Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fundings for the quarter totaled $73 million, with exits and prepayments at $82 million, resulting in net originations of negative $9 million [6][7] - Interest income decreased by 2.3% to $20.9 million, while the weighted average portfolio yield increased by 20 basis points to 12.8% [12][7] - Net investment income remained flat at $11.3 million, with net realized losses of $3.6 million primarily related to a specific investment [7][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio turnover did not materially impact the investment mix, with 70% of new originations being first lien debt [9] - The company maintained a conservative leverage position with debt at 64% of NAV, which increased to 81% of NAV post-quarter [11][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to see a healthy flow of attractive lower middle market deal opportunities, with 88% of recent deals being first lien investments [10] - The average closing leverage for new deals was three times EBITDA, with an average margin over SOFR exceeding 7% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on growth-oriented lower middle market investments backed by private equity sponsors [19] - The strategy includes recycling investment exits to support portfolio growth and shareholder distributions [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the health of the portfolio, citing well-articulated growth strategies among investments [24] - Concerns about economic headwinds were acknowledged, but the company believes its investments can withstand these challenges due to conservative leverage and cash flow generation [26][27] Other Important Information - Total assets rose to $780 million, with liabilities primarily consisting of senior notes and a line of credit [13][14] - Monthly distributions for August and September will be $0.0165 per common share, translating to an annual run rate of $1.98 per share [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of private credit growth on spreads - Management noted that while there is some pressure from sponsors, they have successfully resisted significant reductions in spreads, maintaining an average above 7% over SOFR [21][22] Question: Overall health of the portfolio amid economic uncertainty - Management indicated that most investments have solid growth strategies and can withstand economic headwinds, with a focus on long-term growth rather than short-term economic fluctuations [24][26] Question: Changes in portfolio structure to boost yields - Management clarified that there is no fundamental strategy change, but they are exploring opportunities to manage yield targets through selective second lien and asset-backed facilities [30][32] Question: Leverage ratio and prepayment patterns - Management confirmed the leverage ratio increase to 81% of NAV and noted that prepayments have been unpredictable, typically occurring when companies are up for sale [37][39] Question: Financing options for upcoming debt maturity - Management is evaluating various options for addressing the upcoming debt maturity, expressing some disappointment with current market spreads [41] Question: Future pipeline and backlog outlook - Management expects a healthy number of additional investments and anticipates net originations in the range of $50 million to $100 million per quarter [44][46] Question: Activity level and December quarter expectations - Management expressed cautious optimism for a strong Q4, traditionally a busy quarter, while acknowledging economic uncertainties that may affect deal closures [53][55]

KKR has hired Goldman Sachs’s Ken Murata as a managing director for its credit business in Japan, as the country becomes a key market for the private credit boom in Asia. https://t.co/k15hoTE8Gy ...

Labor Market & Economic Outlook - US labor market shows warning signs with payrolls tumbling and unemployment rate rising, indicating a deceleration in job gains [1][2] - Concerns mount over a complicated mix for the Federal Reserve to deal with, leading to expectations of potential rate cuts in September and December [2][3] - Slowing services wages suggest a potential slowdown in consumption and the overall economy, justifying lower interest rates even without a formal recession [19] - The economy is structurally sound, but current policy may be suboptimal, with rates disproportionately hurting lower-income households as housing and labor markets slow [9][10] Interest Rate & Monetary Policy - Fed rate cut bets for September have reached nearly 90%, a significant increase from 45% prior to jobs data, with two rate cuts priced in for the year [6] - The Cleveland Fed President acknowledges a tricky time for monetary policy makers due to conflicting mandates, requiring careful data analysis and business conversations [7][8] - The market anticipates bull steepening as the economy slows and the Fed cuts rates, potentially spurring inflation or growth, leading to a V-shaped recovery [12] - Neutral rate is difficult to determine, potentially higher than expected due to shifts in household and business debt structures, allowing for higher interest rates with a robust economy [17][18] Bond Market & Credit Issuance - US high-grade weekly volume reached $12 million, driven by foreign bank sales, while July volume was $81 billion, the lightest month for supply this year [29] - US high-yield July volumes exceeded $35 billion, marking the second busiest month since September 2021 and the busiest since at least 2006 [30] - Leveraged loan launches in July set a record, reaching over $222 billion, the fourth time in 14 months an all-time record has been broken [30] - Private sector holds $225 trillion in cash, exceeding marketable Treasury debt, with only $29 trillion in high-quality bonds, creating a transcendent influence on the market [26][27]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ares Management reported a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per share, representing a 20% increase compared to the same quarter last year [4] - The company achieved a record management fee of $900 million, reflecting a 24% year-over-year increase [33] - Fee-related earnings (FRE) for the quarter were $409 million, marking a 26% year-over-year growth, with FRE margins at 41.2% [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total assets under management (AUM) increased to $572 billion, showing a quarter-over-quarter organic growth of 19% on an annualized basis [8] - Fee-paying AUM (FPAUM) rose to $350 billion, representing a quarter-over-quarter organic growth of 17% on an annualized basis [9] - The secondaries business saw a 29% increase in AUM to nearly $34 billion, with $2.5 billion raised during the quarter [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. direct lending market, the company experienced a year-over-year comparable EBITDA growth of 13% with a low loan-to-value ratio of 43% [25] - European direct lending showed strong performance with a loan-to-value ratio of 49% and interest coverage of 2.3x, indicating healthy credit quality [70] - The company raised over $1.3 billion in infrastructure, including $850 million for its first Japan data center development fund [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ares Management is focused on expanding its wealth distribution network, now partnering with over 80 firms globally, a 33% increase year-over-year [19] - The company is optimistic about the growth potential in the data center and digital infrastructure sectors, leveraging its recent GCP acquisition [30] - Ares aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for private credit and alternative investments, particularly in the wealth channel [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business amid market volatility, with strong fundraising and investment performance [7] - The company anticipates a strengthening transaction market environment in the third quarter, supported by lower short-term rates and significant private equity dry powder [28] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between capital growth and quality deployment to mitigate risks [60] Other Important Information - The integration of GCP is progressing well, with expected synergies contributing positively to the financial outlook [32] - The company reported a net accrued performance income balance of $1.1 billion, an 8.5% increase from the previous quarter [10] - Ares Management's insurance platform, Aspida, generated over $1.9 billion in new premiums during the quarter, indicating strong demand [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on private credit and institutional demands - Management noted that while private credit fundraising has been down sequentially, Ares continues to see institutional appetite for private credit, maintaining fee structures despite market pressures [47][49] Question: Opportunities in alternative investments - Management emphasized their commitment to democratizing access to alternative investments and readiness to offer products as the market opens [56][58] Question: Update on deployment pipelines - Management expressed confidence in the growing pipelines across various business segments, including direct lending and real estate, despite market fluctuations [64] Question: Comparison of European and U.S. direct lending markets - Management indicated that European markets are becoming more attractive due to different rate trajectories, with credit quality remaining stable across both regions [70] Question: Investment in distribution and partnerships - Management confirmed ongoing investments in product development and distribution efforts, particularly in international markets, to drive growth [76][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ares Management reported a quarterly AUM increase to $572 billion, representing a quarter-over-quarter organic growth of 19% on an annualized basis [7] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.12 per share, a 20% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3] - Management fees reached a record $900 million, reflecting a 24% year-over-year increase [32] - Fee-related earnings (FRE) grew by 26% year-over-year, with FRE margins at 41.2% [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter deployment in the U.S. was $27 billion, slightly higher than the previous year despite market pauses [8] - The FPAUM increased to $350 billion, representing quarter-over-quarter organic growth of 17% [8] - The secondaries business saw a 29% increase in AUM to nearly $34 billion [15] - The real estate segment raised $2.4 billion in capital during the quarter, primarily from non-traded REITs [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 55% of fundraising was from products, with 30% into commingled funds and 25% into SMAs [10] - International demand accounted for more than one-third of year-to-date flows, with strong traction in Europe and Asia [19] - The European direct lending strategy raised over $1.1 billion from new SMAs and $800 million in the wealth channel [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ares Management is focused on scaling its fundraise and expanding its global wealth distribution network, now partnering with over 80 firms globally [19] - The company anticipates significant growth in its data center asset management business and global industrial development [9] - Ares is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for alternative investments, particularly in the wealth channel [41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the transaction market environment strengthening into the third quarter, supported by lower short-term rates and record amounts of private equity dry powder [27] - The integration of the GCP acquisition is progressing well, with expectations of enhanced fund performance and additional revenue streams [30] - The company remains confident in its ability to generate unique investment opportunities and maintain strong deployment across various market conditions [62] Other Important Information - The net accrued performance income balance increased by 8.5% to $1.1 billion, reflecting strong investment results [9] - Ares anticipates that perpetual capital will continue to represent a significant percentage of AUM growth, providing greater visibility in revenue growth and profitability [23] - The company is experiencing strong demand for its sports media and entertainment strategy, with significant commitments raised [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on private credit and institutional demands - Management noted that private credit fundraising has not outpaced other alternative asset classes, but they continue to see institutional appetite for private credit [49] - They emphasized that fee pressure has not been significant, and they maintain a strong position in the market [50] Question: Opportunities in the alternative market - Management expressed enthusiasm for the democratization of alternatives and is prepared to offer products as the market opens [58] Question: Update on deployment pipelines - Management indicated confidence in the growing pipelines across various business segments, including direct lending and real estate [66] Question: Comparison of European and U.S. direct lending markets - Management highlighted that European markets are becoming more attractive due to different rate trajectories and increased investor appetite [70] Question: Retail distribution and international flows - Management confirmed ongoing investments in product development and distribution, with expectations for continued growth in international markets [78]

Let's now move over to our Leslie Picker who joins our joins us fresh off our exclusive sitdown with JP Morgan CEO Jamie Diamond. Leslie, hey Frank. Yeah, we covered a lot of ground with Jamie Diamond here in Charlotte.I asked him about President Trump's latest attacks on Fed Chair Powell. I think Jay Pal is a professional. I think independence is important.I think actually independence keeps interest rates lower if you actually look through the history of interest rates a little bit. uh and just lowering s ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fee-related earnings (FRE) of $0.23 per share and distributable earnings (DE) of $0.21 per share for the second quarter [3] - FRE revenues grew by 29%, FRE increased by 23%, and DE rose by 20% year over year on a last twelve months basis [6] - The company raised $14 billion of new capital during the quarter, totaling a record $55 billion over the last twelve months, which is 28% of assets under management a year ago [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In alternative credit, the company closed a private offering of $850 million for a new interval fund, reflecting strong investor confidence [7] - The digital infrastructure strategy saw a final close of its third flagship fund at a $7 billion hard cap, with over half the capital already soft circled for investment [8] - The real estate credit strategy deployed over $3 billion year to date, with significant activity in the insurance channel [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital raised from EMEA and APAC investors increased to 23% from 14% two years ago, indicating ongoing globalization of the business [11] - The company raised $5.8 billion of equity in credit during the second quarter, marking a record quarter for the credit platform [21] - The net lease strategy raised over $2.1 billion ahead of schedule, with total commitments in the net lease business reaching $12 billion [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow FRE management fees to over $5 billion and FRE to over $3 billion, feeling on track with these long-term goals [30] - A new strategic partnership with Voya was announced to deliver private market strategies tailored for defined contribution retirement plans, reflecting a focus on broadening access to alternative investments [19] - The company is positioned to leverage its scale and incumbency in respective markets to drive differentiated results and create bespoke solutions for capital users [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the fundraising and deployment activities, despite market disruptions [6] - The company noted that the investments made over the past year are beginning to bear fruit, with a steady and predictable financial profile [30] - Management highlighted the exceptional credit quality in direct lending and the positive outlook for deployment opportunities in the current macro environment [12][78] Other Important Information - The company completed the listing of its technology-focused BDC, OTF, which is now the second largest publicly traded BDC by net assets [20] - The company has raised $3.5 billion across strategies that did not exist two years ago, indicating strong reception for new offerings [9] - The company maintained a leadership position in CMBS deals, anchoring roughly 40% of single asset single borrower deals priced during the period [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the asset origination channel and the scaling opportunity in asset-backed finance? - Management highlighted the significant opportunity in asset-backed finance and the integration of their asset-backed business with direct lending, emphasizing their strong pipeline and expertise in the market [33][36] Question: What are the thoughts on the build-out of a target date fund with Voya? - Management expressed optimism about bringing alternative investment solutions to the 401(k) market, emphasizing the importance of democratizing access to these products [41][44] Question: What should be expected regarding the integration and scaling of recently acquired businesses? - Management indicated that integration benefits are already being realized, with strong fundraising numbers and a diversified business model [52][58] Question: Can you comment on the competitive environment in the triple net lease market? - Management noted that their leadership in the net lease market has accelerated, with a growing pipeline and strong trust built with partners [67][70] Question: What is the outlook for direct lending activity and spreads on incremental capital deployed? - Management reported high credit quality and a positive outlook for direct lending, with signs of increased activity in the market [74][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 6% year over year, with subscription revenue rising by 7% [9] - Adjusted diluted EPS grew by 10%, and adjusted expenses increased by 2% year over year [33][39] - The company achieved 150 basis points of margin expansion on a trailing twelve-month basis [9][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market Intelligence division reported a revenue increase of 5%, with organic constant currency growth at 7% [36] - Private markets revenue grew by 11% year over year, driven by demand for middle market CLOs and project finance ratings [34] - Ratings revenue increased by 1% year over year, with transaction revenue decreasing by 4% [38] - Mobility revenue increased by 10% year over year, with dealable revenue up by 11% [44] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Build issuance declined by 4% year over year, but there was a recovery in June, marking the second highest June since 2019 [18][19] - Equity markets rebounded quickly from the lows seen in April, benefiting from strong net inflows for indices [20] - The company expects flat build issuance in the second half of the year and anticipates one to two rate cuts from the U.S. Fed [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic investments while managing expenses, aiming for strong capital returns [9] - There is a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence and data distribution strategies, with partnerships with hyperscale partners [26][30] - The planned separation of the Mobility division is on track, with a new CEO appointed for the standalone company [11][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining organic growth, particularly in Market Intelligence, despite market uncertainties [56][60] - The outlook for the rest of the year assumes flat U.S. equity markets and slow but positive GDP growth across major economic zones [20] - Management remains cautious about potential volatility in the markets but is optimistic about the company's ability to deliver strong results [90] Other Important Information - The company has achieved 95% of its targeted revenue synergies, with run rate revenue synergies at $332 million [35] - New product launches and enhancements in AI have been well received by customers, contributing to revenue growth [62] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the sustainability of the organic growth in Market Intelligence? - Management highlighted a fundamental transformation in the commercial teams and strong execution, which supports the sustainability of growth [58][59] Question: What factors contributed to the strong margin and expense management? - Management noted ongoing productivity improvements and strategic investment spending patterns as key factors [66][67] Question: Can you elaborate on the criteria for moving strategic clients into the Chief Client Office? - The Chief Client Office manages a select group of clients to provide individualized attention and enhance value creation [70][72] Question: How is the company addressing competitive dynamics in private credit? - Management emphasized consistent methodology and strong engagement with major sponsors to maintain leadership in the private credit market [84][86] Question: What milestones should investors track for the Mobility spin-off? - Key milestones include internal preparations, regulatory filings, and the establishment of a management team for the new entity [96][98] Question: What is the outlook for Mobility revenue growth in the second half? - Management indicated that while there may be some normalization, strong performance in the CARFAX business supports overall growth [101][103]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net investment income of $0.56 per share and adjusted net income of $0.64 per share for Q2 2025, with annualized returns on equity of 13.1% and 15.1% respectively [6][25] - The net asset value (NAV) per share increased to $17.17, up from $17.04 as of March 31, 2025, representing a 70 basis points increase [11][25] - Total investments decreased slightly to $3.3 billion from $3.4 billion in the prior quarter due to net repayment activity [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company provided total commitments of $289 million and total fundings of $209 million across 13 new investments and four upsizes in Q2 [16] - Approximately 30% of commitments were sourced outside the sponsored channel, with the remaining 70% from traditional sponsor-backed finance [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The M&A market saw a 31% decline in loan volume in Q2 compared to Q1, marking the lowest levels since 2023 [12] - The company noted a significant reduction in exposure to older pre-2022 vintage assets, decreasing to 29% of the portfolio by cost, compared to 59% for the public BDC sector average [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company anticipates a shift in focus from credit quality to dividend coverage as portfolio yields decline due to lower forward rates and tighter portfolio spreads [9] - The management emphasized the importance of sourcing differentiated investment opportunities to maintain robust dividend coverage, which exceeded the base dividend by 22% in Q2 [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism that credit issues are predominantly behind the company, with an improvement in non-accruals observed [8] - The company expects a moderate increase in M&A activity in the coming quarters as earlier investments approach the six to seven-year mark [14] Other Important Information - The board approved a base quarterly dividend of $0.46 per share and a supplemental dividend of $0.05 per share related to Q2 earnings [11] - The weighted average total yield on debt and producing securities was 12%, down from 12.3% in the previous quarter [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage portfolio diversification and risk? - The company focuses on idiosyncratic underwriting and has a strong track record of managing risk, emphasizing the importance of minimizing losses to achieve outperformance [39][40] Question: What are the attractive investment themes currently? - The company is focusing on off-the-run, non-sponsor investments, including sectors like specialty pharmaceuticals and asset-based lending, which tend to offer better returns [42][44] Question: What is the outlook for repayment activity in the second half of the year? - The company expects repayment activity to remain elevated, driven by a strong pipeline of post-2022 vintage assets [105]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 6% year over year, with subscription revenue rising by 7% [7][30] - Adjusted diluted EPS grew by 10% [30] - Adjusted expenses increased by 2% year over year, primarily due to higher compensation and currency translation [35][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market Intelligence reported a revenue increase of 5%, with organic constant currency growth at 7% [34] - Private markets revenue grew by 11% year over year to $148 million, driven by demand for middle market CLOs and project finance ratings [31] - Ratings revenue increased by 1% year over year, with non-transaction revenue up by 8% [37] - Commodity Insights revenue increased by 8%, with Energy Resources, Data and Insights growing by 10% [38] - Mobility revenue increased by 10% year over year, with dealable revenue up by 11% [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Build issuance declined by 4% year over year, but there was a recovery in June, marking the second highest June since 2019 [16][17] - U.S. equity markets rebounded quickly from lows seen in April, benefiting from strong net inflows for indices [18] - The outlook for the rest of the year assumes flat build issuance and flat U.S. equity markets from June 30 [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic investments while maintaining disciplined expense management, resulting in 150 basis points of margin expansion [7] - There is a strong emphasis on expanding leadership in artificial intelligence and enhancing product offerings [9][23] - The company is pursuing opportunities in private credit as part of its broader private markets initiative [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver strong results in the second half of the year, despite uncertainties in the market [28][47] - The company anticipates one to two rate cuts from the U.S. Fed in the second half of the year, with slow but positive GDP growth expected [18] - Management remains cautious about the potential for volatility in the market, particularly regarding refinancing and M&A activities [86] Other Important Information - The company announced the appointment of Bill Eager as President of S&P Global Mobility and CEO Designate for the planned standalone public company [10] - The company is on track with the separation of the mobility business and will keep investors updated on progress [93] Q&A Session Summary Question: About the acceleration in organic growth in Market Intelligence - Management highlighted the transformation in Market Intelligence, focusing on structure, operating model, and incentive plans to sustain growth [54][56] Question: On margin and expense management - Management noted ongoing productivity improvements and strategic investment patterns as key factors in achieving better expense management [61][62] Question: About the Chief Client Office and criteria for moving strategic clients - Management explained that the Chief Client Office focuses on delivering individualized attention to a select group of strategic clients [65][66] Question: On competitive dynamics in private credit - Management emphasized the importance of consistent methodology and strong engagement with major private market participants to maintain leadership in private credit [78][80] Question: Regarding the second half ratings revenue assumption - Management indicated caution due to market volatility and a flat refinancing environment, while acknowledging potential upside surprises [84][86] Question: On milestones for the mobility spin-off - Management outlined internal and external milestones, including regulatory submissions and the naming of the management team [90][93] Question: About revenue guidance for mobility and potential pull forward - Management clarified that while there may be some pull forward, strong performance in the Carfax business is a key driver of growth [96][99] Question: On sanctions and upstream business growth - Management discussed the impact of sanctions on revenue and acknowledged the challenges faced by the upstream business [101]