Ares Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Proxy filing summary

Executive summary

• Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled for May 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET, to be held virtually.

• Shareholders are encouraged to review proxy materials and vote by May 26, 2026.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Election of William S. Benjamin and Caroline E. Blakely as Class II Directors to serve until the 2029 Annual Meeting.

• Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.

• Advisory vote to approve executive compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

• Proxies may vote on other matters that arise during the meeting or any adjournment.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• Board recommends voting in favor of all proposals, including director nominees and auditor ratification.