📈 Blackstone surprises with profit but warns of tariffs!
The world's largest alternative investment manager Blackstone $BX beat Q1 earnings expectations as it reported a year-over-year increase in distributable earnings of 11 % to $1.09 per share. The strong numbers were mainly supported by the private equity and credit segments. However,the CEO is feeling the strain in the markets.

💬 Stephen Schwarzman (CEO):
"The uncertainty around tariffs is dramatically changing investor sentiment. We need a quick solution or we risk slowing the entire economy."

While not long ago there was hope for deregulation and economic growth after the election, the administration's current unpredictable trade actions Donald Trump's are raising fears of a recession.

📊 Key Figures:
Distributable earnings: $1.41 billion ($1.27 billion last year)

EPS: $1.09 (expected $1.05)

Assets under management (AUM): $1.17 trillion, +10% q/q

Q1 capital inflows: $61.6 billion, half of which went into loans and insurance

Private equity: +13% distributable profit (USD 564.6mn)

Real estate division: AUM -6%, the drag down so far

💰 Blackstone still has a huge cash package of 177 billion USD. The firm is taking advantage of increased risk aversion and making deals where others are waiting. The influx of funds into the private debt segment confirms the trend of companies seeking more flexible and less regulated financing outside of traditional banks.

📉 Blackstoneshares are down more than - 25 %, similar to its competitor, Apollo Global $APO - 24 % and KKR $KKR - 31 %

This shows that the entire alternative asset sector is under pressure, although the performance of some players suggests resilience.

What is your view on these investment companies?