Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) has recently garnered attention following a bullish endorsement from Raymond James, with analyst Wilma Burdis issuing a “Strong Buy” rating on February 9, 2026. Coupled with a price target increase to $157, this endorsement signals a potential upside from ARES’s current trading price of $137.25, which has piqued the interest of investors looking for growth opportunities in the asset management sector.
Recent Price Action
In the past week, ARES’s stock price has demonstrated notable momentum, closing at $137.25 with a commendable gain of 5.2%, or $6.79. Despite this encouraging trend, the stock has a considerable distance to cover before it reaches its 52-week high of $166.96, reflecting a decline of about 29.7%. The stock’s fluctuations have not gone unnoticed, with recent trading volume reaching 3.81 million shares, surpassing the 3-month average volume of 3.42 million shares, indicating heightened investor interest and engagement. With a market capitalization of approximately $45 billion and a beta of 1.54, ARES showcases exposure to market volatility, making it a stock of interest in these uncertain times.
Historical Performance
Taking stock of ARES’s historical performance reveals a mixed trajectory. Over the past 30 days, the company has faced challenges with a monthly decline of 3.17%. However, the stock rebounded strongly in the last quarter with a gain of 15.01%. Over the past year, it encountered headwinds, registering a year-to-date decrease of 13.17%. This broader context reflects the stock’s volatility, with a weekly volatility rate of 2.99% and a monthly volatility of 2.76%. Average trading volumes have also fluctuated, with recent averages indicating increased trading activity, which could reflect changing investor sentiment.
Earnings Analysis
Ares Management recently reported impressive earnings, posting an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.19 for the quarter ended November 3, 2025, exceeding the estimated EPS of $1.15. The 3.48% positive surprise marks a robust return compared to the previous quarter, where the company reported an EPS of $1.03 against an estimate of $1.08, reflecting a negative surprise of about -4.63%. This consistent performance at or above estimates indicates strong operational execution, enhancing investor confidence.
Analyst / Consensus View
With a total of 11 ratings on ARES in the past 90 days, consensus sentiment is decidedly bullish. Of these ratings, 9 are categorized as “Buy,” while 2 hold a “Hold” rating, with no analysts recommending “Sell.” The average price target has also been set at $191, suggesting substantial room for growth from its current price. Notably, the highest price projection stands at $222, underscoring strong bullish sentiment, while the lowest target is $155, still above the current trading price.
Stock Grading or Fundamental View
In assessing Ares Management’s overall investment profile, the Stocks Telegraph grading score places ARES at 62 out of 100. This score reflects solid fundamentals and a favorable outlook based on underlying financial metrics and market analysis. The score suggests that ARES is positioned relatively well in comparison to its peers, showcasing operational effectiveness and growth potential.
Conclusion
For investors seeking exposure to asset management with a solid growth outlook, Ares Management Corporation presents a compelling case. The recent “Strong Buy” rating from Raymond James, coupled with its robust earnings surprise, indicates a company poised for potential upside. However, investors should remain aware of its market volatility and mixed short-term performance, as these factors present inherent risks. Overall, ARES is well-suited for long-term growth investors looking for a strong entry point, particularly given its promising analyst sentiment and attractive price targets.