Morgan Stanley analyst Michael Cyprys said he sees an opportunity for Alternative Asset Managers to unlock value by converting to C-corps, as shifting from a partnership structure could help alleviate some tax reporting complexities and expand the universe of eligible investors. He sees Ares Management (ARES) as possibly the first to convert and expects a potential announcement or indications of management's intentions about a conversion when the company reports earnings on February 15. While Ares may be first, Cyprys sees Apollo Global (APO) as potentially being able to unlock the most value from a conversion, with 26% near-term upside possible if the shares re-rate. He sees a less favorable conversion scenario for asset managers with lower taxes and/or greater exposure to performance fees, including KKR (KKR), Carlyle Group (CG) and Blackstone (BX), Cyprys tells investors.

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists. 1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists. 1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.  HIGHER - Paramount (PARA)... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

TD Cowen lowered the firm's price target on Blackstone to $114 from $117 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares. The firm reduced their estimates to reflect slower realizations and lower NII.

Sony Pictures (SONY) and Apollo Global (APO) have been in talks over partnering for a joint offer to buy Paramount (PARA), the New York Times' Benjamin Mullin and Lauren Hirsch report, citing two people familiar with the matter. The two companies have not submitted an official bid, as the CBS parent is still in exclusive discussions with Skydance over a potential deal, the authors say, noting the potential Skydance pact has drawn significant pushback from shareholders. Reference Link

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists. 1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists. 1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Notable companies reporting before tomorrow's open, with earnings consensus, include Blackstone (BX), consensus 96c... Elevance Health (ELV), consensus $10.53... D.R. Horton (DHI), consensus $3.06... Genuine Parts (GPC), consensus $2.16... Snap-on (SNA), consensus $4.64... Keycorp (KEY), consensus 22c... Ally Financial (ALLY), consensus 33c... Alaska Air (ALK), consensus ($1.05).