New York, Feb 4, 2026, 19:59 EST — After-hours
- KKR shares climbed roughly 1.4% after hours, with investors now eyeing Thursday’s earnings report
- The company landed a major Asia data-center contract with Singtel, capitalizing on the surge in AI-driven infrastructure needs
- Separately, sources told Reuters that KKR is prepping a possible IPO for beauty company Wella
Shares of KKR & Co climbed 1.4% in after-hours trading Wednesday, reaching $104.77 following a $103.31 close during the regular session.
Timing is key. KKR will release its quarterly results before the New York Stock Exchange opens on Thursday. Investors want to see if dealmaking and fundraising momentum are staying strong heading into 2026.
KKR’s move into AI-related assets gains new momentum, tapping into the rush for data centres, reliable power sources, and long-term contracted cash flows — areas investors tend to value differently from standard buyouts.
Late Tuesday, a consortium led by KKR and Singapore Telecommunications agreed to shell out S$6.6 billion ($5.2 billion) in cash for the remaining 82% stake in ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. The deal values the company at an enterprise value of S$13.8 billion. After the deal closes, expected in early H2 2026 pending regulatory approval, KKR and Singtel will own 75% and 25%, respectively.
Phillip Securities Research head Paul Chew described the deal as “a funnel for growth.” Maybank Securities Singapore analyst Hussaini Saifee added that Singtel has “a right to play” in the data centre space, citing its strong operational history. Reuters
KKR executive David Luboff described digital infrastructure as “one of the most compelling long-term investment themes globally.” He called the deal a “rare opportunity” to support a scaled platform. Reuters
The data-centre shift coincides with another KKR portfolio firm heading toward a public offering. KKR is gearing up to take OPI nail polish owner Wella Company public in the U.S., possibly as soon as this year, according to sources familiar with the plans. The IPO could value the firm well above the $4.3 billion KKR originally paid, they said.
Traders will watch Thursday’s results closely, digging beyond just the quarterly numbers. Attention will focus on fundraising progress, portfolio asset sales, and fee-related earnings — a key gauge of recurring management fees at alternative asset managers. Any hints on demand for private credit and infrastructure will also be scrutinized.
There’s a catch for the tape. The STT GDC deal still requires approvals and relies partly on debt financing. Plus, data centre economics can shift fast if power limits tighten or if leasing demand slips following a surge in AI spending.
Coming soon: KKR’s Q4 earnings and remarks from management during the conference call set for Feb. 5 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
