ARES CAPITAL CORP — Earnings Release 2011

Mar 1, 2011

*UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION*

*WASHINGTON, DC 20549*

*FORM 8-K*

*CURRENT REPORT*

*Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) March 1, 2011

*ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION*

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Maryland	000-50697	33-1089684
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

245 Park Avenue, 44 th Floor, New York, NY	10167
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 750-7300

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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*Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition .*

On March 1, 2011, the registrant issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and the year ended December 31, 2010. The text of the press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.

The information disclosed under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

*Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure .*

The registrant issued a press release, included herewith as Exhibit 99.1, on March 1, 2011 announcing the declaration of a first quarter 2011 dividend of $0.35 per share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2011 to stockholders of record as of March 15, 2011.

The information disclosed under this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

*Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.*

(d) Exhibits:

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press Release, dated as of March 1, 2011

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*SIGNATURES*

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 1, 2011
By:	/s/ Penni F. Roll
Name:	Penni F. Roll
Title:	Chief Financial Officer

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press Release, dated as of March 1, 2011

4

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