Ares Management Corp (NYSE:ARES) is considered one of the best NYSE stocks to buy for the long term. CEO Michael Arougheti highlighted record Q4 capital deployment of $46 billion, a 20% dividend increase, and assets under management reaching $600 billion in five years at the Bank of America Financial Services Conference.

Ares Management Corp is focusing on deepening its exposure to the AI space by expanding in private credit, digital infrastructure, and real estate, while integrating AI to boost efficiency. The company reported Q4 2025 EPS of $1.45 and revenue of $1.5 billion, falling short of analyst forecasts.

Despite missing analyst estimates, Ares Management Corp saw strong growth in management fees, jumping 27% YoY. The firm also surpassed $100 billion in fundraising, pushing assets under management above $600 billion. Raymond James upgraded ARES stock to a Strong Buy with a $157 price target based on the company’s robust outlook.

Raymond James believes Ares Management has predictable growth potential, with over $100 billion of its assets under management not yet earning fees. The firm noted Ares Management’s 4.1% common dividend yield as a further investment case for ARES stock. Ares Management Corp is a global alternative investment manager with nearly $623 billion of assets under management.

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Read more at Yahoo Finance: Ares Management Corp (ARES) Deepening Exposure to the AI Space