10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2020

Ares Management Corp Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2020

Filed November 6, 2020For Securities:ARESARES-PB

Summary

Ares Management Corporation (ARES) reported its third quarter 2020 financial results, showcasing a significant increase in total assets to $14.9 billion from $12.0 billion in the prior year. This growth was largely driven by strategic acquisitions and increased investments within its consolidated funds. Revenues demonstrated resilience, with management fees rising 16% year-over-year for the quarter, indicating continued AUM growth across its credit and other segments. While carried interest saw a notable decline, particularly for the nine-month period, reflecting market conditions, the company's Fee Related Earnings (FRE) showed robust growth, up 23% year-over-year for the quarter, highlighting the stable, recurring nature of its management fee business. Diluted earnings per Class A common share stood at $0.27 for the quarter, a slight increase from $0.23 in the prior year. The company has strategically expanded its footprint through acquisitions, notably the majority interest in SSG Capital Holdings Limited in July 2020, enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the ongoing economic uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ares Management maintained a strong liquidity position with $868.8 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period and no outstanding borrowings under its credit facility. The company's diversified business model and focus on long-term capital, coupled with its strategic acquisitions, position it to navigate market volatility and capitalize on future opportunities.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$428.31M
Operating Expenses$392.58M
Net Income$47.55M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total assets grew to $14.9 billion as of September 30, 2020, up from $12.0 billion at December 31, 2019, driven by acquisitions and increased fund investments.
  • 2Management fees increased by 16% for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the prior year, indicating healthy growth in fee-generating assets under management.
  • 3Fee Related Earnings (FRE) increased by 23% year-over-year for the quarter, demonstrating the strength and stability of recurring management fees.
  • 4Diluted earnings per Class A common share were $0.27 for the third quarter of 2020, up from $0.23 in the prior year.
  • 5The company successfully completed the acquisition of a majority interest in SSG Capital Holdings Limited, strengthening its Asia-Pacific market presence.
  • 6Ares Management maintained a strong liquidity position with $868.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and no outstanding borrowings under its credit facility as of September 30, 2020.
  • 7Carried interest allocation decreased by 10% for the quarter and 52% year-to-date, reflecting market conditions and the timing of fund performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ares Management reported strong growth in total assets, up to $14.9 billion. Management fees increased by 16% year-over-year, and Fee Related Earnings (FRE) grew by 23% for the quarter, highlighting operational strength. Diluted earnings per share also saw a slight increase to $0.27.

The acquisition of a majority interest in SSG Capital Holdings Limited in July 2020 contributed to the growth in total assets and expanded Ares Management's presence in the Asia-Pacific market. This strategic move is expected to contribute to future fee revenues.

Ares Management maintained a strong liquidity position with $868.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2020. The company had no outstanding borrowings under its credit facility, indicating a healthy debt-free operational status at the end of the quarter.

While the pandemic created market volatility and impacted carried interest, Ares Management's diversified business model and recurring management fees (reflected in strong FRE growth) demonstrated resilience. The company also noted that while certain expenses decreased due to pandemic-related operational changes, others increased to support business expansion and remote work.