Form 4: Ares Management CEO Sells $45M in Stock

Ares Management Corp's Co-Founder and CEO, Michael J. Arougheti, sold approximately $45.4 million worth of Class A Common Stock through a pre-arranged 10b5-1 trading plan.

Summary

• Michael J. Arougheti, Co-Founder and CEO of Ares Management Corp, sold a total of 299,003 shares of Class A Common Stock.
• The sales occurred on November 24, 2025, and November 25, 2025.
• The shares were sold at weighted average prices ranging from $150.15 to $153.29 per share.
• The total value of the shares sold is approximately $45.4 million.
• These transactions were executed under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted on December 13, 2024.
• Following these transactions, Mr. Arougheti indirectly beneficially owns 290,997 shares through Atticus Enterprises LLC.
• He also directly holds 1,400,000 restricted units, which represent the right to receive Class A Common Stock upon vesting.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly negative. While insider selling can sometimes be viewed negatively, the fact that it was conducted under a pre-arranged 10b5-1 plan mitigates immediate concerns, suggesting a planned liquidity event rather than a reaction to new negative information. However, the significant value of shares sold might still raise questions for some investors.

Negatives

• A significant sale of approximately $45.4 million in Class A Common Stock by a key executive, Michael J. Arougheti, could be perceived negatively by some investors, despite being pre-planned.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: May interpret the significant insider sale as a signal, potentially leading to short-term price volatility, although the 10b5-1 plan mitigates the negative perception.

Key Dates

Recommendation

While a significant insider sale by the CEO could typically be a 'sell' signal, the execution under a pre-arranged 10b5-1 plan adopted well in advance (December 2024 for November 2025 transactions) suggests a planned liquidity event rather than a reaction to new, undisclosed negative information. Therefore, it does not immediately warrant a 'sell' recommendation based solely on this filing. Investors should 'hold' and monitor future company performance and other insider activity, as this transaction alone does not fundamentally alter the investment thesis for Ares Management.

Keywords

Ares Management, ARES, Michael J. Arougheti, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Sale, 10b5-1 Plan, CEO Stock Sale, Equity Transaction