Ares Management (NYSE: ARES) posts strong Q1 2026 revenue and profit surge
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
10-Q
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Ares Management Corporation reported sharply higher first-quarter 2026 results. Total revenues rose to $1.40 billion from $1.09 billion a year earlier, driven mainly by higher management fees and incentive fees. Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation increased to $142.6 million from $47.2 million, with Class A and non-voting common stockholders earning basic and diluted EPS of $0.46.
Cash and cash equivalents were $568.8 million and total debt obligations were $4.39 billion as of March 31, 2026. The company completed the BlueCove acquisition, recording new management contract and technology intangibles and a $37.4 million bargain purchase gain, and it continues to carry sizable contingent earnout liabilities related to prior acquisitions.
Positive
- Strong revenue growth: Total revenues increased to $1.40 billion in Q1 2026 from $1.09 billion in Q1 2025, with higher management fees and incentive fees supporting core fee-based earnings.
- Significantly higher profitability: Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation rose to $142.6 million from $47.2 million, and operating cash flow reached $406.5 million, indicating improved earnings leverage.
- Accretive BlueCove acquisition: The BlueCove deal added new management contracts and developed technology, and produced a $37.4 million bargain purchase gain as fair value of acquired net assets exceeded purchase consideration.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Ares posted strong Q1 2026 growth, helped by fees and acquisitions.
Ares Management Corporation showed robust top- and bottom-line expansion in Q1 2026. Total revenues reached $1.40 billion, up from $1.09 billion in Q1 2025, as management fees and incentive fees both increased meaningfully. Net income attributable to the corporation rose to $142.6 million from $47.2 million.
Operating cash flow was solid at $406.5 million. The balance sheet includes $568.8 million of cash and $4.39 billion of debt obligations, alongside $6.80 billion of CLO loan obligations at fair value within consolidated funds. Intangible assets and goodwill remain large, reflecting an acquisition-led growth strategy.
The completion of the BlueCove acquisition added management contract and technology intangibles and generated a $37.4 million bargain purchase gain. Contingent earnouts tied to the GCP International deal and other acquisitions total several hundred million dollars at fair value, so future payments will depend on achieving fundraising and revenue targets disclosed for those businesses.
Key Figures
Total revenues: $1,396.4M
Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation: $142.6M
Management fees: $989.5M
+5 more
8 metrics
Total revenues
$1,396.4M
Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs $1,088.8M in 2025
Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation
$142.6M
Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs $47.2M in 2025
Management fees
$989.5M
Q1 2026 management fees revenue vs $817.0M in Q1 2025
Operating cash flow
$406.5M
Net cash provided by operating activities in Q1 2026
Cash and cash equivalents
$568.8M
Balance as of March 31, 2026 for the company
Total debt obligations
$4,386.5M
Company debt as of March 31, 2026, excluding CLO liabilities
Bargain purchase gain
$37.4M
Gain recognized on BlueCove Acquisition in Q1 2026
Contingent consideration fair value (GCP sellers)
$777.3M
DC and Japan earnout liabilities as of March 31, 2026
Key Terms
fee related earnings, realized income, carried interest, collateralized loan obligations, +2 more
6 terms
realized income financial
"“realized income” or “RI”, a non-GAAP measure, is an operating metric used by management"
carried interest financial
"Carried interest is affected by changes in the fair values of the underlying investments in the funds"
Carried interest is a share of the profits earned by investment managers from the investments they oversee, serving as their reward for successful performance. It functions like a bonus that motivates managers to maximize returns for investors, similar to earning a commission based on performance. This income is often taxed at a lower rate than regular income, making it a significant aspect of investment compensation.
collateralized loan obligations financial
"Loan obligations of the Consolidated Funds that are CLOs and other financing obligations"
A collateralized loan obligation is a financial product that pools many corporate loans and repackages them into slices sold to investors, with some slices offering steady, lower returns and others offering higher returns but more risk. Like splitting a pizza into pieces for different tastes, CLOs let investors pick their preferred risk level and help banks fund lending, so changes in CLO performance influence credit availability and can move markets.
contingent consideration financial
"The contingent liabilities are subject to change over the measurement periods, which will end no later than June 30, 2028."
Contingent consideration is an additional payment agreed when one company buys another that will be paid later only if specific future targets are met, such as revenue, profit, or regulatory milestones. It matters to investors because it shifts risk between buyer and seller and affects the acquiring company's future cash flow and reported value — like promising a bonus after results are proven.
bargain purchase gain financial
"the Company recorded a bargain purchase gain of $37.4 million that has been presented within other income"
A bargain purchase gain happens when a buyer acquires another company's assets for less than those assets' estimated fair value, producing an immediate accounting profit for the buyer. For investors, it matters because that one-time gain boosts the acquirer's reported earnings and can signal a very favorable deal — like finding a valuable item at a steep discount — but it may also prompt scrutiny about whether asset values or the deal terms were estimated correctly.
Earnings Snapshot
Total revenues: $1,396.4M
Q1 2026
Total revenues
$1,396.4M
up from $1,088.8M in Q1 2025
Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation
$142.6M
up from $47.2M in Q1 2025
Management fees
$989.5M
up from $817.0M in Q1 2025
Operating cash flow
$406.5M
vs $1,994.2M in Q1 2025 operating cash flow
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2026
OR
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 001-36429
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | ||||
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
(310 ) 201-4100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
x | Accelerated Filer | ☐ | Non-Accelerated Filer | ☐ | Smaller Reporting Company | Emerging Growth Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No x
As of May 5, 2026, there were 222,028,421 shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock outstanding, 3,489,911 shares of the registrant’s non-voting common stock outstanding, 1,000 shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock outstanding, 104,328,294 shares of the registrant’s Class C common stock outstanding and 30,000,000 shares of the registrant’s Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock outstanding.
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||||
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | 9 | |||||||
| Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: | ||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 | 9 | |||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | 10 | |||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | 11 | |||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and for the year ended December 31, 2025 | 12 | |||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | 14 | |||||||
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 15 | |||||||
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 48 | |||||||
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 95 | |||||||
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | 95 | |||||||
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION | ||||||||
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 96 | |||||||
Item 1A. Risk Factors | 96 | |||||||
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 96 | |||||||
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 96 | |||||||
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures | 96 | |||||||
Item 5. Other Information | 96 | |||||||
Item 6. Exhibits | 96 | |||||||
Signatures | 98 | |||||||
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events, operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “foresees” or negative versions of those words, other comparable words or other statements that do not relate to historical or factual matters. The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects, growth strategy and liquidity. Some of these factors are described in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, under the headings “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and other cautionary statements that are included in this report and in our other periodic filings. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the “Ares Operating Group” refer to Ares Holdings L.P. (“Ares Holdings”). References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to an “Ares Operating Group Unit” or an “AOG Unit” refers to a partnership unit in the Ares Operating Group entity.
The use of any defined term in this report to refer to entities, persons, securities or other items collectively is solely for convenience of reference and in no way implies that such entities, persons, securities or other items are one indistinguishable group. For example, notwithstanding the use of the defined terms “Ares,” “we” and “our” in this report to refer to Ares Management Corporation and its subsidiaries, each subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation is a standalone legal entity that is separate and distinct from Ares Management Corporation and any of its other subsidiaries.
Under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S.”) (“GAAP”), we are required to consolidate (i) entities other than limited partnerships and entities similar to limited partnerships in which we hold a majority voting interest or have majority ownership and control over the operational, financial and investing decisions of that entity, including Ares-affiliates and affiliated funds and co-investment vehicles, for which we are presumed to have controlling financial interests, and (ii) entities that we concluded are variable interest entities (“VIEs”), including limited partnerships and collateralized loan obligations, for which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. When an entity is consolidated, we reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of the entity in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements on a gross basis, subject to eliminations from consolidation, including the elimination of the management fees, carried interest, incentive fees and other fees that we earn from the entity. However, the presentation of performance related compensation and other expenses associated with generating such revenues is not affected by the consolidation process. In addition, as a result of the consolidation process, the net income attributable to third-party investors in consolidated entities is presented as net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds within Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. We also consolidate joint ventures that we have established with third-party investors for strategic distribution and expansion purposes. The results of these entities are reflected on a gross basis in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, subject to eliminations from consolidation, and net income attributable to third-party investors in the consolidated joint ventures is presented within net income attributable to redeemable interest and non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities or an “AOG Entity,” which refers to, collectively, Ares Holdings and any future entity designated by our board of directors in its sole discretion as an Ares Operating Group entity.
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in addition to presenting our results on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, we present revenues, expenses and other results on a: (i) “segment basis,” which deconsolidates the consolidated funds and removes the proportional results attributable to third-party investors in the consolidated joint ventures, and therefore shows the results of our operating segments without giving effect to the consolidation of these entities; and (ii) “unconsolidated reporting basis,” which shows the results of our operating segments on a combined segment basis together with the Operations Management Group (the “OMG”). In addition to our operating segments, the OMG consists of shared resource groups to support our operating segments by providing infrastructure and administrative support in the areas of accounting/finance, operations, information technology, legal, compliance, human resources, strategy and relationship management and
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distribution, including our wealth distribution platform, Ares Wealth Management Solutions (“AWMS”). Through our registered broker-dealer subsidiary, Ares Management Capital Markets LLC (“AMCM”), AWMS facilitates the product development, distribution, marketing and client management activities for investment offerings in the global wealth management channel. Additionally, the OMG provides services to certain of our managed funds and vehicles, which reimburse the OMG for expenses either equal to the costs of services provided or as a percentage of invested capital. The OMG’s revenues and expenses are not allocated to our operating segments but we consider the cost structure of the OMG when evaluating our financial performance. This information constitutes non-GAAP financial information within the meaning of Regulation G, as promulgated by the SEC. Our management uses this information to assess the performance of our operating segments and the OMG, and we believe that this information enhances the ability of shareholders to analyze our performance. For more information, see “Note 13. Segment Reporting,” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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Glossary
When used in this report, unless the context otherwise requires:
•“American-style waterfall” generally refers to carried interest that the general partner is entitled to receive after a fund investment is realized and the investors in the fund have received distributions in excess of the capital contributed for that investment and all prior realized investments (including allocable expenses) plus a preferred return;
•“Ares”, the “Company”, “AMC”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Ares Management Corporation and its subsidiaries;
•“Ares Operating Group entities” or an “AOG Entity” refers to, collectively, Ares Holdings L.P. (“Ares Holdings”) and any future entity designated by our board of directors in its sole discretion as an Ares Operating Group entity;
•“Ares Operating Group Unit” or an “AOG Unit” refers to, collectively, a partnership unit in the Ares Operating Group entities including Ares Holdings and any future entity designated by our board of directors in its sole discretion as an Ares Operating Group entity;
•“assets under management” or “AUM” generally refers to the assets we manage. For our funds other than those noted below, our AUM represents the sum of the net asset value (“NAV”) of such funds, the drawn and undrawn debt (at the fund-level including amounts subject to restrictions) and uncalled committed capital (including commitments to funds that have yet to commence their investment periods). NAV generally refers to fair value of the assets of the fund less the liabilities of the fund but may represent carrying value of assets and liabilities of funds that are not reported at fair value. For the CLOs we manage, our AUM is equal to initial principal of collateral adjusted for paydowns. For Real Assets funds that we manage where management fees are based on gross asset value, net operating income or similar metrics including their equivalents (“GAV”), our AUM represents the sum of the GAV of such funds, undrawn debt (including any amounts subject to restrictions) and uncalled committed capital (including commitments to funds that have yet to commence their investment periods). GAV typically refers to the fair value of a fund’s total assets. AUM also includes the proceeds raised in the initial public offerings of special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) sponsored by us, less any redemptions;
•“AUM not yet paying fees” (also referred to as “shadow AUM”) refers to AUM that is not currently paying fees and is eligible to earn management fees upon deployment;
•“available capital” (also referred to as “dry powder”) is comprised of uncalled committed capital and undrawn amounts under credit facilities and may include AUM that may be canceled or not otherwise available to invest;
•“catch-up fees” refers to management fees charged retroactively on limited partner commitments to a fund following the initial close date of that fund. These fees are charged to ensure that all limited partners’ share of the net assets of that fund are ratable with their commitment. Catch-up fees reflect the fees generated between the fund’s initial close date and the last day of the quarter prior to the new limited partner’s commitment;
•“CLOs” refers to “our funds” that are structured as collateralized loan obligations and similarly structured vehicles;
•“Consolidated Funds” refers collectively to certain Ares funds, co-investment vehicles, structured financing vehicles, CLOs and SPACs that are required under GAAP to be consolidated in our consolidated financial statements;
•“Credit Facility” refers to the revolving credit facility of the Ares Operating Group;
•“effective management fee rate” represents annualized management fees divided by the average fee paying AUM for the period, excluding the impact of catch-up fees;
•“European-style waterfall” generally refers to carried interest that the general partner is entitled to receive after the investors in a fund have received distributions in an amount equal to all prior capital contributions plus a preferred return;
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•“fee paying AUM” or “FPAUM” refers to the AUM from which we directly earn management fees. FPAUM is equal to the sum of all the individual fee bases of our funds that directly contribute to our management fees. For our funds other than CLOs, our FPAUM represents the amount of limited partner capital commitments for certain closed-end funds within the reinvestment period, the amount of limited partner invested capital for the aforementioned closed-end funds beyond the reinvestment period and the portfolio value, GAV or NAV. For the CLOs we manage, our FPAUM is equal to the gross amount of aggregate collateral balance, at par, adjusted for defaulted or discounted collateral;
•“fee related earnings” or “FRE”, a non-GAAP measure that is a component of Realized Income, is used to assess core operating performance by determining whether recurring revenue, primarily consisting of management fees and fee related performance revenues, is sufficient to cover operating expenses and to generate profits. FRE differs from income before taxes computed in accordance with GAAP as FRE excludes net performance income, investment income and adjusts for certain other items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating performance. Fee related performance revenues, together with fee related performance compensation, is presented within FRE because it represents incentive fees from perpetual capital vehicles that are measured and eligible to be received on a recurring basis and are not dependent on realization events from the underlying investments;
•“fee related performance revenues” refers to performance revenues from perpetual capital vehicles that are: (i) measured and eligible to be received on a recurring basis; and (ii) not dependent on realization events from the underlying investments. Certain vehicles are subject to hold back provisions that limit the amounts paid in a particular year. Such hold back amounts may be paid in subsequent years, subject to their extended performance conditions;
•“GAAP” refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America;
•“Holdco Members” refers to Michael Arougheti, David Kaplan, Antony Ressler, Bennett Rosenthal and R. Kipp deVeer;
•“incentive eligible AUM” or “IEAUM” generally refers to the AUM of our funds and other entities from which carried interest and incentive fees may be generated, regardless of whether or not they are currently generating carried interest and incentive fees. It generally represents the NAV plus uncalled equity or total assets plus uncalled debt, as applicable, of our funds for which we are entitled to receive carried interest and incentive fees, excluding capital committed by us and our professionals (from which we generally do not earn carried interest and incentive fees), as well as proceeds raised in the initial public offerings of SPACs sponsored by us, less any redemptions. With respect to the AUM of certain publicly-traded and perpetual wealth funds that generate Part II Fees, only Part II Fees may be generated from IEAUM;
•“incentive generating AUM” or “IGAUM” refers to the AUM of our funds and other entities that are currently generating carried interest and incentive fees on a realized or unrealized basis. It generally represents the NAV or total assets of our funds, as applicable, for which we are entitled to receive carried interest and incentive fees, excluding capital committed by us and our professionals (from which we generally do not earn carried interest and incentive fees). Certain publicly-traded and perpetual wealth funds that generate Part II Fees are only included in IGAUM when Part II Fees are being generated;
•“management fees” refers to fees we earn for advisory services provided to our funds, which are generally based on a defined percentage of fair value of assets, total commitments, invested capital, GAV, NAV, net investment income, total assets or par value of the investment portfolios managed by us. Management fees include Part I Fees, a quarterly fee based on the net investment income of certain publicly-traded and perpetual wealth funds;
•“net performance income” refers to performance income net of related compensation that is typically payable to our professionals;
•“our funds” refers to the funds, alternative asset companies, trusts, co-investment vehicles and other entities and accounts that are managed or co-managed by the Ares Operating Group, and which are structured to pay fees. It also includes funds managed by IHAM, a wholly owned portfolio company of ARCC and an SEC-registered investment adviser;
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•“Part I Fees” refers to a quarterly fee on the net investment income of certain publicly-traded or perpetual wealth funds. Such fees are classified as management fees as they are predictable and recurring in nature, not subject to contingent repayment and generally cash-settled each quarter, unless subject to a payment deferral;
•“Part II Fees” refers to fees from certain publicly-traded or perpetual wealth funds that are paid in arrears as of the end of each calendar year when the respective cumulative aggregate realized capital gains exceed the cumulative aggregate realized capital losses and aggregate unrealized capital depreciation, less the aggregate amount of respective Part II Fees paid in all prior years since inception;
•“performance income” refers to income we earn based on the performance of a fund that is generally based on certain specific hurdle rates as defined in the fund’s investment management or partnership agreements and may be either carried interest or incentive fees earned from funds with stated investment periods;
•“perpetual capital” refers to the AUM of publicly-traded funds, perpetual wealth funds, commingled funds and managed accounts that have an indefinite term, are not in liquidation, and for which there is no immediate requirement to return invested capital to investors upon the realization of investments. Perpetual Capital - Managed Accounts refers to managed accounts for single investors primarily in illiquid strategies that meet the perpetual capital criteria. Perpetual Capital - Private Commingled Funds refers to commingled funds that meet the perpetual capital criteria, not including our publicly-traded funds or our perpetual wealth funds. Perpetual capital may be withdrawn by investors under certain conditions, including through an election to redeem an investor’s fund investment or to terminate the investment management agreement, which in certain cases may be terminated on 30 days’ prior written notice. In addition, the investment management or advisory agreements of certain of our publicly-traded funds and our perpetual wealth funds have one year terms, which are subject to annual renewal by such funds;
•“realized income” or “RI”, a non-GAAP measure, is an operating metric used by management to evaluate performance of the business based on operating performance and the contribution of each of the business segments to that performance, while removing the fluctuations of unrealized income and losses, which may or may not be eventually realized at the levels presented and whose realizations depend more on future outcomes than current business operations. RI differs from income before taxes by excluding: (i) operating results of our Consolidated Funds; (ii) depreciation and amortization expense; (iii) the effects of changes arising from corporate actions; and (iv) unrealized gains and losses related to carried interest, incentive fees and investment performance; and adjusting for certain other items that we believe are not indicative of our operating performance. Changes arising from corporate actions include equity-based compensation expenses, the amortization of intangible assets, transaction costs associated with mergers, acquisitions and capital activities, underwriting costs and expenses incurred in connection with corporate reorganization. Placement fee adjustment represents the net portion of either expense deferral or amortization of upfront fees to placement agents that is presented to match the timing of expense recognition with the period over which management fees are expected to be earned from the associated fund for segment purposes but have been expensed in advance in accordance with GAAP. For periods in which the amortization of upfront fees for segment purposes is higher than the GAAP expense, the placement fee adjustment is presented as a reduction to RI;
•“SEC” refers to the Securities and Exchange Commission; and
•“Term Loan” refers to the term loan facility of the Ares Operating Group.
Unless otherwise indicated, fund references throughout this report include the main fund and related parallel funds, feeder funds and co‑investment vehicles. The following list sets forth the Ares Funds that are referred to throughout this report:
•“ACE IV” refers to Ares Capital Europe IV, L.P.;
•“ACE V” refers to Ares Capital Europe V, L.P.;
•“ACE VI” refers to Ares Capital Europe VI, L.P.;
•“ACIP I” refers to Ares Climate Infrastructure Partners, L.P.;
•“ACIP II” refers to Ares Climate Infrastructure Partners II, L.P.;
•“ACOF III” refers to Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund III, L.P.;
•“ACOF IV” refers to Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund IV, L.P.;
•“ACOF V” refers to Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund V, L.P.;
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•“ACOF VI” refers to Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund VI, L.P.;
•“ACOF VII” refers to Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund VII, L.P.;
•“ACS” refers to Ares Credit Secondaries Fund, L.P.;
•“APMF” refers to Ares Private Markets Fund;
•“ARCC” refers to Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC);
•“ASIF” refers to Ares Strategic Income Fund;
•“ASOF I” refers to Ares Special Opportunities Fund, L.P.;
•“ASOF II” refers to Ares Special Opportunities Fund II, L.P.;
•“ASOF III” refers to Ares Special Opportunities Fund III, L.P.;
•“CADC” refers to CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund;
•“EIF V” refers to Ares Energy Investors Fund V, L.P.;
•“EIP II” refers to Europe Logistics Income Partners II SCSp;
•“EPEP IV” refers to European Property Enhancement Partners IV, SCSp;
•“IDF V” refers to Ares Infrastructure Debt Fund V, L.P.;
•“IHAM” refers to Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P.;
•“J-REIT” refers to GLP J-REIT (TSE: 3281);
•“LEP XVI” refers to Landmark Equity Partners XVI, L.P.;
•“LREF VIII” refers to Landmark Real Estate Fund VIII, L.P.;
•“Pathfinder I” refers to Ares Pathfinder Fund, L.P.;
•“Pathfinder II” refers to Ares Pathfinder Fund II, L.P.;
•“PCS I” refers to Ares Private Credit Solutions, L.P.;
•“PCS II” refers to Ares Private Credit Solutions II, L.P.;
•“SDL I” refers to Ares Senior Direct Lending Fund, L.P.;
•“SDL II” refers to Ares Senior Direct Lending Fund II, L.P.;
•“SDL III” refers to Ares Senior Direct Lending Fund III, L.P.;
•“SSF IV” refers to Ares Special Situations Fund IV, L.P.;
•“SSG IV” refers to SSG Capital Partners IV, L.P.;
•“US VIII” refers to U.S. Real Estate Fund VIII, L.P.;
•“US IX” refers to U.S. Real Estate Fund IX, L.P.;
•“US X” refers to U.S. Real Estate Fund X, L.P.;
•“US XI” refers to Ares U.S. Real Estate Fund XI, L.P.; and
•“USLP V” refers to U.S. Logistics Partners V, L.P.
Many of the terms used in this report, including AUM, FPAUM, FRE and RI, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. In addition, our definitions of AUM and FPAUM are not based on any definition of AUM or FPAUM that is set forth in the agreements governing the funds that we manage and may differ from definitions of AUM or FPAUM set forth in other agreements to which we are a party or definitions used by the SEC or other regulatory bodies. Further, FRE and RI are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use FRE and RI as measures of operating performance, not as measures of liquidity. FRE and RI should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for operating income, net income, operating cash flows, or other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. The use of FRE and RI without consideration of related GAAP measures is not adequate due to the adjustments described above. Our management compensates for these limitations by using FRE and RI as supplemental measures to our GAAP results. We present these measures to provide a more complete understanding of our performance as our management measures it.
Amounts and percentages throughout this report may reflect rounding adjustments and consequently totals may not appear to sum.
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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Ares Management Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)
| As of | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
Investments (includes accrued carried interest of $ | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use operating lease assets | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Assets of Consolidated Funds: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | |||||||||||
| Receivable for securities sold | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued compensation | |||||||||||
| Performance related compensation payable | |||||||||||
| Debt obligations | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Liabilities of Consolidated Funds: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Payable for securities purchased | |||||||||||
| CLO loan obligations, at fair value | |||||||||||
| Fund borrowings | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
| Redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||
Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock, $ | |||||||||||
Class A common stock, $ | |||||||||||
Non-voting common stock, $ | |||||||||||
Class B common stock, $ | |||||||||||
Class C common stock, $ | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in-capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Total equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities, redeemable interest, non-controlling interests and equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)
(unaudited)
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Carried interest allocation | |||||||||||
| Incentive fees | |||||||||||
| Principal investment income | |||||||||||
| Administrative, transaction and other fees | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | |||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | |||||||||||
| Performance related compensation | |||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | |||||||||||
| Expenses of Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | |||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | |||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | |||||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | ( | ||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments of Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Interest and other income of Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Interest expense of Consolidated Funds | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total other income, net | |||||||||||
| Income before taxes | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense | |||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Operating Group entities | |||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | ( | ||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation | |||||||||||
| Less: Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends declared | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net income per share of Class A and non-voting common stock | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Weighted-average shares of Class A and non-voting common stock | |||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||
Substantially all revenue is earned from affiliated funds of the Company.
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Ares Management Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Amounts in Thousands)
(unaudited)
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax | ( | |||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | ( | |||||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities | ||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Ares Management Corporation | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Ares Management Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Amounts in Thousands)
(unaudited)
| Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | Class A Common Stock | Non-voting Common Stock | Class C Common Stock | Additional Paid-in-Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Non-Controlling Interest in Ares Operating Group Entities | Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated Funds | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in ownership interests and related tax benefits | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuances of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2026 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Ares Management Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(Amounts in Thousands)
(unaudited)
| Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock | Class A Common Stock | Non-voting Common Stock | Class C Common Stock | Additional Paid-in-Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Non-Controlling Interest in Ares Operating Group Entities | Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated Funds | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in ownership interests and related tax benefits | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to issuance costs of Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuances of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuances of AOG Units | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2025 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in ownership interests and related tax benefits | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2025 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in ownership interests and related tax benefits | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment to issuance costs of Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuances of common stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2025 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in ownership interests and related tax benefits | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock | ( | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends/distributions | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Ares Management Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in Thousands)
(unaudited)
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities allocable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities | |||||||||||
| Cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities allocable to redeemable and non-controlling interest in Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||||||
| Purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of disposals | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from Credit Facility | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from Term Loan | |||||||||||
| Repayments of Credit Facility | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends and distributions | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other financing activities | |||||||||||
| Allocable to redeemable and non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds: | |||||||||||
| Contributions from redeemable and non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Borrowings under loan obligations by Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||
| Repayments under loan obligations by Consolidated Funds | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes | ( | ||||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Equity issued in connection with acquisition-related activities | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
1. ORGANIZATION
Ares Management Corporation (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global alternative investment manager operating integrated groups across Credit, Real Assets, Secondaries and Private Equity. Information about segments should be read together with “Note 13. Segment Reporting.” Subsidiaries of the Company serve as the general partners and/or investment managers to various funds and managed accounts within each investment group (the “Ares Funds”). These subsidiaries provide investment advisory services to the Ares Funds in exchange for management fees.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements include the condensed consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company is a holding company that operates and controls all of the businesses and affairs of and conducts all of its material business activities through Ares Holdings L.P. (“Ares Holdings”). Ares Holdings represents all the activities of the “Ares Operating Group” or “AOG” and may be referred to interchangeably. The Company, indirectly through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ares Holdco LLC, is the general partner of the Ares Operating Group entity.
The Company manages or controls certain entities that have been consolidated in the accompanying financial statements as described in “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” These entities include Ares Funds, co-investment vehicles, structured financing vehicles, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) (collectively, the “Consolidated Funds”).
Including the results of the Consolidated Funds significantly increases the reported amounts of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows within the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. However, the Consolidated Funds results included herein have no direct effect on the net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation or to its stockholders’ equity, except where accounting for a redemption or liquidation preference requires the reallocation of ownership based on specific terms of a profit sharing agreement. Instead, economic ownership interests of the investors in the Consolidated Funds are reflected as redeemable and non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds. Further, cash flows allocable to redeemable and non-controlling interest in Consolidated Funds are specifically identifiable within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S.”) (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, are unaudited and exclude some of the disclosures required in annual financial statements. Management believes it has made all necessary adjustments so that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent, and that all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts and activities of the Ares Operating Group entities (“AOG entities”), their consolidated subsidiaries and certain Consolidated Funds. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company considers the applicability and impact of all accounting standard updates (“ASU”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). ASUs not listed below were assessed and either determined to be not applicable or expected to have minimal impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregated disclosure of certain expenses in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including purchases of
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Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and intangible asset amortization. The amendments in this update also require disclosure of: (i) the expense captions from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations that include each of the relevant expense categories; (ii) a qualitative description of the amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively; and (iii) total selling expenses and a definition of such expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2027. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update may be applied on a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software. ASU 2025-06 clarifies the threshold for capitalizing internal-use software costs to be based on when (i) management has authorized and committed to funding the software project and (ii) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. ASU 2025-06 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2028. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update may be applied on a prospective, retrospective or modified basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.
3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible Assets, Net
The following table summarizes the carrying value, net of accumulated amortization, of the Company’s intangible assets:
| Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years) as of March 31, 2026 | As of March 31, | As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| Management contracts | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Client relationships | |||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||
| Finite-lived intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | |||||||||||||||||
| Total finite-lived intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Less: accumulated amortization | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Finite-lived intangible assets, net | |||||||||||||||||
| Management contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived management contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
On February 1, 2026, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares of BlueCove Limited (“BlueCove”) (the “BlueCove Acquisition”). Prior to completing the BlueCove Acquisition, the Company held a 15 % ownership interest in BlueCove. BlueCove is a London-based systematic fixed income manager that leverages data and technology to deliver differentiated solutions to investors. BlueCove’s results are presented within the Credit Group. The Company allocated $60.8 million and $12.1 million of the purchase consideration to the fair value of the acquired management contracts and developed technology, respectively. Certain management contracts were determined to have indefinite useful lives at the time of the BlueCove Acquisition and are not subject to amortization. The remaining management contracts and developed technology had a weighted average amortization period from the date of acquisition of 10.0 years and 5.0 years, respectively.
Amortization expense associated with intangible assets was $47.1 million and $37.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, and has been presented within general, administrative and other expenses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company removed $139.6 million of fully-amortized cost basis of intangible assets.
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Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
Goodwill
The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill:
| Credit Group | Real Assets Group | Secondaries Group | Private Equity Group | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2026 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
There was no
In connection with the BlueCove Acquisition, the Company recorded a bargain purchase gain of $37.4 million that has been presented within other income (expense), net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The bargain purchase gain resulted from the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired exceeding the purchase consideration. A portion of the purchase price payable to certain senior professionals is dependent upon the achievement of revenue targets and has been excluded from purchase consideration as it is subject to continued and future service. See “Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies” for further information.
4. INVESTMENTS
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments:
| As of | Percentage of total investments as of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity method - carried interest(1) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method private investment partnership interests - principal | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method private investment partnership interests and other (held at fair value) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method private investment partnership interests and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity method investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateralized loan obligations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateralized loan obligations and fixed income securities, at fair value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock and other equity securities, at fair value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes carried interest held at fair value of $64.0 million and $118.1 million as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.
Equity Method Investments
The Company’s equity method investments include investments that are not consolidated but over which the Company exerts significant influence. The Company evaluates each of its equity method investments to determine if any were significant as defined by guidance from the SEC. As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, no individual equity method investment held by the Company met the significance criteria.
The following table presents the Company’s share of net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains from its equity method investments, which are included within principal investment income, net realized and unrealized gains on investments, and interest and dividend income within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Total net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains related to equity method investments | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
With respect to the Company’s equity method investments, the material assets are expected to generate either long term capital appreciation and/or interest and dividend income, the material liabilities are debt instruments collateralized by, or related to, the financing of the assets and net income is materially comprised of the changes in fair value of these net assets.
Equity Method Investments Held at Fair Value
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Company’s equity method investments held at fair value, which are included within net realized and unrealized gains on investments within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Equity method private investment partnership interests and other (held at fair value) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Investments of the Consolidated Funds
The following table summarizes investments held in the Consolidated Funds:
| Fair Value as of | Percentage of total investments as of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and securitization vehicles | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Bonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed income investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partnership interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments, at fair value | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
5. FAIR VALUE
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Held by the Company and Consolidated Funds
The following tables summarize the financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value for the Company and the Consolidated Funds as of March 31, 2026:
| Financial Instruments of the Company | Level I | Level II | Level III | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock, other equity securities and equity method investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock and other equity securities - carried interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized loan obligations and fixed income securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-foreign currency forward contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets, at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-foreign currency forward contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, at fair value | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Instruments of the Consolidated Funds | Level I | Level II | Level III | Investments Measured at NAV | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income investments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and securitization vehicles | $ | $ | $ | $ | — | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bonds | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed income investments | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partnership interests | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-asset swaps | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets, at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan obligations of CLOs | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, at fair value | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following tables summarize the financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value for the Company and the Consolidated Funds as of December 31, 2025:
| Financial Instruments of the Company | Level I | Level II | Level III | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock, other equity securities and equity method investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock and other equity securities - carried interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized loan obligations and fixed income securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-foreign currency forward contracts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets, at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-foreign currency forward contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, at fair value | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
| Financial Instruments of the Consolidated Funds | Level I | Level II | Level III | Investments Measured at NAV | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income investments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and securitization vehicles | $ | $ | $ | $ | — | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bonds | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed income investments | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partnership interests | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-foreign currency forward contracts | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets, at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities, at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan obligations of CLOs | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-foreign currency forward contracts | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives-asset swaps | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, at fair value | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | — | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The following tables set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level III measurements:
| Level III Assets and (Liabilities) of the Company | Equity Securities | Fixed Income | Contingent Consideration | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
Established in connection with acquisition (see Note 7) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer in(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer out(1) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements(3) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2026 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and fair value included in earnings related to financial assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Level III Net Assets of Consolidated Funds | Equity Securities | Fixed Income | Derivatives, Net | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer in(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer out(1) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements(3) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2026 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Transfers in and out include changes in the observability of inputs used in valuations and changes due to the consolidation and deconsolidation of funds.
(2)Purchases include paid-in-kind interest and securities received in connection with restructurings.
(3)Sales/settlements include distributions, principal redemptions and securities disposed of in connection with restructurings.
20
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
| Level III Assets and (Liabilities) of the Company | Equity Securities | Fixed Income | Contingent Consideration | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Established in connection with acquisition (see Note 7) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements(2) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and fair value included in earnings related to financial assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level III Net Assets of Consolidated Funds | Equity Securities | Fixed Income | Derivatives, Net | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer in(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer out(3) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales/settlements(2) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Purchases include paid-in-kind interest and securities received in connection with restructurings.
(2)Sales/settlements include distributions, principal redemptions and securities disposed of in connection with restructurings.
(3)Transfers in and out include changes in the observability of inputs used in valuations and changes due to the consolidation and deconsolidation of funds.
Transfers out of Level III were generally attributable to certain investments that experienced a more significant level of market activity during the period and thus were valued using observable inputs either from independent pricing services or multiple brokers. Transfers into Level III were generally attributable to certain investments that experienced a less significant level of market activity during the period and thus were only able to obtain one or fewer quotes from a broker or independent pricing service.
21
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following tables summarize the quantitative inputs and assumptions used for the Company’s and the Consolidated Funds’ Level III measurements as of March 31, 2026:
| Level III Measurements of the Company | Fair Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Significant Unobservable Input(s) | Range | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | Transaction price | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market yield analysis | Market interest rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | Multiple of book value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monte Carlo simulation | Volatility | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Market approach | EBITDA multiple(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Market yield analysis | Market interest rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broker quotes and/or third-party pricing services | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration | $ | ( | Monte Carlo simulation | Discount rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level III Measurements of the Consolidated Funds | Fair Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Significant Unobservable Input(s) | Range | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | Multiple of book value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transaction price | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | EBITDA multiple(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broker quotes and/or 3rd party pricing services | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative instruments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broker quotes and/or 3rd party pricing services | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)“EBITDA” in the table above is a non-GAAP financial measure and refers to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.
22
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following tables summarize the quantitative inputs and assumptions used for the Company’s and the Consolidated Funds’ Level III measurements as of December 31, 2025:
| Level III Measurements of the Company | Fair Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Significant Unobservable Input(s) | Range | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | Transaction price | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market yield analysis | Market interest rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | Multiple of book value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Option pricing model | Volatility | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monte Carlo simulation | Volatility | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | EBITDA multiple(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broker quotes and/or third-party pricing services | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Market yield analysis | Market interest rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration | $ | ( | Monte Carlo simulation | Discount rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level III Measurements of the Consolidated Funds | Fair Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Significant Unobservable Input(s) | Range | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | Multiple of book value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transaction price | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | EBITDA multiple(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market approach | Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broker quotes and/or third-party pricing services | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transaction price | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative instruments | $ | ( | Broker quotes and/or third-party pricing services | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)“EBITDA” in the table above is a non-GAAP financial measure and refers to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.
The Consolidated Funds have limited partnership interests in private equity funds managed by the Company that are valued using net asset value (“NAV”) per share. The terms and conditions of these funds do not allow for redemptions without certain events or approvals that are outside the Company’s control.
The following table summarizes the investments held at fair value and unfunded commitments of the Consolidated Funds interests valued using NAV per share:
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Investments (held at fair value) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Unfunded commitments | ||||||||||||||
23
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
6. DEBT
The following table summarizes the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ debt obligations:
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Original Borrowing Amount | Carrying Value | Fair Value(1) | Interest Rate | Carrying Value | Fair Value(1) | Interest Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Facility maturing on 4/22/2030(2) | N/A | $ | $ | % | $ | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior notes due 11/10/2028(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior notes due 6/15/2030(4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior notes due 2/1/2052(5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior notes due 10/11/2054(6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated notes due 6/30/2051(7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Term Loan due 3/27/2029(8) | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt obligations | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)The senior notes and subordinated notes would be classified as Level II within the fair value hierarchy and fair value is based on quoted prices in inactive markets.
(2)The commitments of the revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) were $1.840 billion with an accordion feature of $660.0 million as of March 31, 2026. The Credit Facility has a variable interest rate based on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or a base rate plus an applicable margin, with an unused commitment fee paid quarterly, which is subject to change with the Company’s underlying credit agency rating. As of March 31, 2026, base rate loans bear interest calculated based on the prime rate and the SOFR loans bear interest calculated based on SOFR plus 1.00 %. The unused commitment fee is 0.09 % per annum. The Credit Facility has a base rate and SOFR floor of zero .
(3)The senior notes were issued by the Company at 99.80 % of the face amount with interest paid semi-annually. The Company may redeem the senior notes prior to maturity, subject to the terms of the indenture governing the senior notes.
(4)The senior notes were issued by Ares Finance Co. II LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, at 99.77 % of the face amount with interest paid semi-annually. The Company may redeem the senior notes prior to maturity, subject to the terms of the indenture governing the senior notes.
(5)The senior notes were issued by Ares Finance Co. IV LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, at 97.78 % of the face amount with interest paid semi-annually. The Company may redeem the senior notes prior to maturity, subject to the terms of the indenture governing the senior notes.
(6)The senior notes were issued by the Company at 99.24 % of the face amount with interest paid semi-annually. The Company may redeem the senior notes prior to maturity, subject to the terms of the indenture governing the senior notes.
(7)The subordinated notes were issued by Ares Finance Co. III LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company with interest paid semi-annually at a fixed rate of 4.125 %. Beginning June 30, 2026, the interest rate will reset on every fifth year based on the five-year U.S. Treasury Rate plus 3.237 %. The Company may redeem the subordinated notes prior to maturity or defer interest payments up to consecutive years, subject to the terms of the indenture governing the subordinated notes.
(8)The Term Loan has a variable interest rate based on SOFR plus an applicable margin, which is subject to change with the Company’s underlying credit agency rating. As of March 31, 2026, the SOFR loan bears interest calculated based on SOFR plus 1.00 %. The Term Loan has a SOFR floor of zero .
As of March 31, 2026, the Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants under the debt obligations.
The Company typically incurs and pays debt issuance costs when entering into a new debt obligation or when amending an existing debt agreement. Debt issuance costs related to the various senior notes (the “Senior Notes”), the subordinated notes (the “Subordinated Notes”) and the Term Loan (collectively, the “Term Debt Obligations”) are recorded as a reduction of the corresponding debt obligation, and debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility are included within other assets within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. All debt issuance costs are amortized over the remaining term of the related obligation into interest expense within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
24
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following table presents the activity of the Company’s debt issuance costs:
| Credit Facility | Term Debt Obligations | ||||||||||
Unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Debt issuance costs incurred | |||||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Unamortized debt issuance costs as of March 31, 2026 | $ | $ | |||||||||
Loan Obligations of the Consolidated CLOs
Loan obligations of the Consolidated Funds that are CLOs and other financing obligations (“Consolidated CLOs”) represent amounts due to holders of debt securities issued by the Consolidated CLOs. The Company measures the loan obligations of the Consolidated CLOs using the fair value of the financial assets of its Consolidated CLOs.
The following loan obligations were outstanding and classified as liabilities of the Consolidated CLOs:
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value of Loan Obligations | Weighted Average Interest Rate | Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (in years) | Fair Value of Loan Obligations | Weighted Average Interest Rate | Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (in years) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior secured notes | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated notes(1) | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loan obligations of Consolidated CLOs | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)The notes do not have contractual interest rates; instead, holders of the notes receive a variable rate of interest amounting to the excess cash flows generated by each Consolidated CLO.
Loan obligations of the Consolidated CLOs are collateralized by the assets held by the Consolidated CLOs, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, corporate loans and corporate bonds, among other securities and financial interests. The assets of one Consolidated CLO may not be used to satisfy the liabilities of another Consolidated CLO. Loan obligations of the Consolidated CLOs include floating rate notes, deferrable floating rate notes, revolving lines of credit and subordinated notes. Amounts borrowed under the notes are repaid based on available cash flows subject to priority of payments under each Consolidated CLO’s governing documents. Based on the terms of these facilities, the creditors of the facilities have no recourse to the Company.
Credit Facilities of the Consolidated Funds
Certain Consolidated Funds maintain credit facilities to fund investments between capital drawdowns. These facilities generally are collateralized by the net assets of the Consolidated Funds or the unfunded capital commitments of the Consolidated Funds’ limited partners, bear an annual commitment fee based on unfunded commitments and contain various affirmative and negative covenants and reporting obligations, including restrictions on additional indebtedness, liens, margin stock, affiliate transactions, dividends and distributions, release of capital commitments and portfolio asset dispositions. The creditors of these facilities only have recourse to the Company to the extent the debt is guaranteed by the Company. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Consolidated Funds were in compliance with all covenants under such credit facilities.
25
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The Consolidated Funds had the following credit facilities outstanding:
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Capacity | Outstanding Loan | Fair Value | Weighted Average Interest Rate | Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (in years) | Total Capacity | Outstanding Loan | Fair Value | Weighted Average Interest Rate | Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (in years) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Facilities(1) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)The credit facilities have varying maturities and bear interest at spreads to market rates or at stated fixed rates. The fair values of floating-rate borrowings approximate the carrying value as the interest rate on the borrowings is a floating rate and would be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of fixed rate borrowings would be classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Indemnification Arrangements
Consistent with standard business practices in the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that contain indemnities for affiliates of the Company, persons acting on behalf of the Company or such affiliates and third parties. The terms of the indemnities vary from contract to contract and the Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements cannot be determined and has not been recorded within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. As of March 31, 2026, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Commitments
As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company had aggregate unfunded commitments to invest in funds it manages or to support certain strategic initiatives of $1,518.7 million and $1,172.9 million, respectively.
Guarantees
As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company’s maximum exposure to losses from guarantees was $7.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively. The guarantee agreements that the Company enters into with financial institutions are primarily to guarantee credit facilities held by certain funds. In the ordinary course of business, the guarantee of credit facilities held by funds may indicate control and result in consolidation of the fund.
Contingent Earnout Arrangements
GCP International
In connection with the acquisition of the international business of GLP Capital Partners Limited excluding its operations in Greater China (“GCP International”) (the “GCP Acquisition”) during the first quarter of 2025, the Company established two arrangements with the sellers and with certain of its professionals that became employees of the Company, including (i) an earnout arrangement related to the data center business (“DC Earnout”) based on the achievement of revenue targets of certain digital infrastructure funds; and (ii) an earnout arrangement related to the Japan business (“Japan Earnout”) based on the achievement of fundraising targets of certain Japanese real estate funds. The DC Earnout and Japan Earnout represent contingent liabilities not to exceed $1.0 billion and $0.5 billion, respectively. The Company expects to settle the contingent liabilities at the Company’s discretion with no less than 15.0 % cash and the remaining balance in equity awards.
The portion of the DC Earnout and Japan Earnout attributable to the sellers represents a component of purchase consideration that will be accounted for as contingent consideration. The contingent liabilities are subject to change over the measurement periods, which will end no later than June 30, 2028. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the fair value of the contingent liabilities was $777.3 million and $763.0 million, respectively, and was recorded within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the change in fair value of $14.3 million is presented within other income (expense), net within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The portion of the DC Earnout and Japan Earnout attributable to the professionals that became employees of the Company requires continued service through the measurement periods. The DC Earnout and Japan Earnout are remeasured each period with incremental changes in fair value for the cash and equity components of these liabilities recognized within compensation and benefits expense within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Following the measurement period end dates, the cash components will be paid and the equity awards will be granted at fair value for the balance of the liability. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the fair value of the contingent liabilities was $333.1 million and $327.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company has recorded $91.6 million and $70.1 million, respectively, within accrued compensation within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Compensation expense of $21.5 million and $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, was recorded within compensation and benefits within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The unpaid liabilities at the respective measurement period end dates will be reclassified from liability to additional paid-in-capital. Any compensation expense associated with the DC Earnout and Japan Earnout that was not previously recorded through the final measurement period end date will be recognized as equity-based compensation expense over the remaining service periods ranging from to six years , measured from the GCP Acquisition close date.
Other Arrangements
The Company also entered into various other contingent earnout arrangements in connection with acquisitions. The maximum exposure for the contingent earnout arrangements was $351.4 million and $175.0 million as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.
As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the fair value of these contingent liabilities attributable to employees was $123.6 million and $24.2 million, respectively, of which $14.3 million and $7.8 million, respectively, has been recorded within accrued compensation within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Compensation expense of $6.5 million and $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, is presented within compensation and benefits within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The remaining portions of these contingent earnout arrangements were classified as contingent consideration. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the fair value of these contingent liabilities was $2.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively, and has been recorded within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The change in fair value was $0.1
Carried Interest
Carried interest is affected by changes in the fair values of the underlying investments in the funds that are advised by the Company. Valuations, on an unrealized basis, can be significantly affected by a variety of external factors including, but not limited to, public equity market volatility, industry trading multiples and interest rates. Generally, if at the termination of a fund (and increasingly at interim points in the life of a fund), the fund has not achieved investment returns that exceed the preferred return threshold or the general partner has received net profits over the life of the fund in excess of its allocable share under the applicable partnership agreement, the Company will be obligated to repay carried interest that was received by the Company in excess of the amounts to which the Company is entitled. This contingent obligation is normally reduced by income taxes paid by the Company related to its carried interest.
Senior professionals of the Company who have received carried interest distributions are responsible for funding their proportionate share of any contingent repayment obligations. However, the governing agreements of certain of the Company’s funds provide that if a current or former professional does not fund his or her respective share for such fund, then the Company may have to fund additional amounts beyond what was received in carried interest, although the Company will generally retain the right to pursue any remedies under such governing agreements against those carried interest recipients who fail to fund their obligations.
Additionally, at the end of the life of the funds there could be a payment due to a fund by the Company if the Company has received more carried interest than was ultimately earned. The general partner obligation amount, if any, will depend on final realized values of investments at the end of the life of the fund.
As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, if the Company assumed all existing investments were worthless, the amount of carried interest subject to potential repayment, net of tax distributions, which may differ from the recognition of
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
revenue, would have been $115.3 million and $125.6 million, respectively, of which $90.7 million and $99.8 million, respectively, is reimbursable to the Company by certain professionals who are the recipients of such carried interest. Management believes the possibility of all of the investments becoming worthless is remote. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, if the funds were liquidated at their fair values, there would be no
Litigation
From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions relating to transactions and other matters conducted in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance of the outcome of such legal actions, in the opinion of management, the Company does not have a potential liability related to any current legal proceeding or claim that would individually or in the aggregate materially affect its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Leases
The Company’s leases primarily consist of operating leases for office space and certain office equipment. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms up to 17 years. The tables below present certain supplemental quantitative disclosures regarding the Company’s operating leases:
| Maturity of operating lease liabilities | As of March 31, 2026 | |||||||
| 2026 | $ | |||||||
| 2027 | ||||||||
| 2028 | ||||||||
| 2029 | ||||||||
| 2030 | ||||||||
| Thereafter | ||||||||
| Total future payments | ||||||||
| Less: interest | ||||||||
| Total operating lease liabilities | $ | |||||||
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| Classification within general, administrative and other expenses | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease expense | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| Supplemental information on the measurement of operating lease liabilities | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows for operating leases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| As of March 31, | As of December 31, | |||||||||||||
| Lease term and discount rate | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease terms (in years) | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | ||||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is earned from its affiliates. The related accounts receivable are included within due from affiliates within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, except that accrued carried interest, which is predominantly due from affiliated funds, is presented separately within investments within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
The Company has investment management agreements with the Ares Funds that it manages. In accordance with these agreements, these Ares Funds may bear certain operating costs and expenses which are initially paid by the Company and subsequently reimbursed by the Ares Funds.
Employees and other related parties may be permitted to participate in co-investment vehicles that generally invest in Ares Funds alongside fund investors. Participation is limited by law to individuals who qualify under applicable securities laws. These co-investment vehicles generally do not require these individuals to pay management fees, carried interest or incentive fees.
Carried interest and incentive fees from the funds can be distributed to professionals or their related entities on a current basis, subject, in the case of carried interest programs, to repayment by the subsidiary of the Company that acts as general partner of the relevant fund in the event that certain specified return thresholds are not ultimately achieved. The professionals have personally guaranteed, subject to certain limitations, the obligations of these subsidiaries in respect of this general partner obligation. Such guarantees are several, and not joint, and are limited to distributions received by the relevant recipient.
The Company considers its professionals and non-consolidated funds to be affiliates. Amounts due from and to affiliates were composed of the following:
| As of March 31, | As of December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Due from affiliates | |||||||||||
| Management fees receivable from non-consolidated funds | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Incentive fee receivable from non-consolidated funds | |||||||||||
| Payments made on behalf of and amounts due from non-consolidated funds and employees | |||||||||||
| Due from affiliates—Company | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Due to affiliates | |||||||||||
| Management fee received in advance and rebates payable to non-consolidated funds | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Tax receivable agreement liability | |||||||||||
| Realized carried interest and incentive fees payable | |||||||||||
| Payments made by non-consolidated funds on behalf of and payable by the Company | |||||||||||
| Due to affiliates—Company | $ | $ | |||||||||
Due from and Due to Ares Funds and Portfolio Companies
In the normal course of business, the Company pays certain expenses on behalf of Consolidated Funds and non-consolidated funds for which it is reimbursed. Conversely, Consolidated Funds and non-consolidated funds may pay certain expenses that are reimbursed by the Company. Certain expenses initially paid by the Company, primarily professional services, travel and other costs associated with particular portfolio company holdings, are subject to reimbursement by the portfolio companies.
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
9. INCOME TAXES
The Company’s income tax provision includes corporate income taxes and other entity level income taxes, as well as income taxes incurred by certain affiliated funds that are consolidated in these financial statements.
The Company’s effective income tax rate is dependent on many factors, including the estimated nature and amounts of income and expenses allocated to the non-controlling interests without being subject to federal, state and local income taxes at the corporate level. Additionally, the Company’s effective tax rate is influenced by the amount of income tax provision recorded for any Consolidated Funds. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the Company recorded its interim income tax provision utilizing the estimated annual effective tax rate.
The income tax effects of temporary differences give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are presented on a net basis. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company recorded a net deferred tax asset of $387.7 million and $352.3 million, respectively, within other assets within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. A valuation allowance is recorded on our net deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized or when timing is unknown. For the Consolidated Funds, a net deferred tax liability of $20.4 million and $15.0 million as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively, was included within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities. With limited exceptions, the Company is generally no longer subject to corporate income tax audits by taxing authorities for any years prior to 2021. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company does not believe the outcome of any future audit will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company has Class A and non-voting common stock outstanding. The non-voting common stock has the same economic rights as the Class A common stock; therefore, earnings per share is presented on a combined basis. Income of the Company has been allocated on a proportionate basis to the two common stock classes.
Basic earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock is computed by using the two-class method. Diluted earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock is computed using the more dilutive method of either the two-class method or the treasury stock and if-converted methods.
For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the two-class method was the more dilutive method.
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Dividends declared and paid on Class A and non-voting common stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Distributions on unvested restricted units | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends in excess of earnings available to Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Basic weighted-average shares of Class A and non-voting common stock | |||||||||||
| Dividends in excess of earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Dividend declared and paid per Class A and non-voting common stock | |||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Distributions on unvested restricted units | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net income available to Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average shares of Class A and non-voting common stock | |||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
11. EQUITY COMPENSATION
Equity-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, recorded by the Company is presented in the following table:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Unvested awards | $ | $ | |||||||||
| AOG Unit awards | |||||||||||
| Total equity-based compensation expense | $ | $ | |||||||||
Equity Incentive Plan
Equity-based compensation is generally granted under the 2023 Ares Management Corporation Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”). The total number of shares available to be issued under the Equity Incentive Plan resets based on a formula defined in the Equity Incentive Plan and may increase on January 1 of each year. On January 1, 2026, the total number of shares available for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan reset to 50,423,141 shares and as of March 31, 2026, 45,387,974 shares remained available for issuance.
Generally, unvested awards are forfeited upon termination of employment in accordance with the Equity Incentive Plan. The Company recognizes forfeitures as a reversal of previously recognized compensation expense in the period the forfeiture occurs.
Unvested Awards
Each unvested award represents either a share of the Company’s Class A common stock that is subject to restriction or a restricted unit, representing an unfunded, unsecured right of the holder to receive a share of the Company’s Class A common stock on a specific date. The unvested awards vest and the restrictions lapse or are settled in shares of Class A common stock, as applicable, over service periods up to five years from the grant date, in each case generally subject to the holder’s continued employment as of the applicable vesting date (subject to accelerated vesting upon certain qualifying terminations of employment or retirement eligibility provisions). Compensation expense associated with unvested awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.
Restricted units are delivered net of the holder’s payroll-related taxes upon vesting. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, 5.0 million restricted units vested and 2.9 million shares of Class A common stock were delivered to the holders. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, 4.8 million restricted units vested and 2.7 million shares of Class A common stock were delivered to the holders.
The holders of restricted units, other than awards that have not yet been issued, generally have the right to receive as current compensation an amount in cash equal to: (i) the amount of any dividend paid with respect to a share of Class A common stock multiplied by (ii) the number of restricted units held at the time such dividends are declared (“Dividend Equivalent”).
The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared and Dividend Equivalents paid during the three months ended March 31, 2026:
| Record Date | Dividends Per Share | Dividend Equivalents Paid | ||||||||||||
| March 17, 2026 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following table presents unvested awards’ activity:
| Unvested Awards | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unvested Award | ||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $ | ||||||||||
| Granted | |||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2026 | $ | ||||||||||
The total compensation expense expected to be recognized in all future periods associated with unvested awards is $2,072.3 million as of March 31, 2026 and is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 3.4 years.
Other Equity-Based Compensation
The following table presents unvested AOG Unit awards’ activity:
| Unvested AOG Unit Awards | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unvested AOG Unit Award | ||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | $ | ||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2026 | $ | ||||||||||
The total compensation expense expected to be recognized in all future periods associated with unvested AOG Unit awards is $23.2 million as of March 31, 2026 and is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 1.9 years.
12. EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE INTEREST
Common Stock
The Company’s common stock consists of Class A, Class B, Class C and non-voting common stock, each $0.01
In February 2026, the Company’s board of directors authorized the renewal of the stock repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of up to $750.0 million of shares of Class A common stock. Under the program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, including in reliance on Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Act. The program is scheduled to expire in March 2027. Repurchases under the program, if any, will depend on the prevailing market conditions and other factors. During the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the Company did not
The following table presents the changes in each class of common stock:
| Class A Common Stock | Non-Voting Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | Class C Common Stock | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock, net of unvested share forfeitures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchanges of common stock | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted unit awards, net of shares withheld for tax | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following table presents each partner’s AOG Units and corresponding ownership interest in each of the AOG entities, as well as its daily average ownership of AOG Units in each of the AOG entities:
| Daily Average Ownership | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOG Units | Direct Ownership Interest | AOG Units | Direct Ownership Interest | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ares Management Corporation | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ares Owners Holdings, L.P. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock
As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company had 30,000,000 6.75 %. Dividends on Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock are cumulative and the Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock, unless previously converted or redeemed, will automatically convert into the Company’s Class A common stock on October 1, 2027. Unless converted earlier in accordance with its terms, each share of Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock will automatically convert on the mandatory conversion date into between 0.2717 and 0.3260 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, in each case, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The conversion rate that will apply to mandatory conversions will be determined based on the average of the daily volume-weighted average prices over the 20 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 21st scheduled trading day immediately before October 1, 2027.
Holders of shares of Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock have the option to convert all or any portion of their shares of Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock at any time. The conversion rate applicable to any early conversion may in certain circumstances be increased to compensate holders of the Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock for certain unpaid accumulated dividends.
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
Redeemable Interest
The following table summarizes the activities associated with the redeemable interest in AOG entities:
| Total | |||||
Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $ | ||||
| Net income | |||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | |||||
| Distributions | ( | ||||
Balance as of March 31, 2025 | |||||
| Net loss | ( | ||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | |||||
Balance as of June 30, 2025 | |||||
| Net income | |||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | ( | ||||
Balance as of September 30, 2025 | |||||
| Net loss | ( | ||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | |||||
Balance as of December 31, 2025 | |||||
| Net loss | ( | ||||
| Currency translation adjustment, net of tax | ( | ||||
| Distributions | ( | ||||
Balance as of March 31, 2026 | $ | ||||
The following table summarizes the activities associated with the redeemable interest in Consolidated Funds:
| Total | |||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $ | ||||
| Change in redemption value | |||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2025 | |||||
| Redemptions from Class A ordinary shares of Ares Acquisition Corporation II (“AAC II”) (subsequently renamed to Kodiak AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: KDK)) | ( | ||||
| Change in redemption value | |||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2025 | |||||
| Redemptions from Class A ordinary shares of AAC II | ( | ||||
| Change in redemption value | |||||
| Deconsolidation of AAC II | ( | ||||
Balance as of September 30, 2025 | $ | ||||
As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, there was no
13. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company operates through its distinct operating segments . The Company operating segments are summarized below:
Credit Group: The Credit Group manages credit strategies across the liquid and illiquid spectrum, including liquid credit, alternative credit, opportunistic credit, direct lending and Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) credit.
Real Assets Group: The Real Assets Group manages comprehensive equity and debt strategies across real estate and infrastructure investments.
Secondaries Group: The Secondaries Group invests in secondary markets across a range of alternative asset class strategies, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure and credit.
Private Equity Group: The Private Equity Group broadly categorizes its investment strategies as corporate private equity and APAC private equity.
Other: Other represents a compilation of operating segments and strategic investments that seek to expand the Company’s reach and its scale in new and existing global markets but individually are not yet material to the Company’s
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
results. These results include activities from: (i) Ares Insurance Solutions (“AIS”), the Company’s insurance platform that provides solutions to insurance clients including asset management, capital solutions and corporate development; (ii) the SPACs sponsored by the Company; (iii) a venture capital business with fund strategies that are focused on growth-stage companies and applied artificial intelligence, among others; and (iv) other initiatives, such as activities from the Company’s investments in certain structured financing vehicles.
The Operations Management Group (the “OMG”) consists of shared resource groups to support the Company’s operating segments by providing infrastructure and administrative support in the areas of accounting/finance, operations, information technology, legal, compliance, human resources, strategy, relationship management, and distribution, including the Company’s wealth distribution platform, Ares Wealth Management Solutions (“AWMS”). Through our registered broker-dealer subsidiary, Ares Management Capital Markets LLC (“AMCM”), AWMS facilitates the product development, distribution, marketing and client management activities for investment offerings in the global wealth management channel. Additionally, the OMG provides services to certain of the Company’s managed funds and vehicles, which may reimburse the OMG for expenses either equal to the costs of services provided or as a percentage of invested capital. The OMG’s revenues and expenses are not allocated to the Company’s operating segments but the Company does consider the financial results of the OMG when evaluating its financial performance.
Segment Profit Measure: Realized income (“RI”), which includes fee related earnings (“FRE”) as a component, supplements and should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations prepared in accordance with GAAP.
RI, a non-GAAP measure, is an operating metric used by management to evaluate performance of the business based on operating performance and the contribution of each of the business segments to that performance, while removing the fluctuations of unrealized income and expenses, which may or may not be eventually realized at the levels presented and whose realizations depend more on future outcomes than current business operations. RI differs from income before taxes by excluding: (i) operating results of the Consolidated Funds; (ii) depreciation and amortization expense; (iii) the effects of changes arising from corporate actions; (iv) unrealized gains and losses related to carried interest, incentive fees and investment performance; and adjusts for certain other items that the Company believes are not indicative of operating performance. Changes arising from corporate actions include equity-based compensation expenses, the amortization of intangible assets, transaction costs associated with mergers, acquisitions and capital activities, underwriting costs and expenses incurred in connection with corporate reorganization. Placement fee adjustment represents the net portion of either expense deferral or amortization of upfront fees to placement agents that is presented to match the timing of expense recognition with the period over which management fees are expected to be earned from the associated fund for segment purposes but have been expensed in advance in accordance with GAAP. For periods in which the amortization of upfront fees for segment purposes is higher than the GAAP expense, the placement fee adjustment is presented as a reduction to RI. Management believes RI is a more appropriate metric to evaluate the Company’s current business operations.
FRE, a non-GAAP measure that is a component of RI, is used to assess core operating performance by determining whether recurring revenue, primarily consisting of management fees and fee related performance revenues, is sufficient to cover operating expenses and to generate profits. FRE differs from income before taxes computed in accordance with GAAP as it excludes net performance income, investment income and adjusts for certain other items that the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating performance. Fee related performance revenues, together with fee related performance compensation, are presented within FRE because they represent incentive fees from perpetual capital vehicles that are measured and eligible to be received on a recurring basis and not dependent on realization events from the underlying investments.
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Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following tables present the financial results for the Company’s operating segments, as well as the OMG:
| Three months ended March 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Group | Real Assets Group | Secondaries Group | Private Equity Group | Other | Total Segments | OMG | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee related performance revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee related earnings | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance income—realized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation—realized | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net performance income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income (loss)—realized | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net investment income (loss) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized income | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Group | Real Assets Group | Secondaries Group | Private Equity Group | Other | Total Segments | OMG | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee related performance revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other fees | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee related earnings | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance income—realized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation—realized | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net performance income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income (loss)—realized | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net investment income (loss) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized income | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following table presents the components of the Company’s operating segments’ revenue, expenses and realized net investment income (loss):
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Segment revenues | |||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Fee related performance revenues | |||||||||||
| Other fees | |||||||||||
| Performance income—realized | |||||||||||
| Total segment revenues | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Segment expenses | |||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | $ | $ | |||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | |||||||||||
| Performance related compensation—realized | |||||||||||
| Total segment expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Segment realized net investment income (loss) | |||||||||||
| Investment income—realized | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest income | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total segment realized net investment loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
The following table reconciles the Company’s consolidated revenues to segment revenue:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Total consolidated revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Performance income—unrealized | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Management fees of Consolidated Funds eliminated in consolidation | |||||||||||
| Performance income of Consolidated Funds eliminated in consolidation | |||||||||||
| Administrative, transaction and other fees of Consolidated Funds eliminated in consolidation | |||||||||||
Administrative fees(1) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| OMG revenue | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Principal investment income, net of eliminations | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net (revenue) expense of non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | ( | ||||||||||
| Total consolidation adjustments and reconciling items | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total segment revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||
(1)Represents administrative fees from expense reimbursements that are presented within administrative, transaction and other fees within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are netted against the respective expenses for segment reporting.
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Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following table reconciles the Company’s consolidated expenses to segment expenses:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Total consolidated expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Performance related compensation-unrealized | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Expenses of Consolidated Funds added in consolidation | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Expenses of Consolidated Funds eliminated in consolidation | |||||||||||
Administrative fees(1) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| OMG expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Acquisition and merger-related expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Equity compensation expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
Acquisition-related compensation expense(2) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Placement fee adjustment | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
Expense of non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | ( | ||||||||||
| Total consolidation adjustments and reconciling items | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total segment expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
(1)Represents administrative fees from expense reimbursements that are presented within administrative, transaction and other fees within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are netted against the respective expenses for segment reporting.
(2)Represents bonus payments, a portion of earnouts and other costs recorded in connection with various acquisitions that are recorded as compensation expense and are presented within compensation and benefits within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See “Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies” for a further description of the various contingent earnout arrangements.
The following table reconciles the Company’s consolidated other income to segment realized net investment loss:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Total consolidated other income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Investment income—unrealized | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Interest and other investment (income) loss—unrealized | ( | ||||||||||
| Other income, net of Consolidated Funds added in consolidation | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other expense (income), net of Consolidated Funds eliminated in consolidation | ( | ||||||||||
| OMG other (income) expense | ( | ||||||||||
| Principal investment income | |||||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Other loss (income) of non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | ( | ||||||||||
| Total consolidation adjustments and reconciling items | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total segment realized net investment loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
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Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
The following table presents the reconciliation of income before taxes as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations to segment results of RI and FRE:
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Income before taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | |||||||||||
| Equity compensation expense | |||||||||||
Acquisition-related compensation expense(1) | |||||||||||
| Acquisition and merger-related expense | |||||||||||
| Placement fee adjustment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| OMG expense, net | |||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net | ( | ||||||||||
| Income before taxes of non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income before taxes of non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds, net of eliminations | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total performance income—unrealized | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total performance related compensation—unrealized | |||||||||||
| Total net investment income—unrealized | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Realized income | |||||||||||
| Total performance income—realized | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total performance related compensation—realized | |||||||||||
| Total net investment loss—realized | |||||||||||
| Fee related earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||
(1)Represents bonus payments, a portion of earnouts and other costs recorded in connection with various acquisitions that are recorded as compensation expense and are presented within compensation and benefits within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See “Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies” for a further description of the various contingent earnout arrangements.
39
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
14. CONSOLIDATION
Deconsolidation of Funds
Certain funds that have historically been consolidated in the financial statements are no longer consolidated because: (i) such funds have been liquidated or dissolved; or (ii) the Company is no longer deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) as it no longer has a significant economic interest.
Investments in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company consolidates entities in which the Company has a variable interest and, as the general partner or investment manager, has both the power to direct the most significant activities and a significant economic interest. Investments in the consolidated VIEs are reported at fair value and represent the Company’s maximum exposure to loss.
Investments in Non-Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
The Company holds interests in certain VIEs that are not consolidated as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s interest in such entities generally is in the form of direct equity interests, fixed fee arrangements or both. The maximum exposure to loss represents the potential loss of assets by the Company relating to its direct investments in these non-consolidated entities. Investments in the non-consolidated VIEs are carried at fair value.
The Company’s interests in consolidated and non-consolidated VIEs, as presented within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, its respective maximum exposure to loss relating to non-consolidated VIEs, and its net income attributable to non-controlling interests related to consolidated VIEs, as presented within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, are as follows:
| As of March 31, | As of December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
Maximum exposure to loss attributable to the Company’s investment in non-consolidated VIEs | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Maximum exposure to loss attributable to the Company’s investment in consolidated VIEs | |||||||||||
Assets of consolidated VIEs | |||||||||||
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs | |||||||||||
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interests related to consolidated VIEs | $ | $ | |||||||||
40
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
Consolidating Schedules
The following supplemental financial information illustrates the consolidating effects of the Consolidated Funds on the Company’s financial condition, results from operations and cash flows:
| As of March 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Company Entities | Consolidated Funds | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Investments (includes $ | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use operating lease assets | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets of Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivable for securities sold | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation payable | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt obligations | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities of Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payable for securities purchased | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CLO loan obligations, at fair value | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund borrowings | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest in Ares Operating Group entities | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Class A common stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Non-voting common stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Class B common stock, $ | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Class C common stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in-capital | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, redeemable interest, non-controlling interests and equity | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
41
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
| As of December 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Company Entities | Consolidated Funds | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Investments (includes $ | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use operating lease assets | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets of Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivable for securities sold | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation payable | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt obligations | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities of Consolidated Funds | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payable for securities purchased | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CLO loan obligations, at fair value | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund borrowings | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest in Ares Operating Group entities | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Class A common stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Non-voting common stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Class B common stock, $ | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Class C common stock, $ | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in-capital | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, redeemable interest, non-controlling interests and equity | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
42
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
Three months ended March 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Company Entities | Consolidated Funds | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive fees | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investment income | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative, transaction and other fees | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses of the Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments of the Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other income of the Consolidated Funds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense of the Consolidated Funds | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Operating Group entities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net loss attributable to redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends declared | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
43
Table of Contents
Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
| Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Company Entities | Consolidated Funds | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive fees | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investment income | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative, transaction and other fees | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses of the Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | ( | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments of the Consolidated Funds | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other income of the Consolidated Funds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense of the Consolidated Funds | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense), net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Operating Group entities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends declared | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
Three months ended March 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Company Entities | Consolidated Funds | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities allocable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities allocable to non-controlling interest in Consolidated Funds | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of disposals | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from Credit Facility | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from Term Loan | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments of Credit Facility | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and distributions | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Allocable to redeemable and non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from redeemable and non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowings under loan obligations by Consolidated Funds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments under loan obligations by Consolidated Funds | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes | ( | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity issued in connection with acquisition-related activities | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
| Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Company Entities | Consolidated Funds | Eliminations | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities allocable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows due to changes in operating assets and liabilities allocable to non-controlling interest in Consolidated Funds | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of disposals | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from Credit Facility | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments of Credit Facility | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and distributions | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Allocable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from redeemable and non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowings under loan obligations by Consolidated Funds | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments under loan obligations by Consolidated Funds | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity issued in connection with acquisition-related activities | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
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Ares Management Corporation
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data and As Otherwise Noted)
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after March 31, 2026 through the date the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were issued. During this period, the Company had the following material subsequent events that require disclosure:
In April 2026, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $1.35
In April 2026, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.84375 per share of Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock payable on July 1, 2026 to preferred stockholders of record on June 15, 2026.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Ares Management Corporation is a Delaware corporation. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Ares,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of Ares Management Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The following discussion analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. “Consolidated Funds” refers collectively to certain Ares funds, co-investment vehicles, CLOs and SPACs that are required under U.S. GAAP to be consolidated in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Additional terms used by the Company are defined in the Glossary and throughout the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ares Management Corporation and the related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited financial statements and the related notes included in the 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ares Management Corporation.
Amounts and percentages presented throughout our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations may reflect rounded results in thousands (unless otherwise indicated) and consequently, totals may not appear to sum. In addition, illustrative charts may not be presented at scale.
The changes from current year compared to prior year may be deemed to be not meaningful and are designated as “NM” within the discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations.
Trends Affecting Our Business
We believe that our disciplined investment philosophy across our distinct but complementary investment groups contributes to the stability of our performance throughout market cycles. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, 93% of our management fees were derived from perpetual capital vehicles or long-dated funds. Our funds have a stable base of committed capital enabling us to invest in assets with a long-term focus over different points in a market cycle and to take advantage of market volatility. However, our results from operations, including the fair value of our AUM, are affected by a variety of factors. Conditions in the global financial markets and economic and political environments may impact our business, particularly in the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific (“APAC”).
The following table presents returns of selected market indices:
| Returns (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type of Index | Name of Index | Region | Three months ended March 31, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||
| High yield bonds | ICE BAML High Yield Master II Index | U.S. | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||
| High yield bonds | ICE BAML European Currency High Yield Index | Europe | (1.7) | |||||||||||||||||
| Leveraged loans | S&P UBS Leveraged Loan Index | U.S. | (0.5) | |||||||||||||||||
| Leveraged loans | S&P UBS Western European Leveraged Loan Index | Europe | (0.8) | |||||||||||||||||
| Equities | S&P 500 Index | U.S. | (4.3) | |||||||||||||||||
| Equities | MSCI All Country World Ex-U.S. Index | Non-U.S. | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||
| Infrastructure equities | S&P Global Infrastructure Index | Global | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Real estate equities | FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index | U.S. | 2.8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Real estate equities | FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Europe Index | Europe | (5.3) | |||||||||||||||||
| Real estate equities | Tokyo Stock Exchange REIT Index | APAC | (8.2) | |||||||||||||||||
During the first quarter of 2026, global markets experienced heightened volatility amid the geopolitical tension and conflicts in the Middle East, elevated energy prices and changes in monetary policy expectations. As a result, U.S. and European high yield bonds and leveraged loans were pressured, with European markets more sensitive to the conflicts in the Middle East due to greater dependency on oil flows. U.S. and international equity markets also declined amid inflationary pressures and broader macroeconomic uncertainty. Developed and emerging international markets modestly outperformed U.S. equities, reflecting stronger performance in select regions.
Despite elevated uncertainty from the market volatility, global commercial real estate fundamentals strengthened in the first quarter of 2026. Transaction volumes continued to increase, debt availability improved and property values appreciated across markets. Notwithstanding overall strengthening trends, the European and APAC real estate markets demonstrated greater sensitivity to global conditions compared to the U.S. While performance varies by sector and geography, we believe constrained new supply will be a meaningful tailwind for the commercial real estate markets over the next few years. In
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addition, renewable energy continued to scale, supported by record battery storage additions and strong corporate demand for clean energy. The climate infrastructure market remained resilient, bolstered by continued progress in clean energy deployment, the expansion of digital infrastructure and sustained adoption of artificial intelligence.
Private equity activity moderated during the quarter, with dealmaking and exit activity softening amid continued market selectivity and elevated uncertainty in private credit markets. Sponsors remained highly selective, prioritizing businesses with resilient fundamentals and clear paths to value creation, including differentiated technology and artificial intelligence capabilities. We believe a renewed focus on value creation strategies that emphasize operational improvements, selective deployment, talent optimization and digital transformation are essential to support long-term momentum.
We believe our portfolios across all strategies remain well positioned for a fluctuating interest rate environment. On a market value basis, approximately 83% of our debt assets and 51% of our total assets were floating rate instruments as of March 31, 2026.
Managing Business Performance
Operating Metrics
We measure our business performance using certain operating metrics that are common to the alternative investment management industry and are discussed below.
Assets Under Management
AUM refers to the assets we manage and is viewed as a metric to measure our investment and fundraising performance as it reflects assets generally at fair value plus available uncalled capital.
The tables below present rollforwards of our total AUM by segment ($ in millions):
| Credit Group | Real Assets Group | Secondaries Group | Private Equity Group | Other Businesses | Total AUM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 406,866 | $ | 139,088 | $ | 42,156 | $ | 25,288 | $ | 9,107 | $ | 622,505 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 5,544 | — | — | — | — | 5,544 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New par/equity commitments | 11,575 | 5,253 | 741 | 858 | 1,315 | 19,742 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New debt commitments | 8,785 | 993 | — | — | — | 9,778 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (3,226) | (335) | (88) | — | — | (3,649) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (5,173) | (1,515) | (344) | (1,087) | (356) | (8,475) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (1,366) | (188) | (26) | — | — | (1,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | (629) | 123 | 15 | — | 491 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 248 | (35) | 175 | (385) | 385 | 388 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 422,624 | $ | 143,384 | $ | 42,629 | $ | 24,674 | $ | 10,942 | $ | 644,253 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Group | Real Assets Group | Secondaries Group | Private Equity Group | Other Businesses | Total AUM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 348,858 | $ | 75,298 | $ | 29,153 | $ | 24,041 | $ | 7,096 | $ | 484,446 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | — | 45,281 | — | — | — | 45,281 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New par/equity commitments | 5,944 | 2,461 | 2,289 | 975 | 1,096 | 12,765 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New debt commitments | 4,820 | 2,614 | — | — | — | 7,434 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (3,414) | (768) | (58) | (36) | — | (4,276) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (3,270) | (1,458) | (239) | (149) | (138) | (5,254) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (381) | (159) | (23) | — | — | (563) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | 1,309 | — | — | — | (1,309) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 5,210 | 918 | 190 | (104) | (174) | 6,040 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 359,076 | $ | 124,187 | $ | 31,312 | $ | 24,727 | $ | 6,571 | $ | 545,873 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The components of our AUM are presented below ($ in billions):
| AUM: $644.3 | AUM: $545.9 | |||||||||||||
| FPAUM | Non-fee paying(1) | AUM not yet paying fees | ||||||||||||||||||
(1) Includes $5.4 billion and $5.2 billion of non-fee paying AUM from our general partner and employee commitments as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Please refer to “— Results of Operations by Segment” for a more detailed presentation of AUM by segment for each of the periods presented.
Fee Paying Assets Under Management
FPAUM refers to AUM from which we directly earn management fees and is equal to the sum of all the individual fee bases of our funds that directly contribute to our management fees.
The tables below present rollforwards of our total FPAUM by segment ($ in millions):
| Credit Group | Real Assets Group | Secondaries Group | Private Equity Group | Other Businesses | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 249,816 | $ | 84,065 | $ | 29,481 | $ | 14,437 | $ | 7,150 | $ | 384,949 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 5,495 | — | — | — | — | 5,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 6,415 | 2,613 | 487 | — | 540 | 10,055 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 8,981 | 2,306 | 1,075 | 796 | 207 | 13,365 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (3,860) | (82) | (88) | — | — | (4,030) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (3,565) | (1,291) | (260) | (79) | (356) | (5,551) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (1,434) | (188) | (26) | — | — | (1,648) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | (253) | 143 | — | — | 110 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (1,819) | (192) | (449) | (128) | 229 | (2,359) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | 411 | (235) | (31) | (823) | — | (678) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 260,187 | $ | 87,139 | $ | 30,189 | $ | 14,203 | $ | 7,880 | $ | 399,598 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Group | Real Assets Group | Secondaries Group | Private Equity Group | Other Businesses | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 209,145 | $ | 44,088 | $ | 22,401 | $ | 11,427 | $ | 5,492 | $ | 292,553 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | — | 30,467 | — | — | — | 30,467 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 6,478 | 1,068 | 1,053 | — | 1,036 | 9,635 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 7,731 | 1,509 | 257 | 17 | 253 | 9,767 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (3,610) | (42) | — | — | — | (3,652) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (3,294) | (1,403) | (59) | — | (138) | (4,894) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (448) | (159) | (23) | — | — | (630) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | 1,172 | — | — | — | (1,172) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 1,420 | 280 | (159) | (1) | 119 | 1,659 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | (363) | 617 | — | (91) | — | 163 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 218,231 | $ | 76,425 | $ | 23,470 | $ | 11,352 | $ | 5,590 | $ | 335,068 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The charts below present FPAUM by its fee bases ($ in billions):
| FPAUM: $399.6 | FPAUM: $335.1 | |||||||||||||
| Invested capital | NAV/fair value/reported value(1) | Capital commitments | Collateral balances (at par) | GAV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes $98.2 billion and $76.7 billion from funds that primarily invest in illiquid strategies as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The underlying investments held in these funds are generally subject to less market volatility than investments held in liquid strategies.
Please refer to “— Results of Operations by Segment” for detailed information by segment of the activity affecting total FPAUM for each of the periods presented.
Perpetual Capital Assets Under Management
The chart below presents our perpetual capital AUM by segment and type ($ in billions):
| Credit | Real Assets | Secondaries | Other Businesses | Perpetual Wealth Funds | Private Commingled Funds | Publicly-Traded Funds | Managed Accounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Management Fees By Type
We view the duration of funds we manage as a metric to measure the stability of our future management fees. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, 93% and 92%, respectively, of management fees were earned from perpetual capital or long-dated funds.
The charts below present the composition of our segment management fees by fund type:
| Perpetual Capital - Publicly-Traded Funds | Perpetual Capital - Perpetual Wealth Funds | Perpetual Capital - Private Commingled Funds | Perpetual Capital - Managed Accounts | Long-Dated Funds(1) | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Long-dated funds generally have a contractual life of five years or more at inception.
Available Capital and Assets Under Management Not Yet Paying Fees
The charts below present our available capital and AUM not yet paying fees by segment ($ in billions):
| Credit | Real Assets | Secondaries | Private Equity | Other Businesses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2026, AUM not yet paying fees includes $79.4 billion of AUM available for future deployment and $4.2 billion of development assets not yet stabilized that could collectively generate approximately $715.9 million in potential incremental annual management fees, representing a 22% embedded growth rate in our base management fees from the last twelve month period.
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Incentive Eligible Assets Under Management and Incentive Generating Assets Under Management
The charts below present our IEAUM and IGAUM by segment ($ in billions):
| Credit | Real Assets | Secondaries | Private Equity | Other Businesses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fee related performance revenues are not recognized by us until such fees are crystallized and no longer subject to reversal. As of March 31, 2026, perpetual capital IGAUM that could potentially result in crystallized fee related performance revenues totaled $42.1 billion, composed of $23.0 billion within the Credit Group, $13.9 billion within the Real Assets Group and $5.2 billion within the Secondaries Group. As of March 31, 2025, perpetual capital IGAUM that could potentially result in crystallized fee related performance revenues totaled $25.7 billion, composed of $19.5 billion within the Credit Group, $3.5 billion within the Real Assets Group and $2.7 billion within the Secondaries Group. As of March 31, 2026 and 2025, IGAUM included $51.9 billion and $37.9 billion, respectively, of AUM from funds generating incentive income that is not recognized by us until such fees are crystallized or no longer subject to reversal.
Fund Performance Metrics
Fund performance information for our funds considered to be “significant funds” is included throughout this discussion with analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. Our significant funds are commingled funds that either contributed at least 1% of our total management fees or comprised at least 1% of our total FPAUM for each of the last two consecutive quarters. In addition to management fees, each of our significant funds may generate carried interest or incentive fees upon the achievement of performance hurdles. The fund performance information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of our overall performance. An investment in Ares is not an investment in any of our funds. Past performance is not indicative of future results. As with any investment, there is always the potential for gains as well as the possibility of losses. There can be no assurance that any of these funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.
Fund performance metrics for significant funds may be marked as “NM” as they may not be considered meaningful due to the limited time since the initial investment and/or early stage of capital deployment.
To further facilitate an understanding of the impact a significant fund may have on our results, we present our drawdown funds as either harvesting investments or deploying capital to indicate the fund’s stage in its life cycle. A fund harvesting investments is past its investment period and opportunistically seeking to monetize investments, while a fund deploying capital is generally seeking new investment opportunities.
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Consolidation and Deconsolidation of Ares Funds
We consolidate (i) entities that we have both the power to direct significant activities of the entity and a significant economic interest; and (ii) entities in which we hold a majority voting interest or have majority ownership and control over the operational, financial and investing decisions of that entity. Certain funds that have historically been consolidated in the financial statements may no longer be consolidated because: (i) such funds have been liquidated or dissolved; or (ii) we are no longer deemed to have a controlling interest in the entity. Consolidated Funds represented approximately 6% of our AUM as of March 31, 2026 and 5% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
The activity of the Consolidated Funds is reflected within the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statement line items indicated by reference thereto. The impact of consolidation also typically will decrease revenues reported under GAAP to the extent these amounts are eliminated upon consolidation.
The assets and liabilities of our Consolidated Funds are held within separate legal entities and, as a result, the liabilities of our Consolidated Funds are typically non-recourse to us. Generally, the consolidation of our Consolidated Funds has a significant gross-up effect on our assets, liabilities and cash flows but has no net effect on the net income attributable to us or our stockholders’ equity, except where accounting for a redemption or liquidation preference requires the reallocation of ownership based on specific terms of a profit sharing agreement. The net economic ownership interests of our Consolidated Funds, to which we have no economic rights, are reflected as redeemable and non-controlling interests in the Consolidated Funds within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
We have transferred certain financial interests to structured financing vehicles that we manage, including but not limited to collateralized fund obligations, rated note feeders and private asset-backed notes, among other secondary solutions. These financial interests include our capital interests and rights to performance income in funds that we manage. The purpose of these transferred interests is to provide collateral or other forms of similar credit-enhancement, including subordination and liquidity support, to the structured financing vehicles. These structured financing vehicles are typically designed to meet investors’ risk-return, liquidity, diversification and risk-based capital treatment objectives and to support capital raising efforts across our platform. The transfer of these financial interests does not subject us to the additional risk of loss; instead, our maximum risk of loss equals the value of our transferred interest in the event that the returns generated by the structured financing vehicles do not meet stated performance thresholds. These structured financing vehicles typically represent variable interest entities that are consolidated with our results. As a result, the financial interests that we transfer will typically be reclassified from investments in the funds that we manage and/or from accrued performance income to investments of the Consolidated Funds upon consolidation. Any future investment income and performance income resulting from these financial interests is typically presented within the results of operations of our Consolidated Funds as a result of consolidation.
The performance of our Consolidated Funds is not necessarily consistent with, or representative of, the combined performance trends of all of our funds.
For the actual impact that consolidation had on our results and further discussion on consolidation and deconsolidation of funds, see “Note 14. Consolidation” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.
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Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
Although the consolidated results presented below include the results of our operations together with those of the Consolidated Funds and other joint ventures, we separate our analysis of those items primarily impacting the Company from those of the Consolidated Funds.
The following table presents our summarized consolidated results of operations ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,396,436 | $ | 1,088,805 | $ | 307,631 | 28% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | (1,168,463) | (1,014,328) | (154,135) | (15) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other income, net | 84,948 | 66,561 | 18,387 | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Income tax expense | 59,872 | 17,537 | (42,335) | (241) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 253,049 | 123,501 | 129,548 | 105 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | 29,647 | 55,977 | (26,330) | (47) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Operating Group entities | 223,402 | 67,524 | 155,878 | 231 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | (1,113) | 316 | (1,429) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities | 81,926 | 20,038 | 61,888 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation | 142,589 | 47,170 | 95,419 | 202 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends declared | 25,313 | 25,313 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | 117,276 | $ | 21,857 | 95,419 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Consolidated Results of Operations of the Company
The following discussion sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations:
Revenues
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | 989,527 | $ | 816,987 | $ | 172,540 | 21% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation | 146,631 | 160,008 | (13,377) | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive fees | 161,934 | 32,048 | 129,886 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investment income | 477 | 21,998 | (21,521) | (98) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative, transaction and other fees | 97,867 | 57,764 | 40,103 | 69 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 1,396,436 | $ | 1,088,805 | 307,631 | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees. Within the Credit Group, our publicly-traded and our perpetual wealth funds contributed $37.4 million of the increase in management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, primarily driven by increases in the average size of their portfolios. Capital deployment in private funds within our direct lending and alternative credit strategies led to a rise in FPAUM, contributing $29.6 million of the increase in management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Within the Real Assets Group, funds that we manage as a result of the acquisition of the international business of GLP Capital Partners Limited excluding its operations in Greater China (the “GCP Acquisition”) generated $34.6 million in additional management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to one month of fees for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
In addition, Part I Fees increased by $29.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The increase in Part I Fees was primarily attributable to ASIF and our open-ended European direct lending fund, driven by increases in net investment income from their growing portfolios of investments.
For detail regarding the fluctuations of management fees within each of our segments, see “—Results of Operations by Segment.”
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Carried Interest Allocation. The following table sets forth carried interest allocation by segment ($ in millions):
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Credit funds | $ | 137.3 | $ | 130.7 | ||||||||||
| Real Assets funds | 47.5 | 22.0 | ||||||||||||
Secondaries funds | 9.8 | (6.2) | ||||||||||||
| Private Equity funds | 10.6 | 37.0 | ||||||||||||
| Other businesses | (42.0) | 2.4 | ||||||||||||
| Elimination of carried interest from Consolidated Funds | (16.1) | (5.1) | ||||||||||||
| Carried interest of non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | (0.5) | (20.8) | ||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation | $ | 146.6 | $ | 160.0 | ||||||||||
The activity was principally composed of the following:
| Three months ended March 31, 2026 | Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| Credit funds | ||||||||
•Primarily from one alternative credit fund, three direct lending funds and one opportunistic credit fund with $29.3 billion of IGAUM generating returns in excess of their hurdle rates: ◦Within alternative credit, Pathfinder II generated carried interest allocation of $42.2 million, driven by market appreciation of certain investments that primarily operate in the utilities and transportation industries ◦Within direct lending, ACE VI, ACE V and PCS II generated carried interest allocation of $31.5 million, $25.5 million and $19.0 million, respectively, driven by net investment income during the period ◦Within opportunistic credit, SSF IV generated carried interest allocation of $17.1 million, driven by improved profitability of portfolio companies that operate in the utilities, energy and services industries | •Primarily from four direct lending funds, one opportunistic credit fund and two alternative credit funds with $37.8 billion of IGAUM generating returns in excess of their hurdle rates: ◦Within direct lending, ACE V, ACE VI and PCS II generated carried interest allocation of $46.3 million, $26.6 million and $13.0 million, respectively, driven by net investment income on an increasing invested capital base. ACE IV generated carried interest allocation of $13.3 million driven by net investment income during the period ◦Within opportunistic credit, ASOF II generated carried interest allocation of $21.0 million, driven by improved operating performance metrics from portfolio companies that operate in the services and retail industries ◦Within alternative credit, Pathfinder II and Pathfinder I generated carried interest allocation of $21.6 million and $10.1 million, respectively, driven by market appreciation of certain investments and net investment income during the period •Reversal of unrealized carried interest allocation of $27.0 million and $24.7 million from SSF IV and ASOF I, respectively, primarily due to the market depreciation of their investment in Savers Value Village, Inc. (“SVV”), driven by its lower stock price | |||||||
| Real Assets funds | ||||||||
•IDF V generated carried interest allocation of $14.7 million, driven by net investment income during the period •ACIP II and ACIP I generated carried interest allocation of $11.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively, driven by the appreciation of certain portfolio investments | •IDF V generated carried interest allocation of $10.3 million, driven by net investment income during the period •Carried interest allocation of $5.1 million and $1.6 million generated from two U.S. real estate equity funds and EIF V, respectively, primarily due to appreciation of certain investments •Reversal of unrealized carried interest allocation of $1.3 million from ACIP I was driven by the lower valuation of certain investments | |||||||
| Secondaries funds | ||||||||
•LEP XVII and LREF IX generated carried interest allocation of $7.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, primarily driven by appreciation of certain portfolio investments | •Reversal of unrealized carried interest of $10.9 million from LREF VIII, primarily driven by the lower valuation of certain investments •Reversal of unrealized carried interest of $9.3 million from LEP XVI, due to the lower valuation of certain investments •LEP XVII generated carried interest allocation of $6.0 million, driven by improved operating performance and appreciation of certain investments | |||||||
| Private Equity funds | ||||||||
•ACOF VI generated carried interest allocation of $22.4 million, driven by improved profitability of portfolio companies that primarily operate in the industrial and retail industries •Reversal of unrealized carried interest of $12.2 million from ACOF IV, driven by lower operating performance from a portfolio company that operates in the healthcare and by decreasing share price of a portfolio company that operates in the consumer services | •ACOF VI and ACOF IV generated carried interest allocation of $42.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively, primarily driven by improved operating performance metrics from portfolio companies that primarily operate in the healthcare, services, industrial and retail industries •Reversal of unrealized carried interest allocation of $13.1 million from a private equity fund driven by lower operating performance from portfolio companies that primarily operate in the industrial and service industries | |||||||
| Other businesses | ||||||||
•Reversal of unrealized carried interest of $54.1 million attributable to the decrease in market value of our investment in Kodiak AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: KDK), driven by its lower stock price •Carried interest allocation of $12.0 million from an insurance fund that is eliminated upon consolidation | •Carried interest allocation from an insurance fund that is eliminated upon consolidation | |||||||
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Incentive Fees. The following table sets forth incentive fees by segment ($ in millions):
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Credit funds | $ | 147.6 | $ | 21.9 | ||||||||||
| Real Assets funds | 2.6 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||
Secondaries funds | 11.7 | 9.7 | ||||||||||||
| Incentive fees | $ | 161.9 | $ | 32.0 | ||||||||||
The increase in incentive fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was primarily due to (i) fees of $138.5 million generated by SDL I in connection with the sale of its remaining assets to a continuation vehicle; and (ii) higher fees generated from APMF resulting from increased IGAUM over the comparative period. For further detail regarding the incentive fees within each of our segments, see discussion of fee related performance revenues and realized net performance income within “—Results of Operations by Segment.”
Principal Investment Income. The activity for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was primarily attributable to:
•Dividend income of $7.2 million primarily generated from our investments in various U.S. direct lending, Japanese real estate equity and real estate debt funds
•Unrealized losses of $10.5 million from our investment in a U.S. real estate equity fund, partially offset by unrealized gains of $3.1 million from our investments in various European real estate equity funds and opportunistic credit funds
The activity for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to:
•Interest income of $7.7 million from newly admitted investors in an insurance fund, where capital account balances are reallocated from existing investors in exchange for interest to compensate for carrying costs
•Dividend income of $4.7 million generated from our investments in various real estate debt funds
•Net realized gains of $3.5 million generated from our investments in various U.S. real estate equity funds
Administrative, Transaction and Other Fees. The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was driven by: (i) an increase of $21.0 million reflecting the full quarter impact of property-related fees and administrative service fees earned from funds acquired in the GCP Acquisition; (ii) an increase in administrative service fees of $6.5 million, earned from new and existing private funds within our Credit Group that are based on invested capital and from our perpetual wealth funds; and (iii) an increase in capital markets transaction fees of $5.2 million, reflecting increased transaction volumes.
Expenses
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | $ | 692,407 | $ | 657,125 | $ | (35,282) | (5)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation | 228,336 | 122,633 | (105,703) | (86) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | 240,437 | 227,914 | (12,523) | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses of Consolidated Funds | 7,283 | 6,656 | (627) | (9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | $ | 1,168,463 | $ | 1,014,328 | (154,135) | (15) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits. The following table presents the components of change in compensation and benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 ($ in millions):
| Year-over-year change | |||||
| Compensation and benefits | |||||
| Cash-based compensation and benefits | $ | (68.4) | |||
| Part I Fee compensation | (14.9) | ||||
| Acquisition-related compensation expense | (6.2) | ||||
| Equity compensation expense | (31.0) | ||||
| Acquisition-related equity compensation expense | 85.2 | ||||
| Total | $ | (35.3) | |||
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The increase in cash-based compensation and benefits reflected the continued growth in salary and benefits for our increased staffing levels, as well as the full quarter impact of employment related costs of $30.8 million from the GCP Acquisition.
In addition, Part I Fee compensation increased over the comparative period, corresponding to the increase in Part I Fees. We reduced Part I Fee compensation by $7.5 million and $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, to reclaim a portion of the supplemental distribution fees that we paid to distribution partners.
Equity compensation increased over the comparative period as a result of newly issued discretionary and bonus-related awards granted at higher stock prices relative to previously granted awards that have since fully vested. Acquisition-related equity compensation expense decreased over the comparative period as the prior year period included $108.8 million of expense from the portion of the awards associated with the purchase price of the GCP Acquisition that immediately vested.
Full-time equivalent headcount increased by 24% to 4,297 professionals for the year-to-date period in 2026 from 3,474 professionals in 2025, including the impact from the GCP Acquisition of 511 full-time equivalents.
For detail regarding the fluctuations of compensation and benefits within each of our segments see “—Results of Operations by Segment.”
Performance Related Compensation. The majority of the changes in performance related compensation are directly associated with the changes in carried interest allocation and incentive fees as described above.
General, Administrative and Other Expenses. The increase in general, administrative and other expenses reflect growing staffing levels and fundraising activities, as well as the full quarter impact of operating costs of $13.2 million from the GCP Acquisition. Excluding the impact from the GCP Acquisition, information technology costs for software licenses and capitalized software amortization increased by $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, driven by continued build-out of internally developed software and to support our growing headcount. Travel and marketing costs also increased by $4.4 million over the comparative period, driven by new sponsorships and investor events held during the quarter. Furthermore, supplemental distribution fees increased by $4.2 million over the comparative period due to the expansion of our distribution relationships and wealth product offerings.
Amortization of intangible assets increased by $9.8 million over the comparative period, primarily due to the full quarter impact from the GCP Acquisition.
Conversely, acquisition-related costs decreased by $33.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Acquisition-related costs generally precede a business combination, vary with the complexity of the transaction and may occur even when acquisitions are not successfully completed. We incurred costs in the current quarter primarily related to the acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares of BlueCove Limited (the “BlueCove Acquisition”), while we incurred $33.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 related to the GCP Acquisition.
Other Income (Expense)
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | $ | 3,389 | $ | 268 | $ | 3,121 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest and dividend income | 7,099 | 17,656 | (10,557) | (60) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (50,760) | (36,387) | (14,373) | (40) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 24,560 | (10,714) | 35,274 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments of Consolidated Funds | 134,016 | 88,406 | 45,610 | 52 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other income of Consolidated Funds | 105,445 | 160,072 | (54,627) | (34) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense of Consolidated Funds | (138,801) | (152,740) | 13,939 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other income, net | $ | 84,948 | $ | 66,561 | 18,387 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments; Interest and Dividend Income. The activity for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was primarily attributable to:
•Unrealized gains of $42.7 million from our strategic investments in X‑Energy, Inc., which completed its initial public offering after the first quarter of 2026 (Nasdaq: XE), partially offset by unrealized losses of $36.4 million primarily from our investments in KDK and J-REIT
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•Interest and dividend income primarily included: (i) dividend income of $3.9 million from our strategic investment in a Brazilian alternative asset manager and from our investment in J-REIT; and (ii) income of $1.1 million from our investments in CLOs and CLO-based investments
The activity for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to:
•Interest and dividend income primarily included: (i) income of $2.1 million from our investments in CLOs and CLO-based investments; (ii) dividend income of $2.0 million from our strategic investment in a Brazilian alternative asset manager; and (iii) $11.9 million of interest income earned from treasury-backed securities. These treasury-backed securities were sold in the first quarter of 2025 and the proceeds from the sale were used to fund the GCP Acquisition.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 due to a higher average outstanding balance of our Credit Facility. At the end of March 2026, we borrowed $400.0 million under the Term Loan. We expect interest expense attributable to the Term Loan to be approximately $4.7 million per quarter in future periods.
Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense), net for the three months ended March 31, 2026 included a $37.4 million bargain purchase gain from the BlueCove Acquisition. A bargain purchase gain resulted from the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired exceeding the purchase consideration. A portion of the purchase price payable to certain senior professionals is dependent upon the achievement of revenue targets and has been excluded from purchase consideration as it is subject to continued and future service.
Other income (expense), net for the three months ended March 31, 2026 also included non-cash expense of $14.3 million from an increase in fair value of contingent consideration, reflecting our progress toward achieving the earnouts established in connection with the GCP Acquisition. These earnouts are based on revenue targets of certain digital infrastructure funds and fundraising targets of certain Japanese real estate funds. See “Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a further description of these contingent earnout arrangements.
Income Tax Expense
The majority of our Consolidated Funds are not subject to income tax as the funds’ investors are responsible for reporting their share of income or loss on a pass-through basis. Accordingly, the following discussion focuses on the change in income tax expense attributable to the Company:
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Company Entities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | $ | 279,497 | $ | 83,059 | $ | 196,438 | 237% | |||||||||||||||||||
Less: Income tax expense | 56,095 | 15,535 | (40,560) | (261) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 223,402 | $ | 67,524 | 155,878 | 231 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in income tax expense was primarily attributable to higher pre-tax income allocable to AMC and higher entity level taxes in foreign and local jurisdictions for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
The allocation of taxable income is also sensitive to any changes in weighted average daily ownership as the income attributed to redeemable and non-controlling interests is generally passed through to partners and not subject to corporate income taxes. The following table summarizes weighted average daily ownership:
| Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
AMC common stockholders | 68.13 | % | 65.77 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-controlling AOG unitholders | 31.87 | 34.23 | ||||||||||||
The change in ownership compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by the issuances of shares of Class A common stock in connection with the vesting of restricted unit awards and exchanges of AOG Units.
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Redeemable and Non-Controlling Interests
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 253,049 | $ | 123,501 | $ | 129,548 | 105% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | 29,647 | 55,977 | (26,330) | (47) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Operating Group entities | 223,402 | 67,524 | 155,878 | 231 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable interest in Ares Operating Group entities | (1,113) | 316 | (1,429) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Ares Operating Group entities | 81,926 | 20,038 | 61,888 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation | 142,589 | 47,170 | 95,419 | 202 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends declared | 25,313 | 25,313 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation Class A and non-voting common stockholders | $ | 117,276 | $ | 21,857 | 95,419 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||
The change in net income attributable to non-controlling interests in AOG entities compared to the prior year period was primarily a result of the respective change in income before taxes of the Company as presented above.
Consolidated Results of Operations of the Consolidated Funds
The following table presents the results of operations of the Consolidated Funds ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses of the Consolidated Funds | $ | (7,283) | $ | (6,656) | $ | (627) | (9)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments of Consolidated Funds | 134,016 | 88,406 | 45,610 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other income of Consolidated Funds | 105,445 | 160,072 | (54,627) | (34) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense of Consolidated Funds | (138,801) | (152,740) | 13,939 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before taxes | 93,377 | 89,082 | 4,295 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Income tax expense of Consolidated Funds | 3,777 | 2,002 | (1,775) | (89) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 89,600 | 87,080 | 2,520 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Revenues attributable to Ares Management Corporation eliminated upon consolidation | 66,249 | 19,987 | 46,262 | 231 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income), net attributable to Ares Management Corporation eliminated upon consolidation (loss) | 6,296 | (11,116) | (17,412) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds | $ | 29,647 | $ | 55,977 | (26,330) | (47) | ||||||||||||||||||||
The results of operations of the Consolidated Funds primarily represent activities from certain funds that we are deemed to control. When a fund is consolidated, we reflect the revenues and expenses of the entity on a gross basis, subject to eliminations from consolidation. A substantial portion of our results of operations related to the Consolidated Funds are attributable to ownership interests that third parties hold in those funds. The Consolidated Funds are not necessarily the same funds in each year presented due to changes in ownership, changes in limited partners’ or investor rights, and the creation or termination of funds and entities. Accordingly, such amounts may not be comparable for the periods presented, and in any event have no material impact on net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation.
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Segment Analysis
For segment reporting purposes, revenues and expenses are presented before giving effect to the results of our Consolidated Funds and the results attributable to non-controlling interests of joint ventures that we consolidate. As a result, segment revenues are different than those presented on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. Revenues recognized from Consolidated Funds are eliminated in consolidation and those attributable to the non-controlling interests of joint ventures have been excluded by us. Furthermore, expenses and the effects of other income (expense) are different than related amounts presented on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of the results of Consolidated Funds and the non-controlling interests of joint ventures.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use Realized Income (“RI”) as a non-GAAP profit measure in making operating decisions, assessing performance and allocating resources. Fee Related Earnings (“FRE”) is a component of RI that excludes realized activities associated with investment income and performance income.
FRE and RI should be considered in addition to and not in lieu of, the results of operations, which are discussed further under “—Consolidated Results of Operations of the Company” and are prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The following table sets forth FRE and RI by reportable segment and the OMG ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Group | $ | 477,436 | $ | 408,594 | $ | 68,842 | 17% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Real Assets Group | 131,969 | 74,279 | 57,690 | 78 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Secondaries Group | 54,633 | 40,584 | 14,049 | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity Group | 14,857 | 14,307 | 550 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 6,411 | 4,469 | 1,942 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operations Management Group | (220,902) | (174,957) | (45,945) | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 464,404 | $ | 367,276 | 97,128 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit Group | $ | 542,916 | $ | 431,939 | $ | 110,977 | 26% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Real Assets Group | 110,773 | 87,597 | 23,176 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secondaries Group | 53,198 | 39,671 | 13,527 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity Group | 18,613 | 10,227 | 8,386 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | (2,536) | 10,769 | (13,305) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operations Management Group | (220,228) | (174,279) | (45,949) | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized Income | $ | 502,736 | $ | 405,924 | 96,812 | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Income before provision for income taxes is the GAAP financial measure most comparable to RI. The following table presents the reconciliation of income before taxes as reported within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations to RI and FRE of the reportable segments and the OMG ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Income before taxes | $ | 312,921 | $ | 141,038 | |||||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 59,694 | 48,229 | |||||||||
| Equity compensation expense | 203,632 | 257,862 | |||||||||
Acquisition-related compensation expense(1) | 28,200 | 21,999 | |||||||||
| Acquisition and merger-related expense | 1,244 | 34,608 | |||||||||
| Placement fee adjustment | (6,822) | (6) | |||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | (23,006) | 2,526 | |||||||||
| Income before taxes of non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries | (5,578) | (5,471) | |||||||||
| Income before taxes of non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds, net of eliminations | (33,424) | (57,979) | |||||||||
| Total performance income—unrealized | (92,035) | (64,443) | |||||||||
| Total performance related compensation—unrealized | 81,422 | 40,550 | |||||||||
| Total net investment income—unrealized | (23,512) | (12,989) | |||||||||
| Realized Income | 502,736 | 405,924 | |||||||||
| Total performance income—realized | (213,548) | (125,448) | |||||||||
| Total performance related compensation—realized | 138,212 | 84,416 | |||||||||
| Total net investment loss—realized | 37,004 | 2,384 | |||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 464,404 | $ | 367,276 | |||||||
(1)Represents bonus payments, a portion of earnouts and other costs in connection with various acquisitions that are recorded as compensation expense and are presented within compensation and benefits within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
For the specific components and calculations of these non-GAAP measures, as well as additional reconciliations to the most comparable measures in accordance with GAAP, see “Note 13. Segment Reporting” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Discussed below are our results of operations for our reportable segments and the OMG.
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Results of Operations by Segment
Credit Group—Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Fee Related Earnings
The following table presents the components of the Credit Group’s FRE ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | 684,663 | $ | 585,396 | $ | 99,267 | 17% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fee related performance revenues | 5,256 | 18,395 | (13,139) | (71) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other fees | 15,099 | 10,598 | 4,501 | 42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | (176,237) | (164,747) | (11,490) | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | (51,345) | (41,048) | (10,297) | (25) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 477,436 | $ | 408,594 | 68,842 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees. The chart below presents Credit Group management fees and effective management fee rates ($ in millions):
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The following table presents the components of and causes for changes in the Credit Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the prior year period ($ in millions):
| Year-over-year change | ||||||||
| Perpetual wealth funds: | ||||||||
| Base management fees from ASIF, our open-ended European direct lending fund and CADC, due to increases in the average size of their portfolios | $ | 25.4 | ||||||
Part I Fees from ASIF, our open-ended European direct lending fund and CADC, driven by increases in net investment income from their growing portfolio of investments | 23.7 | |||||||
Fees from our open-ended sports, media and entertainment opportunities fund, which began generating fees during the first quarter of 2026 following the expiration of its fee waiver | 2.1 | |||||||
| Fees from SDL III, ACE VI, Pathfinder II, our open-ended core alternative credit fund and ASOF III, driven by capital deployment | 37.6 | |||||||
| Fees from ARCC due to an increase in the average size of its portfolio | 8.8 | |||||||
| Fees from funds acquired in the BlueCove Acquisition | 3.6 | |||||||
Distributions that reduced the fee base of SDL II, ACE IV and SSG IV as the funds are past their investment periods | (10.1) | |||||||
| SDL I no longer pays fees in connection with the sale of its remaining assets to a continuation vehicle in the first quarter of 2026 | (4.8) | |||||||
| Cumulative effect of other changes | 13.0 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 99.3 | ||||||
The decrease in effective management fee rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was primarily attributable to increases in FPAUM from our funds in the liquid credit strategy, which have an effective fee rate of less than 0.50%.
Fee Related Performance Revenues. Fee related performance revenues decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Fee related performance revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2026 were primarily attributable to incentive fees from our open-ended sports, media and entertainment opportunities fund, which has a quarterly measurement period and a fee waiver that expired at the end of 2025. Fee related performance revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were primarily attributable to incentive fees from a European direct lending fund that crystallized fees following the restructuring of its hold back provisions.
Other Fees. The increase in other fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was primarily driven an increase in administrative service fees of $3.1 million, which are earned from certain private funds that pay on invested capital. In addition, capital markets transaction fees were higher by $1.7 million, reflecting increased transaction volumes.
Compensation and Benefits. The increase in compensation and benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was primarily driven by an increase in: (i) Part I Fee compensation of $14.9 million, corresponding to the increase in Part I Fees; (ii) incentive-based compensation of $6.3 million; and (iii) salary expenses of $2.9 million, primarily attributable to headcount growth; partially offset by (iv) lower fee related performance compensation of $9.8 million, corresponding to the decrease in fee related performance revenues. We reduced Part I Fee compensation by $3.9 million and $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, to reclaim a portion of the supplemental distribution fees that we paid to distribution partners.
Full-time equivalent headcount increased by 4% to 729 investment and investment support professionals for the year-to-date period in 2026 from 698 professionals in 2025 primarily due to the impact of the BlueCove Acquisition and also to support our growing direct lending and alternative credit platforms.
General, Administrative and Other Expenses. The increase in general, administrative and other expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was driven by: (i) an increase in professional service fees of $4.4 million; (ii) an increase in supplemental distribution fees of $2.6 million as we continue to expand our wealth product offerings and distribution relationships; and (iii) an increase in information technology costs of $1.1 million to support our growing headcount.
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Realized Income
The following table presents the components of the Credit Group’s RI ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 477,436 | $ | 408,594 | $ | 68,842 | 17% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performance income—realized | 166,228 | 54,112 | 112,116 | 207 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation—realized | (102,249) | (34,258) | (67,991) | (198) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net performance income | 63,979 | 19,854 | 44,125 | 222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income—realized | 4,024 | 5,379 | (1,355) | (25) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 832 | 4,420 | (3,588) | (81) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (3,355) | (6,308) | 2,953 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net investment income | 1,501 | 3,491 | (1,990) | (57) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized Income | $ | 542,916 | $ | 431,939 | 110,977 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Credit Group’s realized activities were principally composed of and caused by the following:
| Three months ended March 31, 2026 | Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| Realized net performance income | ||||||||
Incentive fees: •$53.9 million from SDL I in connection with the sale of its remaining assets to a continuation vehicle Carried interest: •Tax distributions of $8.0 million, primarily from ACE V | Carried interest: •Tax distributions of $17.2 million, primarily from ACE IV, ACE V and an alternative credit | |||||||
| Realized investment income and interest income | ||||||||
•Income of $2.3 million generated from a U.S. direct lending fund •Income of $1.9 million generated from our investments in 14 CLOs and CLO-based investments | •Income of $3.3 million generated from our investments in 12 CLOs and CLO-based investments •Income of $1.1 million generated from our investment in SSF IV | |||||||
Interest expense allocated to the Credit Group decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 as a significant portion of the current period’s interest expense was allocated based on capital used to finance the GCP Acquisition in the prior year, which occurred within the Real Assets Group.
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Credit Group—Performance Income
The following table presents the accrued carried interest, also referred to as accrued performance income, and related performance compensation for the Credit Group. Accrued net performance income excludes net performance income that has been realized but not yet received as of the reporting date ($ in millions):
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pathfinder I | $ | 220.1 | $ | 186.9 | $ | 33.2 | $ | 216.3 | $ | 183.9 | $ | 32.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pathfinder II | 176.9 | 136.3 | 40.6 | 134.7 | 105.4 | 29.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASOF I | 256.3 | 189.7 | 66.6 | 276.4 | 204.6 | 71.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASOF II | 332.5 | 232.9 | 99.6 | 324.6 | 227.3 | 97.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCS I | 140.5 | 83.1 | 57.4 | 150.5 | 88.9 | 61.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCS II | 281.9 | 166.9 | 115.0 | 262.6 | 155.5 | 107.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACE IV | 175.2 | 114.4 | 60.8 | 185.7 | 120.5 | 65.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACE V | 355.0 | 224.1 | 130.9 | 347.6 | 218.9 | 128.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACE VI | 221.8 | 140.0 | 81.8 | 190.3 | 119.7 | 70.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Credit funds | 286.2 | 175.9 | 110.3 | 246.0 | 149.1 | 96.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Credit Group | $ | 2,446.4 | $ | 1,650.2 | $ | 796.2 | $ | 2,334.7 | $ | 1,573.8 | $ | 760.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the change in accrued performance income for the Credit Group ($ in millions):
As of December 31, 2025 | Activity during the period | As of March 31, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waterfall Type | Accrued Performance Income | Change in Unrealized | Realized | Other Adjustments | Accrued Performance Income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Carried Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pathfinder I | European | $ | 216.3 | $ | 3.8 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 220.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pathfinder II | European | 134.7 | 42.2 | — | — | 176.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASOF I | European | 276.4 | (17.4) | (2.7) | — | 256.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASOF II | European | 324.6 | 7.9 | — | — | 332.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCS I | European | 150.5 | (9.8) | — | (0.2) | 140.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCS II | European | 262.6 | 19.0 | — | 0.3 | 281.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACE IV | European | 185.7 | (9.4) | (1.1) | — | 175.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACE V | European | 347.6 | 25.5 | (18.3) | 0.2 | 355.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACE VI | European | 190.3 | 31.5 | — | — | 221.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Credit funds | European | 220.3 | 42.9 | — | 0.9 | 264.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Credit funds | American | 25.7 | 1.1 | (1.8) | (2.9) | 22.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total accrued carried interest | 2,334.7 | 137.3 | (23.9) | (1.7) | 2,446.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SDL I | Incentive | — | 138.5 | (138.5) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other credit funds | Incentive | — | 3.8 | (3.8) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Credit Group | $ | 2,334.7 | $ | 279.6 | $ | (166.2) | $ | (1.7) | $ | 2,446.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Credit Group—Assets Under Management
The tables below present rollforwards of AUM for the Credit Group ($ in millions):
| Liquid Credit | Alternative Credit | Opportunistic Credit | U.S. Direct Lending | European Direct Lending | APAC Credit | Other(1) | Total Credit Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 53,061 | $ | 48,060 | $ | 19,841 | $ | 189,610 | $ | 84,662 | $ | 11,557 | $ | 75 | $ | 406,866 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 5,544 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5,544 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New par/equity commitments | 2,418 | 1,145 | 1,602 | 2,727 | 3,141 | 542 | — | 11,575 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New debt commitments | 944 | 289 | — | 6,716 | 836 | — | — | 8,785 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (668) | (11) | — | (2,399) | (148) | — | — | (3,226) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (77) | (570) | (90) | (3,219) | (1,180) | (37) | — | (5,173) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (566) | — | — | (739) | (61) | — | — | (1,366) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | (3) | (611) | — | 30 | — | — | (45) | (629) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (423) | 372 | 52 | 472 | (267) | 42 | — | 248 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 60,230 | $ | 48,674 | $ | 21,405 | $ | 193,198 | $ | 86,983 | $ | 12,104 | $ | 30 | $ | 422,624 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liquid Credit | Alternative Credit | Opportunistic Credit | U.S. Direct Lending | European Direct Lending | APAC Credit | Other(1) | Total Credit Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 46,895 | $ | 41,565 | $ | 14,964 | $ | 159,129 | $ | 74,560 | $ | 11,470 | $ | 275 | $ | 348,858 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New par/equity commitments | 459 | 560 | 1,072 | 2,983 | 856 | 14 | — | 5,944 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New debt commitments | 1,005 | — | — | 3,815 | — | — | — | 4,820 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (1,920) | (277) | (175) | (943) | — | (99) | — | (3,414) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (29) | (862) | (142) | (1,232) | (973) | (32) | — | (3,270) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (260) | — | — | (121) | — | — | — | (381) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | — | 1,309 | — | — | — | — | — | 1,309 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 396 | 612 | (71) | 1,119 | 3,044 | 107 | 3 | 5,210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 46,546 | $ | 42,907 | $ | 15,648 | $ | 164,750 | $ | 77,487 | $ | 11,460 | $ | 278 | $ | 359,076 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) Amounts represent equity commitments to the platform that have not yet been allocated to an investment strategy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The components of our AUM for the Credit Group are presented below ($ in billions):
| AUM: $422.6 | AUM: $359.1 | |||||||||||||
| FPAUM | Non-fee paying(1) | AUM not yet paying fees | ||||||||||||||||||
(1) Includes $2.3 billion and $2.0 billion of non-fee paying AUM from our general partner and employee commitments as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
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Credit Group—Fee Paying AUM
The tables below present rollforwards of fee paying AUM for the Credit Group ($ in millions):
| Liquid Credit | Alternative Credit | Opportunistic Credit | U.S. Direct Lending | European Direct Lending | APAC Credit | Total Credit Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 51,958 | $ | 35,303 | $ | 9,821 | $ | 102,310 | $ | 45,095 | $ | 5,329 | $ | 249,816 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 5,495 | — | — | — | — | — | 5,495 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 2,784 | — | — | 1,918 | 1,189 | 524 | 6,415 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | — | 1,507 | 619 | 4,472 | 2,233 | 150 | 8,981 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (682) | — | — | (2,988) | (104) | (86) | (3,860) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (78) | (448) | (5) | (2,488) | (530) | (16) | (3,565) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (555) | — | — | (818) | (61) | — | (1,434) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | (3) | (250) | — | — | — | — | (253) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (465) | (95) | — | 117 | (1,381) | 5 | (1,819) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | — | — | — | 412 | — | (1) | 411 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 58,454 | $ | 36,017 | $ | 10,435 | $ | 102,935 | $ | 46,441 | $ | 5,905 | $ | 260,187 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liquid Credit | Alternative Credit | Opportunistic Credit | U.S. Direct Lending | European Direct Lending | APAC Credit | Total Credit Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 44,629 | $ | 29,384 | $ | 7,899 | $ | 86,415 | $ | 35,786 | $ | 5,032 | $ | 209,145 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 2,189 | — | — | 3,641 | 634 | 14 | 6,478 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 9 | 1,467 | 428 | 3,552 | 1,906 | 369 | 7,731 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (1,920) | — | — | (1,641) | (49) | — | (3,610) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (34) | (539) | (22) | (1,897) | (531) | (271) | (3,294) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (247) | — | — | (121) | (80) | — | (448) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | — | 1,172 | — | — | — | — | 1,172 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (88) | (18) | — | 440 | 1,085 | 1 | 1,420 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | — | — | — | — | (332) | (31) | (363) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 44,538 | $ | 31,466 | $ | 8,305 | $ | 90,389 | $ | 38,419 | $ | 5,114 | $ | 218,231 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The charts below present FPAUM for the Credit Group by its fee bases ($ in billions):
| FPAUM: $260.2 | FPAUM: $218.2 | ||||||||||||||||
| Invested capital | NAV/fair value(1) | Collateral balances (at par) | Capital commitments | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes $61.9 billion and $50.4 billion from funds that primarily invest in illiquid strategies as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The underlying investments held in these funds are generally subject to less market volatility than investments held in liquid strategies.
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Credit Group—Fund Performance Metrics as of March 31, 2026
ARCC contributed approximately 29% of the Credit Group’s total management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026. In addition, the Credit Group’s other significant funds, which are presented in the tables below, collectively contributed approximately 45% of the Credit Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
The following table presents the performance data for our significant perpetual capital funds in the Credit Group as of March 31, 2026 ($ in millions):
| Returns(%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Primary Investment Strategy | Year of Inception | AUM | Current Quarter | Since Inception(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ARCC(2) | U.S. Direct Lending | 2004 | $ | 35,743 | N/A | 0.7 | N/A | 11.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CADC(3) | U.S. Direct Lending | 2017 | 8,510 | N/A | (1.2) | N/A | 6.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Open-ended core alternative credit fund(4) | Alternative Credit | 2021 | 8,663 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 11.9 | 8.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ASIF(3) | U.S. Direct Lending | 2023 | 26,303 | N/A | 0.1 | N/A | 10.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Open-ended European direct lending fund(5) | European Direct Lending | 2024 | 7,897 | N/A | 0.4 | N/A | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Since inception returns are annualized.
(2)Returns are time-weighted rates of return and include the reinvestment of income and other earnings from securities or other investments and reflect the deduction of all trading expenses. Net returns are calculated using the fund’s NAV and assume dividends are reinvested at the closest quarter-end NAV to the relevant quarterly ex-dividend dates. Additional information related to ARCC can be found in its filings with the SEC, which are not part of this report.
(3)Returns are time-weighted rates of return and include the reinvestment of income and other earnings from securities or other investments and reflect the deduction of all trading expenses. Returns are shown for institutional share class. Shares of other classes may have lower returns due to higher selling commissions and fees. Net returns are calculated using the fund’s NAV and assume distributions are reinvested at the NAV on the date of distribution. Additional information related to CADC and ASIF can be found in its filings with the SEC, which are not part of this report.
(4)Returns are time-weighted rates of return and include the reinvestment of income and other earnings from securities or other investments and reflect the deduction of all trading expenses. The fund is made up of a Main Class (“Class M”) and a Constrained Class (“Class C”). Class M includes investors electing to participate in all investments and Class C includes investors electing to be excluded from exposure to liquid investments. Returns presented in the table are for onshore Class M. The current quarter gross and net returns for Class M (offshore) are 2.6% and 1.8%, respectively. The since inception gross and net returns for Class M (offshore) are 11.8% and 8.4%, respectively. The current quarter gross and net returns for Class C (offshore) are 2.4% and 1.7%, respectively. The since inception gross and net returns for Class C (offshore) are 11.3% and 8.1%, respectively. Metrics for the rated note feeder funds are not shown separately.
(5)Returns are time-weighted rates of return and include the reinvestment of income and other earnings from securities or other investments and reflect the deduction of all trading expenses. Returns are shown for the Euro hedged distributing institutional share class. Shares of other classes may have lower returns due to higher selling commissions and fees, and currency hedging. Actual individual stockholder returns will vary. Net returns are calculated using the fund’s NAV and assume distributions are reinvested at the NAV on the date of distribution.
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The following table presents the performance data of the Credit Group’s significant drawdown funds as of March 31, 2026 ($ in millions):
| Primary Investment Strategy | Year of Inception | AUM | Original Capital Commitments | Capital Invested to Date | Realized Value(1) | Unrealized Value(2) | Total Value | MoIC | IRR(%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund | Gross(3) | Net(4) | Gross(5) | Net(6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Funds Deploying Capital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCS II | U.S. Direct Lending | 2020 | $ | 6,615 | $ | 5,114 | $ | 4,053 | $ | 1,447 | $ | 4,178 | $ | 5,625 | 1.4x | 1.3x | 13.0 | 9.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASOF II | Opportunistic Credit | 2021 | 9,115 | 7,128 | 6,202 | 462 | 7,836 | 8,298 | 1.5x | 1.3x | 16.6 | 12.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACE VI Unlevered(7) | European Direct Lending | 2022 | 24,506 | 7,439 | 3,376 | 263 | 3,498 | 3,761 | 1.2x | 1.1x | 12.0 | 8.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACE VI Levered(7) | 9,667 | 3,648 | 295 | 3,878 | 4,173 | 1.2x | 1.2x | 17.7 | 12.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SDL III Unlevered(8) | U.S. Direct Lending | 2023 | 27,447 | 3,311 | 1,735 | 122 | 1,748 | 1,870 | 1.1x | 1.1x | 10.8 | 7.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SDL III Levered | 11,959 | 5,325 | 543 | 5,500 | 6,043 | 1.2x | 1.1x | 21.3 | 14.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pathfinder II | Alternative Credit | 2023 | 7,429 | 6,612 | 3,576 | 202 | 4,071 | 4,273 | 1.3x | 1.2x | 22.8 | 16.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Funds Harvesting Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACE IV Unlevered(9) | European Direct Lending | 2018 | 4,904 | 2,851 | 2,454 | 2,351 | 887 | 3,238 | 1.4x | 1.3x | 7.9 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACE IV Levered(9) | 4,819 | 4,095 | 4,213 | 1,689 | 5,902 | 1.6x | 1.4x | 10.7 | 7.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACE V Unlevered(10) | European Direct Lending | 2020 | 17,005 | 7,026 | 5,734 | 2,083 | 5,283 | 7,366 | 1.4x | 1.3x | 10.0 | 7.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACE V Levered(10) | 6,376 | 5,216 | 2,628 | 4,848 | 7,476 | 1.5x | 1.4x | 13.9 | 10.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SDL II Unlevered | U.S. Direct Lending | 2021 | 14,667 | 1,989 | 1,700 | 713 | 1,405 | 2,118 | 1.3x | 1.3x | 10.9 | 8.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SDL II Levered | 6,047 | 4,924 | 3,097 | 3,572 | 6,669 | 1.5x | 1.4x | 16.8 | 13.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)For funds other than our opportunistic credit funds, realized value represent the sum of all cash distributions to all partners and if applicable, exclude tax and incentive distributions made to the general partner. For our opportunistic credit funds, realized value represent the sum of all cash distributions to the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, exclude tax and incentive distributions made to the general partner.
(2)Unrealized value represents the fund’s NAV reduced by the accrued incentive allocation, if applicable. There can be no assurance that unrealized values will be realized at the valuations indicated. For funds other than our opportunistic credit funds, the unrealized value is based on all partners. For our opportunistic credit funds, the unrealized value is based on the fee-paying limited partners.
(3)The gross multiple of invested capital (“MoIC”) is calculated at the fund-level and is based on the interests of the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The gross MoIC is before giving effect to management fees, carried interest and other expenses, as applicable, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Early in the life of a fund, the gross fund-level MoICs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(4)The net MoIC is calculated at the fund-level and is based on the interests of the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, excludes those interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The net MoIC is after giving effect to management fees and carried interest, other expenses and credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Early in the life of a fund, the net fund-level MoICs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(5)The gross IRR is an annualized since inception gross internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Gross IRR reflects returns to the fee-paying limited partners and, if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The cash flow dates used in the gross IRR calculation are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The gross IRRs are calculated before giving effect to management fees, carried interest and other expenses, as applicable, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Gross fund-level IRRs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(6)The net IRR is an annualized since inception net internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Net IRRs reflect returns to the fee-paying limited partners and, if applicable, exclude interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The cash flow dates used in the net IRR calculations are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The net IRRs are calculated after giving effect to management fees and carried interest, other expenses and credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Net fund-level IRRs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(7)ACE VI is made up of six parallel funds, four denominated in Euros and two denominated in GBP: ACE VI (E) Unlevered, ACE VI (E) II Unlevered, ACE VI (G) Unlevered, ACE VI (E) Levered, ACE VI (E) II Levered, and ACE VI (G) Levered, and three feeder funds: ACE VI (D) Levered, ACE VI (Y) Unlevered and ACE VI (D) Rated Notes. ACE VI (E) II Levered includes ACE VI (D) Levered feeder fund and ACE VI (E) II Unlevered includes ACE VI (Y) Unlevered and ACE VI (D) Rated Notes feeder funds. The gross and net IRR and gross and net MoIC presented in the table are for ACE VI (E) Unlevered and ACE VI (E) Levered. Metrics for ACE VI (E) II Levered exclude the ACE VI (D) Levered feeder fund and metrics for ACE VI (E) II Unlevered exclude ACE VI (Y) Unlevered and ACE VI (D) Rated Notes feeder funds. The gross and net IRR for ACE VI (G) Unlevered are 13.9% and 9.9%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE VI (G) Unlevered are 1.2x and 1.1x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE VI (G) Levered are 21.8% and 12.9%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE VI (G) Levered are 1.3x and 1.2x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE VI (E) II Unlevered are 12.1% and 8.5%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE VI (E) II Unlevered are 1.2x and 1.1x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE VI (E) II Levered are 18.8% and 13.2%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE VI (E) II Levered are 1.2x and 1.2x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE VI (D) Levered are 21.0% and 16.1%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE VI (D) Levered are 1.3x and 1.2x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE VI (Y) Unlevered are 10.2% and 6.9%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE VI (Y) Unlevered are 1.1x and 1.1x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE VI (D) Rated Notes are 19.8% and 13.3%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE VI (D) Rated Notes are 1.3x and 1.2x, respectively. Original capital commitments are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the fund’s closing. All other values for ACE VI Unlevered and ACE VI Levered are for the combined levered and unlevered parallel funds and are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing quarter-end exchange rate.
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(8)SDL III Unlevered includes investor commitments in three currencies: U.S. Dollars, GBP, and Yen. The gross and net IRR and MoIC presented in the table are for investors committed in U.S. Dollars. The gross and net IRR for investors committed in GBP are 11.2% and 8.2%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for investors committed in GBP are 1.1x and 1.1x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for investors committed in Yen are 6.8% and 3.8%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for investors committed in Yen are 1.1x and 1.0x, respectively. Original capital commitments are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the fund’s closing. All other values for SDL III Unlevered are for the combined fund and are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing quarter-end exchange rate.
(9)ACE IV is made up of four parallel funds, two denominated in Euros and two denominated in GBP: ACE IV (E) Unlevered, ACE IV (G) Unlevered, ACE IV (E) Levered and ACE IV (G) Levered and one feeder fund: ACE IV (D) Levered. ACE IV (E) Levered includes the ACE IV (D) Levered feeder fund. The gross and net IRR and MoIC presented in the table are for ACE IV (E) Unlevered and ACE IV (E) Levered. Metrics for ACE IV (E) Levered exclude the U.S. Dollar denominated feeder fund. The gross and net IRR for ACE IV (G) Unlevered are 9.4% and 6.9%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE IV (G) Unlevered are 1.5x and 1.4x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE IV (G) Levered are 12.1% and 8.6%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE IV (G) Levered are 1.7x and 1.5x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE IV (D) Levered are 12.2% and 8.9%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE IV (D) Levered are 1.7x and 1.5x, respectively. Original capital commitments are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the fund’s closing. All other values for ACE IV Unlevered and ACE IV Levered are for the combined levered and unlevered parallel funds and are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing quarter-end exchange rate.
(10)ACE V is made up of four parallel funds, two denominated in Euros and two denominated in GBP: ACE V (E) Unlevered, ACE V (G) Unlevered, ACE V (E) Levered, and ACE V (G) Levered, and two feeder funds: ACE V (D) Levered and ACE V (Y) Unlevered. ACE V (E) Levered includes the ACE V (D) Levered feeder fund and ACE V (E) Unlevered includes the ACE V (Y) Unlevered feeder fund. The gross and net IRR and gross and net MoIC presented in the table are for ACE V (E) Unlevered and ACE V (E) Levered. Metrics for ACE V (E) Levered exclude the ACE V (D) Levered feeder fund and metrics for ACE V (E) Unlevered exclude the ACE V (Y) Unlevered feeder fund. The gross and net IRR for ACE V(G) Unlevered are 11.6% and 8.7%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE V (G) Unlevered are 1.4x and 1.3x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE V (G) Levered are 15.2% and 10.9%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE V (G) Levered are 1.6x and 1.4x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE V (D) Levered are 14.5% and 10.8%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE V (D) Levered are 1.5x and 1.4x, respectively. The gross and net IRR for ACE V (Y) Unlevered are 11.4% and 8.3%, respectively. The gross and net MoIC for ACE V (Y) Unlevered are 1.4x and 1.3x, respectively. Original capital commitments are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the fund’s closing. All other values for ACE V Unlevered and ACE V Levered are for the combined levered and unlevered parallel funds and are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing quarter-end exchange rate.
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Real Assets Group—Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Fee Related Earnings
The following table presents the components of the Real Assets Group’s FRE ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | 196,626 | $ | 130,453 | $ | 66,173 | 51% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fee related performance revenues | 2,601 | — | 2,601 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other fees | 46,752 | 21,380 | 25,372 | 119 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | (80,091) | (56,702) | (23,389) | (41) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | (33,919) | (20,852) | (13,067) | (63) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 131,969 | $ | 74,279 | 57,690 | 78 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees. The chart below presents Real Assets Group management fees and effective management fee rates ($ in millions):
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The following table presents the components of and causes for changes in the Real Assets Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the prior year ($ in millions):
| Year-over-year change | ||||||||
| Fees from acquisitions: | ||||||||
| Full quarter impact of fees from funds acquired in the GCP Acquisition, excluding catch-up fees | $ | 38.3 | ||||||
| Catch-up fees from USLP V recognized in the first quarter of 2025 | (3.7) | |||||||
| Perpetual wealth funds: | ||||||||
Base management fees from our open-ended core infrastructure fund, our diversified non-traded REIT and our industrial non-traded REIT, driven by additional capital raised | 13.1 | |||||||
| Part I Fees from our open-ended core infrastructure fund | 6.0 | |||||||
| Capital commitments: | ||||||||
Fees from US XI and EPEP IV, excluding catch-up fees | 4.6 | |||||||
| Catch-up fees from US XI | 4.1 | |||||||
| Cumulative effect of other changes | 3.8 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 66.2 | ||||||
The decrease in effective management fee rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was primarily driven by lower effective management fee rates from funds that we manage as a result of the GCP Acquisition. Certain of these funds pay management fees based on net operating income and we present the associated effective management fee rates as a percentage of fund assets, which may result in greater variability in the Real Assets Group’s effective management fee rate. In addition, due to the vertically integrated focus of the acquired platform following the GCP Acquisition, we expect the size and composition of other fees earned from certain funds will increase relative to management fees.
Fee Related Performance Revenues. Fee related performance revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2026 were primarily attributable to incentive fees earned from our U.S. open-ended industrial real estate equity fund that crystallizes fees by investor based on performance over three-year measurement periods.
Other Fees. The increase in other fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was driven by: (i) an increase of $18.9 million reflecting the full quarter impact of property-related fees and administrative service fees earned from funds acquired in the GCP Acquisition; and (ii) an increase in property management fees of $4.6 million from our U.S. open-ended industrial real estate equity fund and our non-traded REITs, driven by the internalization of certain property management services. We expect property management fees to increase in future periods as we expand property management services across more properties and retain the fees for services that were previously outsourced to third-parties.
Compensation and Benefits. The increase in compensation and benefits over the comparative period was driven by: (i) an increase of $19.9 million from the full quarter impact of employment related costs from the GCP Acquisition; and (ii) an increase in fee related performance compensation of $1.4 million, corresponding to the increase in fee related performance revenues. There was no Part I Fee compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as we reduced Part I Fee compensation by $3.6 million to reclaim a portion of the supplemental distribution fees paid to distribution partners.
Full-time equivalent headcount increased by 66% to 1,019 investment and investment support professionals for the year-to-date period in 2026 from 615 professionals for the same period in 2025, including the impact from the GCP Acquisition of 351 full-time equivalents.
General, Administrative and Other Expenses. The increase in general, administrative and other expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was driven by: (i) an increase of $9.4 million from the full quarter impact of operating costs from the GCP Acquisition; and (ii) an increase in supplemental distribution fees of $4.0 million due to the expansion of our distribution relationships for our open-ended core infrastructure fund.
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Realized Income
The following table presents the components of the Real Assets Group’s RI ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 131,969 | $ | 74,279 | $ | 57,690 | 78% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performance income—realized | 11,663 | 65,305 | (53,642) | (82) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation—realized | (7,400) | (46,807) | 39,407 | 84 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net performance income | 4,263 | 18,498 | (14,235) | (77) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income—realized | 5,446 | 7,919 | (2,473) | (31) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 184 | 2,618 | (2,434) | (93) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (31,089) | (15,717) | (15,372) | (98) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net investment loss | (25,459) | (5,180) | (20,279) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized Income | $ | 110,773 | $ | 87,597 | 23,176 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Real Assets Group’s realized activities were principally composed of and caused by the following:
| Three months ended March 31, 2026 | Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| Realized net performance income | ||||||||
Carried interest: •Distributions of $3.3 million from US VIII, which is a European-style waterfall fund that is past its investment period and monetizing investments | Carried interest: •Tax distributions of $12.6 million from EIF V •Distributions of $2.8 million from US VIII and a U.S. real estate equity fund, which are both European-style waterfall funds that are past their investment periods and monetizing investments •Realized gains of $2.1 million from the sale of an ACIP I co-investment vehicle’s investment in a renewable energy company | |||||||
| Realized investment income and interest income | ||||||||
•Income of $3.6 million from Japanese real estate equity funds that distribute dividends semi-annually | •Income of $5.6 million, primarily from our real estate debt funds | |||||||
Our interest expense increased for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 due to a higher average outstanding balance of our Credit Facility. In addition, interest expense is allocated among our segments primarily based on the cost basis of our balance sheet investments and the cost of acquisitions. The financing costs to complete the GCP Acquisition in the prior year resulted in a greater allocation of interest expense to the Real Assets Group in the current year period.
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Real Assets Group—Performance Income
The following table presents the accrued carried interest, also referred to as accrued performance income, and related performance compensation for the Real Assets Group. Accrued net performance income excludes net performance income that has been realized but not yet received as of the reporting date ($ in millions):
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IDF V | $ | 184.1 | $ | 114.1 | $ | 70.0 | $ | 172.5 | $ | 106.9 | $ | 65.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| EIF V | 98.5 | 73.7 | 24.8 | 93.6 | 70.0 | 23.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACIP I | 93.9 | 64.7 | 29.2 | 84.8 | 58.2 | 26.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| US IX | 83.2 | 51.6 | 31.6 | 85.0 | 52.7 | 32.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Real Assets funds | 159.3 | 110.5 | 48.8 | 151.1 | 104.6 | 46.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Real Assets Group | $ | 619.0 | $ | 414.6 | $ | 204.4 | $ | 587.0 | $ | 392.4 | $ | 194.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the change in accrued performance income for the Real Assets Group ($ in millions):
| As of December 31, 2025 | Activity during the period | As of March 31, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waterfall Type | Accrued Performance Income | Change in Unrealized | Realized | Other Adjustments | Accrued Performance Income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Carried Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IDF V | European | $ | 172.5 | $ | 14.7 | $ | — | $ | (3.1) | $ | 184.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EIF V | European | 93.6 | 4.9 | — | — | 98.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACIP I | European | 84.8 | 9.1 | — | — | 93.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| US IX | European | 85.0 | (1.8) | — | — | 83.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Real Assets funds | European | 115.1 | 19.4 | (11.7) | (0.7) | 122.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Real Assets funds | American | 36.0 | 1.2 | — | — | 37.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Real Assets Group | $ | 587.0 | $ | 47.5 | $ | (11.7) | $ | (3.8) | $ | 619.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Real Assets Group—Assets Under Management
The tables below present rollforwards of AUM for the Real Assets Group ($ in millions):
| Real Estate | Infrastructure | Total Real Assets Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 113,745 | $ | 25,343 | $ | 139,088 | ||||||||||||||
| New equity commitments | 4,167 | 1,086 | 5,253 | |||||||||||||||||
| New debt commitments | 843 | 150 | 993 | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (335) | — | (335) | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (1,089) | (426) | (1,515) | |||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (172) | (16) | (188) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | 93 | 30 | 123 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (91) | 56 | (35) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 117,161 | $ | 26,223 | $ | 143,384 | ||||||||||||||
| Real Estate | Infrastructure | Total Real Assets Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 58,246 | $ | 17,052 | $ | 75,298 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 43,273 | 2,008 | 45,281 | |||||||||||||||||
| New par/equity commitments | 1,403 | 1,058 | 2,461 | |||||||||||||||||
| New debt commitments | 2,447 | 167 | 2,614 | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (768) | — | (768) | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (791) | (667) | (1,458) | |||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (159) | — | (159) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | (27) | 27 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 816 | 102 | 918 | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 104,440 | $ | 19,747 | $ | 124,187 | ||||||||||||||
The components of our AUM for the Real Assets Group are presented below ($ in billions):
| AUM: $143.4 | AUM: $124.2 | |||||||||||||
| FPAUM | Non-fee paying(1) | AUM not yet paying fees | |||||||||||||||
(1) Includes $1.5 billion of non-fee paying AUM from our general partner and employee commitments as of March 31, 2026 and 2025.
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Real Assets Group—Fee Paying AUM
The tables below present rollforwards of fee paying AUM for the Real Assets Group ($ in millions):
| Real Estate | Infrastructure | Total Real Assets Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 71,063 | $ | 13,002 | $ | 84,065 | ||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 1,547 | 1,066 | 2,613 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 1,133 | 1,173 | 2,306 | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (82) | — | (82) | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (430) | (861) | (1,291) | |||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (172) | (16) | (188) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | 99 | 44 | 143 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (248) | 56 | (192) | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | (235) | — | (235) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 72,675 | $ | 14,464 | $ | 87,139 | ||||||||||||||
| Real Estate | Infrastructure | Total Real Assets Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 32,896 | $ | 11,192 | $ | 44,088 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 30,178 | 289 | 30,467 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 890 | 178 | 1,068 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 717 | 792 | 1,509 | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (42) | — | (42) | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (551) | (852) | (1,403) | |||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (159) | — | (159) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | (27) | 27 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 596 | (316) | 280 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | 258 | 359 | 617 | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 64,756 | $ | 11,669 | $ | 76,425 | ||||||||||||||
The charts below present FPAUM for the Real Assets Group by its fee bases ($ in billions):
| FPAUM: $87.1 | FPAUM: $76.4 | |||||||||||||
| Invested capital | GAV | NAV/fair value | Capital commitments | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Real Assets Group—Fund Performance Metrics as of March 31, 2026
The significant funds presented in the tables below collectively contributed approximately 28% of the Real Assets Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
The following table presents the performance data for our significant perpetual capital funds in the Real Assets Group as of March 31, 2026 ($ in millions):
| Returns(%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Primary Investment Strategy | Year of Inception | AUM | Current Quarter | Since Inception(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diversified non-traded REIT(2) | Real Estate | 2012 | $ | 7,785 | N/A | 2.7 | N/A | 6.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
J-REIT(3) | Real Estate | 2012 | 7,529 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 13.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial non-traded REIT(4) | Real Estate | 2017 | 7,866 | N/A | 1.8 | N/A | 8.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. open-ended industrial real estate equity fund(5) | Real Estate | 2017 | 6,094 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 16.1 | 13.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Since inception returns are annualized.
(2)Performance is measured by total return, which includes income and appreciation and reinvestment of all distributions for the respective time period. Returns are shown for institutional share class. Shares of other classes may have lower returns due to higher selling commissions and fees. Actual individual stockholder returns will vary. Net returns are calculated using the fund’s NAV and assume distributions are reinvested at the NAV on the date of distribution. The inception date used in the calculation of the since inception return is the date in which the first shares of common stock were sold after converting to a NAV-based REIT.
(3)Performance is measured by total return, which includes income and appreciation and reinvestment of all distributions for the respective time period. Actual individual stockholder returns will vary. Net returns are calculated using the fund’s NAV and assume distributions are reinvested at NAV on the semi-annual period-end date. NAVs are calculated semi-annually in February and August, and therefore, only the since inception return is presented. The inception date used in the calculation of the since inception return is the date in which the fund’s investment units began to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The since inception return is calculated based on the most recent NAV date. Additional information related to J-REIT can be found in its materials posted to its website, which are not part of this report.
(4)Performance is measured by total return, which includes income and appreciation and reinvestment of all distributions for the respective time period. Returns are shown for institutional share class. Shares of other classes may have lower returns due to higher selling commissions and fees. Actual individual stockholder returns will vary. Net returns are calculated using the fund’s NAV and assume distributions are reinvested at the NAV on the date of distribution.
(5)Returns are time-weighted rates of return and include the reinvestment of income and other earnings from securities or other investments and reflect the deduction of all trading expenses. Gross returns do not reflect the deduction of management fees, incentive fees, as applicable, or other expenses. Net returns are calculated by subtracting the applicable management fees, incentive fees, as applicable and other expenses from the gross returns on a quarterly basis.
The following table presents the performance data of the Real Assets Group’s significant drawdown fund as of March 31, 2026 ($ in millions):
| Primary Investment Strategy | Year of Inception | AUM | Original Capital Commitments | Capital Invested to Date | Realized Value(1) | Unrealized Value(2) | Total Value | MoIC | IRR(%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund | Gross(3) | Net(4) | Gross(5) | Net(6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund Harvesting Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EIP II(7) | Real Estate | 2020 | $ | 4,071 | $ | 1,839 | $ | 1,756 | $ | 348 | $ | 1,631 | $ | 1,979 | 1.2x | 1.1x | 3.0 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Realized proceeds include distributions of operating income, sales and financing proceeds received to the limited partners.
(2)Unrealized value represents the fund’s NAV reduced by the accrued incentive allocation, if applicable. There can be no assurance that unrealized values will be realized at the valuations indicated.
(3)The gross MoIC is calculated at the fund-level and is based on the interests of the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The gross MoIC is before giving effect to management fees, carried interest, as applicable, and other expenses, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Early in the life of a fund, the gross fund-level MoICs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(4)The net MoIC is calculated at the fund-level and is based on the interests of the fee-paying limited partners and, if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non fee-paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The net MoIC is after giving effect to management fees, carried interest, as applicable, credit facility interest expense, as applicable, and other expenses. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Early in the life of a fund, the net fund-level MoICs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(5)The gross IRR is an annualized since inception gross internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Gross IRR reflects returns to the fee-paying limited partners and, if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The cash flow dates used in the gross IRR calculation are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The gross IRRs are calculated before giving effect to management fees, carried interest and other expenses, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Gross fund-level IRRs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(6)The net IRR is an annualized since inception net internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Net IRRs reflect returns to the fee-paying limited partners and, if applicable, exclude interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The cash flow dates used in the net IRR calculations are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The net IRRs are calculated after giving effect to management fees and carried interest, other expenses and credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Net fund-level IRRs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(7)EIP II is a Euro-denominated fund. Original capital commitments are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of fund’s closing. All other values for EIP II are converted to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing quarter-end exchange rate.
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Secondaries Group—Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Fee Related Earnings
The following table presents the components of the Secondaries Group’s FRE ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | 70,275 | $ | 57,650 | $ | 12,625 | 22% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fee related performance revenues | 11,699 | 9,656 | 2,043 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other fees | 1,785 | 122 | 1,663 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | (20,499) | (18,371) | (2,128) | (12) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | (8,627) | (8,473) | (154) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 54,633 | $ | 40,584 | 14,049 | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees. The chart below presents Secondaries Group management fees and effective management fee rates ($ in millions):
The following table presents the components of and causes for changes in the Secondaries Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the prior year period ($ in millions):
| Year-over-year change | ||||||||
Fees from APMF that are driven by additional capital raised | $ | 8.5 | ||||||
| Fees from ACS that are driven by capital deployment | 2.1 | |||||||
| Cumulative effect of other changes | 2.0 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 12.6 | ||||||
Fee Related Performance Revenues. The increase in fee related performance revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was attributable to higher incentive fees earned from APMF, driven by increased IGAUM over the comparative period.
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Other Fees. The increase in other fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was primarily attributable to capital markets transaction fees, reflecting increased transaction volumes.
Compensation and Benefits. The increase in compensation and benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was driven by: (i) an increase in incentive-based compensation of $1.5 million; and (ii) an increase in fee related performance compensation of $0.6 million, corresponding to the increase in fee related performance revenues. We reduced fee related performance compensation by $2.6 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, to reclaim a portion of the supplemental distribution fees paid to distribution partners.
Full-time equivalent headcount increased by 7% to 120 investment and investment support professionals for the year-to-date period in 2026 from 112 professionals in 2025.
Realized Income
The following table presents the components of the Secondaries Group’s RI ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 54,633 | $ | 40,584 | $ | 14,049 | 35% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income—realized | 169 | 138 | 31 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 19 | 957 | (938) | (98) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (1,623) | (2,008) | 385 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net investment loss | (1,435) | (913) | (522) | (57) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized Income | $ | 53,198 | $ | 39,671 | 13,527 | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Realized net investment loss for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 largely represents allocated interest expense exceeding investment income during these periods.
Secondaries Group—Performance Income
The following table presents the accrued carried interest, also referred to as accrued performance income, and related performance compensation for the Secondaries Group. Accrued net performance income excludes net performance income that has been realized but not yet received as of the reporting date ($ in millions):
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LREF VIII | $ | 68.6 | $ | 58.1 | $ | 10.5 | $ | 74.0 | $ | 62.8 | $ | 11.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Secondaries funds | 122.9 | 94.1 | 28.8 | 107.7 | 82.0 | 25.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Secondaries Group | $ | 191.5 | $ | 152.2 | $ | 39.3 | $ | 181.7 | $ | 144.8 | $ | 36.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the change in accrued performance income for the Secondaries Group ($ in millions):
| As of December 31, 2025 | Activity during the period | As of March 31, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waterfall Type | Accrued Performance Income | Change in Unrealized | Realized | Accrued Performance Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Carried Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LREF VIII | European | $ | 74.0 | $ | (5.4) | $ | — | $ | 68.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Secondaries funds | European | 107.7 | 15.2 | — | 122.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Secondaries Group | $ | 181.7 | $ | 9.8 | $ | — | $ | 191.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Secondaries Group—Assets Under Management
The table below presents the rollforwards of AUM for the Secondaries Group ($ in millions):
| Private Equity Secondaries | Real Estate Secondaries | Infrastructure Secondaries | Credit Secondaries | Total Secondaries Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 22,104 | $ | 8,196 | $ | 6,975 | $ | 4,881 | $ | 42,156 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New equity commitments | 682 | — | 9 | 50 | 741 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (88) | — | — | — | (88) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (172) | (55) | (36) | (81) | (344) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (26) | — | — | — | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net allocations among investment strategies | 15 | — | — | — | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 118 | 11 | 75 | (29) | 175 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 22,633 | $ | 8,152 | $ | 7,023 | $ | 4,821 | $ | 42,629 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity Secondaries | Real Estate Secondaries | Infrastructure Secondaries | Credit Secondaries | Total Secondaries Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 15,805 | $ | 7,779 | $ | 3,691 | $ | 1,878 | $ | 29,153 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New equity commitments | 1,249 | 228 | 337 | 475 | 2,289 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | — | (58) | — | — | (58) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (178) | (39) | (18) | (4) | (239) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (23) | — | — | — | (23) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 126 | 35 | 20 | 9 | 190 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 16,979 | $ | 7,945 | $ | 4,030 | $ | 2,358 | $ | 31,312 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The components of our AUM for the Secondaries Group are presented below ($ in billions):
| AUM: $42.6 | AUM: $31.3 | ||||||||||
| FPAUM | Non-fee paying(1) | AUM not yet paying fees | |||||||||||||||
(1) Includes $0.6 billion and $0.5 billion of non-fee paying AUM from our general partner and employee commitments as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
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Secondaries Group—Fee Paying AUM
The table below presents the rollforwards of fee paying AUM for the Secondaries Group ($ in millions):
| Private Equity Secondaries | Real Estate Secondaries | Infrastructure Secondaries | Credit Secondaries | Total Secondaries Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 16,592 | $ | 6,721 | $ | 4,859 | $ | 1,309 | $ | 29,481 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 487 | — | — | — | 487 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 16 | 58 | — | 1,001 | 1,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (88) | — | — | — | (88) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (17) | (52) | — | (191) | (260) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (26) | — | — | — | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (279) | (65) | 5 | (110) | (449) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | (31) | — | — | — | (31) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 16,654 | $ | 6,662 | $ | 4,864 | $ | 2,009 | $ | 30,189 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity Secondaries | Real Estate Secondaries | Infrastructure Secondaries | Credit Secondaries | Total Secondaries Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 12,788 | $ | 6,441 | $ | 2,582 | $ | 590 | $ | 22,401 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments | 549 | 170 | 334 | — | 1,053 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 85 | 32 | 13 | 127 | 257 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (9) | (33) | (17) | — | (59) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemptions | (23) | — | — | — | (23) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (21) | (80) | 15 | (73) | (159) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 13,369 | $ | 6,530 | $ | 2,927 | $ | 644 | $ | 23,470 | |||||||||||||||||||
The chart below presents FPAUM for the Secondaries Group by its fee bases ($ in billions):
| FPAUM: $30.2 | FPAUM: $23.5 | |||||||
| Reported value | Capital commitments | Invested capital | |||||||||||||||
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Secondaries Group—Fund Performance Metrics as of March 31, 2026
The significant funds presented in the tables below collectively contributed approximately 42% of the Secondaries Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
The following table presents the performance data for our significant perpetual capital fund in the Secondaries Group as of March 31, 2026 ($ in millions):
| Returns(%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Primary Investment Strategy | Year of Inception | AUM | Current Quarter | Since Inception(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
APMF(2) | Private Equity Secondaries | 2022 | $ | 5,203 | N/A | 3.1 | N/A | 14.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Since inception returns are annualized.
(2)Returns are time-weighted rates of return and include the reinvestment of income and other earnings from securities or other investments and reflect the deduction of all trading expenses. Returns are shown for institutional share class. Shares of other classes may have lower returns due to higher selling commissions and fees. Net returns are calculated using the fund’s NAV and assume distributions are reinvested at the NAV on the date of distribution. Additional information related to APMF can be found in its filings with the SEC, which are not part of this report.
The following table presents the performance data of the significant drawdown fund in the Secondaries Group as of March 31, 2026 ($ in millions):
| Primary Investment Strategy | Year of Inception | AUM | Original Capital Commitments | Capital Invested to Date | Realized Value(1) | Unrealized Value(2) | Total Value | MoIC | IRR(%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund | Gross(3) | Net(4) | Gross(5) | Net(6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund Harvesting Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LEP XVI(7) | Private Equity Secondaries | 2016 | $ | 4,122 | $ | 4,896 | $ | 4,318 | $ | 2,079 | $ | 3,244 | $ | 5,323 | 1.4x | 1.2x | 13.4 | 8.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Returns for LEP XVI are calculated from results of the underlying portfolio that are generally reported on a three month lag and may not include the impact of economic and market activities occurring in the current reporting period.
(1)Realized value represents the sum of all cash distributions to all limited partners and if applicable, exclude tax and incentive distributions made to the general partner.
(2)Unrealized value represents the limited partners’ share of fund’s NAV reduced by the accrued incentive allocation, if applicable. There can be no assurance that unrealized values will be realized at the valuations indicated.
(3)The gross MoIC is calculated at the fund-level and is based on the interests of all partners. If applicable, limiting the gross MoIC to exclude interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner who does not pay management fees or carried interest would have no material impact on the result. The gross MoIC is before giving effect to management fees, carried interest, as applicable, and other expenses, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a short-term credit facility for general cash management purposes, as well as a long-term credit facility as permitted by the respective fund’s governing documentation. The gross fund-level MoIC would have generally been lower had such fund called capital from its partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(4)The net MoIC is calculated at the fund-level and is based on the interests of the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, excludes those interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The net MoIC is after giving effect to management fees and other expenses, carried interest and credit facility interest expense, as applicable. The funds may utilize a short-term credit facility for general cash management purposes, as well as a long-term credit facility as permitted by the respective fund’s governing documentation. The net fund-level MoICs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(5)The gross IRR is an annualized since inception gross internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Gross IRR reflects returns to all partners. If applicable, limiting the gross IRR to exclude interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner who does not pay management fees or carried interest would have no material impact on the result. The cash flow dates used in the gross IRR calculation are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The gross IRRs are calculated before giving effect to management fees, carried interest, as applicable, and other expenses, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a short-term credit facility for general cash management purposes, as well as a long-term credit facility as permitted by the respective fund’s governing documents. The gross fund-level IRR would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(6)The net IRR is an annualized since inception net internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Net IRRs reflect returns to the fee-paying limited partners and, if applicable, exclude interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner who does not pay management fees or carried interest. The cash flow dates used in the net IRR calculations are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The net IRRs are calculated after giving effect to management fees and other expenses, carried interest and credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The funds may utilize a short-term credit facility for general cash management purposes, as well as a long-term credit facility as permitted by the respective fund’s governing documents. Net fund-level IRRs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(7)The results of the fund are presented on a combined basis with the affiliated parallel funds or accounts, given that the investments are substantially the same.
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Private Equity Group—Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Fee Related Earnings
The following table presents the components of the Private Equity Group’s FRE ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Management fees | $ | 33,119 | $ | 31,998 | $ | 1,121 | 4% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other fees | 500 | 397 | 103 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | (13,784) | (13,831) | 47 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | (4,978) | (4,257) | (721) | (17) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 14,857 | $ | 14,307 | 550 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees. The chart below presents Private Equity Group management fees and effective management fee rates ($ in millions):
The following table presents the components of and causes for changes in the Private Equity Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 ($ in millions):
| Year-over-year change | ||||||||
| Fees from ACOF VII, which started generating fees in the fourth quarter of 2025 | $ | 11.1 | ||||||
| Fees from acquired APAC private equity funds effective August 2025 | 2.2 | |||||||
| Fees from ACOF VI, due to the step down in fee rate and change in fee base following the commencement of fees from ACOF VII | (10.1) | |||||||
| Cumulative effect of other changes | (2.1) | |||||||
| Total | $ | 1.1 | ||||||
The decrease in effective management fee rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was primarily due to a step down in fee rate to 0.75% for ACOF VI, following the commencement of fees from ACOF VII in the fourth quarter of 2025.
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Compensation and Benefits. Although salary and benefits costs have increased over the comparative periods to reflect changes from the increase in headcount in connection with the acquisition of an APAC private equity company, compensation and benefits remained relatively flat for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Full-time equivalent headcount increased by 9% to 113 investment and investment support professionals for the year-to-date period in 2026 from 104 professionals in 2025.
General, Administrative and Other Expenses. The increases in general, administrative and other expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 largely reflect the increase in operating expenses to support our growth in APAC.
Realized Income
The following table presents the components of the Private Equity Group’s RI ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | 14,857 | $ | 14,307 | $ | 550 | 4% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performance income—realized | 35,657 | 6,031 | 29,626 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance related compensation—realized | (28,563) | (3,351) | (25,212) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net performance income | 7,094 | 2,680 | 4,414 | 165 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income (loss)—realized | 78 | (4,602) | 4,680 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | — | 2,022 | (2,022) | (100) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (3,416) | (4,180) | 764 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net investment loss | (3,338) | (6,760) | 3,422 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized Income | $ | 18,613 | $ | 10,227 | 8,386 | 82 | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Private Equity Group’s realized activities were principally composed of and caused by the following:
| Three months ended March 31, 2026 | Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| Realized net performance income | ||||||||
Carried interest: •Distributions from partial sales of ACOF IV’s investments in various energy companies | Carried interest: •Realized gains from ACOF IV’s investment in an energy company | |||||||
| Realized investment income (loss) and interest income | ||||||||
•No significant activities | •Realized investment loss from ACOF III as the fund continues to liquidate its remaining assets | |||||||
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Private Equity Group—Performance Income
The following table presents the accrued carried interest, also referred to as accrued performance income, and related performance compensation for the Private Equity Group ($ in millions):
| As of March 31, 2026 | As of December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | Accrued Performance Income | Accrued Performance Compensation | Accrued Net Performance Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACOF IV | $ | 94.9 | $ | 76.0 | $ | 18.9 | $ | 142.8 | $ | 114.4 | $ | 28.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACOF VI | 616.7 | 600.9 | 15.8 | 594.3 | 584.1 | 10.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Private Equity funds | 11.5 | 9.2 | 2.3 | 11.1 | 8.9 | 2.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Private Equity Group | $ | 723.1 | $ | 686.1 | $ | 37.0 | $ | 748.2 | $ | 707.4 | $ | 40.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents the change in accrued carried interest for the Private Equity Group ($ in millions):
| As of December 31, 2025 | Activity during the period | As of March 31, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waterfall Type | Accrued Carried Interest | Change in Unrealized | Realized | Accrued Carried Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACOF IV | American | $ | 142.8 | $ | (12.2) | $ | (35.7) | $ | 94.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACOF VI | American | 594.3 | 22.4 | — | 616.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Private Equity funds | American | 10.2 | 0.3 | — | 10.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Private Equity funds | European | 0.9 | 0.1 | — | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Private Equity Group | $ | 748.2 | $ | 10.6 | $ | (35.7) | $ | 723.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Private Equity Group—Assets Under Management
The tables below present rollforwards of AUM for the Private Equity Group ($ in millions):
| Corporate Private Equity | APAC Private Equity | Total Private Equity Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 21,875 | $ | 3,413 | $ | 25,288 | ||||||||||||||
| New equity commitments | 858 | — | 858 | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (1,070) | (17) | (1,087) | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (309) | (76) | (385) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 21,354 | $ | 3,320 | $ | 24,674 | ||||||||||||||
| Corporate Private Equity | APAC Private Equity | Total Private Equity Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 21,064 | $ | 2,977 | $ | 24,041 | ||||||||||||||
| New equity commitments | 959 | 16 | 975 | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital reductions | (36) | — | (36) | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (149) | — | (149) | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | 64 | (168) | (104) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 21,902 | $ | 2,825 | $ | 24,727 | ||||||||||||||
The components of our AUM for the Private Equity Group are presented below ($ in billions):
| AUM: $24.7 | AUM: $24.7 | |||||||||||||
| FPAUM | Non-fee paying(1) | AUM not yet paying fees | |||||||||||||||
(1) Includes $1.0 billion and $1.2 billion of non-fee paying AUM from our general partner and employee commitments as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
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Private Equity Group—Fee Paying AUM
The tables below present rollforwards of fee paying AUM for the Private Equity Group ($ in millions):
| Corporate Private Equity | APAC Private Equity | Total Private Equity Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2025 | $ | 12,206 | $ | 2,231 | $ | 14,437 | ||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 794 | 2 | 796 | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributions | (79) | — | (79) | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (27) | (101) | (128) | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | (823) | — | (823) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2026 | $ | 12,071 | $ | 2,132 | $ | 14,203 | ||||||||||||||
| Corporate Private Equity | APAC Private Equity | Total Private Equity Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 12/31/2024 | $ | 9,860 | $ | 1,567 | $ | 11,427 | ||||||||||||||
| Deployment/increase in leverage | 10 | 7 | 17 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fund value | (1) | — | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Change in fee basis | (44) | (47) | (91) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at 3/31/2025 | $ | 9,825 | $ | 1,527 | $ | 11,352 | ||||||||||||||
The charts below present FPAUM for the Private Equity Group by its fee bases ($ in billions):
| FPAUM: $14.2 | FPAUM: $11.4 | |||||||||||||
| Invested capital | Capital commitments | ||||||||||||||||
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Private Equity Group—Fund Performance Metrics as of March 31, 2026
The significant funds presented in the table below collectively contributed approximately 21% of the Private Equity Group’s management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
The following table presents the performance data of the Private Equity Group’s significant drawdown fund as of March 31, 2026 ($ in millions):
| Primary Investment Strategy | Year of Inception | AUM | Original Capital Commitments | Capital Invested to Date | Realized Value(1) | Unrealized Value(2) | Total Value | MoIC | IRR(%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund | Gross(3) | Net(4) | Gross(5) | Net(6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund Deploying Capital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACOF VI | Corporate Private Equity | 2020 | $ | 8,945 | $ | 5,743 | $ | 5,976 | $ | 2,434 | $ | 8,370 | $ | 10,804 | 1.7x | 1.5x | 20.4 | 15.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Realized value represents the sum of all cash dividends, interest income, other fees and cash proceeds from realizations of interests in portfolio investments. Realized value excludes any proceeds related to bridge financings.
(2)Unrealized value represents the fair market value of remaining investments. Unrealized value does not take into account any bridge financings. There can be no assurance that unrealized investments will be realized at the valuations indicated.
(3)The gross MoIC is calculated at the fund-level and is based on the interests of the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The gross MoIC is before giving effect to management fees, carried interest, as applicable, and other expenses, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The gross MoICs are also calculated before giving effect to any bridge financings. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Early in the life of a fund, the gross fund-level MoICs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(4)The net MoIC is calculated at the fund-level. The net MoIC is based on the interests of the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or performance fees. The net MoIC is after giving effect to management fees, carried interest, as applicable, and other expenses. The net MoIC is also calculated before giving effect to any bridge financings. Inclusive of bridge financings, the net MoIC would be 1.5x for ACOF VI. The fund may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Early in the life of a fund, the net fund-level MoIC would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(5)The gross IRR is an annualized since inception gross internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Gross IRRs reflect returns to the fee-paying limited partners and, if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The cash flow dates used in the gross IRR calculation are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The gross IRRs are calculated before giving effect to management fees, carried interest, as applicable, and other expenses, but after giving effect to credit facility interest expenses, as applicable. The gross IRRs are also calculated before giving effect to any bridge financings. The funds may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Gross fund-level IRRs would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility.
(6)The net IRR is an annualized since inception net internal rate of return of cash flows to and from the fund and the fund’s residual value at the end of the measurement period. Net IRR reflects returns to the fee-paying limited partners and if applicable, excludes interests attributable to the non-fee paying limited partners and/or the general partner which does not pay management fees or carried interest. The cash flow dates used in the net IRR calculation are based on the actual dates of the cash flows. The net IRR is calculated after giving effect to management fees, carried interest as applicable, and other expenses and exclude commitments by the general partner and Schedule I investors who do not pay either management fees or carried interest. The fund may utilize a credit facility during the investment period and for general cash management purposes. Net fund-level IRR would generally have been lower had such fund called capital from its limited partners instead of utilizing the credit facility. The net IRR is also calculated before giving effect to any bridge financings. Inclusive of bridge financings, the net IRR would be 14.9% for ACOF VI.
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Operations Management Group—Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Fee Related Earnings
The following table presents the components of the Operations Management Group’s FRE ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other fees | $ | 9,781 | $ | 5,537 | $ | 4,244 | 77% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | (150,072) | (116,468) | (33,604) | (29) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other expenses | (80,611) | (64,026) | (16,585) | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | (220,902) | $ | (174,957) | (45,945) | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Fees. The increase in other fees for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to higher facilitation fees from the 1031 exchange program associated with our non-traded REITs, as well as higher capital markets transaction fees, in each case driven by increased transaction volumes.
Compensation and Benefits. The increase in compensation and benefits was driven by: (i) an increase in salary expenses and incentive-based compensation of $19.0 million, excluding the impact from the GCP Acquisition, primarily attributable to the increase in headcount to expand our capabilities and support the growth of our business and other strategic initiatives, including transferring investment professionals from our operating segments during the current quarter to support the efforts of our Capital Solutions Group within OMG; and (ii) an increase of $8.8 million reflecting the full quarter impact of employment related costs from the GCP Acquisition.
Full-time equivalent headcount increased by 19% to 2,270 professionals for the year-to-date period in 2026 from 1,910 professionals in 2025, including the impact from the GCP Acquisition of 158 full-time equivalents.
General, Administrative and Other Expenses. The increase in general, administrative and other expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 was driven by: (i) an increase in information technology and occupancy costs of $4.8 million to support our growing headcount; (ii) an increase of $3.7 million reflecting the full quarter impact of operating costs from the GCP Acquisition; and (iii) an increase in marketing costs of $3.1 million, driven by new sponsorships and investor events held during the quarter.
Realized Income
The following table presents the components of the OMG’s RI ($ in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Related Earnings | $ | (220,902) | $ | (174,957) | $ | (45,945) | (26)% | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income (loss)—realized | (131) | 331 | (462) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 941 | 603 | 338 | 56 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (136) | (256) | 120 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized net investment income | 674 | 678 | (4) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized Income | $ | (220,228) | $ | (174,279) | (45,949) | (26) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Management assesses liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund operating, investing and financing activities. Management believes that we are well-positioned and our liquidity will continue to be sufficient for our foreseeable working capital needs, contractual obligations, dividend payments and strategic initiatives.
Sources and Uses of Liquidity
Our sources of liquidity are: (i) cash on hand; (ii) net working capital; (iii) cash from operations, including management fees, other fees, fee related performance revenues and net realized performance income; (iv) fund distributions related to our investments that are unpredictable as to amount and timing; and (v) net borrowings from the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2026, our cash and cash equivalents were $568.8 million and we have $415.0 million available under our Credit Facility. Our ability to draw from the Credit Facility is subject to leverage and other covenants. We remain in compliance with all covenants as of March 31, 2026. We believe that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our working capital requirements and to meet our commitments in the ordinary course of business and under the current market conditions for the foreseeable future. Cash flows from management fees may be impacted by a slowdown in deployment, declines in valuations or negatively impacted fundraising. In addition, management fees may be subject to deferral and fee related performance revenues may be subject to hold backs. Transfers of our financial interests, such as capital interests and rights to performance income earned by us from funds that we manage, to structured financing vehicles that we manage, may reduce or delay our cash flows and liquidity associated with these financial interests. Declines or delays in transaction activity may also impact our fund distributions and net realized performance income, which could adversely impact our cash flows and liquidity. Market conditions may make it difficult to extend the maturity or refinance our existing indebtedness or obtain new indebtedness with similar terms.
We expect that our primary liquidity needs will continue to be to: (i) provide capital to facilitate the growth of our existing investment management businesses; (ii) fund our investment commitments; (iii) provide capital to facilitate our expansion into businesses that are complementary to our existing investment management businesses as well as other strategic growth initiatives; (iv) pay operating expenses, including cash compensation to our employees and tax payments for net settlement of equity awards; (v) fund capital expenditures; (vi) service our debt; (vii) pay income taxes and make payments under the tax receivable agreement; (viii) make dividend payments to our Class A and non-voting common stockholders and our Series B mandatory convertible preferred stockholders in accordance with our dividend policies; and (ix) pay distributions to AOG unitholders.
Our ability to obtain debt financing and complete stock offerings provides us with additional sources of liquidity. For further discussion of financing transactions occurring in the current period, see “Cash Flows” within this section and “Note 6. Debt” and “Note 12. Equity and Redeemable Interest” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the cash flows of our operating businesses as well as those of our Consolidated Funds. The assets of our Consolidated Funds, on a gross basis, are significantly larger than the assets of our operating businesses and therefore have a substantial effect on the amounts reported within our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The primary cash flow activities of our Consolidated Funds include: (i) raising capital from third-party investors, which is reflected as non-controlling interests of our Consolidated Funds; (ii) financing certain investments by issuing debt; (iii) purchasing and selling investment securities; (iv) generating cash through the realization of certain investments; (v) collecting interest and dividend income; and (vi) distributing cash to investors. Our Consolidated Funds are generally accounted for as investment companies under GAAP; therefore, the character and classification of all Consolidated Fund transactions are presented as cash flows from operations. Liquidity available at our Consolidated Funds is not available for corporate liquidity needs, and the debt of these Consolidated Funds is non-recourse to us except to the extent of our investment in the fund or, in limited cases, where we provide temporary guarantees prior to certain funds obtaining sufficient equity commitments from third-party investors.
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Cash Flows
The following tables summarize our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows by activities attributable to the Company and Consolidated Funds. For more details on the activity of the Company and Consolidated Funds, refer to “Note 14. Consolidation” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by the Company’s operating activities | $ | 494,100 | $ | 707,294 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) the Consolidated Funds’ operating activities, net of eliminations | (87,585) | 1,286,909 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 406,515 | 1,994,203 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in the Company’s investing activities | (7,166) | (1,744,690) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) the Company’s financing activities | (384,046) | 143,647 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) the Consolidated Funds’ financing activities, net of eliminations | 91,135 | (1,321,374) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (292,911) | (1,177,727) | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes | (26,555) | 38,774 | |||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 79,883 | $ | (889,440) | |||||||
The Consolidated Funds had no effect on cash flows attributable to the Company for the periods presented and are excluded from the discussion below. The following discussion focuses on cash flow by activities attributable to the Company.
Operating Activities
In the table below, cash flows from operations are summarized to present: (i) cash generated from our core operating activities, primarily consisting of profits generated principally from fee revenues after covering for operating expenses and fee related performance compensation; (ii) net realized performance income; and (iii) net cash from investment related activities including purchases, sales, realized net investment income and interest expense. We generated meaningful cash flow from operations in each period presented.
| Three months ended March 31, | Favorable (Unfavorable) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Core operating activities | $ | 516,858 | $ | 577,520 | $ | (60,662) | (11)% | ||||||||||||||||
| Net realized performance income | 6,848 | 148,842 | (141,994) | (95) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investment related activities | (29,606) | (19,068) | (10,538) | 55 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by the Company’s operating activities | $ | 494,100 | $ | 707,294 | (213,194) | (30) | |||||||||||||||||
While cash from our core operating activities increased as a result of growing fee revenues and sustained profitability, cash flows generated from our core operating activities have varied based on timing of cash collection of our receivables.
Net realized performance income includes (i) carried interest distributions that may represent tax distributions or other distributions of income and (ii) incentive fees that are realized annually at the end of the measurement period, which is typically at the end of the calendar year. Cash received from carried interest distributions and the subsequent payments to employees may not necessarily occur in the same quarter. Cash from incentive fees is generally received in the period subsequent to the measurement period. The decrease in net realized performance income over the comparative period was primarily due to timing of payments to employees as a portion of the distributions we received in the fourth quarter of 2025 were paid to our employees in the first quarter of 2026, while distributions received in the first quarter of 2025 were paid to our employees in the second quarter of 2025.
Net cash used in investment related activities for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 primarily represents: (i) purchases associated with funding capital commitments and strategic investments in our investment portfolio; and (ii) interest payments on our debt obligations; offset by (iii) distributions received from our capital investments and the collection of principal and interest from loans that we have made; and (iv) sales of certain capital investments to employees. Net cash used in investment related activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 also included the rebalancing of and associated return of our capital commitments upon admitting new limited partners, partially offset by interest income from treasury-backed securities that were sold in the first quarter of 2025, providing proceeds to support the GCP Acquisition. As we are committed to invest alongside the investors in our funds, our capital commitments will increase with our growing assets under management and our investment related activities may fluctuate depending on timing of capital investments and distributions of each fund from year to year. For further discussion of our capital commitments, see “Note 7. Commitments and
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Contingencies” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our working capital needs are generally rising to support the growth of our business, while the capital requirements needed to support fund-related activities vary based upon the specific investment activities being conducted during each period.
Investing Activities
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements | $ | (15,643) | $ | (21,975) | |||||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | 8,477 | (1,722,715) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (7,166) | $ | (1,744,690) | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities for both periods included cash to purchase furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements to support the growth in our staffing levels, including the expansion of our New York headquarters. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2026 also included net cash acquired from the BlueCove Acquisition. Cash acquired from BlueCove exceeded the cash purchase consideration as a portion of the purchase price payable to certain senior professionals is dependent upon the achievement of revenue targets and has been excluded from purchase consideration as it is subject to continued and future service. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was predominately cash used to complete the GCP Acquisition.
Financing Activities
| Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| Net borrowings of Credit Facility | $ | 45,000 | $ | 985,000 | |||||||
| Borrowings from Term Loan | 399,415 | — | |||||||||
| Dividends and distributions | (522,752) | (445,088) | |||||||||
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | (318,428) | (396,722) | |||||||||
| Other financing activities | 12,719 | 457 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) the Company’s financing activities | $ | (384,046) | $ | 143,647 | |||||||
As a result of generating higher fee related earnings, we increased the level of dividends paid to a growing shareholder base of Class A and non-voting common stockholders and distributions paid to AOG unitholders, representing net cash used for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. In addition, net cash used in the Company’s financing activities included dividend payments on the Series B mandatory convertible preferred stock made during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 to our preferred stockholders.
Net cash provided by (used in) the Company’s financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 included net borrowings under the Credit Facility. These proceeds were used primarily to support general operating cash needs in the current period and to fund the GCP Acquisition in the prior period. Net cash provided by (used in) the Company’s financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2026 also included borrowings under the Term Loan that were used to repay a portion of our Credit Facility.
In connection with the vesting of equity awards that are granted to our employees under the Equity Incentive Plan, we withhold shares equal to the fair value of our employees’ tax withholding liabilities and pay the taxes on their behalf in cash and thus issue fewer net shares. Cash used in connection with these awards decreased during the current period primarily as a result of the lower stock price on the vesting date. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, we net settled and did not issue 2.1 million shares. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we net settled and did not issue 2.0 million shares.
Capital Resources
We intend to use a portion of our available liquidity to pay cash dividends and distributions to our Series B mandatory convertible preferred stockholders, Class A and non-voting common stockholders and AOG unitholders on a quarterly basis in accordance with our dividend and distribution policies. Our ability to make cash dividends and distributions is dependent on a myriad of factors, including: (i) general economic and business conditions; (ii) our strategic plans and prospects; (iii) our business and investment opportunities; (iv) timing of capital calls by our funds in support of our commitments; (v) our financial condition and operating results; (vi) working capital requirements and other anticipated cash needs; (vii) contractual restrictions
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and obligations; (viii) legal, tax and regulatory restrictions; (ix) restrictions on the payment of distributions by our subsidiaries to us; and (x) other relevant factors.
We are required to maintain minimum net capital balances for regulatory purposes for our registered broker-dealers. These net capital requirements are met in part by retaining cash, cash equivalents and investment securities. Additionally, certain of our subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. are also subject to capital adequacy requirements in each of the applicable jurisdictions. As a result, we may be restricted in our ability to transfer cash between different operating entities and jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2026, we were required to maintain approximately $101.1 million in net assets within these subsidiaries to meet regulatory net capital and capital adequacy requirements. We remain in compliance with these regulatory requirements.
Holders of AOG Units, subject to the terms of the exchange agreement, may exchange their AOG Units for shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. These exchanges are expected to result in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of AMC that otherwise would not have been available. These increases in tax basis may increase depreciation and amortization for U.S. income tax purposes and thereby reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future. We entered into the tax receivable agreement (the “TRA”) that provides payment to the TRA recipients of 85% of the amount of actual cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax or franchise tax that we actually realize as a result of these increases in tax basis and of certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA and interest accrued thereon. Future payments under the TRA in respect of subsequent exchanges are expected to be substantial. The TRA liability balance was $581.7 million and $579.9 million as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, payments under the TRA were $18.0 million and $8.1 million, respectively.
For a discussion of our debt obligations, including the debt obligations of our consolidated funds, see “Note 6. Debt” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
For a discussion of our equity, see “Note 12. Equity and Redeemable Interest” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In applying many of these accounting principles, we need to make assumptions, estimates or judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These assumptions, estimates or judgments, however, are both subjective and subject to change, and actual results may differ from our assumptions and estimates. If actual amounts are ultimately different from our estimates, the revisions are included in our results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, see “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. For a summary of our critical accounting estimates, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements and their impact on Ares can be found in “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” within our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, we enter into contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. We may also engage in off-balance sheet arrangements, including transactions in derivatives, guarantees, capital commitments to funds, indemnifications and potential contingent payment obligations. For further discussion of these arrangements, see “Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our primary exposure to market risk is related to our role as general partner or investment adviser to our funds and the sensitivity to movements in the fair value of their investments, including the effect on management fees, performance income and investment income.
There have been no material changes in our market risks for the three months ended March 31, 2026. For additional information on our market risks, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which is accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2026. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2026, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 2026 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we, our executive officers, directors and our funds and their investment advisers, and their respective affiliates and/or any of their respective principals and employees are subject to legal proceedings, including those arising from our management of such funds. Additionally, we and our funds and their investment advisers are also subject to extensive regulation, which, from time to time, results in requests for information from us or our funds and their investment advisers or legal or regulatory proceedings or investigations against us or our funds and their investment advisers, respectively. We incur significant costs and expenses in connection with any such proceedings, information requests and investigations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which is accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 are not the only risks facing us. These risks and additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We did not sell any equity securities during the period covered in this report that were not registered under the Securities Act.
All unregistered purchases of equity securities during the period covered by this Quarterly Report were previously disclosed in our current reports on Form 8-K or quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
As permitted by our policies and procedures governing transactions in our securities by our directors, executive officers and other employees, from time to time some of these persons may establish plans or arrangements complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, and similar plans and arrangements relating to our Class A common stock.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the three months ended March 31, 2026, none of our directors or executive officers adopted terminated
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Item 6. Exhibits
The following is a list of all exhibits filed or furnished as part of this report:
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
3.1 | Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ares Management Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-36429) filed with the SEC on May 6, 2021). | |||||||
3.2 | Bylaws of Ares Management Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36429) filed with the SEC on November 15, 2018). | |||||||
3.3 | Certificate of Designations of 6.75% Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36429) filed with the SEC on October 10, 2024). | |||||||
10.1 | Fifth Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, dated February 24, 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (File No. 001-36429) filed with the SEC on February 25, 2026). | |||||||
10.2 | Credit Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2026, by and among Ares Holdings L.P., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36429) filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026). | |||||||
31.1* | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). | |||||||
31.2* | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). | |||||||
32.1** | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | |||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
* Filed herewith.
** These certifications are not deemed filed by the SEC and are not to be incorporated by reference in any filing we make under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.
** These certifications are not deemed filed by the SEC and are not to be incorporated by reference in any filing we make under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.
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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 thereunto duly authorized.
| ARES MANAGEMENT CORPORATION | |||||||||||
| Dated: May 8, 2026 | By: | /s/ Michael J Arougheti | |||||||||
| Name: | Michael J Arougheti | ||||||||||
| Title: | Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||||||||
| Dated: May 8, 2026 | By: | /s/ Jarrod Phillips | |||||||||
| Name: | Jarrod Phillips | ||||||||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial & Accounting Officer) | ||||||||||
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FAQ
How did Ares Management (ARES) perform financially in Q1 2026?
Ares Management generated total revenues of $1.40 billion in Q1 2026, up from $1.09 billion a year earlier. Net income attributable to Ares Management Corporation increased to $142.6 million, reflecting stronger fee revenues and other income compared with the prior-year quarter.
How strong was Ares Management’s (ARES) cash flow and liquidity at March 31, 2026?
Net cash provided by operating activities was $406.5 million for Q1 2026. As of March 31, 2026, Ares held $568.8 million of cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet, providing liquidity alongside its undrawn revolving credit facility capacity.
What debt obligations does Ares Management (ARES) have outstanding?
Ares reported total debt obligations of $4.39 billion at March 31, 2026, including a $1.43 billion drawn revolving Credit Facility, several senior and subordinated notes maturing between 2028 and 2054, and a $400 million Term Loan due 2029.
What is the BlueCove acquisition and how did it affect Ares Management (ARES)?
On February 1, 2026, Ares acquired the remaining shares of BlueCove Limited, a London-based systematic fixed income manager. The transaction added management contract and technology intangibles and produced a $37.4 million bargain purchase gain because acquired net assets exceeded the purchase consideration.
What contingent earnout liabilities does Ares Management (ARES) disclose?
Ares highlights contingent earnouts from the GCP International acquisition, with potential DC and Japan earnouts up to $1.5 billion combined, and additional smaller earnouts from other deals. Fair value of the GCP-related contingent liabilities was $777.3 million for sellers and $333.1 million for employees at March 31, 2026.