Advertisement
APO vs ARES
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Apollo Global Management (APO) vs. Ares Management (ARES) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- APO operates at far greater scale, with assets under management (AUM) surpassing $1 trillion, while ARES manages roughly $671 billion.
- Both companies delivered record fee-related earnings and fundraising in recent quarters, reflecting sustained demand for private credit.
- ARES has shown stronger relative momentum in recent months, though both stocks trade well below their 52-week highs.
- Apollo is more diversified across credit and retirement services; Ares is more concentrated in direct lending and credit strategies.
- Analyst consensus is "Buy" for both names, with average price targets implying meaningful upside from current levels.
- Rising interest rates and AI-driven credit disruption represent shared near-term risks for both firms.
Introduction
Apollo Global Management and Ares Management are two of the largest publicly traded alternative asset managers, both deeply exposed to the fast-growing private credit market. Investors comparing these names are typically weighing scale and diversification against focus and momentum. Apollo's platform spans credit, private equity, and a large retirement services business, while Ares is best known as a leading direct lender. This stock comparison examines how the two firms differ in business model, recent relative performance, and market positioning, offering a framework for traders and long-term investors evaluating which profile better fits the current environment.
APO Overview and Recent Performance
APO, or Apollo Global Management, is a global alternative asset manager with a dual structure: an asset management segment and a large retirement services business (Athene). In recent quarters, Apollo crossed a significant milestone, reporting total AUM of approximately $1.03 trillion, alongside record fee-related earnings (FRE) of $728 million in its first quarter. Origination volumes have remained strong, driven by investment-grade private credit, capital solutions fees, and financing tied to infrastructure and data centers.
Despite solid fundamentals, APO shares have been volatile in recent weeks, trading closer to the lower end of their 52-week range. Sentiment has been shaped by broader concerns about rising rates, which can pressure deal activity and monetizations, as well as headlines around private credit scrutiny. Still, Apollo's scale, record capital formation, and aggressive share repurchases continue to support a constructive long-term narrative.
ARES Overview and Recent Performance
ARES, or Ares Management, is a leading global alternative investment manager with a heavy emphasis on credit, complemented by real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. The firm reported record second-quarter fundraising of more than $36 billion, lifting AUM to about $671 billion and fee-paying AUM to roughly $410 billion. Ares also holds a record $170 billion in uninvested capital, or "dry powder," positioning it to deploy capital across a large forward pipeline.
On a relative basis, ARES has outperformed its peer group over recent months, though it remains down year-to-date amid broader private credit concerns and an uptick in underperforming investments at its business development company (BDC). Strong institutional fundraising, widening credit spreads, and disciplined underwriting have supported the stock, while questions around AI-related disruption in software lending remain a key watch item.
Trending AI Robots
For traders seeking a data-driven edge, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a select group of algorithmic trading bots from a much larger library. Tickeron offers hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and target universe. Because not every bot suits every market regime, only those demonstrating the strongest, most relevant performance characteristics earn a place in the Trending AI Robots section. This curated approach helps traders identify automated strategies aligned with current conditions, whether they are monitoring names like APO and ARES or scanning the broader market. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to review the latest top-performing bots.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The most striking contrast between the two firms is scale and diversification. Apollo's $1 trillion-plus AUM and its Athene retirement services engine create a broader, more fee-diversified earnings base. Ares, at roughly $671 billion in AUM, is smaller but more concentrated in credit, where it holds a reputation as a premier direct lender. This focus can amplify returns when credit spreads widen, but it also concentrates exposure to default cycles.
On growth drivers, Apollo emphasizes investment-grade private credit, capital solutions, and infrastructure financing, while Ares leans on record fundraising and a large dry-powder base to deploy into direct lending and real assets. From a momentum standpoint, ARES has recently shown firmer relative strength, whereas APO has traded more defensively near its range lows. Both face shared risks: rising rates, private credit valuation scrutiny, and AI-driven credit disruption, particularly in software-heavy portfolios.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward ARES in the current environment. Ares has demonstrated more consistent recent momentum, record fundraising, and a substantial forward pipeline, which tend to correlate with favorable short-to-medium-term trend signals. Apollo's scale and diversification remain compelling, but its weaker near-term price behavior may keep it in a less favorable position from a pure momentum and trend-following standpoint. This is a probabilistic assessment of current market conditions rather than a definitive forecast, and relative positioning can shift as new data emerges.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is APO is a Hold and ARES is a StrongBuy.
APO's Indicator enters downward trend
The Aroon Indicator for APO entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor identified a pattern where the AroonDown red line was above 70 while the AroonUp green line was below 30 for three straight days. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. A.I.dvisor looked at 146 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator formed such a pattern. In 116 of the 146 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on APO as a result. In 50 of 87 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for APO turned negative on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 57%.
The 10-day moving average for APO crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 7 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 54%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where APO declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where APO's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 23 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +0.67% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where APO advanced for three days, in 247 of 347 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
APO may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 7 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 71 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. APO’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 84 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.350) is normal, around the industry mean (2.389). P/E Ratio (39.162) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-4.339). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.446) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.062) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 88 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
ARES's RSI Indicator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for ARES moved out of oversold territory on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 20 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 16 of the 20 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 35 of 50 cases where ARES's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ARES as a result. In 75 of 98 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ARES just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where ARES's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
Following a +3.55% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ARES advanced for three days, in 256 of 336 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
ARES may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for ARES crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 17, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ARES declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator for ARES entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. ARES’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 80 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 91 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: ARES's P/B Ratio (10.546) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.389). P/E Ratio (53.344) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-4.339). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.879) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.046) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.623) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 95 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
APO | ARES | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 62 | 30 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 84 Overvalued | 91 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 56 | 66 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 88 | 95 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 71 | 59 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 7 | 80 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
APO's Valuation (84) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as ARES (91). This means that APO’s stock grew similarly to ARES’s over the last 12 months.
APO's Profit vs Risk Rating (56) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as ARES (66). This means that APO’s stock grew similarly to ARES’s over the last 12 months.
APO's SMR Rating (88) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as ARES (95). This means that APO’s stock grew similarly to ARES’s over the last 12 months.
ARES's Price Growth Rating (59) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as APO (71). This means that ARES’s stock grew similarly to APO’s over the last 12 months.
APO's P/E Growth Rating (7) in the Investment Managers industry is significantly better than the same rating for ARES (80). This means that APO’s stock grew significantly faster than ARES’s over the last 12 months.
| APO | ARES | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 88% | 1 day ago 80% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 77% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 74% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 76% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 76% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 69% | 8 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 65% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
APO’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while ARES’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- APO’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- ARES’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
APO’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ARES’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- APO’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- ARES’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
APO (@Investment Managers) experienced а -4.35% price change this week, while ARES (@Investment Managers) price change was +4.02% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was +0.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.43%, and the average quarterly price growth was -1.06%.
Reported Earning Dates
APO is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
ARES is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (+0.29% weekly)Investment Managers manage financial assets and other investments of clients. Management includes designing a short- or long-term strategy for buying/holding and selling of portfolio holdings. It can also include tax services and other aspects of financial planning as well. While it is perceived that the industry is faced with growing competition from robo-advisors/digital platforms and passive/ index-tracking funds, many investors still find value in actively managed in-person services that investment management companies often emphasize on. At the same time, many wealth managers are also incorporating digital initiatives/low cost options in addition to their in-person customized services. Their main sources of revenues are fees as a percentage of assets under management, in addition to a certain portion of clients’ gains from asset appreciation. BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Group Inc and Brookfield Asset Management are some of the major investment management companies.
Advertisement
APO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, APO has been closely correlated with KKR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 81% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if APO jumps, then KKR could also see price increases.