KKR is preparing to invest $116bn in fresh capital amid rising market volatility, after reporting a strong first-quarter performance marked by robust earnings and growing assets under management.

The firm posted a 20% increase in adjusted net income, reaching $1.03bn for the quarter ended 31 March. Fee-related earnings rose 23% to $822.6m, underscoring the stability of its business model during market dislocation. KKR’s total AUM climbed to $664bn, supported by $31bn in capital raised.

Co-CEO Scott Nuttall said the company is eyeing asset sales in Europe and Asia, regions that have been less impacted by US-driven tariff turbulence. With firms likely to seek debt capital in a choppy equity environment, KKR also stands to benefit through its credit platform.

“The opportunity is immense,” Nuttall said, pointing to further product launches aimed at retail investors. Earlier this week, KKR and Capital Group introduced two low-fee funds tailored to retail clients, with plans to roll out additional offerings in private equity, real estate, and infrastructure.

Despite a 23% decline in its share price this year, KKR continues to outperform in relative terms, with rivals Blackstone, Apollo, and Carlyle posting similar drops.

The results highlight the structural advantages of scale, diversification, and credit capabilities among large private equity players navigating today’s volatile markets.

Source: Economic Times