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.
