Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) asks shareholders to permit up to 25% below‑NAV issuance

Q: When and how will ARCC hold the Special Meeting for this proxy?

The Special Meeting will be held virtually on August 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern , and stockholders of record as of May 12, 2026 may attend online at the Company’s virtual meeting portal and vote.

Q: How large could dilution be if ARCC issues shares below NAV?

The proxy includes hypothetical examples using 30 million outstanding shares and a $15.00 NAV ; a 25% issuance at a 25% discount in that example produces a 5.00% reduction in NAV per share for nonparticipating holders.

Q: Will ARCC use this authorization immediately if approved?

No. The Company states it has no immediate plans to issue shares below NAV; any future issuance would require board determinations at the time and compliance with the proposal’s conditions.

Filing Impact

(Neutral)

Filing Sentiment

(Neutral)

Form Type

PRE 14A

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

The board of Ares Capital Corporation is asking common stockholders to authorize the Company to, with board approval, sell or otherwise issue up to 25% of then outstanding common stock at prices below the then-current net asset value per share. The authorization, if approved, would be effective for a twelve-month period from the Special Meeting date. The Special Meeting will be held virtually on August 13, 2026; the record date is May 12, 2026. The proposal is described as a precautionary flexibility measure for use during periods of market disruption, subject to board determinations and conditions mandated by the Investment Company Act.

Insights

Board seeks a standard BDC below-NAV issuance authorization for one year.

The proxy requests shareholder approval to permit issuance of up to 25% of outstanding common stock below NAV for twelve months, subject to required-majority board determinations and pricing tests under the Investment Company Act. The board frames this as optional flexibility during market stress.

Key dependencies include board findings at time of issuance, underwriter consultation where applicable, and adherence to the Investment Company Act "required majority" voting standards. Shareholders should note dilution examples provided in the proxy and that the Company says it has used similar authority once (2009) for the Allied acquisition.

Key Figures

Special Meeting date: August 13, 2026 Record date: May 12, 2026 Authorized dilution cap: 25% of then outstanding common stock +4 more

7 metrics

Special Meeting date August 13, 2026 virtual Special Meeting

Record date May 12, 2026 stockholders entitled to vote

Authorized dilution cap 25% of then outstanding common stock maximum shares issuable below NAV under the proposal

Authorization effective period 12 months from the date of the Special Meeting

Hypothetical shares outstanding used in examples 30,000,000 shares illustrative NAV dilution examples in the proxy

Hypothetical NAV per share in examples $15.00 used to illustrate dilution scenarios

Prior below-NAV use 2009 issuance Company used similar approval once for Allied acquisition

Key Terms

Net Asset Value (NAV), Business Development Company (BDC), Regulated Investment Company (RIC), Investment Company Act "required majority"

4 terms

Net Asset Value (NAV) financial

"price below its then current net asset value per share"

Net asset value (NAV) is the per-share value of an investment fund calculated by totaling the fund’s assets, subtracting its liabilities, and dividing the remainder by the number of outstanding shares. Think of it like a price tag on each share of a collective piggy bank: investors use NAV to see what each share is worth, to compare funds, and, for many funds, it’s the price at which shares are bought or redeemed.

Business Development Company (BDC) regulatory

"The Company is a closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company"

Regulated Investment Company (RIC) tax

"As a BDC and a regulated investment company ("RIC") for tax purposes"

A regulated investment company (RIC) is a type of pooled investment fund that meets specific legal and tax rules so it can pass most of its income and gains directly to shareholders instead of being taxed at the fund level. For investors this matters because RICs — similar to a delivery service that forwards packages straight to recipients — typically offer tax-efficient income distribution and predictable tax treatment, which affects after-tax returns and portfolio planning.

Investment Company Act "required majority" regulatory

"a "required majority" of the Company’s directors have determined"

05/01/2026 - 04:23 PM

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

☒

Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☐

Definitive Proxy Statement

☐

Definitive Additional Materials

☐

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

☒

No fee required.

☐

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

☐

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11.

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT — SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED MAY 1, 2026

Ares Capital Corporation
245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor
New York, NY 10167

May , 2026

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Ares Capital Corporation (the “Company”) to be held virtually on August 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., Eastern Time. You will be able to attend the Special Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARCC2026SM. Stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 12, 2026, the record date for the Special Meeting, will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to vote, ask questions and participate as they would at an in-person special meeting. In particular, stockholders may submit questions in advance of, or live during, the Special Meeting by following the instructions and rules of conduct on the Special Meeting website. During the Special Meeting, the Company intends to answer questions that are pertinent to the Company and the official business of the Special Meeting, subject to time constraints.

Stockholders are encouraged to enter the virtual Special Meeting site prior to the start time in order to leave ample time to confirm the internet connection is sufficient to access the site and to allow sufficient time to log in and familiarize themselves with the virtual meeting platform. The virtual meeting platform is supported across different internet browsers and various devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, and smart phones) that have the most updated version of applicable software installed. Technical support will be available beginning 15 minutes prior to, and through the conclusion of, the Special Meeting. For stockholders encountering any technical difficulties while accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, a technical assistance phone number will be made available on the virtual meeting registration page 15 minutes prior to the start time of the meeting.

The attached Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the Special Meeting. At the meeting, you will be asked to approve a proposal to authorize the Company, with the approval of its board of directors, to sell or otherwise issue shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “common stock”), at a price below its then current net asset value per share. This is solely an authorization and does not constitute a decision or intent to execute a transaction. Any transaction would require approval of the Company’s board of directors and would be subject to certain limitations set forth herein. If the authorization is approved, it would be effective for common stock issued during a twelve-month period expiring on the anniversary of the date of this Special Meeting. The Company has sought and received stockholder approval for similar proposals for each of the last 17 years, and has only used it once in 2009 in support of the acquisition of Allied Capital Corporation, which was highly accretive to stockholders.

Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. We urge you to fill out, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card or authorize your proxy by telephone or through the Internet as soon as possible even if you currently plan to attend the Special Meeting. This will not prevent you from voting at the meeting but will assure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the meeting.

As always, the Company encourages you to vote your shares at the Special Meeting.

On behalf of your board of directors, thank you for your continued interest and support.

Sincerely,

Mitchell Goldstein
Co-Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Michael L. Smith
Co-Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Ares Capital Corporation
245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor
New York, NY 10167

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 13, 2026

To the Stockholders of Ares Capital Corporation:

Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Ares Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), will be held virtually on August 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., Eastern Time for the following purpose:

To consider and vote upon a proposal to authorize the Company, with the approval of its board of directors, to sell or otherwise issue shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “common stock”), at a price below its then current net asset value per share subject to certain limitations set forth herein (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued does not exceed 25% of its then outstanding common stock). If approved, the authorization would be effective for common stock issued during a twelve-month period expiring on the anniversary of the date of this Special Meeting.

The Special Meeting will be conducted virtually. You will be able to attend the Special Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARCC2026SM. Stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 12, 2026, the record date for the Special Meeting, will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to vote, ask questions and participate as they would at an in-person special meeting. In particular, stockholders may submit questions in advance of, or live during, the Special Meeting by following the instructions and rules of conduct on the Special Meeting website. During the Special Meeting, the Company intends to answer questions that are pertinent to the Company and the official business of the Special Meeting, subject to time constraints.

Only the holders of record of shares of the Company’s common stock (NASDAQ: ARCC) at the close of business on May 12, 2026 will be entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting.

It is important that all stockholders participate in the affairs of the Company, regardless of the number of shares owned. Accordingly, the Company urges you to promptly fill out, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card or authorize your proxy by telephone or through the Internet as soon as possible even if you plan to attend the meeting. Instructions are shown on the proxy card.

You have the option to revoke your proxy at any time prior to the meeting and to vote your shares personally if you attend the meeting. If there are not sufficient votes for a quorum or to approve or ratify the foregoing proposal at the time of the Special Meeting, the Special Meeting may be adjourned in order to permit further solicitation of proxies by the Company.

As always, the Company encourages you to vote your shares at the Special Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Ian Fitzgerald
General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary

New York, New York
May , 2026

Ares Capital Corporation
245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor
New York, NY 10167

PROXY STATEMENT
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

The proxy card that accompanies this proxy statement is being solicited by the board of directors (the “Board”) of Ares Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), for use at the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held virtually on August 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., Eastern Time, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement, the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and the accompanying proxy card are first being released to the Company’s stockholders on or about May , 2026.

We encourage you to vote your shares, either by voting at the Special Meeting or by granting a proxy (i.e., authorizing someone to vote your shares). If you properly authorize your proxy and the Company receives it in time for the Special Meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote the shares registered directly in your name in the manner that you specify. If no specification is made, the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of such shares will be cast FOR the proposal to authorize the Company, with the approval of the Board, to sell or otherwise issue shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “common stock”), at a price below its then current net asset value (“NAV” or “net asset value”) per share subject to certain limitations set forth herein (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued does not exceed 25% of its then outstanding common stock). If approved, the authorization would be effective for common stock issued during a twelve-month period expiring on the anniversary of the date of this Special Meeting.

Any stockholder “of record” (i.e., stockholders holding shares directly in their name) giving a valid proxy for the Special Meeting may revoke it before it is exercised by giving a later-dated properly executed proxy, by giving notice of revocation to the Company in writing before or at the Special Meeting or by voting during the Special Meeting. However, the mere presence of the stockholder at the Special Meeting does not revoke the proxy. If your shares are held for your account by a broker, bank or other institution or nominee, you may vote such shares at the Special Meeting only if you obtain proper written authority from your broker, bank or other institution or nominee. If your shares are held for your account by a broker, bank or other institution or nominee, to revoke any voting instructions prior to the time the vote is taken at

the Special Meeting, you must contact such broker, bank or other institution or nominee to determine how to revoke your vote in accordance with its policies at a sufficient time in advance of the Special Meeting.

Unless revoked as stated above, the shares of common stock represented by valid proxies will be voted on all matters to be acted upon at the Special Meeting.

The record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is the close of business on May 12, 2026. As of the close of business on May 12, 2026, there were shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Each share of common stock has one vote. If your shares are held for your account by a broker, bank or other institution or nominee, your broker, bank or other institution or nominee will not vote your shares unless you provide instructions to your broker, bank or other institution or nominee on how to vote your shares. You should instruct your broker, bank or other institution or nominee how to vote your shares by following the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank or other institution or nominee. The presence (including by proxy) of the holders of shares of common stock of the Company entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of the Special Meeting. If there are not sufficient votes for a quorum or to approve or ratify the foregoing proposal at the time of the Special Meeting, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the Special Meeting in order to permit further solicitation of proxies by the Company.

Abstentions will be deemed to be present for the purpose of determining a quorum for the Special Meeting, but will not be treated as votes cast. A “broker non-vote” with respect to a matter occurs when a broker, bank or other institution or nominee holding shares on behalf of a beneficial owner has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner on a particular proposal and does not have, or chooses not to exercise, discretionary authority to vote the shares on such proposals. Because a broker is not permitted to provide a proxy for your shares unless you provide your broker with voting instructions, such shares are not counted as present for quorum purposes nor would they be treated as votes cast. The Company does not expect any broker non-votes at the Special Meeting because there are no routine proposals to be voted on at the Special Meeting.

You may vote “FOR” or “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN” from voting on, Proposal 1 (to authorize the Company, with the approval of the Board, to sell or otherwise issue shares of its common stock at a price below its then current net asset value per share subject to certain limitations set forth herein (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued does not exceed 25% of its then outstanding common stock)). The affirmative vote of holders of at least a “majority,” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), of (1) the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and (2) the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock held by persons that are not affiliated persons of the Company, is required to approve Proposal 1. Under the Investment Company Act, the vote of holders of a “majority” means the vote of the holders of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the shares of the Company’s common stock are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” Proposal 1.

The Company, and, ultimately, its stockholders, will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies in the form accompanying this statement. Proxies will be solicited by mail or by requesting brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of shares of common stock held of record by such brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries, each of whom the Company will reimburse for its expenses in so doing. In addition to the use of mail, directors, officers and regular employees of Ares Capital Management LLC, the Company’s investment adviser (“Ares Capital Management” or the “investment adviser”), or Ares Operations LLC, the Company’s administrator (“Ares Operations” or the “administrator”), without special compensation therefor, may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, text message, electronic mail, facsimile or other electronic means from stockholders. The address of each of Ares Capital Management and Ares Operations is 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, California 90067.

The Company has engaged the services of D.F. King & Co., Inc. (“D.F. King”) for the purpose of assisting in the solicitation of proxies at an anticipated cost of approximately $7,500, plus reimbursement of certain expenses and fees for additional services requested. Please note that D.F. King may solicit

stockholder proxies by telephone or by text message on behalf of the Company. They will not attempt to influence how you vote your shares, but only ask that you take the time to authorize your proxy. You may also be asked if you would like to authorize your proxy over the telephone or by text message and to have your voting instructions transmitted to the Company’s proxy tabulation firm.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

The following table sets forth, as of May , 2026 (unless otherwise noted), the number of shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by each of its current directors and named executive officers, all directors and executive officers as a group and certain beneficial owners, according to information furnished to the Company by such persons or publicly available filings.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Ownership information for those persons who beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock is based upon Schedule 13D, Schedule 13G or other filings by such persons with the Commission and other information obtained from such persons. To the Company’s knowledge, as of May , 2026, there were no persons that owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. Except as otherwise noted below, each person named in the following table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of the Company’s common stock that he or she beneficially owns.

The address for Michael J Arougheti, R. Kipp deVeer, Mitchell Goldstein, Jim Miller and Michael L. Smith is c/o Ares Capital Corporation, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167. The address for each of the other directors and executive officers is c/o Ares Capital Corporation, 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, California 90067.

Name of Beneficial Owner

Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership

Percent of
Class(1)

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

Interested Directors

Michael J Arougheti

R. Kipp deVeer

Mitchell Goldstein

Michael L. Smith

(2)

Independent Directors

Ann Torre Bates

(3)

Mary Beth Henson

Daniel G. Kelly, Jr.

Steven B. McKeever

Michael K. Parks

Eric B. Siegel

(4)

Named Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

Scott C. Lem

Jim Miller

Kort Schnabel

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
(13 persons)

(5)

Represents less than 1%.

(1)

Based on shares of common stock outstanding as of May , 2026.

(2)

Consists of (i) shares of common stock owned directly; and (ii) shares of common stock indirectly beneficially owned by Michael L. Smith through a trust for the benefit of Michael L. Smith’s family members.

(3)

Consists of (i) shares of common stock owned directly; and (ii) shares of common stock indirectly beneficially owned by Ann Torre Bates through her spouse.

(4)

Consists of (i) shares of common stock owned directly; and (ii) shares of common stock indirectly beneficially owned by Eric B. Siegel through one of his children. Eric B. Siegel disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock indirectly beneficially owned by Eric B. Siegel through one of his children, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest.

(5)

Includes shares owned by executive officers of the Company that are not “Named Executive Officers,” as defined in Item 402 of Regulation S-K, as promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

PROPOSAL 1: AUTHORIZATION OF THE COMPANY TO SELL OR OTHERWISE ISSUE SHARES OF ITS COMMON STOCK AT A PRICE BELOW ITS THEN CURRENT NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THIS PROPOSAL

The Company is a closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act. As a BDC, the Company is generally prohibited from issuing its common stock at a price below the then current NAV unless it meets certain conditions, including obtaining stockholder approval.

As a result, the Company is seeking the approval of its common stockholders so that it may, in one or more public or private offerings of its common stock, sell or otherwise issue shares of its common stock, not exceeding 25% of its then outstanding common stock, at a price below NAV, subject to the conditions set forth in this proposal. If approved, the authorization would be effective for common stock issued during a twelve-month period expiring on the anniversary of the date of this Special Meeting. The Company has sought and received stockholder approval for similar proposals for each of the last 17 years, and has only used it once in 2009 in support of the acquisition of Allied Capital Corporation, which was highly accretive to stockholders.

The Board, including a majority of the directors who have no financial interest in this proposal and a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (referred to herein as “independent directors”), has approved this proposal as in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recommends it to the stockholders for their approval. For these purposes, directors will not be deemed to have a financial interest solely by reason of their ownership of the Company’s common stock. The Board believes that having the flexibility for the Company to sell its common stock below NAV in certain instances is in the Company’s best interests and the best interests of its stockholders. This would, among other things, provide access to the capital markets to pursue attractive investment opportunities during periods of volatility and improve capital resources to enable the Company to compete more effectively for high quality investment opportunities (which may include acquisitions of other companies or investment portfolios) and to add financial flexibility to comply with regulatory requirements and debt facility covenants, including the applicable debt to equity ratio. Upon obtaining the requisite stockholder approval, the Company will comply with the conditions described below in connection with any offering undertaken pursuant to this proposal. See below for a discussion of the risks of dilution.

Background and Reasons to Offer Common Stock Below NAV

Market Conditions Have Created, and May in the Future Create, Attractive Investment and Acquisition Opportunities

From time to time, global capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. For example, over the Company’s 21-year history, the global capital markets have encountered periods of significant disruption such as the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19 pandemic and are currently experiencing disruption resulting from uncertainty related to continued conflicts and political unrest and ongoing uncertainties regarding actual and potential shifts in U.S. and foreign trade, economic and other policies, including with respect to treaties and tariffs. The Company believes that favorable investment opportunities to invest at attractive risk-adjusted returns, including opportunities to make acquisitions of other companies or investment portfolios at attractive values, may be created during such periods of disruption and volatility. For example, the Company completed its acquisition of Allied Capital Corporation during a period of disruption and volatility, which was accretive to the Company as described in further detail below.

Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and foreign governments, the uncertainty surrounding global economic events, geopolitical events and other factors have historically contributed to significant volatility and declines in the global public equity markets and global debt capital markets during certain periods. BDCs as an industry historically have traded below NAV and, in particular, shares of the Company’s common stock have traded below NAV during such periods of disruptions and volatility. Although shares of the Company’s common stock traded above NAV during portions of the 2026 fiscal year, there can be no assurance that they will trade at prices above NAV in the near term or that the premium at which shares of the Company’s common stock may trade in the future will be sufficiently large for the Company to issue

shares in a future offering above the then current NAV per share, after taking into account expenses and commissions in connection with such offering. When adverse market conditions exist, the Company and other companies in the financial services sector may not have access to sufficient debt and equity capital in order to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities, including opportunities to make acquisitions of other companies or investment portfolios, that are created during these periods. In addition, the debt capital that is available, if any, typically comes at a higher cost, particularly given the current higher interest rate environment, and may be on less favorable terms and conditions. Given the unstable market environment and increased market volatility, stockholder approval of the proposal to sell shares of the Company’s common stock below NAV, subject to the conditions set forth in this proposal, would provide the Company with maximum flexibility to take advantage of such attractive investment and acquisition opportunities, which typically need to be made expeditiously.

Status as a BDC and RIC and Maintaining a Favorable Debt to Equity Ratio

As a BDC and a regulated investment company (“RIC”) for tax purposes, the Company is limited in its ability to increase its capital through retained earnings. RICs generally must distribute substantially all of their earnings to stockholders as dividends in order to achieve pass-through tax treatment, which prevents the Company from retaining meaningful amounts of earnings to support operations, which may include making new investments (including investments into existing portfolio companies). Further, the Company must meet a debt to equity ratio of less than approximately 2:1 in order to incur debt or issue senior securities. In addition, certain of the Company’s debt facilities also require that it maintain such debt to equity ratio. Therefore, to continue to increase and maintain the Company’s investment portfolio, the Company endeavors to maintain consistent access to capital through the public and private debt markets and the public equity markets enabling it to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise.

Exceeding such debt to equity ratio could have severe negative consequences for the Company, including the inability to pay dividends, breach of debt covenants and failure to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. Although the Company does not currently expect that it will exceed the allowable debt to equity ratio, the markets it operates in and the general economy are currently uncertain given the current market events described above and may become even more volatile again in the future. Market events may adversely impact the valuations of certain investments and create unrealized losses on investments. Any such write downs in value, as well as unrealized losses based on the underlying performance of the Company’s portfolio companies, may negatively impact stockholders’ equity and the resulting debt to equity ratio. Issuing additional equity would allow the Company to realign its debt to equity ratio and avoid these negative consequences. In addition to meeting legal requirements applicable to BDCs, having a more favorable debt to equity ratio would also generally strengthen the Company’s balance sheet, potentially improve access to the debt markets and give it more flexibility to fully execute its business strategy.

The Company’s History of Raising Equity Capital While Having Stockholder Approval to Issue Shares of Common Stock Below NAV

The Company has received annual stockholder approval to issue shares of its common stock below NAV on terms similar to what is being requested herein for each of the last 17 years (the “Annual Below NAV Approval”), and despite the Company trading below NAV for periods during such time frame, it has only used the flexibility specifically provided by the Annual Below NAV Approval one time (the Company’s acquisitions have required separate stockholder approvals). In 2009, during a period of significant credit market volatility when credit spreads increased materially, the Company, acting pursuant to the Annual Below NAV Approval, prudently issued shares of its common stock at a price below NAV and invested the proceeds from such issuance at attractive returns to stockholders. These proceeds were also used to create liquidity and financial flexibility in an uncertain time of extreme volatility. While such issuance was at a price below NAV, it resulted in less than a 2.5% dilution in the aggregate NAV of the Company. Additionally, the Company believes that this financial flexibility was a key component of the Company’s ability to opportunistically acquire Allied Capital Corporation, which transaction was agreed to on October 26, 2009 and closed on April 1, 2010 (the “Allied Acquisition”). The Company’s NAV increased during the one-year period following the date of the Company’s most recently determined NAV prior to such issuance, increasing from $11.21 (as of June 30, 2009) to $14.11 (as of June 30, 2010). The increase in the Company’s NAV from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2010 includes a $1.11 per share increase related to the gain on the Allied

Acquisition. Furthermore, for the one-year period following the date of such issuance, the Company’s total stockholder return outperformed that of every other BDC with a market capitalization of greater than $500 million. Therefore, periods of market volatility and dislocation have created, and may create again, favorable opportunities for the Company to make investments at attractive risk-adjusted returns, including opportunities that may increase NAV over the longer term, even if financed with the issuance of common stock below NAV.

All offerings of common stock since the below NAV issuance in 2009 have been at prices above NAV (other than the issuance of shares in connection with the Company’s acquisition of American Capital, Ltd. on January 3, 2017, which issuance was made pursuant to separate stockholder approval).

Summary

The Board believes that having the flexibility to issue common stock below NAV in certain instances is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. During periods of volatility and instability, this would, among other things, provide access to capital markets to pursue attractive investment and acquisition opportunities, improve capital resources to enable the Company to compete more effectively for high quality investment opportunities and add financial flexibility to comply with regulatory requirements and debt facility covenants, including the applicable debt to equity ratio. It could also minimize the likelihood that the Company would be required to sell assets that the Company would not otherwise sell, which sales could occur at times and at prices that are disadvantageous to the Company and its stockholders.

While the Company has no immediate plans to issue any shares of its common stock below NAV, it is seeking stockholder approval now in order to provide flexibility if it desires in the future to issue shares of its common stock below NAV, which typically must be undertaken quickly. The final terms of any such sale will be determined by the Board at the time of issuance and the shares of common stock will not include preemptive rights. Also, because the Company has no immediate plans to issue any shares of its common stock below NAV, it is not possible to describe the transaction or transactions in which such shares of common stock would be issued. Instead, any transaction in which the Company issues such shares of common stock, including the nature and amount of consideration that would be received by the Company at the time of issuance and the use of any such consideration, will be reviewed and approved by the Board at the time of issuance. If this proposal is approved, no further authorization from the stockholders will be solicited prior to any such issuance in accordance with the terms of this proposal. If approved, the authorization would be effective for common stock issued during a twelve-month period expiring on the anniversary of the date of the Special Meeting.

Trading History

The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter during the last three fiscal years and the first two quarters of the current fiscal year, the Company’s NAV (where it has been determined), the range of high and low closing sales prices of its common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market and the closing sales price as a premium (discount) to NAV. On May 14, 2026, the last reported closing sales price of the Company’s common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market was $ per share, which represented a [premium]/[discount] of approximately % to the NAV reported by the Company as of March 31, 2026.

				Price Range						High Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)		Low Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)
	NAV(1)			High			Low			High Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)		Low Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)
Year ended December 31, 2023
First Quarter		$	18.45		$	20.04		$	17.19		8.62%		(6.83)%
Second Quarter		$	18.58		$	19.11		$	17.65		2.85%		(5.01)%
Third Quarter		$	18.99		$	19.81		$	18.86		4.32%		(0.68)%
Fourth Quarter		$	19.24		$	20.21		$	18.66		5.04%		(3.01)%

				Price Range						High Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)		Low Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)
	NAV(1)			High			Low			High Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)		Low Sales Price Premium (Discount) to NAV(2)
Year ended December 31, 2024
First Quarter		$	19.53		$	20.82		$	19.94		6.61%		2.10%
Second Quarter		$	19.61		$	21.58		$	20.24		10.05%		3.21%
Third Quarter		$	19.77		$	21.28		$	19.80		7.64%		0.15%
Fourth Quarter		$	19.89		$	22.27		$	20.74		11.97%		4.27%
Year ended December 31, 2025
First Quarter		$	19.82		$	23.81		$	21.28		20.13%		7.37%
Second Quarter		$	19.90		$	22.43		$	18.91		12.71%		(4.97)%
Third Quarter		$	20.01		$	23.25		$	20.41		16.19%		2.00%
Fourth Quarter		$	19.94		$	21.03		$	18.90		5.47%		(5.22)%
Year ending December 31, 2026
First Quarter		$	19.59		$	20.99		$	17.45		7.15%		(10.92)%
Second Quarter (through May , 2026)

(1)

NAV is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect NAV on the date of the high and low closing sales prices. The NAVs shown are based on outstanding shares of common stock at the end of the relevant quarter.

(2)

Calculated as the respective high or low closing sales price less NAV, divided by NAV (in each case as of the applicable quarter).

The Company’s common stock has historically traded at prices both above and below its NAV and is trading above NAV as of May , 2026. It is not possible to predict whether its common stock will trade at, above or below NAV in the future.

Examples of Dilutive Effect of the Issuance of Shares Below NAV

The following three headings and accompanying tables explain and provide hypothetical examples on the impact of a public offering of the Company’s common stock at a price less than NAV on three different types of investors:

•

existing stockholders who do not purchase any shares in the offering;

•

existing stockholders who purchase a relatively small amount of shares in the offering or a relatively large amount of shares in the offering; and

•

new investors who become stockholders by purchasing shares in the offering.

A placement of common stock at a price less than NAV to a third party in a private placement would have an impact substantially similar to the impact on existing stockholders who do not purchase any shares in the public offering described below.

Impact on Existing Stockholders Who Do Not Participate in the Offering

The Company’s existing stockholders who do not participate in an offering below NAV or who do not buy additional shares in the secondary market at the same or lower price as the Company obtains in the offering (after expenses and commissions) face the greatest potential risks. These stockholders will experience an immediate dilution in the NAV of the shares of common stock they hold. These stockholders will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their participation in the Company’s earnings and assets and their voting power than the increase the Company will experience in its assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to such offering. These stockholders may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in NAV.

This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases. Further, if current stockholders do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is above or below NAV, their voting power will be diluted.

The following chart illustrates the level of NAV dilution that would be experienced by a nonparticipating stockholder in four different hypothetical offerings of different sizes and levels of discount from NAV. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only.

The examples assume that the issuer has 30 million shares of common stock outstanding, $600 million in total assets and $150 million in total liabilities. The current NAV and NAV per share are thus $450 million and $15.00. The chart illustrates the dilutive effect on Stockholder A of (a) an offering of 1.5 million shares of common stock (5% of the outstanding shares) at $14.25 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 5% discount from NAV), (b) an offering of 3 million shares of common stock (10% of the outstanding shares) at $13.50 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 10% discount from NAV), (c) an offering of 6 million shares of common stock (20% of the outstanding shares) at $12.00 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 20% discount from NAV) and (d) an offering of 7.5 million shares of common stock (25% of the outstanding shares) at $11.25 per share after offering expenses and commissions (a 25% discount from NAV). The prospectus pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart based on the actual number of shares of common stock in such offering and the actual discount to the most recently determined NAV. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur.

				Example 1					Example 2					Example 3					Example 4
				5% Offering at 5% Discount					10% Offering at 10% Discount					20% Offering at 20% Discount					25% Offering at 25% Discount
	Prior to Sale Below NAV			Following Sale			% Change		Following Sale			% Change		Following Sale			% Change		Following Sale			% Change
Offering Price
Price per Share to Public					$	15.00		—		$	14.21		—		$	12.63		—		$	11.84		—
Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer					$	14.25		—		$	13.50		—		$	12.00		—		$	11.25		—
Decrease to Net Asset Value
Total Shares Outstanding			30,000,000			31,500,000		5.00%			33,000,000		10.00%			36,000,000		20.00%			37,500,000		25.00%
Net Asset Value per Share		$	15.00		$	14.96		(0.24)%		$	14.86		(0.91)%		$	14.50		(3.33)%		$	14.25		(5.00)%
Dilution to Nonparticipating Stockholder
Shares Held by Stockholder A			30,000			30,000		0.00%			30,000		0.00%			30,000		0.00%			30,000		0.00%
Percentage Held by Stockholder A			0.10%			0.10%		(4.76)%			0.09%		(9.09)%			0.08%		(16.67)%			0.08%		(20.00)%
Total Net Asset Value Held by Stockholder A		$	450,000		$	448,929		(0.24)%		$	445,909		(0.91)%		$	435,000		(3.33)%		$	427,500		(5.00)%
Total Investment by Stockholder A (Assumed to Be $15.00 per Share)		$	450,000		$	450,000				$	450,000				$	450,000				$	450,000
Total Dilution to Stockholder A (Total Net Asset Value Less Total Investment)					$	(1,071)				$	(4,091)				$	(15,000)				$	(22,500)
Investment per Share Held by Stockholder A (Assumed to be $15.00 per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale)		$	15.00		$	15.00		0.00%		$	15.00		0.00%		$	15.00		0.00%		$	15.00		0.00%
Net Asset Value per Share Held by Stockholder A					$	14.96				$	14.86				$	14.50				$	14.25
Dilution per Share Held by Stockholder A (Net Asset Value per Share Less Investment per Share)					$	(0.04)				$	(0.14)				$	(0.50)				$	(0.75)
Percentage Dilution to Stockholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share)								(0.24)%					(0.91)%					(3.33)%					(5.00)%

Impact on Existing Stockholders Who Do Participate in the Offering

The Company’s existing stockholders who participate in an offering below NAV or who buy additional shares in the secondary market at the same or lower price as the Company obtains in the offering (after

expenses and commissions) will experience the same types of NAV dilution as the nonparticipating stockholders, although at a lower level, to the extent they purchase less than the same percentage of the discounted offering as their interest in shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the offering. The level of NAV dilution will decrease as the number of shares such stockholders purchase increases. Existing stockholders who buy more than such percentage will experience NAV dilution but will, in contrast to existing stockholders who purchase less than their proportionate share of the offering, experience accretion in NAV over their investment per share and will also experience a disproportionately greater increase in their participation in the Company’s earnings and assets and their voting power than the Company’s increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to such offering. The level of accretion will increase as the excess number of shares such stockholder purchases increases. Even a stockholder who over-participates will, however, be subject to the risk that the Company may make additional discounted offerings in which such stockholder does not participate, in which case such a stockholder will experience NAV dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings. These stockholders may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in NAV. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases.

The following chart illustrates the level of dilution and accretion in the hypothetical 20% discount offering from the prior chart (Example 3) for a stockholder that acquires shares equal to (a) 50% of its proportionate share of the offering (i.e., 3,000 shares, which is 0.05% of an offering of 6 million shares) rather than its 0.10% proportionate share and (b) 150% of such percentage (i.e., 9,000 shares, which is 0.15% of an offering of 6 million shares rather than its 0.10% proportionate share). The prospectus pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart for these examples based on the actual number of shares in such offering and the actual discount from the most recently determined NAV. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only.

				50% Participation					150% Participation
	Prior to Sale Below NAV			Following Sale			% Change		Following Sale			% Change
Offering Price
Price per Share to Public					$	12.63				$	12.63
Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer					$	12.00				$	12.00
Decrease/Increase to Net Asset Value
Total Shares Outstanding			30,000,000			36,000,000		20%			36,000,000		20%
Net Asset Value per Share		$	15.00		$	14.50		(3.33)%		$	14.50		(3.33)%
Dilution/Accretion to Participating Stockholder Shares Held by Stockholder A			30,000			33,000		10%			39,000		30%
Percentage Held by Stockholder A			0.10%			0.09%		(8.33)%			0.11%		8.33%
Total Net Asset Value Held by Stockholder A		$	450,000		$	478,500		6.33%		$	565,500		25.67%
Total Investment by Stockholder A (Assumed to be $15.00 per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale)					$	487,895				$	563,684
Total Dilution/Accretion to Stockholder A (Total Net Asset Value Less Total Investment)					$	(9,395)				$	1,816
Investment per Share Held by Stockholder A (Assumed to Be $15.00 on Shares Held Prior to Sale)		$	15.00		$	14.78		(1.44)%		$	14.45		(3.64)%
Net Asset Value per Share Held by Stockholder A					$	14.50				$	14.50
Dilution/Accretion per Share Held by Stockholder A (Net Asset Value per Share Less Investment per Share)					$	(0.28)				$	0.05		0.40%
Percentage Dilution/Accretion to Stockholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share)								(1.96)%					0.32%

Impact on New Investors

Investors who are not currently stockholders and who participate in an offering of shares of the Company’s common stock below NAV, but whose investment per share is greater than the resulting NAV due to selling compensation and expenses paid by the Company, will experience an immediate decrease, although small, in the NAV of their shares and their NAV compared to the price they pay for their shares. Investors who are not currently stockholders and who participate in an offering of shares of the Company’s common stock below NAV and whose investment per share is also less than the resulting NAV due to selling compensation and expenses paid by the Company being significantly less than the discount per share, will experience an immediate increase in the NAV of their shares and their NAV compared to the price they pay for their shares. These investors will experience a disproportionately greater participation in the Company’s earnings and assets and their voting power than the Company’s increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests due to such offering. These investors will, however, be subject to the risk that the Company may make additional discounted offerings in which such new stockholder does not participate, in which case such new stockholder will experience dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings. These investors may also experience a decline in the market price of their shares, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in NAV. This decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases.

The following chart illustrates the level of dilution or accretion for new investors that would be experienced by a new investor in the same hypothetical 5%, 10%, 20% and 25% discounted offerings as described in the first chart above. The illustration is for a new investor who purchases the same percentage (0.10%) of the shares in the offering as Stockholder A in the prior examples held immediately prior to the offering. The prospectus pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart for these examples based on the actual number of shares in such offering and the actual discount from the most recently determined NAV. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only.

				Example 1					Example 2					Example 3					Example 4
				5% Offering at 5% Discount					10% Offering at 10% Discount					20% Offering at 20% Discount					25% Offering at 25% Discount
	Prior to Sale Below NAV			Following Sale			% Change		Following Sale			% Change		Following Sale			% Change		Following Sale			% Change
Offering Price
Price per Share to Public					$	15.00				$	14.21				$	12.63				$	11.84		—
Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer					$	14.25				$	13.50				$	12.00				$	11.25		—
Decrease/Increase to Net Asset Value
Total Shares Outstanding			30,000,000			31,500,000		5%			33,000,000		10%			36,000,000		20%			37,500,000		25.00%
Net Asset Value per Share		$	15.00		$	14.96		(0.24)%		$	14.86		(0.91)%		$	14.50		(3.33)%		$	14.25		(5.00)%
Dilution/Accretion to New Investor A
Shares Held by Investor A			0			1,500					3,000					6,000					7,500		—
Percentage Held by Investor A			0.00%			0.00%					0.01%					0.02%					0.02%		—
Total Net Asset Value Held by Investor A		$	0		$	22,446				$	44,591				$	87,000				$	106,875		—
Total Investment by Investor A (At Price to Public)					$	22,500				$	42,632				$	75,789				$	88,816		—
Total Dilution/ Accretion to Investor A (Total Net Asset Value Less Total Investment)					$	(54)				$	1,959				$	11,211				$	18,059		—
Investment per Share Held by Investor A		$	0		$	15.00				$	14.21				$	12.63				$	11.84		—
Net Asset Value per Share Held by Investor A					$	14.96				$	14.86				$	14.50				$	14.25		—
Dilution/Accretion per Share Held by Investor A (Net Asset Value per Share Less Investment per Share)					$	(0.04)				$	0.65				$	1.87				$	2.41		—
Percentage Dilution/Accretion to Investor A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share)								(0.24)%					4.60%					14.79%					20.33%

Conditions to Sales Below NAV

If stockholders approve this proposal, the Company will only issue shares of its common stock at a price below NAV pursuant to this stockholder proposal if the following conditions are met:

•

a “required majority” of the Company’s directors have determined that any such sale would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders; and

•

a “required majority” of the Company’s directors, in consultation with the underwriter or underwriters of the offering if it is to be underwritten, have determined in good faith, and as of a time immediately prior to the first solicitation by or on behalf of the Company of firm commitments to purchase such common stock or immediately prior to the issuance of such common stock, that

the price at which such shares of common stock are to be sold is not less than a price which closely approximates the market value of those shares of common stock, less any distributing commission or discount.

Under the Investment Company Act, a “required majority” of directors means both a majority of the Company’s directors who have no financial interest in the transaction and a majority of the Company’s independent directors. For these purposes, directors will not be deemed to have a financial interest solely by reason of their ownership of the Company’s common stock.

Prior to the time of issuance, the Board may determine to issue shares of the Company’s common stock below NAV in a registered public offering or in a private placement either with or without an obligation to seek to register their resale at the request of the holders. The Board may also determine to use an underwriter or placement agent to assist in selling such shares of common stock if it concludes that doing so would assist in marketing such shares of common stock on favorable terms.

Key Stockholder Considerations

Before voting on this proposal or giving proxies with regard to this matter, stockholders should consider the potentially dilutive effect of the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock at a price that is less than NAV and the expenses associated with such issuance. Any sale of common stock at a price below NAV would result in an immediate dilution to existing common stockholders who do not participate in such sale on at least a pro rata basis. This dilution would include reduction in NAV as a result of the issuance of shares at a price below NAV and a proportionately greater decrease in a stockholder’s interest in the earnings and assets of the Company and voting interest in the Company than the increase in the assets of the Company resulting from such issuance.

The Investment Company Act establishes a connection between the common stock sale price and NAV because, when common stock is sold or otherwise issued at a sale price below NAV, the resulting increase in the number of outstanding shares is not accompanied by a proportionate increase in the net assets of the issuer. The Board will consider the potential dilutive effect of the issuance of shares of common stock at a price below NAV when considering whether to authorize any such issuance pursuant to the stockholder approval being sought here.

Stockholders should also consider that they will have no subscription, preferential or preemptive rights to additional shares of the common stock proposed to be authorized for issuance pursuant to this proposal, and thus any future issuance of common stock at a price below NAV will dilute such stockholders’ holdings of common stock as a percentage of shares outstanding to the extent such stockholders do not purchase sufficient shares of common stock in the offering or otherwise to maintain their percentage interest. Further, if current stockholders of the Company do not purchase any shares of common stock to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current NAV, their voting power will be diluted.

As discussed above, it should be noted that the maximum number of shares of common stock issuable below NAV that could result in such dilution is limited to 25% of the Company’s then outstanding common stock.

The affirmative vote of holders of at least a “majority,” as defined in the Investment Company Act, of (1) the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and (2) the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock held by persons that are not affiliated persons of the Company, is required to approve this proposal. Under the Investment Company Act, the vote of holders of a “majority” means the vote of the holders of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the shares of the Company’s common stock are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” this proposal.

The Board recommends voting FOR this proposal to authorize the Company to sell or otherwise issue shares of its common stock at a price below its then current NAV subject to the limitations set forth in this proposal.

STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR THE 2027 ANNUAL MEETING

To present nominations of candidates for director or stockholder proposals in accordance with Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) for consideration at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, stockholders must deliver proper notice of any such nominations or proposals in writing to the Secretary of the Company in a timely manner and comply with applicable law, in each case, as described below. The Company expects that the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held in May 2027, but the exact date, time and location, if any, of such meeting have yet to be determined.

Deadline for Stockholder Proposals Pursuant to Rule 14a-8

To be considered timely under Rule 14a-8(e) of the Exchange Act for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and proxy card for a regularly scheduled annual meeting, a stockholder’s proposal must be made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and be received at the Company’s principal executive offices not less than 120 calendar days before the anniversary of the date the Company’s proxy statement was released to stockholders for the previous year’s annual meeting. Accordingly, a stockholder’s proposal must be received at the Company’s principal executive offices no later than November 5, 2026 in order to be included in the Company’s proxy statement and proxy card for the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Proposals should be addressed to the General Counsel & Secretary at the Company’s principal executive offices, which are located at Ares Capital Corporation, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10167.

Deadline for Notice of Stockholder Nominations and Other Proposals Under Advance Notice Bylaws

The deadline for delivering a stockholder’s notice of nomination of a candidate for director or other proposal for consideration at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, under the Company’s bylaws (as amended, the “Bylaws”), is not earlier than the 150th calendar day prior to the first anniversary of the date of release of the proxy statement to stockholders for the preceding year’s annual meeting nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120th calendar day prior to the first anniversary of the date of release of the proxy statement to stockholders for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 calendar days from the anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be delivered not earlier than the 150th calendar day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of (1) the 120th calendar day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or (2) the tenth calendar day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Accordingly, a stockholder’s notice of nomination of a candidate for director or other proposal must be delivered in writing to the Company’s principal executive offices no earlier than October 6, 2026 and no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 5, 2026 in order to be considered at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. A stockholder’s notice shall be addressed to the General Counsel & Secretary and delivered by certified or registered mail (return receipt requested), hand delivery or courier service at the principal executive offices of the Company (at the address above) and shall set forth all information required under Section 11 of Article II of the Bylaws.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 will be furnished, without charge, to any stockholder upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at Ares Capital Corporation, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167 or 888-818-5298.

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

The Commission has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement and annual report addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.

This year a number of brokers with account holders who are the Company’s stockholders will be “householding” the Company’s proxy materials. A single proxy statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. If you have received notice from your broker that it will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of these documents to you upon written or oral request to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at Ares Capital Corporation, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, New York 10167 or 888-818-5298. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report, please notify your broker. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement and annual report at their addresses and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their brokers.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on August 13, 2026

The Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement are available at
https://materials.proxyvote.com/04010L.

OTHER MATTERS

Under Maryland law, the only matters that may be acted on at a special meeting of stockholders are those stated in the Notice of Special Meeting. Accordingly, other than procedural matters relating to the proposals, no other business may properly come before the Special Meeting. Should any procedural matter requiring a vote of stockholders arise, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote in accordance with their discretion on such procedural matters.

You are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting electronically at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARCC2026SM. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, you are requested to promptly fill out, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card or authorize your proxy by telephone or through the Internet as soon as possible. The Special Meeting will be held in a virtual format only. You will not be able to attend the Special Meeting physically. To be admitted to the Special Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARCC2026SM, you must enter the control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or notice you will receive. Please allow time for online check-in procedures. You may vote during the Special Meeting by following the instructions available on the meeting website during the meeting. If you encounter any technical difficulties while accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, a technical assistance phone number will be made available on the virtual meeting registration page 15 minutes prior to the start time of the meeting.

As always, the Company encourages you to vote your shares at the Special Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Mitchell Goldstein
Co-Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Michael L. Smith
Co-Chairperson of the Board of Directors

New York, New York
May , 2026

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PRELIMINARY PROXY MATERIALS - SUBJECT TO COMPLETIONARES CAPITAL CORPORATION 245 PARK AVENUE44TH FLOORNEW YORK, NY 10167SCAN TOVIEW MATERIALS & VOTE wAUTHORIZE YOUR PROXY BY INTERNETBefore The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode aboveUse the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of informationup until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Followthe instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.During The Meeting - Go to http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARCC2026SMYou may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the informationthat is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.AUTHORIZE YOUR PROXY BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxycard in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.AUTHORIZE YOUR PROXY BY MAILMark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope wehave provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way,Edgewood, NY 11717. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:T00346-TBDKEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDSTHIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLYARES CAPITAL CORPORATION The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" Proposal 1.1. To authorize the Company, with the approval of its board of directors, to sell or otherwise issue shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 pershare, at a price below its then current net asset value per share subject to the limitations set forth in the proxy statement for the special meeting ofstockholders (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued does not exceed 25% of the Company's then outstanding common stock).If approved, the authorization would be effective for common stock issued during a twelve-month period expiring on the anniversary of the date of thisSpecial Meeting. For Against Abstain! ! !NOTE: Please sign your name(s) EXACTLY as your name(s) appear(s) on this proxy. All jointholders must sign. When signing as an attorney, executor, administrator, guardian or corporateofficer, please provide your FULL title. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date

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PRELIMINARY PROXY MATERIALS - SUBJECT TO COMPLETIONImportant Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting:The Notice and Proxy Statement is available at https://materials.proxyvote.com/04010L. T00347-TBDPROXY — ARES CAPITAL CORPORATIONTHIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON August 13, 2026The undersigned hereby appoints Jim Miller, Kort Schnabel, Ian Fitzgerald and Naseem Sagati Aghili, or any one of them, and each with full power of substitution, to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders ofAres Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), to be held virtually on August 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM EDT, and any adjournments or postponements thereof, to cast on behalf of the undersigned all votes that the undersigned is entitled to cast at such meeting, and any adjournments or postponements thereof, and otherwise to represent the undersigned at the meeting, and any adjournments or postponements thereof, with all powers possessed by the undersigned if personally present at the meeting. The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company prior to the execution of this proxy of a Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and a Proxy Statement, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and revokes any proxy heretofore given with respect to such meeting, and any adjournments or postponements thereof.You will be able to attend the Special Meeting by visiting http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARCC2026SM. As always, the Company encourages you to vote the shares at the Special Meeting.THE VOTES ENTITLED TO BE CAST BY THE UNDERSIGNED WILL BE CAST AS INSTRUCTED HEREIN. IF THIS PROXY IS EXECUTED BUT NO INSTRUCTION IS GIVEN, THE VOTES ENTITLED TO BE CAST BY THE UNDERSIGNED WILL BE CAST "FOR" PROPOSAL 1.Please mark, sign, date and return this proxy in the enclosed envelope.Your vote is important. Please vote immediately. CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE

Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

What is Proposal 1 on the ARCC proxy for the August 13, 2026 Special Meeting?

Proposal 1 asks ARCC stockholders to authorize the Company to issue up to 25% of then outstanding common stock at prices below then-current NAV, effective for a 12-month period from the Special Meeting date.

When and how will ARCC hold the Special Meeting for this proxy?

The Special Meeting will be held virtually on August 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, and stockholders of record as of May 12, 2026 may attend online at the Company’s virtual meeting portal and vote.

What shareholder vote threshold is required to approve the below-NAV authorization for ARCC?

Approval requires a “majority,” as defined in the Investment Company Act: either (a) 67% or more of shares present if over 50% of shares are represented, or (b) more than 50% of outstanding shares, with abstentions and broker non-votes treated as votes against.

How large could dilution be if ARCC issues shares below NAV?

The proxy includes hypothetical examples using 30 million outstanding shares and a $15.00 NAV; a 25% issuance at a 25% discount in that example produces a 5.00% reduction in NAV per share for nonparticipating holders.

Will ARCC use this authorization immediately if approved?

No. The Company states it has no immediate plans to issue shares below NAV; any future issuance would require board determinations at the time and compliance with the proposal’s conditions.

Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) asks shareholders to permit up to 25% below‑NAV issuance

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Positive

Negative

Insights

Key Figures

Key Terms

FAQ

What is Proposal 1 on the ARCC proxy for the August 13, 2026 Special Meeting?

When and how will ARCC hold the Special Meeting for this proxy?

What shareholder vote threshold is required to approve the below-NAV authorization for ARCC?

How large could dilution be if ARCC issues shares below NAV?

Will ARCC use this authorization immediately if approved?

Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) asks shareholders to permit up to 25% below‑NAV issuance

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Positive

Negative

Insights

Corporate Governance Analyst neutral

Key Figures

Key Terms

FAQ

What is Proposal 1 on the ARCC proxy for the August 13, 2026 Special Meeting?

When and how will ARCC hold the Special Meeting for this proxy?

What shareholder vote threshold is required to approve the below-NAV authorization for ARCC?

How large could dilution be if ARCC issues shares below NAV?

Will ARCC use this authorization immediately if approved?