BlackRock Reports Full Year 2017 Diluted EPS of $30.23, or $22.60 as adjusted

Fourth Quarter 2017 Diluted EPS of $14.07, or $6.24 as adjusted

  • Record $367 billion of full year total net inflows reflects continued strength of diversified business model
  • $103 billion of fourth quarter net inflows, positive across active, index and iShares® and cash management
  • 12% full year revenue growth driven by growth in base fees, performance fees, and technology and risk management revenue
  • 15% increase in full year operating income (13% as adjusted) reflects operating margin expansion
  • 59% increase in full year diluted EPS reflects net tax benefit from Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (17% as adjusted)
  • Returned $2.8 billion to shareholders in 2017
  • Board of Directors approves 15% increase in quarterly cash dividend to $2.88 per share

NEW YORK--()--BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK):

FINANCIAL RESULTS

  Q4   Q4         Q3       Full Year    
(in millions, except per share data)   2017     2016  

 

Change

    2017  

 

Change

    2017     2016  

 

Change

AUM $ 6,288,195 $ 5,147,852 22 % $ 5,976,892 5 %   $ 6,288,195   $ 5,147,852 22 %
Total net flows $ 102,929 $ 98,050 $ 96,112 $ 367,254 $ 202,191

GAAP basis:

Revenue $ 3,469 $ 2,890 20 % $ 3,233 7 % $ 12,491 $ 11,155 12 %
Operating income $ 1,489 $ 1,225 22 % $ 1,394 7 % $ 5,272 $ 4,570 15 %
Operating margin 42.9

%

 

42.4

%

 

50 bps 43.1

%

(20 ) bps 42.2 % 41.0

%

 

120 bps
Net income(1) (2) $ 2,304 $ 851 171 % $ 947 143 % $ 4,970 $ 3,172 57 %
Diluted EPS $ 14.07 $ 5.13 174 % $ 5.78 143 % $ 30.23 $ 19.04 59 %
Weighted average diluted shares 163.8 165.9 (1 )% 163.8 - % 164.4 166.6 (1 )%

As Adjusted:

Operating income(3) $ 1,492 $ 1,232 21 % $ 1,398 7 % $ 5,287 $ 4,674 13 %

Operating margin(3)

44.8

%

 

44.4

%

 

40 bps 45.0

%

(20 ) bps 44.1 % 43.7

%

 

40 bps
Net income(1) (3) $ 1,022 $ 852 20 % $ 969 5 % $ 3,716 $ 3,214 16 %
Diluted EPS(3)   $ 6.24     $ 5.14       21 %     $ 5.92     5 %     $ 22.60     $ 19.29       17 %
(1)   Net income represents net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc.
(2)

GAAP net income for fourth quarter and full year 2017 reflects $1.2 billion of net tax benefit related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See the Income Tax Expense (Benefit) for more information.

(3)

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 and year ended December 31, 2017.

“BlackRock’s record 2017 results reflect the long-term investments we’ve consistently made in our business to better serve clients,” commented Laurence D. Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock. “$367 billion of total net inflows for the year were the strongest flows in BlackRock’s history, and included $103 billion in the fourth quarter.

“Full year net inflows represented 7% organic asset growth and were positive across client types, asset classes, major regions and investment styles. Investors are increasingly seeking comprehensive solutions, and BlackRock’s differentiated ability to offer scaled investment strategies, industry leading risk management and portfolio construction technology and thought leadership is driving deeper client partnerships than ever before. And we continue to expand the global reach of our integrated platform to investors in high growth geographies like China, where earlier this month we obtained our private fund management registration to manufacture and distribute onshore investment products.

“iShares ETFs generated $245 billion of full year net inflows, as an increasingly diverse set of institutional and retail clients are using ETFs for asset allocation and alpha generation. Investors are using both equity and fixed income ETFs in their portfolios for Core and precision exposures and as financial instruments. Investments made in iShares ETFs drove expanded market share in 2017 and enabled us to once again capture the #1 share of industry ETF flows globally, in the United States and Europe, and in both equity and fixed income products.

“In alpha-seeking strategies, we are leveraging the powerful combination of human investment expertise and sophisticated data analytics. Performance across our alpha-seeking strategies remains strong and drove $24 billion of net inflows in 2017.

“Technology and risk management revenue, powered by Aladdin®, increased 14% for the full year, and demand remains strong across our full range of capabilities. In 2017, we expanded our technology reach, scaling our distribution capabilities through Aladdin Risk for Wealth Management, Cachematrix, iCapital and Scalable Capital. We continue to invest in technology and data to generate improved alpha, better serve our clients and more efficiently run our business.

“Throughout BlackRock’s 30-year history, we have been driven by a fiduciary commitment to our clients, a culture of innovation, a passion for performance and a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are fortunate to have dedicated employees who share our vision of creating better financial futures for clients. We enter 2018 well positioned to continue investing for future growth, developing our talent and delivering differentiated value for clients and shareholders alike.”

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

BlackRock’s Board of Directors approved a 15% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $2.88 per share, payable March 22, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2018.

RESULTS BY CLIENT TYPE
                                         
            December 31, 2017   Q4 2017
Q4 2017 December 31, 2017 Q4 2017 AUM Base fees(1)
(in millions), (unaudited)   Net flows     AUM     Base fees(1)     % of Total   % of Total
Retail $ 11,391 $ 628,377 $ 858   10 %   29 %
iShares ETFs 54,800 1,752,239 1,123 28 % 39 %
Institutional:
Active 2,187 1,139,308 508 18 % 18 %
Index   12,202       2,316,807       257       37 %     9 %
Total institutional   14,389       3,456,115       765       55 %     27 %
Long-term 80,580 5,836,731 2,746 93 % 95 %
Cash management 23,406 449,949 150 7 % 5 %
Advisory   (1,057 )     1,515       -       -       -  
Total   $ 102,929     $ 6,288,195     $ 2,896       100 %     100 %
 
RESULTS BY PRODUCT TYPE
                                         
December 31, 2017 Q4 2017
Q4 2017 December 31, 2017 Q4 2017 AUM Base fees(1)
(in millions), (unaudited)   Net flows     AUM     Base fees(1)     % of Total   % of Total
Equity $ 35,782 $ 3,371,641 $ 1,493 53 % 51 %
Fixed income 42,951 1,855,465 754 30 % 26 %
Multi-asset 4,923 480,278 305 8 % 11 %
Alternatives   (3,076 )     129,347       194       2 %     7 %
Long-term 80,580 5,836,731 2,746 93 % 95 %
Cash management 23,406 449,949 150 7 % 5 %
Advisory   (1,057 )     1,515       -       -       -  
Total   $ 102,929     $ 6,288,195     $ 2,896       100 %     100 %
 
RESULTS BY INVESTMENT STYLE
                                         
December 31, 2017 Q4 2017
Q4 2017 December 31, 2017 Q4 2017 AUM Base fees(1)
(in millions), (unaudited)   Net flows     AUM     Base fees(1)     % of Total   % of Total
Active $ 12,962 $ 1,696,005 $ 1,353 27 % 47 %
Index and iShares ETFs   67,618       4,140,726       1,393       66 %     48 %
Long-term 80,580 5,836,731 2,746 93 % 95 %
Cash management 23,406 449,949 150 7 % 5 %
Advisory   (1,057 )     1,515       -       -       -  
Total   $ 102,929     $ 6,288,195     $ 2,896       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 $55.3 billion, $17.9 billion and $7.4 billion from clients in the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, respectively. At December 31, 2017, BlackRock managed 63% of its long-term AUM for clients in the Americas, 29% for clients in EMEA and 8% for clients in Asia-Pacific.

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

  • Retail long-term net inflows of $11.4 billion reflected net inflows of $7.4 billion in the United States and $4.0 billion internationally. Fixed income net inflows of $8.0 billion were diversified across our top-performing active platform, led by net inflows into unconstrained, short duration and municipals categories. Multi-asset net inflows of $2.0 billion were largely due to inflows into the Multi-asset Income fund family. Equity net inflows of $1.1 billion were paced by flows into international equities.
  • iShares ETFs long-term net inflows of $54.8 billion reflected strength in iShares Core, precision exposure and financial instrument ETFs. Equity net inflows of $44.9 billion were driven by both U.S. and international equity market exposures. Fixed income net inflows of $8.7 billion reflected inflows into broad fixed income and investment grade corporate funds. Commodities iShares generated $1.0 billion of net inflows.
  • Institutional active long-term net inflows of $2.2 billion were led by multi-asset net inflows of $2.9 billion, reflecting ongoing demand for our LifePath® target-date series and factors strategies, and fixed income net inflows of $2.3 billion. Equity net outflows of $1.2 billion were primarily due to outflows in fundamental active equities. Alternatives net inflows were $2.1 billion, excluding $3.9 billion of capital return associated with real estate and private equity fund-of-funds, or $1.8 billion of total net outflows. Momentum in illiquid alternatives fundraising continued, with $17 billion of committed capital available to invest on behalf of clients.
  • Institutional index long-term net inflows of $12.2 billion included fixed income net inflows of $24.0 billion, led by demand for liability-driven solutions, partially offset by equity net outflows of $9.0 billion. Alternatives net outflows of $2.5 billion were primarily due to outflows from passive currency overlays.

Cash management AUM increased 6% from the prior quarter to $449.9 billion.

INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 (1)

    One-year period   Three-year period   Five-year period
Fixed income:      
Actively managed AUM above benchmark or peer median
Taxable

81%

73%

90%

Tax-exempt

52%

68%

72%

Index AUM within or above applicable tolerance  

96%

 

93%

 

99%

Equity:
Actively managed AUM above benchmark or peer median
Fundamental

70%

72%

73%

Systematic

83%

87%

90%

Index AUM within or above applicable tolerance  

96%

 

99%

 

98%

(1)  

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The performance information shown is based on preliminary available data. Please refer to the Performance Notes for 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 Friday, January 12, 2018 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 6567048). 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 Friday, January 12, 2018 and ending at midnight on Friday, January 26, 2018. 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 6567048. To access the webcast, please visit the investor relations section of www.blackrock.com.

About BlackRock

BlackRock helps investors build better financial futures. As a fiduciary to our clients, we provide the investment and technology solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. As of December 31, 2017, the firm managed approximately $6.288 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com | Twitter: @blackrock | 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
December 31,   September 30,
      2017     2016     Change     2017     Change
Revenue
Investment advisory, administration fees and

securities lending revenue

$ 2,896 $ 2,486 $ 410 $ 2,792 $ 104
Investment advisory performance fees 285 129 156 191 94
Technology and risk management revenue(a) 180 156 24 175 5
Distribution fees 7 9 (2 ) 5 2
Advisory and other revenue(a)   101     110     (9 )   70     31  
Total revenue   3,469     2,890     579     3,233     236  
 
Expense
Employee compensation and benefits 1,147 987 160 1,088 59
Distribution and servicing costs 131 109 22 123 8
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 4 7 (3 ) 4 -
Direct fund expense 238 183 55 234 4
General and administration 448 355 93 363 85
Amortization of intangible assets   12     24     (12 )   27     (15 )
Total expense   1,980     1,665     315     1,839     141  
 
Operating income 1,489 1,225 264 1,394 95
 
Nonoperating income (expense)
Net gain (loss) on investments 33 6 27 41 (8 )
Interest and dividend income 14 7 7 15 (1 )
Interest expense   (46 )   (51 )   5     (46 )   -  
Total nonoperating income (expense)   1     (38 )   39     10     (9 )
 
Income before income taxes 1,490 1,187 303 1,404 86
Income tax expense (benefit)   (820 )   336     (1,156 )   445     (1,265 )
Net income   2,310     851     1,459     959     1,351  
Less:
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   6     -     6     12     (6 )
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc. $ 2,304   $ 851   $ 1,453   $ 947   $ 1,357  
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic 161,272,950 163,441,552 (2,168,602 ) 161,872,716 (599,766 )
Diluted 163,777,534 165,854,167 (2,076,633 ) 163,773,546 3,988
Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc.

common stockholders (3)

Basic $ 14.29 $ 5.21 $ 9.08 $ 5.85 $ 8.44
Diluted $ 14.07 $ 5.13 $ 8.94 $ 5.78 $ 8.29
Cash dividends declared and paid per share $ 2.50 $ 2.29 $ 0.21 $ 2.50 $ -
 

Supplemental information:

 
AUM (end of period) $ 6,288,195 $ 5,147,852 $ 1,140,343 $ 5,976,892 $ 311,303
Shares outstanding (end of period) 161,046,825 163,121,291 (2,074,466 ) 161,597,770 (550,945 )
GAAP:
Operating margin 42.9 % 42.4 % 50

 bps

43.1 % (20 ) bps
Effective tax rate (55.2 )% 28.3 % (8,350 ) bps 32.0 % (8,720 ) bps
As adjusted:
Operating income (1) $ 1,492 $ 1,232 $ 260 $ 1,398 $ 94
Operating margin (1) 44.8 % 44.4 % 40

 bps

45.0 % (20 ) bps
Nonoperating income (expense), less net income

(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

$ (5 ) $ (38 ) $ 33 $ (2 ) $ (3 )
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc. (2) $ 1,022 $ 852 $ 170 $ 969 $ 53
Diluted earnings attributable to BlackRock, Inc.

common stockholders per share (2) (3)

$ 6.24 $ 5.14 $ 1.10 $ 5.92 $ 0.32
Effective tax rate       31.3 %     28.6 %     270

 bps

    30.6 %     70

 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” has been presented within “Technology and risk management revenue” on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The remaining previously reported “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 $234 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The prior period amount reported for BlackRock Solutions and advisory of $197 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016 has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. See the Summary of Revenue for further information.

 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

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

       
Year Ended
December 31,  
      2017     2016     Change
Revenue
Investment advisory, administration fees and securities

lending revenue

$ 10,893 $ 9,880 $ 1,013
Investment advisory performance fees 594 295 299
Technology and risk management revenue(a) 677 595 82
Distribution fees 24 41 (17 )
Advisory and other revenue(a)   303     344     (41 )
Total revenue   12,491     11,155     1,336  
 
Expense
Employee compensation and benefits 4,255 3,880 375
Distribution and servicing costs 492 429 63
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 17 34 (17 )
Direct fund expense 904 766 138
General and administration 1,462 1,301 161
Restructuring charge - 76 (76 )
Amortization of intangible assets   89     99     (10 )
Total expense   7,219     6,585     634  
 
Operating income 5,272 4,570 702
 
Nonoperating income (expense)
Net gain (loss) on investments 161 55 106
Interest and dividend income 49 40 9
Interest expense   (205 )   (205 )   -  
Total nonoperating income (expense)   5     (110 )   115  
 
Income before income taxes 5,277 4,460 817
Income tax expense   270     1,290     (1,020 )
Net income   5,007     3,170     1,837  
Less:
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   37     (2 )   39  
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc. $ 4,970   $ 3,172   $ 1,798  
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic 162,160,601 164,425,858 (2,265,257 )
Diluted 164,415,035 166,579,752 (2,164,717 )
Earnings per share attributable to BlackRock, Inc.

common stockholders (3)

Basic $ 30.65 $ 19.29 $ 11.36
Diluted $ 30.23 $ 19.04 $ 11.19
Cash dividends declared and paid per share $ 10.00 $ 9.16 $ 0.84
 

Supplemental information:

 
AUM (end of period) $ 6,288,195 $ 5,147,852 $ 1,140,343
Shares outstanding (end of period) 161,046,825 163,121,291 (2,074,466 )
GAAP:
Operating margin 42.2 % 41.0 % 120

 bps

Effective tax rate 5.2 % 28.9 % (2,370 ) bps
As adjusted:
Operating income (1) $ 5,287 $ 4,674 $ 613
Operating margin (1) 44.1 % 43.7 % 40

 bps

Nonoperating income (expense), less net income (loss)

attributable to noncontrolling interests

$ (32 ) $ (108 ) $ 76
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc. (2) $ 3,716 $ 3,214 $ 502
Diluted earnings attributable to BlackRock, Inc.

common stockholders per share (2) (3)

$ 22.60 $ 19.29 $ 3.31
Effective tax rate       29.3 %     29.6 %     (30

) 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” has been presented within “Technology and risk management revenue” on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The remaining previously reported “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 $805 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The prior period amount reported for BlackRock Solutions and advisory of $714 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 has 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            
September 30, inflows Market December 31,
2017   (outflows)   change   FX impact (1)   2017   Average AUM (2)
Retail:
Equity $ 225,668 $ 1,135 $ 5,706 $ 709 $ 233,218 $ 229,625
Fixed income 248,348 8,006 652 565 257,571 252,740
Multi-asset 118,062 1,990 682 121 120,855 119,514
Alternatives   16,443     260     (17 )   47     16,733     16,562
Retail subtotal 608,521 11,391 7,023 1,442 628,377 618,441
iShares ETFs:
Equity 1,228,395 44,888 54,910 1,417 1,329,610 1,284,240
Fixed income 386,267 8,672 (608 ) 921 395,252 390,409
Multi-asset 3,491 262 8 - 3,761 3,670
Alternatives   22,284     978     341     13     23,616     22,874
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,640,437 54,800 54,651 2,351 1,752,239 1,701,193
Institutional:
Active:
Equity 130,366 (1,236 ) 7,658 397 137,185 133,465
Fixed income 562,027 2,313 4,832 878 570,050 565,001
Multi-asset 327,733 2,910 15,635 1,547 347,825 336,773
Alternatives   85,098     (1,800 )   749     201     84,248     84,400
Active subtotal 1,105,224 2,187 28,874 3,023 1,139,308 1,119,639
Index:
Equity 1,588,036 (9,005 ) 89,810 2,787 1,671,628 1,634,336
Fixed income 591,778 23,960 13,835 3,019 632,592 609,295
Multi-asset 7,741 (239 ) 328 7 7,837 7,826
Alternatives   7,146     (2,514 )   101     17     4,750     5,404
Index subtotal   2,194,701     12,202     104,074     5,830     2,316,807     2,256,861
Institutional subtotal   3,299,925     14,389     132,948     8,853     3,456,115     3,376,500
Long-term 5,548,883 80,580 194,622 12,646 5,836,731 5,696,134
Cash management 425,423 23,406 389 731 449,949 437,747
Advisory (3)   2,586     (1,057 )   (16 )   2     1,515     2,069
Total $ 5,976,892   $ 102,929   $ 194,995   $ 13,379   $ 6,288,195   $ 6,135,950
                                                 
 
 
Current Quarter Component Changes by Investment Style and Product Type (Long-term)
Net
September 30, inflows Market December 31,
2017   (outflows)   change   FX impact (1)   2017   Average AUM (2)
Active:
Equity $ 300,176 $ (1,031 ) $ 11,168 $ 896 $ 311,209 $ 305,606
Fixed income 797,840 10,633 5,298 1,364 815,135 805,339
Multi-asset 445,795 4,900 16,317 1,667 468,679 456,287
Alternatives   101,541     (1,540 )   733     248     100,982     100,961
Active subtotal 1,645,352 12,962 33,516 4,175 1,696,005 1,668,193
Index and iShares ETFs:
iShares ETFs:
Equity 1,228,395 44,888 54,910 1,417 1,329,610 1,284,240
Fixed income 386,267 8,672 (608 ) 921 395,252 390,409
Multi-asset 3,491 262 8 - 3,761 3,670
Alternatives   22,284     978     341     13     23,616     22,874
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,640,437 54,800 54,651 2,351 1,752,239 1,701,193
Non-ETF Index:
Equity 1,643,894 (8,075 ) 92,006 2,997 1,730,822 1,691,820
Fixed income 604,313 23,646 14,021 3,098 645,078 621,697
Multi-asset 7,741 (239 ) 328 8 7,838 7,826
Alternatives   7,146     (2,514 )   100     17     4,749     5,405
Non-ETF Index subtotal   2,263,094     12,818     106,455     6,120     2,388,487     2,326,748
Index & iShares ETFs subtotal   3,903,531     67,618     161,106     8,471     4,140,726     4,027,941
Long-term $ 5,548,883   $ 80,580   $ 194,622   $ 12,646   $ 5,836,731   $ 5,696,134
                                                 
 
 
Current Quarter Component Changes by Product Type (Long-term)
Net
September 30, inflows Market December 31,
2017   (outflows)   change   FX impact (1)   2017   Average AUM (2)
Equity $ 3,172,465 $ 35,782 $ 158,084 $ 5,310 $ 3,371,641 $ 3,281,666
Fixed income 1,788,420 42,951 18,711 5,383 1,855,465 1,817,445
Multi-asset 457,027 4,923 16,653 1,675 480,278 467,783
Alternatives:
Core 99,168 (1,570 ) 685 250 98,533 98,557
Currency and commodities(4)   31,803     (1,506 )   489     28     30,814     30,683
Alternatives subtotal   130,971     (3,076 )   1,174     278     129,347     129,240
Long-term $ 5,548,883   $ 80,580   $ 194,622   $ 12,646   $ 5,836,731   $ 5,696,134
                                                 
(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                
December 31, inflows Market December 31,
2016   (outflows)   Acquisition(1)   change   FX impact (2)   2017   Average AUM (3)
Retail:
Equity $ 196,221 $ 4,145 $ - $ 26,598 $ 6,254 $ 233,218 $ 216,545
Fixed income 222,256 24,503 - 6,655 4,157 257,571 240,251
Multi-asset 107,997 1,143 - 10,687 1,028 120,855 114,485
Alternatives   15,478     101     -     708     446     16,733     16,541
Retail subtotal 541,952 29,892 - 44,648 11,885 628,377 587,822
iShares ETFs:
Equity 951,252 174,377 - 189,472 14,509 1,329,610 1,143,351
Fixed income 314,707 67,451 - 4,497 8,597 395,252 361,171
Multi-asset 3,149 322 - 280 10 3,761 3,262
Alternatives   18,771     3,192     -     1,478     175     23,616     21,071
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,287,879 245,342 - 195,727 23,291 1,752,239 1,528,855
Institutional:
Active:
Equity 120,699 (13,594 ) - 25,681 4,399 137,185 128,133
Fixed income 536,727 (654 ) - 22,537 11,440 570,050 554,549
Multi-asset 276,933 19,604 - 37,166 14,122 347,825 310,561
Alternatives   75,615     566     3,264     2,771     2,032     84,248     80,821
Active subtotal 1,009,974 5,922 3,264 88,155 31,993 1,139,308 1,074,064
Index:
Equity 1,389,004 (34,782 ) - 283,684 33,722 1,671,628 1,537,730
Fixed income 498,675 87,487 - 13,932 32,498 632,592 557,465
Multi-asset 6,928 (739 ) - 1,427 221 7,837 7,595
Alternatives   7,074     (2,882 )   -     294     264     4,750     6,911
Index subtotal   1,901,681     49,084     -     299,337     66,705     2,316,807     2,109,701
Institutional subtotal   2,911,655     55,006     3,264     387,492     98,698     3,456,115     3,183,765
Long-term 4,741,486 330,240 3,264 627,867 133,874 5,836,731 5,300,442
Cash management 403,584 38,259 - 1,239 6,867 449,949 414,835
Advisory (4)   2,782     (1,245 )   -     (205 )   183     1,515     2,508
Total $ 5,147,852   $ 367,254   $ 3,264   $ 628,901   $ 140,924   $ 6,288,195   $ 5,717,785
                                                         
 
 
Year-over-Year Component Changes by Investment Style and Product Type (Long-term)
Net
December 31, inflows Market December 31,
2016   (outflows)   Acquisition(1)   change   FX impact (2)   2017   Average AUM (3)
Active:
Equity $ 275,033 $ (18,506 ) $ - $ 46,134 $ 8,548 $ 311,209 $ 293,278
Fixed income 749,996 21,541 - 28,800 14,798 815,135 783,345
Multi-asset 384,930 20,747 - 47,853 15,149 468,679 425,045
Alternatives   91,093     667     3,264     3,479     2,479     100,982     97,361
Active subtotal 1,501,052 24,449 3,264 126,266 40,974 1,696,005 1,599,029
Index and iShares ETFs:
iShares ETFs
Equity 951,252 174,377 - 189,472 14,509 1,329,610 1,143,351
Fixed income 314,707 67,451 - 4,497 8,597 395,252 361,171
Multi-asset 3,149 322 - 280 10 3,761 3,262
Alternatives   18,771     3,192     -     1,478     175     23,616     21,071
iShares ETFs subtotal 1,287,879 245,342 - 195,727 23,291 1,752,239 1,528,855
Non-ETF Index
Equity 1,430,891 (25,725 ) - 289,829 35,827 1,730,822 1,589,130
Fixed income 507,662 89,795 - 14,324 33,297 645,078 568,920
Multi-asset 6,928 (739 ) - 1,427 222 7,838 7,596
Alternatives   7,074     (2,882 )   -     294     263     4,749     6,912
Non-ETF Index subtotal   1,952,555     60,449     -     305,874     69,609     2,388,487     2,172,558
Index & iShares ETFs subtotal   3,240,434     305,791     -     501,601     92,900     4,140,726     3,701,413
Long-term $ 4,741,486   $ 330,240   $ 3,264   $ 627,867   $ 133,874   $ 5,836,731   $ 5,300,442
                                                         
 
 
Year-over-Year Component Changes by Product Type (Long-term)        
Net
December 31, inflows Market December 31,
2016   (outflows)   Acquisition(1)   change   FX impact (2)   2017   Average AUM (3)
Equity $

2,657,176

$ 130,146 $ - $ 525,435 $ 58,884 $ 3,371,641 $ 3,025,759
Fixed income 1,572,365 178,787 - 47,621 56,692 1,855,465 1,713,436
Multi-asset 395,007 20,330 - 49,560 15,381 480,278 435,903
Alternatives:
Core 88,630 780 3,264 3,438 2,421 98,533 94,976
Currency and commodities(5)   28,308     197     -     1,813     496     30,814     30,368
Alternatives subtotal   116,938     977     3,264     5,251     2,917     129,347     125,344
Long-term $ 4,741,486   $ 330,240  

$

3,264

  $ 627,867   $ 133,874   $ 5,836,731   $ 5,300,442
                                                         
(1)   Amount represents AUM acquired in the First Reserve Infrastructure business transaction in June 2017 (“First Reserve Transaction”).
(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 Year Ended
December 31,   September 30, December 31,  
(in millions), (unaudited)     2017     2016     Change     2017     Change     2017     2016     Change
Investment advisory, administration fees

and securities lending revenue:

       
Equity:
Active $ 427 $ 390 $ 37 $ 421 $ 6 $ 1,662 $ 1,591 $ 71
iShares ETFs 888 681 207 836 52 3,221 2,651 570
Non-ETF Index   178     166     12     170     8     687     674     13  
Equity subtotal 1,493 1,237 256 1,427 66 5,570 4,916 654
Fixed income:
Active 454 421 33 442 12 1,735 1,658 77
iShares ETFs 213 184 29 210 3 808 696 112
Non-ETF Index   87     80     7     88     (1 )   344     297     47  
Fixed income subtotal 754 685 69 740 14 2,887 2,651 236
Multi-asset 305 278 27 289 16 1,148 1,138 10
Alternatives:
Core 170 146 24 169 1 639 634 5
Currency and commodities   24     22     2     23     1     91     83     8  
Alternatives subtotal   194     168     26     192     2     730     717     13  
Long-term 2,746 2,368 378 2,648 98 10,335 9,422 913
Cash management   150     118     32     144     6     558     458     100  
Total base fees 2,896 2,486 410 2,792 104 10,893 9,880 1,013
Investment advisory performance fees:
Equity 95 35 60 30 65 152 102 50
Fixed income 14 4 10 9 5 34 13 21
Multi-asset 19 13 6 2 17 33 19 14
Alternatives   157     77     80     150     7     375     161     214  
Total performance fees 285 129 156 191 94 594 295 299
Technology and risk management revenue(1) 180 156 24 175 5 677 595 82
Distribution fees 7 9 (2 ) 5 2 24 41 (17 )
Advisory and other revenue:
Advisory(1) 54 41 13 25 29 128 119 9
Other   47     69     (22 )   45     2     175     225     (50 )
Advisory and other revenue   101     110     (9 )   70     31     303     344     (41 )
Total revenue $ 3,469   $ 2,890   $ 579   $ 3,233   $ 236   $ 12,491   $ 11,155   $ 1,336  
 
(1)  

Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, Aladdin revenue previously reported within “BlackRock Solutions and advisory” has been presented within “Technology and risk management revenue” on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The remaining previously reported “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 $234 million and $805 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017, respectively. The prior period amounts reported for BlackRock Solutions and advisory of $197 million and $714 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016, respectively, have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Highlights

  • Investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue increased $410 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting the impact of higher markets and organic growth on average AUM. Securities lending revenue of $150 million in the current quarter compared with $138 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

    Investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue increased $104 million from the third quarter of 2017, driven by higher average AUM.

  • Performance fees increased $156 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting improved performance in hedge fund and long-only equity products.

    Performance fees increased $94 million from the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to seasonally higher fees from funds with a performance measurement period that ended in the fourth quarter, partially offset by strong performance from a single hedge fund with an annual performance measurement period that ends in the third quarter.

  • Technology and risk management revenue increased $24 million from the fourth quarter of 2016 and $5 million from the third quarter of 2017, reflecting ongoing demand for Aladdin.
                   

SUMMARY OF OPERATING EXPENSE

Three Three
Months Ended Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,   September 30, December 31,  
(in millions), (unaudited)     2017     2016     Change     2017     Change     2017     2016     Change
Operating expense        
Employee compensation and benefits $ 1,147 $ 987 $ 160 $ 1,088 $ 59 $ 4,255 $ 3,880 $ 375
Distribution and servicing costs 131 109 22 123 8 492 429 63
Amortization of deferred sales commissions 4 7 (3 ) 4 - 17 34 (17 )
Direct fund expense 238 183 55 234 4 904 766 138
General and administration 448 355 93 363 85 1,462 1,301 161
Restructuring charge - - - - - - 76 (76 )
Amortization of intangible assets   12     24     (12 )   27     (15 )   89     99     (10 )
Total operating expense $ 1,980   $ 1,665   $ 315   $ 1,839   $ 141   $ 7,219   $ 6,585   $ 634  
 

Highlights

  • Employee compensation and benefits expense increased $160 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, primarily reflecting higher incentive compensation, driven primarily by higher performance fees and operating income, and higher headcount.

    Employee compensation and benefits expense increased $59 million from the third quarter of 2017, primarily reflecting higher incentive compensation, driven primarily by higher performance fees and operating income.

  • Direct fund expense increased $55 million from the fourth quarter of 2016 and $4 million from the third quarter of 2017, reflecting higher average AUM.
  • General and administration expense increased $93 million from the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting higher technology and occupancy expense, as well as higher professional service fees (associated with strategic transactions, MiFID implementation, and tax reform), operating errors, contingent payments, and acquisition-related fair value adjustments.

    General and administration expense increased $85 million from the third quarter of 2017, reflecting higher marketing and promotional expense, as well as higher professional service fees (associated with strategic transactions, MiFID implementation, and tax reform), operating errors, and contingent payments.

 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)

    Three     Three      
Months Ended Months Ended Year Ended
December 31,   September 30, December 31,  
(in millions), (unaudited)     2017     2016     Change   2017   Change   2017     2016     Change
Income tax expense (benefit) $ (820 )   $ 336 $ (1,156 )   $ 445 $ (1,265 ) $ 270   $ 1,290 $ (1,020 )
Effective tax rate       (55.2 )%     28.3 %     (8,350 ) bps       32.0 %       (8,720 ) bps     5.2 %     28.9 %     (2,370 ) bps
 

Highlights

  • The fourth quarter 2017 income tax benefit included the following amounts related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Act”) enacted in the United States. These amounts, which are based on reasonable estimates, may require further adjustments as additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury is provided, changes in the Company's assumptions, and as further information and interpretations become available:

    • $106 million tax expense related to the revaluation of certain deferred income tax assets;
    • $1,758 million noncash tax benefit related to the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities (which was excluded from as adjusted results); and
    • $477 million tax expense related to the mandatory deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits (which was excluded from as adjusted results).
  • In addition, the fourth quarter 2017 income tax benefit included an $84 million discrete tax benefit, primarily related to stock-based compensation awards.
  • Third quarter 2017 income tax expense included a $19 million net noncash tax expense (which was excluded from as adjusted results) related to the revaluation of certain deferred income tax liabilities as a result of domestic state and local tax changes.
 

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

      Three Months     Three Months      
Ended Ended Year Ended
December 31,   September 30, December 31,  
(in millions), (unaudited)       2017     2016     Change     2017     Change     2017     2016     Change
Nonoperating income (expense), GAAP basis $ 1   $ (38 ) $ 39 $ 10 $ (9 ) $ 5   $ (110 ) $ 115
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to

noncontrolling interests ("NCI")

  6     -     6     12     (6 )   37     (2 )   39
Nonoperating income (expense), as adjusted(1)(2) $ (5 ) $ (38 ) $ 33   $ (2 ) $ (3 ) $ (32 ) $ (108 ) $ 76
 
Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended Year Ended
December 31,   September 30, December 31,  
(in millions), (unaudited)       2017     2016     Change     2017     Change     2017     2016     Change
Net gain (loss) on investments(1)(2)
Private equity $ - $ (5 ) $ 5 $ 7 $ (7 ) $ 21 $ 6 $ 15
Real assets 15 3 12 1 14 17 8 9
Other alternatives(3) 4 8 (4 ) 11 (7 ) 38 21 17
Other investments(4)   8     -     8     10     (2 )   43     22     21
Subtotal 27 6 21 29 (2 ) 119 57 62
Other gains   -     -     -     -     -     5     -     5
Total net gain (loss) on investments(1)(2) 27 6 21 29 (2 ) 124 57 67
Interest and dividend income 14 7 7 15 (1 ) 49 40 9
Interest expense   (46 )   (51 )   5     (46 )   -     (205 )   (205 )   -
Net interest expense   (32 )   (44 )   12     (31 )   (1 )   (156 )   (165 )   9
Nonoperating income (expense), as adjusted(1)(2) $ (5 ) $ (38 ) $ 33   $ (2 ) $ (3 ) $ (32 ) $ (108 ) $ 76
 
(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 primarily include net gains (losses) related to equity and fixed income investments.
 

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.

       
December 31, December 31,
(in billions), (unaudited)       2017 (Est.)     2016  
Total balance sheet assets $ 223 $ 220
Separate account assets and separate account collateral held under

securities lending agreements

(176 ) (177 )
Consolidated sponsored investment funds

(1

)

(1 )
Goodwill and intangible assets, net   (31 )   (30 )
Economic tangible assets $

15

  $ 12  
 
 
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING MARGIN TO OPERATING INCOME AND OPERATING MARGIN, AS ADJUSTED
  Three Months Ended     Year Ended
December 31,     September 30, December 31,  
(in millions), (unaudited)   2017   2016   2017     2017   2016
Operating income, GAAP basis $ 1,489   $ 1,225 $ 1,394 $ 5,272   $ 4,570
Non-GAAP expense adjustments:
Restructuring charge - - - - 76
PNC LTIP funding obligation   3     7     4     15     28  
Operating income, as adjusted $ 1,492   $ 1,232   $ 1,398   $ 5,287   $ 4,674  
Revenue, GAAP basis $ 3,469 $ 2,890 $ 3,233 $ 12,491 $ 11,155
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Distribution and servicing costs (131 ) (109 ) (123 ) (492 ) (429 )
Amortization of deferred sales commissions   (4 )   (7 )   (4 )   (17 )   (34 )
Revenue used for operating margin measurement $ 3,334   $ 2,774   $ 3,106   $ 11,982   $ 10,692  
Operating margin, GAAP basis   42.9 %   42.4 %   43.1 %   42.2 %   41.0 %
Operating margin, as adjusted   44.8 %   44.4 %   45.0 %   44.1 %   43.7 %
                                         

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   Year Ended
December 31,   September 30, December 31,  
(in millions, except per share data), (unaudited)   2017   2016   2017     2017   2016
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., GAAP basis $ 2,304 $ 851 $ 947 $ 4,970 $ 3,172
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Restructuring charge (including $23 tax benefit) - - - - 53
PNC LTIP funding obligation, net of tax 2 5 3 11 19
The 2017 Act:
Deferred tax revaluation (noncash) (1,758 ) - - (1,758 ) -
Deemed repatriation tax 477 - - 477 -
Other income tax matters   (3 )   (4 )   19     16     (30 )
Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted $ 1,022   $ 852   $ 969   $ 3,716   $ 3,214  
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding(3) 163.8 165.9 163.8 164.4 166.6
Diluted earnings per common share, GAAP basis(3) $ 14.07 $ 5.13 $

5.78

$ 30.23 $ 19.04
Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted(3) $ 6.24 $ 5.14 $ 5.92 $ 22.60 $ 19.29
                                         

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 considers them to be helpful, for both management and investors, in evaluating 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. Non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

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 year ended December 31, 2016, a restructuring charge comprised of severance and accelerated amortization expense of previously granted deferred compensation awards has been excluded to provide an 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. The noncash deferred tax revaluation benefit of $1,758 million and the other income tax matters noncash benefit of $3 million were 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. A deemed repatriation tax expense of $477 million has been excluded from the as adjusted results due to the one-time nature and to ensure comparability among periods presented.

Per share amounts reflect net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., 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.

BlackRock has previously disclosed risk factors in its Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports. These risk factors and those identified elsewhere in this earnings release, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance and include: (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 and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to BlackRock or PNC; (11) changes in law and policy 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 December 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 November 30, 2017. The performance data does not include accounts terminated prior to December 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 December 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.

Contacts

BlackRock, Inc.
Tom Wojcik, Investor Relations
212-810-8127
or
Brian Beades, Media Relations
212-810-5596

Contacts

BlackRock, Inc.
Tom Wojcik, Investor Relations
212-810-8127
or
Brian Beades, Media Relations
212-810-5596