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Andrew.Wilson


KKR & Co. Surges Past $1 Billion in Fee-Related Earnings

2024-10-27

KKR & Co.'s third-quarter 2024 earnings call offered a deep dive into the company's financial standing and strategic direction. Key figures like Craig Larson, Rob Lewin, and Scott Nuttall shared pivotal insights, cautionary notes, and financial metrics during the discussion.

The call underscored a significant milestone for KKR & Co. as its fee-related earnings surged past $1 billion for the first time, reflecting remarkable growth in ANI per share. The company also highlighted positive momentum in operating metrics, with enhanced investment performance and increased capital raising, illustrating the ability of its business model to deliver exceptional financial outcomes for shareholders.

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However, participants emphasized the importance of exercising caution as forward-looking statements do not assure future performance, advising stakeholders to refer to the company's earnings release and SEC filings for a comprehensive view.

Financial metrics took center stage, with KKR & Co. witnessing an 11% rise in gross unrealized carried interest balance from the previous quarter and a substantial 42% increase compared to the same period last year. The per-share value of holdings in Q3 stood at $1.47, accompanied by a 5% uptick in management fees since Q2 and an impressive 18% surge year-over-year.

Capital Markets revenues for the quarter amounted to $424 million, primarily fueled by heightened investment activity. Total transaction and monitoring fees hit $467 million, with Capital Markets fees contributing $424 million to the total. Fee-related revenues soared to $1.4 billion, marking a robust increase of over 50% compared to the third quarter of 2023.

The company's strategic holdings delivered positive operating earnings in Q3, setting the stage for sustained growth ahead. Total investing earnings post-compensation reached $318 million, while adjusted net income and earnings per share exhibited a notable rise from the previous year.

KKR & Co. spotlighted substantial investment prospects in key areas such as infrastructure, credit, and Asia, underscoring its strategic emphasis on expansion and diversification. Notably, the company's Global Infra business witnessed remarkable growth over the past five years, with AUM scaling from $13 billion to $77 billion solely through organic means.

Furthermore, the discussion touched upon KKR & Co.'s footprint in Japan, where a workforce of over 200 individuals in Tokyo actively sources and originates investment opportunities. With $25 billion of AUM spanning all strategies in Japan, the company reaffirmed its dedication to the region.

In conclusion, KKR & Co.'s third-quarter 2024 earnings call painted a comprehensive picture of the company's financial performance, strategic endeavors, and growth avenues across diverse regions and investment verticals. Investors and stakeholders gleaned valuable insights into the firm's robust performance and future prospects in the ever-evolving business landscape.