KKR Reports Nearly 20% Q1 Profit Increase, $116 Billion Capital Ready, Sees Mild Impact from Trump’s Tariffs

KKR & Co., a global investment firm, reported a nearly 20% increase in first-quarter profit, driven by strong fee income, despite facing market volatility and ongoing tariff tensions. The company has $116 billion of capital ready to deploy, viewing current market conditions as an opportunity. However, some reports indicate KKR experienced its first quarterly loss since 2022, reflecting mixed financial results. KKR executives have downplayed the immediate impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, anticipating only a mild effect on their portfolio companies. Following the earnings announcement, KKR's shares rose as the firm surpassed earnings estimates and maintained a cautious outlook on tariff-related risks.