BlackRock Incorporated (NYSE: NYSE:BLK) reported robust financial performance for the third quarter of 2023, with $193 billion in total net inflows for the first nine months of the year. This represents a 3% annualized organic asset growth, with the company managing assets worth $9.1 trillion. Revenue and earnings per share rose by 5% and 14% respectively, compared to the previous year. The company also plans to buy back a minimum of $375 million worth of shares in Q4.
Key takeaways from the call include:
- BlackRock reported $3 billion in total net inflows for Q3, with ETF business flows contributing $29 billion.
- The company's private markets capabilities generated nearly $3 billion of net inflows in the third quarter, primarily driven by infrastructure and private credit.
- BlackRock expects an increase in iShares ETF flows towards the end of 2023.
- The company is investing in its private markets platform and leveraging its financial strength to unlock future revenue and earnings potential.
- BlackRock's technology service revenues increased by 20% year-over-year, driven by sustained demand for Aladdin and eFront renewals.
Despite facing a challenging industry environment, BlackRock remains focused on delivering positive organic asset and base fee growth. The company's platform strategy is expected to drive sustained market-leading organic growth, operating leverage, and earnings expansion over time. BlackRock is also optimistic about the future, despite the current macro environment, and believes its platform strategy will continue to drive sustained market-leading organic growth and earnings expansion over time.
Retail net outflows of $4 billion were primarily due to industry pressure in active equities and liquid alternatives, while institutional index net outflows of $36 billion were driven by low fee index equity redemptions. However, the company saw strong demand for illiquid alternative strategies, with nearly $3 billion of net inflows in the third quarter.
BlackRock expects a resurgence in fixed-income flows as interest rates peak, with the company's comprehensive fixed-income platform of $2.6 trillion positioning it well to benefit from this reallocation. The company's global network of relationships and expertise in sourcing and underwriting allow it to unlock unique deals for clients.
During the earnings call, BlackRock executives highlighted the growth potential in private markets, tax-managed direct indexing, and fixed income offerings. They also discussed the potential for large allocations to fixed income as the yield curve becomes more steep and interest rates stabilize.
BlackRock's CEO, Laurence Fink, discussed the company's plans to expand its iShares platform globally, particularly in India. Fink highlighted the rise of ETFs in Europe, where flows have increased by 70% year-to-date, while flows in the US have decreased slightly. BlackRock aims to capture a significant market share in Europe's ETF business.
The company also mentioned its focus on driving value through technology, automation, and organizational design to enhance productivity and reduce costs. BlackRock's underlying business momentum remains strong, and the company sees great opportunities ahead for investors.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.