BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK):

FINANCIAL RESULTS

    Q1     Q1         Q4    
(in millions, except per share data)     2017       2016    

 

Change

    2016  

 

 

Change

AUM $   5,420,477 $   4,737,165 14 % $   5,147,852 5 %
Total net flows $ 64,599 $ 27,829 $ 98,050

GAAP basis:

Revenue $ 2,824 $ 2,624 8 % $ 2,890 (2 )%
Operating income $ 1,147 $ 963 19 % $ 1,225 (6 )%
Operating margin 40.6 % 36.7 %

390

 bps

42.4 %

(180

) bps

Net income(1) $ 862 $ 657 31 % $ 851 1 %
Diluted EPS $ 5.23 $ 3.92 33 % $ 5.13 2 %
Weighted average diluted shares 164.9 167.4 (1 )% 165.9 (1 )%

As adjusted:

Operating income(2) $ 1,151 $ 1,047 10 % $ 1,232 (7 )%
Operating margin(2) 42.6 % 41.6 % 100

 bps

44.4 % (180

) bps

Net income(1) (2) $ 865 $ 711 22 % $ 852 2 %
Diluted EPS(2)     $   5.25       $   4.25       24 %     $   5.14       2 %
(1)   Net income represents net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc.
(2)

See notes (1) through (3) to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Supplemental Information for more information on as adjusted items and the reconciliation to GAAP.

BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

“BlackRock’s first quarter results reflect the strategic decisions we have made to complement our investment capabilities with industry-leading technology,” commented Laurence D. Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock. “Over the last 29 years, we’ve kept our focus on the long-term, anticipating changes in the asset management ecosystem and consistently investing in our business, to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

“Alpha generation, risk management and technology have always been the cornerstone of BlackRock. As the world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, technology is becoming even more essential to clients, transforming the way both institutions and wealth managers construct portfolios, manage asset allocation, understand risk and engage and connect with clients. The recent repositioning of our active equity platform is yet another example of our commitment to anticipate and embrace change to deliver sustainable alpha for clients.

“First quarter long-term net inflows of $80 billion, representing annualized organic asset growth of 7%, were positive across product type, client type and region. Our commitment to investing for future growth and leveraging the benefits of scale for clients and shareholders also resulted in a 12% increase in Aladdin® revenue and 100 basis points of margin expansion year-over-year.

“Both retail and institutional investors continued to utilize BlackRock’s iShares® ETFs as the building blocks for their portfolios and in combinations to drive active returns. iShares saw record quarterly inflows of $64 billion, again capturing the #1 share of industry flows globally, in the United States and in Europe, and in equity and fixed income.

“BlackRock’s retail business returned to positive organic growth generating long-term net inflows of $5 billion, reflecting strong inflows across our top-performing unconstrained fixed income and multi-asset income offerings, as client discussions increasingly focus on outcome-based goals.

“Institutions across the globe continue to look to BlackRock for customized, innovative solutions to help them solve their most complex investment challenges. BlackRock saw institutional net inflows of $11 billion, led by multi-asset and liability-driven fixed income solutions.

“Building on record total net inflows of $202 billion in 2016, we began 2017 by repositioning our active equity platform and investing in our business for future growth. Going forward, we will continue to transform change into opportunity, using our advantaged market position to create better financial futures for clients and drive long-term growth for shareholders.”

RESULTS BY CLIENT TYPE
                March 31, 2017     Q1 2017
Q1 2017 March 31, 2017 Q1 2017 AUM Base fees(1)
(in millions), (unaudited)     Net flows     AUM     Base fees(1)     % of Total     % of Total
Retail $ 4,624 $ 564,333 $ 784 11 % 31 %
iShares ETFs 64,481 1,413,335 925 26 % 37 %
Institutional:
Active (1,010 ) 1,037,233 454 19 % 18 %
Index   12,246         2,013,905       240     37 %     9 %
Total institutional   11,236         3,051,138       694     56 %     27 %
Long-term 80,341 5,028,806 2,403 93 % 95 %
Cash management (15,705 ) 388,935 127 7 % 5 %
Advisory   (37 )       2,736       -     -       -  
Total     $ 64,599       $ 5,420,477     $ 2,530     100 %     100 %
 
RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE                      
March 31, 2017 Q1 2017
Q1 2017 March 31, 2017 Q1 2017 AUM Base fees(1)
(in millions), (unaudited)     Net flows     AUM     Base fees(1)     % of Total     % of Total
Equity $ 44,057 $ 2,865,515 $ 1,284 53 % 51 %
Fixed income 33,374 1,630,569 681 30 % 27 %
Multi-asset 1,549 411,565 272 8 % 11 %
Alternatives   1,361         121,157       166     2 %     6 %
Long-term 80,341 5,028,806 2,403 93 % 95 %
Cash management (15,705 ) 388,935 127 7 % 5 %
Advisory   (37 )       2,736       -     -       -  
Total     $ 64,599       $ 5,420,477     $ 2,530     100 %     100 %
 
RESULTS BY INVESTMENT STYLE                      
March 31, 2017 Q1 2017
Q1 2017 March 31, 2017 Q1 2017 AUM Base fees(1)
(in millions), (unaudited)     Net flows     AUM     Base fees(1)     % of Total     % of Total
Active $ (1,844 ) $ 1,543,519 $ 1,224 29 % 48 %
Index and iShares ETFs   82,185         3,485,287       1,179     64 %     47 %
Long-term 80,341 5,028,806 2,403 93 % 95 %
Cash management (15,705 ) 388,935 127 7 % 5 %
Advisory   (37 )       2,736       -     -       -  
Total   $ 64,599       $ 5,420,477     $ 2,530     100 %     100 %

(1) Base fees include investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Long-term net inflows were positive across all major regions, with net inflows of $55.8 billion, $18.1 billion and $6.4 billion from clients in the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, respectively. At March 31, 2017, BlackRock managed 63% of its long-term AUM for investors in the Americas and 37% for clients in EMEA and Asia-Pacific.

The Company’s net flows by client type for the first quarter of 2017 are presented below.

  • Retail long-term net inflows of $4.6 billion reflected net inflows of $5.0 billion internationally, partially offset by net outflows of $0.4 billion from the United States. Fixed income net inflows of $4.8 billion were paced by inflows into unconstrained and emerging market categories. Equity net inflows of $1.8 billion reflected inflows into index mutual funds. Multi-asset net outflows of $1.7 billion were largely due to outflows from world allocation strategies.
  • iShares ETFs long-term net inflows of $64.5 billion were led by equity net inflows of $44.6 billion, with strength in iShares Core, precision exposure and financial instrument ETFs. Fixed income net inflows of $20.3 billion reflected inflows into investment grade corporate, emerging markets debt and treasury bond funds.
  • Institutional active long-term net outflows of $1.0 billion reflected equity and fixed income net outflows of $4.7 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, partially offset by inflows into multi-asset and alternatives. Multi-asset net inflows of $3.8 billion were driven by ongoing demand for the LifePath® target-date series. Alternatives net inflows of $1.2 billion were led by inflows into infrastructure offerings.
  • Institutional index long-term net inflows of $12.2 billion included fixed income and equity net inflows of $9.5 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively.

Cash management AUM decreased 4% to $388.9 billion.

INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE AT MARCH 31, 2017 (1)

 

 

One-year period

  Three-year period   Five-year period

Fixed income:

   
Actively managed AUM above benchmark or peer median
Taxable 66% 78% 88%
Tax-exempt 62% 57% 70%
Index AUM within or above applicable tolerance   93%   99%   99%
Equity:
Actively managed AUM above benchmark or peer median
Fundamental 64% 65% 49%
Scientific 82% 85% 90%
Index AUM within or above applicable tolerance   95%   97%   97%

(1) Past performance is not indicative of future results. The performance information shown is based on preliminary available data. Please refer to performance disclosure detail.

TELECONFERENCE, WEBCAST AND PRESENTATION INFORMATION

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Laurence D. Fink, and Chief Financial Officer, Gary S. Shedlin, will host a teleconference call for investors and analysts on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). Members of the public who are interested in participating in the teleconference should dial, from the United States, (800) 374-0176, or from outside the United States, (706) 679-8281, shortly before 8:30 a.m. and reference the BlackRock Conference Call (ID Number 82927991). A live, listen-only webcast will also be available via the investor relations section of www.blackrock.com.

Both the teleconference and webcast will be available for replay by 12:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 and ending at midnight on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. To access the replay of the teleconference, callers from the United States should dial (855) 859-2056 and callers from outside the United States should dial (404) 537-3406 and enter the Conference ID Number 82927991. To access the webcast, please visit the investor relations section of www.blackrock.com.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients. At March 31, 2017, BlackRock’s AUM was $5.4 trillion. BlackRock helps clients around the world meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. As of March 31, 2017, the firm had approximately 13,000 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at www.blackrock.com | Twitter: @blackrock_news | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

(in millions, except shares and per share data), (unaudited)

        Three Months  
Three Months Ended Ended
March 31,   December 31,
    2017     2016     Change   2016     Change
Revenue

Investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue

$ 2,530 $ 2,359 $ 171 $ 2,486 $ 44
Investment advisory performance fees 70 34 36 129 (59 )
Technology and risk management revenue(a) 158 141 17 157 1
Distribution fees 7 11 (4 ) 9 (2 )
Advisory and other revenue(a)   59     79     (20 )   109     (50 )
Total revenue   2,824     2,624     200     2,890     (66 )
 
Expense
Employee compensation and benefits 1,021 947 74 987 34
Distribution and servicing costs 117 97 20 109 8
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 5 10 (5 ) 7 (2 )
Direct fund expense 208 188 20 183 25
General and administration 301 318 (17 ) 355 (54 )
Restructuring charge - 76 (76 ) - -
Amortization of intangible assets   25     25     -     24     1  
Total expense   1,677     1,661     16     1,665     12  
 
Operating income 1,147 963 184 1,225 (78 )
 
Nonoperating income (expense)
Net gain (loss) on investments 51 (2 ) 53 6 45
Interest and dividend income 7 5 2 7 -
Interest expense   (65 )   (51 )   (14 )   (51 )   (14 )
Total nonoperating income (expense)   (7 )   (48 )   41     (38 )   31  
 
Income before income taxes 1,140 915 225 1,187 (47 )
Income tax expense   269     268     1     336     (67 )
Net income   871     647     224     851     20  
Less:
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   9     (10 )   19   -     9  
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc. $ 862   $ 657   $ 205   $ 851   $ 11  
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic 163,016,599 165,388,130 (2,371,531 ) 163,441,552 (424,953 )
Diluted 164,856,183 167,398,938 (2,542,755 ) 165,854,167 (997,984 )
Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc.

common stockholders (3)

Basic $ 5.29 $ 3.97 $ 1.32 $ 5.21 $ 0.08
Diluted $ 5.23 $ 3.92 $ 1.31 $ 5.13 $ 0.10
Cash dividends declared and paid per share $ 2.50 $ 2.29 $ 0.21 $ 2.29 $ 0.21
 

Supplemental information:

 
AUM (end of period) $ 5,420,477 $ 4,737,165 $ 683,312 $ 5,147,852 $ 272,625
Shares outstanding (end of period) 162,868,647 165,174,069 (2,305,422 ) 163,121,291 (252,644 )
GAAP:
Operating margin 40.6 % 36.7 % 390 bps 42.4 % (180 ) bps
Effective tax rate 23.8 % 29.0 % (520 ) bps 28.3 % (450 ) bps
As adjusted:
Operating income (1) $ 1,151 $ 1,047 $ 104 $ 1,232 $ (81 )
Operating margin (1) 42.6 % 41.6 % 100 bps 44.4 % (180 ) bps
Nonoperating income (expense), less net income (loss)

attributable to noncontrolling interests

$ (16 ) $ (38 ) $ 22 $ (38 ) $ 22
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc. (2) $ 865 $ 711 $ 154 $ 852 $ 13
Diluted earnings attributable to BlackRock, Inc.

common stockholders per share (2) (3)

$ 5.25 $ 4.25 $ 1.00 $ 5.14 $ 0.11
Effective tax rate     23.8 %     29.6 %     (580 ) bps     28.6 %     (480

) bps

 

See the reconciliation to GAAP and notes (1) through (3) for more information on as adjusted items.

 
(a)  

Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, Aladdin revenue previously reported within “BlackRock Solutions® and advisory” is currently presented within “Technology and risk management revenue” on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The remaining “BlackRock Solutions and advisory” revenue is currently reported as part of “Advisory and other revenue.” Under the historical presentation, BlackRock Solutions and advisory revenue would have totaled $182 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Prior period amounts reported for BlackRock Solutions and advisory of $171 million and $197 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively, have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. See the Summary of Revenue for further information.

 

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

(in millions), (unaudited)

Current Quarter Component Changes by Client Type and Product Type

      Net            
December 31, inflows Market March 31,
2016   (outflows)   change   FX impact (1)   2017   Average AUM (2)
Retail:
Equity $ 196,221 $ 1,828 $ 9,259 $ 873 $ 208,181 $ 202,859
Fixed income 222,256 4,793 2,494 460 230,003 226,343
Multi-asset 107,997 (1,743 ) 4,257 191 110,702 109,515
Alternatives   15,478     (254 )   162     61     15,447     15,433
Retail subtotal 541,952 4,624 16,172 1,585 564,333 554,150
iShares ETFs:
Equity 951,252 44,552 54,750 1,855 1,052,409 1,003,328
Fixed income 314,707 20,304 1,960 933 337,904 327,555
Multi-asset 3,149 (378 ) 118 1 2,890 2,913
Alternatives   18,771     3     1,333     25     20,132     19,669
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,287,879 64,481 58,161 2,814 1,413,335 1,353,465
Institutional:
Active:
Equity 120,699 (4,676 ) 7,875 919 124,817 123,380
Fixed income 536,727 (1,246 ) 5,103 3,198 543,782 543,732
Multi-asset 276,933 3,758 8,455 1,583 290,729 283,748
Alternatives   75,615     1,154     639     497     77,905     76,851
Active subtotal 1,009,974 (1,010 ) 22,072 6,197 1,037,233 1,027,711
Index:
Equity 1,389,004 2,353 80,083 8,668 1,480,108 1,436,839
Fixed income 498,675 9,523 5,339 5,343 518,880 507,656
Multi-asset 6,928 (88 ) 252 152 7,244 7,149
Alternatives   7,074     458     94     47     7,673     7,390
Index subtotal   1,901,681     12,246     85,768     14,210     2,013,905     1,959,034
Institutional subtotal   2,911,655     11,236     107,840     20,407     3,051,138     2,986,745
Long-term 4,741,486 80,341 182,173 24,806 5,028,806 4,894,360
Cash management 403,584 (15,705 ) 219 837 388,935 397,621
Advisory (3)   2,782     (37 )   (29 )   20     2,736     2,762
Total $ 5,147,852   $ 64,599   $ 182,363   $ 25,663   $ 5,420,477   $ 5,294,743
                                               
Current Quarter Component Changes by Investment Style and Product Type (Long-term)
Net
December 31, inflows Market March 31,
2016   (outflows)   change   FX impact (1)   2017   Average AUM (2)
Active:
Equity $ 275,033 $ (6,820 ) $ 15,989 $ 1,514 $ 285,716 $ 281,691
Fixed income 749,996 2,061 7,405 3,558 763,020 760,128
Multi-asset 384,930 2,015 12,711 1,775 401,431 393,263
Alternatives   91,093     900     801     558     93,352     92,284
Active subtotal 1,501,052 (1,844 ) 36,906 7,405 1,543,519 1,527,366
Index and iShares ETFs:

iShares ETFs:

Equity 951,252 44,552 54,750 1,855 1,052,409 1,003,328
Fixed income 314,707 20,304 1,960 933 337,904 327,555
Multi-asset 3,149 (378 ) 118 1 2,890 2,913
Alternatives   18,771     3     1,333     25     20,132     19,669
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,287,879 64,481 58,161 2,814 1,413,335 1,353,465

Non-ETF Index:

Equity 1,430,891 6,325 81,228 8,946 1,527,390 1,481,387
Fixed income 507,662 11,009 5,531 5,443 529,645 517,603
Multi-asset 6,928 (88 ) 253 151 7,244 7,149
Alternatives   7,074     458     94     47     7,673     7,390
Non-ETF Index subtotal   1,952,555     17,704     87,106     14,587     2,071,952     2,013,529
Index & iShares ETFs subtotal   3,240,434     82,185     145,267     17,401     3,485,287     3,366,994
Long-term $ 4,741,486   $ 80,341   $ 182,173   $ 24,806   $ 5,028,806   $ 4,894,360
                                               
Current Quarter Component Changes by Product Type (Long-term)
Net
December 31, inflows Market March 31,
2016   (outflows)   change   FX impact (1)   2017   Average AUM (2)
Equity $ 2,657,176 $ 44,057 $ 151,967 $ 12,315 $ 2,865,515 $ 2,766,406
Fixed income 1,572,365 33,374 14,896 9,934 1,630,569 1,605,286
Multi-asset 395,007 1,549 13,082 1,927 411,565 403,325
Alternatives:
Core 88,630 1,003 810 471 90,914 89,865
Currency and commodities(4)   28,308     358     1,418     159     30,243     29,478
Alternatives subtotal   116,938     1,361     2,228     630     121,157     119,343
Long-term $ 4,741,486   $ 80,341   $ 182,173   $ 24,806   $ 5,028,806   $ 4,894,360
                                               
(1)  

Foreign exchange reflects the impact of translating non-U.S. dollar denominated AUM into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes.

(2) Average AUM is calculated as the average of the month-end spot AUM amounts for the trailing four months.
(3) Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.
(4)

Amounts include commodity iShares ETFs.

 
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

(in millions), (unaudited)

Year-over-Year Component Changes by Client Type and Product Type
      Net              
March 31, inflows Market March 31,
2016   (outflows)   Acquisition(1)   change   FX impact (2)   2017   Average AUM (3)
Retail:
Equity $ 193,436 $ (5,206 ) $ - $ 25,425 $ (5,474 ) $ 208,181 $ 196,955
Fixed income 217,209 11,080 - 4,173 (2,459 ) 230,003 225,373
Multi-asset 113,291 (9,476 ) - 7,848 (961 ) 110,702 111,003
Alternatives   18,730     (2,739 )   -     (222 )   (322 )   15,447     16,565
Retail subtotal 542,666 (6,341 ) - 37,224 (9,216 ) 564,333 549,896
iShares ETFs:
Equity 818,104 124,153 - 116,759 (6,607 ) 1,052,409 904,822
Fixed income 291,132 52,735 - (1,058 ) (4,905 ) 337,904 316,540
Multi-asset 2,166 562 - 166 (4 ) 2,890 2,564
Alternatives   16,152     3,264     -     822     (106 )   20,132     20,026
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,127,554 180,714 - 116,689 (11,622 ) 1,413,335 1,243,952
Institutional:
Active:
Equity 118,833 (10,355 ) - 20,512 (4,173 ) 124,817 121,823
Fixed income 544,244 (1,896 ) - 10,169 (8,735 ) 543,782 548,196
Multi-asset 262,010 15,817 - 21,984 (9,082 ) 290,729 274,205
Alternatives   75,104     2,543     -     1,801     (1,543 )   77,905     75,615
Active subtotal 1,000,191 6,109 - 54,466 (23,533 ) 1,037,233 1,019,839
Index:
Equity 1,277,802 4,567 - 221,463 (23,724 ) 1,480,108 1,358,634
Fixed income 472,568 39,237 - 41,203 (34,128 ) 518,880 493,488
Multi-asset 7,776 (562 ) - 178 (148 ) 7,244 7,591
Alternatives   6,003     1,100     -     963     (393 )   7,673     6,985
Index subtotal   1,764,149     44,342     -     263,807     (58,393 )   2,013,905     1,866,698
Institutional subtotal   2,764,340     50,451     -     318,273     (81,926 )   3,051,138     2,886,537
Long-term 4,434,560 224,824 - 472,186 (102,764 ) 5,028,806 4,680,385
Cash management 291,986 21,678 80,635 671 (6,035 ) 388,935 381,639
Advisory (4)   10,619     (7,540 )   -     23     (366 )   2,736     7,974
Total $ 4,737,165   $ 238,962   $ 80,635   $ 472,880   $ (109,165 ) $ 5,420,477   $ 5,069,998
                                                       
Year-over-Year Component Changes by Investment Style and Product Type (Long-term)
Net
March 31, inflows Market March 31,
2016   (outflows)   Acquisition   change   FX impact (2)   2017   Average AUM (3)
Active:
Equity $ 276,281 $ (23,080 ) $ - $ 39,869 $ (7,354 ) $ 285,716 $ 279,440
Fixed income 753,711 5,771 - 13,839 (10,301 ) 763,020 764,867
Multi-asset 375,300 6,342 - 29,832 (10,043 ) 401,431 385,208
Alternatives   93,836     (196 )   -     1,577     (1,865 )   93,352     92,180
Active subtotal 1,499,128 (11,163 ) - 85,117 (29,563 ) 1,543,519 1,521,695
Index and iShares ETFs:

iShares ETFs:

Equity 818,104 124,153 - 116,759 (6,607 ) 1,052,409 904,822
Fixed income 291,132 52,735 - (1,058 ) (4,905 ) 337,904 316,540
Multi-asset 2,166 562 - 166 (4 ) 2,890 2,564
Alternatives   16,152     3,264     -     822     (106 )   20,132     20,026
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,127,554 180,714 - 116,689 (11,622 ) 1,413,335 1,243,952

Non-ETF Index:

Equity 1,313,790 12,086 - 227,531 (26,017 ) 1,527,390 1,397,972
Fixed income 480,310 42,650 - 41,706 (35,021 ) 529,645 502,190
Multi-asset 7,777 (563 ) - 178 (148 ) 7,244 7,591
Alternatives   6,001     1,100     -     965     (393 )   7,673     6,985
Non-ETF Index subtotal   1,807,878     55,273     -     270,380     (61,579 )   2,071,952     1,914,738
Index & iShares ETFs subtotal   2,935,432     235,987     -     387,069     (73,201 )   3,485,287     3,158,690
Long-term $ 4,434,560   $ 224,824   $ -   $ 472,186   $ (102,764 ) $ 5,028,806   $ 4,680,385
                                                       
Current Quarter Component Changes by Product Type (Long-term)        
Net
March 31, inflows Market March 31,
2016   (outflows)   Acquisition   change   FX impact (2)   2017   Average AUM (3)
Equity $ 2,408,175 $ 113,159 $ - $ 384,159 $ (39,978 ) $ 2,865,515 $ 2,582,234
Fixed income 1,525,153 101,156 - 54,487 (50,227 ) 1,630,569 1,583,597
Multi-asset 385,243 6,341 - 30,176 (10,195 ) 411,565 395,363
Alternatives:
Core 91,639 (342 ) - 1,515 (1,898 ) 90,914 89,842
Currency and commodities(5)   24,350     4,510     -     1,849     (466 )   30,243     29,349
Alternatives subtotal   115,989     4,168     -     3,364     (2,364 )   121,157     119,191
Long-term $ 4,434,560   $ 224,824   $ -   $ 472,186   $ (102,764 ) $ 5,028,806   $ 4,680,385
                                                       
(1)   Amount represents AUM acquired in the BofA® Global Capital Management transaction in April 2016.
(2) Foreign exchange reflects the impact of translating non-U.S. dollar denominated AUM into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes.
(3) Average AUM is calculated as the average of the month-end spot AUM amounts for the trailing thirteen months.
(4) Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.
(5)

Amounts include commodity iShares ETFs.

 
           

SUMMARY OF REVENUE

                           
Three Months
Three Months Ended Ended
March 31,   December 31,
(in millions), (unaudited)   2017     2016     Change     2016     Change  
Investment advisory, administration fees

and securities lending revenue:

   
Equity:
Active $ 402 $ 386 $ 16 $ 390 $ 12
iShares ETFs 721 623 98 681 40
Non-ETF Index   161     164     (3 )   166     (5 )
Equity subtotal 1,284 1,173 111 1,237 47
Fixed income:
Active 411 396 15 421 (10 )
iShares ETFs 185 152 33 184 1
Non-ETF Index   85     70     15     80     5  
Fixed income subtotal 681 618 63 685 (4 )
Multi-asset 272 284 (12 ) 278 (6 )
Alternatives:
Core 144 164 (20 ) 146 (2 )
Currency and commodities   22     17     5     22     -  
Alternatives subtotal   166     181     (15 )   168     (2 )
Long-term 2,403 2,256 147 2,368 35
Cash management   127     103     24     118     9  
Total base fees 2,530 2,359 171 2,486 44
Investment advisory performance fees:
Equity 15 11 4 35 (20 )
Fixed income 10 5 5 4 6
Multi-asset 5 3 2 13 (8 )
Alternatives   40     15     25     77     (37 )
Total performance fees 70 34 36 129 (59 )
Technology and risk management revenue(1) 158 141 17 157 1
Distribution fees 7 11 (4 ) 9 (2 )
Advisory and other revenue:
Advisory(1) 24 30 (6 ) 40 (16 )
Other   35     49     (14 )   69     (34 )
Advisory and other revenue   59     79     (20 )   109     (50 )
Total revenue $ 2,824   $ 2,624   $ 200   $ 2,890   $ (66 )
                                         
(1)  

Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, Aladdin revenue previously reported within “BlackRock Solutions and advisory” is currently presented within “Technology and risk management revenue” on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The remaining “BlackRock Solutions and advisory” revenue is currently reported as part of “Advisory and other revenue.” Under the historical presentation, BlackRock Solutions and advisory revenue would have totaled $182 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Prior period amounts reported for BlackRock Solutions and advisory of $171 million and $197 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively, have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Highlights

  • Investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue increased $171 million from the first quarter of 2016 reflecting the impact of higher markets and organic growth on average AUM, and the effect of AUM acquired in the BofA Global Capital Management transaction, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange movements and the effect of one less day in the current quarter. Securities lending revenue of $141 million in the current quarter compared with $148 million in the first quarter of 2016.

    Investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue increased $44 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, driven by higher average AUM, partially offset by the effect of two less days in the current quarter. Securities lending revenue of $141 million in the current quarter compared with $138 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
  • Performance fees increased $36 million from the first quarter of 2016, primarily reflecting higher revenue from alternative products.

    Performance fees decreased $59 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, primarily due to seasonally higher revenue from funds with a performance measurement period that ended in the fourth quarter of 2016.
  • Technology and risk management revenue increased $17 million from the first quarter of 2016 and $1 million from the fourth quarter of 2016 reflecting ongoing demand for Aladdin.
  • Advisory and other revenue decreased $50 million from the fourth quarter of 2016 reflecting lower earnings from strategic minority investments, lower fees from advisory assignments and lower transition management service fees.
           

SUMMARY OF OPERATING EXPENSE

                           
Three Three
Months Ended Months Ended
March 31,   December 31,
(in millions), (unaudited)   2017     2016     Change     2016     Change  
Operating expense    
Employee compensation and benefits $ 1,021 $ 947 $ 74 $ 987 $ 34
Distribution and servicing costs 117 97 20 109 8
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 5 10 (5 ) 7 (2 )
Direct fund expense 208 188 20 183 25
General and administration 301 318 (17 ) 355 (54 )
Restructuring charge - 76 (76 ) - -
Amortization of intangible assets   25     25     -     24     1  
Total operating expense $ 1,677   $ 1,661   $ 16   $ 1,665   $ 12  
                                         

Highlights

  • Employee compensation and benefits expense increased $74 million from the first quarter of 2016, reflecting higher incentive compensation, primarily driven by higher performance fees and higher operating income, and approximately $20 million of severance and accelerated compensation expense associated with the repositioning of the active equity platform.

    Employee compensation and benefits expense increased $34 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting the previously mentioned repositioning costs, higher seasonal employer payroll taxes, and an increase in stock-based compensation expense related to the effect of additional grants at the end of January 2017, partially offset by lower incentive compensation, driven primarily by lower performance fees and lower operating income.
  • Direct fund expense increased $20 million from the first quarter of 2016 and $25 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting higher average AUM.
  • General and administration expense decreased $17 million from the first quarter of 2016, reflecting lower discretionary marketing and promotional expense, and $54 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting lower marketing and promotional expense and the impact of foreign exchange remeasurement expense. General and administration expense in the first quarter of 2017 included $2 million of one-time costs related to the repositioning of the active equity platform.
                     

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

                                   
Three Three
Months Ended Months Ended
March 31, December 31,
(in millions), (unaudited)               2017     2016       Change     2016   Change  
Income tax expense               $   269     $   268       $ 1     $ 336     $ (67 )
         

Highlights

  • First quarter 2017 income tax expense included an $81 million discrete tax benefit reflecting the adoption of new accounting guidance related to stock-based compensation awards that vested in the first quarter of 2017.
 

SUMMARY AND RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE) TO
NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE), AS ADJUSTED

  Three Months     Three Months  
Ended Ended
March 31,   December 31,
(in millions), (unaudited)   2017     2016     Change     2016     Change  
Nonoperating income (expense), GAAP basis $ (7 )   $ (48 ) $ 41 $ (38 ) $ 31
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to

noncontrolling interests ("NCI")

  9     (10 )   19   -     9  
Nonoperating income (expense), as adjusted(1)(2) $ (16 ) $ (38 ) $ 22   $ (38 ) $ 22  
 
Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended
March 31,   December 31,
(in millions), (unaudited)   2017     2016     Change     2016     Change  
Net gain (loss) on investments(1)(2)
Private equity $ 6 $ 2 $ 4 $ (5 ) $ 11
Real assets 1 2 (1 ) 3 (2 )
Other alternatives(3) 14 - 14 8 6
Other investments(4)   21     4     17   -     21  
Total net gain (loss) on investments(1)(2) 42 8 34 6 36
Interest and dividend income 7 5 2 7 -
Interest expense   (65 )   (51 )   (14 )   (51 )   (14 )
Net interest expense   (58 )   (46 )   (12 )   (44 )   (14 )
Nonoperating income (expense), as adjusted(1)(2) $ (16 ) $ (38 ) $ 22   $ (38 ) $ 22  
                                         
(1)   Net of net income (loss) attributable to NCI.
(2)

Management believes nonoperating income (expense), as adjusted, is an effective measure for reviewing BlackRock’s nonoperating contribution to results. For more information on other as adjusted items and the reconciliation to GAAP see notes (1) through (3) to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Supplemental Information.

(3) Amounts primarily include net gains (losses) related to direct hedge fund strategies and hedge fund solutions.
(4) Amounts include net gains (losses) related to equity and fixed income investments, and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.
 

Highlights

  • Net gain (loss) on investments increased from the first quarter of 2016 and the fourth quarter of 2016, primarily driven by higher marks.
  • First quarter 2017 interest expense included a make-whole redemption premium of $14 million related to the current quarter’s refinancing of $700 million of 6.25% notes, which were called prior to their September 2017 maturity.

ECONOMIC TANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company presents economic tangible assets as additional information to enable investors to exclude certain assets that have equal and offsetting liabilities or noncontrolling interests that ultimately do not have an impact on stockholders’ equity or cash flows. In addition, goodwill and intangible assets are excluded from economic tangible assets.

Economic tangible assets include cash, receivables, seed and co-investments, regulatory investments and other assets.

             
  March 31,   December 31,
(in billions), (unaudited)   2017 (Est.)     2016  
Total balance sheet assets $ 231 $ 220
Separate account assets and separate account collateral held under

securities lending agreements

(187 ) (177 )
Consolidated sponsored investment funds (1 ) (1 )
Goodwill and intangible assets, net   (30 )   (30 )
Economic tangible assets $ 13   $ 12  
                 
 

RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING MARGIN TO OPERATING
INCOME AND OPERATING MARGIN, AS ADJUSTED

 
  Three Months Ended  
March 31,     December 31,
(in millions), (unaudited)   2017     2016     2016  
Operating income, GAAP basis $ 1,147   $ 963 $ 1,225
Non-GAAP expense adjustments:
Restructuring charge - 76 -
PNC LTIP funding obligation   4     8     7  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 1,151   $ 1,047   $ 1,232  
Revenue, GAAP basis $ 2,824 $ 2,624 $ 2,890
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Distribution and servicing costs (117 ) (97 ) (109 )
Amortization of deferred sales commissions   (5 )   (10 )   (7 )
Revenue used for operating margin measurement $ 2,702   $ 2,517   $ 2,774  
Operating margin, GAAP basis   40.6 %   36.7 %   42.4 %
Operating margin, as adjusted   42.6 %   41.6 %   44.4 %
                         

See note (1) to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Supplemental Information for more information on as adjusted items and the reconciliation to GAAP.

 

RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLACKROCK TO NET INCOME
ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLACKROCK, AS ADJUSTED

 
  Three Months Ended  
March 31,     December 31,
(in millions, except per share data), (unaudited)   2017     2016     2016  
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., GAAP basis $ 862     $ 657 $ 851
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Restructuring charge (including $23 tax benefit) - 53 -
PNC LTIP funding obligation, net of tax 3 5 5
Income tax matters   -     (4 )   (4 )
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted $ 865   $ 711   $ 852  
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding(3) 164.9 167.4 165.9
Diluted earnings per common share, GAAP basis(3) $ 5.23 $ 3.92 $ 5.13
Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted(3) $ 5.25 $ 4.25 $ 5.14
                         

See notes (2) and (3) to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Supplemental Information for more information on as adjusted items and the reconciliation to GAAP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (unaudited)

BlackRock reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”); however, management believes evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results may be enhanced if investors have additional non-GAAP financial measures. Management reviews non-GAAP financial measures to assess ongoing operations and, for the reasons described below, considers them to be effective indicators, for both management and investors, of BlackRock’s financial performance over time. Management also uses non-GAAP financial measures as a benchmark to compare its performance with other companies and to enhance the comparability of this information for the reporting periods presented. Non-GAAP measures may pose limitations because they do not include all of BlackRock’s revenue and expense. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating BlackRock’s financial performance. Adjustments to GAAP financial measures (“non-GAAP adjustments”) include certain items management deems nonrecurring or that occur infrequently, transactions that ultimately will not impact BlackRock’s book value or certain tax items that do not impact cash flow.

Computations for all periods are derived from the condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:

(1) Operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted: Management believes operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of BlackRock’s financial performance over time and, therefore, provide useful disclosure to investors.

  • Operating income, as adjusted, includes non-GAAP expense adjustments. The portion of compensation expense associated with certain long-term incentive plans (“LTIP”) funded, or to be funded, through share distributions to participants of BlackRock stock held by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) has been excluded because it ultimately does not impact BlackRock’s book value. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, a restructuring charge comprised of severance and accelerated amortization expense of previously granted deferred compensation awards has been excluded to provide more meaningful analysis of BlackRock’s ongoing operations and to ensure comparability among periods presented.
  • Revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted, excludes distribution and servicing costs paid to related parties and other third parties. Management believes such costs represent a benchmark for the amount of revenue passed through to external parties who distribute the Company’s products. In addition, management believes the exclusion of such costs is useful because it creates consistency in the treatment for certain contracts for similar services, which due to the terms of the contracts, are accounted for under GAAP on a net basis within investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue. Amortization of deferred sales commissions is excluded from revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted, because such costs, over time, substantially offset distribution fee revenue the Company earns. For each of these items, BlackRock excludes from revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted, the costs related to each of these items as a proxy for such offsetting revenue.

(2) Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted: Management believes net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted, and diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, are useful measures of BlackRock’s profitability and financial performance. Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted, equals net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., GAAP basis, adjusted for significant nonrecurring items, charges that ultimately will not impact BlackRock’s book value or certain tax items that do not impact cash flow.

See aforementioned discussion regarding operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, for information on the PNC LTIP funding obligation and the restructuring charge.

For each period presented, the non-GAAP adjustment related to the restructuring charge and PNC LTIP funding obligation was tax effected at the respective blended rates applicable to the adjustments. Amounts for income tax matters represent net noncash (benefits) expense primarily associated with the revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities related to intangible assets and goodwill. Amounts have been excluded from the as adjusted results as these items will not have a cash flow impact and to ensure comparability among periods presented.

Per share amounts reflect net income attributable to BlackRock, as adjusted divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

(3) Nonvoting participating preferred stock is considered to be a common stock equivalent for purposes of determining basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.

Forward-looking Statements

This earnings release, and other statements that BlackRock may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” and similar expressions.

BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

In addition to risk factors previously disclosed in BlackRock’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports and those identified elsewhere in this earnings release, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (2) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for products or services or in the value of assets under management; (3) the relative and absolute investment performance of BlackRock’s investment products; (4) the impact of increased competition; (5) the impact of future acquisitions or divestitures; (6) the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings; (7) the extent and timing of any share repurchases; (8) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property, information and cyber security protection; (9) the potential for human error in connection with BlackRock’s operational systems; (10) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to BlackRock or PNC; (11) changes in law and policy accompanying the new administration and uncertainty pending any such changes; (12) terrorist activities, international hostilities and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or BlackRock; (13) the ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (14) fluctuations in the carrying value of BlackRock’s economic investments; (15) the impact of changes to tax legislation, including income, payroll and transaction taxes, and taxation on products or transactions, which could affect the value proposition to clients and, generally, the tax position of the Company; (16) BlackRock’s success in negotiating distribution arrangements and maintaining distribution channels for its products; (17) the failure by a key vendor of BlackRock to fulfill its obligations to the Company; (18) any disruption to the operations of third parties whose functions are integral to BlackRock’s ETF platform; (19) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time and any potential liabilities related to securities lending or other indemnification obligations; and (20) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions.

BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and BlackRock’s subsequent filings with the SEC, accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on BlackRock’s website at www.blackrock.com, discuss these factors in more detail and identify additional factors that can affect forward-looking statements. The information contained on the Company’s website is not a part of this earnings release.

Performance Notes

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Except as specified, the performance information shown is as of March 31, 2017 and is based on preliminary data available at that time. The performance data shown reflects information for all actively and passively managed equity and fixed income accounts, including U.S. registered investment companies, European-domiciled retail funds and separate accounts for which performance data is available, including performance data for high net worth accounts available as of February 28, 2017. The performance data does not include accounts terminated prior to March 31, 2017 and accounts for which data has not yet been verified. If such accounts had been included, the performance data provided may have substantially differed from that shown.

Performance comparisons shown are gross-of-fees for institutional and high net worth separate accounts, and net-of-fees for retail funds. The performance tracking shown for index accounts is based on gross-of-fees performance and includes all institutional accounts and all iShares funds globally using an index strategy. AUM information is based on AUM available as of March 31, 2017 for each account or fund in the asset class shown without adjustment for overlapping management of the same account or fund. Fund performance reflects the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

Performance shown is derived from applicable benchmarks or peer median information, as selected by BlackRock, Inc. Peer medians are based in part on data either from Lipper, Inc. or Morningstar, Inc. for each included product.