Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager, specializing in credit, private equity, and real estate investments. Competing with major firms like Blackstone and KKR, Ares Management has recently been highlighted by Deutsche Bank's Brian Bedell, who set a price target of $155 for ARES. This suggests a potential upside of 27.18% from its current trading price of $121.87.
In 2025, Ares Management reported impressive growth, with its assets under management (AUM) surpassing $622 billion, a 29% increase from the previous year. The company also achieved a record $113 billion in fundraising. This growth reflects Ares Management's strong market position and its ability to attract significant capital, crucial for its investment strategies.
The wealth management division of Ares Management saw substantial growth, with AUM rising by 69% year over year to over $66 billion. This growth was partly driven by the acquisition of GCP, which enhanced Ares Management's real estate and digital infrastructure capabilities, making the company a global top three owner and operator of industrial real estate.
Ares Management's financial performance is further highlighted by a 20% year-over-year increase in its first-quarter 2026 common dividend. This increase demonstrates the company's robust financial health and confidence in its future growth prospects. Additionally, Ares Management reported strong performance across its major strategies, with increases in management fees, fee-related earnings (FRE), and after-tax realized income.
Despite the positive outlook, ARES stock has experienced a decrease of $15.35, or approximately -11.19%, from its previous price. The stock has fluctuated between a low of $119.47 and a high of $132.93 during the trading day. Over the past year, ARES reached a high of $195.26 and a low of $110.63. The company's market capitalization is approximately $40 billion, with a trading volume of 10.93 million shares on the NYSE.
