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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The Company’s Consolidated Funds are investment companies under GAAP based on the following characteristics: the Consolidated Funds obtain funds from one or more investors and provide investment management services and the Consolidated Funds’ business purpose and substantive activities are investing funds for returns from capital appreciation and/or investment income. Therefore, investments of Consolidated Funds are recorded at fair value and the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in an investment’s fair value is recognized on a current basis within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, the Consolidated Funds do not consolidate their majority-owned and controlled investments in portfolio companies. In the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has retained the investment company accounting for the Consolidated Funds under GAAP. All of the investments held and CLO loan obligations issued by the Consolidated Funds are presented at their estimated fair values within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Net income attributable to holders of subordinated notes of the CLOs is presented within net income attributable to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses and other income (expense) during the reporting periods. Assumptions and estimates regarding the valuation of investments involve a high degree of judgment and complexity and may have a significant impact on net income. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements. Principles of Consolidation The Company consolidates those entities in which it has a direct or indirect controlling financial interest based on either a variable interest model (“VIEs”) or voting interest model (“VOE”). As such, the Company consolidates (i) entities in which it holds a majority voting interest or has majority ownership and control over the operational, financial and investing decisions of that entity and (ii) entities that the Company concludes are variable interest entities in which the Company has more than insignificant economic interest and power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities, and for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company determines whether an entity should be consolidated by first evaluating whether it holds a variable interest in the entity. Fees that are customary and commensurate with the level of services provided by the Company, and where the Company does not hold other economic interests in the entity that would absorb more than an insignificant amount of the expected losses or returns of the entity, would not be considered a variable interest. The Company factors in all economic interests, including proportionate interests through related parties, to determine if fees are considered a variable interest. As the Company’s interests in funds are primarily management fees, carried interest, incentive fees, and/or insignificant direct or indirect equity interests through related parties, the Company is not considered to have a variable interest in these entities. Entities that are not VIEs are further evaluated for consolidation under the voting interest model. Variable Interest Model The Company considers an entity to be a VIE if any of the following conditions exist: (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (ii) the holders of equity investment at risk, as a group, lack either the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions that have a significant effect on the success of the entity or the obligation to absorb the expected losses or right to receive the expected residual returns; or (iii) the voting rights of some equity investors are disproportionate to their obligation to absorb losses of the entity, their rights to receive returns from an entity, or both and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights. The Company consolidates all VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. The Company determines it is the primary beneficiary when it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a VIE and continuously reconsiders the conclusion. In evaluating whether the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company evaluates its direct and indirect economic interests in the entity. The consolidation analysis is generally performed qualitatively, however, if the primary beneficiary is not readily determinable, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. This analysis requires judgment. These judgments include: (i) determining whether the equity investment at risk is sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (ii) evaluating whether the equity holders, as a group, can make decisions that have a significant effect on the success of the entity; (iii) determining whether two or more parties’ equity interests should be aggregated; (iv) determining whether the equity investors have proportionate voting rights to their obligations to absorb losses or rights to receive returns from an entity; and (v) evaluating the nature of relationships and activities of the parties involved in determining which party within a related-party group is most closely associated with a VIE and hence would be deemed the primary beneficiary. Consolidated CLOs As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company consolidated 28 and 25 CLOs (“Consolidated CLOs”), respectively. The Company has determined that the fair value of the financial assets of the Consolidated CLOs, which are mostly Level II assets within the GAAP fair value hierarchy, are more observable than the fair value of the financial liabilities of its Consolidated CLOs, which are mostly Level III liabilities within the GAAP fair value hierarchy. As a result, the financial assets of Consolidated CLOs are measured at fair value and the financial liabilities of the Consolidated CLOs are measured in consolidation as: (i) the sum of the fair value of the financial assets, and the carrying value of any nonfinancial assets held temporarily, less (ii) the sum of the fair value of any beneficial interests retained by the Company (other than those that represent compensation for services), and the Company’s carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services. The resulting amount is allocated to the individual financial liabilities (other than the beneficial interests retained by the Company). The loan obligations issued by the CLOs are collateralized by diversified asset portfolios and by structured debt or equity. In exchange for managing the collateral for the CLOs, the Company typically earns a variety of management fees, including senior and subordinated management fees, and in some cases, contingent incentive fee income. Investors in the CLOs generally have no recourse against the Company for any losses sustained in the capital structure of each CLO. Fair Value Measurements GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring financial instruments at fair value into three levels based on their market price observability. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of instrument and the characteristics specific to the instrument. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices from an active market or for which fair value can be measured based on actively quoted prices generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment inherent in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified as follows: •Level I—Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. •Level II—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets; and model-derived valuations with directly or indirectly observable significant inputs. Level II inputs include prices in markets with few transactions, non-current prices, prices for which little public information exists or prices that vary substantially over time or among brokered market makers. Other inputs include interest rate, yield curve, volatility, prepayment risk, loss severity, credit risk and default rate. •Level III—Valuations that rely on one or more significant unobservable inputs. These inputs reflect the Company’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use to value the instrument based on the best information available. Management's determination of fair value includes various valuation techniques. These techniques may include market approach, recent transaction price, net asset value (“NAV”) approach, discounted cash flows, and may use one or more significant unobservable inputs such as EBITDA or revenue multiples, discount rates, weighted average cost of capital, exit multiples, terminal growth rates and other unobservable inputs. In some instances, an instrument may fall into more than one level of the fair value hierarchy. In such instances, the instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest of the three levels (with Level III being the lowest) that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of an input requires judgment and considers factors specific to the instrument. The Company accounts for the transfer of assets into or out of each fair value hierarchy level as of the beginning of the reporting period (see “Note 5. Fair Value” for further detail). Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents for the Company includes investments with maturities at purchase of less than three months, money market funds and demand deposits. Cash and cash equivalents held at Consolidated Funds represents cash that, although not legally restricted, is not available to support the general liquidity needs of the Company, as the use of such amounts is generally limited to the activities of the Consolidated Funds. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had cash balances with financial institutions in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits. The Company monitors the credit standing of these financial institutions. Investments held in trust account Investments held in trust account represents funds raised through the initial public offerings of our sponsored SPACs that are presented within Consolidated Funds. The funds raised are held in a trust account that is restricted for use and may only be used for purposes of completing an initial business combination or redemption of public shares as set forth in the trust agreement. The portfolio of investments for the SPACs is comprised of United States (“U.S.”) government securities or money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act that invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligation. The U.S. Treasury securities typically have original maturities of six months or less when purchased and are recorded at fair value. Interest income received on such investments is separately presented from the overall change in fair value and is recognized within interest and other income of Consolidated Funds within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Any remaining change in fair value of such investments, that is not recognized as interest income, is recognized within net realized and unrealized gains on investments of Consolidated Funds within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Investments The investments of the Consolidated Funds are reflected within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of net realized and unrealized gains on investments within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Certain investments are denominated in foreign currency and are translated into U.S. dollars at each reporting date. Equity Method Investments The Company accounts for its investments in which it has or is otherwise presumed to have significant influence, including investments in unconsolidated funds, strategic investments and carried interest, using the equity method of accounting. The carrying amounts of equity method investments are reflected in investments within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The carrying value of investments accounted for using equity method accounting is determined based on amounts invested by the Company, adjusted for the equity in earnings or losses of the investee allocated based on the respective partnership agreements, less distributions received. The Company evaluates the equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. Except for carried interest, the Company’s share of the investee’s income and expenses for the Company’s equity method investments is presented either within principal investment income or net realized and unrealized gains on investments within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Carried interest allocation is presented separately as a revenue line item within the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and the accrued carried interest is presented within investments within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. In addition, certain of the Company's equity method investments are reported at fair value. The fair value option has been elected to simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments. The fair value option election is irrevocable and is applied to financial instruments on an individual basis at initial recognition or at eligible remeasurement events. Changes in the fair value of such instruments with the fair value option elected are presented within net realized and unrealized gains on investments within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Derivative Instruments In the normal course of business, the Company and the Consolidated Funds are exposed to certain risks relating to their ongoing operations and use various types of derivative instruments primarily to mitigate against interest rate and foreign exchange risk. The derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments under the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. These derivative instruments include foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps, asset swaps and warrants. The Company reports each of its derivative instruments at fair value within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as either other assets or accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively. These amounts may be offset to the extent that there is a legal right to offset and if elected by management. Derivative instruments are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from pricing services or by the Company and the change in value, if any, is recorded as an unrealized gain (loss). Upon settlement of the instrument, the Company records any realized gain (loss). Changes in value are reflected within net realized and unrealized gains on investments within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Business Combinations The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, under which the purchase price of the acquisition, including the fair value of certain elements of contingent consideration, is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using the fair values determined by management as of the acquisition date. Contingent consideration obligations are recognized as of the acquisition date at fair value based on the probability that contingency will be realized. Any fair value of purchase consideration in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired less liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Conversely, any excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the purchase consideration is recognized as a bargain purchase gain. Critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets acquired include, but are not limited to, future expected cash inflows and outflows, future fundraising assumptions, expected useful life, discount rates and income tax rates. The acquisition method of accounting allows for a measurement period for up to one year after the acquisition date to make adjustments to the purchase price allocation as the Company obtains more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed. Acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible Assets The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets consists primarily of contractual rights to earn future management fees from the acquired management contracts. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from approximately 1.6 to 13.5 years. The purchase price of an acquired management contract is treated as an intangible asset and is amortized over the life of the contract. Amortization is included as part of general, administrative and other expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company tests finite-lived intangible assets for impairment if certain events occur or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates impairment by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the intangible asset being evaluated with its carrying amount. If an impairment is determined to exist by management, the Company accelerates amortization expense so that the carrying amount represents fair value. The Company estimates fair value using a discounted future cash flow methodology. The Company tests indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment. If, after assessing qualitative factors, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company will evaluate impairment quantitatively to determine and record the amount of impairment as the excess of the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value. The Company also tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment if certain events occur or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates relating to future cash flows, including the Company’s strategic plans with regard to the indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of its identifiable net assets. The Company tests goodwill annually for impairment. If, after assessing qualitative factors, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company will evaluate impairment quantitatively and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit over its fair value. The Company also tests goodwill for impairment in other periods if an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not to reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates relating to future cash flows, including the Company’s interpretation of current economic indicators and market valuations, and assumptions about the Company’s strategic plans with regard to its operations. Due to the uncertainties associated with such estimates, actual results could differ from such estimates. Fixed Assets Fixed assets, consisting of furniture, fixtures, computer hardware, equipment, internal-use software and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Fixed assets are presented within other assets within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Direct costs associated with developing, purchasing or otherwise acquiring software for internal use are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of the software, beginning when the software is ready for its intended purpose. Costs incurred for upgrades and enhancements that will not result in additional functionality are expensed as incurred. Fixed assets are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over an asset’s estimated useful life, with the corresponding depreciation and amortization expense presented within general, administrative and other expenses within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated useful life for leasehold improvements is the lesser of the lease term or the life of the asset, with a maximum of 10 years, while other fixed assets and internal-use software are generally depreciated between three and seven years. Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Leases The Company has entered into operating and finance leases for corporate offices and certain equipment and makes the determination if an arrangement constitutes a lease at inception. Operating leases are presented within right-of-use operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Finance lease assets are capitalized as a component of fixed assets and finance lease liabilities are presented within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are expensed as incurred and not capitalized within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Right-of-use operating lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company uses the implicit rate when readily determinable. The right-of-use operating lease asset also includes any lease prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the company will exercise that option. Lease expense is primarily recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Non-Controlling Interests The non-controlling interests in AOG entities represent a component of equity and net income attributable to the owners of the Ares Operating Group Units (“AOG Units”) that are not held directly or indirectly by the Company. These owners consist predominantly of Ares Owners Holdings L.P. but also include other strategic distribution partnerships with whom the Company has established joint ventures and other non-controlling strategic investors. Non-controlling interests in AOG entities are adjusted for contributions to and distributions from AOG during the reporting period and are allocated income from the AOG entities either based on their historical ownership percentage for the proportional number of days in the reporting period or based on the activity associated with certain membership interests. The non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds represents a component of equity and net income attributable to ownership interests that third parties hold in Consolidated Funds. Redeemable Interest Redeemable interest in AOG entities was established in connection with the SSG Acquisition as described in “Note 13. Equity and Redeemable Interest.” Redeemable interest in AOG entities was initially recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition within mezzanine equity within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Income (loss) is allocated based on the ownership percentage attributable to the redeemable interest. The Company determined that the redemption of the redeemable interest is probable as of the date of acquisition. At each balance sheet date, the carrying value of the redeemable interest is presented at the redemption amount, as defined in accordance with the terms of a contractual arrangement between the Company and the former owners of SSG, to the extent that the redemption amount exceeds the initial measurement on the date of acquisition. The Company recognizes changes in the redemption amount with corresponding adjustments against retained earnings, or additional paid-in-capital in the absence of retained earnings, within stockholders’ equity within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Redeemable interest in Consolidated Funds represent the Class A ordinary shares issued by each of the Company’s sponsored SPACs, as applicable. The Class A ordinary shares issued by our SPACs (the “Class A ordinary shares”) are redeemable for cash by the public shareholders in the event that they do not complete a business combination or tender offer associated with shareholder approval provisions. The Class A ordinary shareholders have redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the SPAC’s control. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company’s revenue is based on contracts with a determinable transaction price and distinct performance obligations with probable collectability. Revenues are not recognized until the performance obligation(s) are satisfied. Management Fees Management fees are generally based on a defined percentage of fair value of assets, total commitments, invested capital, NAV, NAV plus unfunded commitments, total assets or par value of the investment portfolios managed by the Company. Principally all management fees are earned from affiliated funds of the Company. The contractual terms of management fees vary by fund structure and investment strategy. Management fees are recognized as revenue in the period advisory services are rendered, subject to the Company’s assessment of collectability. Management fees also include a quarterly fee on the net investment income (“Part I Fees”) of Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC) (“ARCC”) , CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund (“CADC”) and Ares Strategic Income Fund (“ASIF”).
|  | Fee Rate |  | Fee Base |  | Hurdle rate
ARCC Part I Fees |  | 20.00% |  | Net investment income (before ARCC Part I Fees and ARCC Part II Fees) |  | Fixed hurdle rate of 1.75% per quarter, or 7.00% per annum. No fees are recognized until ARCC’s net investment income exceeds a 1.75% hurdle rate, with a catch-up provision to ensure that the Company receives 20.00% of the net investment income from the first dollar earned.
CADC Part I Fees |  | 15.00% |  | Net investment income (before CADC Part I Fees) |  | Fixed hurdle rate of 1.50% per quarter, or 6.00% per annum. No fees are recognized until CADC’s net investment income exceeds the hurdle rate, with a catch-up provision to ensure that the Company receives 15.00% of the net investment income from the first dollar earned.
ASIF Part I Fees |  | 12.50% |  | Net investment income (before ASIF Part I Fees and ASIF Part II Fees) |  | Fixed hurdle rate of 1.25% per quarter, or 5.00% per annum. No fees are recognized until ASIF’s net investment income exceeds a 1.25% hurdle rate, with a catch-up provision to ensure that the Company receives 12.50% of the net investment income from the first dollar earned.
Carried Interest Allocation In certain fund structures, carried interest is allocated to the Company based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels in accordance with the respective terms set out in each fund’s investment management agreement. At the end of each reporting period, a fund will allocate carried interest applicable to the Company based upon an assumed liquidation of that fund’s net assets on the reporting date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. Carried interest is recorded to the extent such amounts have been allocated, and may be subject to reversal to the extent that the amount allocated exceeds the amount due to the general partner or investment manager based on a fund’s cumulative investment returns. As the fair value of underlying assets varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as carried interest to reflect either: (i) positive performance resulting in an increase in the carried interest allocated to the Company; or (ii) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Company to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a reversal of previously recognized carried interest allocated to the Company. Accrued carried interest as of the reporting date is recorded within investments within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Carried interest is realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of, or upon the return of each limited partner’s capital plus a preferred return, and the fund’s cumulative returns are in excess of the specific hurdle rates as defined in the applicable investment management agreements or governing documents. Since carried interest is subject to reversal, the Company may need to accrue for potential repayment of previously received carried interest. This accrual represents all amounts previously distributed to the Company that would need to be repaid to the funds if the funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds’ investments as of the reporting date. The actual repayment obligations, however, generally does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life. The Company accounts for carried interest, which represents a performance-based capital allocation from an investment fund to the Company, as earnings from financial assets within the scope of ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The Company recognizes carried interest allocation as a separate revenue line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations with accrued carried interest as of the reporting date reported within investments within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Substantially all carried interest allocation is earned from affiliated funds of the Company. Incentive Fees Incentive fees earned on the performance of certain fund structures, typically in credit funds, certain real estate and secondaries funds, are recognized based on the fund’s performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels in accordance with the respective terms set out in each fund’s investment management agreement. Incentive fees are realized at the end of a measurement period, typically annually. Once realized, such fees are no longer subject to reversal. Principal Investment Income Principal investment income consists of interest and dividend income and net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from the equity method investments that the Company manages. Administrative, Transaction and Other Fees The Company earns other sources of revenue that are classified as administrative, transaction or other fees. These fees are recognized as revenue in the period in which the related services are rendered. Administrative fees represent fees that the Company earns for providing administrative services to certain funds. These fees may either reflect expense reimbursements for costs incurred by certain professionals in performing services for a fund or may be based on fixed percentage of a fund’s invested capital. Transaction fees are typically earned from the arrangement and origination of loans and are generated primarily from funds within the direct lending and infrastructure debt strategies. Other fees includes sales-based and asset-based fees from the Company’s non-traded vehicles and 1031 exchange programs. Other fees may include various property-related fees earned from certain real estate funds, such as acquisition, development and property management. Equity-Based Compensation The Company recognizes expense related to equity-based compensation for which it receives employee services in exchange for: (i) equity instruments of the Company; or (ii) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the Company’s equity instruments. Equity-based compensation expense represents expenses associated with restricted units and options granted under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”). Equity-based compensation expense for restricted units is determined based on the fair value of the respective equity award on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, with a corresponding increase in additional paid-in-capital. Grant date fair value of the restricted units is determined by the most recent closing price of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. The Company has granted certain performance-based restricted unit awards with market conditions. These awards generally have vesting conditions based upon the volume-weighted, average closing price of Class A common stock meeting or exceeding a stated price over a period of time, referred to as the market condition. Vesting is also generally subject to continued employment at the time such market condition is achieved. The grant date fair values of these awards are based on a probability distributed Monte-Carlo simulation. Due to the existence of the market condition, the vesting period for the awards is not explicit, and as such, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the median vesting period derived from the positive iterations of the Monte Carlo simulations where the market condition is achieved. The Company recognizes share-based award forfeitures in the period they occur as a reversal of previously recognized compensation expense. The reduction in compensation expense is determined based on the specific awards forfeited during that period. The Company records deferred tax assets or liabilities for equity compensation plan awards based on deductions for income tax purposes of equity-based compensation recognized at the statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which the Company is expected to receive a tax deduction. In addition, differences between the deferred tax assets recognized in accordance with GAAP and the actual tax deduction reported in the Company’s income tax returns are presented within income tax expense within the Consolidated Statements of Operations before taking into consideration the tax effects of the investment in AOG. Equity-based compensation expense is presented within compensation and benefits within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Performance Related Compensation The Company has agreed to pay to certain professionals a portion of the carried interest and incentive fees earned from certain funds, including income from Consolidated Funds that is eliminated in consolidation. Depending on the nature of each fund, carried interest and incentive fees may be structured as a fixed percentage subject to vesting based on continued employment or service (generally over a period of five to six years) or as an annual award that is fully vested for the particular year. Other limitations may apply to carried interest and incentive fees as set forth in the applicable governing documents of the fund or award documentation. Performance related compensation is recognized in the same period that the related carried interest and incentive fees are recognized. Performance related compensation can be reversed during periods when there is a reversal of carried interest that was previously recognized. Performance related compensation payable represents the amounts payable to professionals who are entitled to a proportionate share of carried interest in one or more funds and include the associated payroll related taxes. Performance related compensation payable also includes allocations to charitable organizations as part of the Company’s philanthropic initiatives. The liability is calculated based upon the changes to realized and unrealized carried interest but not payable until the carried interest itself is realized. Net Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Investments Realized gains (losses) occur when the Company redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Company receives cash income, such as dividends or distributions. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as from the reversal of previously recognized unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at the time an investment is realized. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are presented together as net realized and unrealized gains on investments within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Also, the Company’s share of the investee’s income and expenses for the Company’s equity method investments is presented within net realized and unrealized gains on investments. Interest and Dividend Income Interest, dividends and other investment income are included within interest and dividend income. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Dividends and other investment income are recorded when the right to receive payment is established. Foreign Currency The U.S. dollar is the Company’s functional currency; however, certain transactions of the Company may not be denominated in U.S. dollars. Income and expense and gain and loss transactions denominated in foreign currencies are generally translated into U.S. dollars monthly using the average exchange rates during the respective transaction period. Foreign exchange revaluation arising from these transactions is recognized within other income, net within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $9.1 million, $13.5 million and $4.8 million, respectively, in transaction losses related to foreign currencies revaluation. In addition, the consolidated results include certain foreign subsidiaries that use functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates as of the reporting date. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded to currency translation adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income. Income Taxes The Company elects to be taxed as a corporation and all earnings allocated to the Company are subject to U.S. corporate income taxes. A provision for corporate level income taxes imposed on unrealized gains and income items as well as taxes imposed on certain subsidiaries’ earnings is included in the consolidated tax provision. Also included in the consolidated tax provision are entity level income taxes incurred by certain Consolidated Funds. The portion of consolidated earnings not allocated to the Company flows through to owners of the AOG entities without being taxed at the corporate level. Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income, in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current and deferred tax liabilities are reported on a net basis and the deferred tax assets, net is presented within other assets within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company analyzes its tax filing positions in all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns for all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit recognized in the financial statements for a particular tax position is based on the largest benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits (“UTBs”) is adjusted as appropriate for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to existing tax law, new regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, new information obtained during a tax examination, or resolution of an examination. Both accrued interest and penalties related to UTBs, when incurred, are presented within general, administrative and other expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties under GAAP. The Company reviews its tax positions quarterly and adjusts its tax balances as new legislation is passed or new information becomes available. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock is computed by dividing income available to Class A and non-voting common stockholders by the weighted-average number shares of Class A and non-voting common stock outstanding during the period. Income available to Ares Management Corporation represents net income attributable to Class A and non-voting common stockholders. Basic earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock is computed by using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation method under which earnings per share is calculated for shares of Class A and non-voting common stock and participating securities considering both dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings as if all such earnings had been distributed during the period. Because the holders of unvested restricted units have the right to participate in dividends when declared, the unvested restricted units are considered participating securities to the extent they are expected to vest. Diluted earnings per share of Class A and non-voting common stock is computed by dividing income available to Class A and non-voting common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A and non-voting common stock outstanding during the period, increased to include the number of additional shares of Class A common stock that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive securities had been issued. Potentially dilutive securities include outstanding options to acquire shares of Class A common stock, unvested restricted units and AOG Units exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock. The effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per share of Class A and non- voting common stock using the more dilutive result of the treasury stock method or the two-class method. The treasury stock method is used to determine potentially dilutive securities resulting from options and unvested restricted units granted under the Equity Incentive Plan. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other appreciation (depreciation) affecting stockholders’ equity that, under GAAP, has been excluded from net income. The Company’s other comprehensive income includes foreign currency translation adjustments. 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 consolidated financial statements. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items to reconcile to segment profit or loss, and the title and position of the Company’s CODM. The amendments in this update also expand the interim segment disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-07 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 15, 2024 and for the Company’s interim periods beginning with the first quarter ended 2025. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update are required to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 requires disclosure of disaggregated income taxes paid in both U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, prescribes standard categories for the components of the effective tax rate reconciliation and modifies other income tax-related disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update should be applied on a prospective basis, though retrospective adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

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