20% of our pre‑incentive fee net investment income (including interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash), subject to a 1.75% quarterly (7.0% annualized) hurdle rate and a “catch‑up” provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under this provision, in any calendar quarter, our investment adviser receives no income based fees until our net investment income equals the hurdle rate of 1.75% but then receives, as a “catch‑up,” 100% of our pre‑incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre‑incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre‑incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter, our investment adviser will receive 20% of our pre‑incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply. Capital gains incentive fees are payable annually in arrears in an amount equal to 20% of our realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of the year, if any, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of capital gains incentive fees paid in all prior years. We will defer cash payment of any income based fees and capital gains incentive fees otherwise earned by our investment adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter period ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made, the sum of (a) our aggregate distributions to our stockholders and (b) our change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any income based fees or capital gains incentive fees accrued during the period) is less than 7.0% of our net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness) at the beginning of such period. Any deferred income based fees and capital gains incentive fees are carried over for payment in subsequent calculation periods to the extent such payment is payable under the investment advisory and management agreement. These calculations will be adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. See “Business—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.” (8)“Interest payments on borrowed funds” represents our interest expenses estimated based on our actual interest and credit facility expenses incurred for the year ended December 31, 2023, which includes the impact of interest rate swaps. During the year ended December 31, 2023, our average outstanding borrowings were approximately $11.5 billion and cash paid for interest expense was $524 million. We had outstanding borrowings of approximately $11.9 billion (with a carrying value of approximately $11.9 billion) as of December 31, 2023. This item is based on the assumption that our borrowings and interest costs after an offering will remain similar to those prior to such offering. The amount of leverage that we may employ at any particular time will depend on, among other things, our investment adviser’s and our board of directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.” We are currently allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowing (i.e., we are able to borrow up to two dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.” (9)Includes our overhead expenses, including payments under our administration agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Ares Operations in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, and income taxes. Such expenses are estimated based on actual “Other expenses” for the year ended December 31, 2023. The holders of shares of our common stock (and not the holders of our debt securities or preferred stock, if any) indirectly bear the cost associated with our annual expenses. See “Business—Administration Agreement.” (10)Our stockholders indirectly bear the expenses of underlying funds or other investment vehicles that would be investment companies under section 3(a) of the Investment Company Act but for the exceptions to that definition provided for in sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act (“Acquired Funds”) in which we invest. This amount is estimated based on the estimated annual fees and operating expenses of Acquired Funds in which the Company is invested as of December 31, 2023. Certain of these Acquired Funds are subject to management fees, which generally range from 1% to 2.5% of total net assets, or incentive fees, which generally range between 15% and 25% of net profits. When applicable, fees and operating expenses estimates are based on historic fees and operating expenses for the Acquired Funds. For those Acquired Funds with little or no operating history, fees and operating expenses are estimates based on expected fees and operating expenses stated in the Acquired Funds’ offering memorandum, private placement memorandum or other similar communication without giving effect to any performance. Future fees and operating expenses for these Acquired Funds may be substantially higher or lower because certain fees and operating expenses are based on the performance of the Acquired Funds, which may fluctuate over time. Also included with the amount is an estimate of the annual fees and operating expenses of the SDLP. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio and Investment Activity—Senior Direct Lending Program” and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on the SDLP. The annual fees and operating expenses of the SDLP were estimated based on the funded portfolio of the SDLP as of December 31, 2023 and include interest payments on the senior notes and intermediate funding notes provided by Varagon and its clients, which represent 92% of such expenses. (11)Total annual expenses as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. We borrow money to leverage and increase our total assets. The SEC requires that the “Total annual expenses” percentage be calculated as a percentage of net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any income based fees or capital gains incentive fees accrued during the period), rather than the total assets, including assets that have been funded with borrowed monies. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sales Load [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Transaction Expenses [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Transaction Expense 1 [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Annual Expenses [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price): |  |
Sales load | — |  | (1)
Offering expenses | — |  | (2)
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses | Up to $15 Transaction Fee | (3)
Total stockholder transaction expenses paid | — |  | (4)
Annual expenses (as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock)(5): |  |
Base management fees | 3.18 | % | (6)
Income based fees and capital gains incentive fees | 3.66 | % | (7)
Interest payments on borrowed funds | 5.60 | % | (8)
Other expenses | 0.60 | % | (9)
Acquired fund fees and expenses | 2.98 | % | (10)
Total annual expenses | 16.02 | % | (11)
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)If shares of our common stock are sold to or through underwriters, the applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load (underwriting discount or commission). Purchases of shares of our common stock on the secondary market are not subject to sales charges but may be subject to brokerage commissions or other charges. The table does not include any sales load that stockholders may have paid in connection with their purchase of shares of our common stock. (2)The applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated amount of offering expenses, the offering price and the offering expenses borne by us as a percentage of the offering price. (3)The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “Other expenses.” The plan administrator’s fees under the plan are paid by us. If a participant elects by notice to the plan administrator in advance of termination to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a transaction fee of up to $15 plus a $0.12 per share fee from the proceeds. See “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for more information. (4)The applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement will disclose the offering price and the total stockholder transaction expenses as a percentage of the offering price. (5)The "consolidated net assets attributable to common stock" used to calculate the percentages in this table is our average net assets of $10.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. (6)Our base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.5% based on the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters; provided, however, the base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.0% on the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) that exceeds the product of (A) 200% and (B) our net asset value at the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter. The 3.18% reflected on the table is higher than 1.5% because it is calculated on our average net assets (rather than our average total assets) for the year ended December 31, 2023. See “Business—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.” (7)This item represents our investment adviser’s income based fees and capital gains incentive fees based on actual income based fees for the year ended December 31, 2023, and adding the capital gains incentive fee expense accrued in accordance with GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2023, even though there was no capital gains incentive fee actually payable under the investment advisory and management agreement as of December 31, 2023. GAAP requires that the capital gains incentive fee accrual consider the cumulative aggregate unrealized capital appreciation in the calculation, as a capital gains incentive fee would be payable if such unrealized capital appreciation were realized, even though such unrealized capital appreciation is not permitted to be considered in calculating the fee actually payable under the Investment Company Act or the investment advisory and management agreement. This GAAP accrual is calculated using the aggregate cumulative realized capital gains and losses and aggregate cumulative unrealized capital depreciation included in the calculation of the capital gains incentive fee actually payable under the investment advisory and management agreement plus the aggregate cumulative unrealized capital appreciation. If such amount is positive at the end of a period, then GAAP requires us to record a capital gains incentive fee equal to 20% of such cumulative amount, less the aggregate amount of actual capital gains incentive fees paid or capital gains incentive fees accrued under GAAP in all prior periods. The resulting accrual for any capital gains incentive fee under GAAP in a given period may result in an additional expense if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period or a reversal of previously recorded expense if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period. If such cumulative amount is negative, then there is no accrual. There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future or that the amount accrued for will ultimately be paid. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that these fees will be payable (in the case of the capital gains incentive fee) and that they will remain constant, although they are based on our performance and will not be paid unless we achieve certain goals. We expect to invest or otherwise utilize all of the net proceeds from securities registered under our registration statement pursuant to a particular prospectus supplement within three months of the date of the offering pursuant to such prospectus supplement and may have capital gains and interest income that could result in the payment of these fees to our investment adviser in the first year after completion of such offerings. Since our IPO through December 31, 2023, the average quarterly fees accrued related to income based fees and capital gains incentive fees (including capital gains incentive fees accrued under GAAP even though they may not be payable) have been approximately 0.66% of our weighted average net assets for such period (2.65% on an annualized basis). For more detailed information about income based fees and capital gains incentive fees previously incurred by us, please see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. Income based fees are payable quarterly in arrears in an amount equal to 20% of our pre‑incentive fee net investment income (including interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash), subject to a 1.75% quarterly (7.0% annualized) hurdle rate and a “catch‑up” provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under this provision, in any calendar quarter, our investment adviser receives no income based fees until our net investment income equals the hurdle rate of 1.75% but then receives, as a “catch‑up,” 100% of our pre‑incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre‑incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre‑incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter, our investment adviser will receive 20% of our pre‑incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply. Capital gains incentive fees are payable annually in arrears in an amount equal to 20% of our realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of the year, if any, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of capital gains incentive fees paid in all prior years. We will defer cash payment of any income based fees and capital gains incentive fees otherwise earned by our investment adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter period ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made, the sum of (a) our aggregate distributions to our stockholders and (b) our change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any income based fees or capital gains incentive fees accrued during the period) is less than 7.0% of our net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness) at the beginning of such period. Any deferred income based fees and capital gains incentive fees are carried over for payment in subsequent calculation periods to the extent such payment is payable under the investment advisory and management agreement. These calculations will be adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. See “Business—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.” (8)“Interest payments on borrowed funds” represents our interest expenses estimated based on our actual interest and credit facility expenses incurred for the year ended December 31, 2023, which includes the impact of interest rate swaps. During the year ended December 31, 2023, our average outstanding borrowings were approximately $11.5 billion and cash paid for interest expense was $524 million. We had outstanding borrowings of approximately $11.9 billion (with a carrying value of approximately $11.9 billion) as of December 31, 2023. This item is based on the assumption that our borrowings and interest costs after an offering will remain similar to those prior to such offering. The amount of leverage that we may employ at any particular time will depend on, among other things, our investment adviser’s and our board of directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.” We are currently allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowing (i.e., we are able to borrow up to two dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.” (9)Includes our overhead expenses, including payments under our administration agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Ares Operations in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, and income taxes. Such expenses are estimated based on actual “Other expenses” for the year ended December 31, 2023. The holders of shares of our common stock (and not the holders of our debt securities or preferred stock, if any) indirectly bear the cost associated with our annual expenses. See “Business—Administration Agreement.” (10)Our stockholders indirectly bear the expenses of underlying funds or other investment vehicles that would be investment companies under section 3(a) of the Investment Company Act but for the exceptions to that definition provided for in sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act (“Acquired Funds”) in which we invest. This amount is estimated based on the estimated annual fees and operating expenses of Acquired Funds in which the Company is invested as of December 31, 2023. Certain of these Acquired Funds are subject to management fees, which generally range from 1% to 2.5% of total net assets, or incentive fees, which generally range between 15% and 25% of net profits. When applicable, fees and operating expenses estimates are based on historic fees and operating expenses for the Acquired Funds. For those Acquired Funds with little or no operating history, fees and operating expenses are estimates based on expected fees and operating expenses stated in the Acquired Funds’ offering memorandum, private placement memorandum or other similar communication without giving effect to any performance. Future fees and operating expenses for these Acquired Funds may be substantially higher or lower because certain fees and operating expenses are based on the performance of the Acquired Funds, which may fluctuate over time. Also included with the amount is an estimate of the annual fees and operating expenses of the SDLP. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio and Investment Activity—Senior Direct Lending Program” and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on the SDLP. The annual fees and operating expenses of the SDLP were estimated based on the funded portfolio of the SDLP as of December 31, 2023 and include interest payments on the senior notes and intermediate funding notes provided by Varagon and its clients, which represent 92% of such expenses. (11)Total annual expenses as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. We borrow money to leverage and increase our total assets. The SEC requires that the “Total annual expenses” percentage be calculated as a percentage of net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any income based fees or capital gains incentive fees accrued during the period), rather than the total assets, including assets that have been funded with borrowed monies. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Management Fees [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.18% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest Expenses on Borrowings [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.60% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incentive Fees [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.66% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.98% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Annual Expenses [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.60% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Annual Expenses [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16.02% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expense Example [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that we would have no additional leverage, that none of our assets are cash or cash equivalents and that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above. Income based fees and the capital gains incentive fees under the investment advisory and management agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual return, would either not be payable or have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown below, are not included in the example, except as specifically set forth below. Transaction expenses are not included in the following example.
| 1 year |  | 3 years |  | 5 years |  | 10 years
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 common stock investment, assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the capital gains incentive fee)(1) | $ | (127) |  |  | $ | (352) |  |  | $ | (543) |  |  | $ | (908) |
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 common stock investment, assuming a 5% annual return resulting entirely from net realized capital gains (all of which is subject to the capital gains incentive fee)(2) | $ | (137) |  |  | $ | (378) |  |  | $ | (582) |  |  | $ | (964) |
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)Assumes that we will not realize any capital gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation. (2)Assumes no unrealized capital depreciation and a 5% annual return resulting entirely from net realized capital gains and not otherwise deferrable under the terms of the investment advisory and management agreement and therefore subject to the capital gains incentive fee. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expense Example, Year 01 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (127) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (352) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (543) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (908) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Purpose of Fee Table , Note [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in our common stock will bear, directly or indirectly, based on the assumptions set forth below. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this Form 10-K contains a reference to our fees or expenses, we will pay such fees and expenses out of our net assets and, consequently, stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in us. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “Other expenses.” The plan administrator’s fees under the plan are paid by us. If a participant elects by notice to the plan administrator in advance of termination to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a transaction fee of up to $15 plus a $0.12 per share fee from the proceeds. See “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for more information. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Expenses, Note [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Includes our overhead expenses, including payments under our administration agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Ares Operations in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, and income taxes. Such expenses are estimated based on actual “Other expenses” for the year ended December 31, 2023. The holders of shares of our common stock (and not the holders of our debt securities or preferred stock, if any) indirectly bear the cost associated with our annual expenses. See “Business—Administration Agreement.” |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Management Fee not based on Net Assets, Note [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.5% based on the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters; provided, however, the base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.0% on the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) that exceeds the product of (A) 200% and (B) our net asset value at the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter. The 3.18% reflected on the table is higher than 1.5% because it is calculated on our average net assets (rather than our average total assets) for the year ended December 31, 2023. See “Business—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement.” |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Fund Fees Estimated, Note [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our stockholders indirectly bear the expenses of underlying funds or other investment vehicles that would be investment companies under section 3(a) of the Investment Company Act but for the exceptions to that definition provided for in sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act (“Acquired Funds”) in which we invest. This amount is estimated based on the estimated annual fees and operating expenses of Acquired Funds in which the Company is invested as of December 31, 2023. Certain of these Acquired Funds are subject to management fees, which generally range from 1% to 2.5% of total net assets, or incentive fees, which generally range between 15% and 25% of net profits. When applicable, fees and operating expenses estimates are based on historic fees and operating expenses for the Acquired Funds. For those Acquired Funds with little or no operating history, fees and operating expenses are estimates based on expected fees and operating expenses stated in the Acquired Funds’ offering memorandum, private placement memorandum or other similar communication without giving effect to any performance. Future fees and operating expenses for these Acquired Funds may be substantially higher or lower because certain fees and operating expenses are based on the performance of the Acquired Funds, which may fluctuate over time. Also included with the amount is an estimate of the annual fees and operating expenses of the SDLP. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio and Investment Activity—Senior Direct Lending Program” and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on the SDLP. The annual fees and operating expenses of the SDLP were estimated based on the funded portfolio of the SDLP as of December 31, 2023 and include interest payments on the senior notes and intermediate funding notes provided by Varagon and its clients, which represent 92% of such expenses. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Information about our senior securities (including preferred stock, debt securities and other indebtedness) is shown in the following tables as of the end of the last ten fiscal years. The report of our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, on the senior securities table as of December 31, 2023, is attached as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 10-K. The “-” indicates information that the SEC expressly does not require to be disclosed for certain types of senior securities.
Class and Year |  | Total Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Treasury Securities(1) |  | Asset Coverage Per Unit(2) |  | Involuntary Liquidating Preference Per Unit(3) |  | Average Market Value Per Unit(4) |  |
Revolving Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 1,413 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 2,246 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 1,507 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 1,180 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 2,250 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 1,064 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 395 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 571 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 515 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 170 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Revolving Funding Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 863 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 800 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 762 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 1,027 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 638 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 520 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 155 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 250 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 324 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
SMBC Funding Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 401 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 451 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 401 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 453 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 301 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 245 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 60 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 105 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 110 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 62 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
BNP Funding Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 575 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 245 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | — |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 150 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
SBA Debentures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Class and Year |  | Total Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Treasury Securities(1) |  | Asset Coverage Per Unit(2) |  | Involuntary Liquidating Preference Per Unit(3) |  | Average Market Value Per Unit(4) |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 25 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 22 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
February 2016 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | $ | 575 |  |  | $ | 2,213 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 575 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
June 2016 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | $ | 230 |  |  | $ | 2,213 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 230 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2017 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | $ | 163 |  |  | $ | 2,296 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 163 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 163 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2018 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | $ | 270 |  |  | $ | 2,415 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 270 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 270 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 270 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2019 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | $ | 300 |  |  | $ | 2,362 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 300 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 300 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 300 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 300 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2022 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | $ | 388 |  |  | $ | 1,792 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 388 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 388 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 388 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 388 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2024 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 403 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 403 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 403 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 403 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 403 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2018 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | $ | 750 |  |  | $ | 2,415 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 750 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 750 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 750 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2020 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | $ | 600 |  |  | $ | 2,362 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Class and Year |  | Total Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Treasury Securities(1) |  | Asset Coverage Per Unit(2) |  | Involuntary Liquidating Preference Per Unit(3) |  | Average Market Value Per Unit(4) |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 400 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2022 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | $ | 600 |  |  | $ | 1,824 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
February 2022 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | $ | 144 |  |  | $ | 2,292 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,024 |  |  |
October 2022 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | $ | 183 |  |  | $ | 2,296 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,017 |  |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 183 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,011 |  |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 183 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,013 |  |  |
2040 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | $ | 200 |  |  | $ | 2,292 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,040 |  |  |
2023 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | $ | 750 |  |  | $ | 1,772 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 750 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 750 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 750 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 750 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 750 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2024 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 900 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 900 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 900 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 900 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 900 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
March 2025 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 600 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 600 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 600 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 600 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 600 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
July 2025 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 1,250 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 750 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
January 2026 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 1,150 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 1,150 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 1,150 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Class and Year |  | Total Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Treasury Securities(1) |  | Asset Coverage Per Unit(2) |  | Involuntary Liquidating Preference Per Unit(3) |  | Average Market Value Per Unit(4) |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | 1,150 |  |  | 1,824 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
July 2026 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 1,000 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 1,000 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 1,000 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
January 2027 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 900 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
June 2027 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 500 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 500 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2028 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 1,250 |  |  | $ | 1,937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2031 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2023 |  | $ | 700 |  |  | $ | 1.937 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2022 |  | 700 |  |  | 1,772 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
Fiscal 2021 |  | 700 |  |  | 1,792 |  |  | — |  |  | N/A |  |
2047 Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fiscal 2020 |  | $ | 230 |  |  | $ | 1,824 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,013 |  |  |
Fiscal 2019 |  | 230 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,033 |  |  |
Fiscal 2018 |  | 230 |  |  | 2,362 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,013 |  |  |
Fiscal 2017 |  | 230 |  |  | 2,415 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,021 |  |  |
Fiscal 2016 |  | 230 |  |  | 2,296 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,015 |  |  |
Fiscal 2015 |  | 230 |  |  | 2,213 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,011 |  |  |
Fiscal 2014 |  | 230 |  |  | 2,292 |  |  | — |  |  | 985 |  |  |
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at principal value at the end of the period presented. (2)The asset coverage ratio for a class of senior securities representing indebtedness is calculated as our consolidated total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, divided by total senior securities representing indebtedness. This asset coverage ratio is multiplied by $1,000 to determine the “Asset Coverage Per Unit” (including for the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes, which were issued in $25 increments). In June 2016, we received exemptive relief from the SEC allowing us to modify the asset coverage requirements to exclude debentures issued by Ares Venture Finance, L.P. and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”), subject to the issuance of a capital commitment by the SBA and other customary procedures (the “SBA Debentures”), from this calculation. As such, the asset coverage ratio beginning with Fiscal 2016 excludes the SBA Debentures. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 and 2017 presentation. In particular, unamortized debt issuance costs were previously included in other assets and were reclassified to long‑term debt as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015‑03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Topic 835): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs during the first quarter of 2016. (3)The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon our involuntary liquidation in preference to any security junior to it. (4)Not applicable, except for with respect to the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes, as other senior securities are not registered for public trading on a stock exchange. The average market value per unit for each of the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes is based on the average daily prices of such notes and is expressed per $1,000 of indebtedness (including for the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes, which were issued in $25 increments). |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Averaging Method, Note [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The average market value per unit for each of the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes is based on the average daily prices of such notes and is expressed per $1,000 of indebtedness (including for the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes, which were issued in $25 increments). |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Headings, Note [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at principal value at the end of the period presented.The asset coverage ratio for a class of senior securities representing indebtedness is calculated as our consolidated total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, divided by total senior securities representing indebtedness. This asset coverage ratio is multiplied by $1,000 to determine the “Asset Coverage Per Unit” (including for the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes, which were issued in $25 increments). In June 2016, we received exemptive relief from the SEC allowing us to modify the asset coverage requirements to exclude debentures issued by Ares Venture Finance, L.P. and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”), subject to the issuance of a capital commitment by the SBA and other customary procedures (the “SBA Debentures”), from this calculation. As such, the asset coverage ratio beginning with Fiscal 2016 excludes the SBA Debentures. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 and 2017 presentation. In particular, unamortized debt issuance costs were previously included in other assets and were reclassified to long‑term debt as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015‑03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Topic 835): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs during the first quarter of 2016.The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon our involuntary liquidation in preference to any security junior to it.Not applicable, except for with respect to the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes, as other senior securities are not registered for public trading on a stock exchange. The average market value per unit for each of the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes is based on the average daily prices of such notes and is expressed per $1,000 of indebtedness (including for the February 2022 Notes, the October 2022 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2047 Notes, which were issued in $25 increments). |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. We invest primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, where we believe the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. However, we may from time to time invest in larger or smaller companies. We generally use the term “middle-market” to refer to companies with annual EBITDA between $10 million and $250 million. As used herein, EBITDA represents net income before net interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. We invest primarily in first lien senior secured loans (including “unitranche” loans, which are loans that combine both senior and subordinated debt, generally in a first lien position), and second lien senior secured loans. In addition to senior secured loans, we also invest in subordinated debt (sometimes referred to as mezzanine debt), which in some cases includes an equity component, and preferred equity. First and second lien senior secured loans generally are senior debt instruments that rank ahead of subordinated debt of a given portfolio company. Subordinated debt and preferred equity are subordinated to senior loans and are generally unsecured. Our investments in corporate borrowers generally range between $30 million and $500 million each. However, the investment sizes may be more or less than these ranges and may vary based on, among other things, our capital availability, the composition of our portfolio and general micro- and macro-economic factors. To a lesser extent, we also make common equity investments, which have generally been non-control equity investments of less than $20 million (usually in conjunction with a concurrent debt investment). However, we may increase the size or change the nature of these investments. The proportion of these types of investments will change over time given our views on, among other things, the economic and credit environment in which we are operating. In pursuit of our investment objective, we generally seek to self-originate investments and lead the investment process. The instruments in which we invest typically are not rated by any rating agency, but we believe that if such instruments were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, lower than “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services), which, under the guidelines established by these entities, is an indication of having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Bonds that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “high yield bonds” or “junk bonds.” We may invest without limit in debt or other securities of any rating, as well as debt or other securities that have not been rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization. We believe that our investment adviser, Ares Capital Management, is able to leverage the current investment platform, resources and existing relationships of Ares Management with financial sponsors, financial institutions, hedge funds and other investment firms to provide us with attractive investment opportunities. For purposes of this document, we refer to Ares Management and its affiliated companies (other than portfolio companies of its affiliated funds) as “Ares” and to funds or other investment vehicles managed by Ares or its affiliated companies, including our investment adviser, as “Ares funds.” In addition to deal flow, the Ares investment platform assists our investment adviser in analyzing, structuring and monitoring investments. Ares has been in existence for over 25 years and its partners have an average of approximately 25 years of investment experience in managing, advising, underwriting and restructuring companies. We have access to Ares’ investment professionals and administrative professionals, who provide assistance in accounting, finance, legal, compliance, operations, information technology, human resources and investor relations. As of December 31, 2023, Ares had over 950 investment professionals and over 1,850 administrative professionals. While our primary focus is to generate current income and capital appreciation through investments in first and second lien senior secured loans, subordinated debt and preferred equity and, to a lesser extent, equity securities of eligible portfolio companies, we also may invest up to 30% of our portfolio in non‑qualifying assets, as permitted by the Investment Company Act. Specifically, as part of this 30% basket, we may invest in entities that are not considered “eligible portfolio companies” (as defined in the Investment Company Act), including companies located outside of the United States, entities that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions under the Investment Company Act, and publicly traded entities whose public equity market capitalization exceeds the levels provided for under the Investment Company Act. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Factors [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider the risk factors described below, together with all of the other information included in this Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, before you decide whether to make an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the net asset value of our common stock and the trading price, if any, of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. RISK FACTOR SUMMARY The following is a summary of the principal risks that you should carefully consider before investing in our securities. •The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations. •Global economic, political and market conditions, including uncertainty about the financial stability of the United States, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. •A failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC may significantly reduce our operating flexibility and a failure to maintain our status as a RIC may subject us to additional corporate-level income taxes and reduce earnings available from which to pay dividends. •We are dependent upon certain key systems and personnel of Ares for our success and upon their access to other Ares investment professionals. •We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us. •We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. •Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted. •There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could impact our investment returns. •Most of our portfolio investments are not publicly traded and, as a result, the fair value of these investments may not be readily determinable. Additionally, to the extent that we need liquidity and need to sell assets, the lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business. •Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if a significant investment fails to perform as expected. •Declines in market prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would reduce our net asset value. •Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results. •Our investments, which are primarily in middle-market companies, may be risky and we could lose all or part of our investment. •Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged. •Our shares of common stock may trade at a price above or below net asset value. If our common stock trades at a discount to net asset value, our ability to raise capital may be limited. •Our ability to grow depends on our ability to raise capital. •Our asset coverage requirement is 150%, which may increase the risk of investing in us. •We and our portfolio companies and service providers may be subject to cybersecurity risks and our business could be adversely affected by changes to data protection laws and regulations. RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect the debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations. From time to time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such disruptions may result in, amongst other things, write-offs, the re-pricing of credit risk, the failure of financial institutions or worsening general economic conditions, any of which could materially and adversely impact the broader financial and credit markets and reduce the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. There can be no assurance these market conditions will not occur or worsen in the future, including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war and more recently the Israel-Hamas war, health epidemics and pandemics, rising interest rates or renewed inflationary pressure. Equity capital may be difficult to raise during such periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a BDC, we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than net asset value without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. We generally seek approval from our stockholders so that we have the flexibility to issue up to 25% of our then outstanding shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value. Pursuant to approval granted at a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, we are permitted to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by our board of directors. Such stockholder approval expires on August 8, 2024. Volatility and dislocation in the capital markets can also create a challenging environment in which to raise or access debt capital. Such conditions could make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness or obtain new indebtedness with similar terms and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. The debt capital that we have raised over the last year has been at higher rates than we have raised debt at in the past due to the higher interest rate environment we have been experiencing. The debt capital that will be available to us in the future, if at all, may continue to be at a higher cost, including as a result of the current interest rate environment, and on less favorable terms and conditions than what we have historically experienced. If we are unable to raise or refinance debt, then our equity investors may not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or to fund existing commitments to our portfolio companies. Significant disruption or volatility in the capital markets may also have a negative effect on the valuations of our investments. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). Significant disruption or volatility in the capital markets may also affect the pace of our investment activity and the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. Thus, the illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments to access capital if required, and as a result, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments if we were required to sell them for liquidity purposes. An inability to raise or access capital could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment. General interest rate fluctuations may have a negative impact on our investments and our investment returns and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on our investment objective and our net investment income. In an effort to combat inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Federal Reserve”) increased the federal funds rate in 2023. Although the Federal Reserve left its benchmark rates steady in the fourth quarter of 2023, it has indicated that additional rate increases in the future may be necessary to mitigate inflationary pressures and there can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve will not make upwards adjustments to the federal funds rate in the future. However, there are reports that the Federal Reserve may begin to cut the benchmark rates in 2024. Because we borrow money and may issue debt securities or preferred stock to make investments, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds or pay interest or dividends on such debt securities or preferred stock and the rate at which we invest these funds. In this period of rising interest rates, our interest income will increase as the majority of our portfolio bears interest at variable rates while our cost of funds will also increase, to a lesser extent, given the majority of our indebtedness bears interest at fixed rates, with the net impact being an increase to our net investment income, see “Item 7A. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Conversely, if interest rates decrease, we may earn less interest income from investments and our cost of funds will also decrease, to a lesser extent, resulting in lower net investment income. From time to time, we may also enter into certain hedging transactions to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates. We have entered into certain hedging transactions, such as interest rate swap agreements, to mitigate our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates, and we may do so again in the future. However, we cannot assure you that such transactions will be successful in mitigating our exposure to interest rate risk. There can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. Our portfolio primarily consists of floating rate investments as opposed to fixed rate investments. Market prices tend to fluctuate more for fixed-rate securities that have longer maturities. Although we have no policy governing the maturities of our investments, under current market conditions we expect that we will invest in a portfolio of debt generally having maturities of up to 10 years. Market prices for debt that pays a fixed rate of return tend to decline as interest rates rise. This means that we are subject to greater risk (other things being equal) than a fund invested solely in shorter-term, fixed-rate securities. Market prices for floating rate investments may also fluctuate in rising rate environments with prices tending to decline when credit spreads widen. A decline in the prices of the debt we own could adversely affect our net assets resulting from operations and the market price of our common stock. Rising interest rates may also increase the cost of debt for our underlying portfolio companies, which could adversely impact their financial performance and ability to meet ongoing obligations to us. Also, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make an investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to pay dividends at a level that provides a similar return, which could reduce the value of our common stock. Inflation has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies. Certain of our portfolio companies are in industries that have been impacted by inflation. Although the U.S. inflation rate has decreased in the fourth quarter, it remains well above the historic levels over the past several decades. Such inflationary pressures have increased the costs of labor, energy and raw materials and have adversely affected consumer spending, economic growth and our portfolio companies’ operations. If such portfolio companies are unable to pass any increases in their costs of operations along to their customers, it could adversely affect their operating results and impact their ability to pay interest and principal on our loans, particularly if interest rates rise in response to inflation. In addition, any projected future decreases in our portfolio companies’ operating results due to inflation could adversely impact the fair value of those investments. Any decreases in the fair value of our investments could result in future realized or unrealized losses and therefore reduce our net assets resulting from operations. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has raised certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. See “—We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment.” A failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC may significantly reduce our operating flexibility. If we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions and significantly decrease our operating flexibility. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under our outstanding indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We are dependent upon certain key personnel of Ares for our future success and upon their access to other Ares investment professionals. We depend on the diligence, skill, judgment, network of business contacts and personal reputations of certain key personnel of the Ares Credit Group and our future success depends on their continued service. We also depend, to a significant extent, on access to the investment professionals of other groups within Ares, the information and deal flow generated by Ares’ investment professionals in the course of their investment and portfolio management activities, as well as the support of senior business operations professionals of Ares. The departure or misconduct of any of these individuals, or of a significant number of the investment professionals or partners of Ares, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that Ares Capital Management will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to Ares’ investment professionals or its information and deal flow. Further, there can be no assurance that Ares Capital will replicate its own or Ares’ historical success, and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by other Ares funds. Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our ability to manage future growth effectively. Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to acquire suitable investments and monitor and administer those investments, which depends, in turn, on our investment adviser’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the structuring of our investment process and the ability of our investment adviser to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us. Our executive officers and the members of our investment adviser’s investment committee have substantial responsibilities in connection with their roles at Ares and with other Ares funds as well as responsibilities under the investment advisory and management agreement. They may also be called upon to provide significant managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order for us to grow, Ares will need to hire, train, supervise, manage and retain new employees. However, we cannot assure you that Ares will be able to do so effectively. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to grow depends on our ability to raise capital. We will need to periodically access the capital markets to raise cash to fund new investments in excess of our repayments, and we may also need to access the capital markets to refinance existing debt obligations to the extent such maturing obligations are not repaid with availability under our revolving credit facilities, which includes the Revolving Credit Facility, the Revolving Funding Facility, the SMBC Funding Facility and the BNP Funding Facility (the “Facilities”) or cash flows from operations. We have elected to be treated as a RIC and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax treatment applicable to RICs. Among other things, in order to maintain our RIC status, we must distribute to our stockholders on a timely basis generally an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, and, as a result, such distributions will not be available to fund investment originations or repay maturing debt. We must continue to borrow from financial institutions and issue additional securities to fund our growth. Unfavorable economic or capital market conditions may increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or could result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. An inability to successfully access the capital markets may limit our ability to refinance our existing debt obligations as they come due and/or to fully execute our business strategy and could limit our ability to grow or cause us to have to shrink the size of our business, which could decrease our earnings, if any. See “—The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect the debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations.” In addition, we are currently allowed to borrow amounts or issue debt securities or preferred stock, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% immediately after such borrowing (i.e., we are able to borrow up to two dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). Such requirement, in certain circumstances, may restrict our ability to borrow or issue debt securities or preferred stock. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our investment adviser’s and our board of directors’ assessments of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing or issuance of senior securities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or increase the amount available to us under our current Facilities, obtain other lines of credit or issue senior securities at all or on terms acceptable to us. Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. We may issue senior securities or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, up to the maximum amount permitted by the Investment Company Act. As a BDC, we are currently permitted to incur indebtedness or issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% after each such incurrence or issuance (i.e., we are able to borrow up to two dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test, which may prohibit us from paying dividends and could prevent us from maintaining our status as a RIC or may prohibit us from repurchasing shares of our common stock. In addition, our inability to satisfy this test could cause an event of default under our existing indebtedness. If we cannot satisfy this test, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness. Accordingly, any failure to satisfy this test could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As of December 31, 2023, our asset coverage calculated in accordance with the Investment Company Act was 194%. Also, to generate cash for funding new investments, we may in the future seek to issue additional debt or to securitize certain of our loans. The Investment Company Act may impose restrictions on the structure of any such securitization. We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the current net asset value per share of our common stock if our board of directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. Any such sale would be dilutive to the net asset value per share of our common stock. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any commission or discount). If our common stock trades at a discount to net asset value, this restriction could adversely affect our ability to raise capital. Pursuant to approval granted at a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, we are permitted to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by our board of directors. Such stockholder approval expires on August 8, 2024. We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us. Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in our securities. We currently borrow under the Facilities and have issued or assumed other senior securities, and in the future may borrow from, or issue additional senior securities to, banks, insurance companies, funds, institutional investors and other lenders and investors. Lenders and holders of such senior securities have fixed dollar claims on our consolidated assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders or any preferred stockholders. If the value of our consolidated assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value per share of our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not incurred leverage. Conversely, if the value of our consolidated assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not incurred leverage. Similarly, any increase in our consolidated income in excess of consolidated interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net income to increase more than it would had we not incurred leverage, while any decrease in our consolidated income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not incurred leverage. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make common stock dividend payments. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $3.3 billion of outstanding borrowings under the Facilities, approximately $403 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes that mature on March 1, 2024 (the “2024 Convertible Notes”) and approximately $8.3 billion in aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior unsecured notes comprised of $900 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on June 10, 2024 and bear interest at a rate of 4.200% (the “2024 Notes”), $600 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on March 1, 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 4.250% (the “March 2025 Notes”), $1,250 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on July 15, 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 3.250% (the “July 2025 Notes”), $1,150 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on January 15, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 3.875% (the “January 2026 Notes”), $1,000 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on July 15, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 2.150% (the “July 2026 Notes”), $900 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on January 15, 2027 and bear interest at a rate of 7.000% (the “January 2027 Notes”) which was swapped from a fixed rate to a floating rate of one-month SOFR plus 2.581% under the interest rate swap agreements, $500 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on June 15, 2027 and bear interest at a rate of 2.875% (the “June 2027 Notes”), $1,250 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on June 15, 2028 and bear interest at a rate of 2.875% (the “2028 Notes”) and $700 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2031 and bear interest at a rate of 3.200% (the “2031 Notes” and together with the 2024 Notes, the March 2025 Notes, the July 2025 Notes, the January 2026 Notes, the July 2026 Notes, the January 2027 Notes, the June 2027 Notes and the 2028 Notes, the “Unsecured Notes”). In order for us to cover our annual interest payments on our outstanding indebtedness at December 31, 2023, we must achieve annual returns on our December 31, 2023 total assets of at least 2.4%. The weighted average stated interest rate charged on our principal amount of outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2023 was 4.8%. We intend to continue borrowing under the Facilities in the future and we may increase the size of the Facilities or issue additional debt securities or other evidences of indebtedness (although there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments,” as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a subsequent event relating to an additional issuance of unsecured notes and the BNP Funding Facility. For more information on our indebtedness, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Our ability to service our debt depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The amount of leverage that we employ at any particular time will depend on our investment adviser’s and our board of directors’ assessments of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing and is subject to our compliance with our asset coverage requirement following any such borrowing. The Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC. A failure to renew the Facilities or to add new or replacement debt facilities or to issue additional debt securities or other evidences of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The following table illustrates the effect on return to a holder of our common stock of the leverage created by our use of borrowing at the weighted average stated interest rate of 4.8% as of December 31, 2023, together with (a) our total value of net assets as of December 31, 2023; (b) approximately $11.9 billion in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and (c) hypothetical annual returns on our portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%.
Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses)(1) |  |  | -10.00 | % |  | -5.00 | % |  | — | % |  | 5.00 | % |  | 10.00 | % |  |
Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders(2) |  |  | -26.36 | % |  | -15.74 | % |  | -5.12 | % |  | 5.51 | % |  | 16.13 | % |  |
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)The assumed portfolio return is required by SEC regulations and is not a prediction of, and does not represent, our projected or actual performance. Actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table. Pursuant to SEC regulations, this table is calculated as of December 31, 2023. As a result, it has not been updated to take into account any changes in assets or leverage since December 31, 2023. (2)In order to compute the “Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders,” the “Assumed Return on Portfolio” is multiplied by the total value of our assets at December 31, 2023 to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense (calculated by multiplying the weighted average stated interest rate of 4.8% by the approximately $11.9 billion of principal debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023) is subtracted to determine the return available to stockholders. The return available to stockholders is then divided by the total value of our net assets as of December 31, 2023 to determine the “Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders.” In addition to regulatory requirements that restrict our ability to raise capital, the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes contain various covenants that, if not complied with, could accelerate repayment under the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. The agreements governing the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes require us to comply with certain financial and operational covenants. These covenants may include, among other things: •restrictions on the level of indebtedness that we are permitted to incur in relation to the value of our assets; •restrictions on our ability to incur liens; and •maintenance of a minimum level of stockholders’ equity. As of the date of this Annual Report, we are in compliance in all material respects with the covenants of the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes. However, our continued compliance with these covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. For example, depending on the condition of the public debt and equity markets and pricing levels, unrealized depreciation in our portfolio may increase in the future. Any such increase could result in our inability to comply with our obligation to restrict the level of indebtedness that we are able to incur in relation to the value of our assets or to maintain a minimum level of stockholders’ equity. Accordingly, although we believe we will continue to be in compliance, there are no assurances that we will continue to comply with the covenants in the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes or the Unsecured Notes, that, if we were unable to obtain a waiver from the lenders or holders of such indebtedness, as applicable, such lenders or holders could accelerate repayment under such indebtedness and thereby have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we make in middle-market companies. We compete with other BDCs, public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, insurance companies, hedge funds, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Some of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than we do. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on us as a BDC and that the Code imposes on us as a RIC. In addition, new competitors frequently enter the financing markets in which we operate. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to pursue attractive investment opportunities from time to time. We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer and we believe that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. Rather, we compete with our competitors based on our existing investment platform, seasoned investment professionals, experience and focus on middle-market companies, disciplined investment philosophy, extensive industry focus and flexible transaction structuring. For a more detailed discussion of these competitive advantages, see “Item 1. Business—Competitive Advantages.” We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. The loss of such investment opportunities may limit our ability to grow or cause us to have to shrink the size of our portfolio, which could decrease our earnings. If we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit loss. As a result of operating in such a competitive environment, we may make investments that are on less favorable terms than what we may have originally anticipated, which may impact our return on these investments. Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted. As a BDC, we are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from participating in certain transactions with certain of our affiliates without the prior approval of a majority of our independent directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Among other things, any person that, directly or indirectly, owns, controls or holds with the power to vote 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is an affiliate of ours for the purposes of the Investment Company Act. We are generally prohibited from buying or selling any securities (other than our securities) from or to an affiliate. The Investment Company Act also prohibits us from participating in certain “joint” transactions with certain of our affiliates which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without the prior approval of our independent directors and, in cases where the affiliate is presumed to control us (i.e., they own more than 25% of our voting securities), prior approval of the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than our securities) from or to any portfolio company of a fund managed by any affiliate of our investment adviser, or entering into joint arrangements, such as certain co-investments with these companies or funds, without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to us. We rely on the Co-Investment Exemptive Order granted to us, our investment adviser and certain of its affiliates by the SEC that allows us to engage in co-investment transactions with other affiliated funds managed by our investment adviser, subject to certain terms and conditions. However, while the terms of the Co-Investment Exemptive Order require that we be given the opportunity to participate in certain transactions originated by our investment adviser or its affiliates, we ultimately may not participate in those transactions. In addition, based on guidelines approved by our board of directors, we may not see certain transactions originated by our investment adviser or its affiliates. This also may limit the scope of investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to us. There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could impact our investment returns. Conflicts may arise in allocating and structuring investments, time, services, expenses or resources among the investment activities of Ares funds, Ares, other Ares-affiliated entities and the employees of Ares. Certain of our executive officers and directors, and members of the investment committee of our investment adviser, serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities, including other Ares funds. These officers and directors will devote such portion of their time to our affairs as is required for the performance of their duties, but they are not required to devote all of their time to us. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in our or our stockholders’ best interests or may require them to devote time to services for other entities, which could interfere with the time available to provide services to us. Members of our investment adviser’s investment committee may have significant responsibilities for other Ares funds. Similarly, although the professional staff of our investment adviser will devote as much time to the management of us as appropriate to enable our investment adviser to perform its duties in accordance with the investment advisory and management agreement, the investment professionals of our investment adviser may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among us, on the one hand, and investment vehicles managed by our investment adviser or one or more of its affiliates, on the other hand. These activities could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest insofar as the time and effort of the professional staff of our investment adviser and its officers and employees will not be devoted exclusively to our business but will instead be allocated between our business and the management of these other investment vehicles. In addition, certain Ares funds may have investment objectives that compete or overlap with, and may from time to time invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by, Ares Capital. Consequently, we, on the one hand, and these other entities, on the other hand, may from time to time pursue the same or similar capital and investment opportunities. Ares and our investment adviser endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, and in any event consistent with any fiduciary duties owed to Ares Capital. Nevertheless, it is possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds managed by investment managers affiliated with Ares (including our investment adviser) and, if given such opportunity, may not be allowed to participate in such investments without the prior approval of our directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, the prior approval of the SEC. In addition, there may be conflicts in the allocation of investments among us and the funds managed by investment managers affiliated with Ares (including our investment adviser) or one or more of our controlled affiliates or among the funds they manage, including investments made pursuant to the Co-Investment Exemptive Order. Further, such other Ares funds may hold positions in portfolio companies in which Ares Capital has also invested. Such investments may raise potential conflicts of interest between Ares Capital and such other Ares funds, particularly if Ares Capital and such other Ares funds invest in different classes or types of securities or investments of the same underlying portfolio company. In that regard, actions may be taken by such other Ares funds that are adverse to Ares Capital’s interests, including, but not limited to, during a restructuring, bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding or similar matter occurring at the underlying portfolio company. We have from time to time sold assets to IHAM and certain of the IHAM Vehicles and, as part of our investment strategy, we may offer to sell additional assets to vehicles managed by one or more of our affiliates (including IHAM) or we may purchase assets from vehicles managed by one or more of our affiliates (including IHAM). In addition, vehicles managed by one or more of our affiliates (including IHAM) may offer assets to or may purchase assets from one another. While assets may be sold or purchased at prices that are consistent with those that could be obtained from third parties in the marketplace, and although these types of transactions generally require approval of one or more independent parties, there may be an inherent conflict of interest in such transactions between us and funds managed by one of our affiliates (including our investment adviser). We pay a base management fee, an income based fee and a capital gains incentive fee to our investment adviser, and reimburse our investment adviser for certain expenses it incurs. Ares, from time to time, incurs fees, costs, and expenses on behalf of more than one fund. To the extent such fees, costs, and expenses are incurred for the account or benefit of more than one fund, each such fund will typically bear an allocable portion of any such fees, costs, and expenses in proportion to the size of its investment in the activity or entity to which such expense relates (subject to the terms of each fund’s governing documents) or in such other manner as Ares considers fair and equitable under the circumstances such as the relative fund size or capital available to be invested by such funds. Where a fund’s governing documents do not permit the payment of a particular expense, Ares will generally pay such fund’s allocable portion of such expense. In addition, investors in our common stock will invest on a gross basis and receive distributions on a net basis after expenses, resulting in, among other things, a lower rate of return than one might achieve if distributions were made on a gross basis. Our investment adviser’s base management fee is based on a percentage of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) and, consequently, our investment adviser may have conflicts of interest in connection with decisions that could affect our total assets, such as decisions as to whether to incur indebtedness or to make future investments. We are currently allowed to borrow amounts subject to our compliance with our asset coverage requirement following any such borrowing. Accordingly, our investment adviser may have conflicts of interest in connection with decisions to use increased leverage permitted under our asset coverage requirement applicable to senior securities, as the incurrence of such additional indebtedness would result in an increase in the base management fees payable to our investment adviser and may also result in an increase in the income based fees and capital gains incentive fees payable to our investment adviser. The income based fees payable by us to our investment adviser that relate to our pre-incentive fee net investment income is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of such fee will become uncollectible. Our investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the income based fees it received that were based on accrued interest that we never actually receive. Our investment advisory and management agreement renews for successive annual periods if approved by our board of directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, including, in either case, approval by a majority of our directors who are not “interested persons” of us as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act. However, both we and our investment adviser have the right to terminate the agreement without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Moreover, conflicts of interest may arise if our investment adviser seeks to change the terms of our investment advisory and management agreement, including, for example, the terms for compensation to our investment adviser. While any material change to the investment advisory and management agreement must be submitted to stockholders for approval under the Investment Company Act, we may from time to time decide it is appropriate to seek stockholder approval to change the terms of the agreement. We are party to an administration agreement with our administrator, Ares Operations, a subsidiary of Ares Management, pursuant to which our administrator furnishes us with administrative services and we pay our administrator at cost our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses (including travel expenses) incurred by our administrator in performing its obligations under our administration agreement, including our allocable portion of the compensation, rent, and other expenses of certain of our officers (including our chief compliance officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, general counsel, secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer) and their respective staffs, but not investment professionals. Our wholly owned portfolio company, IHAM, is party to an administration agreement, referred to herein as the “IHAM administration agreement,” with Ares Operations. Pursuant to the IHAM administration agreement, our administrator provides IHAM with administrative services and IHAM reimburses our administrator for all of the actual costs associated with such services, including its allocable portion of our administrator’s overhead and the cost of our administrator’s officers and respective staff in performing its obligations under the IHAM administration agreement. Prior to entering into the IHAM administration agreement, IHAM was party to a services agreement with our investment adviser, pursuant to which our investment adviser provided similar services. As a result of the arrangements described above, there may be times when the management team of Ares Management (including those members of management focused primarily on managing Ares Capital) has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict. Additionally, the members of management focused on managing us will also manage other Ares funds, and, consequently, will need to devote significant attention and time to managing other Ares funds, in addition to us. Our stockholders may have conflicting investment, tax and other objectives with respect to their investments in us. The conflicting interests of individual stockholders may relate to or arise from, among other things, the nature of our investments, the structure or the acquisition of our investments, and the timing of dispositions of our investments. As a consequence, conflicts of interest may arise in connection with decisions made by our investment adviser, including with respect to the nature or structuring of our investments, that may be more beneficial for one stockholder than for another stockholder, especially with respect to stockholders’ individual tax situations. In selecting and structuring investments appropriate for us, our investment adviser will consider the investment and tax objectives of the Company and our stockholders, as a whole, not the investment, tax or other objectives of any stockholder individually. We may be subject to additional corporate-level income taxes if we fail to maintain our status as a RIC. We have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax treatment applicable to RICs. As a RIC, we generally will not pay U.S. federal corporate-level income taxes on our income and net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends on a timely basis. We will be subject to U.S. federal corporate-level income tax on any undistributed income and/or gains. To maintain our status as a RIC, we must meet certain source of income, asset diversification and annual distribution requirements. We may also be subject to certain U.S. federal excise taxes, as well as state, local and foreign taxes. To maintain our RIC status, we must timely distribute an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (as defined by the Code, which generally includes net ordinary income and net short term capital gains) to our stockholders (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”). We have the ability to pay a large portion of our dividends in shares of our stock, and as long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash and other requirements are met, such stock dividends will be taxable as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This may result in our U.S. stockholders having to pay tax on such dividends, even if no cash is received, and may result in our non-U.S. stockholders being subject to withholding tax in respect of amounts distributed in our stock. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the Investment Company Act and financial covenants under our indebtedness that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to maintain our status as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax on all of our income and/or gains. To maintain our status as a RIC, in addition to the Annual Distribution Requirement, we must also meet certain annual source of income requirements at the end of each taxable year and asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to (a) dispose of certain investments quickly or (b) raise additional capital to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments are in private companies and are generally illiquid, any such dispositions may be at disadvantageous prices and may result in losses. Also, the rules applicable to our qualification as a RIC are complex with many areas of uncertainty. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we have qualified or will continue to qualify as a RIC. If we fail to maintain our status as a RIC for any reason and become subject to regular “C” corporation income tax, the resulting corporate-level income taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and on any investment in us. Certain provisions of the Code provide some relief from RIC disqualification due to failures of the source of income and asset diversification requirements, although there may be additional taxes due in such cases. We cannot assure you that we would qualify for any such relief should we fail the source of income or asset diversification requirements. We may have difficulty paying our required distributions under applicable tax rules if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be required to include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount, which may arise, for example, if we receive warrants in connection with the making of a loan, or PIK interest representing contractual interest added to the loan principal balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such original issue discount or PIK interest is included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash, including, for example, amounts attributable to hedging and foreign currency transactions. Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income before or without receiving cash in respect of such income, we may have difficulty meeting the U.S. federal income tax requirement to distribute generally an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to maintain our status as a RIC. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC and thus be subject to additional corporate-level income taxes. Such a failure could have a material adverse effect on us and on any investment in us. Most of our portfolio investments are not publicly traded and, as a result, the fair value of these investments may not be readily determinable. A large percentage of our portfolio investments are not publicly traded. The fair value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. We value these investments quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by our investment adviser, as the valuation designee, subject to the oversight of our board of directors, based on, among other things, the input of independent third-party valuation firms that have been engaged to support the valuation of such portfolio investments at least once during a trailing 12-month period (with certain de minimis exceptions) and subject to a valuation policy and valuation procedures. The valuation process is conducted at the end of each fiscal quarter by our investment adviser, and a portion of our investment portfolio at fair value is subject to review by an independent third-party valuation firm each quarter. However, we may use these independent valuation firms to review the value of our investments more frequently, including in connection with the occurrence of significant events or changes in value affecting a particular investment. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm obtains an understanding of, and performs select procedures relating to, our valuation process within the context of performing our integrated audit. The types of factors that may be considered in valuing our investments include the enterprise value of the portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal markets and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed and may differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize. Our net asset value per share could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of these investments are higher than the values that we realize upon disposition of such investments. The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business. As we generally make investments in private companies, substantially all of these investments are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments or could be unable to dispose of our investments in a timely manner. In addition, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we or an affiliated manager of Ares has material non-public information regarding such portfolio company. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if a significant investment fails to perform as expected. Our investment portfolio includes investments that may be significant individually or in the aggregate. If a significant investment in one or more companies fails to perform as expected, such a failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results, and the magnitude of such effect could be more significant than if we had further diversified our portfolio. Our investment portfolio includes our investment in IHAM, a wholly owned portfolio company, which as of December 31, 2023, represented 8.7% of our total portfolio at fair value. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 10.4% of our total investment income was earned from our investment in IHAM. For more information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio and Investment Activity—Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P.” and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. Increasing scrutiny from stakeholders and regulators with respect to ESG matters may impose additional costs and expose us to additional risks. Our business (including that of our portfolio companies) faces increasing public scrutiny related to Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) activities, which are increasingly considered to contribute to reducing a company’s operational risk, market risk and reputational risk, which may in turn impact the long-term sustainability of a company’s performance. A variety of organizations measure the performance of companies on ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized. In addition, investment in funds that specialize in companies that perform well in such assessments are increasingly popular, and major institutional investors have publicly emphasized the importance of such ESG ratings and measures to their investment decisions. We risk damage to our brand and reputation if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, including, but not limited to diversity, equity and inclusion, human rights, climate change and environmental stewardship, support for local communities, corporate governance, transparency and consideration of ESG factors in our investment processes. Adverse incidents with respect to ESG activities could impact the value of our brand, our relationship with existing and future portfolio companies, the cost of our operations and relationships with investors, all of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. However, regional and investor specific sentiment may differ in what constitutes a material positive or negative ESG corporate practice. There is no guarantee that Ares’ ESG and sustainability practices will uniformly fit every investor’s definition of best practices for all environmental, social and governance considerations across geographies and investor types. If we do not successfully manage expectations across varied stakeholder interests, it could erode stakeholder trust, impact our reputation and constrain our investment opportunities. Additionally, new regulatory initiatives related to ESG that are applicable to us and our portfolio companies could adversely affect our business. For example, in May 2018, the European Commission adopted an “action plan on financing sustainable growth.” The action plan is, among other things, designed to define and reorient investment toward sustainability. The action plan contemplates: establishing European Union (the “EU”) labels for green financial products; clarifying asset managers’ and institutional investors’ duties regarding sustainability in their investment decision-making processes; increasing disclosure requirements in the financial services sector around ESG and strengthening the transparency of companies on their ESG policies and introducing a ‘green supporting factor’ in the EU prudential rules for banks and insurance companies to incorporate climate risks into banks’ and insurance companies’ risk management policies. There is a risk that a significant reorientation in the market following the implementation of these and further measures could be adverse to our portfolio companies if they are perceived to be less valuable as a consequence of, e.g., their carbon footprint or “greenwashing” (i.e., the holding out of a product as having green or sustainable characteristics where this is not, in fact, the case). We and our portfolio companies are subject to the risk that similar measures might be introduced in other jurisdictions in the future. There is also a growing regulatory interest across jurisdictions in improving transparency regarding the definition, measurement and disclosure of ESG factors in order to allow investors to validate and better understand sustainability claims. In 2021, the SEC established an enforcement task force to look into ESG practices and disclosures by public companies and investment managers and has started to bring enforcement actions based on ESG disclosures not matching actual investment processes. Further, in 2022 the SEC issued a proposed rule regarding the enhancement and standardization of mandatory climate-related disclosures for investors that would mandate extensive disclosure of climate-related data, risks, and opportunities for certain public companies. In addition, the SEC has announced that it is working on proposals for mandatory disclosure of certain ESG-related matters, including with respect to board diversity and human capital management. At this time, there is uncertainty regarding the scope of such proposals or when they would become effective (if at all). Compliance with any new laws or regulations increases our regulatory burden and could make compliance more difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we or our portfolio companies conduct our businesses and adversely affect our profitability. We and/or our portfolio companies may be materially and adversely impacted by global climate change. Climate change is widely considered to be a significant threat to the global economy. Our business operations and our portfolio companies may face risks associated with climate change, including risks related to the impact of climate-related legislation and regulation (both domestically and internationally), risks related to climate-related business trends (such as the process of transitioning to a lower-carbon economy), and risks stemming from the physical impacts of climate change, such as the increasing frequency or severity of extreme weather events and rising sea levels and temperatures. We, our executive officers, directors, and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees could be the target of litigation or regulatory investigations. We, as well as our investment adviser and its affiliates, participate in a highly regulated industry and are each subject to regulatory examinations in the ordinary course of business. There can be no assurance that we, our executive officers, directors, and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees will avoid regulatory investigation and possible enforcement actions stemming therefrom. Our investment adviser is a registered investment adviser and, as such, is subject to the provisions of the Advisers Act. We and our investment adviser are each, from time to time, subject to formal and informal examinations, investigations, inquiries, audits and reviews from numerous regulatory authorities both in response to issues and questions raised in such examinations or investigations and in connection with the changing priorities of the applicable regulatory authorities across the market in general. We, our executive officers, directors, and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees could also be named as defendants in, or otherwise become involved in, litigation. Litigation and regulatory actions can be time-consuming and expensive and can lead to unexpected losses, which expenses and losses are often subject to indemnification by us. Legal proceedings could continue without resolution for long periods of time and their outcomes, which could materially and adversely affect our value or the ability of our investment adviser to manage us, are often impossible to anticipate. our investment adviser would likely be required to expend significant resources responding to any litigation or regulatory action related to it, and these actions could be a distraction to the activities of our investment adviser. Our investment activities are subject to the normal risks of becoming involved in litigation by third parties. These risks would be somewhat greater if we were to exercise control or significant influence over a portfolio company’s direction. The expense of defending against claims by third parties and paying any amounts pursuant to settlements or judgments would, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved by our investment adviser, our administrator, or any of our officers, be borne by us and would reduce our net assets. Our investment adviser and others are indemnified by us in connection with such litigation, subject to certain conditions. Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies, changes in the interpretation thereof or enacted laws or regulations could require changes to certain business practices of us or our portfolio companies, negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us or our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. We and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation by laws and regulations at the local, state, federal and, in some cases, foreign levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may be changed from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, or enacted laws or regulations could require changes to certain business practices of us or our portfolio companies, negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us or our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. Over the past several years, there also has been increasing regulatory attention to the extension of credit outside of the traditional banking sector, raising the possibility that some portion of the non-bank financial sector may be subject to new regulation. While it cannot be known at this time whether any regulation will be implemented or what form it will take, increased regulation of non-bank lending could be materially adverse to our business, financial conditions and results of operations. Regulators are also increasing scrutiny and considering regulation of the use of artificial intelligence technologies. We cannot predict what, if any, actions may be taken or the impact such actions may have on our business and results of operations. Additionally, legislative or other actions relating to taxes could have a negative effect on us. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by legislators and by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the U.S. Treasury Department. We cannot predict how future tax proposals and changes in U.S. tax laws, rates, regulations or other guidance issued under existing tax laws, might affect us, our business, our stockholders, or our portfolio companies in the long-term. New legislation and any U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting such legislation could significantly and negatively affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies or could have other adverse consequences. For example, such decisions and legislation may impact our ability to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC or negatively affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to us and our stockholders as a result of such qualification. Stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisor regarding tax legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our securities. Our investment adviser’s liability is limited under the investment advisory and management agreement, and we are required to indemnify our investment adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead our investment adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. Our investment adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the investment advisory and management agreement, and it will not be responsible for any action of our board of directors in declining to follow our investment adviser’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the investment advisory and management agreement, our investment adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and members and any other persons affiliated with it will not be liable to us for their acts under the investment advisory and management agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. We have agreed to indemnify, defend and protect our investment adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and members and any other persons or entities affiliated with it with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of our investment adviser’s duties or obligations under the investment advisory and management agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser for us, and not arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties under the investment advisory and management agreement. These protections may lead our investment adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Investments—Our investment adviser’s fee structure may induce it to make certain investments on our behalf, including speculative investments.” We may be obligated to pay our investment adviser certain fees even if we incur a loss. Our investment adviser is entitled to income based fees for each fiscal quarter in an amount equal to a percentage of the excess of our pre-incentive fee net investment income for that quarter (before deducting any income based fee and capital gains incentive fees and certain other items) above a threshold return for that quarter. Our pre-incentive fee net investment income for income based fee purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses or depreciation and income taxes related to realized gains that we may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital losses or depreciation and income taxes related to realized gains result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay our investment adviser income based fees for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or the net asset value of our common stock or we incur a net loss for that quarter. Under the investment advisory and management agreement, we will defer cash payment of any income based fee and the capital gains incentive fee otherwise earned by our investment adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter periods ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made, the sum of (a) our aggregate distributions to our stockholders and (b) our change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any income based fees or capital gains incentive fees accrued during the period) is less than 7.0% of our net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness) at the beginning of such period. These calculations will be adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. Any such deferred fees will be carried over for payment in subsequent calculation periods to the extent such payment can then be made under the investment advisory and management agreement. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide interest, it is possible that accrued and unpaid interest previously used in the calculation of income based fees will become uncollectible. Our investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of income based fees it received that was based on accrued income that we never receive. We are highly dependent on the information systems of Ares Management and operational risks including systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends. Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems of Ares Management, the parent of our investment adviser and our administrator. In this Annual Report, we sometimes refer to hardware, software, information and communications systems maintained by Ares Management and used by us, our investment adviser and our administrator as “our” systems. We also face operational risk from transactions and key data not being properly recorded, evaluated or accounted for with respect to our portfolio companies. In addition, we face operational risk from errors made in the execution, confirmation or settlement of transactions. In particular, our investment adviser is highly dependent on its ability to process and evaluate, on a daily basis, transactions across markets and geographies in a time-sensitive, efficient and accurate manner. Consequently, we and our investment adviser and administrator rely heavily on Ares Management’s financial, accounting and other data processing systems. In addition, we operate in a business that is highly dependent on information systems and technology. Ares Management’s and our information systems and technology may not continue to be able to accommodate our growth, and the cost of maintaining the information systems and technology, which may be partially allocated to or borne by us, may increase from its current level. Such a failure to accommodate growth, or an increase in costs related to the information systems and technology, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Furthermore, a disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our businesses, including a disruption involving electronic communications, human resources systems or other services used by us, our investment adviser, our administrator or third parties with whom we conduct business could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue to operate our businesses without interruption. Although we and Ares Management have disaster recovery programs in place, these may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse us for any losses as a result of such a disaster or disruption, if at all. We and Ares Management also rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our respective businesses, including for certain information systems, technology and administration of our portfolio company investments and compliance matters. Operational risks could increase as vendors increasingly offer mobile and cloud-based software services rather than software services that can be operated within Ares Management’s own data centers, as certain aspects of the security of such technologies may be complex, unpredictable or beyond our or Ares Management’s control, and any failure by mobile technology or cloud service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and prevent cyber-attacks could disrupt our operations and result in misappropriation, corruption or loss of confidential, proprietary or personal information. In addition, our counterparties’ information systems, technology or accounts may be the target of cyber-attacks. Any interruption or deterioration in the performance of these third parties or the service providers of our counterparties or failures or vulnerabilities of their respective information systems or technology could impair the quality of our funds’ operations and could impact our reputation, adversely affect our businesses and limit our ability to grow. Finally, there has been significant evolution and developments in the use of artificial intelligence technologies, such as ChatGPT. We cannot fully determine the impact of such evolving technology to our business at this time. RISKS RELATING TO OUR INVESTMENTS Declines in market prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would reduce our net asset value. As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by our investment adviser, as the valuation designee, subject to the oversight of our board of directors. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material. We may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments: the enterprise value of a portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal markets and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can also adversely affect our investment valuations. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio can reduce our net asset value (and, as a result our asset coverage calculation) by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized and/or unrealized losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results. The current macroeconomic environment is characterized by labor shortages, high interest rates, persistent inflation, foreign currency exchange volatility, volatility in global capital markets and growing recession risk. The risks associated with our and our portfolio companies’ businesses are more severe during periods of economic slowdown or recession. Many of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic downturns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, during these periods our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease if we are required to write down the values of our investments. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results. We experienced to some extent such effects as a result of the economic downturn that occurred throughout portions of the past four fiscal years and from 2008 through 2009 and may experience such effects again in any future downturn or recession. A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its assets representing collateral for its obligations, which could trigger cross defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt investments that we hold and the value of any equity securities we own. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. Investments in privately held middle-market companies involve significant risks. We primarily invest in privately held U.S. middle-market companies. Investments in privately held middle-market companies involve a number of significant risks, including the following: •these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of us realizing our investment; •they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns; •they typically depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse effect on such portfolio company and, in turn, on us; •there is generally little public information about these companies. These companies and their financial information are generally not subject to the Exchange Act and other regulations that govern public companies, and we may be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, which may prevent us from making a fully informed investment decision and cause us to lose money on our investments; •they generally have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position; •we, our executive officers, directors and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in our portfolio companies and may, as a result, incur significant costs and expenses in connection with such litigation; •changes in laws and regulations (including the tax laws), as well as their interpretations, may adversely affect their business, financial structure or prospects; and •they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs. Our debt investments may be risky and we could lose all or part of our investment. The debt that we invest in is typically not initially rated by any rating agency, but we believe that if such investments were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, lower than “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services), which under the guidelines established by these entities is an indication of having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Bonds that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “high yield bonds” or “junk bonds.” Therefore, our investments may result in an above average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal. While the debt we invest in is often secured, such security does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the terms of the loan, or that the value of any collateral will be sufficient to allow us to recover all or a portion of the outstanding amount of the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies. Some of the loans in which we may invest may be “covenant-lite” loans, which means the loans contain fewer covenants than other loans (in some cases, none) and may not include terms which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. An investment by us in a covenant-lite loan may potentially hinder the ability to reprice credit risk associated with the issuer and reduce the ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. We may also experience delays in enforcing our rights under covenant-lite loans. As a result of these risks, our exposure to losses may be increased, which could result in an adverse impact on our net income and net asset value. We also may invest in assets other than first and second lien and subordinated debt investments, including high-yield securities, U.S. government securities, credit derivatives and other structured securities and certain direct equity investments. These investments entail additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns. Investments in equity securities, many of which are illiquid with no readily available market, involve a substantial degree of risk. We may purchase common and other equity securities. Although common stock has historically generated higher average total returns than fixed income securities over the long-term, common stock also has experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. The equity securities we acquire may fail to appreciate and may decline in value or become worthless and our ability to recover our investment will depend on the underlying portfolio company’s success. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including: •any equity investment we make in a portfolio company could be subject to further dilution as a result of the issuance of additional equity interests and to serious risks as a junior security that will be subordinate to all indebtedness (including trade creditors) or senior securities in the event that the issuer is unable to meet its obligations or becomes subject to a bankruptcy process; •to the extent that the portfolio company requires additional capital and is unable to obtain it, we may not recover our investment; and •in some cases, equity securities in which we invest will not pay current dividends, and our ability to realize a return on our investment, as well as to recover our investment, will be dependent on the success of the portfolio company. Even if the portfolio company is successful, our ability to realize the value of our investment may be dependent on the occurrence of a liquidity event, such as a public offering or the sale of the portfolio company. It is likely to take a significant amount of time before a liquidity event occurs or we can otherwise sell our investment. In addition, the equity securities we receive or invest in may be subject to restrictions on resale during periods in which it could be advantageous to sell them. There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including: •preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If we own a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, we may be required to report income for tax purposes before we receive such distributions; •preferred securities are subordinated to debt in terms of priority to income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than debt; •preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stock or U.S. government securities; and •generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company, subject to limited exceptions. Additionally, when we invest in first lien senior secured loans (including “unitranche” loans, which are loans that combine both senior and subordinated debt, generally in a first lien position), second lien senior secured loans or subordinated debt, we may acquire warrants or other equity securities as well. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the equity securities of investment funds that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions to the Investment Company Act and in advisers to similar investment funds and, to the extent we so invest, will bear our ratable share of any such company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We will also remain obligated to pay the base management fee, income based fee and capital gains incentive fee to our investment adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of such companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our common stockholders will bear his or her share of the base management fee, income based fee and capital gains incentive fee due to our investment adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any such investment funds or advisers. There may be circumstances in which our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims. If one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, even though we may have structured our interest as senior debt, depending on the facts and circumstances, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt holding as an equity investment and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. In addition, lenders can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them where they become too involved in the borrower’s business or exercise control over the borrower. For example, we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, if, among other things, we actually render significant managerial assistance. Our portfolio companies may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies. Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt, or issue other equity securities, that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments. By their terms, such instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of dividends, interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our investments. These debt instruments would usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company typically are entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying such holders, the portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of securities ranking equally with our investments, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other security holders in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company. The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make to our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements (including agreements governing “first out” and “last out” structures) that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that senior obligations are outstanding, we may forfeit certain rights with respect to the collateral to the holders of the senior obligations. These rights may include the right to commence enforcement proceedings against the collateral, the right to control the conduct of such enforcement proceedings, the right to approve amendments to collateral documents, the right to release liens on the collateral and the right to waive past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if as a result our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected. When we are a debt or minority equity investor in a portfolio company, we are often not in a position to exert influence on the entity, and other equity holders and management of the company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our investment in such portfolio company. When we make debt or minority equity investments, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree and the other equity holders and management of such company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our investment. Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged. Some of our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these companies and to us as an investor. These companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these companies’ ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these companies’ flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used. Our investment adviser’s fee structure may induce it to make certain investments on our behalf, including speculative investments. The fees payable by us to our investment adviser may create an incentive for our investment adviser to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in which income based fees payable to our investment adviser are determined, which are calculated as a percentage of the return on invested capital, may encourage our investment adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor the holders of our common stock and the holders of securities convertible into our common stock. In addition, our investment adviser will receive the capital gains incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike income based fees, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the capital gains incentive fee. As a result, our investment adviser may have a tendency to invest more in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The income based fees are computed and paid on income that has been accrued but not yet received in cash, including as a result of investments with a deferred interest feature such as debt instruments with PIK interest, preferred stock with PIK dividends and zero coupon securities. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of the income based fee will become uncollectible. Our investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the fees it received that were based on such accrued interest that we never actually received. Because of the structure of the income based fees, it is possible that we may have to pay income based fees in a quarter during which we incur a loss. For example, if we receive pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the hurdle rate for a quarter, we will pay the applicable income based fees even if we have incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized and/or unrealized capital losses. In addition, if market interest rates rise, our investment adviser may be able to invest our funds in debt instruments that provide for a higher return, which would increase our pre-incentive fee net investment income and make it easier for our investment adviser to surpass the fixed hurdle rate and receive income based fees. Our investments in foreign companies or investments denominated in foreign currencies may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. and U.S. dollar denominated investments. Our investment strategy contemplates potential investments in foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the U.S., higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. Although we expect most of our investments will be U.S. dollar denominated, our investments that are denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we cannot assure you that such strategies will be effective or without risk to us. We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions. We have and may in the future enter into hedging transactions, which may expose us to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Use of these hedging instruments may include counter-party credit risk. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. The success of our hedging transactions will depend on our ability to correctly predict movements in currencies and interest rates. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. See also “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment.” As a BDC, we are permitted to enter into unfunded commitment agreements, and, if we fail to meet certain requirements, we will be required to treat such unfunded commitments as derivative transactions, subject to leverage limitations, which may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts. Under Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, BDCs that make significant use of derivatives are required to operate subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, adopt a derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager, and comply with various testing and board reporting requirements. These requirements apply unless the BDC qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined under the rule. We currently operate as a “limited derivatives user” which may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts. In addition, under Rule 18f-4, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. Unfunded commitment agreements entered into by a BDC in compliance with this condition will not be considered for purposes of computing asset coverage for purposes of compliance with the Investment Company Act with respect to our use of leverage as well as derivatives and/or other financial contracts. Certain of our portfolio companies’ businesses could be adversely affected by the effects of health pandemics or epidemics, which could have a negative impact on our and our portfolio companies’ businesses and operations. Certain of our portfolio companies’ businesses could be adversely affected by the effects of health pandemics or epidemics. Another severe outbreak of COVID-19 or another pandemic can disrupt our and our portfolio companies’ businesses and materially and adversely impact our and/or their financial results. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to certain conditions associated with the current macroeconomic environment and caused significant disruptions and instabilities in the global and U.S. financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions. A resurgence of COVID-19 or another pandemic with effects similar to those of COVID-19 may adversely affect our and our portfolio companies’ liquidity positions. RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON STOCK AND PUBLICLY TRADED NOTES Our shares of common stock have traded at a discount from net asset value and may do so again, which could limit our ability to raise additional equity capital. Shares of closed‑end investment companies frequently trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. This characteristic of closed‑end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to accurately predict whether any shares of our common stock will trade at, above, or below net asset value. In the past five years, the stocks of BDCs as an industry, including at times shares of our common stock, have traded below net asset value and during much of 2009 traded at near historic lows as a result of concerns over liquidity, leverage restrictions and distribution requirements. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect the debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations.” When our common stock is trading below its net asset value per share, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. Pursuant to approval granted at a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, we currently are permitted to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by our board of directors. Such stockholder approval expires on August 8, 2024. There is a risk that investors in our common stock may not receive dividends or that our dividends may not grow over time and that investors in our debt securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled. We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If we declare a dividend and if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in our dividend reinvestment plan, we may be forced to sell some of our investments in order to make cash dividend payments. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Certain of the Facilities may also limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions. Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in non-income producing securities, it could reduce the amount available for distribution and may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our debt, which may cause a default under the terms of our debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties under the terms of our debt agreements. Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. The Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), our charter and our bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Ares Capital or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act (the “Business Combination Act”), subject to any applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act. Our board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our board, including approval by a majority of our independent directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our board or independent directors do not approve a business combination, the Business Combination Act may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and may increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (the “Control Share Acquisition Act”) acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act, the Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and may increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our charter classifying our board of directors into three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of our charter authorizing our board of directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock into one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, and to amend our charter from time to time, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our charter and bylaws, may discourage, delay, defer, make more difficult or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in stockholders’ best interest. Our bylaws designate the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees. Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in Section 1-101(p) of the MGCL, including, without limitation, (a) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our directors or officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders or (b) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws or (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our common stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented and waived any objection to this exclusive forum provision of our bylaws, as the same may be amended from time to time. Our board of directors, without stockholder approval, adopted this exclusive forum provision so that we can respond to such litigation more efficiently, reduce the costs associated with our responses to such litigation, particularly litigation that might otherwise be brought in multiple forums, and make it less likely that plaintiffs’ attorneys will be able to employ such litigation to coerce us into otherwise unjustified settlements. However, this exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, if any, and may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers or other employees, if any. We believe the risk of a court declining to enforce this exclusive forum provision is remote, as the General Assembly of Maryland has specifically amended the MGCL to authorize the adoption of such provision. However, if a court were to find such provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings notwithstanding that the MGCL expressly provides that the charter or bylaws of a Maryland corporation may require that any Internal Corporate Claim be brought only in courts sitting in one or more specified jurisdictions, we may incur additional costs that we do not currently anticipate associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Investing in our common stock may involve an above average degree of risk. The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive and, therefore, an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly. The capital and credit markets have experienced periods of extreme volatility and disruption over the past several years (including throughout portions of the past four fiscal years). The market price and liquidity of the market for shares of our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include: •significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of publicly traded RICs, BDCs or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies; •price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time; •the inclusion or exclusion of our common stock from certain indices; •changes in law, regulatory policies or tax guidelines, or interpretations thereof, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs; •changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of our investments; •loss of our RIC status; •our ability to manage our capital resources effectively; •changes in our earnings or variations in our operating results; •changes in the value of our portfolio of investments; •any shortfall in investment income or net investment income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts; •departure of Ares’ key personnel; •short-selling pressure with respect to shares of our common stock or BDCs generally; •future sales of our securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock or the conversion of such securities, including the 2024 Convertible Notes; •uncertainty surrounding the strength of the U.S. economy; •uncertainty between the U.S. and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties, and tariffs; and •general economic trends and other external factors. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If our stock price fluctuates significantly, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business. We may in the future determine to issue preferred stock, which could adversely affect the market value of our common stock. The issuance of shares of preferred stock with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock could adversely affect the market price for our common stock by making an investment in the common stock less attractive. In addition, the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of preferred stock must take preference over any dividends or other payments to our common stockholders, and holders of preferred stock are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference (other than convertible preferred stock that converts into common stock). In addition, under the Investment Company Act, preferred stock constitutes a “senior security” for purposes of the asset coverage test. The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock. At a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, in an amount not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period that began on August 8, 2023 and expires on August 8, 2024. In addition, at our 2009 annual stockholders meeting, our stockholders approved a proposal authorizing us to sell or otherwise issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock subject to certain limitations (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issuable does not exceed 25% of our then outstanding common stock and that the exercise or conversion price thereof is not, at the date of issuance, less than the greater of the market value per share and the net asset value per share of our common stock). The authorization granted to sell or issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock has no expiration. Any decision to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock would be subject to the determination by our board of directors that such issuance is in our and our stockholders’ best interests. If we were to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to the net asset value per share of our common stock. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock and a proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted. In addition, if we issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock, subject to certain limitations, the exercise or conversion price per share could be less than net asset value per share at the time of exercise or conversion (including through the operation of anti‑dilution protections). Because we would incur expenses in connection with any issuance of such securities, such issuance could result in a dilution of the net asset value per share at the time of exercise or conversion. This dilution would include reduction in net asset value per share as a result of the proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Further, if our current stockholders do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest when we issue new shares, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current net asset value per share, their voting power will be diluted. Our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan. All dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan are automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders that opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time. Our stockholders may experience dilution upon the conversion of the 2024 Convertible Notes. As of December 31, 2023, the 2024 Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2023, the conversion price of the 2024 Convertible Notes was effectively $19.43 per share, taking into account certain de minimis adjustments that will be made on the conversion date and subject to further adjustment in certain circumstances. We have elected to settle our conversion obligations in connection with the 2024 Convertible Notes with a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. If we deliver shares of common stock upon a conversion at the time our tangible book value per share exceeds the conversion price in effect at such time, our stockholders may incur dilution. In addition, our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of common stock upon our issuance of common stock in connection with the conversion of the 2024 Convertible Notes and any dividends paid on our common stock will also be paid on shares issued in connection with such conversion after such issuance. Our stockholders may receive shares of our common stock as dividends, which could result in adverse cash flow consequences to them. In order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement applicable to RICs, we have the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in shares of our common stock instead of in cash. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash (which portion could be as low as 20%) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution would be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder would be taxed on 100% of the fair market value of the shares received as part of the dividend on the date a stockholder received it in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale (including as a result of the conversion of our 2024 Convertible Notes into common stock), could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so. The trading market or market value of our publicly issued debt securities may fluctuate. Our publicly issued debt securities may or may not have an established trading market. We cannot assure holders of our debt securities that a trading market for our publicly issued debt securities will ever develop or be maintained if developed. In addition to our creditworthiness, many factors may materially adversely affect the trading market for, and market value of, our publicly issued debt securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: •the time remaining to the maturity of these debt securities; •the outstanding principal amount of debt securities with terms identical to these debt securities; •the ratings assigned by national statistical ratings agencies; •the general economic environment; •the supply of such debt securities trading in the secondary market, if any; •the redemption or repayment features, if any, of these debt securities; •the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; and •market rates of interest higher or lower than rates borne by the debt securities. Holders of our debt securities should also be aware that there may be a limited number of buyers if and when they decide to sell their debt securities. This too may materially adversely affect the market value of the debt securities or the trading market for the debt securities. Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect our noteholders’ return on any debt securities that we may issue. If our noteholders’ debt securities are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem their debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on their debt securities. In addition, if our noteholders’ debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem their debt securities also at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on their debt securities. In this circumstance, our noteholders may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as their debt securities being redeemed. Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in our debt securities. Our credit ratings are an assessment by third parties of our ability to pay our obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our debt securities. Our credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to market conditions generally or other factors discussed above on the market value of or trading market for the publicly issued debt securities. GENERAL RISK FACTORS Global economic, political and market conditions, including uncertainty about the financial stability of the United States, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Concerns over the United States’ debt ceiling and budget-deficit have driven downgrades by rating agencies to the U.S. government’s credit rating. Downgrades by rating agencies to the U.S. government’s credit rating or concerns about its credit and deficit levels in general could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact both the perception of credit risk associated with our debt portfolio and our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, a decreased U.S. government credit rating, any default by the U.S. government on its obligations, or any prolonged U.S. government shutdown, could create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which may weigh heavily on our financial performance and the value of our common stock. U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns or a recession in the United States. Deterioration in the economic conditions in the Eurozone and other regions or countries globally and the resulting instability in global financial markets may pose a risk to our business. Financial markets have been affected at times by a number of global macroeconomic events, including the following: large sovereign debts and fiscal deficits of several countries in Europe and in emerging markets jurisdictions, levels of non‑performing loans on the balance sheets of European banks, instability in the Chinese capital markets and the COVID-19 pandemic. Global market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in the future affect, the U.S. capital markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot assure you that market disruptions in Europe and other regions or countries, including the increased cost of funding for certain governments and financial institutions, will not impact the global economy, and we cannot assure you that assistance packages will be available, or if available, be sufficient to stabilize countries and markets in Europe or elsewhere affected by a financial crisis. To the extent uncertainty regarding any economic recovery in Europe or elsewhere negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected. Moreover, there is a risk of both sector-specific and broad-based corrections and/or downturns in the equity and credit markets. Any of the foregoing could have a significant impact on the markets in which we operate and could have a material adverse impact on our business prospects and financial condition. Various social and political circumstances in the U.S. and around the world (including wars and other forms of conflict, terrorist acts, security operations and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and global health epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases), may also contribute to increased market volatility and economic uncertainties or deterioration in the U.S. and worldwide. Such events, including trade tensions between the United States and China, other uncertainties regarding actual and potential shifts in U.S. and foreign, trade, economic and other policies with other countries, the Russia-Ukraine war and more recently the Israel-Hamas war and health epidemics and pandemics, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. These market and economic disruptions could negatively impact the operating results of our portfolio companies. We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results. We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the interest rates payable on the debt investments we make, the default rates on such investments, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods. Cybersecurity failures and data security incidents could adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential, personal or other sensitive information and/or damage to our business relationships or reputation, any of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results. The efficient operation of our business is dependent on computer hardware and software systems, as well as data processing systems and the secure processing, storage and transmission of information, all of which are potentially vulnerable to security breaches and cyber-attacks or other security breaches, which may include intentional attacks or accidental losses, either of which may result in unauthorized access to, or corruption of, our hardware, software, or data processing systems, or to our confidential, personal, or other sensitive information. In addition, we, our investment adviser, our administrator, or their employees may be the target of fraudulent emails or other targeted attempts to gain unauthorized access to confidential, personal, or other sensitive information. The result of any cyber-attack or other security incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, fraudulent transfers or requests for transfers of money, liability for stolen assets or information (including personal information), fines or penalties, investigations, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation, or damage to our business relationships and reputation, in each case, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. The rapid evolution and increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence technologies may also increase our cybersecurity risks. Although we are not currently aware of any cyber-attacks or other incidents that, individually or in the aggregate, have materially affected, or would reasonably be expected to materially affect, our operations or financial condition, there has been an increase in the frequency and sophistication of the cyber and security threats that we face, with attacks ranging from those common to businesses generally to more advanced and persistent attacks. Cyber-attacks and other security threats could originate from a wide variety of sources, including cyber criminals, nation state hackers, hacktivists and other outside or inside parties. We or our third-party providers may face a heightened risk of a security breach or disruption with respect to confidential, personal or other sensitive information resulting from an attack by foreign governments or cyber terrorists. We may be a target for attacks because, as a specialty finance company, we hold confidential and other sensitive information, including price information, about existing and potential investments. Further, we are dependent on third-party vendors for hosting hardware, software and data processing systems that we do not control. We also rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our businesses, including for certain information systems, technology and administration of our funds and compliance matters. While we rely on the cybersecurity strategy and policies implemented by Ares Management, which includes the performance of risk assessments on third-party providers, our reliance on them and their potential reliance on third-party providers removes certain cybersecurity functions from outside of our immediate control, and cyber-attacks on Ares Management, on us or on our third-party service providers could adversely affect us, our business and our reputation. The costs related to cyber-attacks or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by others, including by our third-party providers. As our reliance on computer hardware and software systems, data processing systems, and other technology has increased, so have the risks posed to such systems, both those we or Ares Management control and those provided by third-party vendors. Cyber-attacks may originate from a wide variety of sources, and while Ares Management has implemented processes, procedures and internal controls designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber-attacks, these measures do not guarantee that a cyber-attack will not occur or that our financial results, operations or confidential information, personal or other sensitive information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident, especially because the techniques of threat actors change frequently and are often not recognized until launched. Ares Management relies on industry accepted security measures and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information maintained on their information systems, as well as on policies and procedures to protect against the unauthorized or unlawful disclosure of confidential, personal or other sensitive information. Although Ares Management takes protective measures and endeavors to strengthen its computer systems, software, technology assets and networks to prevent and address potential cyber-attacks, there can be no assurance that any of these measures prove effective. Ares Management expects to be required to devote increasing levels of funding and resources, which may in part be allocated to us, to comply with evolving cybersecurity and privacy laws and regulations and to continually monitor and enhance its cybersecurity procedures and controls. Cybersecurity risks are exacerbated by the rapidly increasing volume of highly sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and intellectual property, personal information of our investment adviser’s and administrator’s employees, our investors and others and other sensitive information that Ares Management collects, processes and stores in its data centers and on its networks or those of its third-party service providers. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information are critical to our operations. A significant actual or potential theft, loss, corruption, exposure, fraudulent use or misuse of investor, employee or other personal information, proprietary business data or other sensitive information, whether by third parties or as a result of employee malfeasance or otherwise, non-compliance with applicable contractual or other legal obligations regarding such data or intellectual property or a violation of applicable privacy and security policies with respect to such data could result in significant investigation, remediation and other costs, fines, penalties, litigation or regulatory actions against us and significant reputational harm, any of which could harm our business and results of operations. Our portfolio companies also rely on similar systems and face similar risks. A disruption or compromise of these systems could have a material adverse effect on the value of these businesses. We may invest in strategic assets having a national or regional profile or in infrastructure assets, the nature of which could expose them to a greater risk of being subject to a terrorist attack or cyber-attack than other assets or businesses. Such an event may have material adverse consequences on our investments or may require portfolio companies to increase preventative security measures or expand insurance coverage. In addition, we operate in businesses that are highly dependent on information systems and technology. The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. Cybersecurity has become a priority for regulators in the U.S. and around the world. In the latter half of 2021, the SEC brought three charges, sanctioning eight companies, all of which were registered as broker dealers, investment advisory firms or both, for deficient cybersecurity policies and procedures, and settled charges in two separate actions against public companies for deficient disclosure controls and procedures violations related to a cybersecurity vulnerability that exposed sensitive customer information. More recently, the SEC proposed new rules related to cybersecurity risk management for registered investment advisers, registered investment companies and business development companies, as well as amendments to certain rules that govern investment adviser and fund disclosures. In July 2023, the SEC also adopted rules requiring public companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents on Form 8-K and periodic disclosure of a registrant’s cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance in annual reports. The rules became effective beginning with annual reports for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2023 and beginning with Form 8-Ks on December 18, 2023. With the SEC particularly focused on cybersecurity, we expect increased scrutiny of our and Ares Management’s policies and systems designed to manage cybersecurity risks and related disclosures. We also may face increased costs to comply with the new SEC rules, including Ares Management’s increased costs for cybersecurity training and management, a portion of which may be allocated to us. Many jurisdictions in which we operate have laws and regulations relating to data privacy, cybersecurity and protection of personal information, including, the CCPA, the New York SHIELD Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the U.K. GDPR. In addition, the SEC has indicated in recent periods that one of its examination priorities for the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations is to continue to examine cybersecurity procedures and controls, including testing the implementation of these procedures and controls. There may be substantial financial penalties or fines for breach of privacy laws (which may include insufficient security for personal or other sensitive information). For example, the maximum penalty for breach of the GDPR is the greater of 20 million Euros and 4% of group annual worldwide turnover, and fines for each violation of the CCPA are $2,500, or $7,500 per violation for intentional violations. Non-compliance with any applicable privacy or data security laws represents a serious risk to our business. Some jurisdictions have also enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals of data security breaches involving certain types of personal information. Breaches in security could potentially jeopardize our, our investment adviser’s or administrator’s employees’ or our investors’ or counterparties’ confidential or other information processed and stored in, or transmitted through, our or Ares Management’s computer systems and networks (or those of our third-party service providers), or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our investment adviser’s or administrator’s employees’, our investors’, our portfolio companies, our counterparties’ or third parties’ operations, which could result in significant losses, increased costs, disruption of our business, liability to our investors, our portfolio companies and other counterparties, fines or penalties, litigation, regulatory intervention or reputational damage, which could also lead to loss of investors. Ineffective internal controls could impact our business and operating results. Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Effects of Leverage [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses)(1) |  |  | -10.00 | % |  | -5.00 | % |  | — | % |  | 5.00 | % |  | 10.00 | % |  |
Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders(2) |  |  | -26.36 | % |  | -15.74 | % |  | -5.12 | % |  | 5.51 | % |  | 16.13 | % |  |
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)The assumed portfolio return is required by SEC regulations and is not a prediction of, and does not represent, our projected or actual performance. Actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table. Pursuant to SEC regulations, this table is calculated as of December 31, 2023. As a result, it has not been updated to take into account any changes in assets or leverage since December 31, 2023. (2)In order to compute the “Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders,” the “Assumed Return on Portfolio” is multiplied by the total value of our assets at December 31, 2023 to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense (calculated by multiplying the weighted average stated interest rate of 4.8% by the approximately $11.9 billion of principal debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023) is subtracted to determine the return available to stockholders. The return available to stockholders is then divided by the total value of our net assets as of December 31, 2023 to determine the “Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders.” |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Return at Minus Ten [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (26.36%) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Return at Minus Five [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (15.74%) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Return at Zero [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5.12%) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Return at Plus Five [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.51% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Return at Plus Ten [Percent] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16.13% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Effects of Leverage, Purpose [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The following table illustrates the effect on return to a holder of our common stock of the leverage created by our use of borrowing at the weighted average stated interest rate of 4.8% as of December 31, 2023, together with (a) our total value of net assets as of December 31, 2023; (b) approximately $11.9 billion in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and (c) hypothetical annual returns on our portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share Price [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ARCC.” Our common stock has historically traded at prices both above and below our net asset value per share. It is not possible to predict whether our common stock will trade at, above or below net asset value. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Common Stock and Publicly Traded Notes—Our shares of common stock have traded at a discount from net asset value and may do so again, which could limit our ability to raise additional equity capital.” The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net asset value per share of our common stock, the range of high and low closing sales prices of our common stock, the closing sales price as a premium (discount) to net asset value and the dividends or distributions declared by us.
| Net Asset |  | Price Range |  | High Sales Price Premium (Discount) to Net Asset |  | Low Sales Price Premium (Discount) to Net Asset |  | Cash Dividend Per |
| Value(1) |  | High |  | Low |  | Value(2) |  | Value(2) |  | Share(3) |
Year ended December 31, 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
First Quarter | $ | 19.03 |  |  | $ | 22.58 |  |  | $ | 19.70 |  |  | 18.65 | % |  | 3.52 | % |  | $ | 0.54 |  | (4)
Second Quarter | $ | 18.81 |  |  | $ | 22.44 |  |  | $ | 17.12 |  |  | 19.30 | % |  | (8.98) | % |  | $ | 0.42 |  |
Third Quarter | $ | 18.56 |  |  | $ | 20.70 |  |  | $ | 16.84 |  |  | 11.53 | % |  | (9.27) | % |  | $ | 0.43 |  |
Fourth Quarter | $ | 18.40 |  |  | $ | 19.76 |  |  | $ | 17.30 |  |  | 7.39 | % |  | (5.98) | % |  | $ | 0.48 |  |
Year ended December 31, 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
First Quarter | $ | 18.45 |  |  | $ | 20.04 |  |  | $ | 17.19 |  |  | 8.62 | % |  | (6.83) | % |  | $ | 0.48 |  |
Second Quarter | $ | 18.58 |  |  | $ | 19.11 |  |  | $ | 17.65 |  |  | 2.85 | % |  | (5.01) | % |  | $ | 0.48 |  |
Third Quarter | $ | 18.99 |  |  | $ | 19.81 |  |  | $ | 18.86 |  |  | 4.32 | % |  | (0.68) | % |  | $ | 0.48 |  |
Fourth Quarter | $ | 19.24 |  |  | $ | 20.21 |  |  | $ | 18.66 |  |  | 5.04 | % |  | (3.01) | % |  | $ | 0.48 |  |
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low closing sales prices. The net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of the relevant quarter. (2)Calculated as the respective high or low closing sales price less net asset value, divided by net asset value (in each case, as of the applicable quarter). (3)Represents the dividend or distribution declared in the relevant quarter. (4)Consists of a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per share and additional quarterly dividends totaling $0.12 per share, all of which were declared in the first quarter of 2022 and paid on March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022 and December 29, 2022. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lowest Price or Bid | $ 18.66 | $ 18.86 | $ 17.65 | $ 17.19 | $ 17.30 | $ 16.84 | $ 17.12 | $ 19.70 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Highest Price or Bid | $ 20.21 | $ 19.81 | $ 19.11 | $ 20.04 | $ 19.76 | $ 20.70 | $ 22.44 | $ 22.58 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Highest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | 5.04% | 4.32% | 2.85% | 8.62% | 7.39% | 11.53% | 19.30% | 18.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lowest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | (3.01%) | (0.68%) | (5.01%) | (6.83%) | (5.98%) | (9.27%) | (8.98%) | 3.52% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
NAV Per Share | $ 19.24 |  |  |  | $ 18.40 |  |  |  | $ 19.24 | $ 16.97 | $ 17.32 | $ 17.12 | $ 16.65 | $ 16.45 | $ 16.46 | $ 16.82 | $ 18.96 | $ 16.46
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt [Table Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our debt obligations consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| As of December 31, |
| 2023 |  | 2022 |
(in millions) | Total Aggregate Principal Amount Available/ Outstanding(1) |  | Principal Amount Outstanding |  | Carrying Value |  | Total Aggregate Principal Amount Available/ Outstanding(1) |  | Principal Amount Outstanding |  | Carrying Value |
Revolving Credit Facility | $ | 4,758 |  | (2) | $ | 1,413 |  |  | $ | 1,413 |  |  | $ | 4,843 |  | (2) | $ | 2,246 |  |  | $ | 2,246 |  |
Revolving Funding Facility | 1,775 |  |  | 863 |  |  | 863 |  |  | 1,775 |  |  | 800 |  |  | 800 |  |
SMBC Funding Facility | 800 |  | (3) | 401 |  |  | 401 |  |  | 800 |  | (3) | 451 |  |  | 451 |  |
BNP Funding Facility | 865 |  |  | 575 |  |  | 575 |  |  | 300 |  |  | 245 |  |  | 245 |  |
2024 Convertible Notes | 403 |  |  | 403 |  |  | 402 |  | (4) | 403 |  |  | 403 |  |  | 399 |  | (4)
2023 Notes | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 750 |  |  | 750 |  |  | 750 |  | (4)
2024 Notes | 900 |  |  | 900 |  |  | 899 |  | (4) | 900 |  |  | 900 |  |  | 898 |  | (4)
March 2025 Notes | 600 |  |  | 600 |  |  | 599 |  | (4) | 600 |  |  | 600 |  |  | 597 |  | (4)
July 2025 Notes | 1,250 |  |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,255 |  | (4) | 1,250 |  |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,258 |  | (4)
January 2026 Notes | 1,150 |  |  | 1,150 |  |  | 1,146 |  | (4) | 1,150 |  |  | 1,150 |  |  | 1,144 |  | (4)
July 2026 Notes | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |  |  | 993 |  | (4) | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |  |  | 991 |  | (4)
January 2027 Notes | 900 |  |  | 900 |  |  | 905 |  | (4)(5) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
June 2027 Notes | 500 |  |  | 500 |  |  | 495 |  | (4) | 500 |  |  | 500 |  |  | 494 |  | (4)
2028 Notes | 1,250 |  |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,247 |  | (4) | 1,250 |  |  | 1,250 |  |  | 1,247 |  | (4)
2031 Notes | 700 |  |  | 700 |  |  | 691 |  | (4) | 700 |  |  | 700 |  |  | 690 |  | (4)
Total | $ | 16,851 |  |  | $ | 11,905 |  |  | $ | 11,884 |  |  | $ | 16,221 |  |  | $ | 12,245 |  |  | $ | 12,210 |  |
________________________________________ (1)Represents the total aggregate amount committed or outstanding, as applicable, under such instrument. Borrowings under the committed Revolving Credit Facility, Revolving Funding Facility, SMBC Funding Facility and BNP Funding Facility (each as defined below) are subject to borrowing base and other restrictions. (2)Provides for a feature that allows us, under certain circumstances, to increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) to a maximum of $7.1 billion and $7.3 billion, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. (3)Provides for a feature that allows ACJB (as defined below), under certain circumstances, to increase the size of the SMBC Funding Facility (as defined below) to a maximum of $1.0 billion. (4)Represents the aggregate principal amount outstanding, less unamortized debt issuance costs and the net unaccreted/amortized discount or premium recorded upon issuance. In February 2023, we repaid in full the 2023 Notes (as defined below) upon their maturity. (5)The carrying value of the January 2027 Notes (as defined below) as of December 31, 2023 includes a $15 million increase as a result of an effective hedge accounting relationship. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information. The weighted average stated interest rate and weighted average maturity, both on aggregate principal amount outstanding, of all our debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023 were 4.8% and 3.0 years, respectively, and as of December 31, 2022 were 4.2% and 3.6 years, respectively. The weighted average stated interest rate of all our debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023 includes the impact of interest rate swaps. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on the interest rate swaps. The ratio of total principal amount of debt outstanding to stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2023 was 1.07:1.00 compared to 1.29:1.00 as of December 31, 2022. Revolving Credit Facility We are party to a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended and restated, the “Revolving Credit Facility”), that allows us to borrow up to $4.8 billion at any one time outstanding. The Revolving Credit Facility consists of a $3.7 billion revolving tranche and a $1.1 billion term loan tranche. As of December 31, 2023, the end of the revolving periods and the stated maturity dates of the various revolving and term loan tranches of the Revolving Credit Facility were as follows:
(in millions) | Total Aggregate Principal Amount Committed/ Outstanding |  | End of Revolving Period |  | Maturity Date |  |  |
Revolving tranche | $ | 2,905 |  |  | April 19, 2027 |  | April 19, 2028 |  |  |
| 494 |  | March 31, 2026 |  | March 31, 2027 |  |  |
| 107 |  | March 31, 2025 |  | March 31, 2026 |  |  |
| 150 |  | March 30, 2024 |  | March 30, 2025 |  |  |
| 3,656 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term loan tranche | 908 |  |  |  |  | April 19, 2028 |  |  |
| 116 |  |  |  | March 31, 2027 |  |  |
| 28 |  |  |  | March 31, 2026 |  |  |
| 50 |  |  |  | March 30, 2025 |  |  |
| 1,102 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| $ | 4,758 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for a feature that allows us, under certain circumstances, to increase the overall size of the Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum of $7.1 billion. The interest rate charged on the Revolving Credit Facility is based on SOFR (or an alternative rate of interest for certain loans, commitments and/or other extensions of credit denominated in Sterling, Canadian Dollars, Euros and certain other foreign currencies) plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% and an applicable spread of either 1.75% or 1.875% or an “alternate base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the Revolving Credit Facility) plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% and an applicable spread of either 0.75% or 0.875%, in each case, determined monthly based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the sum of (i) the greater of (a) the aggregate amount of revolving exposure and term loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and (b) 85% of the total commitments of the Revolving Credit Facility (or, if higher, the total revolving exposure) plus (ii) other debt, if any, secured by the same collateral as the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, the applicable spread in effect was 1.75%. We are also required to pay a letter of credit fee of either 2.00% or 2.125% per annum on letters of credit issued, determined monthly based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the total commitments of the Revolving Credit Facility and other debt, if any, secured by the same collateral as the Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, we are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum on any unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $1.4 billion outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and we were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility. Revolving Funding Facility We and our consolidated subsidiary, Ares Capital CP Funding LLC (“Ares Capital CP”), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the “Revolving Funding Facility”), that allows Ares Capital CP to borrow up to $1.8 billion at any one time outstanding. The Revolving Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by, and the membership interest in, Ares Capital CP. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the Revolving Funding Facility are December 29, 2024 and December 29, 2026, respectively. The interest rate charged on the Revolving Funding Facility is based on SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% or a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the Revolving Funding Facility) plus an applicable spread of 1.90% per annum. Ares Capital CP is also required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.50% and 1.25% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the Revolving Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $863 million outstanding under the Revolving Funding Facility and we and Ares Capital CP were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Revolving Funding Facility. SMBC Funding Facility We and our consolidated subsidiary, Ares Capital JB Funding LLC (“ACJB”), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the “SMBC Funding Facility”), with ACJB, as the borrower, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as the administrative agent and collateral agent, that allows ACJB to borrow up to $800 million at any one time outstanding. The SMBC Funding Facility also provides for a feature that allows ACJB, subject to receiving certain consents, to increase the overall size of the SMBC Funding Facility to $1.0 billion. The SMBC Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by ACJB. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the SMBC Funding Facility are May 28, 2024 and May 28, 2026, respectively. The reinvestment period and the stated maturity date are both subject to two one-year extensions by mutual agreement. The interest rate charged on the SMBC Funding Facility is based on an applicable spread of either 1.75% or 2.00% over one month SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10%, or 0.75% or 1.00% over a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the SMBC Funding Facility), in each case, determined monthly based on the amount of the average borrowings outstanding under the SMBC Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, the applicable spread in effect was 1.75%. ACJB is also required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.50% and 1.00% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the SMBC Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $401 million outstanding under the SMBC Funding Facility and we and ACJB were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the SMBC Funding Facility. BNP Funding Facility We and our consolidated subsidiary, ARCC FB Funding LLC (“AFB”), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the “BNP Funding Facility”) with AFB, as the borrower, and BNP Paribas, as the administrative agent and lender, that allows AFB to borrow up to $865 million at any one time outstanding. The BNP Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by AFB. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the BNP Funding Facility are April 20, 2026 and April 20, 2028, respectively. The reinvestment period and the stated maturity date are both subject to a one-year extension by mutual agreement. As of December 31, 2023, the interest rate charged on the BNP Funding Facility was based on three month 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. AFB is required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.00% and 1.25% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the BNP Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $575 million outstanding under the BNP Funding Facility and we and AFB were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the BNP Funding Facility. See “Recent Developments,” as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a subsequent event relating to the BNP Funding Facility. Convertible Unsecured Notes We have issued $403 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes that mature on March 1, 2024 (the “2024 Convertible Notes”) unless previously converted or repurchased in accordance with its terms. We do not have the right to redeem the 2024 Convertible Notes prior to maturity. The 2024 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.625% per annum, payable semi-annually. In certain circumstances, the 2024 Convertible Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, at the conversion rate (listed below as of December 31, 2023) subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments and the requirements of the indenture (the “2024 Convertible Notes Indenture”). We have elected to settle our conversion obligations in connection with the 2024 Convertible Notes submitted for conversion on or after December 1, 2023 with a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. In accordance with the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture, we notified the holders of the 2024 Convertible Notes and the trustee that all 2024 Convertible Notes submitted for conversion on or after December 1, 2023 shall be settled with a specified cash amount (as defined in the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture) of $1 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2024 Convertible Notes and any additional amounts in stock based on the applicable conversion rate as described in the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture. In addition, if we engage in certain corporate events as described in the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture, holders of the 2024 Convertible Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of the 2024 Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest through, but excluding, the required repurchase date. Certain key terms related to the convertible features for the 2024 Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2023 are listed below.
|  |  |  | 2024 Convertible Notes
Conversion premium |  |  |  | 15.0 | %
Closing stock price at issuance |  |  |  | $ | 17.29 |
Closing stock price date |  |  |  | March 5, 2019
Conversion price(1) |  |  |  | $ | 19.43 |
Conversion rate (shares per one thousand dollar principal amount)(1) |  |  |  | 51.4589 |
Conversion date |  |  |  | December 1, 2023
________________________________________ (1)Represents conversion price and conversion rate, as applicable, as of December 31, 2023, taking into account any applicable de minimis adjustments that will be made on the conversion date. Unsecured Notes We issued certain unsecured notes (each issuance of which is referred to herein using the “defined term” set forth under the “Unsecured Notes” column of the table below and collectively referred to as the “Unsecured Notes”), that pay interest semi-annually and all principal amounts are due upon maturity. Each of the Unsecured Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at our option at a redemption price equal to par plus a “make whole” premium, if applicable, as determined pursuant to the indentures governing each of the Unsecured Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Certain key terms related to the features for the Unsecured Notes as of December 31, 2023 are listed below.
(dollar amounts in millions) Unsecured Notes | Aggregate Principal Amount Issued |  | Effective Stated Interest Rate |  | Original Issuance Date |  | Maturity Date
2024 Notes | $ | 900 |  |  | 4.200% |  | June 10, 2019 |  | June 10, 2024
March 2025 Notes | $ | 600 |  |  | 4.250% |  | January 11, 2018 |  | March 1, 2025
July 2025 Notes | $ | 1,250 |  |  | 3.250% |  | January 15, 2020 |  | July 15, 2025
January 2026 Notes | $ | 1,150 |  |  | 3.875% |  | July 15, 2020 |  | January 15, 2026
July 2026 Notes | $ | 1,000 |  |  | 2.150% |  | January 13, 2021 |  | July 15, 2026
January 2027 Notes(1) | $ | 900 |  |  | 7.943% |  | August 3, 2023 |  | January 15, 2027
June 2027 Notes | $ | 500 |  |  | 2.875% |  | January 13, 2022 |  | June 15, 2027
2028 Notes | $ | 1,250 |  |  | 2.875% |  | June 10, 2021 |  | June 15, 2028
2031 Notes | $ | 700 |  |  | 3.200% |  | November 4, 2021 |  | November 15, 2031
________________________________________ (1)The effective stated interest rate of the January 2027 Notes includes the impact of interest rate swaps. In February 2023, we repaid in full the $750 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes (the “2023 Notes”) upon their maturity. The 2023 Notes bore interest at a rate of 3.500% per annum, payable semi-annually. In connection with the January 2027 Notes, we entered into interest rate swaps for a total notional amount of $900 million that mature on January 15, 2027 to more closely align the interest rate of such liability with our investment portfolio, which consists of primarily floating rate loans. Under the interest rate swap agreements, we receive a fixed interest rate of 7.000% and pay a floating interest rate of one-month SOFR plus 2.581%. We designated these interest rate swaps and the related January 2027 Notes as a qualifying hedge accounting relationship. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on the interest rate swaps. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on our debt obligations. See “Recent Developments,” as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a subsequent event relating to an additional issuance of unsecured notes. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture and the indentures governing the Unsecured Notes. The 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes are our senior unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes; equal in right of payment to our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not expressly subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness (including existing unsecured indebtedness that we later secure) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital Markets May Experience Periods of Disruption And Instability [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect the debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations. From time to time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such disruptions may result in, amongst other things, write-offs, the re-pricing of credit risk, the failure of financial institutions or worsening general economic conditions, any of which could materially and adversely impact the broader financial and credit markets and reduce the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. There can be no assurance these market conditions will not occur or worsen in the future, including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war and more recently the Israel-Hamas war, health epidemics and pandemics, rising interest rates or renewed inflationary pressure. Equity capital may be difficult to raise during such periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a BDC, we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than net asset value without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. We generally seek approval from our stockholders so that we have the flexibility to issue up to 25% of our then outstanding shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value. Pursuant to approval granted at a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, we are permitted to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by our board of directors. Such stockholder approval expires on August 8, 2024. Volatility and dislocation in the capital markets can also create a challenging environment in which to raise or access debt capital. Such conditions could make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness or obtain new indebtedness with similar terms and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. The debt capital that we have raised over the last year has been at higher rates than we have raised debt at in the past due to the higher interest rate environment we have been experiencing. The debt capital that will be available to us in the future, if at all, may continue to be at a higher cost, including as a result of the current interest rate environment, and on less favorable terms and conditions than what we have historically experienced. If we are unable to raise or refinance debt, then our equity investors may not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or to fund existing commitments to our portfolio companies. Significant disruption or volatility in the capital markets may also have a negative effect on the valuations of our investments. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). Significant disruption or volatility in the capital markets may also affect the pace of our investment activity and the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. Thus, the illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments to access capital if required, and as a result, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments if we were required to sell them for liquidity purposes. An inability to raise or access capital could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Exposure To Changes In Interest Rates [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment. General interest rate fluctuations may have a negative impact on our investments and our investment returns and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on our investment objective and our net investment income. In an effort to combat inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Federal Reserve”) increased the federal funds rate in 2023. Although the Federal Reserve left its benchmark rates steady in the fourth quarter of 2023, it has indicated that additional rate increases in the future may be necessary to mitigate inflationary pressures and there can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve will not make upwards adjustments to the federal funds rate in the future. However, there are reports that the Federal Reserve may begin to cut the benchmark rates in 2024. Because we borrow money and may issue debt securities or preferred stock to make investments, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds or pay interest or dividends on such debt securities or preferred stock and the rate at which we invest these funds. In this period of rising interest rates, our interest income will increase as the majority of our portfolio bears interest at variable rates while our cost of funds will also increase, to a lesser extent, given the majority of our indebtedness bears interest at fixed rates, with the net impact being an increase to our net investment income, see “Item 7A. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Conversely, if interest rates decrease, we may earn less interest income from investments and our cost of funds will also decrease, to a lesser extent, resulting in lower net investment income. From time to time, we may also enter into certain hedging transactions to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates. We have entered into certain hedging transactions, such as interest rate swap agreements, to mitigate our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates, and we may do so again in the future. However, we cannot assure you that such transactions will be successful in mitigating our exposure to interest rate risk. There can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. Our portfolio primarily consists of floating rate investments as opposed to fixed rate investments. Market prices tend to fluctuate more for fixed-rate securities that have longer maturities. Although we have no policy governing the maturities of our investments, under current market conditions we expect that we will invest in a portfolio of debt generally having maturities of up to 10 years. Market prices for debt that pays a fixed rate of return tend to decline as interest rates rise. This means that we are subject to greater risk (other things being equal) than a fund invested solely in shorter-term, fixed-rate securities. Market prices for floating rate investments may also fluctuate in rising rate environments with prices tending to decline when credit spreads widen. A decline in the prices of the debt we own could adversely affect our net assets resulting from operations and the market price of our common stock. Rising interest rates may also increase the cost of debt for our underlying portfolio companies, which could adversely impact their financial performance and ability to meet ongoing obligations to us. Also, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make an investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to pay dividends at a level that provides a similar return, which could reduce the value of our common stock. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Inflation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Inflation has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies. Certain of our portfolio companies are in industries that have been impacted by inflation. Although the U.S. inflation rate has decreased in the fourth quarter, it remains well above the historic levels over the past several decades. Such inflationary pressures have increased the costs of labor, energy and raw materials and have adversely affected consumer spending, economic growth and our portfolio companies’ operations. If such portfolio companies are unable to pass any increases in their costs of operations along to their customers, it could adversely affect their operating results and impact their ability to pay interest and principal on our loans, particularly if interest rates rise in response to inflation. In addition, any projected future decreases in our portfolio companies’ operating results due to inflation could adversely impact the fair value of those investments. Any decreases in the fair value of our investments could result in future realized or unrealized losses and therefore reduce our net assets resulting from operations. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has raised certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. See “—We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment.” |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Failure To Maintain Status As A BDC [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | A failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC may significantly reduce our operating flexibility. If we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions and significantly decrease our operating flexibility. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under our outstanding indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Dependency On Key Personnel [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We are dependent upon certain key personnel of Ares for our future success and upon their access to other Ares investment professionals. We depend on the diligence, skill, judgment, network of business contacts and personal reputations of certain key personnel of the Ares Credit Group and our future success depends on their continued service. We also depend, to a significant extent, on access to the investment professionals of other groups within Ares, the information and deal flow generated by Ares’ investment professionals in the course of their investment and portfolio management activities, as well as the support of senior business operations professionals of Ares. The departure or misconduct of any of these individuals, or of a significant number of the investment professionals or partners of Ares, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that Ares Capital Management will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to Ares’ investment professionals or its information and deal flow. Further, there can be no assurance that Ares Capital will replicate its own or Ares’ historical success, and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by other Ares funds. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Dependency On Ability To Manage Future Growth [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our ability to manage future growth effectively. Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to acquire suitable investments and monitor and administer those investments, which depends, in turn, on our investment adviser’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the structuring of our investment process and the ability of our investment adviser to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us. Our executive officers and the members of our investment adviser’s investment committee have substantial responsibilities in connection with their roles at Ares and with other Ares funds as well as responsibilities under the investment advisory and management agreement. They may also be called upon to provide significant managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order for us to grow, Ares will need to hire, train, supervise, manage and retain new employees. However, we cannot assure you that Ares will be able to do so effectively. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Ability To Raise Capital [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our ability to grow depends on our ability to raise capital. We will need to periodically access the capital markets to raise cash to fund new investments in excess of our repayments, and we may also need to access the capital markets to refinance existing debt obligations to the extent such maturing obligations are not repaid with availability under our revolving credit facilities, which includes the Revolving Credit Facility, the Revolving Funding Facility, the SMBC Funding Facility and the BNP Funding Facility (the “Facilities”) or cash flows from operations. We have elected to be treated as a RIC and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax treatment applicable to RICs. Among other things, in order to maintain our RIC status, we must distribute to our stockholders on a timely basis generally an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, and, as a result, such distributions will not be available to fund investment originations or repay maturing debt. We must continue to borrow from financial institutions and issue additional securities to fund our growth. Unfavorable economic or capital market conditions may increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or could result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. An inability to successfully access the capital markets may limit our ability to refinance our existing debt obligations as they come due and/or to fully execute our business strategy and could limit our ability to grow or cause us to have to shrink the size of our business, which could decrease our earnings, if any. See “—The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect the debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations.” In addition, we are currently allowed to borrow amounts or issue debt securities or preferred stock, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% immediately after such borrowing (i.e., we are able to borrow up to two dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). Such requirement, in certain circumstances, may restrict our ability to borrow or issue debt securities or preferred stock. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our investment adviser’s and our board of directors’ assessments of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing or issuance of senior securities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or increase the amount available to us under our current Facilities, obtain other lines of credit or issue senior securities at all or on terms acceptable to us. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Regulations Affecting Ability To Raise Additional Capital [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. We may issue senior securities or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, up to the maximum amount permitted by the Investment Company Act. As a BDC, we are currently permitted to incur indebtedness or issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% after each such incurrence or issuance (i.e., we are able to borrow up to two dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test, which may prohibit us from paying dividends and could prevent us from maintaining our status as a RIC or may prohibit us from repurchasing shares of our common stock. In addition, our inability to satisfy this test could cause an event of default under our existing indebtedness. If we cannot satisfy this test, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness. Accordingly, any failure to satisfy this test could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As of December 31, 2023, our asset coverage calculated in accordance with the Investment Company Act was 194%. Also, to generate cash for funding new investments, we may in the future seek to issue additional debt or to securitize certain of our loans. The Investment Company Act may impose restrictions on the structure of any such securitization. We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the current net asset value per share of our common stock if our board of directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. Any such sale would be dilutive to the net asset value per share of our common stock. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any commission or discount). If our common stock trades at a discount to net asset value, this restriction could adversely affect our ability to raise capital. Pursuant to approval granted at a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, we are permitted to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by our board of directors. Such stockholder approval expires on August 8, 2024. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Borrowing Money [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us. Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in our securities. We currently borrow under the Facilities and have issued or assumed other senior securities, and in the future may borrow from, or issue additional senior securities to, banks, insurance companies, funds, institutional investors and other lenders and investors. Lenders and holders of such senior securities have fixed dollar claims on our consolidated assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders or any preferred stockholders. If the value of our consolidated assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value per share of our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not incurred leverage. Conversely, if the value of our consolidated assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not incurred leverage. Similarly, any increase in our consolidated income in excess of consolidated interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net income to increase more than it would had we not incurred leverage, while any decrease in our consolidated income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not incurred leverage. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make common stock dividend payments. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $3.3 billion of outstanding borrowings under the Facilities, approximately $403 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes that mature on March 1, 2024 (the “2024 Convertible Notes”) and approximately $8.3 billion in aggregate principal amount outstanding of senior unsecured notes comprised of $900 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on June 10, 2024 and bear interest at a rate of 4.200% (the “2024 Notes”), $600 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on March 1, 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 4.250% (the “March 2025 Notes”), $1,250 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on July 15, 2025 and bear interest at a rate of 3.250% (the “July 2025 Notes”), $1,150 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on January 15, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 3.875% (the “January 2026 Notes”), $1,000 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on July 15, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 2.150% (the “July 2026 Notes”), $900 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on January 15, 2027 and bear interest at a rate of 7.000% (the “January 2027 Notes”) which was swapped from a fixed rate to a floating rate of one-month SOFR plus 2.581% under the interest rate swap agreements, $500 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on June 15, 2027 and bear interest at a rate of 2.875% (the “June 2027 Notes”), $1,250 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on June 15, 2028 and bear interest at a rate of 2.875% (the “2028 Notes”) and $700 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on November 15, 2031 and bear interest at a rate of 3.200% (the “2031 Notes” and together with the 2024 Notes, the March 2025 Notes, the July 2025 Notes, the January 2026 Notes, the July 2026 Notes, the January 2027 Notes, the June 2027 Notes and the 2028 Notes, the “Unsecured Notes”). In order for us to cover our annual interest payments on our outstanding indebtedness at December 31, 2023, we must achieve annual returns on our December 31, 2023 total assets of at least 2.4%. The weighted average stated interest rate charged on our principal amount of outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2023 was 4.8%. We intend to continue borrowing under the Facilities in the future and we may increase the size of the Facilities or issue additional debt securities or other evidences of indebtedness (although there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so). See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments,” as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a subsequent event relating to an additional issuance of unsecured notes and the BNP Funding Facility. For more information on our indebtedness, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Our ability to service our debt depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The amount of leverage that we employ at any particular time will depend on our investment adviser’s and our board of directors’ assessments of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing and is subject to our compliance with our asset coverage requirement following any such borrowing. The Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC. A failure to renew the Facilities or to add new or replacement debt facilities or to issue additional debt securities or other evidences of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The following table illustrates the effect on return to a holder of our common stock of the leverage created by our use of borrowing at the weighted average stated interest rate of 4.8% as of December 31, 2023, together with (a) our total value of net assets as of December 31, 2023; (b) approximately $11.9 billion in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and (c) hypothetical annual returns on our portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%.
Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses)(1) |  |  | -10.00 | % |  | -5.00 | % |  | — | % |  | 5.00 | % |  | 10.00 | % |  |
Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders(2) |  |  | -26.36 | % |  | -15.74 | % |  | -5.12 | % |  | 5.51 | % |  | 16.13 | % |  |
_______________________________________________________________________________ (1)The assumed portfolio return is required by SEC regulations and is not a prediction of, and does not represent, our projected or actual performance. Actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table. Pursuant to SEC regulations, this table is calculated as of December 31, 2023. As a result, it has not been updated to take into account any changes in assets or leverage since December 31, 2023. (2)In order to compute the “Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders,” the “Assumed Return on Portfolio” is multiplied by the total value of our assets at December 31, 2023 to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense (calculated by multiplying the weighted average stated interest rate of 4.8% by the approximately $11.9 billion of principal debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023) is subtracted to determine the return available to stockholders. The return available to stockholders is then divided by the total value of our net assets as of December 31, 2023 to determine the “Corresponding Return to Common Stockholders.” |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Covenants That Could Accelerate Repayment And Affect Liquidity And Financial Condition [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | In addition to regulatory requirements that restrict our ability to raise capital, the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes contain various covenants that, if not complied with, could accelerate repayment under the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. The agreements governing the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes require us to comply with certain financial and operational covenants. These covenants may include, among other things: •restrictions on the level of indebtedness that we are permitted to incur in relation to the value of our assets; •restrictions on our ability to incur liens; and •maintenance of a minimum level of stockholders’ equity. As of the date of this Annual Report, we are in compliance in all material respects with the covenants of the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes. However, our continued compliance with these covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. For example, depending on the condition of the public debt and equity markets and pricing levels, unrealized depreciation in our portfolio may increase in the future. Any such increase could result in our inability to comply with our obligation to restrict the level of indebtedness that we are able to incur in relation to the value of our assets or to maintain a minimum level of stockholders’ equity. Accordingly, although we believe we will continue to be in compliance, there are no assurances that we will continue to comply with the covenants in the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the Facilities, the 2024 Convertible Notes or the Unsecured Notes, that, if we were unable to obtain a waiver from the lenders or holders of such indebtedness, as applicable, such lenders or holders could accelerate repayment under such indebtedness and thereby have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Operating In A Highly Competitive Market [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we make in middle-market companies. We compete with other BDCs, public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, insurance companies, hedge funds, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Some of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than we do. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on us as a BDC and that the Code imposes on us as a RIC. In addition, new competitors frequently enter the financing markets in which we operate. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to pursue attractive investment opportunities from time to time. We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer and we believe that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. Rather, we compete with our competitors based on our existing investment platform, seasoned investment professionals, experience and focus on middle-market companies, disciplined investment philosophy, extensive industry focus and flexible transaction structuring. For a more detailed discussion of these competitive advantages, see “Item 1. Business—Competitive Advantages.” We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. The loss of such investment opportunities may limit our ability to grow or cause us to have to shrink the size of our portfolio, which could decrease our earnings. If we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit loss. As a result of operating in such a competitive environment, we may make investments that are on less favorable terms than what we may have originally anticipated, which may impact our return on these investments. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Restricted Ability To Enter Transactions With Affiliates [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted. As a BDC, we are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from participating in certain transactions with certain of our affiliates without the prior approval of a majority of our independent directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Among other things, any person that, directly or indirectly, owns, controls or holds with the power to vote 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is an affiliate of ours for the purposes of the Investment Company Act. We are generally prohibited from buying or selling any securities (other than our securities) from or to an affiliate. The Investment Company Act also prohibits us from participating in certain “joint” transactions with certain of our affiliates which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without the prior approval of our independent directors and, in cases where the affiliate is presumed to control us (i.e., they own more than 25% of our voting securities), prior approval of the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than our securities) from or to any portfolio company of a fund managed by any affiliate of our investment adviser, or entering into joint arrangements, such as certain co-investments with these companies or funds, without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to us. We rely on the Co-Investment Exemptive Order granted to us, our investment adviser and certain of its affiliates by the SEC that allows us to engage in co-investment transactions with other affiliated funds managed by our investment adviser, subject to certain terms and conditions. However, while the terms of the Co-Investment Exemptive Order require that we be given the opportunity to participate in certain transactions originated by our investment adviser or its affiliates, we ultimately may not participate in those transactions. In addition, based on guidelines approved by our board of directors, we may not see certain transactions originated by our investment adviser or its affiliates. This also may limit the scope of investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to us. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Significant Potential Conflicts Of Interest [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could impact our investment returns. Conflicts may arise in allocating and structuring investments, time, services, expenses or resources among the investment activities of Ares funds, Ares, other Ares-affiliated entities and the employees of Ares. Certain of our executive officers and directors, and members of the investment committee of our investment adviser, serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities, including other Ares funds. These officers and directors will devote such portion of their time to our affairs as is required for the performance of their duties, but they are not required to devote all of their time to us. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in our or our stockholders’ best interests or may require them to devote time to services for other entities, which could interfere with the time available to provide services to us. Members of our investment adviser’s investment committee may have significant responsibilities for other Ares funds. Similarly, although the professional staff of our investment adviser will devote as much time to the management of us as appropriate to enable our investment adviser to perform its duties in accordance with the investment advisory and management agreement, the investment professionals of our investment adviser may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among us, on the one hand, and investment vehicles managed by our investment adviser or one or more of its affiliates, on the other hand. These activities could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest insofar as the time and effort of the professional staff of our investment adviser and its officers and employees will not be devoted exclusively to our business but will instead be allocated between our business and the management of these other investment vehicles. In addition, certain Ares funds may have investment objectives that compete or overlap with, and may from time to time invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by, Ares Capital. Consequently, we, on the one hand, and these other entities, on the other hand, may from time to time pursue the same or similar capital and investment opportunities. Ares and our investment adviser endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, and in any event consistent with any fiduciary duties owed to Ares Capital. Nevertheless, it is possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds managed by investment managers affiliated with Ares (including our investment adviser) and, if given such opportunity, may not be allowed to participate in such investments without the prior approval of our directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, the prior approval of the SEC. In addition, there may be conflicts in the allocation of investments among us and the funds managed by investment managers affiliated with Ares (including our investment adviser) or one or more of our controlled affiliates or among the funds they manage, including investments made pursuant to the Co-Investment Exemptive Order. Further, such other Ares funds may hold positions in portfolio companies in which Ares Capital has also invested. Such investments may raise potential conflicts of interest between Ares Capital and such other Ares funds, particularly if Ares Capital and such other Ares funds invest in different classes or types of securities or investments of the same underlying portfolio company. In that regard, actions may be taken by such other Ares funds that are adverse to Ares Capital’s interests, including, but not limited to, during a restructuring, bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding or similar matter occurring at the underlying portfolio company. We have from time to time sold assets to IHAM and certain of the IHAM Vehicles and, as part of our investment strategy, we may offer to sell additional assets to vehicles managed by one or more of our affiliates (including IHAM) or we may purchase assets from vehicles managed by one or more of our affiliates (including IHAM). In addition, vehicles managed by one or more of our affiliates (including IHAM) may offer assets to or may purchase assets from one another. While assets may be sold or purchased at prices that are consistent with those that could be obtained from third parties in the marketplace, and although these types of transactions generally require approval of one or more independent parties, there may be an inherent conflict of interest in such transactions between us and funds managed by one of our affiliates (including our investment adviser). We pay a base management fee, an income based fee and a capital gains incentive fee to our investment adviser, and reimburse our investment adviser for certain expenses it incurs. Ares, from time to time, incurs fees, costs, and expenses on behalf of more than one fund. To the extent such fees, costs, and expenses are incurred for the account or benefit of more than one fund, each such fund will typically bear an allocable portion of any such fees, costs, and expenses in proportion to the size of its investment in the activity or entity to which such expense relates (subject to the terms of each fund’s governing documents) or in such other manner as Ares considers fair and equitable under the circumstances such as the relative fund size or capital available to be invested by such funds. Where a fund’s governing documents do not permit the payment of a particular expense, Ares will generally pay such fund’s allocable portion of such expense. In addition, investors in our common stock will invest on a gross basis and receive distributions on a net basis after expenses, resulting in, among other things, a lower rate of return than one might achieve if distributions were made on a gross basis. Our investment adviser’s base management fee is based on a percentage of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) and, consequently, our investment adviser may have conflicts of interest in connection with decisions that could affect our total assets, such as decisions as to whether to incur indebtedness or to make future investments. We are currently allowed to borrow amounts subject to our compliance with our asset coverage requirement following any such borrowing. Accordingly, our investment adviser may have conflicts of interest in connection with decisions to use increased leverage permitted under our asset coverage requirement applicable to senior securities, as the incurrence of such additional indebtedness would result in an increase in the base management fees payable to our investment adviser and may also result in an increase in the income based fees and capital gains incentive fees payable to our investment adviser. The income based fees payable by us to our investment adviser that relate to our pre-incentive fee net investment income is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of such fee will become uncollectible. Our investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the income based fees it received that were based on accrued interest that we never actually receive. Our investment advisory and management agreement renews for successive annual periods if approved by our board of directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, including, in either case, approval by a majority of our directors who are not “interested persons” of us as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act. However, both we and our investment adviser have the right to terminate the agreement without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Moreover, conflicts of interest may arise if our investment adviser seeks to change the terms of our investment advisory and management agreement, including, for example, the terms for compensation to our investment adviser. While any material change to the investment advisory and management agreement must be submitted to stockholders for approval under the Investment Company Act, we may from time to time decide it is appropriate to seek stockholder approval to change the terms of the agreement. We are party to an administration agreement with our administrator, Ares Operations, a subsidiary of Ares Management, pursuant to which our administrator furnishes us with administrative services and we pay our administrator at cost our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses (including travel expenses) incurred by our administrator in performing its obligations under our administration agreement, including our allocable portion of the compensation, rent, and other expenses of certain of our officers (including our chief compliance officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, general counsel, secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer) and their respective staffs, but not investment professionals. Our wholly owned portfolio company, IHAM, is party to an administration agreement, referred to herein as the “IHAM administration agreement,” with Ares Operations. Pursuant to the IHAM administration agreement, our administrator provides IHAM with administrative services and IHAM reimburses our administrator for all of the actual costs associated with such services, including its allocable portion of our administrator’s overhead and the cost of our administrator’s officers and respective staff in performing its obligations under the IHAM administration agreement. Prior to entering into the IHAM administration agreement, IHAM was party to a services agreement with our investment adviser, pursuant to which our investment adviser provided similar services. As a result of the arrangements described above, there may be times when the management team of Ares Management (including those members of management focused primarily on managing Ares Capital) has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict. Additionally, the members of management focused on managing us will also manage other Ares funds, and, consequently, will need to devote significant attention and time to managing other Ares funds, in addition to us. Our stockholders may have conflicting investment, tax and other objectives with respect to their investments in us. The conflicting interests of individual stockholders may relate to or arise from, among other things, the nature of our investments, the structure or the acquisition of our investments, and the timing of dispositions of our investments. As a consequence, conflicts of interest may arise in connection with decisions made by our investment adviser, including with respect to the nature or structuring of our investments, that may be more beneficial for one stockholder than for another stockholder, especially with respect to stockholders’ individual tax situations. In selecting and structuring investments appropriate for us, our investment adviser will consider the investment and tax objectives of the Company and our stockholders, as a whole, not the investment, tax or other objectives of any stockholder individually. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Additional Corporate-Level Income Taxes If Failure To Maintain RIC Status [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We may be subject to additional corporate-level income taxes if we fail to maintain our status as a RIC. We have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax treatment applicable to RICs. As a RIC, we generally will not pay U.S. federal corporate-level income taxes on our income and net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders as dividends on a timely basis. We will be subject to U.S. federal corporate-level income tax on any undistributed income and/or gains. To maintain our status as a RIC, we must meet certain source of income, asset diversification and annual distribution requirements. We may also be subject to certain U.S. federal excise taxes, as well as state, local and foreign taxes. To maintain our RIC status, we must timely distribute an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (as defined by the Code, which generally includes net ordinary income and net short term capital gains) to our stockholders (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”). We have the ability to pay a large portion of our dividends in shares of our stock, and as long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash and other requirements are met, such stock dividends will be taxable as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This may result in our U.S. stockholders having to pay tax on such dividends, even if no cash is received, and may result in our non-U.S. stockholders being subject to withholding tax in respect of amounts distributed in our stock. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the Investment Company Act and financial covenants under our indebtedness that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to maintain our status as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax on all of our income and/or gains. To maintain our status as a RIC, in addition to the Annual Distribution Requirement, we must also meet certain annual source of income requirements at the end of each taxable year and asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to (a) dispose of certain investments quickly or (b) raise additional capital to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments are in private companies and are generally illiquid, any such dispositions may be at disadvantageous prices and may result in losses. Also, the rules applicable to our qualification as a RIC are complex with many areas of uncertainty. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we have qualified or will continue to qualify as a RIC. If we fail to maintain our status as a RIC for any reason and become subject to regular “C” corporation income tax, the resulting corporate-level income taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and on any investment in us. Certain provisions of the Code provide some relief from RIC disqualification due to failures of the source of income and asset diversification requirements, although there may be additional taxes due in such cases. We cannot assure you that we would qualify for any such relief should we fail the source of income or asset diversification requirements. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Difficulty Paying Required Distributions [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We may have difficulty paying our required distributions under applicable tax rules if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be required to include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount, which may arise, for example, if we receive warrants in connection with the making of a loan, or PIK interest representing contractual interest added to the loan principal balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such original issue discount or PIK interest is included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash, including, for example, amounts attributable to hedging and foreign currency transactions. Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income before or without receiving cash in respect of such income, we may have difficulty meeting the U.S. federal income tax requirement to distribute generally an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to maintain our status as a RIC. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC and thus be subject to additional corporate-level income taxes. Such a failure could have a material adverse effect on us and on any investment in us. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Fair Values Of Investments Not Being Readily Determinable [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Most of our portfolio investments are not publicly traded and, as a result, the fair value of these investments may not be readily determinable. A large percentage of our portfolio investments are not publicly traded. The fair value of investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. We value these investments quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by our investment adviser, as the valuation designee, subject to the oversight of our board of directors, based on, among other things, the input of independent third-party valuation firms that have been engaged to support the valuation of such portfolio investments at least once during a trailing 12-month period (with certain de minimis exceptions) and subject to a valuation policy and valuation procedures. The valuation process is conducted at the end of each fiscal quarter by our investment adviser, and a portion of our investment portfolio at fair value is subject to review by an independent third-party valuation firm each quarter. However, we may use these independent valuation firms to review the value of our investments more frequently, including in connection with the occurrence of significant events or changes in value affecting a particular investment. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm obtains an understanding of, and performs select procedures relating to, our valuation process within the context of performing our integrated audit. The types of factors that may be considered in valuing our investments include the enterprise value of the portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal markets and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed and may differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize. Our net asset value per share could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of these investments are higher than the values that we realize upon disposition of such investments. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Related To Lack Of Liquidity In Investments [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business. As we generally make investments in private companies, substantially all of these investments are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments or could be unable to dispose of our investments in a timely manner. In addition, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we or an affiliated manager of Ares has material non-public information regarding such portfolio company. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Significant Investments Failing To Perform As Expected [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if a significant investment fails to perform as expected. Our investment portfolio includes investments that may be significant individually or in the aggregate. If a significant investment in one or more companies fails to perform as expected, such a failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results, and the magnitude of such effect could be more significant than if we had further diversified our portfolio. Our investment portfolio includes our investment in IHAM, a wholly owned portfolio company, which as of December 31, 2023, represented 8.7% of our total portfolio at fair value. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 10.4% of our total investment income was earned from our investment in IHAM. For more information, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio and Investment Activity—Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P.” and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Related To Corporate Social Responsibility [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Increasing scrutiny from stakeholders and regulators with respect to ESG matters may impose additional costs and expose us to additional risks. Our business (including that of our portfolio companies) faces increasing public scrutiny related to Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) activities, which are increasingly considered to contribute to reducing a company’s operational risk, market risk and reputational risk, which may in turn impact the long-term sustainability of a company’s performance. A variety of organizations measure the performance of companies on ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized. In addition, investment in funds that specialize in companies that perform well in such assessments are increasingly popular, and major institutional investors have publicly emphasized the importance of such ESG ratings and measures to their investment decisions. We risk damage to our brand and reputation if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, including, but not limited to diversity, equity and inclusion, human rights, climate change and environmental stewardship, support for local communities, corporate governance, transparency and consideration of ESG factors in our investment processes. Adverse incidents with respect to ESG activities could impact the value of our brand, our relationship with existing and future portfolio companies, the cost of our operations and relationships with investors, all of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. However, regional and investor specific sentiment may differ in what constitutes a material positive or negative ESG corporate practice. There is no guarantee that Ares’ ESG and sustainability practices will uniformly fit every investor’s definition of best practices for all environmental, social and governance considerations across geographies and investor types. If we do not successfully manage expectations across varied stakeholder interests, it could erode stakeholder trust, impact our reputation and constrain our investment opportunities. Additionally, new regulatory initiatives related to ESG that are applicable to us and our portfolio companies could adversely affect our business. For example, in May 2018, the European Commission adopted an “action plan on financing sustainable growth.” The action plan is, among other things, designed to define and reorient investment toward sustainability. The action plan contemplates: establishing European Union (the “EU”) labels for green financial products; clarifying asset managers’ and institutional investors’ duties regarding sustainability in their investment decision-making processes; increasing disclosure requirements in the financial services sector around ESG and strengthening the transparency of companies on their ESG policies and introducing a ‘green supporting factor’ in the EU prudential rules for banks and insurance companies to incorporate climate risks into banks’ and insurance companies’ risk management policies. There is a risk that a significant reorientation in the market following the implementation of these and further measures could be adverse to our portfolio companies if they are perceived to be less valuable as a consequence of, e.g., their carbon footprint or “greenwashing” (i.e., the holding out of a product as having green or sustainable characteristics where this is not, in fact, the case). We and our portfolio companies are subject to the risk that similar measures might be introduced in other jurisdictions in the future. There is also a growing regulatory interest across jurisdictions in improving transparency regarding the definition, measurement and disclosure of ESG factors in order to allow investors to validate and better understand sustainability claims. In 2021, the SEC established an enforcement task force to look into ESG practices and disclosures by public companies and investment managers and has started to bring enforcement actions based on ESG disclosures not matching actual investment processes. Further, in 2022 the SEC issued a proposed rule regarding the enhancement and standardization of mandatory climate-related disclosures for investors that would mandate extensive disclosure of climate-related data, risks, and opportunities for certain public companies. In addition, the SEC has announced that it is working on proposals for mandatory disclosure of certain ESG-related matters, including with respect to board diversity and human capital management. At this time, there is uncertainty regarding the scope of such proposals or when they would become effective (if at all). Compliance with any new laws or regulations increases our regulatory burden and could make compliance more difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we or our portfolio companies conduct our businesses and adversely affect our profitability. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Impact Of Global Climate Change [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We and/or our portfolio companies may be materially and adversely impacted by global climate change. Climate change is widely considered to be a significant threat to the global economy. Our business operations and our portfolio companies may face risks associated with climate change, including risks related to the impact of climate-related legislation and regulation (both domestically and internationally), risks related to climate-related business trends (such as the process of transitioning to a lower-carbon economy), and risks stemming from the physical impacts of climate change, such as the increasing frequency or severity of extreme weather events and rising sea levels and temperatures. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Being Target Of Litigation Or Regulatory Investigations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We, our executive officers, directors, and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees could be the target of litigation or regulatory investigations. We, as well as our investment adviser and its affiliates, participate in a highly regulated industry and are each subject to regulatory examinations in the ordinary course of business. There can be no assurance that we, our executive officers, directors, and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees will avoid regulatory investigation and possible enforcement actions stemming therefrom. Our investment adviser is a registered investment adviser and, as such, is subject to the provisions of the Advisers Act. We and our investment adviser are each, from time to time, subject to formal and informal examinations, investigations, inquiries, audits and reviews from numerous regulatory authorities both in response to issues and questions raised in such examinations or investigations and in connection with the changing priorities of the applicable regulatory authorities across the market in general. We, our executive officers, directors, and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees could also be named as defendants in, or otherwise become involved in, litigation. Litigation and regulatory actions can be time-consuming and expensive and can lead to unexpected losses, which expenses and losses are often subject to indemnification by us. Legal proceedings could continue without resolution for long periods of time and their outcomes, which could materially and adversely affect our value or the ability of our investment adviser to manage us, are often impossible to anticipate. our investment adviser would likely be required to expend significant resources responding to any litigation or regulatory action related to it, and these actions could be a distraction to the activities of our investment adviser. Our investment activities are subject to the normal risks of becoming involved in litigation by third parties. These risks would be somewhat greater if we were to exercise control or significant influence over a portfolio company’s direction. The expense of defending against claims by third parties and paying any amounts pursuant to settlements or judgments would, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved by our investment adviser, our administrator, or any of our officers, be borne by us and would reduce our net assets. Our investment adviser and others are indemnified by us in connection with such litigation, subject to certain conditions. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Changes In Laws Or Regulations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies, changes in the interpretation thereof or enacted laws or regulations could require changes to certain business practices of us or our portfolio companies, negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us or our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. We and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation by laws and regulations at the local, state, federal and, in some cases, foreign levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may be changed from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, or enacted laws or regulations could require changes to certain business practices of us or our portfolio companies, negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us or our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. Over the past several years, there also has been increasing regulatory attention to the extension of credit outside of the traditional banking sector, raising the possibility that some portion of the non-bank financial sector may be subject to new regulation. While it cannot be known at this time whether any regulation will be implemented or what form it will take, increased regulation of non-bank lending could be materially adverse to our business, financial conditions and results of operations. Regulators are also increasing scrutiny and considering regulation of the use of artificial intelligence technologies. We cannot predict what, if any, actions may be taken or the impact such actions may have on our business and results of operations. Additionally, legislative or other actions relating to taxes could have a negative effect on us. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by legislators and by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the U.S. Treasury Department. We cannot predict how future tax proposals and changes in U.S. tax laws, rates, regulations or other guidance issued under existing tax laws, might affect us, our business, our stockholders, or our portfolio companies in the long-term. New legislation and any U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting such legislation could significantly and negatively affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies or could have other adverse consequences. For example, such decisions and legislation may impact our ability to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC or negatively affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to us and our stockholders as a result of such qualification. Stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisor regarding tax legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our securities. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Investment Advisor Activity [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our investment adviser’s liability is limited under the investment advisory and management agreement, and we are required to indemnify our investment adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead our investment adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. Our investment adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the investment advisory and management agreement, and it will not be responsible for any action of our board of directors in declining to follow our investment adviser’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the investment advisory and management agreement, our investment adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and members and any other persons affiliated with it will not be liable to us for their acts under the investment advisory and management agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. We have agreed to indemnify, defend and protect our investment adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and members and any other persons or entities affiliated with it with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of our investment adviser’s duties or obligations under the investment advisory and management agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser for us, and not arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties under the investment advisory and management agreement. These protections may lead our investment adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Investments—Our investment adviser’s fee structure may induce it to make certain investments on our behalf, including speculative investments.” |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Obligation To Pay Investment Advisor If Losses Incurred [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We may be obligated to pay our investment adviser certain fees even if we incur a loss. Our investment adviser is entitled to income based fees for each fiscal quarter in an amount equal to a percentage of the excess of our pre-incentive fee net investment income for that quarter (before deducting any income based fee and capital gains incentive fees and certain other items) above a threshold return for that quarter. Our pre-incentive fee net investment income for income based fee purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses or depreciation and income taxes related to realized gains that we may incur in the fiscal quarter, even if such capital losses or depreciation and income taxes related to realized gains result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay our investment adviser income based fees for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or the net asset value of our common stock or we incur a net loss for that quarter. Under the investment advisory and management agreement, we will defer cash payment of any income based fee and the capital gains incentive fee otherwise earned by our investment adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter periods ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made, the sum of (a) our aggregate distributions to our stockholders and (b) our change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any income based fees or capital gains incentive fees accrued during the period) is less than 7.0% of our net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness) at the beginning of such period. These calculations will be adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. Any such deferred fees will be carried over for payment in subsequent calculation periods to the extent such payment can then be made under the investment advisory and management agreement. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide interest, it is possible that accrued and unpaid interest previously used in the calculation of income based fees will become uncollectible. Our investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of income based fees it received that was based on accrued income that we never receive. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Cybersecurity And Cyber Incidents [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We are highly dependent on the information systems of Ares Management and operational risks including systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends. Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems of Ares Management, the parent of our investment adviser and our administrator. In this Annual Report, we sometimes refer to hardware, software, information and communications systems maintained by Ares Management and used by us, our investment adviser and our administrator as “our” systems. We also face operational risk from transactions and key data not being properly recorded, evaluated or accounted for with respect to our portfolio companies. In addition, we face operational risk from errors made in the execution, confirmation or settlement of transactions. In particular, our investment adviser is highly dependent on its ability to process and evaluate, on a daily basis, transactions across markets and geographies in a time-sensitive, efficient and accurate manner. Consequently, we and our investment adviser and administrator rely heavily on Ares Management’s financial, accounting and other data processing systems. In addition, we operate in a business that is highly dependent on information systems and technology. Ares Management’s and our information systems and technology may not continue to be able to accommodate our growth, and the cost of maintaining the information systems and technology, which may be partially allocated to or borne by us, may increase from its current level. Such a failure to accommodate growth, or an increase in costs related to the information systems and technology, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Furthermore, a disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our businesses, including a disruption involving electronic communications, human resources systems or other services used by us, our investment adviser, our administrator or third parties with whom we conduct business could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue to operate our businesses without interruption. Although we and Ares Management have disaster recovery programs in place, these may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse us for any losses as a result of such a disaster or disruption, if at all. We and Ares Management also rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our respective businesses, including for certain information systems, technology and administration of our portfolio company investments and compliance matters. Operational risks could increase as vendors increasingly offer mobile and cloud-based software services rather than software services that can be operated within Ares Management’s own data centers, as certain aspects of the security of such technologies may be complex, unpredictable or beyond our or Ares Management’s control, and any failure by mobile technology or cloud service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and prevent cyber-attacks could disrupt our operations and result in misappropriation, corruption or loss of confidential, proprietary or personal information. In addition, our counterparties’ information systems, technology or accounts may be the target of cyber-attacks. Any interruption or deterioration in the performance of these third parties or the service providers of our counterparties or failures or vulnerabilities of their respective information systems or technology could impair the quality of our funds’ operations and could impact our reputation, adversely affect our businesses and limit our ability to grow. Finally, there has been significant evolution and developments in the use of artificial intelligence technologies, such as ChatGPT. We cannot fully determine the impact of such evolving technology to our business at this time. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Decline In Market Prices In Corporate Debt Markets [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Declines in market prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would reduce our net asset value. As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by our investment adviser, as the valuation designee, subject to the oversight of our board of directors. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material. We may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments: the enterprise value of a portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal markets and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can also adversely affect our investment valuations. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio can reduce our net asset value (and, as a result our asset coverage calculation) by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized and/or unrealized losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Economic Downturn [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results. The current macroeconomic environment is characterized by labor shortages, high interest rates, persistent inflation, foreign currency exchange volatility, volatility in global capital markets and growing recession risk. The risks associated with our and our portfolio companies’ businesses are more severe during periods of economic slowdown or recession. Many of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic downturns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, during these periods our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease if we are required to write down the values of our investments. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results. We experienced to some extent such effects as a result of the economic downturn that occurred throughout portions of the past four fiscal years and from 2008 through 2009 and may experience such effects again in any future downturn or recession. A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its assets representing collateral for its obligations, which could trigger cross defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt investments that we hold and the value of any equity securities we own. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Investments In Privately Held Middle-Market Companies [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Investments in privately held middle-market companies involve significant risks. We primarily invest in privately held U.S. middle-market companies. Investments in privately held middle-market companies involve a number of significant risks, including the following: •these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of us realizing our investment; •they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns; •they typically depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse effect on such portfolio company and, in turn, on us; •there is generally little public information about these companies. These companies and their financial information are generally not subject to the Exchange Act and other regulations that govern public companies, and we may be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, which may prevent us from making a fully informed investment decision and cause us to lose money on our investments; •they generally have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position; •we, our executive officers, directors and our investment adviser, its affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in our portfolio companies and may, as a result, incur significant costs and expenses in connection with such litigation; •changes in laws and regulations (including the tax laws), as well as their interpretations, may adversely affect their business, financial structure or prospects; and •they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Debt Investments [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our debt investments may be risky and we could lose all or part of our investment. The debt that we invest in is typically not initially rated by any rating agency, but we believe that if such investments were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, lower than “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services), which under the guidelines established by these entities is an indication of having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Bonds that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “high yield bonds” or “junk bonds.” Therefore, our investments may result in an above average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal. While the debt we invest in is often secured, such security does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the terms of the loan, or that the value of any collateral will be sufficient to allow us to recover all or a portion of the outstanding amount of the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies. Some of the loans in which we may invest may be “covenant-lite” loans, which means the loans contain fewer covenants than other loans (in some cases, none) and may not include terms which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. An investment by us in a covenant-lite loan may potentially hinder the ability to reprice credit risk associated with the issuer and reduce the ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. We may also experience delays in enforcing our rights under covenant-lite loans. As a result of these risks, our exposure to losses may be increased, which could result in an adverse impact on our net income and net asset value. We also may invest in assets other than first and second lien and subordinated debt investments, including high-yield securities, U.S. government securities, credit derivatives and other structured securities and certain direct equity investments. These investments entail additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Investments In Illiquid Equity Securities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Investments in equity securities, many of which are illiquid with no readily available market, involve a substantial degree of risk. We may purchase common and other equity securities. Although common stock has historically generated higher average total returns than fixed income securities over the long-term, common stock also has experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. The equity securities we acquire may fail to appreciate and may decline in value or become worthless and our ability to recover our investment will depend on the underlying portfolio company’s success. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including: •any equity investment we make in a portfolio company could be subject to further dilution as a result of the issuance of additional equity interests and to serious risks as a junior security that will be subordinate to all indebtedness (including trade creditors) or senior securities in the event that the issuer is unable to meet its obligations or becomes subject to a bankruptcy process; •to the extent that the portfolio company requires additional capital and is unable to obtain it, we may not recover our investment; and •in some cases, equity securities in which we invest will not pay current dividends, and our ability to realize a return on our investment, as well as to recover our investment, will be dependent on the success of the portfolio company. Even if the portfolio company is successful, our ability to realize the value of our investment may be dependent on the occurrence of a liquidity event, such as a public offering or the sale of the portfolio company. It is likely to take a significant amount of time before a liquidity event occurs or we can otherwise sell our investment. In addition, the equity securities we receive or invest in may be subject to restrictions on resale during periods in which it could be advantageous to sell them. There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including: •preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If we own a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, we may be required to report income for tax purposes before we receive such distributions; •preferred securities are subordinated to debt in terms of priority to income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than debt; •preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stock or U.S. government securities; and •generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company, subject to limited exceptions. Additionally, when we invest in first lien senior secured loans (including “unitranche” loans, which are loans that combine both senior and subordinated debt, generally in a first lien position), second lien senior secured loans or subordinated debt, we may acquire warrants or other equity securities as well. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the equity securities of investment funds that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions to the Investment Company Act and in advisers to similar investment funds and, to the extent we so invest, will bear our ratable share of any such company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We will also remain obligated to pay the base management fee, income based fee and capital gains incentive fee to our investment adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of such companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our common stockholders will bear his or her share of the base management fee, income based fee and capital gains incentive fee due to our investment adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any such investment funds or advisers. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Debt Investments Being Subordinated To Other Creditors Claims [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | There may be circumstances in which our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims. If one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, even though we may have structured our interest as senior debt, depending on the facts and circumstances, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt holding as an equity investment and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. In addition, lenders can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them where they become too involved in the borrower’s business or exercise control over the borrower. For example, we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, if, among other things, we actually render significant managerial assistance. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Portfolio Companies Incurring Debt Or Equity [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our portfolio companies may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies. Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt, or issue other equity securities, that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments. By their terms, such instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of dividends, interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our investments. These debt instruments would usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company typically are entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying such holders, the portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of securities ranking equally with our investments, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other security holders in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company. The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make to our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements (including agreements governing “first out” and “last out” structures) that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that senior obligations are outstanding, we may forfeit certain rights with respect to the collateral to the holders of the senior obligations. These rights may include the right to commence enforcement proceedings against the collateral, the right to control the conduct of such enforcement proceedings, the right to approve amendments to collateral documents, the right to release liens on the collateral and the right to waive past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if as a result our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Inability To Exert Influence On Portfolio Companies [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | When we are a debt or minority equity investor in a portfolio company, we are often not in a position to exert influence on the entity, and other equity holders and management of the company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our investment in such portfolio company. When we make debt or minority equity investments, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree and the other equity holders and management of such company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our investment. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Highly Leveraged Portfolio Companies [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged. Some of our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these companies and to us as an investor. These companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these companies’ ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these companies’ flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Fee Structure Inducing Speculative Investments [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our investment adviser’s fee structure may induce it to make certain investments on our behalf, including speculative investments. The fees payable by us to our investment adviser may create an incentive for our investment adviser to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in which income based fees payable to our investment adviser are determined, which are calculated as a percentage of the return on invested capital, may encourage our investment adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor the holders of our common stock and the holders of securities convertible into our common stock. In addition, our investment adviser will receive the capital gains incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike income based fees, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the capital gains incentive fee. As a result, our investment adviser may have a tendency to invest more in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. The income based fees are computed and paid on income that has been accrued but not yet received in cash, including as a result of investments with a deferred interest feature such as debt instruments with PIK interest, preferred stock with PIK dividends and zero coupon securities. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of the income based fee will become uncollectible. Our investment adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the fees it received that were based on such accrued interest that we never actually received. Because of the structure of the income based fees, it is possible that we may have to pay income based fees in a quarter during which we incur a loss. For example, if we receive pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the hurdle rate for a quarter, we will pay the applicable income based fees even if we have incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized and/or unrealized capital losses. In addition, if market interest rates rise, our investment adviser may be able to invest our funds in debt instruments that provide for a higher return, which would increase our pre-incentive fee net investment income and make it easier for our investment adviser to surpass the fixed hurdle rate and receive income based fees. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Investments In Foreign Companies [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our investments in foreign companies or investments denominated in foreign currencies may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. and U.S. dollar denominated investments. Our investment strategy contemplates potential investments in foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the U.S., higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. Although we expect most of our investments will be U.S. dollar denominated, our investments that are denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we cannot assure you that such strategies will be effective or without risk to us. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Exposure To Hedging Transactions [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions. We have and may in the future enter into hedging transactions, which may expose us to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Use of these hedging instruments may include counter-party credit risk. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. The success of our hedging transactions will depend on our ability to correctly predict movements in currencies and interest rates. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. See also “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including the current rising interest rate environment.” |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Unfunded Commitment Agreements [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | As a BDC, we are permitted to enter into unfunded commitment agreements, and, if we fail to meet certain requirements, we will be required to treat such unfunded commitments as derivative transactions, subject to leverage limitations, which may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts. Under Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, BDCs that make significant use of derivatives are required to operate subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, adopt a derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager, and comply with various testing and board reporting requirements. These requirements apply unless the BDC qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined under the rule. We currently operate as a “limited derivatives user” which may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts. In addition, under Rule 18f-4, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. Unfunded commitment agreements entered into by a BDC in compliance with this condition will not be considered for purposes of computing asset coverage for purposes of compliance with the Investment Company Act with respect to our use of leverage as well as derivatives and/or other financial contracts. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Effects Of Health Pandemics Or Epidemics [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Certain of our portfolio companies’ businesses could be adversely affected by the effects of health pandemics or epidemics, which could have a negative impact on our and our portfolio companies’ businesses and operations. Certain of our portfolio companies’ businesses could be adversely affected by the effects of health pandemics or epidemics. Another severe outbreak of COVID-19 or another pandemic can disrupt our and our portfolio companies’ businesses and materially and adversely impact our and/or their financial results. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to certain conditions associated with the current macroeconomic environment and caused significant disruptions and instabilities in the global and U.S. financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions. A resurgence of COVID-19 or another pandemic with effects similar to those of COVID-19 may adversely affect our and our portfolio companies’ liquidity positions. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Shares Trading At A Discount From Net Asset Value [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our shares of common stock have traded at a discount from net asset value and may do so again, which could limit our ability to raise additional equity capital. Shares of closed‑end investment companies frequently trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. This characteristic of closed‑end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to accurately predict whether any shares of our common stock will trade at, above, or below net asset value. In the past five years, the stocks of BDCs as an industry, including at times shares of our common stock, have traded below net asset value and during much of 2009 traded at near historic lows as a result of concerns over liquidity, leverage restrictions and distribution requirements. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect the debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations.” When our common stock is trading below its net asset value per share, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. Pursuant to approval granted at a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, we currently are permitted to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by our board of directors. Such stockholder approval expires on August 8, 2024. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Investors May Not Receive Dividends Or Interest Income [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | There is a risk that investors in our common stock may not receive dividends or that our dividends may not grow over time and that investors in our debt securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled. We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If we declare a dividend and if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in our dividend reinvestment plan, we may be forced to sell some of our investments in order to make cash dividend payments. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Certain of the Facilities may also limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions. Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in non-income producing securities, it could reduce the amount available for distribution and may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our debt, which may cause a default under the terms of our debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties under the terms of our debt agreements. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Provisions Of Maryland General Corporation Law [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. The Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), our charter and our bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Ares Capital or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act (the “Business Combination Act”), subject to any applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act. Our board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our board, including approval by a majority of our independent directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our board or independent directors do not approve a business combination, the Business Combination Act may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and may increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (the “Control Share Acquisition Act”) acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act, the Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and may increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our charter classifying our board of directors into three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of our charter authorizing our board of directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock into one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, and to amend our charter from time to time, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our charter and bylaws, may discourage, delay, defer, make more difficult or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in stockholders’ best interest. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Bylaws Limiting Ability To Obtain Favorable Judicial Forum [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our bylaws designate the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees. Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in Section 1-101(p) of the MGCL, including, without limitation, (a) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our directors or officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders or (b) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws or (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our common stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented and waived any objection to this exclusive forum provision of our bylaws, as the same may be amended from time to time. Our board of directors, without stockholder approval, adopted this exclusive forum provision so that we can respond to such litigation more efficiently, reduce the costs associated with our responses to such litigation, particularly litigation that might otherwise be brought in multiple forums, and make it less likely that plaintiffs’ attorneys will be able to employ such litigation to coerce us into otherwise unjustified settlements. However, this exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, if any, and may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers or other employees, if any. We believe the risk of a court declining to enforce this exclusive forum provision is remote, as the General Assembly of Maryland has specifically amended the MGCL to authorize the adoption of such provision. However, if a court were to find such provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings notwithstanding that the MGCL expressly provides that the charter or bylaws of a Maryland corporation may require that any Internal Corporate Claim be brought only in courts sitting in one or more specified jurisdictions, we may incur additional costs that we do not currently anticipate associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Investing In Common Stock [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Investing in our common stock may involve an above average degree of risk. The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive and, therefore, an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Market Price Fluctuations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly. The capital and credit markets have experienced periods of extreme volatility and disruption over the past several years (including throughout portions of the past four fiscal years). The market price and liquidity of the market for shares of our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include: •significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of publicly traded RICs, BDCs or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies; •price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time; •the inclusion or exclusion of our common stock from certain indices; •changes in law, regulatory policies or tax guidelines, or interpretations thereof, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs; •changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of our investments; •loss of our RIC status; •our ability to manage our capital resources effectively; •changes in our earnings or variations in our operating results; •changes in the value of our portfolio of investments; •any shortfall in investment income or net investment income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts; •departure of Ares’ key personnel; •short-selling pressure with respect to shares of our common stock or BDCs generally; •future sales of our securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock or the conversion of such securities, including the 2024 Convertible Notes; •uncertainty surrounding the strength of the U.S. economy; •uncertainty between the U.S. and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties, and tariffs; and •general economic trends and other external factors. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If our stock price fluctuates significantly, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Future Issuance Of Preferred Stock [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We may in the future determine to issue preferred stock, which could adversely affect the market value of our common stock. The issuance of shares of preferred stock with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock could adversely affect the market price for our common stock by making an investment in the common stock less attractive. In addition, the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of preferred stock must take preference over any dividends or other payments to our common stockholders, and holders of preferred stock are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference (other than convertible preferred stock that converts into common stock). In addition, under the Investment Company Act, preferred stock constitutes a “senior security” for purposes of the asset coverage test. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Net Asset Value Dilution [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock. At a special meeting of stockholders held on August 8, 2023, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our board of directors, our stockholders approved our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, in an amount not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period that began on August 8, 2023 and expires on August 8, 2024. In addition, at our 2009 annual stockholders meeting, our stockholders approved a proposal authorizing us to sell or otherwise issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock subject to certain limitations (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issuable does not exceed 25% of our then outstanding common stock and that the exercise or conversion price thereof is not, at the date of issuance, less than the greater of the market value per share and the net asset value per share of our common stock). The authorization granted to sell or issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock has no expiration. Any decision to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock would be subject to the determination by our board of directors that such issuance is in our and our stockholders’ best interests. If we were to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to the net asset value per share of our common stock. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock and a proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted. In addition, if we issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock, subject to certain limitations, the exercise or conversion price per share could be less than net asset value per share at the time of exercise or conversion (including through the operation of anti‑dilution protections). Because we would incur expenses in connection with any issuance of such securities, such issuance could result in a dilution of the net asset value per share at the time of exercise or conversion. This dilution would include reduction in net asset value per share as a result of the proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Further, if our current stockholders do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest when we issue new shares, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current net asset value per share, their voting power will be diluted. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Dilution In Ownership Percentage [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan. All dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan are automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders that opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Dilution Upon Conversion Of 2024 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our stockholders may experience dilution upon the conversion of the 2024 Convertible Notes. As of December 31, 2023, the 2024 Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2023, the conversion price of the 2024 Convertible Notes was effectively $19.43 per share, taking into account certain de minimis adjustments that will be made on the conversion date and subject to further adjustment in certain circumstances. We have elected to settle our conversion obligations in connection with the 2024 Convertible Notes with a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. If we deliver shares of common stock upon a conversion at the time our tangible book value per share exceeds the conversion price in effect at such time, our stockholders may incur dilution. In addition, our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of common stock upon our issuance of common stock in connection with the conversion of the 2024 Convertible Notes and any dividends paid on our common stock will also be paid on shares issued in connection with such conversion after such issuance. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Receiving Shares Of Common Stock As Dividends [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our stockholders may receive shares of our common stock as dividends, which could result in adverse cash flow consequences to them. In order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement applicable to RICs, we have the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in shares of our common stock instead of in cash. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash (which portion could be as low as 20%) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution would be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder would be taxed on 100% of the fair market value of the shares received as part of the dividend on the date a stockholder received it in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of our common stock. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Substantial Sales Of Common Stock [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale (including as a result of the conversion of our 2024 Convertible Notes into common stock), could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Fluctuations Of Market Value Of Debt Securities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The trading market or market value of our publicly issued debt securities may fluctuate. Our publicly issued debt securities may or may not have an established trading market. We cannot assure holders of our debt securities that a trading market for our publicly issued debt securities will ever develop or be maintained if developed. In addition to our creditworthiness, many factors may materially adversely affect the trading market for, and market value of, our publicly issued debt securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: •the time remaining to the maturity of these debt securities; •the outstanding principal amount of debt securities with terms identical to these debt securities; •the ratings assigned by national statistical ratings agencies; •the general economic environment; •the supply of such debt securities trading in the secondary market, if any; •the redemption or repayment features, if any, of these debt securities; •the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; and •market rates of interest higher or lower than rates borne by the debt securities. Holders of our debt securities should also be aware that there may be a limited number of buyers if and when they decide to sell their debt securities. This too may materially adversely affect the market value of the debt securities or the trading market for the debt securities. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Adverse Terms Of Redemption [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect our noteholders’ return on any debt securities that we may issue. If our noteholders’ debt securities are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem their debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on their debt securities. In addition, if our noteholders’ debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem their debt securities also at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on their debt securities. In this circumstance, our noteholders may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as their debt securities being redeemed. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Credit Ratings Not Reflecting All Risks [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in our debt securities. Our credit ratings are an assessment by third parties of our ability to pay our obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our debt securities. Our credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to market conditions generally or other factors discussed above on the market value of or trading market for the publicly issued debt securities. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Global Economic, Political And Market Conditions [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Global economic, political and market conditions, including uncertainty about the financial stability of the United States, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Concerns over the United States’ debt ceiling and budget-deficit have driven downgrades by rating agencies to the U.S. government’s credit rating. Downgrades by rating agencies to the U.S. government’s credit rating or concerns about its credit and deficit levels in general could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact both the perception of credit risk associated with our debt portfolio and our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, a decreased U.S. government credit rating, any default by the U.S. government on its obligations, or any prolonged U.S. government shutdown, could create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which may weigh heavily on our financial performance and the value of our common stock. U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns or a recession in the United States. Deterioration in the economic conditions in the Eurozone and other regions or countries globally and the resulting instability in global financial markets may pose a risk to our business. Financial markets have been affected at times by a number of global macroeconomic events, including the following: large sovereign debts and fiscal deficits of several countries in Europe and in emerging markets jurisdictions, levels of non‑performing loans on the balance sheets of European banks, instability in the Chinese capital markets and the COVID-19 pandemic. Global market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in the future affect, the U.S. capital markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot assure you that market disruptions in Europe and other regions or countries, including the increased cost of funding for certain governments and financial institutions, will not impact the global economy, and we cannot assure you that assistance packages will be available, or if available, be sufficient to stabilize countries and markets in Europe or elsewhere affected by a financial crisis. To the extent uncertainty regarding any economic recovery in Europe or elsewhere negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected. Moreover, there is a risk of both sector-specific and broad-based corrections and/or downturns in the equity and credit markets. Any of the foregoing could have a significant impact on the markets in which we operate and could have a material adverse impact on our business prospects and financial condition. Various social and political circumstances in the U.S. and around the world (including wars and other forms of conflict, terrorist acts, security operations and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and global health epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases), may also contribute to increased market volatility and economic uncertainties or deterioration in the U.S. and worldwide. Such events, including trade tensions between the United States and China, other uncertainties regarding actual and potential shifts in U.S. and foreign, trade, economic and other policies with other countries, the Russia-Ukraine war and more recently the Israel-Hamas war and health epidemics and pandemics, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. These market and economic disruptions could negatively impact the operating results of our portfolio companies. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Fluctuations In Quarterly Results [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results. We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the interest rates payable on the debt investments we make, the default rates on such investments, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Dependency On Information Systems [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Cybersecurity failures and data security incidents could adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential, personal or other sensitive information and/or damage to our business relationships or reputation, any of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results. The efficient operation of our business is dependent on computer hardware and software systems, as well as data processing systems and the secure processing, storage and transmission of information, all of which are potentially vulnerable to security breaches and cyber-attacks or other security breaches, which may include intentional attacks or accidental losses, either of which may result in unauthorized access to, or corruption of, our hardware, software, or data processing systems, or to our confidential, personal, or other sensitive information. In addition, we, our investment adviser, our administrator, or their employees may be the target of fraudulent emails or other targeted attempts to gain unauthorized access to confidential, personal, or other sensitive information. The result of any cyber-attack or other security incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, fraudulent transfers or requests for transfers of money, liability for stolen assets or information (including personal information), fines or penalties, investigations, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation, or damage to our business relationships and reputation, in each case, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. The rapid evolution and increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence technologies may also increase our cybersecurity risks. Although we are not currently aware of any cyber-attacks or other incidents that, individually or in the aggregate, have materially affected, or would reasonably be expected to materially affect, our operations or financial condition, there has been an increase in the frequency and sophistication of the cyber and security threats that we face, with attacks ranging from those common to businesses generally to more advanced and persistent attacks. Cyber-attacks and other security threats could originate from a wide variety of sources, including cyber criminals, nation state hackers, hacktivists and other outside or inside parties. We or our third-party providers may face a heightened risk of a security breach or disruption with respect to confidential, personal or other sensitive information resulting from an attack by foreign governments or cyber terrorists. We may be a target for attacks because, as a specialty finance company, we hold confidential and other sensitive information, including price information, about existing and potential investments. Further, we are dependent on third-party vendors for hosting hardware, software and data processing systems that we do not control. We also rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our businesses, including for certain information systems, technology and administration of our funds and compliance matters. While we rely on the cybersecurity strategy and policies implemented by Ares Management, which includes the performance of risk assessments on third-party providers, our reliance on them and their potential reliance on third-party providers removes certain cybersecurity functions from outside of our immediate control, and cyber-attacks on Ares Management, on us or on our third-party service providers could adversely affect us, our business and our reputation. The costs related to cyber-attacks or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by others, including by our third-party providers. As our reliance on computer hardware and software systems, data processing systems, and other technology has increased, so have the risks posed to such systems, both those we or Ares Management control and those provided by third-party vendors. Cyber-attacks may originate from a wide variety of sources, and while Ares Management has implemented processes, procedures and internal controls designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber-attacks, these measures do not guarantee that a cyber-attack will not occur or that our financial results, operations or confidential information, personal or other sensitive information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident, especially because the techniques of threat actors change frequently and are often not recognized until launched. Ares Management relies on industry accepted security measures and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information maintained on their information systems, as well as on policies and procedures to protect against the unauthorized or unlawful disclosure of confidential, personal or other sensitive information. Although Ares Management takes protective measures and endeavors to strengthen its computer systems, software, technology assets and networks to prevent and address potential cyber-attacks, there can be no assurance that any of these measures prove effective. Ares Management expects to be required to devote increasing levels of funding and resources, which may in part be allocated to us, to comply with evolving cybersecurity and privacy laws and regulations and to continually monitor and enhance its cybersecurity procedures and controls. Cybersecurity risks are exacerbated by the rapidly increasing volume of highly sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and intellectual property, personal information of our investment adviser’s and administrator’s employees, our investors and others and other sensitive information that Ares Management collects, processes and stores in its data centers and on its networks or those of its third-party service providers. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information are critical to our operations. A significant actual or potential theft, loss, corruption, exposure, fraudulent use or misuse of investor, employee or other personal information, proprietary business data or other sensitive information, whether by third parties or as a result of employee malfeasance or otherwise, non-compliance with applicable contractual or other legal obligations regarding such data or intellectual property or a violation of applicable privacy and security policies with respect to such data could result in significant investigation, remediation and other costs, fines, penalties, litigation or regulatory actions against us and significant reputational harm, any of which could harm our business and results of operations. Our portfolio companies also rely on similar systems and face similar risks. A disruption or compromise of these systems could have a material adverse effect on the value of these businesses. We may invest in strategic assets having a national or regional profile or in infrastructure assets, the nature of which could expose them to a greater risk of being subject to a terrorist attack or cyber-attack than other assets or businesses. Such an event may have material adverse consequences on our investments or may require portfolio companies to increase preventative security measures or expand insurance coverage. In addition, we operate in businesses that are highly dependent on information systems and technology. The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. Cybersecurity has become a priority for regulators in the U.S. and around the world. In the latter half of 2021, the SEC brought three charges, sanctioning eight companies, all of which were registered as broker dealers, investment advisory firms or both, for deficient cybersecurity policies and procedures, and settled charges in two separate actions against public companies for deficient disclosure controls and procedures violations related to a cybersecurity vulnerability that exposed sensitive customer information. More recently, the SEC proposed new rules related to cybersecurity risk management for registered investment advisers, registered investment companies and business development companies, as well as amendments to certain rules that govern investment adviser and fund disclosures. In July 2023, the SEC also adopted rules requiring public companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents on Form 8-K and periodic disclosure of a registrant’s cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance in annual reports. The rules became effective beginning with annual reports for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2023 and beginning with Form 8-Ks on December 18, 2023. With the SEC particularly focused on cybersecurity, we expect increased scrutiny of our and Ares Management’s policies and systems designed to manage cybersecurity risks and related disclosures. We also may face increased costs to comply with the new SEC rules, including Ares Management’s increased costs for cybersecurity training and management, a portion of which may be allocated to us. Many jurisdictions in which we operate have laws and regulations relating to data privacy, cybersecurity and protection of personal information, including, the CCPA, the New York SHIELD Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the U.K. GDPR. In addition, the SEC has indicated in recent periods that one of its examination priorities for the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations is to continue to examine cybersecurity procedures and controls, including testing the implementation of these procedures and controls. There may be substantial financial penalties or fines for breach of privacy laws (which may include insufficient security for personal or other sensitive information). For example, the maximum penalty for breach of the GDPR is the greater of 20 million Euros and 4% of group annual worldwide turnover, and fines for each violation of the CCPA are $2,500, or $7,500 per violation for intentional violations. Non-compliance with any applicable privacy or data security laws represents a serious risk to our business. Some jurisdictions have also enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals of data security breaches involving certain types of personal information. Breaches in security could potentially jeopardize our, our investment adviser’s or administrator’s employees’ or our investors’ or counterparties’ confidential or other information processed and stored in, or transmitted through, our or Ares Management’s computer systems and networks (or those of our third-party service providers), or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our investment adviser’s or administrator’s employees’, our investors’, our portfolio companies, our counterparties’ or third parties’ operations, which could result in significant losses, increased costs, disruption of our business, liability to our investors, our portfolio companies and other counterparties, fines or penalties, litigation, regulatory intervention or reputational damage, which could also lead to loss of investors. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk Of Ineffective Internal Controls [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Risk [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Ineffective internal controls could impact our business and operating results. Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2024 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 403 |  |  |  | $ 403 |  |  |  | $ 403 | $ 403 | $ 403 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 403 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Title [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2024 Convertible Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Structuring [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We have issued $403 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes that mature on March 1, 2024 (the “2024 Convertible Notes”) unless previously converted or repurchased in accordance with its terms. We do not have the right to redeem the 2024 Convertible Notes prior to maturity. The 2024 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.625% per annum, payable semi-annually. In certain circumstances, the 2024 Convertible Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, at the conversion rate (listed below as of December 31, 2023) subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments and the requirements of the indenture (the “2024 Convertible Notes Indenture”). We have elected to settle our conversion obligations in connection with the 2024 Convertible Notes submitted for conversion on or after December 1, 2023 with a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. In accordance with the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture, we notified the holders of the 2024 Convertible Notes and the trustee that all 2024 Convertible Notes submitted for conversion on or after December 1, 2023 shall be settled with a specified cash amount (as defined in the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture) of $1 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2024 Convertible Notes and any additional amounts in stock based on the applicable conversion rate as described in the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture. In addition, if we engage in certain corporate events as described in the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture, holders of the 2024 Convertible Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of the 2024 Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest through, but excluding, the required repurchase date. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 1,413 |  |  |  | $ 2,246 |  |  |  | $ 1,413 | $ 1,180 | $ 2,250 | $ 1,064 | $ 395 | $ 571 | $ 515 | $ 170 | $ 1,507 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 | $ 1,792 |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Title [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Revolving Credit Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Structuring [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We are party to a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended and restated, the “Revolving Credit Facility”), that allows us to borrow up to $4.8 billion at any one time outstanding. The Revolving Credit Facility consists of a $3.7 billion revolving tranche and a $1.1 billion term loan tranche. As of December 31, 2023, the end of the revolving periods and the stated maturity dates of the various revolving and term loan tranches of the Revolving Credit Facility were as follows:
(in millions) | Total Aggregate Principal Amount Committed/ Outstanding |  | End of Revolving Period |  | Maturity Date |  |  |
Revolving tranche | $ | 2,905 |  |  | April 19, 2027 |  | April 19, 2028 |  |  |
| 494 |  | March 31, 2026 |  | March 31, 2027 |  |  |
| 107 |  | March 31, 2025 |  | March 31, 2026 |  |  |
| 150 |  | March 30, 2024 |  | March 30, 2025 |  |  |
| 3,656 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term loan tranche | 908 |  |  |  |  | April 19, 2028 |  |  |
| 116 |  |  |  | March 31, 2027 |  |  |
| 28 |  |  |  | March 31, 2026 |  |  |
| 50 |  |  |  | March 30, 2025 |  |  |
| 1,102 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| $ | 4,758 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for a feature that allows us, under certain circumstances, to increase the overall size of the Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum of $7.1 billion. The interest rate charged on the Revolving Credit Facility is based on SOFR (or an alternative rate of interest for certain loans, commitments and/or other extensions of credit denominated in Sterling, Canadian Dollars, Euros and certain other foreign currencies) plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% and an applicable spread of either 1.75% or 1.875% or an “alternate base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the Revolving Credit Facility) plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% and an applicable spread of either 0.75% or 0.875%, in each case, determined monthly based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the sum of (i) the greater of (a) the aggregate amount of revolving exposure and term loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and (b) 85% of the total commitments of the Revolving Credit Facility (or, if higher, the total revolving exposure) plus (ii) other debt, if any, secured by the same collateral as the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, the applicable spread in effect was 1.75%. We are also required to pay a letter of credit fee of either 2.00% or 2.125% per annum on letters of credit issued, determined monthly based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the total commitments of the Revolving Credit Facility and other debt, if any, secured by the same collateral as the Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, we are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum on any unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $1.4 billion outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and we were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving Funding Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 863 |  |  |  | $ 800 |  |  |  | $ 863 | $ 1,027 | $ 638 | $ 520 | $ 600 | $ 155 | $ 250 | $ 324 | $ 762 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 | $ 1,792 |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Title [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Revolving Funding Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Structuring [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We and our consolidated subsidiary, Ares Capital CP Funding LLC (“Ares Capital CP”), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the “Revolving Funding Facility”), that allows Ares Capital CP to borrow up to $1.8 billion at any one time outstanding. The Revolving Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by, and the membership interest in, Ares Capital CP. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the Revolving Funding Facility are December 29, 2024 and December 29, 2026, respectively. The interest rate charged on the Revolving Funding Facility is based on SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% or a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the Revolving Funding Facility) plus an applicable spread of 1.90% per annum. Ares Capital CP is also required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.50% and 1.25% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the Revolving Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $863 million outstanding under the Revolving Funding Facility and we and Ares Capital CP were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Revolving Funding Facility. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
SMBC Funding Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 401 |  |  |  | $ 451 |  |  |  | $ 401 | $ 453 | $ 301 | $ 245 | $ 60 | $ 105 | $ 110 | $ 62 | $ 401 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 | $ 1,792 |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Title [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | SMBC Funding Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Structuring [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We and our consolidated subsidiary, Ares Capital JB Funding LLC (“ACJB”), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the “SMBC Funding Facility”), with ACJB, as the borrower, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as the administrative agent and collateral agent, that allows ACJB to borrow up to $800 million at any one time outstanding. The SMBC Funding Facility also provides for a feature that allows ACJB, subject to receiving certain consents, to increase the overall size of the SMBC Funding Facility to $1.0 billion. The SMBC Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by ACJB. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the SMBC Funding Facility are May 28, 2024 and May 28, 2026, respectively. The reinvestment period and the stated maturity date are both subject to two one-year extensions by mutual agreement. The interest rate charged on the SMBC Funding Facility is based on an applicable spread of either 1.75% or 2.00% over one month SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10%, or 0.75% or 1.00% over a “base rate” (as defined in the agreements governing the SMBC Funding Facility), in each case, determined monthly based on the amount of the average borrowings outstanding under the SMBC Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, the applicable spread in effect was 1.75%. ACJB is also required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.50% and 1.00% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the SMBC Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $401 million outstanding under the SMBC Funding Facility and we and ACJB were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the SMBC Funding Facility. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
BNP Funding Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 575 |  |  |  | $ 245 |  |  |  | $ 575 | $ 150 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Title [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | BNP Funding Facility |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Structuring [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We and our consolidated subsidiary, ARCC FB Funding LLC (“AFB”), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the “BNP Funding Facility”) with AFB, as the borrower, and BNP Paribas, as the administrative agent and lender, that allows AFB to borrow up to $865 million at any one time outstanding. The BNP Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by AFB. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the BNP Funding Facility are April 20, 2026 and April 20, 2028, respectively. The reinvestment period and the stated maturity date are both subject to a one-year extension by mutual agreement. As of December 31, 2023, the interest rate charged on the BNP Funding Facility was based on three month 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. AFB is required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.00% and 1.25% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the BNP Funding Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $575 million outstanding under the BNP Funding Facility and we and AFB were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the BNP Funding Facility. See “Recent Developments,” as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a subsequent event relating to the BNP Funding Facility. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
SBA Debentures [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | $ 25 | $ 22 |  |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 |  |  |
February 2016 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 575 | $ 575 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
June 2016 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 230 | $ 230 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
2017 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 163 | $ 163 | $ 163 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
2018 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 270 | $ 270 | $ 270 | $ 270 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
2019 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300 | $ 300 | $ 300 | $ 300 | $ 300 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
2022 Convertible Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 388 | $ 388 | $ 388 | $ 388 |  |  |  | $ 388 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
2018 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 750 | $ 750 | $ 750 | $ 750 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
2020 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 400 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
2022 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 600 |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 |  |  |  |
February 2022 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 144 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,292 |  |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,024 |  |
October 2022 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 183 | $ 183 | $ 183 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,017 | $ 1,011 | $ 1,013 |  |
2040 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 200 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,292 |  |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,040 |  |
2023 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  | $ 750 |  |  |  |  | $ 750 | $ 750 | $ 750 | $ 750 |  |  |  | $ 750 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  |  | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
2024 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 900 |  |  |  | $ 900 |  |  |  | $ 900 | $ 900 | $ 900 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 900 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
March 2025 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 600 |  |  |  | $ 600 |  |  |  | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 600 | $ 600 |  |  |  |  | $ 600 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
July 2025 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 1,250 |  |  |  | $ 1,250 |  |  |  | $ 1,250 | $ 750 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,250 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
January 2026 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 1,150 |  |  |  | $ 1,150 |  |  |  | $ 1,150 | $ 1,150 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,150 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 | $ 1,824 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
July 2026 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 1,000 |  |  |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
January 2027 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 900 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 900 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,937 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
June 2027 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 500 |  |  |  | $ 500 |  |  |  | $ 500 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2028 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 1,250 |  |  |  | $ 1,250 |  |  |  | $ 1,250 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,250 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
2031 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 700 |  |  |  | $ 700 |  |  |  | $ 700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 700 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 1,937 |  |  |  | $ 1,772 |  |  |  | $ 1,937 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,792 |
2047 Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Securities Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 230 | $ 230 | $ 230 | $ 230 | $ 230 | $ 230 | $ 230 |  |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,824 | $ 2,042 | $ 2,362 | $ 2,415 | $ 2,296 | $ 2,213 | $ 2,292 |  |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,013 | $ 1,033 | $ 1,013 | $ 1,021 | $ 1,015 | $ 1,011 | $ 985 |  |
Unsecured Notes [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Title [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Unsecured Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long Term Debt, Structuring [Text Block] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | We issued certain unsecured notes (each issuance of which is referred to herein using the “defined term” set forth under the “Unsecured Notes” column of the table below and collectively referred to as the “Unsecured Notes”), that pay interest semi-annually and all principal amounts are due upon maturity. Each of the Unsecured Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at our option at a redemption price equal to par plus a “make whole” premium, if applicable, as determined pursuant to the indentures governing each of the Unsecured Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Certain key terms related to the features for the Unsecured Notes as of December 31, 2023 are listed below.
(dollar amounts in millions) Unsecured Notes | Aggregate Principal Amount Issued |  | Effective Stated Interest Rate |  | Original Issuance Date |  | Maturity Date
2024 Notes | $ | 900 |  |  | 4.200% |  | June 10, 2019 |  | June 10, 2024
March 2025 Notes | $ | 600 |  |  | 4.250% |  | January 11, 2018 |  | March 1, 2025
July 2025 Notes | $ | 1,250 |  |  | 3.250% |  | January 15, 2020 |  | July 15, 2025
January 2026 Notes | $ | 1,150 |  |  | 3.875% |  | July 15, 2020 |  | January 15, 2026
July 2026 Notes | $ | 1,000 |  |  | 2.150% |  | January 13, 2021 |  | July 15, 2026
January 2027 Notes(1) | $ | 900 |  |  | 7.943% |  | August 3, 2023 |  | January 15, 2027
June 2027 Notes | $ | 500 |  |  | 2.875% |  | January 13, 2022 |  | June 15, 2027
2028 Notes | $ | 1,250 |  |  | 2.875% |  | June 10, 2021 |  | June 15, 2028
2031 Notes | $ | 700 |  |  | 3.200% |  | November 4, 2021 |  | November 15, 2031
________________________________________ (1)The effective stated interest rate of the January 2027 Notes includes the impact of interest rate swaps. In February 2023, we repaid in full the $750 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes (the “2023 Notes”) upon their maturity. The 2023 Notes bore interest at a rate of 3.500% per annum, payable semi-annually. In connection with the January 2027 Notes, we entered into interest rate swaps for a total notional amount of $900 million that mature on January 15, 2027 to more closely align the interest rate of such liability with our investment portfolio, which consists of primarily floating rate loans. Under the interest rate swap agreements, we receive a fixed interest rate of 7.000% and pay a floating interest rate of one-month SOFR plus 2.581%. We designated these interest rate swaps and the related January 2027 Notes as a qualifying hedge accounting relationship. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on the interest rate swaps. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for more information on our debt obligations. See “Recent Developments,” as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a subsequent event relating to an additional issuance of unsecured notes. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the 2024 Convertible Notes Indenture and the indentures governing the Unsecured Notes. The 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes are our senior unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 2024 Convertible Notes and the Unsecured Notes; equal in right of payment to our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not expressly subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness (including existing unsecured indebtedness that we later secure) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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