UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549


FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2007

OR

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the transition period from            to            .

Commission file number 001-33099


BlackRock, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


Delaware

32-0174431
(State or other jurisdiction of


incorporation or organization)

 

                        32-0174431                         

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(212) 810-5300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes               X            x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

Large accelerated filer          X        x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No              X            x

As of April 30,October 31, 2007, there were 116,088,158116,824,060 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.



BlackRock, Inc.

Index to Form 10-Q

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

      Page

Item 1.

  PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited)  
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

  1
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

  2
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

  3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  4
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  5

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  1821

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  3653

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures  3855

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings  3956

Item 2.

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  3956

Item 6.

  Exhibits  4057

 

- ii -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Item 1.Financial Statements

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 


  

September 30,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

 
  March 31,
2007
 December 31,
2006
   

Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,018,828  $1,160,304   $2,320,579  $1,160,304 

Accounts receivable

   1,282,316   964,366    1,155,996   964,366 

Due from affiliates

   72,491   113,184    96,606   113,184 

Investments

   2,194,863   2,097,574    2,680,751   2,097,574 

Separate account assets

   4,829,861   4,299,879 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions, net

   178,407   177,242 

Property and equipment, net

   250,481   214,784 

Intangible assets, net

   5,851,394   5,882,430    5,789,240   5,882,430 

Goodwill

   5,306,882   5,257,017    5,454,521   5,257,017 

Separate account assets

   4,442,747   4,299,879 

Deferred mutual fund commissions

   160,939   177,242 

Property and equipment, net

   226,710   214,784 

Taxes and other receivables

   165,323   124,291 

Other assets

   159,496   178,421    322,092   302,712 
              

Total assets

  $20,881,989  $20,469,492   $23,078,534  $20,469,492 
       
       

Liabilities

      

Accrued compensation

  $345,905  $1,051,273   $807,870  $1,051,273 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   902,078   753,839    776,928   753,839 

Due to affiliates

   122,809   243,836    245,890   243,836 

Short-term borrowings

   550,000   —      450,000   —   

Long-term borrowings

   253,167   253,167    946,879   253,167 

Separate account liabilities

   4,442,747   4,299,879    4,829,861   4,299,879 

Deferred taxes

   1,864,653   1,738,670    1,792,199   1,738,670 

Other liabilities

   317,410   237,856    501,716   237,856 
              

Total liabilities

   8,798,769   8,578,520    10,351,343   8,578,520 
              

Non-controlling interest

   1,084,479   1,109,092    1,458,879   1,109,092 
              

Stockholders’ equity

      

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 117,381,582 shares issued, 116,350,912 and 116,408,897 shares outstanding at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)

   1,174   1,174 

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 117,381,582 shares issued at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006)

   1,174   1,174 

Series A participating preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and 12,604,918 shares issued and outstanding)

   126   126    126   126 

Additional paid-in capital

   9,977,810   9,799,447    10,070,480   9,799,447 

Retained earnings

   1,093,673   993,821    1,387,478   993,821 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   45,412   44,666 

Treasury stock, common, at cost (1,030,670 and 972,685 shares held at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)

   (119,454)  (57,354)

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

   85,478   44,666 

Treasury stock, common, at cost (2,025,045 and 972,685 shares held at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)

   (276,424)  (57,354)
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   10,998,741   10,781,880    11,268,312   10,781,880 
              

Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and stockholders’ equity

  $20,881,989  $20,469,492   $23,078,534  $20,469,492 
              

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 

- 1 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 


  

Three months ended

March 31,

   Three months ended
September 30,
 Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2007 2006   2007 2006 2007 2006 

Revenue

        

Investment advisory and administration fees

        

Unaffiliated

  $322,417  $242,497   $495,127  $158,707  $1,169,760  $606,748 

Affiliated

   573,509   107,211    680,685   115,799   1,878,308   331,395 

Distribution fees

   32,310   2,263   89,997   7,177 

Other revenue

      89,957   46,289   262,411   134,131 

Unaffiliated

   80,231   42,164 

Affiliated

   29,217   3,788 
                    

Total revenue

   1,005,374   395,660    1,298,079   323,058   3,400,476   1,079,451 
                    

Expense

   

Expenses

     

Employee compensation and benefits

   352,398   191,796    505,107   198,099   1,270,883   566,993 

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

        

Unaffiliated

   12,346   10,084    16,308   9,201   47,405   28,378 

Affiliated

   114,331   5,075    122,542   7,181   353,609   20,151 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   1,341   79,034   4,645 

General and administration

      194,442   75,834   602,290   192,666 

Unaffiliated

   210,703   50,341 

Affiliated

   12,333   1,858 

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     128,114   —   

Fee sharing payment

   —     34,450    —     —     —     34,450 

Amortization of intangible assets

   31,032   2,029    31,085   2,394   93,193   6,451 
                    

Total expense

   733,143   295,633 
       

Total expenses

   1,026,361   294,050   2,574,528   853,734 
             

Operating income

   272,231   100,027    271,718   29,008   825,948   225,717 
                    

Non-operating income (expense)

        

Net gain on investments

   150,360   9,294 

Net gain (loss) on investments

   117,895   (1,737)  478,458   9,165 

Interest and dividend income

   18,357   5,770    20,109   5,668   52,204   16,675 

Interest expense

   (10,986)  (1,969)   (9,815)  (2,022)  (31,023)  (6,021)
                    

Total non-operating income

   157,731   13,095    128,189   1,909   499,639   19,819 
       
             

Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest

   429,962   113,122    399,907   30,917   1,325,587   245,536 

Income tax expense

   109,906   41,618    63,168   11,108   298,086   89,963 
                    

Income before non-controlling interest

   320,056   71,504    336,739   19,809   1,027,501   155,573 

Non-controlling interest

   124,668   642    81,539   895   354,669   2,394 
                    

Net income

  $195,388  $70,862   $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179 
                    

Earnings per share

        

Basic

  $1.52  $1.11   $1.99  $0.29  $5.24  $2.38 

Diluted

  $1.48  $1.06   $1.94  $0.28  $5.12  $2.29 

Dividends paid per share

  $0.67  $0.42 

Dividends declared and paid per share

  $0.67  $0.42  $2.01  $1.26 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

        

Basic

   128,809,726   64,074,888    128,161,027   64,761,447   128,501,575   64,326,752 

Diluted

   131,895,570   66,731,560    131,316,455   67,477,536   131,534,188   66,903,553 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 

- 2 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
    2007     2006  2007 2006  2007 2006

Net income

    $195,388     $70,862  $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

              

Net unrealized gain (loss) from available-for-sale investments

     (1,457)     376   (1,417)  456   (2,288)  507

Foreign currency translation gain (loss)

     2,203      411

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   24,527   467   43,100   3,793

Minimum pension liability adjustment

   —     379   —     379
                       

Comprehensive income

    $196,134     $71,649  $278,310  $20,216  $713,644  $157,858
                       

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 

- 3 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 


  

Year to Date

March 31,

   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2007 2006   2007 2006 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

  $195,388  $70,862   $672,832  $153,179 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

      

Non-controlling interest

   354,669   2,394 

Depreciation and amortization

   46,062   9,109    143,387   29,301 

Non-controlling interest

   124,668   642 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   79,034   4,645 

Stock-based compensation

   43,881   26,542    142,329   78,567 

Deferred income taxes

   103,426   (5,117)   (100,576)  (32,965)

Net unrealized gain on investments

   (100,235)  (4,029)

Amortization of deferred mutual fund commissions and bond issuance costs

   16,303   2,799 

Other net gains and net purchases of investments

   (584,373)  (3,976)

Earnings from equity method investees

   (55,783)  (2,413)

Distributions of earnings from equity method investees

   9,375   820 

Other adjustments

   6,003   (2,864)   (1,644)  (2,828)

Accrued MLIM transaction costs

   —     6,362 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

   (317,950)  (48,673)   (195,236)  (66,582)

Due from affiliates

   40,693   (844)   16,578   9,397 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (46,203)  1,860 

Investments, trading

   6,353   (7,511)   (20,518)  (17,121)

Taxes and other receivables

   (51,720)  939 

Other assets

   (48,025)  (2,909)   (79,195)  (9,051)

Accrued compensation

   (537,405)  (152,043)   (73,381)  21,950 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   149,898   (34,613)   (5,401)  (5,417)

Due to affiliates

   (85,127)  81,485    (5,981)  67,214 

Other liabilities

   110,861   (2,177)   111,402   8,883 
              

Cash flows from operating activities

   (296,926)  (62,040)   361,315   237,857 
              

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Purchase of investments

   (125,629)  (41,372)   (313,837)  (62,046)

Sale of investments

   41,742   16,083    193,731   18,022 

Consolidation of sponsored investment funds

   135   —   

Deconsolidation of sponsored investment funds

   (5,844)  —   

Distributions of capital from equity method investees

   5,695   —   

Net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

   (7,703)  —   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (53,501)  —      (42,272)  389,886 

Purchases of property and equipment

   (27,983)  (14,602)   (84,940)  (47,014)
              

Cash flows from investing activities

   (171,080)  (39,891)   (249,326)  298,848 
              

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Short-term borrowings, net

   550,000   —      450,000   —   

Long-term borrowings, net

   694,372   —   

Dividends paid

   (88,417)  (26,891)   (265,587)  (81,134)

Reissuance of treasury stock

   32,194   4,441    47,987   7,464 

Purchase of treasury stock

   (164,396)  (39)

Purchases of treasury stock

   (370,103)  (24,615)

Issuance of common stock

   —     1,196 

Subscriptions received from non-controlling interest holders, net of redemptions

   (48,663)  6,111    204,734   15,735 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

   43,609   1,773 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

   69,390   4,156 

Debt held by consolidated sponsored investment funds

   180,383   —   

Other financing activities

   (5,990)  (3,622)
              

Cash flows from financing activities

   324,327   (14,605)   1,005,186   (80,820)
              

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   2,203   411    43,100   3,793 
              

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (141,476)  (116,125)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   1,160,275   459,678 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,160,304   484,223    1,160,304   484,223 
              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,018,828  $368,098   $2,320,579  $943,901 
              

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 

- 4 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) provide diversified investment management services to institutional clients and to individual investors through various investment vehicles.products. Investment management services primarily consist of the active management of fixed income, cash management and equity client accounts, the management of a number of open-end and closed-end mutual fund families and other non-U.S. equivalent retail products serving the institutional and retail markets and the management of alternative investment funds developed to serve various customer needs. ThroughBlackRock also offersSolutions®, the Company provides risk management, investment system outsourcing, investment accounting services, advisory and financial advisorytransition management services to institutional investors under the BlackRock Solutions® brand name.that combine capital markets expertise with proprietarily-developed systems and technology.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

1.Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company, its controlled subsidiaries and other entities consolidated entities. Non-controlling interest includes minority interest as required by GAAP.well as the portion of consolidated sponsored investment funds in which the Company does not have direct equity ownership. All significant accounts and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Certain financial information that normally is normally included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes prepared in accordance with GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted herein. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 13, 2007.

The interim financial datainformation as of March 31,September 30, 2007 and for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 areis unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim datainformation includes all normal recurring adjustments as well as purchase accounting fair value adjustments related to the Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”) transaction, necessary for athe fair presentation of the Company’s results for the periods shown.presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. Certain amounts in the Company’s prior yearperiod condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2007current presentation.

 

- 5 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income Taxes

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes and Related Implementation Issues. FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a Company’scompany’s financial statements in accordance with SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN No. 48 prescribes a threshold and measurement attribute for recognition in the financial statements of an asset or liability resulting from a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

BlackRock adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the adoption, the Company recognized approximately $15,200 in increased income tax reserves related to uncertain tax positions. Approximately $13,600 of this increase related to taxes that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized, and this portion was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance in retained earnings. The remaining $1,600 balance, if disallowed, would not affect the annual effective tax rate. Total gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2006 were approximately $52,100. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate at December 31, 2006 were approximately $25,700. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, the Company does not anticipate a significant change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12twelve months.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters inas a component of income tax expense. Interest related toaccrued on uncertain tax matterspositions was approximately $4,600 at December 31, 2006 was approximately $4,600.and $7,100 at September 30, 2007. The Company has not accrued any tax-related penalties.

BlackRock is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple jurisdictions. The tax years after 2002 remain open to U.S. federal income tax examination, and the tax years after 2004 remain open to income tax examination in the United Kingdom. Prior to the closing of the MLIM transacton,Merrill Lynch Investments Managers (“MLIM”) transaction, BlackRock filed New York State and New York City income tax returns on a combined basis with The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”), and the tax years after 2001 remain open to income tax examination in New York State and New York City.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company amortizes the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation awards made to retirement eligible employees over the required service period. Upon notification of retirement, the Company accelerates the unamortized portion of the award over the contractually-required retirement notification period, if applicable.

Carried Interest

The Company receives carried interest from private equity funds upon exceeding performance thresholds. BlackRock may be required to return all, or part, of such carried interest depending upon future performance of the private equity funds. BlackRock records carried interest subject to such clawback provisions as revenue on its condensed consolidated statements of income upon the earlier of termination of each private equity fund or when the likelihood of clawback is mathematically improbable. At September 30, 2007, the Company had $17,399 of deferred carried interest recorded in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

- 6 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Prior to 2007, the Company performed its annual impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, as required by SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of September 30th. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Company changed its annual impairment test date to July 31st in order to provide additional time during the quarter for testing due to the significant increase in these assets as a result of recent acquisitions. Impairment tests performed as of July 31, 2007 and September 30, 2006 indicated that no impairment charges were required. The Company’s management believes that this change in the method of applying an accounting principle is preferable under the circumstances and does not result in adjustments to the Company’s consolidated financial statements when applied retrospectively, nor would it result in the delay, acceleration or avoidance of recording a potential future impairment. This change in the method of applying SFAS No. 142 had no impact on the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2007 or other prior periods.

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (i.e., levels 1, 2, and 3, as defined). Additionally, companies are required to provide enhanced disclosure regarding instruments in the level 3 category (which have inputs to the valuation techniques that are unobservable and require significant management judgment), including a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances separately for each major category of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and all interim periods within those fiscal years.2007. The Company currently is currently evaluating the impact adoption will have onto its consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158,Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plansan amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)132. SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. The statement also requires actuarial valuations to be performed as of the balance sheet date. The balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 were effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The valuation date provisions are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2007. The Company adopted the balance sheet recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 on December 31, 2006 and the impact of adoption was not material to its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instrumentsassets and liabilities at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option hasis been elected should be reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis, it should be applied to an entire instrument, and it is irrevocable. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to the fair value option should be reported separately in the balance sheet from those instruments measured using another measurement attribute. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company currently is currently analyzing the potential impact of adoption of SFAS No. 159 to its consolidated financial statements.

 

- 7 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In June 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) ratified EITF Issue No. 06-11,Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (“EITF 06-11”). Under the provisions of EITF 06-11 a realized income tax benefit from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and are paid to employees for equity classified as nonvested equity shares, nonvested equity share units, and outstanding equity share options should be recognized as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The amount recognized in additional paid-in capital for the realized income tax benefit from dividends on those awards should be included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. EITF 06-11 should be applied prospectively to the income tax benefits that result from dividends on equity-classified employee share-based payment awards that are declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of EITF 06-11 to its consolidated financial statements.

2. Investments

A summary of the carrying value of total investments is as follows:

   Carrying Value
   September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

Available-for-sale investments

  $187,337  $158,442

Trading investments

   361,631   370,718

Other investments:

    

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   1,606,296   1,198,422

Equity method

   448,802   327,599

Cost method

   55,118   24,247

Deferred compensation plan investments

   21,567   18,146
        

Total other investments

   2,131,783   1,568,414
        

Total investments

  $2,680,751  $2,097,574
        

- 8 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

2.Item 1.InvestmentsFinancial Statements (continued)

At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, BlackRock had total investments of $2,194,863 and $2,097,574, respectively. Of the total investments at March 31, 2007, $160,758 were classified as available-for-sale investments, $453,614 were classified as trading investments and $1,580,491 were classified as other investments, which include equity and cost method investments and certain consolidated private equity and other alternative funds.2. Investments (continued)

A summary of the cost and carrying value of investments classified as available-for-sale is as follows:

 

     Gross Unrealized 

Carrying

Value

     Gross Unrealized 

Carrying

Value

March 31, 2007

  Cost  Gains  Losses 
  Cost  Gains  Losses 

Carrying

Value

September 30, 2007

       

Available-for-sale investments:

              

Commingled investments

  $120,495  $9,697  ($393) $129,799

Sponsored investment funds

  $152,633  $10,596  $(1,982) $161,247

Collateralized debt obligations

   26,281   1,858   —     28,139   23,328   1,079   (1,201)  23,206

Other

   2,812   8   —     2,820   2,812   72   —     2,884
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $149,588  $11,563  ($393) $160,758  $178,773  $11,747  $(3,183) $187,337
                        

December 31, 2006

                  

Available-for-sale investments:

              

Commingled investments

  $118,147  $8,085  ($583) $125,649

Sponsored investment funds

  $118,147  $8,085  $(583) $125,649

Collateralized debt obligations

   27,496   1,866   —     29,362   27,496   1,866   —     29,362

Other

   3,312   119   —     3,431   3,312   119   —     3,431
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $148,955  $10,070  ($583) $158,442  $148,955  $10,070  $(583) $158,442
                        
         

The Company has reviewed the gross unrealized losses of $393$3,183 at March 31,September 30, 2007, all of which had been in a loss position for less than 12twelve months, and determined that these losses were not other than temporary primarily because the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to recover such losses. As a result, the Company recorded no impairments on such securities.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded realized impairments of $393$3,228 and $998,$2,211, respectively, on certain collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).

 

- 89 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

2. Investments (continued)

 

2.Investments (continued)

A summary of the cost and carrying value of trading and other investments is as follows:

 

March 31, 2007

  Cost  Carrying
Value
  Cost  Carrying
Value

September 30, 2007

    

Trading investments:

        

Deferred compensation plan investments

  $40,218  $43,196

Equity securities

  $80,974  $95,579   67,817   86,638

Commingled investments

   140,159   151,114

Municipal debt securities

   183,850   185,910   235,646   231,797

U.S. government securities

   7,624   7,529

Mortgage-backed securities

   6,883   6,797

Corporate debt

   1,489   1,470

Other debt securities

   5,281   5,215
            

Total trading investments

   426,260   453,614  $343,681  $361,631
      

Other investments:

        

Other fund investments

   1,531,883   1,558,777  $1,980,230  $2,110,216

Deferred compensation plan assets

   17,040   21,714

Deferred compensation plan investments

   14,100   21,567
            

Total other investments

   1,548,923   1,580,491  $1,994,330  $2,131,783
            

Total trading and other investments

  $1,975,183  $2,034,105
      

December 31, 2006

          

Trading investments:

        

Deferred compensation plan and other investments

  $53,306  $54,527

Equity securities

  $139,874  $155,930   139,874   148,025

Municipal debt securities

   154,015   154,510   154,015   154,510

Commingled investments

   137,505   148,387

Corporate notes and bonds

   13,779   13,656   13,779   13,656
            

Total trading investments

   445,173   472,483  $360,974  $370,718
            

Other investments:

        

Other fund investments

   1,428,617   1,448,503  $1,512,816  $1,550,268

Deferred compensation plan assets

   14,074   18,146

Deferred compensation plan investments

   14,074   18,146
            

Total other investments

   1,442,691   1,466,649  $1,526,890  $1,568,414
            

Total trading and other investments

  $1,887,864  $1,939,132
      
      

 

- 910 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

2. Investments (continued)

 

2.Investments (continued)

Included in other investments at March 31,September 30, 2007 is $32,399$55,118 of investments accounted for using the cost method. FASB Statement of Position FAS 115-1/124-1 requires that a company review cost method investments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever management estimates a fair value for such investments or when events or changes in circumstances have occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. At March 31,As of September 30, 2007, management reviewed the carrying value of these investments and estimated their aggregate fair value to be $35,138. As$61,708. No impairments were recorded on such no impairment was recorded.investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

The carrying value of investments in debt securities by contractual maturity at March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 iswas as follows:

 

  Carrying Value  Carrying Value

Maturity date

  March 31, 2007  December 31, 2006  September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

<1 year

  $3,561  $776  $—    $776

1-5 years

   17,607   7,989   10,061   7,989

5-10 years

   59,107   2,772   30,010   2,772

After 10 years

   126,646   156,629   191,726   156,629
            

Total

  $206,921  $168,166  $231,797  $168,166
            
      

The Company consolidates certain investments,sponsored investment funds primarily because it is deemed to control such investments in accordance with GAAP. The investments that are owned by these consolidated investment funds are classified as trading and other investments. At March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the following balances related to these entitiesfunds were consolidated in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position:

 

  March 31, 2007 December 31, 2006   September 30,
2007
 December 31,
2006
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $98,671  $90,919   $191,488  $90,919 

Investments

   1,546,533   1,515,754    1,872,782   1,469,930 

Other net liabilities

   (189,189)  (127,266)   (258,881)  (127,266)

Non-controlling interest

   (1,084,479)  (1,109,092)   (1,458,879)  (1,109,092)
              

Total exposure to consolidated investment funds

  $346,510  $324,491 
       

Total consolidated net assets

  $371,536  $370,315 
       
   

TotalBlackRock’s total exposure to consolidated net assetssponsored investment funds of $371,536$346,510 and $370,315$324,491 at March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, representrepresents the fair value of the Company’s economic ownership interest in these investments.sponsored investment funds. Valuation changes associated with these investmentsconsolidated investment funds are reflected in non-operating income and non-controlling interest. Other net liabilities includes $180,811$276,198 and $95,815 of debt held by consolidated investmentssponsored investment funds at March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, which are included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The Company may not be readily able to access cash and cash equivalents held by consolidated investmentssponsored investment funds to use in its operating activities. In addition, the Company may not be readily able to sell investments held by consolidated investmentssponsored investment funds in order to obtain cash for use in its operations.

 

- 1011 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

3.Derivatives and Hedging

From time to time,3. Derivatives and Hedging

During 2007, the Company may consolidateentered into a sponsored investment product that holds freestanding derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The Company recognizes derivative instruments at fair value and records the changes in fair value in non-operating income on the condensed consolidated statementsseries of income. BlackRock may also enter into derivative financial instrumentstotal return swaps to economically hedge market price exposures with respect to seed investments in sponsored products orinvestment products. At September 30, 2007, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $82,000 and net losses of approximately $210 and $3,880 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, which were included in non-operating income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income.

During first quarter 2007, the Company entered into a forward contract to sell 1.2 billion yen in August 2007 as a hedge against the foreign currency exchange risk.risk associated with a sponsored investment product in Japan. The change in value of the forward contract substantially offsets the change in the value associated with foreign exchange related to the Company’s investment in the sponsored investment fund. In August 2007 and November 2007, the forward contract was extended through November 2007 and December 2007, respectively. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, the change in fair value of the forward contracts were immaterial.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company did not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under SFAS No. 133,Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities., as amended.

During first quarter 2007, the Company entered into a series of total return swaps to economically hedge against changes in fair value of its investments in certain sponsored investment products. At March 31, 2007, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $65,000 and resulted in a net loss of approximately $292 for the three months ended March 31, 2007.4. Earnings Per Share

During first quarter 2007, the Company also entered into a forward contract to sell 1.2 billion yen in August 2007 as a hedge against the foreign exchange risk associated with a consolidated sponsored investment product in Japan. The change in value in the forward contract is expected to offset the change in the value associated with foreign exchange, related to the Company’s investment in the sponsored investment fund. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the change in fair value of the forward contract was immaterial to the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of income.

4.Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
  2007  2006  2007  2006  2007  2006

Net income

  $195,388  $70,862  $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179
                  

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

   128,809,726   64,074,888   128,161,027   64,761,447   128,501,575   64,326,752

Dilutive potential shares from stock options and restricted stock units

   2,565,696   2,230,015   2,502,798   2,208,829   2,376,400   2,074,384

Dilutive potential shares from convertible debt

   520,148   426,657   652,630   507,260   656,213   502,417
                  

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

   131,895,570   66,731,560   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,534,188   66,903,553
                  

Basic earnings per share

  $1.52  $1.11  $1.99  $0.29  $5.24  $2.38
      
            

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.48  $1.06  $1.94  $0.28  $5.12  $2.29
                  

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, 1,545,735 stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because to include them would have an anti-dilutive effect.

- 12 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

4. Earnings Per Share (continued)

Due to the similarities in terms between BlackRockthe Company’s series A non-voting participating preferred stock and the Company’s common stock, the Company considers the series A non-voting participating preferred stock to be common stock for purposes of earnings per share calculations. As such, the Company has included the outstanding series A non-voting participating preferred stock in the calculation of weighted average basic shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2007.

- 11 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006.

Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)5. Stock-Based Compensation

Share-Based Payment

5.Stock-Based Compensation

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R,Share-Based Payment, on January 1, 2006, using the modified-prospective transition approach, with no cumulative effect on net income. The total stock-based compensation expense associated with stock-based employee compensation plans was $142,329 and $78,567 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

BlackRock, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)Plans

The BlackRock, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan (“LTIP”(the “2002 LTIP Awards”) permitted the grant of up to $240,000 in deferred compensation awards, (the “LTIP Awards”), of which the Company previously granted approximately $230,300. Approximately $210,000 of the 2002 LTIP awardsAwards were paid in January 2007. The awards2002 LTIP Awards were payable approximately 16.7% in cash and the remainder in BlackRock stock contributed by PNC and distributed to plan participants. Approximately $20,000 of previously issued 2002 LTIP participants. Under a related share surrender agreement, PNC committed to provide up to 4,000,000 sharesAwards will result in the settlement of BlackRock common stock to fund compensation programs. shares held by PNC through 2010 at a conversion price approximating the market price on the settlement date.

The paymentsettlement of the 2002 LTIP Awards in January 2007 LTIP awards resulted in the surrender by PNC of approximately 1,000,000 shares of BlackRock common stock. The remaining approximately 3,000,000 shares which were committed and are available to support future long-term retention and incentive programs but are not subject to surrender by PNC until the programs are approved by the Management Development and Compensation Committee and awards are made in accordance with the share surrender agreement. The Company granted additional long-term incentive awards in January 2007 which included 1,540,050 restricted stock units that are intended to be settled using these shares.

Under the terms of the 2002 LTIP Awards, employees elected to put approximately 95% of the stock portion of the awards back to the Company at a total fair market value of approximately $165,700. On the payment date, the Company recorded a capital contribution from PNC for the amount of shares funded by PNC. For the shares not put back to the Company, no dilution resulted from the delivery of stock pursuant to the awards since they were funded by shares held by PNC and were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006. Put elections made by employees were accounted for as treasury stock repurchases and are accretive to the Company’s earnings per share. The shares repurchased have been retained as treasury stock.

Share-Based Payment

Under a related share surrender agreement, PNC committed to provide up to 4,000,000 shares of BlackRock common stock to fund long term incentive programs. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R,Share-Based Payment, ongranted additional long-term incentive awards in January 1, 2006,2007 which included 1,540,050 restricted stock units that are intended to be settled using BlackRock shares held by PNC in accordance with the modified-prospective transition approach,share surrender agreement. Of the committed shares available for future awards, BlackRock is able to grant up to approximately $11,000 in additional awards in the period prior to September 29, 2011 and additional awards to be settled with no cumulative effect on net income. The total stock-based compensation expense before taxes associated with stock-based employee compensation plans was $40,252 and $11,213 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.remaining shares in periods subsequent to September 29, 2011.

 

- 1213 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

5. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

 

5.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Stock Options

Options outstanding as of March 31,at September 30, 2007 and changes during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

Outstanding at

  

Shares

Under

Option

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

December 31, 2006

  4,457,669  $36.90  $512,624

Granted

  1,545,735  $167.76   —  

Exercised

  (860,084) $37.42  $102,255
       

March 31, 2007

  5,143,320  $76.14  $430,030
       
            

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first quarter of fiscal 2007 of $159.75 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that all option holders would have received had they exercised their options on March 31, 2007. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock. Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $102,255 and $5,769, respectively.

Outstanding at

  Number of
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

December 31, 2006

  4,457,669  $36.90

Granted

  1,545,735  $167.76

Exercised

  (1,192,335) $37.22
     

September 30, 2007

  4,811,069  $78.86
     

As of March 31,September 30, 2007, the Company had 3,597,585 shares under option3,265,334 outstanding options which were exercisable.exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $36.78. The weighted average remaining life of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2007 was 6.1 years.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $155,428. As of September 30, 2007, the intrinsic value of in-the-money exercisable and outstanding options was $446,135 and $454,869, respectively.

On January 31, 2007, the Company awarded options to purchase 1,545,735 shares of BlackRock common stock to certain executives as long-term incentive compensation. The options vest on September 29, 2011, provided that the Company has actual GAAP earnings per share of at least $5.20 in 2009, $5.52 in 2010 or $5.85 in 2011. An alternative performance hurdle provides for vesting of the awards based on specific targets for the Company’s earnings growth performance to peers over the term of the awards. The options have a strike price of $167.76, which was based upon the closing price of the shares on the grant date. Fair value, as calculated in accordance with a modified Black-Scholes model, was approximately $45.88 per option. The fair value of the options is being amortized over the vesting period as exceeding the performance hurdles werewas deemed to be probable of occurring.

Assumptions used in calculating the calculation of grant-date fair value for the stock options issued in January 2007 were as follows:

 

Exercise Price

$167.76

Expected Term (years)

7.335

Expected Volatility

24.5%

Dividend Yield

1.0%-4.44%

Risk Free Interest Rate

4.8%

Exercise Price

  $167.76 

Expected Term (years)

   7.335 

Expected Volatility

   24.5%

Dividend Yield

   1.0%-4.44%

Risk Free Interest Rate

   4.8%

 

- 1314 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

 

5.Item 1.Stock-Based CompensationFinancial Statements (continued)

5. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Stock Options (continued)

The Company’s expected option term was derived using the mathematical average between the earliest vesting date and the option expiration date in accordance with Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The Company’s expected stock volatility assumption was based upon historical stock price fluctuations of BlackRock’s common stock. The dividend yield assumption was derived using estimated dividends over the expected term and the stock price at the date of the grant. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield at date of grant.

As of September 30, 2007, the Company had $60,841 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a remaining weighted-average period of 4.0 years.

Restricted Stock and Stock Units

Unvested restricted stock and stock unit awards at March 31,September 30, 2007 and changes during the threenine months then ended were as follows:

 

Outstanding at

  

Unvested

Restricted

Stock and

Units

 

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
Units
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

December 31, 2006

  1,516,063  $133.44  1,516,063  $133.44

Granted

  2,447,418  $168.48  2,517,718  $168.12

Forfeited

  (80,441) $161.37

Vested

  (105,036) $126.50  (136,955) $126.45
          

September 30, 2007

  3,816,385  $155.98
     

March 31, 2007

  3,858,445  $155.84
     
   

On January 25, 2007, the Company issued 901,609 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees in conjunction with their annual service awards. The RSU awards vest 33.3% per yearover three years through January 2010. The value of the RSUs was calculated using BlackRock’s closing stock price on the date of grant, or $169.70. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is being amortized into earnings on the straight-line method over the requisite service period, net of expected forfeitures, for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.

On January 31, 2007, the Company issued 1,540,050 restricted stock units (“RSUs”)RSUs to employees as long-term incentive compensation. The RSU awards vest on September 29, 2011 provided that BlackRock has actual GAAP earnings per share of at least $5.20 in 2009, $5.52 in 2010 or $5.85 in 2011. An alternative performance hurdle provides for vesting of the awards based on specific targets for the Company’s earnings growth performance to peers over the term of the awards. The value of the RSUs was calculated using BlackRock’s closing stock price on the date of grant, or $167.76. The grant-date fair value of the RSUs is being amortized into earnings on the straight-line method over the vesting period, net of expected forfeitures.

- 15 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

5. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Restricted Stock and Stock Units (continued)

At March 31,September 30, 2007, there was $487,299$434,875 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock unitunvested RSU awards. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a remaining weighted-average period of 4.03.6 years.

- 14 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)6. Goodwill

Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

6.Goodwill

During the threefirst nine months ended March 31,of 2007, the Company increasedrecorded goodwill adjustments of $197,504 primarily related to the MLIM transaction as the result of the Company’s ongoing review of its purchase price allocation of the net assets acquired in the MLIM transaction. Additional net deferred tax liabilities acquiredtotaling $157,283 were recorded primarily as a result of $199,018 of adjustments to changes in expected applicable state tax rates, offset by $35,549 related to additional expected compensation deductions and $6,186 of other tax-related adjustments. Additionally, the Company established a reserve and the related deferred tax asset for an out-of-market lease assumed in the MLIM transaction in the net amount of $33,244 as the result of a $68,793 adjustment to the expected state tax rate applicable to such reserves, offset by $35,549 of additional federal income tax compensation deductions expected to be received in the future.$23,166..

7. Borrowings

7.Borrowings

Short Term Borrowing:

In December 2006, the Company entered into aan unsecured revolving credit agreementfacility with a syndicate of banking institutions with an initial borrowing capacity of $600,000institutions. This facility, as amended in February 2007 (the “Credit Agreement”“2006 facility”). The term of the facility is five years and interest currently accrues at the applicable London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.20%. The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.04% per annum on the undrawn balance. Additionally, for each day that the total amount outstanding is greater than 50% of the total commitments by all lenders,, permitted the Company pays a utilization fee of 0.05% per annum on the total amount outstanding. Financial convenants in the Credit Agreement require BlackRock to maintain a maximum debt/EBITDA ratio of 3.0 and a minimum EBITDA/interest expense ratio of 4.0. As of March 31,borrow up to $800,000.

In August 2007, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. Theterminated the 2006 facility is intended to fund various investment opportunities as well as BlackRock’s near-term operating cash requirements.

In February 2007,and entered into a new five year $2,500,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007 facility”), which permits the Company increased the maximum capacity of the facility to $800,000. The Credit Agreement allows BlackRock to request an additional $200,000$500,000 of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $1,000,000.$3,000,000. The 2007 facility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA, where net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1, which was satisfied at September 30, 2007.

The 2007 facility was used to refinance the 2006 facility and will provide back-up liquidity, fund ongoing working capital for general corporate purposes and fund various investment opportunities. At March 31,September 30, 2007, the Company had $550,000$450,000 outstanding under the 2007 facility with interest rates between 5.105% to 5.845% and maturity dates between October 2007 and September 2008.

Long Term Borrowings:

In September 2007, the Company issued $700,000 in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes maturing on September 15, 2017 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at a discount of $5,628, which is being amortized over their ten-year term. The Company incurred approximately $4,000 in debt issuance costs, which are included in other assets on the facility. Duringcondensed consolidated statements of financial condition and are being amortized over the term of the Notes. A portion of the net proceeds of the Notes was used to fund the initial cash payment for its acquisition of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”) and the remainder will be used for general corporate purposes.

- 16 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

8. Deferred Mutual Fund Sales Commissions

In April 2007, the Company repaid $80,000assumed from a subsidiary of PNC certain distribution financing arrangements to receive certain cash flows from sponsored open-ended mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”). The fair value of these assets was capitalized and is being amortized over periods up to six years. The Company also assumed the rights to related distribution and service fees from certain funds and contingent deferred sales commissions upon shareholder redemption of certain back-end load shares prior to the end of the contingent deferred sales period. The Company paid $33,996 in exchange for the above rights.

9. Termination of Fund Administration and Servicing Arrangements with Merrill Lynch

Effective September 28, 2007, the Company insourced certain closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements in place with Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”). In connection with this insourcing, the Company terminated 40 agreements with Merrill Lynch with original terms ranging from 30 to 40 years and made a one-time payment to Merrill Lynch of approximately $128,114 on October 31, 2007. The payment is reported as “termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements” on the facilitycondensed consolidated statements of income and extendedis recorded in “due to affiliates” on the remaining balance into Maycondensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As a result of these terminations, Merrill Lynch was discharged of any further duty to provide the services and BlackRock was discharged from any further payment obligations..

10. Income Taxes

In the third quarter of 2007, the United Kingdom and Germany enacted legislation which will reduce the corporate income tax in those jurisdictions, effective in April and January 2008, respectively. Accordingly, the Company revalued its deferred tax liabilities attributable to the two jurisdictions. The revaluation of deferred taxes resulted in a tax benefit of $51,400 in the third quarter of 2007.

- 17 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

8.Item 1.SupplementalFinancial Statements of Cash Flow Information(continued)

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2007  2006  2007  2006

Cash paid for interest

  $6,707  $3,281  $22,910  $6,876
            

Cash paid for income taxes

  $50,315  $29,305  $257,410  $127,364
            
      

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing transactions is as follows:

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2007  2006

Common and preferred stock issued in MLIM Transaction

  $—    $9,577,100

Issuance of treasury stock

  $102,735  $13,278

Decrease in investments due to net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $183,442  $7,638

Decrease in non-controlling interest due to net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $210,252  $8,881

PNC LTIP capital contribution

  $174,932  $—  

 

- 1518 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

 

8.Item 1.SupplementalFinancial Statements of Cash Flow Information (continued)

Supplemental schedule of non-cash transactions is as follows:12. Commitments and Contingencies

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

   2007  2006

Reissuance of treasury stock at a discount to its cost basis

  $63,953  $6,601

Decrease in investments due to deconsolidation of sponsored investment funds

  $225,600  $—  

Increase in investments due to consolidation of sponsored investment funds

  $146,953  $—  

Decrease in non-controlling interest due to deconsolidation of sponsored investment funds

  $248,389  $—  

Increase in non-controlling interest due to consolidation of sponsored investment funds

  $147,135  $—  

PNC LTIP capital contribution

  $173,497  $—  

Accrued fee-sharing payment

  $—    $50,000
         

9.Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

BlackRock has received subpoenas from various U.S. federal and state governmental and regulatory authorities and various information requests from the SEC in connection with industry-wide investigations of U.S. mutual fund matters. BlackRock is continuing to cooperate fully in these matters. From time to time, BlackRock is subject to other regulatory inquiries and proceedings.

The Company, including a number of the legal entities acquired in the MLIM transaction,Transaction, has been named as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation and regulatory proceedings arising in connection with BlackRock’s activities. Additionally, the investment funds that the Company manages are subject to lawsuits, any of which could harm the investment returns of the applicable fund or result in managersthe Company being liable to the funds for any resulting damages. While Merrill Lynch has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain of the pre-closing liabilities related to legal and regulatory proceedings acquired in the MLIM transaction,Transaction, entities that BlackRock now owns may be named as defendants in these matters and the Company’s reputation may be negatively impacted.

Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not currently anticipate that the aggregate liability, if any, arising out of such regulatory matters or lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on BlackRock’s financial position, although at the present time, management is not in a position to determine whether any such pending or threatened matters will have a material adverse effect on BlackRock’s results of operations and cash flows in any future reporting period.

- 16 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1. Financial Statements (continued)

9.Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Indemnifications

In the ordinary course of business, BlackRock enters into contracts with clients and third parties pursuant to which the third parties provide services on behalf of BlackRock.party service providers. In many of the contracts, BlackRock agrees to indemnify the client or third party service provider underin certain circumstances. The terms of thesuch indemnity obligations vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined.

Under the Transaction Agreement inIn conjunction with the MLIM transaction,Transaction, the Company has agreed to indemnify Merrill Lynch for losses it may incur arising from (1) inaccuracy in or breach of representations or warranties related to the Company’s SEC reports, absence of undisclosed liabilities, litigation and compliance with laws and government regulations, without giving effect to any materiality or material adverse effect qualifiers, (2) any alleged or actual breach, failure to comply, violation or other deficiency with respect to any regulatory or fiduciary requirements relating to the operation of BlackRock’s business, (3) any fees or expenses incurred or owed by BlackRock to any brokers, financial advisors or comparable other person retained or employed by BlackRock in connection with the transactions,transaction, and (4) certain specified tax covenants.

Merrill Lynch is not entitled to indemnification for any losses arising from the circumstances and events described in (1) above until the aggregate losses (other than individual losses less than $100) of Merrill Lynch exceed $100,000. In the event that such losses exceed $100,000, Merrill Lynch is entitled to be indemnified only for such losses (other than individual losses less than $100) in excess of $100,000. Merrill Lynch is not entitled to indemnification payments pursuant to (1) above in excess of $1,600,000 or for claims made more than 18 months from the closing of the MLIM Transaction. These limitations do not apply to losses arising from the circumstances and events described in (2), (3) and (4) above, which survive indefinitely.

- 19 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

12. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Indemnifications (continued)

Management believes that the likelihood of any liability arising under these indemnification provisions to be remote and, as such, no liability has been recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Management cannot estimate any potential maximum exposure due both to the remoteness of any potential claims and the fact that items that would be included within any such calculated claim would be beyond the control of BlackRock.

13. Subsequent Events

10.Subsequent Events

In AprilJune 2007, the Company purchased from a subsidiaryannounced that it had entered into an asset purchase agreement under which it would acquire certain assets of PNC rightsthe fund of funds business of Quellos for up to receive certain$1,720,000. This transaction closed on October 1, 2007, and BlackRock paid Quellos $562,500 in cash flows from sponsored mutual funds without a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”).and $187,500 in BlackRock common stock. The fair value of these assetscommon stock will be capitalizedheld in escrow for up to three years and subsequently amortizedis available to satisfy certain indemnification obligations of Quellos under the asset purchase agreement. In addition, Quellos may receive up to an additional $970,000 in cash and stock over periods between onethree and seven years. The Company also acquired the rights to related distribution and service fees froma half years contingent upon certain funds and contingent deferred sales commissions (“CDSCs”) upon shareholder redemption of certain back-end load shares. The purchase price of such rights was $33,996.operating measures.

In April 2003, the Company acquired 80% of an investment manager of a fund of hedge funds. On October 1, 2007, the StateCompany paid $27,000 to purchase the remaining 20% of New York enacted income tax law changes which will impact BlackRock’s income tax expense. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of such changes, which could be material.investment manager.

 

- 1720 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking Statements

This report, 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” or 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 factors previously disclosed in BlackRock’s SEC reports and those identified elsewhere in this report 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 in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment 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, including its separately managed accounts and the investments of the former MLIM business:products; (4) the impact of increased competition; (5) the impact of capital improvement projects; (6) the impact of future acquisitions or divestitures; (7) the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings; (8) the extent and timing of any share repurchases; (9) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection; (10) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to BlackRock, Merrill Lynch or PNC; (11) terrorist activities and international hostilities, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries, and BlackRock; (12) the ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (13) fluctuations in the carrying value of BlackRock’s investments; (14) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect the value of advisory and administration fees earned by BlackRock and the carrying value of certain investments denominated in foreign currencies; (14)(15) the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, the tax position of the Company; (15)(16) BlackRock’s ability to successfully integrate the MLIM businessand Quellos businesses with its existing business; (16)(17) the ability of BlackRock to effectively manage the former MLIM and Quellos assets along with its historical assets under management; and (17)(18) BlackRock’s success in maintaining the distribution of its products.

 

- 1821 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) is one of the largest publicly traded investment management firms in the United States with $1.154$1.3 trillion of assets under management (“AUM”) at March 31,September 30, 2007. BlackRock manages assets on behalf of institutional and individual investors worldwide through a variety of fixed income, cash management, equity and alternative investment separate accounts and mutual funds. In addition, BlackRock provides risk management, investment system outsourcing and financial advisory services to institutional investors.

On September 29, 2006, BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) closed a transaction pursuant to which Merrill Lynch contributed its investment management business, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”), to BlackRock in exchange for an aggregate of 65 million shares of newly issued BlackRock common and non-voting participating preferred stock (the “MLIM Transaction”). Immediately following the closing,At September 30, 2007, Merrill Lynch owned 45%approximately 45.4% of the Company’s voting common stock and approximately 49.3%49.6% of the total capital stock on a fully diluted basis of the combined companyCompany and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) owned approximately 34%33.7% of the combined company (as compared with 69% immediately prior to the closing).capital stock.

- 22 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The following table summarizes BlackRock’s operating performance for each of the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 and December 31,the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006. Certain prior yearperiod amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2007 presentation:

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)the current presentation.

 

  Three months ended  Variance vs.  Three months ended Variance vs. 
  March 31,  December 31,  March 31, 2006  December 31, 2006  September 30, June 30, September 30, 2006 June 30, 2007 
  2007  2006  2006  Amount  %  Amount  %  2007 2006 2007 Amount  % Amount % 

Total revenue

  $1,005,374  $395,660  $1,018,525  $609,714  154.1%  $(13,151)  (1.3)%  $1,298,079  $323,058  $1,097,023  $975,021  301.8% $201,056  18.3%

Total expense

  $733,143  $295,633  $772,443  $437,510  148.0%  $(39,300)  (5.1)%

Total expenses

  $1,026,361  $294,050  $815,022  $732,311  249.0% $211,339  25.9%

Operating income(a)

  $272,231  $100,027  $246,082  $172,204  172.2%  $26,149  10.6%  $271,718  $29,008  $282,001  $242,710  NM  $(10,283) (3.6)%

Operating income, as adjusted(a)

  $296,360  $157,274  $318,345  $139,086  88.4%  $(21,985)  (6.9)%  $423,656  $115,266  $335,644  $308,390  267.5% $88,012  26.2%

Net income

  $195,388  $70,862  $169,422  $124,526  175.7%  $25,966  15.3%  $255,200  $18,914  $222,244  $236,286  NM  $32,956  14.8%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $209,240  $82,363  $211,733  $126,877  154.0%  $(2,493)  (1.2)%  $300,079  $71,519  $236,626  $228,560  319.6% $63,453  26.8%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $1.48  $1.06  $1.28  $0.42  39.6%  $0.20  15.6%  $1.94  $0.28  $1.69  $1.66  NM  $0.25  14.8%

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted(b) (c)

  $1.59  $1.23  $1.61  $0.36  29.3%  $(0.02)  (1.2)%  $2.29  $1.06  $1.80  $1.23  116.0% $0.49  27.2%

Average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   131,895,570   66,731,560   131,853,835   65,164,010  97.7%   41,735  0.0%   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,383,470   63,838,919  94.6%  (67,015) (0.1)%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   27.1%   25.3%   24.2%           20.9%  9.0%  25.7%     

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   34.0%   42.0%   35.6%           37.7%  38.5%  36.1%     

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,154,164  $463,060  $1,124,627  $691,104  149.2%  $29,537  2.6%  $1,299,556  $1,075,016  $1,230,086  $224,540  20.9% $69,470  5.6%
                     

   Nine months ended
September 30,
  Variance 
   2007  2006  Amount  % 

Total revenue

  $3,400,476  $1,079,451  $2,321,025  215.0%

Total expenses

  $2,574,528  $853,734  $1,720,794  201.6%

Operating income

  $825,948  $225,717  $600,231  265.9%

Operating income, as adjusted(a)

  $1,070,209  $361,653  $708,556  195.9%

Net income

  $672,832  $153,179  $519,653  339.2%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $745,945  $232,969  $512,976  220.2%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $5.12  $2.29  $2.83  123.6%

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted(b) (c)

  $5.67  $3.48  $2.19  62.9%

Average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   131,534,188   66,903,553   64,630,635  96.6%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   24.3%  20.9%   

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   36.9%  35.9%   

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,299,556  $1,075,016  $224,540  20.9%

NM – Not Meaningful

 

- 1923 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Overview (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(a) While BlackRock reports its financial results on a GAAP basis, however management believes that evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results may not be as useful if investors are limited to reviewing only 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. 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. Certain prior year non-GAAP data has been restated to conform to current year presentation.

Operating margin, as adjusted, equals operating income, as adjusted, divided by revenue used for operating margin measurement, as indicated in the table below. ComputationsAs a result of recent changes in BlackRock’s business, management has altered the way it views its operating margin, as adjusted. As such, the calculation of operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, were modified in the second quarter 2007 primarily to adjust for costs associated with closed-end fund issuances and amortization of deferred sales costs, as shown below. Revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted, for all periods presented includeincludes affiliated and unaffiliated portfolio administration and servicing costs andcosts. Certain prior period non-GAAP data has been reclassified to conform to current presentation. Computations for all periods are derived from the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements of income as follows:

 

  Three months ended   Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  March 31, December 31,   September 30, June 30, 
  2007 2006 2006   2007 2006 2007 2007 2006 

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $272,231  $100,027  $246,082   $271,718  $29,008  $282,001  $825,948  $225,717 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

          

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     —     128,114   —   

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   13,613   12,045   13,933   39,589   36,068 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   2,500   —     2,500   7,500   —   

MLIM integration costs

   7,100   6,579   51,349    6,139   71,456   6,039   19,278   90,580 

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   12,043   11,676   13,964 

Fee sharing payment

   —     34,450   —   

Appreciation on assets related to deferred compensation plans

   2,486   4,542   5,102 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   2,500   —     1,848 

Quellos integration costs

   140   —     —     140   —   

Closed-end fund launch costs

   1,875   4,933   19,801   34,828   5,464 

Closed-end fund launch commissions

   264   973   4,297   5,958   1,387 

Appreciation (depreciation) related to deferred compensation plans

   (707)  (3,149)  7,073   8,854   2,437 
                          

Operating income, as adjusted

  $296,360  $157,274  $318,345   $423,656  $115,266  $335,644  $1,070,209  $361,653 
          
                

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $1,005,374  $395,660  $1,018,525   $1,298,079  $323,058  $1,097,023  $3,400,476  $1,079,451 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

          

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   (126,677)  (15,159)  (120,259)   (138,850)  (16,382)  (131,077)  (401,014)  (48,529)

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   (28,763)  (1,341)  (28,713)  (79,034)  (4,645)

Reimbursable property management compensation

   (6,642)  (5,598)  (4,922)   (7,218)  (6,219)  (6,664)  (20,525)  (17,696)
                          

Revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted

  $872,055  $374,903  $893,344   $1,123,248  $299,116  $930,569  $2,899,903  $1,008,581 
          
                

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   27.1%  25.3%  24.2%   20.9%  9.0%  25.7%  24.3%  20.9%
                          

Operating margin, as adjusted

   34.0%  42.0%  35.6%   37.7%  38.5%  36.1%  36.9%  35.9%
                          
   

- 24 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Overview (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(a) (continued)

Management believes that operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of management’s ability to, and useful to management in deciding how to effectively employ BlackRock’s resources. As such, management believes that operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, provide useful disclosure to investors.

Non-GAAP Operating Income Adjustments:

The expense related to the termination of the closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch has been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, as the termination of the arrangements is deemed non-recurring by management. The portion of the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) expense associated with awards funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded because, exclusive of the impact related to LTIP participants’ put options, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM and Quellos integration costs consist principally of certain professional fees, rebranding costs and compensation costs related to the integration which were reflected in GAAP net income. MLIM integrationIntegration costs have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin per share, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior periods. The portionClosed-end fund launch costs and commissions have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, because such costs can fluctuate considerably and revenues associated with the expenditure of such costs will not fully impact the Company’s results until future periods. As such, management believes that operating margins exclusive of these costs are more representative of the LTIP expense associated with awards met byoperating performance for the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNC has been excluded because, exclusive of the impact related to LTIP participants’ put options, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. A fee sharing payment made in the first quarter 2006 has been excluded because it represents a non-recurring payment (based upon a performance fee) pursuant to the SSRM Holdings, Inc. acquisition agreement.given period. Compensation expense associated with appreciation (depreciation) on assets related to certain BlackRock’s deferred compensation plans has been excluded because investment returns on these assets are reported in non-operating income, net of the related impact on compensation expense, result in a nominal impact to net income. The portion of the compensation expense related to incentive awards to be funded by Merrill Lynch has been excluded because it is not expected to impact BlackRock’s book value.

- 20 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)Non-GAAP Revenue Adjustments:

Overview (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(a) (continued)

Portfolio administration and servicing costs have been excluded from revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted, because the Company receives offsetting revenue and expense for these services. Amortization of deferred sales costs are excluded from revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted, because such costs offset distribution fee revenue earned by the Company. Reimbursable property management compensation represents compensation and benefits paid to certain BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc. (“Realty”) personnel. These employees are retained on Realty’s payroll when certain properties are acquired by Realty’s clients. The related compensation and benefits are fully reimbursed by Realty’s clients and have been excluded from revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted, because they bear no economic cost to BlackRock.

- 25 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Overview (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(b) While BlackRock reports its financial results on a GAAP basis, however management believes that evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results may not be as useful if investors are limited to reviewing only GAAP-basis 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. 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.

 

  Three months ended  Three months ended  Nine months ended
  March 31,  December 31,  September 30,  June 31,  September 30,
  2007  2006  2006  2007 2006  2007  2007 2006

Net income, GAAP basis

  $195,388  $70,862  $169,422  $255,200  $18,914  $222,244  $672,832  $153,179

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax

              

MLIM integration costs

   4,544   4,145   32,350

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   81,993   —     —     81,993   —  

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   7,708   7,356   8,797   8,712   7,588   8,917   25,337   22,723

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   1,600   —     1,164   1,600   —     1,600   4,800   —  

MLIM integration costs

   3,929   45,017   3,865   12,338   57,067

Quellos integration costs

   90   —     —     90   —  

Corporate income tax reductions

   (51,445)  —     —     (51,445)  —  
                        

Net income, as adjusted

  $209,240  $82,363  $211,733  $300,079  $71,519  $236,626  $745,945  $232,969
                        

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

   131,895,570   66,731,560   131,853,835   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,383,470   131,534,188   66,903,553
         
               

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis

  $1.48  $1.06  $1.28  $1.94  $0.28  $1.69  $5.12  $2.29
                        

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted

  $1.59  $1.23  $1.61  $2.29  $1.06  $1.80  $5.67  $3.48
                        
         

Management believes that net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, are effective measurements of BlackRock’s profitability and financial performance. The termination of the closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch has been excluded from net income, as adjusted, as the termination of the arrangements is deemed non-recurring by management. The portion of the LTIP expense associated with awards funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, because, exclusive of the impact related to LTIP participants’ put options, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM and Quellos integration costs reflected in GAAP net income have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior reporting periods. MLIM integrationIntegration costs consist principally of compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs incurred in conjunction with the MLIM integration.integrations. The portionUnited Kingdom and Germany, during third quarter 2007, enacted legislation reducing corporate income taxes, effective in April and January of LTIP expense associated with awards funded by the distribution2008, respectively, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities. Currently, BlackRock does not anticipate a significant change to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNCits overall tax rate in 2008. The resulting decrease in income taxes has been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, because these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. The portion of the current year compensation expense related to incentive awards to be funded by Merrill Lynch has been excluded because it is not expectednon-recurring and to impact BlackRock’s book value.ensure comparability to prior reporting periods.

(c) Series A non-voting participating preferred stock is considered to be common stock for purposes of earnings per share calculations.

 

- 2126 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Overview (continued)

BlackRock has portfolio managers located around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Thethe Netherlands, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong. The Company provides a wide array of taxable and tax-exempt fixed income, cash management, equity and balanced mutual funds and separate accounts, as well as a wide assortment of index-based equity and alternative investment products to a diverse global clientele. In addition, BlackRock provides global advisory services for mutual funds and other non-U.S. equivalent retail products. The Company’s non-U.S. mutual funds are based in a number of domiciles and cover a range of asset classes, including cash management, fixed income and equities. The primary retail fund group offered outside the United States is the Merrill Lynch International Investment Funds (“MLIIF”), which is authorized for distribution in more than 30 jurisdictions worldwide. In the United States, the primary retail offerings include a variety of open-end and closed-end funds, including the BlackRock Funds and the BlackRock Liquidity Funds. Additional fund offerings include structured products, real estate funds, hedge funds and funds of funds, private equity funds and fundsfund of funds, managed futures funds and exchange funds. These products are sold to both U.S. and non-U.S. high net worth, retail and institutional investors in active and passive strategies covering both equity and fixed income assets.strategies.

BlackRock’s client base consists of financial institutions and other corporate clients, pension funds, high net worth individuals and retail investors around the world. BlackRock maintains a significant sales and marketing presenceforce globally that is focused on acquiring and maintaining retailinstitutional and institutionalretail investment management relationships by marketing its services to retailinstitutional and institutionalretail investors directly and through financial professionals, pension consultants and third-party distribution relationships. BlackRock also distributes certain of its products and services through broker-dealer subsidiaries of Merrill Lynch.Lynch in addition to other distributors.

BlackRock derives a substantial portion of its revenue from investment advisory and administration fees, which are recognized as the services are performed. Such fees are primarily based on pre-determined percentages of the market value of AUM or, in the case of certain real estate equity separate accounts, net operating income generated by the underlying properties, and are affected by changes in AUM, including market appreciation or depreciation, foreign exchange gains or losses and net subscriptions or redemptions. Net subscriptions or redemptions represent the sum of new client assets, additional fundings from existing clients (including dividend reinvestment), withdrawals of assets from, and termination of, client accounts and purchases and redemptions of mutual fund shares. Market appreciation or depreciation includes current income earned on, and changes in the fair value of, securities held in client accounts.

Investment advisory agreements for certain separate accounts and BlackRock’s alternative investment products may provide for performance fees or carried interest allocations in addition to fees based on AUM. Performance fees and carried interest allocations generally are earned after a given period of time or when investment performance exceeds a contractual threshold. As such, the recognition of carried interest and performance fees may increase the volatility of BlackRock’s revenue and earnings.

The Company also receives distribution fees and contingent deferred sales commissions from certain sponsored mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”). Such fees and commissions are shown on the condensed consolidated statements of income as distribution fees.

ThroughBlackRock Solutions®, the firm provides a variety of risk management, systems outsourcing, investment analyticaccounting services, advisory and investment systemtransition management services tothat combine capital markets expertise with proprietary systems and technology. BlackRock Solutions clients consist of financial institutions, pension funds, asset managers, foundations, consultants, mutual fund sponsors real estate investment trusts and government agencies. These services are provided under the brand nameBlackRock Solutions® and include a wide array of risk management services and enterprise investment system outsourcing to clients. Fees earned forBlackRock Solutions services are typically based on a number of factors including pre-determined percentages of the market value of assets subject to the services and the number of individual investment accounts, or on fixed fees.fees based on project scope and complexity. Fees earned on risk management, system outsourcing, investment analyticaccounting services, advisory and investment system assignmentstransition management services are recorded as other revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

- 2227 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Overview (continued)

Operating expenseexpenses primarily consistsconsist of employee compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions, general and administration expense and amortization of finite-lived intangible assets. Employee compensation and benefits expense includes salaries, deferred and incentive compensation, long-term retention and incentive plans and related benefit costs. Portfolio administration and servicing costs reflect payments made to Merrill Lynch-affiliated entities and PNC-affiliated entities, as well as third parties, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products.

Assets Under Management

BlackRock, Inc.

Assets Under Management Summary

(Dollar amounts in millions)

(unaudited)

 

                Variance
   March 31,  December 31, *  March 31,  

Quarter to

Quarter

  

Year to

Year

   2007  2006    

Fixed income

  $470,513  $462,049  $318,529  1.8%  47.7%

Equity and balanced

   402,983   392,708   40,751  2.6%  NM

Cash management

   244,838   235,768   86,484  3.8%  183.1%

Alternative investments products

   35,830   34,102   17,296  5.1%  107.2%
                

Total

  $1,154,164  $1,124,627  $463,060  2.6%  149.2%
                
                   

NM – Not Meaningful
            Variance 
   September 30,  June 30,  September 30,1  Quarter to  Year to 
   2007  2006  Quarter  Year 

Fixed income

  $509,750  $492,287  $443,594  3.5% 14.9%

Equity and balanced

   454,162   435,873   358,145  4.2% 26.8%

Cash management

   290,748   259,840   229,416  11.9% 26.7%

Alternative investments products

   44,896   42,086   43,861  6.7% 2.4%
               

Total

  $1,299,556  $1,230,086  $1,075,016  5.6% 20.9%
               


1

September 30, 2006 AUM reflects a reclassification of certain MLIM acquired assets. Approximately $7.9 billion was reclassified from fixed income to cash management, relative to the AUM as reported in BlackRock’s third quarter 2006 Form 10-Q.

AUM increased approximately $691.1$69.5 billion, or 149.2%5.6%, to $1.154$1.3 trillion at March 31,September 30, 2007, compared with $463.1 billionto $1.230 trillion at March 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. The growth in AUM was attributable to $589.2$41.0 billion acquired in the MLIM Transaction, $53.4net subscriptions, $20.3 billion in market appreciation $39.5 billion in net subscriptions and $9.0$8.2 billion in foreign exchange gains. Net subscriptions of $39.5$41.0 billion for the twelvethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 were primarily attributable tothe result of net new business of $20.3$30.2 billion in cash management products, $11.7$5.6 billion in fixed income products, $3.2 billion in equity and balanced products and $5.2$2.1 billion in alternative products. Market appreciation of $53.4$20.3 billion primarily reflected appreciation in equity and balanced assets of $9.9 billion, as equity markets ended positive for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and by market appreciation on fixed income products of $9.4 billion due to changes in market interest rates. Foreign exchange gains of $8.2 billion consisted primarily of $5.2 billion in equity and balanced assets and $2.5 billion in fixed income assets.

AUM increased approximately $224.5 billion, or 20.9%, to $1.3 trillion at September 30, 2007, compared with $1.075 trillion at September 30, 2006. Net subscriptions of $124.0 billion for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily the result of net new business of $59.2 billion in cash management products, $31.6 billion in fixed income products, $22.0 billion in equity and balanced products and $11.3 billion in alternative investment products. Market appreciation of $84.9 billion largely reflected appreciation in equity and balanced assets of $30.2$63.4 billion, as equity markets improved during the period ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and market appreciation on fixed income products of $19.3$15.5 billion due to current income and changes in market interest rates. Foreign exchange gains of $9.0$19.0 billion consisted primarily of $5.9$12.7 billion in equity and balanced assets and $2.7$5.1 billion in fixed income assets.

AUM increased approximately $29.5 billion, or 2.6%, to $1.154 trillion at March 31, 2007, compared to $1.125 trillion at December 31, 2006. The growth in AUM was attributable to $14.4 billion in net subscriptions, $13.7 billion in market appreciation and $1.4 billion in foreign exchange gains. Net subscriptions of $14.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were attributable to net new business of $8.4 billion in cash management products, $3.5 billion in fixed income products, $1.6 billion in equity and balanced products and $0.9 billion in alternative products. Market appreciation of $13.7 billion primarily reflected appreciation in equity and balanced assets of $7.8 billion, as equity markets improved during the period ended March 31, 2007 and market appreciation on fixed income products of $4.5 billion due to current income and changes in market interest rates. Foreign exchange gains of $1.4 billion consisted primarily of $0.9 billion in equity and balanced assets and $0.4 billion in fixed income assets.

* AUM reflects a reclassification of MLIM acquired assets of approximately $7.9 billion from fixed income to cash management.

 

- 2328 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Assets Under Management (continued)

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2007

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Year to Date 2007 Component Changes in Assets Under Management

(Dollar amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)

  

December 31,

20061

  

Net

subscriptions

(redemptions)

  

Foreign

Exchange 3

  

Market

appreciation

(depreciation)

  

March 31,

2007

  June 30,
2007
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
  Foreign
exchange 2
  Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
  September 30,
2007

Fixed income

  $462,049  $3,546  $424  $4,494  $470,513  $492,287  $5,592  $2,504  $9,367  $509,750

Equity and balanced

   392,708   1,612   912   7,751   402,983   435,873   3,194   5,204   9,891   454,162

Cash management

   235,768   8,387   17   666   244,838   259,840   30,190   234   484   290,748

Alternative investments products

   34,102   890   34   804   35,830

Alternative investment products

   42,086   2,066   219   525   44,896
                              

Total

  $1,124,627  $14,435  $1,387  $13,715  $1,154,164  $1,230,086  $41,042  $8,161  $20,267  $1,299,556
                              
               

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

(Dollar amounts in millions)

   December 31,
2006
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
  Acquisitions/
reclassifications 1
  Foreign
exchange 2
  Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
  September 30,
2007

Fixed income

  $448,012  $33,174  $14,037  $3,479  $11,048  $509,750

Equity and balanced

   392,708   12,674   —     8,018   40,762   454,162

Cash management

   235,768   53,090   —     342   1,548   290,748

Alternative investment products

   48,139   7,975   (14,037)  387   2,432   44,896
                        

Total

  $1,124,627  $106,913  $—    $12,226  $55,790  $1,299,556
                        

1

Data reflects the reclassification of $14.0 billion of fixed income-oriented absolute return and structured products from alternative investment products to fixed income.

2

Foreign exchange reflects the impact of converting non-dollar denominated AUM into US dollars for reporting purposes.

- 29 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Assets Under Management (continued)

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the twelve months ended March 31,September 30, 2007.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2007

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2007

(Dollar amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   

March 31,

2006

  

Net

subscriptions

(redemptions)

  

Acquisitions/

Reclassifications 2

  

Foreign

Exchange 3

  

Market

appreciation

(depreciation)

  

March 31,

2007

Fixed income

  $318,529  $2,338  $127,654  $2,664  $19,328  $470,513

Equity and balanced

   40,751   11,682   314,419   5,885   30,246   402,983

Cash management

   86,484   20,318   135,629   201   2,206   244,838

Alternative investments products

   17,296   5,190   11,456   278   1,610   35,830
                        

Total

  $463,060  $39,528  $589,158  $9,028  $53,390  $1,154,164
                        
                         

   September 30,1
2006
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
  Acquisitions/
reclassifications 2,3
  Foreign
exchange 4
  Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
  September 30,
2007

Fixed income

  $443,594  $31,601  $13,940  $5,119  $15,496  $509,750

Equity and balanced

   358,145   21,968   (2,028)  12,701   63,376   454,162

Cash management

   229,416   59,184   (1,260)  508   2,900   290,748

Alternative investment products

   43,861   11,281   (14,037)  646   3,145   44,896
                        

Total

  $1,075,016  $124,034  $(3,385) $18,974  $84,917  $1,299,556
                        

1

September 30, 2006 AUM reflects a reclassification of certain MLIM acquired assets of approximatelyassets. Approximately $7.9 billion was reclassified from fixed income to cash management.management, relative to the AUM as reported in BlackRock’s third quarter 2006 Form 10-Q.

2

Data reflects the reclassification of $14.0 billion of fixed income orientedincome-oriented absolute return and structured product alternativesproducts from alternative investment products to fixed income, as well as the net assets acquired from MLIM in the year-ended March 31, 2007.income.

3

Data reflects corrections to AUM records as of closing of the MLIM Transaction.

4

Foreign exchange reflects the impact of converting non-dollar denominated AUM into USDUS dollars for reporting.reporting purposes.

 

- 2430 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006.

Operating results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 reflect the impact of the MLIM Transaction, which closed on September 29, 2006. The magnitude of the acquired business is the primary driver of most line item variances in the analysis below which compares the three months ended March 31, 2007 to the three months ended March 31, 2006.below. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2007 presentation:the current presentation.

Revenue

 

  

Three months ended

March 31,

  Variance  Three months ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount %  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

               

Equity and balanced

  $580,302  $58,737  $521,565  NM 

Fixed income

  $233,907  $111,861  $122,046  109.1%   230,373   125,102   105,271  84.1%

Cash management

   115,389   29,815   85,574  287.0%   128,381   32,110   96,271  299.8%

Equity and balanced

   453,847   54,058   399,789  NM

Alternative investment products

   70,365   39,367   30,998  78.7%   87,374   40,740   46,634  114.5%
                      

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   873,508   235,101   638,407  271.5%   1,026,430   256,689   769,741  299.9%

Investment advisory performance fees

   22,418   114,607   (92,189) (80.4)%   149,382   17,817   131,565  NM%
                      

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   895,926   349,708   546,218  156.2%   1,175,812   274,506   901,306  328.3%
           

Distribution fees

   32,310   2,263   30,047  NM 

Other revenue:

               

BlackRock Solutions

   42,314   34,050   8,264  24.3%   47,683   33,807   13,876  41.0%

Other revenue

   67,134   11,902   55,232  464.1%   42,274   12,482   29,792  238.7%
                      

Total other revenue

   109,448   45,952   63,496  138.2%   89,957   46,289   43,668  94.3%
                      

Total revenue

  $1,005,374  $395,660  $609,714  154.1%  $1,298,079  $323,058  $975,021  301.8%
                      
         

NM – Not Meaningful

Total revenue for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 increased $609.7$975.0 million, or 154.1%301.8%, to $1,005.4$1,298.1 million, compared with $395.7$323.1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. InvestmentTotal investment advisory and administration fees increased $546.2$901.3 million, or 156.2328.3%,to $895.9$1,175.8 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared with $349.7$274.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. Other incomeDistribution fees increased by $63.5$30.0 million or 138.2%, to $109.4$32.3 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared with $46.0$2.3 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. Other revenue increased by $43.7 million, or 94.3%, to $90.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $46.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

- 2531 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. (continued)

Revenue (continued)

Investment advisoryAdvisory and administration feesAdministration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $546.2$901.3 million, or 156.2%328.3%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $638.4$769.7 million, or 271.5%299.9%, to $873.5$1,026.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared with $235.1$256.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 partially offset by a reductionand an increase of $131.6 million in performance fees of $92.2 million.fees. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased infor the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 primarily due to the MLIM Transaction which added $589.2 billion in AUM on September 29, 2006 and increased AUM of $691.1$224.5 billion including $589.2 billion of AUM acquired inover the MLIM Transaction.past twelve months.

The increase in base investment advisory and administration fees of $638.4$769.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared with the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 consisted of increases of $399.8$521.6 million in equity and balanced products, $122.0$105.3 million in fixed income products, $85.6$96.3 million in cash management products and $31.0$46.6 million in alternative investment products. The increase in investment advisory and administration fees for equity and balanced, fixed income, cash management and alternative investment products was driven by increases in AUM of $362.2 billion, $152.0 billion, $158.4 billion and $18.5 billion, respectively. The AUM growth in equity and balanced, fixed income, cash management and alternative products included assets acquired in the MLIM Transaction on September 29, 2006, as well as increases in AUM of $314.4$96.0 billion, $127.7$66.2 billion, $135.6$61.3 billion and $11.5$1.0 billion, respectively.respectively, over the past twelve months.

Performance fees decreasedincreased by $92.2$131.6 million or 80.4%,to $149.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared to $17.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to higher performance fees earned on a large institutionalequity and fixed income hedge funds, as well as real estate equity client accountproducts.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $30.0 million to $32.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in distribution fees is primarily the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from the MLIM Transaction in the firstthird quarter of 2006.2006 and from PNC in the second quarter 2007.

Other Revenue

Other revenue of $109.4$90.0 million for the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2007 increased $63.5$43.7 million, or 94.3%, compared with the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2006 and primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $42.3$47.7 million, distributionother advisory service fees earned onBlackRock Fundsof $24.8$13.6 million, fees for fund accounting services of $12.0 million and property management fees of $9.4$10.0 million earned on real estate AUMproperties (which representedprimarily represents direct reimbursement of the salaries of certain Realty employees).employees of Metric Properties Management, Inc., “Metric”) and $6.0 million of fees earned related to securities lending.

The $43.7 million increase in other revenue of $63.5 million, or 138.2%, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 was primarily the result of an increase of $22.3 million in distribution fees earned on mutual funds and $12.0 million in fund accounting services acquired during the MLIM Transaction and an increase of $8.3$13.9 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services primarily driven by new assignments.assignments, $13.6 million related to other advisory services and $6.0 million on fees earned related to securities lending.

 

- 2632 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. (continued)

ExpenseExpenses

 

  

Three months ended

March 31,

  Variance  Three months ended
September 30,
  

Variance

 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount %  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Expense:

       

Expenses:

        

Employee compensation and benefits

  $352,398  $191,796  $160,602  83.7%  $505,107  $198,099  $307,008  155.0%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   126,677   15,159   111,518  NM   138,850   16,382   122,468  NM 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   1,341   27,422  NM 

General and administration

   223,036   52,199   170,837  327.3%   194,442   75,834   118,608  156.4%

Fee sharing payment

   —     34,450   (34,450) NM

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     128,114  NM 

Amortization of intangible assets

   31,032   2,029   29,003  NM   31,085   2,394   28,691  NM 
                      

Total expense

  $733,143  $295,633  $437,510  148.0%

Total expenses

  $1,026,361  $294,050  $732,311  249.0%
                      
         

NM – Not Meaningful

Total expense,expenses, which reflectsreflect the impact of the MLIM Transaction onsince September 29, 2006, increased $437.5$732.3 million, or 148.0%249.0%, to $733.1$1,026.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared with $295.6$294.1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in general and administrationTotal expenses and employee compensation and benefits and portfolio and administration and servicing costs. Integrationincluded integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction of $7.1$6.1 million and $6.6$71.5 million in the firstthird quarters 2007 and 2006, respectively. The third quarter of 2007 and first quarterincluded $6.1 million of 2006, respectively, were recordedMLIM integration charges in general and administration expense.expenses compared to $28.4 million and $43.1 of integration charges in general and administration and employee compensation and benefits, respectively, in the third quarter 2006.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $160.6$307.0 million, or 83.7%155.0%, to $352.4$505.1 million, at March 31,September 30, 2007, compared to $191.8$198.1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to increases in incentive compensation, salaries and benefits and stock-based compensation of $162.8 million, $119.7 million and $18.9 million, respectively. The $162.8 million, or 188.9%, increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income and higher incentive compensation associated with greater performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investment products, offset by integration costs incurred in 2006. The increase of $119.7 million, or 129.3%, in salaries and benefits was primarily attributable to higher staffing levels associated with the MLIM Transaction and business growth. Employees (excluding employees of Metric) at September 30, 2007 totaled 5,125, as compared to 4,565 at September 30, 2006.

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $122.5 million to $138.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $16.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. These costs include payments to third parties, including Merrill Lynch and PNC, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products.

- 33 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Expenses (continued)

Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred sales commissions increased by $27.4 million to $28.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in amortization of deferred sales commissions is primarily the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from MLIM at the end of third quarter 2006 and from PNC in second quarter 2007.

General and Administration Expense

   Three months ended
September 30,
  

Variance

 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

       

Portfolio services

  $43,844  $5,218  $38,626  NM 

Marketing and promotional

   35,146   20,203   14,943  74.0%

Occupancy

   34,506   12,794   21,712  169.7%

Technology

   28,547   15,731   12,816  81.5%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   1,875   4,933   (3,058) (62.0)%

Other general and administration

   50,524   16,955   33,569  198.0%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $194,442  $75,834  $118,608  156.4%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

General and administration expense increased $118.6 million, or 156.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $194.4 million, compared to $75.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in general and administration expense was due to increases in portfolio services expense of $38.6 million, occupancy expense of $21.7 million, marketing and promotional expense of $14.9 million, technology expense of $12.8 million and other general and administration expense of $33.6 million, partially offset by a reduction in closed-end fund launch costs of $3.1 million. MLIM and Quellos integration expenses recorded in general and administration expense for the three months ended September 2007 and 2006 were $6.3 million and $28.4 million, respectively.

- 34 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

General and Administration Expense (continued)

Portfolio services costs increased by $38.6 million to $43.8 million, compared to $5.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, due to supporting higher AUM levels and market data services. Occupancy costs for the three months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $34.5 million, representing a $21.7 million, or 169.7%, increase from $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in occupancy costs primarily reflects costs related to the expansion of corporate facilities as a result of the MLIM Transaction and business growth. Marketing and promotional expense increased $14.9 million to $35.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $20.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to increased marketing activities, including $21.5 million related to domestic and international marketing efforts, partially offset by $6.5 million related to BlackRock’s advertising and rebranding campaign. Technology expenses increased $12.8 million, or 81.5%, to $28.5 million, compared to $15.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily as a result of a $5.1 million increase in software licensing and maintenance costs and a $4.8 million increase in depreciation expense. Other general and administration costs increased by $33.6 million to $50.5 million from $17.0 million, including higher subadvisory fees of $10.6 million and $6.0 million in capital contributions to sponsored investment funds. Closed-end fund launch costs decreased $3.1 million to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 relating to one new closed-end fund launched during the quarter, generating $235 million in AUM compared with one new closed-end fund launched during the three months ended September 30, 2006 generating $765 million in AUM.

Termination of Closed-end Fund Administration and Servicing Arrangements

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, BlackRock recorded a one-time expense of $128.1 million related to the termination of administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch on 40 closed-end funds with original terms of 30-40 years.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $28.7 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $31.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 primarily reflects the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the MLIM Transaction.

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interest

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

   Three months ended
September 30,
  

Variance

(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  %

Total non-operating income

  $128,189  $1,909  $126,280  NM

Non-controlling interest

   (81,539)  (895)  (80,644) NM
              

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest

  $46,650  $1,014  $45,636  NM
              

NM – Not Meaningful

- 35 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interest (continued)

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

   Three months ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest:

     

Net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interest:

     

Private equity1

  $12,413  $—    $12,413  NM 

Real estate

   26,915   (69)  26,984  NM 

Other alternative products

   (4,940)  (4,248)  (692) (16.3)%

Other2

   1,968   1,685   283  16.8%
              

Total net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest

   36,356   (2,632)  38,988  NM 

Interest and dividend income

   20,109   5,668   14,441  254.8%

Interest expense

   (9,815)  (2,022)  (7,793) 385.4%
              

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest

  $46,650  $1,014  $45,636  NM 
              

NM – Not Meaningful

1

Includes earnings on BlackRock’s limited partnership investments in private equity funds.

2

Includes investments related to equity, fixed income, CDOs, deferred compensation arrangements and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, increased $45.6 million to $46.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $1.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 as a result of a $39.0 million increase in net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest, and a $14.4 million increase in interest and dividend income, partially offset by an $7.8 million increase in interest expense primarily related to borrowings under BlackRock’s revolving credit agreement. The increase in the net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest, was primarily due to investment gains on private equity and real estate investments.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $63.2 million and $11.1 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 19.8% and 37.0%, respectively. The reduction in the tax rate was primarily the result of a one-time tax benefit of $51.4 million recognized due to recent tax legislation changes enacted in the third quarter 2007 in the United Kingdom and Germany, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities.

- 36 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Net Income

Net income totaled $255.2 million, or $1.94 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 an increase of $236.3 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006. Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 includes the after-tax impacts of the termination of closed-end fund servicing and administration arrangements, the portion of certain LTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC, integration costs primarily related to the MLIM Transaction and Quellos acquisition and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees, of $82.0 million, $8.7 million, $4.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively. In addition, the United Kingdom and Germany enacted legislation reducing corporate income tax rates resulting in a one-time decrease of $51.4 million in income tax expense in the three months ended September 30, 2007. Integration costs primarily consist of compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs. Net income of $18.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2006 included the after-tax impacts of the portion of LTIP awards funded in January 2007 by a capital contribution of BlackRock stock held by PNC of $7.6 million and MLIM integration costs of $45.0 million. Exclusive of these items, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $1.23, or 116.0%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 20.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to 9.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Operating margin for the three months ended September 30, 2007 includes the impacts of $128.1 million for the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements and $6.3 million of integration costs. Operating margin for the three months ended September 30, 2006 includes the impact of $71.5 million of integration costs. The increase in margin primarily is due to the reduction of integration costs and well as operating leverage associated with the growth in revenue.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 37.7% and 38.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

- 37 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 reflect the impact of the MLIM Transaction, which closed on September 29, 2006. The magnitude of the acquired business is the primary driver of most line item variances in the analysis below. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Revenue

   Nine months ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

       

Equity and balanced

  $1,579,562  $168,758  $1,410,804  NM 

Fixed income

   670,652   364,751   305,901  83.9%

Cash management

   363,152   92,104   271,048  294.3%

Alternative investment products

   237,184   110,162   127,022  115.3%
              

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   2,850,550   735,775   2,114,775  287.4%

Investment advisory performance fees

   197,518   202,368   (4,850) (2.4)%
              

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   3,048,068   938,143   2,109,925  224.9%
              

Distribution fees

   89,997   7,177   82,820  NM 

Other revenue:

       

BlackRock Solutions

   136,293   102,514   33,779  33.0%

Other revenue

   126,118   31,617   94,501  298.9%
              

Total other revenue

   262,411   134,131   128,280  95.6%
              

Total revenue

  $3,400,476  $1,079,451  $2,321,025  215.0%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $2,321.0 million, or 215.0%, to $3,400.5 million, compared with $1,079.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Investment advisory and administration fees increased $2,109.9 million, or 224.9%,to $3,048.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $938.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Distribution fees increased by $82.8 million to $90.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Other revenue increased by $128.3 million, or 95.6%, to $262.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $134.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

- 38 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Revenue (continued)

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $2,109.9 million, or 224.9%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $2,114.8 million, or 287.4%, to $2,850.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $735.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, partially offset by a reduction in performance fees of $4.9 million. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily due to the MLIM Transaction which added $589.2 billion in AUM on September 29, 2006, and increased AUM of $224.5 billion over the past twelve months.

The increase in base investment advisory and administration fees of $2,114.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006 consisted of increases of $1,410.8 million in equity and balanced products, $305.9 million in fixed income products, $271.0 million in cash management products and $127.0 million in alternative investment products. The increase in investment advisory and administration fees for equity and balanced, fixed income, cash management and alternative investment products was driven by AUM acquired in the MLIM Transaction on September 29, 2006, as well as increases in AUM of $96.0 billion, $66.2 billion, $61.3 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, over the past twelve months.

Performance fees decreased by $4.9 million, or 2.4%, to $197.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $202.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to a decline in performance fees earned on a large institutional real estate equity client account and energy hedge funds in 2006, offset by higher performance fees earned on equity and fixed income hedge funds in 2007.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $82.8 million to $90.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in distribution fees is primarily the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from the MLIM Transaction in the third quarter 2006 and from PNC in the second quarter 2007.

Other Revenue

Other revenue of $262.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $128.3 million compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $136.3 million, property management fees of $29.1 million earned on real estate properties (which primarily represents direct reimbursement of the salaries of certain Metric employees), fees for fund accounting services of $24.1 million, fees related to securities lending of $22.6 million and $13.6 million for other advisory service fees.

The increase in other revenue of $128.3 million, or 95.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $134.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was primarily the result of an increase of $33.8 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services primarily driven by new assignments, and increases of $24.1 million in fund accounting services, $22.6 million in fees earned related to securities lending and $13.6 million for other advisory service fees.

- 39 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Expenses

   Nine months ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Expenses:

       

Employee compensation and benefits

  $1,270,883  $566,993  $703,890  124.1%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   401,014   48,529   352,485  NM 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   79,034   4,645   74,389  NM 

General and administration

   602,290   192,666   409,624  212.6%

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     128,114  NM 

Fee sharing payment

   —     34,450   (34,450) (100.0)%

Amortization of intangible assets

   93,193   6,451   86,742  NM 
              

Total expenses

  $2,574,528  $853,734  $1,720,794  201.6%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

Total expenses, which reflect the impact of the MLIM Transaction since September 29, 2006, increased $1,720.8 million, or 201.6%, to $2,574.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $853.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Total expense included integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction of $19.3 million and $90.6 million in the first nine months of 2007 and 2006, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2007 included $19.0 million and $0.3 million of MLIM integration charges in general and administration and employee compensation and benefits, respectively, compared to $43.1 million and $47.5 million of integration charges in general and administration and employee compensation and benefits, respectively in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $703.9 million, or 124.1%, to $1,270.9 million, at September 30, 2007 compared to $567.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to increases in salaries and benefits, and incentive compensation and stock-based compensation of $135.2$366.7 million, $276.3 million and $25.9$51.3 million, respectively. The increase of $135.2$366.7 million, or 160.3%151.2%, in salaries and benefits was primarily attributable to higher staffing levels associated with business growth and the MLIM Transaction.Transaction and business growth. Employees (excluding employees of Metric Management Properties, Inc., “Metric”)Metric) at March 31,September 30, 2007 totaled 4,7665,125 as compared to 1,8324,565 at March 31,September 30, 2006. The $25.9$276.3 million increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher advisory fees and operating income offset by lower incentive compensationincome.

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $352.5 million to $401.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $48.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. These costs include payments to third parties, including Merrill Lynch and PNC, primarily associated with lower performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investmentadministration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products.

 

- 2740 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared with the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. (continued)

ExpenseExpenses (continued)

Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred sales commissions increased by $74.4 million to $79.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in amortization of deferred sales commissions is primarily the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from MLIM at the end of third quarter 2006 and from PNC in second quarter 2007.

General and Administration Expense

 

  

Three months ended

March 31,

  Variance  Nine months ended
September 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  %  2007  2006  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

                

Portfolio services

  $119,567  $15,797  $103,770  NM 

Marketing and promotional

  $75,580  $13,052  $62,528  479.1%   118,340   44,170   74,170  167.9%

Occupancy

   33,232   10,228   23,004  224.9%   96,175   34,414   61,761  179.5%

Technology

   28,438   6,490   21,948  338.2%   90,189   29,404   60,785  206.7%

Portfolio services

   37,729   4,671   33,058  NM

Closed-end fund launch costs

   34,828   5,464   29,364  NM 

Other general and administration

   48,057   17,758   30,299  170.6%   143,191   63,417   79,774  125.8%
                      

Total general and administration expense

  $223,036  $52,199  $170,837  327.3%  $602,290  $192,666  $409,624  212.6%
                      
            

NM—NM – Not Meaningful

General and administration expense increased $170.8$409.6 million, or 327.3%212.6%, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 to $223.0$602.3 million compared to $52.2$192.7 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. The increase in general and administration expense was due to increases in portfolio services expense of $103.8 million, marketing and promotional expense of $62.5 million, portfolio services expense of $33.1$74.2 million, occupancy expense of $23.0$61.8 million, technology expense of $21.9$60.8 million, closed-end fund launch costs of $29.4 million and other general and administration expense of $30.3$79.8 million.

Marketing and promotional expense increased $62.5 million, or 479.1%, to $75.6 million

- 41 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared to $13.1 million forwith the threenine months ended March 31, 2006 primarily due to increased marketing activities of $42.5 million (which included $23.2 million related to domesticSeptember 30, 2006. (continued)

General and international marketing efforts, $13.2 million related to fund launch costs of a new closed-end fund in the first quarter, and $6.6 million related to BlackRock’s advertising and rebranding campaign) and $20.0 million of increased amortization of deferred mutual fund commissions assumed in the MLIM Transaction. Administration Expense (continued)

Portfolio services costs increased by $33.1$103.8 million to $37.7$119.6 million, relatedrelating to supporting higher AUM levels and increased trading activities. Marketing and promotional expense increased $74.2 million, or 167.9%, to $118.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $44.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to increased marketing activities, including $68.2 million related to domestic and international marketing efforts and $6.0 million related to BlackRock’s advertising and rebranding campaign. Occupancy costs for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 totaled $33.2$96.2 million, representing a $23.0$61.8 million, or 224.9%179.5%, increase from $10.2$34.4 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. The increase in occupancy costs primarily reflects costs related to the expansion of corporate facilities related toas a result of the MLIM Transactiontransaction and business growth. Technology expenses increased $21.9$60.8 million, or 338.2%206.7%, to $28.4$90.2 million compared to $6.5$29.4 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 partially due to $8.6primarily result of a $19.1 million increase in technology consulting expenses associated with operating growth, and a $4.9$15.8 million increase in depreciation expense.expense and a $14.3 million increase in software licensing and maintenance costs. Closed-end fund launch costs totaled $34.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 relating to three new closed-end funds launched during the period, generating approximately $3.0 billion in AUM. Closed-end fund launch costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 totaled $5.5 million relating to one new closed-end fund launched during the period, generating $765 million in AUM. Other general and administration costs increased by $30.3$79.8 million to $48.1$143.2 million from $17.8$63.4 million, including $15.5a $23.4 million and $20.0 million increase in professional fees.fees and office related expenses, respectively, and a $6 million capital contribution to sponsored investment funds.

- 28 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)Termination of Closed-end Fund Administration and Servicing Arrangements

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Operating results forFor the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, as comparedBlackRock recorded a one-time expense of $128.1 million, related to the termination of administration and servicing arrangements with the three months ended March 31, 2006. (continued)Merrill Lynch on 40 closed-end funds with original terms of 30-40 years.

Fee Sharing Payment

For the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006, BlackRock expensedrecorded a one-time fee sharing paymentexpense of $34.5 million, representing a payment related to a large institutional real estate equity client account acquired in the SSRSSRM Holdings, Inc. acquisition in January 2005.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $29.0$86.7 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $31.0$93.2 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 compared to $2.0$6.5 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 primarily reflects the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the MLIM Transaction.

- 42 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Non-Operating Income, andNet of Non-Controlling Interest

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 werewas as follows:

 

  

Three months ended

March 31,

 Variance  Nine months ended
September 30,
 Variance
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007 2006 Amount %  2007 2006 Amount %

Total non-operating income

  $157,731  $13,095  $144,636  NM  $499,639  $19,819  $479,820  NM

Non-controlling interest

   (124,668)  (642)  (124,026) NM   (354,669)  (2,394)  (352,275) NM
                      

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest

  $33,063  $12,453  $20,610  165.5%  $144,970  $17,425  $127,545  NM
                      
   

NM – Not Meaningful

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 arewere as follows:

 

  Three months ended Variance
  March 31,     Nine months ended
September 30,
 Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007 2006 Amount %  2007 2006 Amount % 

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest:

          

Net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interest:

          

Private equity1

  $10,267  $—    $10,267  NM  $55,315  $—    $55,315  NM 

Real estate2

   (1,164)  215   (1,379) NM

Real estate

   29,372   434   28,938  NM 

Other alternative products

   8,650   4,398   4,252  96.7%   17,639   2,184   15,455  NM 

Other3

   7,939   4,039   3,900  96.6%

Other2

   21,463   4,152   17,311  416.9%
                      

Total net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest

   25,692   8,652   17,040  196.9%   123,789   6,770   117,019  NM 

Interest and dividend income

   18,357   5,770   12,587  218.1%   52,204   16,676   35,528  213.0%

Interest expense

   (10,986)  (1,969)  (9,017) NM   (31,023)  (6,021)  (25,002) 415.2%
                      

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest

  $33,063  $12,453  $20,610  165.5%  $144,970  $17,425  $127,545  NM 
                      
   

NM – Not Meaningful

1

Includes earnings on BlackRock’s limited partnership investments in private equity funds.

2

Includes BlackRock’s share of one-time syndication costs related to a real estate investment fund established in 2006.

32

Includes investments related to equity, fixed income, CDOs, deferred compensation arrangements and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.

- 29 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2006. (continued)

Non-Operating Income and Non-Controlling Interest (continued)

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, increased primarily as the result of certain investments in BlackRock private equity funds and investments in other alternative products. Non-operating income increased $144.6$127.5 million to $157.7$145.0 million for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared to $13.1$17.4 million for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 as a result of a $141.1$117.0 million increase in net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest, and $12.6a $35.5 million increase in interest and dividend income, partially offset by a $9.0$25.0 million increase in interest expense primarily related to borrowings under BlackRock’s revolving credit agreement. The increase in the net gain on investments, in 2007net of non-controlling interest, was primarily due to market appreciation andan increase in net investment gains on consolidated private equity investments. Non-controlling interestall investments due to market conditions and significant growth of the Company’s investments in earnings of consolidated products increased $124.0 millionsponsored investment products.

- 43 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 due toas compared with the increase in consolidated investments.nine months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $109.9$298.1 million and $41.6$90.0 million for the quartersnine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing an effective tax raterates of 36.0%30.7% and 37.0%, respectively. The reduction in the tax rate is primarily the result of a one-time tax benefit of $51.4 million, recognized in the third quarter of 2007, due to tax legislation changes enacted in third quarter 2007 in the United Kingdom and Germany, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities.

Net Income

Net income totaled $195.4$672.8 million, or $1.48$5.12 per diluted share, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and increased $124.5an increase of $519.7 million, or $0.42$2.83 per diluted share, as compared to the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006. Net income for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 includes the after-tax impactimpacts of the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements, the portion of certain LTIP awards to be funded in January 2007 bythrough a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC, integration expensescosts related to the MLIM Transaction and aQuellos acquisition and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees, of $7.7$82.0 million, $4.5$25.3 million, $12.4 million and $1.6$4.8 million, respectively. In addition, the United Kingdom and Germany enacted legislation reducing corporate income tax rates resulting in a one-time decrease of $51.4 million in income tax expense which is included in net income. MLIM and Quellos integration costs primarily include compensation costs, professional fees and other general and administration expenses.rebranding costs. Net income of $70.9$153.2 million during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006 included the after-tax impactimpacts of the portion of LTIP awards funded by a capital contribution of BlackRock stock held by PNC of $7.4$22.7 million and MLIM integration costs of $4.1$57.1 million. Exclusive of these items, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as adjusted, increased $0.36,$2.19, or 29.3%62.9%, compared to the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2006.

- 30 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)Operating Margin

Item 2.The Company’s operating margin was 24.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 20.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes the impacts of $128.1 million for the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements, $40.8 million of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions and $19.4 million of integration costs. Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 includes the impact of $6.9 million of closed-end fund launch costs and commission and $90.6 million of integration costs. The increase in operating margin is primarily due to the reduction of integration costs as well as operating leverage associated with the growth in revenue.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 36.9% and 35.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOperations.

- 44 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007.

Revenue

 

  Three months ended         Three months ended    
  March 31,  December 31,  Variance  September 30,  June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount %  2007  Amount % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

              

Equity and balanced

  $580,302  $527,800  $52,502  9.9%

Fixed income

  $233,907  $229,230  $4,677  2.0%   230,373   222,506   7,867  3.5%

Cash management

   115,389   110,754   4,635  4.2%   128,381   120,859   7,522  6.2%

Equity and balanced

   453,847   451,247   2,600  0.6%

Alternative investment products

   70,365   71,736   (1,371) (1.9)%   87,374   79,445   7,929  10.0%
                      

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   873,508   862,967   10,541  1.2%   1,026,430   950,610   75,820  8.0%

Investment advisory performance fees

   22,418   39,914   (17,496) (43.8)%   149,382   25,720   123,662  480.8%
                      

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   895,926   902,881   (6,955) (0.8)%   1,175,812   976,330   199,482  20.4%
           

Distribution fees

   32,310   32,867   (557) (1.7)%
           

Other revenue:

              

BlackRock Solutions

   42,314   45,473   (3,159) (6.9)%   47,683   46,296   1,387  3.0%

Other revenue

   67,134   70,171   (3,037) (4.3)%   42,274   41,530   744  1.8%
                      

Total other revenue

   109,448   115,644   (6,196) (5.4)%   89,957   87,826   2,131  2.4%
                      

Total revenue

  $1,005,374  $1,018,525  $(13,151) (1.3)%  $1,298,079  $1,097,023  $201,056  18.3%
                      
         

Total revenue for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 decreased $13.2increased $201.1 million, or 1.3%18.3%, to $1,005.4$1,298.1 million, compared with $1,018.5$1,097.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased $10.5$75.8 million, or 1.28.0%,to $873.5$1,026.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, compared with $863.0$950.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. Performance fees decreased $17.5increased $123.7 million, or 43.8%, to $22.4$149.4 million, compared with $39.9$25.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in performance fees was primarily the result of timing issues pertaining to annual performance lock periods for energy, fund of funds and fixed income products.June 30, 2007. Other income decreasedrevenue increased by $6.2$2.1 million, or 5.4%2.4%, to $109.4$90.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, compared with $115.6$87.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007.

ExpenseInvestment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $199.5 million, or 20.4%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $75.8 million, or 8.0%, to $1,026.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $950.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and an increase in performance fees of $123.7 million, to $149.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $25.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased for the three months ended September 30, 2007 primarily due to increased AUM of $69.5 billion during third quarter 2007 resulting from net new business of $41.0 billion, market appreciation of $20.3 billion and foreign exchange gains of $8.2 billion, as well as one additional revenue day.

    Three months ended        
   March 31,  December 31,  Variance
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  %

Expense:

       

Employee compensation and benefits

  $352,398  $378,594  $(26,196) (6.9)%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   126,677   120,259   6,418  5.3%

General and administration

   223,036   242,526   (19,490) (8.0)%

Amortization of intangible assets

   31,032   31,064   (32) (0.1)%
               

Total expense

  $733,143  $772,443  $(39,300) (5.1)%
               
                

The increase in base investment advisory and administration fees of $75.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007 consisted of increases of $52.5 million in equity and balanced products, $7.9 million in fixed income products, $7.9 million in alternative investment products and $7.5 million in cash management products. The increases in investment advisory and administration fees for equity and balanced products, fixed income products, alternative investment products and cash management products were driven by increases in AUM of $18.3 billion, $17.5 billion, $2.8 billion and $30.9 billion, respectively.

 

- 3145 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. (continued)

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees (continued)

Performance fees increased by $123.7 million to $149.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $25.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 primarily as a result of the timing of the completion of the measurement periods for various alternative products, including equity and fixed income hedge funds and real estate products.

Other Revenue

Other revenue of $90.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $2.1 million compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in other revenue was primarily the result of a $13.6 million increase in advisory service fees andBlackRock Solutions products and services, partially offset by a decline in fees for fund accounting services of $6.8 million and fees related to securities lending of $4.2 million.

Expenses

   Three months ended       
   September 30,  June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  Amount  % 

Expenses:

       

Employee compensation and benefits

  $505,107  $413,377  $91,730  22.2%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   138,850   131,077   7,773  5.9%

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   28,713   50  0.2%

General and administration

   194,442   210,780   (16,338) (7.8)%

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     128,114  NM 

Amortization of intangible assets

   31,085   31,075   10  NM 
              

Total expenses

  $1,026,361  $815,022  $211,339  25.9%
              

NM– Not Meaningful

Total expenses increased $211.3 million, or 25.9%, to $1,026.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $815.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction of $6.1 million and $6.0 million were recorded in general and administration expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively.

- 46 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Expense (continued)

Total expense decreased $39.3 million, or 5.1%, to $733.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared with $772.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in employee compensation and benefits and general and administration expense, partially offset by increases in portfolio administration and servicing costs.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense decreasedincreased by $26.2$91.7 million, or 6.9%22.2%, to $352.4$505.1 million at March 31,September 30, 2007 compared to $378.6$413.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. The decreaseincrease in employee compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to decreasesincreases in LTIP expenseincentive compensation, and salaries and benefits of $18.3$84.9 million and a lower$9.8 million, respectively. The $84.9 million increase in incentive compensation costs which offsetwas primarily attributable to higher operating income and direct incentives associated with higher performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investment products. The increase of $9.8 million, or 4.8%, in salaries and benefit expenses duebenefits was primarily attributable to merit raisesincreased payroll tax accruals on higher incentive compensation and increased headcount.higher staffing levels associated with business growth. Employees (excluding Metric) at September 30, 2007 totaled 5,125 as compared to 4,837 at June 30, 2007.

Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred sales commissions was relatively unchanged for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007.

General and Administration Expense

 

  Three months ended         Three months ended    
  

March 31,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

  Variance  September 30,  June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  Amount %  2007  Amount % 

General and administration expense:

              

Portfolio services

  $43,844  $37,994  $5,850  15.4%

Marketing and promotional

  $75,580  $87,335  $(11,755) (13.5)%   35,146   42,324   (7,178) (17.0)%

Occupancy

   33,232   29,671   3,561  12.0%   34,506   28,438   6,068  21.3 

Technology

   28,438   33,982   (5,544) (16.3)%   28,547   33,205   (4,658) (14.0)%

Portfolio services

   37,729   35,897   1,832  5.1%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   1,875   19,801   (17,926) (90.5)%

Other general and administration

   48,057   55,641   (7,584) (13.6)%   50,524   49,018   1,506  3.1%
                      

Total general and administration expense

  $223,036  $242,526  $(19,490) (8.0)%  $194,442  $210,780  $(16,338) (7.8)%
                      
         

- 47 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

General and Administration Expense (continued)

General and administration expense, which included MLIM integration costs of $7.1$6.0 million and $45.3$6.1 million in the first quartersecond and third quarters of 2007, and the fourth quarter 2006, respectively, decreased $19.5$16.3 million, or 8.0%7.8%, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 to $223.0$194.4 million, compared to $242.5$210.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. The decrease in general and administration expense was primarily due to decreases in closed-end fund launch costs of $17.9 million and marketing and promotional expense of $11.8 million, technology expense of $5.5 million, and other general and administration expense of $7.6$7.2 million, partially offset by an increase of $3.6 millionincreases in occupancy expenses.of $6.1 million and portfolio services of $5.9 million.

MarketingClosed-end fund launch costs totaled $1.9 million and promotional expense decreased $11.8 million, or 13.5%, to $75.6$19.8 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and June 30, 2007, respectively. The decrease in closed-end fund launch costs for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $87.3the three months ended June 30, 2007 was the result of the larger size of the fund which was launched in the second quarter. Marketing and promotional expense decreased $7.2 million to $35.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006September 30, 2007 primarily due to decreased expenses of $18.2a $4.4 million decline related to BlackRock’s advertising and rebranding campaign partially offset by $7.0and a $2.8 million in higher fund launch costsdecline related to a new closed-end fund. Technology expenses decreased $5.5 million, or 16.3%, to $28.4 million, compared to $34.0domestic and international marketing efforts. Occupancy costs increased $6.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2006September 30, 2007, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 primarily due to $8.6 million in consulting expenses associated with the MLIM integration. Other general and administration expenses decreased by $7.6 million primarily related to lower MLIM integration costs in the first quarter 2007. The increase in occupancy costs primarily reflects costs related to the expansion of corporate facilities as a result of business growth. Portfolio services costs increased by $5.9 million to $43.8 million, related to business growth.supporting higher AUM levels and increased trading activities.

- 32 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)Termination of Closed-end Fund Administration and Servicing Arrangements

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Operating results forFor the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, as comparedBlackRock recorded a one-time expense of $128.1 million, related to the termination of administration and servicing arrangements with the three months ended December 31, 2006.Merrill Lynch on 40 closed-end funds with original terms of 30-40 years.

Non-Operating Income, andNet of Non-Controlling Interest

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 wereJune 30, 2007 was as follows:

 

  Three months ended        Three months ended   
  March 31, December 31, Variance  September 30, June 30, Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007 2006 Amount %  2007 Amount % 

Total non-operating income

  $157,731  $36,614  $121,117  330.8%  $128,189  $213,718  $(85,529) (40.0)%

Non-controlling interest

   (124,668)  (13,774)  (110,894) NM   (81,539)  (148,463)  66,924  45.1%
                      

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest

  $33,063  $22,840  $10,223  44.8%  $46,650  $65,255  $(18,605) (28.5)%
                      
   

NM – Not Meaningful

- 48 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interest (continued)

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and 2006 areJune 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

    Three months ended        
   March 31,  December 31,  Variance
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  %

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest:

     

Net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interest:

     

Private equity1

  $10,267  $—    $10,267  NM

Real Estate2

   (1,164)  598   (1,762) (294.6)%

Other alternative products

   8,650   3,924   4,726  120.4%

Other3

   7,939   9,470   (1,531) (16.2)%
              

Total net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest

   25,692   13,992   11,700  83.6%

Interest and dividend income

   18,357   12,743   5,614  44.1%

Interest expense

   (10,986)  (3,895)  (7,091) 182.1%
              

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest

  $33,063  $22,840  $10,223  44.8%
              
                

NM – Not Meaningful

   Three months ended       
   September 30,  June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  Amount  % 

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest:

     

Net gain (loss) on investments, net of non-controlling interest:

     

Private equity1

  $12,413  $32,636  $(20,223) (62.0)%

Real estate

   26,915   3,621   23,294  NM 

Other alternative products

   (4,940)  13,929   (18,869) (135.5)%

Other2

   1,968   11,554   (9,586) (83.0)%
              

Total net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest

   36,356   61,740   (25,384) (41.1)%

Interest and dividend income

   20,109   13,738   6,371  46.4%

Interest expense

   (9,815)  (10,223)  408  4.0%
              

Total non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest

  $46,650  $65,255  $(18,605) (28.5)%
              

NM– Not Meaningful

1

Includes earnings on BlackRock’s limited partnership investments in private equity funds.

2

Includes BlackRock’s share of one-time syndication costs related to a real estate investment fund established in 2006.

32

Includes investments related to equity, fixed income, CDOs, deferred compensation arrangements and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, increased primarily as the result of certain BlackRock private equity funds. Total non-operating income increased $121.1decreased $18.6 million to $157.7$46.7 million for the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared to $36.6$65.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2006June 30, 2007 primarily as a result of a $122.6$25.4 million increasedecrease in net gaingains on investments, andnet of non-controlling interest, partially offset by a $5.6$6.4 million increase in interest and dividend income, partially offset by a $7.1 million increase in interest expense related to a BlackRock’s revolving credit agreement.income. The increasedecrease in net gain on investments in third quarter 2007 was primarily due to market appreciation anda decline in net investment gains on consolidated private equity investments. Non-controlling interestinvestments and other alternative products, offset by an increase in earnings of consolidated products increased $110.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 primarily due to the impact of consolidated private equity investments.real estate products.

 

- 3349 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating results for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. (continued)

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $109.9$63.2 million and $68.3$125.0 million for the quarters ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006,June 30, 2007, respectively, representing an effective tax raterates of 36.0%19.8% and 37.0%36.0%, respectively. The reduction in the tax rate is primarily the result of a one-time tax benefit of $51.4 million recorded in the third quarter of 2007, due to recent tax legislation changes in the United Kingdom and Germany, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities.

Net Income

Net income totaled $195.4$255.2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and increased $26.0an increase of $33.0 million, or 15.3%14.8%, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007. Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006,September 30, 2007 includes the after-tax impactimpacts of the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements, the portion of certain LTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC, integration costs related to the MLIM Transaction and Quellos acquisition and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees, of $82.0 million, $8.7 million and $4.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively. In addition, net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007, includes a $51.4 million one-time reduction in Januarycorporate income taxes as a result of enacted legislation in the United Kingdom and Germany.

MLIM and Quellos integration costs primarily consist of compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs. Net income of $222.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 byincludes the after-tax impacts of certain LTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and integration expenses related to the MLIM transactionTransaction of $7.7$8.9 million and $4.5$3.9 million, respectively. MLIM integration costs primarily include professional fees and other general and administration expenses. Net income of $169.4 million during the three months ended December 31, 2006 included MLIM integration costs of $32.4 million and the after-tax impact of the portion of LTIP awards funded by a capital contribution of BlackRock stock held by PNC of $8.8 million. Exclusive of these items, and a contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees of $1.6 million and $1.2 millionnet income, as adjusted, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, net income for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as adjusted, decreased $2.5increased $63.5 million, or 1.2%26.8%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2006.June 30, 2007.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 20.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 25.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Operating margin for the three months ended September 30, 2007 includes the impacts of $128.1 million for the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements and $6.2 million of integration costs. Operating margin for the three months ended June 30, 2007 includes the impact of $24.1 million of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions and $6.0 million of integration costs. The decline in operating margin is primarily due to the impact of the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 37.7% and 36.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and the three months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

- 50 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company manages its consolidated financial condition and funding to maintain appropriate liquidity for the business. At September 30, 2007, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents on its condensed consolidated statement of financial condition of $2,320.6 million. This total was prior to the Company’s $562.5 million payment to Quellos on October 1, 2007, its $128.1 million payment to Merrill Lynch on October 31, 2007 (recorded as an expense in the third quarter) and its $27 million payment on October 1, 2007 to purchase the 20% interest in a fund of hedge funds manager. Cash and cash equivalents, net of amounts in consolidated sponsored investment funds ($191.5 million) and net of regulatory capital requirements ($215.7 million, not necessarily all cash requirements) was $1,913.4 million. In addition, as of September 30, 2007, the Company had committed access to $2,050 million of undrawn cash via its 2007 five-year credit facility, resulting in cash, net of the cash held by consolidated sponsored investment funds and regulatory capital requirements, plus credit capacity of $3,963.4 million.

Sources of BlackRock’s operating cash include investment advisory and administration fees, revenues fromBlackRock Solutions’Solutionsproducts and services, property management fees, mutual fund distribution fees and realized earnings on certain of the Company’s investments. BlackRock primarily uses its operating cash to pay employee compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, general and administration expenses, interest on the Company’s debt, purchases of investments, capital expenditures and dividends on BlackRock’s stock. Management believes that the Company has sufficient access to cash through its operations and the revolving credit facility described below to fund its operations in the near term.

Cash used in the Company’s operating activities totaled $296.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, and included payments of approximately $593.9 million related to the Company’s 2006 incentive compensation programs and approximately $35 million related to LTIP.

In December 2006, the Company entered into aan unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”)facility with a syndicate of banking institutions with an initial borrowing capacity of $600 million. The term of theinstitutions. This facility, is five years and interest currently accrues at the applicable London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”as amended in February 2007 (the “2006 facility”) plus 0.20%. The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.04% per annum on the undrawn balance. Additionally, for each day that the total amount outstanding is greater than 50% of the total commitments by all lenders,, permitted the Company pays a utilization fee of 0.05% per annum on the total amount outstanding. Financial covenants in the Credit Agreement require BlackRock to maintain a maximum debt/EBITDA ratio of 3.0 and a minimum EBITDA/interest expense ratio of 4.0. BlackRock is currently in compliance with these covenants. The facility is intendedborrow up to fund various investment opportunities as well as BlackRock’s near-term operating cash requirements.$800,000.

In FebruaryAugust 2007, the Company increasedterminated the capacity of2006 facility and entered into a new five year $2.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007 facility”), which permits the facility to $800 million. The Credit Agreement allows BlackRockCompany to request an additional $200$500 million of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $1$3 billion. During AprilThe 2007 facility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA, where net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1, which was satisfied at September 30, 2007.

The 2007 facility was used to refinance the 2006 facility and will provide back-up liquidity, fund ongoing working capital for general corporate purposes and fund various investment opportunities. At September 30, 2007, the Company repaid $80had $450 million outstanding under the 2007 facility with interest rates between 5.105% to 5.845% and maturity dates between October 2007 and September 2008.

In September 2007, the Company issued $700 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes maturing on September 15, 2017 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at a discount of $5.6 million, which is being amortized over the facilityten-year term. A portion of the net proceeds of the Notes was used to fund the initial cash payment for the acquisition of the fund of funds business of Quellos and extended the remaining balanceremainder will be used for general corporate purposes.

In June 2007, the Company announced that it had entered into May 2007.an asset purchase agreement under which it would acquire certain assets of the fund of funds business of Quellos for up to $1.7 billion. This transaction closed on October 1, 2007, and BlackRock paid Quellos $562.5 million in cash and $187.5 million in BlackRock common stock. The common stock will be held in escrow for up to three years and is available to satisfy certain indemnification obligations of Quellos under the asset purchase agreement. In addition, Quellos may receive up to an additional $970 million in cash and stock over three and a half years contingent upon certain operating measures.

On October 31, 2007, BlackRock made a $128.1 million one-time payment to Merrill Lynch related to the termination of 40 closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements.

 

- 3451 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

As

Approximately $191.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1,872.8 million in investments included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of March 31,financial condition at September 30, 2007 are held by sponsored investment funds that are consolidated by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP. The Company may not be able to access such cash or investments to use in its operating activities. In addition, a significant portion of the Company’s equity method and cost method investments, as well as its portion of consolidated sponsored investment fund investments are illiquid in nature and, as such, are not readily convertible to cash.

At September 30, 2007, long-term debt, including current maturities, was $946.9 million. Debt service and repayment requirements are $51.3 million in 2008, $51.3 million in 2009 and $298.0 million in 2010.

At September 30, 2007, the Company has $389had $676.3 million of various capital commitments to fund sponsored investment funds in which it has an ownership stake and unfunded commitmentcommitments related to two private equity warehouse facilities. Generally, the timing of the funding of thesecapital commitments is uncertain.

Net cash used in investing activities was $171.1 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2007, primarily consisting of $125.6 million in purchases of investments, $53.5 million in settlement payments relateduncertain and such commitments could expire before funding. The Company intends to the SSR and MLIM acquisitions and $27.9 million ofmake additional capital expenditures. Partially offsetting these cash outflows was $41.7 million in cash received on the sale of investments.

Net cash flowscommitments from financing activities was $324.3 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2007, primarily consisting of the drawdown of $550 million on the Company’s revolving line of credit, partially offset by $164.4 million in common stock repurchases relatedtime to the LTIP put obligation and the payment of $88.4 million in dividends.time.

On August 2, 2006, BlackRock announced that its Boardboard of directors had authorized a new share repurchase program to purchase an additional 2.1 million shares. Pursuant to this repurchase program, BlackRock may make repurchases from time to time, as market conditions warrant, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at the discretion of management. The Company had not repurchased any1,348,600 shares under the program in open market transactions under the current authorizationfor approximately $200.9 million through March 31,September 30, 2007. Through May 2, 2007,As a result, the Company had repurchased a total of 445,700is currently authorized to repurchase an additional 751,400 shares at an average price of $151.44 per share.

At March 31, 2007, long-term debt, including current maturities, was $253.2 million. Debt service requirements are $6.9 million in 2007, $6.8 million in 2008 and $6.7 million in 2009 and 2010.

Approximately $98.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.5 billion in investments included in the Company’s 2007 consolidated statement of financial condition is held by entities that are deemed to be controlled by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP. As such, the Company may not be able to access such cash or investments to use inunder its operating activities.share repurchase program.

The Company is required to maintain net capital in certain international jurisdictions, which is met in part by retaining cash and cash equivalent investments in those jurisdictions. As a result, the Company may be restricted in its ability to transfer cash between different jurisdictions. Additionally, transfer of cash between international jurisdictions, including repatriation to the United States, may have adverse tax consequences that could discourage such transfers. At March 31,September 30, 2007, the Company was required to maintain approximately $242.0$215.7 million in net capital at these subsidiaries and is in compliance with all regulatory minimum net capital requirements.

 

- 3552 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Item 3.QuantitativeContractual Obligations, Commitments and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskContingencies

The following table sets forth contractual obligations, commitments and contingencies by year of payments as of September 30, 2007:

   Payments Due In:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  Remainder
of 2007
  2008  2009  2010  2011  Thereafter  Total

Long-term borrowings2

              

Long-term notes

  $—    $43,750  $43,750  $43,750  $43,750  $962,500  $1,137,500

Convertible debentures3

   —     6,563   6,563   253,278   —     —     266,404

Acquired management contract

   —     1,000   1,000   1,000   —     —     3,000

Short-term borrowings2

   154,655   309,085   —     —     —     —     463,740

Operating lease commitments

   20,042   69,289   64,248   58,502   55,824   266,751   534,656

Purchase obligations

   96,063   368,605   271,816   3,305   3,300   —     743,089

Investment commitments1

   2,772   10,795   —     52,449   1,509   608,785   676,310
                            

Total

  $273,532  $809,087  $387,377  $412,284  $104,383  $1,838,036  $3,824,699
                            

1

Generally, the timing of the funding of these commitments is unknown, therefore amounts are shown to be paid upon the expiration date of the commitment. Actual payments could be made at any time prior to such date and, if not called by that date, such commitments would expire.

2

Amounts include principal repayments and interest payments.

3

The principal balance of the convertible debentures is assumed to be repaid at BlackRock’s option in 2010, and the related interest has been included through the call date. However, beginning in February 2009 the debentures may be converted at the option of the holders.

The table above does not include approximately $76 million of uncertain tax positions as the timing of the ultimate outcome is currently unknown.

Excluded from the table is the Company’s obligations for the following: (i) a $562.5 million payment related to the acquisition of certain assets of the fund of funds business of Quellos, (ii) a $128.1 million payment to Merrill Lynch related to the termination of 40 closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements, and (iii) a $27 million payment for the remaining 20% of an investment manager of a fund of hedge funds. Such payments have been made in October 2007.

In addition, excluded from the normal course of its business, BlackRock is primarily exposed to equity market price risk, interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk. The tables below represent BlackRock’s total consolidated investment portfolio. Approximately $1.5 billion of BlackRock’s total investment portfolio is maintained in investments whichtable are deemed to be controlled by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP and are, therefore, consolidated even though BlackRock may or may not own a majority of such funds. Equity risk inherent in those funds, as displayed below, would be limitedadditional contingent payments related to its net exposureacquisitions of: (i) SSRM Holdings, Inc., (ii) an investment manager of $371.5 million on these investments.a fund of hedge funds, and (iii) certain assets of Quellos. As the remaining contingent obligations are primarily dependent upon performance of certain operating measures, the ultimate liabilities are not certain as of September 30, 2007.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a leading investment management firm, BlackRock devotes significant resources across all of its operations to identifying, measuring, monitoring, managing and analyzing market and operating risks, including in the management and oversight of its own investment portfolio. The Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of the Company has adopted guidelines for the review of investments to be made by the Company, requiring, among other things, that all investments be reviewed by the Company’s Investment Committee, which consists of senior officers of the Company, and that certain investments over prescribed thresholds receive prior approval from the Audit Committeeaudit committee or the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors depending on the circumstances.

Equity Price Risk

BlackRock’s investments, including consolidated investments, expose BlackRock to equity price risk. The following table summarizes the fair values of the investments exposed to equity price risk and provides a sensitivity analysis of the estimated fair values of those investments, assuming a 10% increase or decrease in equity prices:

    Book Value  

Fair value

assuming 10%

increase

  

Fair value

assuming 10%

decrease

March 31, 2007

         

Equity securities

  $95,579  $105,137  $86,021

Commingled investments

   151,114   166,225   136,003
            

Total investments, trading

   246,693   271,362   222,024
            

Commingled investments

   70,322   77,354   63,290
            

Total available-for-sale investments

   70,322   77,354   63,290
            

Other fund investments

   1,511,305   1,662,436   1,360,175

Deferred compensation plans

   21,714   23,885   19,543
            

Total other investments

   1,533,019   1,686,321   1,379,718
            

Total equity price risk on investments

  $1,850,034  $2,035,037  $1,665,032
            

December 31, 2006

         

Equity securities

  $155,930  $171,523  $140,337

Commingled investments

   125,115   137,627   112,604
            

Total investments, trading

   281,045   309,150   252,941
            

Commingled investments

   77,272   84,999   69,545
            

Total available-for-sale investments

   77,272   84,999   69,545
            

Other fund investments

   1,377,541   1,515,295   1,239,787

Deferred compensation plans

   18,146   19,961   16,331
            

Total other investments

   1,395,687   1,535,256   1,256,118
            

Total equity price risk on investments

  $1,754,004  $1,929,405  $1,578,604
            
             

 

- 3653 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 3.Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (continued)

EquityAUM Market Price Risk (continued)

BlackRock’s deferred compensation plans comprise $49.2 million and $31.3 million of total trading investments, and $21.7 million and $18.1 million of total other investments, at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, and reflect investments held by BlackRock with respect to senior employee elections under BlackRock’s deferred compensation plans. Any change in the fair value of these investments is offset by a corresponding change in the related deferred compensation liability.

During 2007, the Company established a hedging program to hedge exposure to equity price risk in certain investments through the use of derivative instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s investments in debt securities and funds that invest primarily in debt securities that expose BlackRock to interest rate risk at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. The table also provides a sensitivity analysis of the estimated fair value of these financial instruments, assuming 100 basis point upward and downward parallel shifts in the yield curve:

    

Book

Value

  

Fair market value

assuming +100

basis point shift

  

Fair market value

assuming -100

basis point shift

March 31, 2007

         

Municipal debt securities

  $185,910  $158,024  $213,797

U.S. government securities

   7,529   7,529   7,529

Mortgage-backed securities

   6,797   6,797   6,797

Corporate debt

   1,470   1,470   1,470

Other debt securities

   5,215   5,215   5,215
            

Total trading investments

   206,921   179,035   234,808
            

Commingled investments

   59,477   57,721   61,233

Collateralized debt obligations

   28,139   27,502   28,776

Other

   2,820   2,538   3,102
            

Total available-for-sale investments

   90,436   87,761   93,111
            

Other fund investments

   47,472   46,286   48,658
            

Total investments

  $344,829  $313,082  $376,577
            

December 31, 2006

         

Municipal debt securities

  $154,510  $130,224  $178,796

Corporate notes and bonds

   13,656   13,192   14,120

Commingled investments

   23,272   23,275   23,269
            

Total trading investments

   191,438   166,691   216,185
            

Commingled investments

   48,377   48,305   48,449

Collateralized debt obligations

   29,362   29,346   29,378

Other

   3,431   3,397   3,465
            

Total available-for-sale investments

   81,170   81,048   81,292
            

Other fund investments

   70,962   71,209   70,715
            

Total investments

  $343,570  $318,948  $368,192
            
             

- 37 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (continued)

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

The Company has increased its foreign exchange rate risk as a result of the MLIM transaction. The Company has investments totaling approximately $144 million that are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound sterling and the euro. A 10% increase or decrease in foreign exchange rates as of March 31, 2007 would result in an increase or a decline in value of the investment portfolio of approximately $14 million. In addition, the Company maintains certain foreign currency denominated cash accounts totaling approximately $496.0 million at March 31, 2007, primarily in British pounds sterling. A 10% increase or decrease in foreign exchange rates as of March 31, 2007 would result in an increase or decline in value of such cash accounts of approximately $49.6 million.

Other Market Risks

In February 2005, the Company issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of convertible debentures, which will be due in 2035 and bear interest at 2.625% per annum. Due to the Debentures’ conversion feature, these financial instruments are exposed to both interest rate risk and equity price risk. At March 31, 2007, the fair value of the debentures was $405.2 million. Assuming 100 basis point upward and downward parallel shifts in the yield curve, based on the fair value of the debentures on March 31, 2007, the fair value of the debentures would fluctuate to $398.6 million and $411.7 million, respectively. Assuming a 10% increase and 10% decrease in the Company’s stock price, based on the fair value of the debentures on March 31, 2007, the fair value of the Debentures would fluctuate to $437.2 million and $373.7 million, respectively.

In addition, BlackRock’s investment management revenues are primarily comprised of fees based on a percentage of the value of AUM and, in some cases, performance fees expressed as a percentage of the returns realized on AUM. DeclinesMovements in equity market prices, or interest rates, foreign exchange rates, or both,all three, could cause revenues to decline because of lower investment managementadvisory and administration fees by:

 

causing the value of AUM to decrease;

causing the returns realized on AUM to decrease;

causing clients to withdraw funds in favor of investmentsproducts in markets that they perceive to offer greater opportunity and that the CompanyBlackRock does not serve; and

causing clients to rebalance assets away from investmentsproducts that BlackRock manages into investmentsproducts that BlackRock does not manage.manage; and

causing clients to reallocate assets away from products that earn higher revenues into products that earn lower revenues.

Item 4.ControlsCorporate Investments Portfolio Risks

In the normal course of its business, BlackRock is exposed to equity market price risk, interest rate risk and Proceduresforeign exchange rate risk associated with its corporate investments.

BlackRock has investments primarily in sponsored investment products that invest in a variety of asset classes. Investments generally are made to establish a performance track record, for co-investment purposes or to hedge exposure to certain deferred compensation plans. Currently, the Company has a seed capital hedging program in which it enters into total return swaps to hedge exposure to certain equity investments. At September 30, 2007, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $82 million.

At September 30, 2007, approximately $1,873 million of BlackRock’s total investments were maintained in sponsored investment funds that are deemed to be controlled by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP and are, therefore, consolidated even though BlackRock may not own a majority of such funds. The Company’s net economic exposure to its investment portfolio is as follows:

(Dollar amounts in millions)

  September 30, 2007 

Total investments

  $2,681 

Consolidated investments

   (1,873)

Net exposure to consolidated investment funds

   347 
     

Total net “economic” investments

  $1,155 
     

Equity Market Price Risk

At September 30, 2007, the Company’s net exposure to equity price risk is approximately $925 million (net of $82 million of certain equity investments that are hedged via total return swaps) of the Company’s net economic investments. The Company estimates that a 10% adverse change in equity prices would result in a decrease of approximately $92.5 million in the carrying value of such investments.

Interest Rate Risk

At September 30, 2007, the Company was exposed to interest-rate risk as a result of approximately $148 million of investments in debt securities and sponsored investment products that invest primarily in debt securities. Management considered a hypothetical 100 basis point fluctuation in interest rates and determined that the impact of such a fluctuation on these investments, individually and in the aggregate, would not have a material effect on BlackRock’s financial condition or results of operations.

- 54 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (continued)

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

As discussed above, the Company invests in sponsored investment products that invest in a variety of asset classes. The carrying value of the net economic investments that are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound sterling and the euro, was $109 million. A 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates would result in an $10.9 million decline in the investment portfolio.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the direction of BlackRock’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, BlackRock evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31,September 30, 2007. Based on this evaluation, BlackRock’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that BlackRock’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2007.

Internal Control andover Financial Reporting

Other than system conversion activities related to the transition of support from Merrill Lynch to BlackRock, there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting. The Company is continuing to evaluate itshas substantially completed an evaluation of internal controlscontrol over financial reporting in light of the MLIM Transaction and expects to make additional modifications to its internal controls after completion of itsbased upon this review.

 

- 3855 -


PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

BlackRock has received subpoenas from various U.S. federal and state governmental and regulatory authorities and various information requests from the SEC in connection with industry-wide investigations of U.S. mutual fund matters. BlackRock is continuing to cooperate fully in these matters. From time to time, BlackRock is subject to other regulatory inquiries and proceedings.

The Company, including a number of the legal entities acquired in the MLIM Transaction, has been named as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions, and other litigation and regulatory proceedings arising in connection with BlackRock’s activities. Additionally, the investment funds that the Company manages are subject to lawsuits, any of which could harm the investment returns of the applicable fund or result in managers being liable to the funds for any resulting damages. While Merrill Lynch has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain of the pre-closing liabilities related to legal and regulatory proceedings acquired in the MLIM Transaction, entities that BlackRock now owns may be named as defendants in these matters and the Company’s reputation may be negatively impacted.

Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not currently anticipate that the aggregate liability, if any, arising out of such regulatory matters or lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on BlackRock’s financial position, although at the present time, management is not in a position to determine whether any such pending or threatened matters will have a material adverse effect on BlackRock’s results of operations and cash flows in any future reporting period.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Item 1.(c)During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company made the following purchases of its common stock, which are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.Legal Proceedings

See footnote 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this filing.

    

Total Number of

Shares

Purchased

  

Average Price

Paid per Share

  

Total Number of

Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced Plans

of Programs

  

Maximum

Number of

Shares that May

Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plans

or Programs1

 

January 1, 2007 through January 31, 2007

  967,7032 $169.15  —    2,100,000 

February 1, 2007 through February 28, 2007

  4,1963 $169.17  —    2,100,000 

March 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007

  —     —    —    2,100,0004
            

Total

  971,899  $169.15  —    
            
       

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c) During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company made the following purchases of its common stock, which are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.

   

Total Number of

Shares

Purchased

  

Average Price

Paid per Share

  

Total Number of

Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced Plans

or Programs

  

Maximum

Number of

Shares that May

Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plans

or Programs1

       
       
       
       
       
       

July 1, 2007 through July 31, 2007

  1,3092 $169.92  —    1,310,500

August 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007

  559,525 2 $148.52  559,100  751,400

September 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007

  —     —    —    751,400
            

Total

  560,834  $148.57  559,100  
            

1

On August 2, 2006, the Company announced a 2.1 million share repurchase program with no stated expiration date.

2

Includes 966,512 shares purchased by the Company from employees on January 29, 2007 pursuant to a put feature available in connection with the payment of BlackRock’s LTIP awards on that date. This number also includes purchases made by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding obligations of employees related to the vesting ofwith certain restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. All such purchases were made outside of the publicly announced share repurchase program.employees.

3

On February 8, 2007, the Company purchased 4,196 shares from employees pursuant to a put feature available in connection with the payment of BlackRock’s LTIP awards.

4

During the second quarter 2007 through May 2, 2007, the Company had repurchased a total of 445,700 shares at an average price of $151.44 per share under the program.

 

- 3956 -


PART II OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

Item 6.Exhibits

Item 6.Exhibits

As used in this exhibit list, “BlackRock” refers to BlackRock, Inc. (formerly named New BlackRock, Inc. and previously, New Boise, Inc.) and “Old BlackRock” refers to BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. (formerly named BlackRock, Inc.), which is the predecessor of BlackRock.

 

Exhibit No. 

Description

  2.1(1) Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 15, 2006, by and among Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., BlackRock, Boise Merger Sub, Inc. and Old BlackRock.
  3.1(2) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BlackRock.
  3.2(2) Amended and Restated Bylaws of BlackRock.
  3.3(2) Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of BlackRock.
  4.1(3) Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.
  4.2(4) Indenture, dated as of February 23, 2005, between Old BlackRock and The Bank of New York (as successor-in-interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee, relating to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.
  4.3(4) Form of 2.625% Convertible Debenture due 2035 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.2).
  4.4(2) First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 29, 2006.2006, relating to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.
  4.5(18)Indenture, dated September 17, 2007, between BlackRock and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to senior debt securities.
  4.6(19)Form of 6.25% Notes due 2017.
10.1(5) Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.
10.2(3) BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.3(3) Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.4(3) Amendment No. 2 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.5(3) Amendment No. 3 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.6(3) Amendment No. 4 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.7(3) BlackRock, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.8(3) Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.9(3) Amendment No. 2 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.10(3) BlackRock, Inc. Nonemployee Directors Stock Compensation Plan.+
10.11(3) BlackRock, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.12(3) BlackRock, Inc. Involuntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.13(2) Form of Stock Option Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Stock Options under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

 

- 4057 -


PART II OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

Item 6. Exhibits

Item 6.Exhibits
10.14(2) Form of Restricted Stock Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.15(2) Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.16(2) Form of Directors’ Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.17(6) BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.18(7) Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.19(2) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among BlackRock, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and the PNC Financial Service Group, Inc.
10.20(5)Services Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, between Old BlackRock and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.
10.21(8)10.20(8) Agreement of Lease, dated May 3, 2000, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.22(9)10.21(9) Agreement of Lease, dated September 4, 2001, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.23(10)10.22(10) Share Surrender Agreement, dated October 10, 2002, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc., and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
10.24(1)10.23(1) First Amendment, dated as of February 15, 2006, to the Share Surrender Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2002, among PNC Bancorp, Inc., The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and Old BlackRock.
10.25(11)10.24(16) Amended and Restated 1999 Annual Incentive Performance Plan.+
10.26(12)Agreement of Lease, dated July 29, 2004, between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.27(12)Letter Agreement, dated July 29, 2004, amending the Agreement of Lease between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.28(13)Stock Purchase Agreement among MetLife, Inc., Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, SSRM Holdings, Inc. Old BlackRock and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., dated August 25, 2004.
10.29(4)Registration Rights AgreementSecond Amendment, dated as of February 23, 2005, between Old BlackRock and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, relatingJune 11, 2007, to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.

- 41 -


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

Item 6. Exhibits

10.30(1)Implementation and Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, among The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., BlackRock and Old BlackRock.
10.31(1)Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.32(2)Letter to Robert C. Doll.+
10.33(14)Global Distribution Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
10.34(14)Transition Services Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.35(15)Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2006, by and among BlackRock, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, various lenders, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager, and ABN Amro Bank, N.V., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank and UBS Loan Finance LLC, as documentation agents.
12.1Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

(1)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on February 22, 2006.
(2)Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-33099) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2006.
(3)Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-137708) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2006.
(4)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(5)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-78367), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1999.
(6)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-32406), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2000.
(7)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
(8)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
(9)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.
(10)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
(11)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the year ended December 31, 2002.
(12)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
(13)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on August 30, 2004.

- 42 -


EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

(14)Incorporated by Reference to BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2006.
(15)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.

+ Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements.

- 43 -


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BLACKROCK, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: May 10, 2007By:    /s/ Paul L. Audet

Paul L. Audet

Managing Director &

Acting Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

Exhibit No.

Description

  2.1(1)Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 15, 2006, by and among Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., BlackRock, Boise Merger Sub, Inc. and Old BlackRock.
  3.1(2)Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BlackRock.
  3.2(2)Amended and Restated Bylaws of BlackRock.
  3.3(2)Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of BlackRock.
  4.1(3)Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.
  4.2(4)Indenture, dated as of February 23, 2005, between Old BlackRock and The Bank of New York (as successor-in-interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee, relating to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.
  4.3(4)Form of 2.625% Convertible Debenture due 2035 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.2).
  4.4(2)First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 29, 2006.
10.1(5)Tax DisaffiliationShare Surrender Agreement, dated October 6, 1999,10, 2002, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.
10.2(3)BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.3(3)Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.4(3)Amendment No. 2 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.5(3)Amendment No. 3 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.6(3)Amendment No. 4 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.7(3)BlackRock, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.8(3)Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.9(3)Amendment No. 2 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.10(3)BlackRock, Inc. Nonemployee Directors Stock Compensation Plan.+
10.11(3)BlackRock, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.12(3)BlackRock, Inc. Involuntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.13(2)Form of Stock Option Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Stock Options under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+


EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

10.14(2)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.15(2)Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.16(2)Form of Directors’ Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.17(6)BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.18(7)Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.19(2)Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among BlackRock, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and the PNC Financial Service Group, Inc.
10.20(5)Services Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, between Old BlackRock and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.
10.21(8)Agreement of Lease, dated May 3, 2000, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.22(9)Agreement of Lease, dated September 4, 2001, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.23(10)Share Surrender Agreement, dated October 10, 2002, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc., and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
10.24(1)First Amendment, dated as of February 15, 2006, to the Share Surrender Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2002, among PNC Bancorp, Inc., The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and Old BlackRock.
10.25(11) Amended and Restated 1999 Annual Incentive Performance Plan. +
10.26(12) Agreement of Lease, dated July 29, 2004, between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.27(12) Letter Agreement, dated July 29, 2004, amending the Agreement of Lease between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.28(13) Stock Purchase Agreement among MetLife, Inc., Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, SSRM Holdings, Inc. Old BlackRock and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., dated August 25, 2004.
10.29(4) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2005, between Old BlackRock and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, relating to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.

 

- 58 -


EXHIBIT INDEXPART II — OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 6.Exhibits

10.30(1) Implementation and Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, among The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., BlackRock and Old BlackRock.
10.31(1) Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.32(2) Letter to Robert C. Doll.+
10.33(14) Global Distribution Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
10.34(14) Transition Services Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.35(15)10.35(17)Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2007, by and among BlackRock, Inc., BAA Holdings, LLC and Quellos Holdings, LLC.
10.36(20) Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2006,August 22, 2007, by and among BlackRock, Inc., Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, variousSumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as Japanese Yen lender, a group of lenders, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as solejoint lead arrangerarrangers and solejoint book manager,managers, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as syndication agent, and ABN Amro Bank, N.V., HSBC Bank USA, National Association,N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and UBS Loan Finance LLC,Morgan Stanley Bank, as documentation agents.
12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
18.1Letter re: Change in Accounting Principles.
31.1 Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2 Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1 Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

(1)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on February 22, 2006.
(2)Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’sBlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-33099) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2006.
(3)Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’sBlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-137708) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2006.
(4)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(5)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-78367), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1999.
(6)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-32406), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2000.
(7)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
(8)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
(9)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.
(10)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
(11)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the year ended December 31, 2002.
(12)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
(13)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on August 30, 2004.
(14)Incorporated by Reference to BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2006.
(15)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.
(16)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2007.
(17)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2007.
(18)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-145976).

+Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements.

- 59 -


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 6.Exhibits

(19)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2007.
(20)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 27, 2007.
+Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements.

- 60 -


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BLACKROCK, INC.
(Registrant)
By:

/s/ Paul L. Audet

Date: November 8, 2007Paul L. Audet
Managing Director & Acting Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

Exhibit No.

Description

  2.1(1)Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 15, 2006, by and among Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., BlackRock, Boise Merger Sub, Inc. and Old BlackRock.
  3.1(2)Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BlackRock.
  3.2(2)Amended and Restated Bylaws of BlackRock.
  3.3(2)Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock of BlackRock.
  4.1(3)Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.
  4.2(4)Indenture, dated as of February 23, 2005, between Old BlackRock and The Bank of New York (as successor-in-interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as trustee, relating to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.
  4.3(4)Form of 2.625% Convertible Debenture due 2035 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.2).
  4.4(2)First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 29, 2006, relating to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.
  4.5(18)Indenture, dated September 17, 2007, between BlackRock and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to senior debt securities.
  4.6(19)Form of 6.25% Notes due 2017.
10.1(5)Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.
10.2(3)BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.3(3)Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.4(3)Amendment No. 2 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.5(3)Amendment No. 3 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.6(3)Amendment No. 4 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.7(3)BlackRock, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.8(3)Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.9(3)Amendment No. 2 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+
10.10(3)BlackRock, Inc. Nonemployee Directors Stock Compensation Plan.+
10.11(3)BlackRock, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.12(3)BlackRock, Inc. Involuntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.13(2)Form of Stock Option Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Stock Options under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+


EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

10.14(2)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.15(2)Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.16(2)Form of Directors’ Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.17(6)BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.18(7)Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.19(2)Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among BlackRock, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and the PNC Financial Service Group, Inc.
10.20(8)Agreement of Lease, dated May 3, 2000, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.21(9)Agreement of Lease, dated September 4, 2001, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.22(10)Share Surrender Agreement, dated October 10, 2002, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
10.23(1)First Amendment, dated as of February 15, 2006, to the Share Surrender Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2002, among PNC Bancorp, Inc., The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and Old BlackRock.
10.24(16)Second Amendment, dated as of June 11, 2007, to the Share Surrender Agreement, dated October 10, 2002, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
10.25(11)Amended and Restated 1999 Annual Incentive Performance Plan. +
10.26(12)Agreement of Lease, dated July 29, 2004, between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.27(12)Letter Agreement, dated July 29, 2004, amending the Agreement of Lease between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.28(13)Stock Purchase Agreement among MetLife, Inc., Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, SSRM Holdings, Inc. Old BlackRock and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., dated August 25, 2004.
10.29(4)Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2005, between Old BlackRock and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, relating to the 2.625% Convertible Debentures due 2035.


EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

10.30(1)Implementation and Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, among The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., BlackRock and Old BlackRock.
10.31(1)Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.32(2)Letter to Robert C. Doll.+
10.33(14)Global Distribution Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
10.34(14)Transition Services Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.35(17)Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2007, by and among BlackRock, Inc., BAA Holdings, LLC and Quellos Holdings, LLC.
10.36(20)Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2007, by and among BlackRock, Inc., Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as Japanese Yen lender, a group of lenders, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as syndication agent, and HSBC Bank USA, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Morgan Stanley Bank, as documentation agents.
12.1Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
18.1Letter re: Change in Accounting Principles.
31.1Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

(1)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on February 22, 2006.
(2)Incorporated by Reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-33099) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2006.
(3)Incorporated by Reference to BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-137708) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2006.
(4)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(5)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-78367), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1999.
(6)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-32406), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2000.
(7)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
(8)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
(9)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.
(10)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
(11)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the year ended December 31, 2002.
(12)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
(13)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on August 30, 2004.
(14)Incorporated by Reference to BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2006.
(15)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.
(16)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2007.
(17)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2007.
(18)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333- 45976).
(19)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2007.
(20)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 27, 2007.
+Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements.