Ares Posts Record $36.4B Q2 Fundraising as AUM Climbs to $671B; $1.35 Dividend Set

summarizeSummary

Ares Management reported Q2 2026 results featuring record fundraising of $36.4 billion, AUM reaching $671 billion, and a 20% increase in fee-related earnings. The firm declared a $1.35 quarterly dividend and completed a $395 million SPAC IPO.

check_boxKey Events · Earnings and Guidance · ARES

• Record Fundraising and AUM Growth

  The quarter's $36.4 billion in capital raised, coupled with net inflows of $34.4 billion, pushed AUM to $671.3 billion—a 17% year-over-year increase. Fee-paying AUM also rose 17%, reaching $409.9 billion.

• Strong Earnings and Margin Expansion

  Fee-related earnings climbed 20% to $491.1 million, with the FRE margin expanding to 42.2%. After-tax realized income per share came in at $1.29, up 25% from the prior year.

• Dividend Declaration

  A quarterly dividend of $1.35 per share of Class A common stock was declared, payable on September 30, 2026, to shareholders of record as of September 16, 2026.

• SPAC IPO Completed

  On July 1, 2026, the firm's third sponsored SPAC, Ares Acquisition Corporation III, completed its IPO, generating $395 million in gross proceeds.

auto_awesomeAnalysis · ARES · Finance

A strong second quarter saw fee-related earnings jump 20% year-over-year alongside record fundraising of $36.4 billion, lifting assets under management to $671 billion. With $170 billion of dry powder and a growing forward pipeline, the firm is well positioned for continued earnings growth even as the broader private credit market faces liquidity pressures. The declared $1.35 per share dividend and the successful IPO of its third SPAC underscore management's confidence in the platform's cash generation and expansion strategy.