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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised and deployed over $1,400,000,000 in gross new fee-paying AUM, marking a record fundraising quarter [6] - Revenue for the first quarter was $67,700,000, a 2% increase year-over-year [20] - Fee-paying assets under management increased to $26,300,000,000, reflecting a 10% year-over-year growth [20] - GAAP net income decreased to $4,700,000 from $5,200,000 in the prior year quarter [23] - Adjusted net income (ANI) was $23,500,000, representing an 8% decrease year-over-year [23] - FRE margin was 45% in the first quarter, holding flat year-over-year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private equity strategies raised and deployed $1,200,000,000 [21] - Venture capital solutions raised and deployed $82,000,000 [21] - Private credit strategies added $162,000,000 to fee-paying assets under management [21] - Total catch-up fees in the quarter were $2,800,000, with direct and secondary catch-up fees totaling $2,200,000 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed RCP Direct five with nearly $1,000,000,000 in commitments, a record for RCP [6] - The acquisition of Qualitas Funds added 1,300 LPs to the platform, significantly expanding the global LP base [8] - The company expects to have more than 15 funds in the market throughout the year [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic plan focuses on optimizing organizational structure, driving organic growth, and enhancing transparency [10] - The company aims to deepen and expand its LP base through new investment vehicles and distribution channels [12] - The acquisition of Qualitas Funds is seen as a strategic fit to expand geographic footprint and asset class exposure [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current operating environment despite potential market volatility [10] - The company anticipates at least $4,000,000,000 of organic gross fundraising in 2025 and double-digit revenue growth [9] - Management highlighted the resilience of strategies in the middle and lower middle market, which are less affected by market fluctuations [15] Other Important Information - The company announced a 7% increase in quarterly dividend to $3.75 per share [24] - Approximately $15,000,000 of stock was repurchased in the first quarter, with $28,500,000 remaining in the share repurchase program [18][25] - The company expects a low single-digit cash tax rate in 2025 due to tax assets [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on catch-up fees related to RCP Direct fund - The April 10 date mentioned was the announcement date, not the close date [30][31] Question: Early results of cross-marketing with 5,000 LPs - The focus is on optimizing data and capitalizing on synergies with the Qualitas Funds team [32][34] Question: Guidance on step downs and expirations - The company is not changing its guidance on step downs and expirations at this time [39] Question: Impact of Qualitas on tax and M&A - The acquisition structure will not change tax amortization, and there is an increase in potential M&A opportunities [46][49] Question: Sentiment from endowments and foundations - There has been little to no impact from recent volatility, and the company is positioned to provide liquidity solutions [57] Question: Contribution from SMAs in fundraising - There was a strong contribution from the SMA pipeline, and the company is focused on providing customized solutions [70][72]