Ares Management Corp - Ordinary Shares - Class A

Strong Financial Performance: Ares Management reported record levels in management fees ($781 million in Q4), fee-related performance revenues ($162 million), and realized income exceeding $1.4 billion for the year (16% increase YoY). Management fees grew by 15% and Fee-Related Earnings (FRE) increased by 17% in 2024, driven mainly by growth in Fee-Paying Assets Under Management (FPAUM).

Optimistic 2025 Outlook: Ares anticipates continued growth in AUM, projected to benefit from a favorable market environment, enhanced credit capabilities, and strategic acquisitions. The firm enters 2025 with $133 billion in dry powder and expects to increase European-style net realized performance income to between $225 million and $275 million, positing a robust long-term growth trajectory.

Dividend Increase: Ares declared a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per share, reflecting a 20% increase YoY. This decision underscores confidence in sustained long-term earnings growth amid ongoing expansion in asset management capabilities.