Becker Business Podcast: "KKR Doesn’t Disappoint 9-11-25"

Host: Scott Becker
Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise episode, Scott Becker offers a snapshot of KKR's performance in the private equity world, comparing it to other major players such as The Carlyle Group, Apollo, and Blackstone. Key takeaways include reflections on KKR's long-term value, recent returns, and the enduring wisdom of trusting established financial leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

KKR’s Performance in 2025

• Scott Becker discusses KKR’s performance relative to other private equity giants.
  • “KKR is not performing nearly as well this year as Carlyle Group, which is leading all the private equity big asset managers. It's up about 25% year to date. However, KKR is still up almost 300% over the last five years, more than 300% of the last five years.” (00:31)
• KKR is slightly down on the day of recording, but Becker emphasizes its overall success.

Comparison with Other Private Equity Firms

• Carlyle Group: “Leading all the private equity big asset managers. It's up about 25% year to date.” (00:38)
• Blackstone: Performing similarly to KKR in the current year.
• Apollo: Trailing KKR’s long-term performance.

KKR’s Legacy and Status

• Becker refers to KKR as “the OG of the private equity business” and reinforces its foundational role and ongoing influence.
  • “KKR sort of the original, the OG of the private equity business. And I guess the lesson is you don't bet against kkr. It's still performing tremendously...” (00:47)
• The underlying message: don’t underestimate industry veterans.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On KKR’s enduring success:
  “Even though it's down a little bit today, KKR sort of the original, the, the OG of the private equity business. And I guess the lesson is you don't bet against KKR.” — Scott Becker (00:45)
• On industry comparison:
  “Still performing tremendously better than a Powell Group this year. About the same as Blackstone, not as well as Carlyle Group. But in the big scheme of things, I think the answer is don't bet against KKR. Just really bright people. Still at it. Still impressive.” — Scott Becker (00:54)

Additional Notes

• Scott Becker briefly celebrates the podcast’s ranking:
  “Thank you for listening to the Becker Business Podcast and the Becker Private Equity Podcast ranked number one this week in the Apple Business News Podcast rankings.” (01:10)
• He previews an upcoming live recording in Charlotte at the McGuire Woods Healthcare Growth and Operations Conference.

Timestamps for Highlights

• 00:31: Start of KKR performance analysis.
• 00:38: Carlyle Group's standout performance.
• 00:45: KKR as the "OG" and lesson not to bet against them.
• 00:54: Comparisons across industry players.
• 01:10: Podcast’s Apple Business News ranking noted.

Tone and Language

• Scott Becker speaks with admiration for established private equity firms, particularly KKR.
• The tone is both informative and conversational, reflecting Becker’s confidence in KKR’s continued relevance and superiority over the long run.

This episode offers a succinct, insightful comparison of leading private equity firms, highlighting the wisdom in trusting well-established industry leaders like KKR.