Investment Landscape - The appetite for investment in the Gulf region has significantly increased, characterized as an "explosion" in interest over the past decades [1][4] - KKR has transitioned from raising funds to actively investing in the region, with a notable presence in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh [5][7] - KKR's assets under management have grown from $83 billion to over $725 billion in 12.5 years, with $110 billion in dry powder available for investment [7] Geopolitical Dynamics - The global investment landscape is being reshaped by new strategic alignments among Gulf States, balancing ties between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow [8] - The shift from benign globalization to a multipolar world has led to increased geopolitical tensions, affecting trade and investment flows [9][11] - Geopolitical factors are now integral to the investment diligence process, influencing decisions across various markets [13][14] Artificial Intelligence and Technology - AI is expected to have a massive impact on the global order, with significant investments in AI enablers such as data centers and chip manufacturing [15][16] - The U.S. is currently leading in AI and chip technology, but China is advancing rapidly in application development [17][18] - AI is transforming industries and military operations, with implications for future warfare and defense strategies [21][22] Military and Defense - The future of warfare is increasingly reliant on unmanned systems and algorithmic piloting, necessitating a shift in military capabilities [40][41] - The U.S. must adapt its military strategy to reflect lessons learned from conflicts like Ukraine, focusing on innovation and rapid deployment of new technologies [36][39] - The ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the need for robust security guarantees and financial support for Ukraine to counter Russian aggression [50][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported approximately $8.3 billion in revenue, exceeding guidance by roughly $800 million, with core operating income at $519 million and a core operating margin of 6.3%, a 50 basis point improvement year-over-year [8][9] - GAAP operating income totaled $337 million, with diluted earnings per share at $1.99 and core diluted earnings per share at $3.29 [8][9] - Full-year adjusted free cash flow was over $1.3 billion, with a healthy balance sheet showing a debt-to-core EBITDA ratio of 1.3 times and cash balances of approximately $1.9 billion [11][12] Segment Performance Changes - Regulated Industries revenue was $3.1 billion, with a year-over-year increase of approximately 3% and a core operating margin of 6.5% [9] - Intelligent Infrastructure revenue reached $3.7 billion, driven by strong demand in cloud and data center, with a core operating margin of 5.9% [9][10] - Connected Living and Digital Commerce revenue totaled $1.4 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decline of approximately 14%, but with a core operating margin of 6.6%, up 210 basis points year-over-year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates Regulated Industries revenue for Q1 FY26 to be $3.05 billion, up 3% year-on-year, while Intelligent Infrastructure is expected to grow approximately 47% year-on-year to $3.67 billion [13][14] - Connected Living and Digital Commerce revenue is expected to decline by 16% year-on-year to $1.29 billion, reflecting a strategic shift towards higher-margin opportunities [13][14] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on system-level integration in Intelligent Infrastructure, leveraging AI-related growth across capital equipment, cloud, and data center markets [21][49] - In Regulated Industries, the strategy includes supporting automotive and healthcare sectors while navigating regulatory changes and market dynamics [16][48] - The Connected Living segment is transitioning away from lower-margin consumer products towards advanced technologies in automation and robotics [30][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about long-term growth in healthcare and AI-related sectors, despite short-term challenges in automotive and renewables [46][48] - The company expects overall revenue growth of approximately 5% for FY26, with core operating margins expanding to around 5.6% [55][56] - The focus remains on maintaining a strong balance sheet while returning about 80% of free cash flow to shareholders [56][58] Other Important Information - The company completed a $1 billion share repurchase authorization and has a new $1 billion program authorized for FY26 [12] - The anticipated new facility in North Carolina is set to come online in summer 2026, aimed at enhancing AI rack manufacturing capabilities [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth areas in AI - The company expects 25% year-on-year growth in AI revenue, with significant growth in cloud and data center infrastructure, particularly in electrical switch gear [62][64] Question: Healthcare growth outlook - The company anticipates low to mid-single-digit growth in healthcare, driven by drug delivery systems and new business opportunities, despite delays in the Croatia facility impacting margins [63]