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4 Reasons that Make BlackRock (BLK) Stock a Solid Pick Now

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BlackRock, Inc. (BLK - Free Report) offers a profitable investment opportunity driven by steady earnings growth and strong liquidity position.

Analysts also seem to be optimistic about its growth prospects as evident from the upward estimate revisions. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year was revised nearly 1% upward.

Further, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has rallied 12.1% in the last three months, outperforming the Zacks categorized Investment Management industry’s gain of 7.5%.



BlackRock has a number of other aspects that make it an attractive investment option.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) Growth: In the last three to five years, BlackRock witnessed EPS growth of 13.9%, driven by strong global presence that allows broad diversification and organic growth. The company’s earnings are projected to grow 13.4% and 11.4% in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Further, its long-term (three to five years) expected EPS growth of 12.2% promises reward for shareholders.

Revenue Strength: BlackRock’s revenues (on GAAP basis) witnessed a five-year CAGR of 4.5% (2012–2016). Also, the top line is expected to grow nearly 7.7% in 2017, considerably higher than the industry average of 3.5%. This indicates its superiority in generating revenues.

Impressive Capital Deployment Activities: Driven by its capital strength, BlackRock’s capital deployment activities are impressive. In January, the company announced a 9% dividend hike and it has a share buyback plan in place. With a strong capital position, the company should continue rewarding shareholders through meaningful capital deployment.

Strategic Acquisitions: BlackRock has expanded primarily via acquisitions, with majority of its assets under management (AUM) growth driven by the same. Recently, it acquired the First Reserve Energy Infrastructure Funds, while over the years the company acquired several global and domestic firms. All these should support the company’s AUM growth.

Other Stocks to Consider

Some other stocks in the same industry worth considering include Eaton Vance Corp. (EV - Free Report) , KKR & Co. L.P. (KKR - Free Report) and Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN - Free Report) .

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Eaton Vance was revised 3.3% upward for the current year, in the last 60 days. The company’s share price has increased 15.2% so far this year. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

KKR & Co, with a Zacks Rank #2, witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 10.5% for the current year, in the last 60 days. Its share price has increased 22.7% year to date.

Franklin Resources also has a Zacks Rank #2. The company witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 4% for the current fiscal year, in the last 60 days. So far this year, its share price has increased 12.4%.

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