BlackRock(BLK) Benzinga·2025-01-16 19:13Group 1 - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Aidan Hall raised the price forecast on BlackRock, Inc. to 1,160 while maintaining an Outperform rating [1] - BlackRock reported fourth-quarter results with revenue of 5.53 billion, and adjusted EPS of 11.21 [1] - BLK shares responded positively to the results, outperforming peers and the broader market by more than 300 basis points [1] Group 2 - BlackRock is in the early phases of its transformation, with management optimistic about growth initiatives for 2025 [2] - Management highlighted ongoing initiatives to meet the growing demand for alternative investments in the retail channel, including a managed model partnership with Partners Group [2] Group 3 - Management expects core G&A growth in the mid-to-high single digits for 2025, with anticipated G&A expenses of $152.5 million from GIP and Preqin [3] - Core G&A is expected to grow 7.9% in 2025, excluding HPS [3] Group 4 - Management anticipates continued operating margin expansion, projecting an estimated 80bps margin improvement to 45.3% in 2025 [4] - Analyst adjusted EPS estimates slightly for FY25, 2025, and 2026 [4] Group 5 - Revisions reflect higher operating expenses, primarily from compensation and benefits, and amortization of intangibles, partially offset by higher total revenue [5] - Investors can gain exposure to BlackRock stock via Fidelity Disruptive Finance ETF and Spinnaker ETF Series Genter Capital International Dividend ETF [5]