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 September 30, 2007March 31, 2008

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)

 

(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    No  ¨

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

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

Smaller reporting company  ¨    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of October 31, 2007,April 30, 2008, there were 116,824,060117,807,051 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 



BlackRock, Inc.

Index to Form 10-Q

 

     Page
  PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
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

 56

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 2125

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 5345

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures 5547
  PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings 5647

Item 2.

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 5647

Item 6.

  Exhibits 5748

 

- ii -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollar amounts in thousands)thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  

September 30,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

 
   March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $2,320,579  $1,160,304   $1,194,180  $1,656,200 

Accounts receivable

   1,155,996   964,366    1,490,837   1,235,940 

Due from affiliates

   96,606   113,184 

Due from related parties

   254,337   174,853 

Investments

   2,680,751   2,097,574    1,922,928   1,999,944 

Separate account assets

   4,829,861   4,299,879    4,147,981   4,669,874 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions, net

   178,407   177,242    169,503   174,849 

Property and equipment, net

   250,481   214,784 

Intangible assets, net

   5,789,240   5,882,430 

Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $246,700 at March 31, 2008 and $225,645 at December 31, 2007)

   270,607   266,460 

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $215,019 at March 31, 2008 and $178,450 at December 31, 2007)

   6,543,604   6,553,122 

Goodwill

   5,454,521   5,257,017    5,500,414   5,519,714 

Other assets

   322,092   302,712    322,013   310,559 
              

Total assets

  $23,078,534  $20,469,492   $21,816,404  $22,561,515 
              

Liabilities

      

Accrued compensation

  $807,870  $1,051,273 

Accrued compensation and benefits

  $419,486  $1,086,590 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   776,928   753,839    1,103,655   788,968 

Due to affiliates

   245,890   243,836 

Due to related parties

   111,590   114,347 

Short-term borrowings

   450,000   —      300,000   300,000 

Long-term borrowings

   946,879   253,167    947,162   947,021 

Separate account liabilities

   4,829,861   4,299,879    4,147,981   4,669,874 

Deferred taxes

   1,792,199   1,738,670 

Deferred tax liabilities

   2,018,569   2,059,980 

Other liabilities

   501,716   237,856    374,256   419,570 
              

Total liabilities

   10,351,343   8,578,520    9,422,699   10,386,350 
              

Non-controlling interest

   1,458,879   1,109,092 

Non-controlling interests

   579,496   578,210 
       

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

   
       

Stockholders’ equity

      

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 

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 118,573,367 shares issued, 116,432,527 and 116,059,560 shares outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   1,186   1,186 

Series A participating preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and 12,604,918 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007)

   126   126 

Additional paid-in capital

   10,070,480   9,799,447    10,293,720   10,274,096 

Retained earnings

   1,387,478   993,821    1,759,534   1,622,041 

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)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   91,620   71,020 

Escrow shares, common, at cost (1,191,785 shares held at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007)

   (187,500)  (187,500)

Treasury stock, common, at cost (949,055 and 1,322,022 shares held at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   (144,477)  (184,014)
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   11,268,312   10,781,880    11,814,209   11,596,955 
              

Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and stockholders’ equity

  $23,078,534  $20,469,492 

Total liabilities, non-controlling interests and stockholders’ equity

  $21,816,404  $22,561,515 
              

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 1 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
 Nine months ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2007 2006 2007 2006   2008 2007 

Revenue

        

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   

Related parties

  $747,962  $574,780 

Other

   384,916   298,728 

Investment advisory performance fees

   41,543   22,418 
       

Investment advisory and administration fees

        1,174,421   895,926 

Unaffiliated

  $495,127  $158,707  $1,169,760  $606,748 

Affiliated

   680,685   115,799   1,878,308   331,395 

Distribution fees

   32,310   2,263   89,997   7,177    35,319   24,820 

Other revenue

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

Other

   85,541   80,231 

Related parties

   4,857   4,397 
                    

Total revenue

   1,298,079   323,058   3,400,476   1,079,451    1,300,138   1,005,374 
                    

Expenses

        

Employee compensation and benefits

   505,107   198,099   1,270,883   566,993    468,949   347,302 

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

        

Unaffiliated

   16,308   9,201   47,405   28,378 

Affiliated

   122,542   7,181   353,609   20,151 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   1,341   79,034   4,645 

Related parties

   130,246   117,516 

Other

   25,493   13,570 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   30,208   21,558 

General and administration

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

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     128,114   —   

Fee sharing payment

   —     —     —     34,450 

Other

   203,650   191,692 

Related parties

   9,333   10,473 

Amortization of intangible assets

   31,085   2,394   93,193   6,451    36,569   31,032 
                    

Total expenses

   1,026,361   294,050   2,574,528   853,734    904,448   733,143 
                    

Operating income

   271,718   29,008   825,948   225,717    395,690   272,231 
                    

Non-operating income (expense)

        

Net gain (loss) on investments

   117,895   (1,737)  478,458   9,165    (19,489)  150,360 

Interest and dividend income

   20,109   5,668   52,204   16,675    18,339   18,357 

Interest expense

   (9,815)  (2,022)  (31,023)  (6,021)   (17,378)  (10,986)
                    

Total non-operating income

   128,189   1,909   499,639   19,819 

Total non-operating income (expense)

   (18,528)  157,731 
                    

Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest

   399,907   30,917   1,325,587   245,536    377,162   429,962 

Income tax expense

   63,168   11,108   298,086   89,963    130,131   109,906 
                    

Income before non-controlling interest

   336,739   19,809   1,027,501   155,573    247,031   320,056 

Non-controlling interest

   81,539   895   354,669   2,394    5,360   124,668 
                    

Net income

  $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179   $241,671  $195,388 
                    

Earnings per share

     

Earnings per share:

   

Basic

  $1.99  $0.29  $5.24  $2.38   $1.87  $1.52 

Diluted

  $1.94  $0.28  $5.12  $2.29   $1.82  $1.48 

Dividends declared and paid per share

  $0.67  $0.42  $2.01  $1.26 

Cash dividends declared and paid per share

  $0.78  $0.67 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

     

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

   

Basic

   128,161,027   64,761,447   128,501,575   64,326,752    128,904,253   128,809,726 

Diluted

   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,534,188   66,903,553    132,876,553   131,895,570 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 2 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2007 2006  2007 2006  2008 2007 

Net income

  $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179  $241,671  $195,388 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

      

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

   (1,417)  456   (2,288)  507

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   24,527   467   43,100   3,793

Other comprehensive income:

   

Net unrealized loss from available-for-sale investments, net of tax

   (5,165)  (1,457)

Minimum pension liability adjustment

   —     379   —     379   (542)  —   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   26,307   2,203 
                   

Comprehensive income

  $278,310  $20,216  $713,644  $157,858  $262,271  $196,134 
                   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 3 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2007  2006 

Cash flows from operating activities

   

Net income

  $672,832  $153,179 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

   

Non-controlling interest

   354,669   2,394 

Depreciation and amortization

   143,387   29,301 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   79,034   4,645 

Stock-based compensation

   142,329   78,567 

Deferred income taxes

   (100,576)  (32,965)

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

   (1,644)  (2,828)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

   

Accounts receivable

   (195,236)  (66,582)

Due from affiliates

   16,578   9,397 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (46,203)  1,860 

Investments, trading

   (20,518)  (17,121)

Other assets

   (79,195)  (9,051)

Accrued compensation

   (73,381)  21,950 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (5,401)  (5,417)

Due to affiliates

   (5,981)  67,214 

Other liabilities

   111,402   8,883 
         

Cash flows from operating activities

   361,315   237,857 
         

Cash flows from investing activities

   

Purchase of investments

   (313,837)  (62,046)

Sale of investments

   193,731   18,022 

Distributions of capital from equity method investees

   5,695   —   

Net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

   (7,703)  —   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (42,272)  389,886 

Purchases of property and equipment

   (84,940)  (47,014)
         

Cash flows from investing activities

   (249,326)  298,848 
         

Cash flows from financing activities

   

Short-term borrowings, net

   450,000   —   

Long-term borrowings, net

   694,372   —   

Dividends paid

   (265,587)  (81,134)

Reissuance of treasury stock

   47,987   7,464 

Purchases of treasury stock

   (370,103)  (24,615)

Issuance of common stock

   —     1,196 

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

   204,734   15,735 

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

   1,005,186   (80,820)
         

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   43,100   3,793 
         

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   1,160,275   459,678 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,160,304   484,223 
         

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $2,320,579  $943,901 
         
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2008  2007 

Cash flows from operating activities

   

Net income

  $241,671  $195,388 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

   

Depreciation and other amortization

   57,491   46,062 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   30,208   21,558 

Non-controlling interest

   5,360   124,668 

Stock-based compensation

   69,539   41,418 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

   (42,457)  103,426 

Other net gains and net proceeds (purchases) of investments

   31,231   (174,101)

Earnings from equity method investees

   9,909   (2,406)

Distributions of earnings from equity method investees

   9,929   —   

Other adjustments

   (429)  6,003 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

   

Accounts receivable

   (245,204)  (317,950)

Due from related parties

   (79,484)  40,693 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (24,862)  (5,255)

Investments, trading

   110,460   (20,653)

Other assets

   (19,891)  (99,745)

Accrued compensation and benefits

   (666,763)  (534,942)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   328,406   149,898 

Due to related parties

   (2,757)  (85,127)

Other liabilities

   57,310   25,865 
         

Cash flows from operating activities

   (130,333)  (485,200)
         

Cash flows from investing activities

   

Purchases of investments

   (138,079)  (125,629)

Proceeds from sales of investments

   27,402   41,742 

Distributions of capital from equity method investees

   1,570   —   

Purchases of property and equipment

   (24,594)  (27,983)

Net consolidations (deconsolidations) of sponsored investment funds

   —     (5,709)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   —     (53,501)
         

Cash flows from investing activities

   (133,701)  (171,080)
         

- 4 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2008  2007 

Cash flows from financing activities

   

Short-term borrowings

   —     550,000 

Cash dividends paid

   (104,178)  (88,417)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

   5,135   32,194 

Reissuance of treasury stock

   1,241   —   

Purchase of treasury stock

   (35,692)  (164,396)

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

   1,685   54,615 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

   19,868   43,609 

Net borrowings by consolidated sponsored investments funds

   (92,701)  84,996 
         

Cash flows from financing activities

   (204,642)  512,601 
         

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   6,656   2,203 
         

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (462,020)  (141,476)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,656,200   1,160,304 
         

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,194,180  $1,018,828 
         

Supplemental cash flow information:

   

Cash paid for interest

  $29,139  $6,707 
         

Cash paid for income taxes

  $57,746  $50,315 
         

Supplemental non-cash flow information:

   

Issuance of treasury stock

  $73,594  $63,953 

Decrease in investments due to net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $5,759  $181,953 

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

  $5,759  $203,923 

PNC LTIP capital contributions

  $4,503  $173,497 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 45 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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 individual investors through various investment products.vehicles. 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. ThroughIn addition, BlackRock Solutions®, the Company provides risk management, system outsourcing, investment accounting services,strategic advisory and transitionenterprise investment system services to a broad base of clients.

In October 2007, BlackRock acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”), referred to as the “Quellos Transaction” and in September 2006, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc (“Merrill Lynch”) contributed the entities and assets that constituted its investment management services that combinebusiness (the “MLIM Business”) to BlackRock via a capital markets expertise with proprietarily-developed systems and technology.contribution, referred to as the “MLIM Transaction”.

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 and its controlled subsidiaries and other consolidated entities.subsidiaries. Non-controlling interest includes minority interest as well asinterests include 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.estimates. Certain financial information that normally is included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, 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, 2006,2007, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 13, 2007.February 28, 2008.

The interim financial information as of September 30, 2007at March 31, 2008 and for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and 2007 and 2006 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim information includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s results for the periods 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 period condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

- 56 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Income TaxesRecent Accounting Developments

Fair Value Measurements

In JulySeptember 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’s financial statements in accordance with Statement 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 September 30, 2007, the Company does not anticipate a significant change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. Interest accrued on uncertain tax positions was approximately $4,600 at December 31, 2006 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 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.Financial Statements (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

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements.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.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-1,Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13and FSP FAS 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. FSP FAS 157-1 amends SFAS No. 157 isto exclude from its scope transactions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 13,Accounting for Leases, and its related interpretive accounting pronouncements. FSP FAS 157-2 delays the effective for financial statements issued fordate of the application of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. 2008 for all non-financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis. Non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities include goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets each measured at fair value for purposes of impairment testing; asset retirement and guarantee obligations initially measured at fair value; and those assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination or asset purchase.

The Company currently is evaluating the impact adoption will have to its consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issuedadopted SFAS No. 158,Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plansan amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132. SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize157 on January 1, 2008, with 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 asexception of the balance sheet date.application of FSP FAS 157-2 related to non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities. The balance sheet recognition provisionspartial adoption 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, 2007.157 had no impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company adopteddoes not expect that the balance sheet recognitionadoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 158for non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities will have a material impact on December 31, 2006 and the impact of adoption was not material to its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Option

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 assets and liabilities at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option ishas 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.irrevocable once elected. 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. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 is effective ason January 1, 2008, however, elected not to apply the fair value option to any of its financial assets or liabilities. Therefore, the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company currently is analyzing the potential impact of adoption of SFAS No. 159 to itshad no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 7 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

 

Non-Controlling Interests

In JuneDecember 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) ratified EITF IssueFASB issued SFAS No. 06-11,160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,Consolidated Financial Statements, to establish accounting and reporting standards for Income Tax Benefitsa non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (“EITF 06-11”). Undera subsidiary and clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the provisions of EITF 06-11 a realized income tax benefit from dividends or dividend equivalentsconsolidated entity 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 recognizedreported as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The amount recognized in additional paid-in capital forequity, separate from the realized income tax benefit from dividends on those awards should be includedparent’s equity, 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 inconsolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing non-controlling interests. All other requirements of SFAS No. 160 shall be applied prospectively. The Company currently is currently evaluating the potential impact of EITF 06-11 toSFAS No. 160 on its consolidated financial statements.

2.Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised),Business Combinations(“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141,Business Combinations, while retaining the fundamental requirements of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) further defines the acquirer, establishes the acquisition date and broadens the scope of transactions that qualify as a business combination. Additionally, SFAS No. 141(R) changes the fair value measurement provisions for assets acquired and liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, provides guidance for the measurement of fair value in a step acquisition, changes the requirements for recognizing assets acquired and liabilities assumed subject to contingencies, provides guidance on recognition and measurement of contingent consideration and requires that acquisition-related costs of the acquirer generally be expensed as incurred. In addition, if liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions assumed in a business combination are settled prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R), the reversal of any remaining liability will affect goodwill. If such liabilities reverse subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R), such reversals will affect the income tax provision in the period of reversal. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) on its consolidated financial statements and on potential future business combinations.

Investment Companies

In June 2007, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 07-1,Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies. SOP No. 07-1 provides guidance for determining whether the specialized accounting principles of the AICPAAudit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies should be applied by an entity and whether those specialized accounting principles should be retained by a parent company in consolidation or by an investor in the application of the equity method of accounting. In February 2008, the FASB indefinitely deferred the effective date of SOP No. 07-1 to address implementation issues that have arisen and to possibly revise the SOP.

- 8 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS No. 161 expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 specifically requires enhanced disclosures addressing: a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and its related interpretations and c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to impact BlackRock’s consolidated financial statements.

2.Investments

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

 

  Carrying Value  Carrying Value
  September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006
  March 31,
2008
  December 31,
2007

Available-for-sale investments

  $187,337  $158,442  $261,355  $263,795

Trading investments

   361,631   370,718   278,572   395,006

Other investments:

        

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   1,606,296   1,198,422   728,536   760,378

Equity method

   448,802   327,599   626,679   554,016

Deferred compensation plan investments

   23,732   22,710

Cost method

   55,118   24,247   4,054   4,039

Deferred compensation plan investments

   21,567   18,146
            

Total other investments

   2,131,783   1,568,414   1,383,001   1,341,143
            

Total investments

  $2,680,751  $2,097,574  $1,922,928  $1,999,944
            

At March 31, 2008, the Company had $907,562 of total investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds of which $179,026 and $728,536 were classified as trading investments and other investments, respectively.

 

- 89 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2. Investments (continued)

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  

March 31, 2008

  Cost  Gains  Losses Carrying
Value

Total available-for-sale investments:

       

Sponsored investment funds

  $245,627  $3,464  $(4,351) $244,740

Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”)

   7,110   668   —     7,778

Corporate debt

   8,273   —     (2,336)  5,937

Other

   2,811   89   —     2,900
  Cost  Gains  Losses 

Carrying

Value

            

September 30, 2007

       

Available-for-sale investments:

       

Total available-for-sale investments

  $263,821  $4,221  $(6,687) $261,355
            

December 31, 2007

           

Total available-for-sale investments:

       

Sponsored investment funds

  $152,633  $10,596  $(1,982) $161,247  $245,677  $5,894  $(1,217) $250,354

Collateralized debt obligations

   23,328   1,079   (1,201)  23,206   10,458   53   —     10,511

Other

   2,812   72   —     2,884   2,815   115   —     2,930
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $178,773  $11,747  $(3,183) $187,337  $258,950  $6,062  $(1,217) $263,795
                        

December 31, 2006

       

Available-for-sale investments:

       

Sponsored investment funds

  $118,147  $8,085  $(583) $125,649

Collateralized debt obligations

   27,496   1,866   —     29,362

Other

   3,312   119   —     3,431
            

Total available-for-sale investments

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

The Company has reviewed the gross unrealized losses of $3,183 at September 30, 2007, all$6,687 as of March 31, 2008, of which $6,516 had been in a loss position for less than twelve months, and determined that these losses were not other than temporaryother-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 ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and 2007, and 2006, the Company recorded realized impairments of $3,228$1,430 and $2,211, respectively, on certain collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).$393, to its CDO investments, respectively.

 

- 910 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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:

 

  Cost  Carrying
Value
  March 31, 2008  December 31, 2007

September 30, 2007

    
  Cost  Carrying
Value
  Cost  Carrying
Value

Trading investments:

            

Deferred compensation plan investments

  $40,218  $43,196

Deferred compensation plan mutual fund investments

  $43,100  $42,929  $40,394  $44,680

Equity securities

   67,817   86,638   92,534   99,039   103,058   116,742

Municipal debt securities

   235,646   231,797   141,848   126,764   239,398   233,584

Foreign government debt securities

   8,608   8,470   —     —  

U.S. government securities

   1,392   1,370   —     —  
                  

Total trading investments

  $343,681  $361,631  $287,482  $278,572  $382,850  $395,006
                  

Other investments:

            

Other fund investments

  $1,980,230  $2,110,216

Deferred compensation plan investments

   14,100   21,567

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

  $610,883  $728,536  $721,300  $760,378

Equity method

   563,175   626,679   463,497   554,016

Deferred compensation plan hedge fund investments

   17,851   23,732   14,086   22,710

Cost method

   4,054   4,054   4,039   4,039
                  

Total other investments

  $1,994,330  $2,131,783  $1,195,963  $1,383,001  $1,202,922  $1,341,143
                  

December 31, 2006

    

Trading investments:

    

Deferred compensation plan and other investments

  $53,306  $54,527

Equity securities

   139,874   148,025

Municipal debt securities

   154,015   154,510

Corporate notes and bonds

   13,779   13,656
      

Total trading investments

  $360,974  $370,718
      

Other investments:

    

Other fund investments

  $1,512,816  $1,550,268

Deferred compensation plan investments

   14,074   18,146
      

Total other investments

  $1,526,890  $1,568,414
      

Management reviewed the carrying value of investments accounted for using the cost method at March 31, 2008 and estimated their aggregate fair value to be equal to their carrying value. No impairments were recorded on such investments during the three months ended March 31, 2008 or 2007.

Trading investments include deferred compensation plan mutual fund investments, equity and debt securities within certain consolidated sponsored investment funds and equity securities held in separate accounts for the purpose of establishing an investment history in various investment strategies before being marketed to investors.

The carrying value of debt securities, classified as available-for-sale and trading investments, by contractual maturity at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is as follows:

   Carrying Value

Maturity date

  March 31,
2008
  December 31,
2007

<1 year

  $1,370  $—  

1-5 years

   1,676   9,567

5-10 years

   6,946   28,677

After 10 years

   132,549   195,340
        

Total

  $142,541  $233,584
        

 

- 1011 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

2. Investments (continued)

2.Investments (continued)

 

Included in other investments at September 30, 2007 is $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. As of September 30, 2007, management reviewed the carrying value of these investments and estimated their aggregate fair value to be $61,708. No impairments were recorded on such investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

The carrying value of investments in debt securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2007At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006 was as follows:2007, the debt securities in the table above primarily consist of municipal, U.S. and foreign government debt securities held by two funds that are consolidated in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

   Carrying Value

Maturity date

  September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

<1 year

  $—    $776

1-5 years

   10,061   7,989

5-10 years

   30,010   2,772

After 10 years

   191,726   156,629
        

Total

  $231,797  $168,166
        

The Company consolidates certain sponsored investment funds primarily because it is deemed to control such investments in accordance with GAAP. The investments that are owned by these consolidated sponsored investment funds are classified as trading and other investments. At September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006,2007, the following balances related to these funds were consolidated in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position:condition:

 

  September 30,
2007
 December 31,
2006
   March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $191,488  $90,919   $100,034  $66,971 

Investments

   1,872,782   1,469,930    907,562   1,054,208 

Other net liabilities

   (258,881)  (127,266)   (119,433)  (218,337)

Non-controlling interest

   (1,458,879)  (1,109,092)

Non-controlling interests

   (579,496)  (578,210)
              

Total exposure to consolidated investment funds

  $346,510  $324,491   $308,667  $324,632 
              

BlackRock’s total exposure to consolidated sponsored investment funds of $346,510$308,667 and $324,491$324,632 at September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006,2007, respectively, represents the fair value of the Company’s economic ownership interest in these sponsored investment funds. Valuation changes associated with these consolidated investment funds are reflected in non-operating income and non-controlling interest. Other net liabilities includes $276,198Approximately $117,028 and $95,815$209,729 of debt heldborrowings by consolidated sponsored investment funds at September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006,2007, respectively, which areis 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 sponsored investment funds to use in its operating activities. In addition, the Company may not be readily able to sell investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds in order to obtain cash for use in its operations.

 

- 1112 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3. Derivatives

3.Fair Value Disclosures

BlackRock adopted SFAS No. 157 as of January 1, 2008, which requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and Hedgingreported at fair value. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 Inputs - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Level 1 assets include listed mutual funds, equities and debt securities.

Level 2 Inputs - Other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 assets include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as models or other valuation methodologies. Investments which generally are included in this category include securities held within consolidated hedge funds as well as restricted public securities valued at a discount.

Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for the valuation of the asset or liability. Level 3 assets include investments for which there is little, if any, market activity. These inputs require significant management judgment or estimation. Investments included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity funds, funds of private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds, and funds of hedge funds.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.

- 13 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3.Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

DuringAssets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at March 31, 2008

   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
  Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (1)
  Investments at
March 31, 2008

Investments:

          

Available-for-sale

  $159,146  $100,347  $1,862  $—    $261,355

Trading

   151,808   126,764   —     —     278,572

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   —     58,774   669,762   —     728,536

Equity method

   —     —     593,224   33,455   626,679

Deferred compensation plan investments

   —     —     23,732   —     23,732

Cost method

   —     —     —     4,054   4,054
                    

Total Investments

  $310,954  $285,885  $1,288,580  $37,509  $1,922,928
                    

(1)

Includes investments in equity method investees which are not accounted for under a fair value measure in accordance with GAAP as well as certain investments held at cost.

The Company has $4,147,981 of separate account assets, representing segregated funds held for purposes of funding individual and group pension contracts, and equal and offsetting separate account liabilities of which $52,000 is not held at fair value. Excluding approximately $52,000 not subject to SFAS No. 157, approximately 96%, 4% and less than 1% of the separate account assets and liabilities are classified as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, respectively. The net investment income and net gains and losses attributable to separate account assets accrue directly to the contract owner and are not reported as revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

- 14 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3.Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Level 3 investments, such as investments in real estate, hedge funds, funds of hedge funds, private equity funds and funds of private equity funds are valued based upon valuations received from internal, as well as third party fund managers. Direct investments in private equity companies are valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, incorporating evaluation of additional significant third party financing, changes in valuations of comparable peer companies and the business environment of the company, among other factors.

Changes in Level 3 Investments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the three months ended March 31, 2008

   Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2008
 

December 31, 2007

  $1,239,519 

Realized and unrealized gains / (losses), net

   7,294 

Purchases, sales, other settlements and issuances, net

   41,767 

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

   —   
     

March 31, 2008

  $1,288,580 
     

Total net (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date

  $(6,098)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 3 investments are reported in Non-operating income (expense) on the condensed consolidated statements of income. Non-controlling interest expense is recorded for certain consolidated investments to reflect the portion of gains and losses not attributable to BlackRock.

- 15 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

4.Derivatives and Hedging

For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company entered intodid not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended.

During first quarter 2008 and 2007, the Company was a counterparty to a series of total return swaps to economically hedge market price exposures with respect to seedagainst changes in fair value of certain investments in sponsored investment products. At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008 the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $82,000$79,084 and net lossesrealized and unrealized gains/(losses) of approximately $210$9,486 and $3,880($292) for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, which were included in non-operating income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income.

During first quarterIn December 2007, BlackRock entered into capital support agreements, up to $100,000, with two enhanced cash funds, backed by letters of credit (“LOCs”) in which BlackRock agreed to reimburse the bank for any amounts drawn on the LOCs. At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company entered into a forward contract to sell 1.2 billion yen in August 2007 as a hedge againstderivative liability for the foreign exchange 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 September 30, 2007, the change in fair value of the forward contracts were immaterial.capital support agreements for the two funds totaled approximately $9,300 and $12,000, respectively. The amount of the liability will increase or decrease as BlackRock’s obligation under the guarantee fluctuates based on the fair value of the derivative.

For

5.Goodwill

Goodwill at March 31, 2008 and changes during the ninethree 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,March 31, 2008 were as amended.

4. Earnings Per Share

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

 

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

Net income

  $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179
                

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

   128,161,027   64,761,447   128,501,575   64,326,752

Dilutive potential shares from stock options and restricted stock units

   2,502,798   2,208,829   2,376,400   2,074,384

Dilutive potential shares from convertible debt

   652,630   507,260   656,213   502,417
                

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,534,188   66,903,553
                

Basic earnings per share

  $1.99  $0.29  $5.24  $2.38
                

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.94  $0.28  $5.12  $2.29
                

December 31, 2007

  $5,519,714 

Goodwill adjustments related to:

  

Quellos

   (20,881)

Fund of hedge funds manager

   1,581 
     

Total goodwill adjustments

   (19,300)
     

March 31, 2008

  $5,500,414 
     

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, 1,545,735 stock options were excludedMarch 31, 2008, the Company reduced goodwill by $19,300. Approximately $15,800 of the reduction was as a result of the Company’s review of the Quellos purchase price allocation and $5,100 related to tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill. At March 31, 2008, the calculationbalance of diluted earnings per share becausethe Quellos tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill was $422,000. Goodwill will continue to include them would have an anti-dilutive effect.be reduced in future periods by the amount of tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill.

 

- 1216 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

4. Earnings Per Share (continued)

Due to the similarities in terms between the 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 September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006.

5. Stock-Based Compensation

Share-Based Payment

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.

Long-Term Incentive Plans

The BlackRock, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan (the “2002 LTIP Awards”) permitted the grant of up to $240,000 in deferred compensation awards, of which the Company previously granted approximately $230,300. Approximately $210,000 of the 2002 LTIP Awards were paid in January 2007. The 2002 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 Awards will result in the settlement of BlackRock shares held by PNC through 2010 at a conversion price approximating the market price on the settlement date.

The settlement of the 2002 LTIP Awards in January 2007 resulted in the surrender by PNC of approximately 1,000,000 shares of BlackRock common stock. 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.

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 granted additional long-term incentive awards in January 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 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 the remaining shares in periods subsequent to September 29, 2011.

- 13 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.6.Financial Statements (continued)Intangible Assets

5. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Stock Options

Options outstanding at September 30, 2007 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 wereThe carrying amounts of identifiable intangible assets are summarized as follows:

 

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
     
   Indefinite-lived
intangible assets
  Finite-lived
intangible assets
  Total 

December 31, 2007

  $5,351,132  $1,201,990  $6,553,122 

Purchase price adjustments

   27,000   51   27,051 

Amortization expense

   —     (36,569)  (36,569)
             

March 31, 2008

  $5,378,132  $1,165,472  $6,543,604 
             

As of September 30, 2007, the Company had 3,265,334 outstanding options which were exercisable at a weighted average exerciseThe purchase 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 exercisedadjustments to intangible assets during the ninethree 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 JanuaryMarch 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 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 was deemed probable of occurring.

Assumptions used in calculating the 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%

- 14 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial 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 SEC 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 September 30, 2007 and changes during the nine months then ended were as follows:

Outstanding at

  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
Units
  Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

December 31, 2006

  1,516,063  $133.44

Granted

  2,517,718  $168.12

Forfeited

  (80,441) $161.37

Vested

  (136,955) $126.45
     

September 30, 2007

  3,816,385  $155.98
     

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 over 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 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 September 30, 2007, there was $434,875 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested RSU awards. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a remaining weighted-average period of 3.6 years.

6. Goodwill

During the first nine months of 2007, the Company recorded goodwill adjustments of $197,5042008 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 totaling $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 $23,166..from Quellos.

7. Borrowings

7.Borrowings

Short Term Borrowing:Short-Term Borrowings

In December 2006, the Company entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banking institutions. This facility, as amended in February 2007 (the “2006 facility”), permitted the Company to borrow up to $800,000.

In August 2007, the Company terminated the 2006 facility and entered into a new five yearfive-year $2,500,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007(“the 2007 facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $500,000 of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $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.March 31, 2008.

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,March 31, 2008, the Company had $450,000$300,000 outstanding under the 2007 facility with interest rates between 5.105%2.855% to 5.845%5.105% and maturity dates between October 2007April 2008 and September 2008. During April 2008, the Company repaid $100,000 of the balance outstanding at March 31, 2008.

Long Term Borrowings:Long-Term Borrowings

In September 2007,At March 31, 2008, the Company issued $700,000 inestimated fair value of the Company’s $249,997 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 condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and are being amortized over the term of the Notes. A portion of the net proceeds of the Notesconvertible debentures 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 assumed 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”).$556,700. The fair value of these assets was capitalized and is being amortized over periods up to six years. The Company also assumedestimated using market prices.

At March 31, 2008, 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 endestimated fair value of the contingent deferred sales period.Company’s $700,000 long-term notes was $731,353. 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 condensed consolidated statements of income and is recorded in “due to affiliates” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As a result of these terminations, Merrill Lynchfair value 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.estimated using an applicable bond index.

 

- 17 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

8.Related Party Transaction

Supplemental disclosureOn February 29, 2008, the Company committed to provide financing, if needed, of cash flow informationup to $60,000 to Anthracite Capital, Inc. (“Anthracite”), a specialty commercial real estate finance company that is as follows:

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2007  2006

Cash paid for interest

  $22,910  $6,876
        

Cash paid for income taxes

  $257,410  $127,364
        

Supplemental schedulemanaged by a subsidiary of non-cash investingBlackRock. Financing is collateralized by Anthracite pledging its ownership interest in an investment fund which is also managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. At March 31, 2008, $52,500 of financing was outstanding with interest rates between 5.15% 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  $—  

- 18 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)5.44%, which was included in due from affiliates on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition, and was subsequently repaid in April 2008.

 

Item 1.9.Financial Statements (continued)Commitments and Contingencies

12. 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 SECSecurities and Exchange Commission (“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 numberand certain of the legal entities acquired in the MLIM Transaction, hasits subsidiaries have been named as a defendantdefendants 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 the 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, entities that BlackRock now owns may be named as defendants in these matters and the Company’s reputation may be negatively impacted. Additionally, certain of the investment funds that the Company manages are subject to lawsuits, any of which could potentially harm the investment returns of the applicable fund or result in the Company being liable to the funds for any resulting damages.

Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently 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 earnings, financial position, or cash flows 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.

Indemnifications

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

In conjunction withUnder the Transaction Agreement in the MLIM 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 transaction, and (4) certain specified tax covenants.

- 18 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

9.Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Indemnifications (continued)

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.

10.Stock-Based Compensation

The components of the Company’s stock-based compensation expense are comprised of the following:

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   2008  2007

Stock-based compensation:

    

Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”)

  $50,985  $27,019

Stock options

   3,533   2,356

Long-term incentive plans (funded by PNC)

   15,021   12,043
        

Total stock-based compensation

  $69,539  $41,418
        

- 19 -


13. Subsequent EventsPART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

In June 2007,

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Stock Options

Options outstanding at March 31, 2008 and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2008 were as follows:

Outstanding at

  Shares
Under
Option
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

December 31, 2007

  4,101,165  $86.19

Exercised

  (134,150) $38.28
     

March 31, 2008

  3,967,015  $87.81
     

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $23,526.

At March 31, 2008, the Company announced that it had entered into an asset purchase agreement under which it would acquire certain assets$53,189 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 3.5 years.

Restricted Stock and RSUs

Restricted stock and RSU activity at March 31, 2008 and changes during the fund of funds business of Quellos for up to $1,720,000. This transaction closed on October 1, 2007, and BlackRock paid Quellos $562,500 in cash and $187,500 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 $970,000 in cash and stock over three and a half years contingent upon certain operating measures.months then ended March 31, 2008 were as follows:

In April 2003, the Company acquired 80% of an investment manager of a fund of hedge funds. On October 1, 2007, the Company paid $27,000 to purchase the remaining 20% of the investment manager.

Outstanding at

  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
Units
  Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value

December 31, 2007

  3,709,008  $158.01

Granted

  1,505,286  $202.29

Converted

  (394,199) $155.20

Forfeited

  (53,267) $154.84
     

March 31, 2008

  4,766,828  $172.26
     

 

- 20 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Restricted Stock and RSUs (continued)

The Company values restricted stock and RSUs at their grant-date fair value as measured by BlackRock’s common stock price.

In January 2008, the Company granted 295,633 RSUs as long-term incentive compensation, which will be partially funded by shares currently held by PNC (seeLong-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNCbelow). The awards cliff vest in five years.

In January 2008, the Company granted 1,186,306 RSUs to employees as part of annual incentive compensation under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Award Plan”) that vest evenly over three years.

At March 31, 2008, there was $630,940 in unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock and RSUs. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 2.9 years.

Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC

Under a share surrender agreement, PNC committed to provide up to 4,000,000 shares of BlackRock common stock, held by PNC, to fund certain BlackRock long-term incentive plans (“LTIP”).

During 2007, the Company granted additional long-term incentive awards out of the Award Plan of approximately 1,600,000 RSUs that will be settled using BlackRock shares held by PNC in accordance with the share surrender agreement. 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 or has attained an alternative performance hurdle based on the Company’s earnings per share growth rate versus certain 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. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is being amortized as an expense on the straight-line method over the vesting period, net of expected forfeitures. The maximum value of awards that may be funded by PNC, prior to the earlier of September 29, 2011 or the date the performance criteria are met, is approximately $271,000, which has all been granted at March 31, 2008.

- 21 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

11.Earnings Per Share

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

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   2008  2007

Net income

  $241,671  $195,388
        

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

   128,904,253   128,809,726

Dilutive potential shares from stock options and restricted stock units

   2,601,255   2,565,696

Dilutive potential shares from convertible debt

   793,917   520,148

Dilutive potential shares from acquisition-related contingent stock payments

   577,128   —  
        

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

   132,876,553   131,895,570
        

Basic earnings per share

  $1.87  $1.52
        

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.82  $1.48
        

Due to the similarities in terms between BlackRock 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 average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

Shares issued in acquisition

On October 1, 2007, the Company acquired the fund of funds business of Quellos. The Company issued 1,191,785 shares of newly-issued BlackRock common stock that were placed into an escrow account. The shares issued have no dilutive effect for the three months ended March 31, 2008. Such shares may have a dilutive effect in future periods based on the timing of the release of shares from the escrow account in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement.

In April 2008, 280,519 shares were released to Quellos in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement, which will result in an adjustment to the purchase price allocation.

- 22 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

12.Segment Information

The Company’s management directs BlackRock’s operations as one business, the asset management business. As such, the Company believes it operates in one business segment in accordance with SFAS No. 131,Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

The following table illustrates investment advisory and administration base fee revenue by asset class for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   2008  2007

Investment advisory and administration base fees (in thousands)

    

Fixed income

  $221,503  $218,723

Equity and balanced

   602,627   469,031

Cash management

   174,554   115,389

Alternative investments

   134,194   70,365
        

Total investment advisory and administration base fees

  $1,132,878  $873,508
        

The following chart shows the Company’s revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

Revenues (in millions)

  2008  % of
total
  2007  % of
total
 

North America

  $829.2  63.8% $656.9  65.3%

Europe

   417.0  32.1%  312.2  31.1%

Asia-Pacific

   53.9  4.1%  36.3  3.6%
               

Total revenues

  $1,300.1  100.0% $1,005.4  100.0%
               

- 23 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

12.Segment Information (continued)

The following chart shows the Company’s long-lived assets, including goodwill and property and equipment at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

Long-lived Assets (in millions)

  March 31,
2008
  December 31,
2007
 

North America

  $5,674.8  98.3% $5,695.2  98.4%

Europe

   39.9  0.7%  34.6  0.6%

Asia-Pacific

   56.3  1.0%  56.4  1.0%
               

Total long-lived assets

  $5,771.0  100.0% $5,786.2  100.0%
               

Revenue and long-lived assets in North America are primarily comprised of the United States, while Europe is primarily comprised of the United Kingdom and Asia-Pacific is primarily comprised of Australia and Japan.

These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity jurisdiction basis and do not necessarily reflect where the customer is sourced or where the asset is physically located.

- 24 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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 risk 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; (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 investmentsassets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies; (15) the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, the tax position of the Company; (16) BlackRock’s ability to successfully integrate the MLIM and Quellos businessesBusinesses with its existing business; (17) the ability of BlackRock to effectively manage the former MLIM and Quellos assets along with its historical assets under management; and (18) BlackRock’s success in maintaining the distribution of its products.products; and (19) BlackRock may elect to provide support to its products from time to time.

 

- 2125 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

 

Overview

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) is one of the largest publicly traded investment management firms in the United States with $1.3$1.364 trillion of assets under management (“AUM”) at September 30, 2007.March 31, 2008. BlackRock manages assets on behalf of institutional and individual investors worldwide through a variety of fixed income, cash management, equity and balanced and alternative investment separate accounts and funds. In addition, BlackRock provides risk management, strategic advisory and enterprise investment system outsourcing and financial advisory services to institutional investors.a broad base of clients.

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”). On October 1, 2007, BlackRock acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”) for up to $1.719 billion in a combination of cash and common stock (the “Quellos Transaction”). At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, Merrill Lynch owned approximately 45.4%45.0% of the Company’s voting common stock and approximately 49.6%48.9% of the totalCompany’s capital stock on a fully diluted basis of the Company and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) owned approximately 33.7%33.4% of the capital stock.

- 22 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

The following table summarizes BlackRock’s operating performance for each of the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and December 31, 2007. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2008 presentation.

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 September 30, 2007, June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.(unaudited)

 

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

Total revenue

  $1,298,079  $323,058  $1,097,023  $975,021  301.8% $201,056  18.3%

Total expenses

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

Operating income

  $271,718  $29,008  $282,001  $242,710  NM  $(10,283) (3.6)%

Operating income, as adjusted(a)

  $423,656  $115,266  $335,644  $308,390  267.5% $88,012  26.2%

Net income

  $255,200  $18,914  $222,244  $236,286  NM  $32,956  14.8%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $300,079  $71,519  $236,626  $228,560  319.6% $63,453  26.8%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $1.94  $0.28  $1.69  $1.66  NM  $0.25  14.8%

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

  $2.29  $1.06  $1.80  $1.23  116.0% $0.49  27.2%

Average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,383,470   63,838,919  94.6%  (67,015) (0.1)%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   20.9%  9.0%  25.7%     

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   37.7%  38.5%  36.1%     

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $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

   Three Months Ended  Variance vs. 
   March 31,  December 31,  March 31, 2007  December 31, 2007 
   2008  2007  2007  Amount  %  Amount  % 

Total revenue

  $1,300,138  $1,005,374  $1,444,179  $294,764  29.3% $(144,041) (10.0)%

Total expenses

  $904,448  $733,143  $976,463  $171,305  23.4% $(72,015) (7.4)%

Operating income

  $395,690  $272,231  $467,716  $123,459  45.4% $(72,026) (15.4)%

Operating income, as adjusted (a)

  $416,319  $310,909  $489,212  $105,410  33.9% $(72,893) (14.9)%

Net income

  $241,671  $195,388  $322,439  $46,283  23.7% $(80,768) (25.0)%

Net income, as adjusted (b)

  $253,060  $209,240  $333,748  $43,820  20.9% $(80,688) (24.2)%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $1.82  $1.48  $2.43  $0.34  23.0% $(0.61) (25.1)%

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

  $1.90  $1.59  $2.52  $0.31  19.5% $(0.62) (24.6)%

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (c)

   132,876,553   131,895,570   132,578,679   980,983  0.7%  297,874  0.2%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   30.4%  27.1%  32.4%     

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   37.6%  36.7%  38.8%     

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,364,436  $1,154,164  $1,356,644  $210,272  18.2% $7,792  0.6%

 

- 2326 -


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) 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.

(a)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.

Operating margin, as adjusted, equals operating income, as adjusted, divided by revenue used for operating margin measurement, as indicated in the table below. As 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 includes affiliated and unaffiliated portfolio administration and servicing costs. 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 statements of income as follows:

 

  Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended 
  September 30, June 30,   March 31, December 31, 
  2007 2006 2007 2007 2006   2008 2007 2007 

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $271,718  $29,008  $282,001  $825,948  $225,717   $395,690  $272,231  $467,716 

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    15,021   12,043   13,927 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   2,500   —     2,500   7,500   —      2,500   2,500   2,500 

MLIM integration costs

   6,139   71,456   6,039   19,278   90,580    —     7,100   923 

Quellos integration costs

   140   —     —     140   —      —     —     320 

Closed-end fund launch costs

   1,875   4,933   19,801   34,828   5,464    3,739   13,152   766 

Closed-end fund launch commissions

   264   973   4,297   5,958   1,387    164   1,397   71 

Appreciation (depreciation) related to deferred compensation plans

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

Compensation expense related to (depreciation) appreciation on deferred compensation plans

   (795)  2,486   2,989 
                          

Operating income, as adjusted

  $423,656  $115,266  $335,644  $1,070,209  $361,653   $416,319  $310,909  $489,212 
                          

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $1,298,079  $323,058  $1,097,023  $3,400,476  $1,079,451   $1,300,138  $1,005,374  $1,444,179 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

          

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   (138,850)  (16,382)  (131,077)  (401,014)  (48,529)   (155,739)  (131,086)  (146,606)

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   (28,763)  (1,341)  (28,713)  (79,034)  (4,645)   (30,208)  (21,558)  (29,057)

Reimbursable property management compensation

   (7,218)  (6,219)  (6,664)  (20,525)  (17,696)   (6,119)  (6,642)  (6,287)
                          

Revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted

  $1,123,248  $299,116  $930,569  $2,899,903  $1,008,581   $1,108,072  $846,088  $1,262,229 
                          

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   20.9%  9.0%  25.7%  24.3%  20.9%   30.4%  27.1%  32.4%
                          

Operating margin, as adjusted

   37.7%  38.5%  36.1%  36.9%  35.9%   37.6%  36.7%  38.8%
                          

 

- 2427 -


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)

(a)(continued)

Management believes that operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of management’s ability 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 AdjustmentsAdjustments::

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 common 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 compensationrebranding costs related to the integration which were reflected in GAAP netoperating income. Integration and acquisition costs have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior periods. Closed-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 operating performance for the given period.respective periods. Compensation expense associated with appreciation (depreciation) on assets related to certain BlackRock’sBlackRock deferred compensation plans has been excluded because investmentas returns on investments for these assetsplans are reported in non-operating income.

Non-GAAP Revenue AdjustmentsAdjustments::

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.

 

- 2528 -


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) 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.

(b)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  Nine months ended  Three Months Ended
  September 30,  June 31,  September 30,  March 31,  December 31,
  2007 2006  2007  2007 2006  2008  2007  2007

Net income, GAAP basis

  $255,200  $18,914  $222,244  $672,832  $153,179  $241,671  $195,388  $322,439

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax

        

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   81,993   —     —     81,993   —  

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax:

      

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   8,712   7,588   8,917   25,337   22,723   9,764   7,708   8,913

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   1,600   —     1,600   4,800   —     1,625   1,600   1,600

MLIM integration costs

   3,929   45,017   3,865   12,338   57,067   —     4,544   591

Quellos integration costs

   90   —     —     90   —     —     —     205

Corporate income tax reductions

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

Net income, as adjusted

  $300,079  $71,519  $236,626  $745,945  $232,969  $253,060  $209,420  $333,748
                        

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,383,470   131,534,188   66,903,553

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (c)

   132,876,553   131,895,570   132,578,679
                        

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis

  $1.94  $0.28  $1.69  $5.12  $2.29

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis(c)

  $1.82  $1.48  $2.43
                        

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted

  $2.29  $1.06  $1.80  $5.67  $3.48

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted(c)

  $1.90  $1.59  $2.52
                        

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 common 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. Integration costs consist principally of compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs incurred in conjunction with the integrations. The United Kingdom and Germany, during third quarter 2007, enacted legislation reducing corporate income taxes, effective in April and January of 2008, respectively, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities. Currently, BlackRock does not anticipate a significant change to its overall tax rate in 2008. The resulting decrease in income taxes has been excluded from net income, as adjusted, as it is non-recurring and to 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.

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

 

- 2629 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (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, AustraliaHong Kong and Hong Kong.Australia. 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 was rebranded in April 2008 and subsequently named BlackRock Global Funds (“BGF”), which is authorized for distribution in more than 3035 jurisdictions worldwide. In the United States, the primary retail offerings include a wide variety of open-end and closed-end funds, including the BlackRock Funds and the BlackRock Liquidity Funds.funds. Additional fund offerings include structured products, real estate funds, hedge funds, andhedge funds of funds, private equity fundfunds and funds 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 a wide variety of active and passive strategies.strategies covering both equity and fixed income assets.

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 force globallypresence both inside and outside the United States that is focused on acquiringestablishing and maintaining institutionalretail and retailinstitutional investment management relationships by marketing its services to institutionalretail and retailinstitutional investors directly and through financial professionals, pension consultants and establishing third-party distribution relationships. BlackRock also distributes certain of its products and services through broker-dealer subsidiaries of Merrill Lynch in addition to other distributors.Lynch.

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, percentages of committed capital during investment periods of certain products, 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 timing of 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 withoutBlackRock provides a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”). Such fees and commissions are shown on the condensed consolidated statementsvariety of income as distribution fees.

ThroughBlackRock Solutions®, the firm provides risk management, systems outsourcing, investment accountinganalytic and investment system services advisory and transition management services that combine capital markets expertise with proprietary systems and technology. BlackRock Solutions clients consist ofto 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 based on project scope and complexity.fees. Fees earned on risk management, investment analytic and investment system outsourcing, investment accounting services, advisory and transition management servicesassignments are recorded as other revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

- 2730 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Overview (continued)

 

Operating expenses primarily consist ofreflect 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 includesreflects salaries, deferred and incentive compensation, long-term retention and incentive plansstock-based compensation 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)

 

            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.

            Variance 
   March 31,
2008
  December 31,  March 31,  Quarter to
Quarter
  Year to
Year
 
     2007   

Fixed income

  $514,673  $513,020  $470,513  0.3% 9.4%

Equity and balanced

   426,935   459,182   402,983  (7.0)% 5.9%

Cash management

   349,208   313,338   244,838  11.4% 42.6%

Alternative investments

   73,620   71,104   35,830  3.5% 105.5%
               

Total

  $1,364,436  $1,356,644  $1,154,164  0.6% 18.2%
               

AUM increased approximately $69.5$7.8 billion, or 5.6%0.6%, to $1.3$1.364 trillion at September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, compared to $1.230$1.357 trillion at June 30,December 31, 2007. The growth in AUM was attributable to $41.0$35.2 billion in net subscriptions $20.3 billion in market appreciation and $8.2$10.2 billion in foreign exchange gains.gains, offset by $37.6 billion in net market depreciation. Net subscriptions of $41.0$35.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2007 wereMarch 31, 2008 was the result of net new business of $30.2$35.1 billion in cash management products $5.6and $3.3 billion in alternative products, partially offset by net redemptions of $2.9 billion in fixed income products and $0.3 billion in equity and balanced products. Foreign exchange gains of $10.2 billion consisted primarily of $6.1 billion in equity and balanced assets, $3.2 billion in fixed income assets and $0.5 billion in alternative products. Market depreciation of $37.6 billion primarily reflected depreciation in equity and balanced assets of $38.1 billion, as equity markets declined during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

AUM increased approximately $210.3 billion, or 18.2%, to $1.364 trillion at March 31, 2008, compared with $1.154 trillion at March 31, 2007. The growth in AUM was attributable to $158.4 billion in net subscriptions, $21.9 billion acquired in the Quellos Transaction, $21.2 billion in foreign exchange gains and $8.8 billion in net market appreciation. Net subscriptions of $158.4 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2008 were attributable to net new business of $102.0 billion in cash management products, $21.6 billion in equity and balanced products, $20.7 billion in fixed income products and $2.1$14.1 billion in alternative investment products. Market appreciation of $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$21.2 billion consisted primarily of $5.2$13.2 billion in equity and balanced assets and $2.5$6.5 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$8.8 billion largely reflected appreciation in equity and balanced assets of $63.4 billion, as equity markets improved during the period ended September 30, 2007 and market appreciation on fixed income products of $15.5$16.9 billion due to current income and changes in market interest rates. Foreign exchange gains of $19.0 billion consisted primarily of $12.7 billionrates, partially offset by market depreciation in equity and balanced assets and $5.1of $10.8 billion, in fixed income assets.as equity markets declined during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

- 2831 -


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 three months ended September 30, 2007.March 31, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

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

Fixed income

  $492,287  $5,592  $2,504  $9,367  $509,750

Equity and balanced

   435,873   3,194   5,204   9,891   454,162

Cash management

   259,840   30,190   234   484   290,748

Alternative investment products

   42,086   2,066   219   525   44,896
                    

Total

  $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,
2007
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
  Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
  Foreign
Exchange 1
  March 31,
2008

Fixed income

  $513,020  $(2,935) $1,347  $3,241  $514,673

Equity and balanced

   459,182   (319)  (38,054)  6,126   426,935

Cash management

   313,338   35,144   424   302   349,208

Alternative investments

   71,104   3,323   (1,332)  525   73,620
                    

Total

  $1,356,644  $35,213  $(37,615) $10,194  $1,364,436
                    

 

   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 USU.S. dollars for reporting purposes.reporting.

- 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 September 30, 2007.March 31, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

   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
                        

   March 31,
2007
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
  Acquisition 1
  Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
  Foreign
Exchange 2
  March 31,
2008

Fixed income

  $470,513  $20,717  $—    $16,938  $6,505  $514,673

Equity and balanced

   402,983   21,558   —     (10,796)  13,190   426,935

Cash management

   244,838   102,028   —     1,693   649   349,208

Alternative investments

   35,830   14,115   21,868   960   847   73,620
                        

Total

  $1,154,164  $158,418  $21,868  $8,795  $21,191  $1,364,436
                        

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.

2

Data reflects net assets acquired in the reclassification of $14.0 billion of fixed income-oriented absolute return and structured products from alternative investment products to fixed income.Quellos Transaction on October 1, 2007.

32

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 USU.S. dollars for reporting purposes.reporting.

 

- 3032 -


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, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007.

Operating results for the three 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

 

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

Investment advisory and administration fees:

        

Equity and balanced

  $580,302  $58,737  $521,565  NM 

Fixed income

   230,373   125,102   105,271  84.1%

Cash management

   128,381   32,110   96,271  299.8%

Alternative investment products

   87,374   40,740   46,634  114.5%
              

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   1,026,430   256,689   769,741  299.9%

Investment advisory performance fees

   149,382   17,817   131,565  NM%
              

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   1,175,812   274,506   901,306  328.3%
              

Distribution fees

   32,310   2,263   30,047  NM 

Other revenue:

        

BlackRock Solutions

   47,683   33,807   13,876  41.0%

Other revenue

   42,274   12,482   29,792  238.7%
              

Total other revenue

   89,957   46,289   43,668  94.3%
              

Total revenue

  $1,298,079  $323,058  $975,021  301.8%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

       

Fixed income

  $221,503  $218,723  $2,780  1.3%

Equity and balanced

   602,627   469,031   133,596  28.5%

Cash management

   174,554   115,389   59,165  51.3%

Alternative investments

   134,194   70,365   63,829  90.7%
              

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   1,132,878   873,508   259,370  29.7%

Fixed income

   1,222   1,506   (284) (18.9)%

Equity and balanced

   38,011   9,105   28,906  317.5%

Alternative investments

   2,310   11,807   (9,497) (80.4)%
              

Investment advisory performance fees

   41,543   22,418   19,125  85.3%
              

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   1,174,421   895,926   278,495  31.1%

Distribution Fees

   35,319   24,820   10,499  42.3%

Other revenue:

       

BlackRock Solutions

   59,665   42,314   17,351  41.0%

Other revenue

   30,733   42,314   (11,581) (27.4)%
              

Total other revenue

   90,398   84,628   5,770  6.8%
              

Total revenue

  $1,300,138  $1,005,374  $294,764  29.3%
              

Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 increased $975.0$294.8 million, or 301.8%29.3%, to $1,298.1$1,300.1 million, compared with $323.1$1,005.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. Total investment advisory and administration fees increased $901.3$278.5 million, or 328.331.1%,to $1,175.8$1,174.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, compared with $274.5$895.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. Distribution fees increased by $30.0$10.5 million to $32.3$35.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $2.3$24.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. Other revenue increased by $43.7$5.8 million, or 94.3%6.8%, to $90.0$90.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, compared with $46.3$84.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007.

 

- 3133 -


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, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. (continued)

Revenue (continued)

 

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $901.3$278.5 million, or 328.3%31.1%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $769.7$259.4 million, or 299.9%29.7%, to $1,026.4$1,132.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, compared with $256.7$873.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 and an increase of $131.6$19.1 million in performance fees. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased forin the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 primarily due to the MLIM Transaction which added $589.2 billion in AUM on September 29, 2006 andas a result of increased AUM across all asset types of $224.5$210.3 billion over the past twelve months.

The increase in base investment advisory and administration base fees of $769.7$259.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 consisted of increases of $521.6$133.6 million in equity and balanced products, $105.3$63.8 million in fixed incomealternative products, $96.3$59.2 million in cash management products and $46.6$2.8 million in alternative investmentfixed income products. The increase in investment advisory and administration fees for equity and balanced, fixed income,alternative products, cash management and alternative investment productsfixed income was driven by AUM acquired in the MLIM Transaction on September 29, 2006, as well as increases in AUM of $96.0$23.9 billion, $66.2$37.8 billion, $61.3$104.4 billion and $1.0$44.2 billion, respectively, over the past twelve months.

Performance fees increased by $131.6$19.1 million, or 85.3%, to $149.4$41.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared to $17.8$22.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007, primarily due toas a result of higher performance fees onin international equity and fixed income hedge funds, as well as real estate equity products.separate accounts.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $30.0$10.5 million to $32.3$35.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared to $2.3$24.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. The increase in distribution fees is primarily the result of the assumptionacquisition 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 $90.0$90.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 increased $43.7$5.8 million or 94.3%, compared with the quarter ended September 30, 2006 andMarch 31, 2007. Other revenue primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $47.7 million, other advisory service fees of $13.6$59.7 million, property management fees of $10.0$9.1 million earned on real estate properties (which primarily represents directproducts (primarily related to reimbursement of the salaries and benefits of certain Realty employees from certain real estate products), unit trust sales fees of Metric Properties Management, Inc., “Metric”)$7.3 million and $6.0 million of fees earned related to securities lending.lending of $7.1 million.

The $43.7 million increase in other revenue of $5.8 million, or 6.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007, was primarily the result of an increase of $13.9$17.4 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services primarily driven by new Aladdin® and advisory assignments, $13.6 million related to other advisory services and $6.0 million onpartially offset by a decrease in fees earned related to securities lending.for fund accounting of $9.0 million and $4.5 million earned on unit trust sales.

 

- 3234 -


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, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. (continued)

 

Expenses

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
  

Variance

 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Expenses:

        

Employee compensation and benefits

  $505,107  $198,099  $307,008  155.0%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   138,850   16,382   122,468  NM 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   1,341   27,422  NM 

General and administration

   194,442   75,834   118,608  156.4%

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     128,114  NM 

Amortization of intangible assets

   31,085   2,394   28,691  NM 
              

Total expenses

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

NM – Not Meaningful

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Expenses:

        

Employee compensation and benefits

  $468,949  $347,302  $121,647  35.0%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   155,739   131,086   24,653  18.8%

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   30,208   21,558   8,650  40.1%

General and administration

   212,983   202,165   10,818  5.4%

Amortization of intangible assets

   36,569   31,032   5,537  17.8%
              

Total expenses

  $904,448  $733,143  $171,305  23.4%
              

Total expenses which reflect the impact of the MLIM Transaction since September 29, 2006, increased $732.3$171.3 million, or 249.0%23.4%, to $1,026.4$904.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, compared with $294.1$733.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Total expensesMarch 31, 2007. The increase was attributable to increases in employee compensation and benefits, portfolio and administration and servicing costs and general and administration expenses. The three months ended March 31, 2007, included $7.1 million of integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction of $6.1 million and $71.5 million in the third quarters 2007 and 2006, respectively. The third quarter of 2007 included $6.1 million of MLIM integrationTransaction. These charges were recorded in general and administration 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 2006.2007.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $307.0$121.6 million, or 155.0%35.0%, to $505.1$468.9 million, at September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, compared to $198.1$347.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. 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$57.8 million, $119.7$27.4 million and $18.9$28.5 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, incentive compensation and stock-based compensation of $366.7 million, $276.3 million and $51.3 million, respectively. The increase of $366.7 million, or 151.2%, 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. The $276.3 million increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher advisory fees and operating income.

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 the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products.

- 40 -


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 (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

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

General and administration expense:

        

Portfolio services

  $119,567  $15,797  $103,770  NM 

Marketing and promotional

   118,340   44,170   74,170  167.9%

Occupancy

   96,175   34,414   61,761  179.5%

Technology

   90,189   29,404   60,785  206.7%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   34,828   5,464   29,364  NM 

Other general and administration

   143,191   63,417   79,774  125.8%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $602,290  $192,666  $409,624  212.6%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

General and administration expense increased $409.6 million, or 212.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to $602.3 million compared to $192.7 million for the nine months ended 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 $74.2 million, occupancy expense of $61.8 million, technology expense of $60.8 million, closed-end fund launch costs of $29.4 million and other general and administration expense of $79.8 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 nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

General and Administration Expense (continued)

Portfolio services increased by $103.8 million to $119.6 million, relating 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 nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $96.2 million, representing a $61.8 million, or 179.5%, increase from $34.4 million for the nine 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. Technology expenses increased $60.8 million, or 206.7%, to $90.2 million compared to $29.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 primarily result of a $19.1 million increase in technology consulting expenses associated with operating growth, a $15.8 million increase in depreciation 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 $79.8 million to $143.2 million from $63.4 million, including a $23.4 million and $20.0 million increase in professional fees and office related expenses, respectively, and a $6 million capital contribution to sponsored investment funds.

Termination of Closed-end Fund Administration and Servicing Arrangements

For the nine 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.

Fee Sharing Payment

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, BlackRock recorded a one-time fee sharing expense of $34.5 million, representing a payment related to a large institutional real estate equity client account acquired in the SSRM Holdings, Inc. acquisition in January 2005.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $86.7 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $93.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $6.5 million for the nine months ended 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, Net of Non-Controlling Interest

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

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

Total non-operating income

  $499,639  $19,819  $479,820  NM

Non-controlling interest

   (354,669)  (2,394)  (352,275) NM
              

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

  $144,970  $17,425  $127,545  NM
              

NM – Not Meaningful

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

   Nine 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

  $55,315  $—    $55,315  NM 

Real estate

   29,372   434   28,938  NM 

Other alternative products

   17,639   2,184   15,455  NM 

Other2

   21,463   4,152   17,311  416.9%
              

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

   123,789   6,770   117,019  NM 

Interest and dividend income

   52,204   16,676   35,528  213.0%

Interest expense

   (31,023)  (6,021)  (25,002) 415.2%
              

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

  $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 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 $127.5 million to $145.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $17.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as a result of a $117.0 million increase in net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest, and a $35.5 million increase in interest and dividend income, partially offset by a $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, net of non-controlling interest, was primarily due to an increase in net investment gains on all investments due to market conditions and significant growth of the Company’s investments in sponsored 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 nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $298.1 million and $90.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 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 $672.8 million, or $5.12 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 an increase of $519.7 million, or $2.83 per diluted share, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes the after-tax impacts 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, $25.3 million, $12.4 million and $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 rebranding costs. Net income of $153.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included the after-tax impacts of the portion of LTIP awards funded by a capital contribution of BlackRock stock held by PNC of $22.7 million and MLIM integration costs of $57.1 million. Exclusive of these items, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $2.19, or 62.9%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Operating Margin

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 Operations.

- 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 September 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Revenue

   Three months ended    
   September 30,  June 30,  Variance 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  2007  Amount  % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

       

Equity and balanced

  $580,302  $527,800  $52,502  9.9%

Fixed income

   230,373   222,506   7,867  3.5%

Cash management

   128,381   120,859   7,522  6.2%

Alternative investment products

   87,374   79,445   7,929  10.0%
              

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   1,026,430   950,610   75,820  8.0%

Investment advisory performance fees

   149,382   25,720   123,662  480.8%
              

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   1,175,812   976,330   199,482  20.4%
              

Distribution fees

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

Other revenue:

       

BlackRock Solutions

   47,683   46,296   1,387  3.0%

Other revenue

   42,274   41,530   744  1.8%
              

Total other revenue

   89,957   87,826   2,131  2.4%
              

Total revenue

  $1,298,079  $1,097,023  $201,056  18.3%
              

Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $201.1 million, or 18.3%, to $1,298.1 million, compared with $1,097.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased $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. Performance fees increased $123.7 million, to $149.4 million, compared with $25.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Other revenue increased by $2.1 million, or 2.4%, to $90.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared with $87.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Investment 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.

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.

- 45 -


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)

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)

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $91.7 million, or 22.2%, to $505.1 million at September 30, 2007 compared to $413.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to increases in incentive compensation, and salaries and benefits of $84.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively. The $84.9$57.8 million increase in incentive compensation was 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$27.4 million or 4.8%, in salaries and benefits was primarily attributabledue to increased payroll tax accruals on higher incentive compensation and higher staffing levels associated with business growth.growth and the Quellos Transaction. Employees (excluding Metric)(including employees of Metric Property Management, Inc. (“Metric”)) at September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 totaled 5,1256,024 as compared to 4,8375,227 at June 30,March 31, 2007. Stock-based compensation increased $28.5 million primarily due to additional grants of stock awards in first quarter 2008.

Amortization of Deferred Sales CommissionsPortfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Amortization of deferred sales commissions was relatively unchangedPortfolio administration and servicing costs increased $24.7 million to $155.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $131.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2007. These costs include payments to third parties, as comparedwell as payments to Merrill Lynch and PNC, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products. Portfolio administration and servicing costs for the three months ended June 30, 2007.

GeneralMarch 31, 2008 included $121.9 million of costs payable to Merrill Lynch and Administration Expenseaffiliates and $8.2 million of costs payable to PNC and affiliates.

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

General and administration expense:

       

Portfolio services

  $43,844  $37,994  $5,850  15.4%

Marketing and promotional

   35,146   42,324   (7,178) (17.0)%

Occupancy

   34,506   28,438   6,068  21.3 

Technology

   28,547   33,205   (4,658) (14.0)%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   1,875   19,801   (17,926) (90.5)%

Other general and administration

   50,524   49,018   1,506  3.1%
              

Total general and administration expense

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

 

- 4735 -


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, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2007. (continued)

Expenses (continued)

Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred sales commissions increased by $8.7 million to $30.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to $21.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in amortization of deferred sales commissions was primarily the result of the acquisition of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007.

General and Administration Expense (continued)

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

       

Marketing and promotional

  $41,454  $40,870  $584  1.4%

Portfolio services

   41,175   37,729   3,446  9.1%

Occupancy

   33,308   33,231   77  0.2%

Technology

   30,888   28,438   2,450  8.6%

Professional services

   22,401   23,527   (1,126) (4.8)%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   3,739   13,152   (9,413) (71.6)%

Other general and administration

   40,018   25,218   14,800  58.7%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $212,983  $202,165  $10,818  5.4%
              

General and administration expense which included MLIM integration costs of $6.0 million and $6.1 million in the second and third quarters of 2007, respectively, decreased $16.3increased $10.8 million, or 7.8%5.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 to $194.4$213.0 million, compared to $210.8$202.2 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2007. The decreaseincrease in general and administration expense was primarily due to decreasesincreases in portfolio services costs of $3.4 million, technology expense of $2.5 million, marketing and promotional expense of $0.6 million and other general and administration costs of $14.8 million, partially offset by a reduction in closed-end fund launch costs of $17.9$9.4 million and marketing and promotional expense of $7.2 million, partially offset by increases in occupancy of $6.1 million and portfolioprofessional services of $5.9$1.1 million.

Closed-end fund launch costs totaled $1.9 million and $19.8 million for the three months ended 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 the 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 September 30, 2007 primarily due to a $4.4 million decline related to BlackRock’s advertising and rebranding campaign and a $2.8 million decline related to domestic and international marketing efforts. Occupancy costs increased $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 primarily due to 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 supporting higher AUM levels and increased trading activities.

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.

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 June 30, 2007 was as follows:

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

Total non-operating income

  $128,189  $213,718  $(85,529) (40.0)%

Non-controlling interest

   (81,539)  (148,463)  66,924  45.1%
              

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

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

 

- 4836 -


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, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2007. (continued)

Expenses (continued)

Portfolio services costs increased by $3.4 million to $41.2 million and relates to supporting higher AUM levels and increased trading activities. Technology expenses increased $2.5 million, or 8.6%, to $30.9 million compared to $28.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 primarily due to a $6.6 million increase in hardware and software costs, which include licensing, maintenance and depreciation expense, partially offset by a $4.6 million decrease in technology consulting expenses. Other general and administration costs increased by $14.8 million to $40.0 million from $25.2 million, primarily related to $10.4 million of incremental foreign currency remeasurement costs and $2.8 million of incremental communication costs. Closed-end fund launch costs totaled $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 relating to one new closed-end fund launched during the period, which raised approximately $127.4 million in AUM. Closed-end fund launch costs for the three months ended March 31, 2007 totaled $13.2 million relating to one new closed-end fund launched during the period, which generated $764.8 million in AUM. Professional services decreased $1.1 million, or 4.8%, to $22.4 million compared to $23.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 primarily due to decreased consulting costs related to the MLIM integration in 2007.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $5.5 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $36.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $31.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, primarily reflects amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the Quellos Transactions.

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

The components of non-operatingNon-operating income, net of non-controlling interest for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and 2007 and June 30, 2007 werewas as follows:

 

   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 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, decreased $18.6 million to $46.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $65.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 primarily as a result of a $25.4 million decrease in net gains on investments, net of non-controlling interest, partially offset by a $6.4 million increase in interest and dividend income. The decrease in net gain on investments in third quarter 2007 was primarily due to a decline in net investment gains on private equity investments and other alternative products, offset by an increase in real estate products.

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Total non-operating income

  $(18,528) $157,731  $(176,259) (111.7)%

Non-controlling interest

   (5,360)  (124,668)  119,308  (95.7)%
              

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

  $(23,888) $33,063  $(56,951) (172.2)%
              

 

- 4937 -


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, 2007March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2007. (continued)

 

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

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

     

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

     

Private equity

  $8,061  $10,267  $(2,206) (21.5)%

Real estate

   (13,936)  (1,164)  (12,772) NM 

Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds

   (15,882)  8,650   (24,532) (283.6)%

Other investments1

   (3,092)  7,939   (11,031) (138.9)%
              

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

   (24,849)  25,692   (50,541) (196.7)%

Interest and dividend income

   18,339   18,357   (18) (0.1)%

Interest expense

   (17,378)  (10,986)  (6,392) 58.2%
              

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

  $(23,888) $33,063  $(56,951) (172.2)%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

1

Includes investment income related to equity and fixed income investments, collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), deferred compensation arrangements and BlackRock’s seed capital hedging program.

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

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, decreased $57.0 million to a loss of $23.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, as compared to income of $33.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, as a result of a $24.8 million net loss on investments compared with a net gain on investments of $25.7 million in first quarter 2007 and a $6.4 million increase in interest expense related to the issuance of long-term debt in September 2007. The net loss on investments, net of non-controlling interest, in 2008 was primarily due to a decline in valuations from seed investments and co-investments in private equity products, real estate equity products, hedge funds/funds of hedge funds and other investments.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $63.2$130.1 million and $125.0$109.9 million for the quartersthree months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively, representing effective income tax rates of 19.8%35.0% and 36.0%, respectively. The reduction in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the resultgeographic mix of a one-timeearnings and tax benefit of $51.4 million recordedlegislation changes enacted in the third quarter of 2007 due to recent tax legislation changes in the United Kingdom and Germany, which resultedthat reduced corporate income tax rates in a revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities.2008.

- 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 three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2007. (continued)

Net Income

Net income totaled $255.2$241.7 million, or $1.82 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, which was an increase of $33.0$46.3 million, or 14.8%, as$0.34 per diluted share, compared to the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2007. Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, includes the after-tax impactsimpact of the terminationportion of closed-endLTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund administrationcertain compensation of former MLIM employees, of $9.8 million and servicing arrangements,$1.6 million, respectively.

Net income of $195.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, included the after-tax impacts related to the portion of certain LTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC of $7.7 million, MLIM integration costs related to the MLIM Transaction and Quellos acquisitionof $4.5 million and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch of $1.6 million 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 corporate income taxes as a result of enacted legislation in the United Kingdom and Germany.

employees. MLIM and Quellos integration costs primarily consist of compensation costs,include professional fees and rebranding costs. Net income of $222.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 includes the after-tax impacts of certain LTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNCother general and integration expenses related to the MLIM Transaction of $8.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively.administration expenses. Exclusive of these items, net income,GAAP expenses, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 increased $63.5 million,$0.31, or 26.8%19.5%, compared to the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2007.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 20.9%30.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008, compared to 25.7%27.1% for the three months ended June 30,March, 31, 2007. Operating margin for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and 2007 includesincluded the impactsimpact of $128.1$3.9 million for the terminationand $14.5 million, respectively, of closed-end fund administrationlaunch costs and servicing arrangements and $6.2 million of integration costs. Operatingcommissions. In addition, operating margin for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2007 includesincluded the impact of $24.1$7.1 million of closed-endMLIM integration costs. Operating margin improved 3.3% primarily due operating leverage associated with the growth in revenue, a reduction of close-end fund launch costs and commissions, and $6.0 millionthe reduction of MLIM integration costs. The declinecosts offset by an increase in operating margin is primarily due toamortization of intangible assets associated with the impact of the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements.Quellos Transaction.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 37.7%37.6% and 36.1%36.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 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.

Other Operating Items

Support of Two Enhanced Cash Funds

During 2007, BlackRock made investments in two enhanced cash funds to enhance fund liquidity and to facilitate redemptions. At March 31, 2008, BlackRock’s total net investment in these two funds was approximately $88.5 million.

In December 2007, BlackRock entered into capital support agreements with the two funds, backed by letters of credit drawn under BlackRock’s existing credit facility. Pursuant to the capital support agreements, BlackRock has agreed to make subsequent capital contributions to the funds to cover realized losses, up to $100 million, related to specified securities held by the funds. BlackRock provided approximately $1 million of capital contributions to these two funds for the three months ended March 31, 2008 under the capital support agreements.

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, in applying the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“FIN 46(R)”)Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, BlackRock concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of either fund.

 

- 5039 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Other Operating Items (continued)

Exposure to Collateralized Debt Obligations

In the normal course of business, BlackRock manages various CDOs. A CDO is a managed investment vehicle that purchases a portfolio of assets or enters into swaps. A CDO funds its activities through the issuance of several tranches of debt and equity, the repayment and return of which are linked to the performance of the assets in the CDO. Typically, BlackRock’s role is as collateral manager. The Company also may invest in a portion of the debt or equity issued. These entities meet the definition of a variable interest entity under FIN 46(R). BlackRock has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of these CDOs, and as a result it does not consolidate these CDOs in its condensed consolidated financial statements.

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, BlackRock’s maximum risk of loss related to CDOs was approximately $25.4 million and $32.1 million, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company manages itsBlackRock Cash Flows Excluding the Impact of Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds

In accordance with GAAP, certain BlackRock sponsored investment funds are consolidated into the condensed consolidated financial condition and funding to maintain appropriate liquidity forstatements of BlackRock, notwithstanding the business. At September 30, 2007, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents on itsfact that BlackRock may only have a minority economic interest in these funds. As a result, BlackRock’s condensed consolidated statementstatements of financial conditioncash flows include the cash flows of $2,320.6 million. This total was prior toconsolidated sponsored investment funds. We use an adjusted cash flow, which excludes 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 fundimpact of hedge funds manager. Cash and cash equivalents, net of amounts in consolidated sponsored investment funds, ($191.5 million)as a supplemental non-GAAP measure to assess liquidity and netcapital requirements. We believe that BlackRock’s cash flows, excluding the impact 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 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, interestprovide investors with useful information on the Company’s debt, purchasescash flows of investments, capital expenditures and dividends on BlackRock’s stock.

In December 2006, the Company entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banking institutions. This facility, as amended in February 2007 (the “2006 facility”), permitted the CompanyBlackRock relating to borrow up to $800,000.

In August 2007, the Company terminated the 2006 facility and entered into a new five year $2.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007 facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $500 million of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $3 billion. 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 September 30, 2007, the Company had $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 ten-year term. A portion of the net proceeds of the Notes was usedour ability to fund the initialadditional operating, investing and financing activities. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for its cash payment for the acquisition of the fund of funds business of Quellos and the remainder will be used for general corporate purposes.

In June 2007, the Company announced that it had entered into 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 millionflow presented 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.accordance with GAAP.

 

- 5140 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

 

The following tables present a reconciliation of the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows presented on a GAAP basis to the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows excluding the impact of the cash flows of consolidated sponsored investment funds:

   Three Months Ended
March 31, 2008
 
(Dollar amounts in millions)  GAAP
Basis
  Cash Flows of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment

Funds
  Cash Flows
Excluding

Impact of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment

Funds
 

Cash flows from operating activities

  $(130) $135  $(265)

Cash flows from investing activities

   (134)  (11)  (123)

Cash flows from financing activities

   (205)  (91)  (114)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   7   —     7 
             

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (462)  33   (495)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,656   67   1,589 
             

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,194  $100  $1,094 
             

Operating Activities

Sources of BlackRock’s operating cash include investment advisory and administration fees, revenues fromBlackRock Solutions’ products and services, property management fees, mutual fund distribution fees and realized earnings and distributions on certain of the Company’s investments. BlackRock primarily uses its cash to pay compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, general and administration expenses, interest on the Company’s borrowings, purchases of investments, capital expenditures, income taxes and dividends on BlackRock’s capital stock.

Cash flows from operating activities in the first quarter includes cash payments related to year-end incentive compensation.

- 41 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Capital Resources

The Company manages its consolidated financial condition and funding to maintain appropriate liquidity for the business. At March 31, 2008, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents on its condensed consolidated statements of financial condition of $1,194.2 million. Cash and cash equivalents, net of amounts in consolidated sponsored investment funds of $100.0 million and net of regulatory capital requirements of $239.7 million (partially met with cash and cash equivalents), was $854.5 million. In addition, at March 31, 2008, the Company had committed access to $2,100 million of undrawn cash (net of outstanding letters of credit totaling $100 million) via its 2007 five-year credit facility, resulting in cash, net of cash in consolidated sponsored investment funds and regulatory capital requirements, plus credit capacity of $2,954.5 million.

Approximately $191.5$100.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1,872.8$907.6 million in investments included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 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.Investment/Loan Commitments

At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, the Company had $676.3$498.7 million of various capital commitments to fund sponsored investment funds and unfunded commitments related to twoone private equity warehouse facilities.facility. Generally, the timing of the funding of capital commitments is uncertain and such commitments could expire before funding. The Company intends to make additional capital commitments from time to time.time to seed additional investment products for and with clients.

On August 2, 2006, BlackRock announced that its boardAt March 31, 2008, the Company had loaned approximately $99.5 million to certain funds of directorsfunds managed by the Company and warehouse entities established for such funds. At March 31, 2008, the Company had authorized a new share repurchase programcommitted to purchase anmake additional 2.1loans of approximately $76.1 million shares. Pursuant to this repurchase program, BlackRock may make repurchasesunder the agreements. The Company anticipates making additional commitments under these facilities from time to time, as market conditions warrant,but is not obligated to do so.

On February 29, 2008, the Company committed to provide financing, if needed, of up to $60.0 million to Anthracite Capital, Inc. (“Anthracite”), a specialty commercial real estate finance company that is managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. Financing is collateralized by certain investments owned by Anthracite. At March 31, 2008, $52.5 million of financing was outstanding, which was included in due from affiliates on the open market orCompany’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition, with interest rates between 5.15% and 5.44% and was subsequently repaid in privately negotiated transactionsApril 2008.

- 42 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Borrowings

In August 2007, the Company entered into a five-year $2.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007 facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $500 million of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $3.0 billion. 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 March 31, 2008.

At March 31, 2008, the discretion of management. The Company repurchased 1,348,600 shareshad $300.0 million outstanding under the program in open market transactions for approximately $200.9 million through2007 facility with interest rates between 2.855% to 5.105% and maturity dates between April 2008 and September 30, 2007. As a result,2008. During April 2008, the Company is currently authorizedrepaid $100.0 million of the balance outstanding at March 31, 2008.

In December 2007, in order to repurchase an additional 751,400 sharessupport two enhanced cash funds that BlackRock manages, BlackRock elected to procure two letters of credit under its share repurchase program.the existing 2007 facility totaling in aggregate $100 million.

At March 31, 2008, long-term borrowings were $947.2 million. Debt service and repayment requirements, assuming the convertible debentures are repaid at BlackRock’s option in 2010, are $25.8 million for the remainder of 2008, $51.0 million in 2009, $297.7 million in 2010 and $43.8 million in each of 2011 and 2012.

Net Capital Requirements

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 September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, the Company was required to maintain approximately $215.7$239.7 million in net capital at these subsidiaries and is in compliance with all applicable regulatory minimum net capital requirements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the 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 significantly from those estimates. In addition to Fair Value Measurements, discussed below, see Note 2 in BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for detail on Significant Accounting Policies.

 

- 5243 -


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

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

Critical Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Contractual Obligations, CommitmentsFair Value Measurements

BlackRock adopted SFAS No. 157 as of January 1, 2008, which requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and Contingenciesreported at fair value. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 Inputs – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Level 1 assets include listed mutual funds, equities and debt securities.

Level 2 Inputs – Other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 assets include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as models or other valuation methodologies. Investments which generally are included in this category include securities held within consolidated hedge funds as well as restricted public securities valued at a discount.

Level 3 Inputs – Unobservable inputs for the valuation of the asset or liability. Level 3 assets include investments for which there is little, if any, market activity. These inputs require significant management judgment or estimation. Investments included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity, real estate, hedge funds, and funds of hedge funds.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.

BlackRock reports its investments on a GAAP basis, which includes investment balances which are owned by sponsored investment funds that are deemed to be controlled by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP and therefore are consolidated even though BlackRock may not own a majority of such funds. As a result, management reviews its investments on an “economic” basis, which eliminates the portion of investments that do not impact BlackRock’s book value. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

- 44 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Critical Accounting Policies (continued)

Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

The following table sets forth contractual obligations, commitments and contingencies by year of payments as of September 30, 2007:represents investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2008:

 

   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
                            

(in millions)  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
  Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (3)
  Investments at
March 31, 2008
 

Total investments, GAAP

  $310.9  $285.9  $1,288.6  $37.5  $1,922.9 

Net assets for which the Company does not bear “economic” exposure (1)

   (3.7)  (160.1)  (435.1)  —     (598.9)
                     

Net “economic” investment exposure(2)

  $307.2  $125.8  $853.5  $37.5  $1,324.0 
                     

1(1)

Generally, the timingConsists of the fundingnet assets attributable to non-controlling investors 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.consolidated sponsored investment funds.

2(2)

Amounts include principal repaymentsIncludes BlackRock’s portion of cash and interest payments.cash equivalents, other assets and other liabilities that are consolidated from sponsored investment funds.

3(3)

The principal balance of the convertible debentures is assumed to be repaidIncludes investments in equity method investees which are not accounted for under a fair value measure in accordance with GAAP as well as certain investments held 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.cost.

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 table are additional contingent payments related to its acquisitions of: (i) SSRM Holdings, Inc., (ii) an investment manager of 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 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 InvestmentCapital 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.

- 53 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

AUM Market Price Risk

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. At March 31, 2008, the majority of our investment advisory and administration fees were based on AUM of the applicable mutual funds or separate accounts. Movements in equity market prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, or all three could cause revenuesthe value of AUM to decline, because ofwhich would result in lower investment advisory and administration fees by:fees.

 

causing the value of AUM to decrease;- 45 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

causing the returns realized on AUM to decrease;

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

 

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

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

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

Corporate Investments Portfolio Risks

In the normal course of its business, BlackRock is exposed to equity market price risk, interest rate risk and foreign 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,March 31, 2008, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $82$79 million.

Corporate Investments Portfolio Risks

At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, approximately $1,873$908 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 therefore 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   March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Total investments

  $2,681   $1,923  $2,000 

Consolidated investments

   (1,873)

Consolidated sponsored investments funds

   (908)  (1,054)

Net exposure to consolidated investment funds

   347    309   325 
           

Total net “economic” investments

  $1,155 

Total net “economic” investment exposure

  $1,324  $1,271 
           

Equity Market Price Risk

At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, the Company’s net exposure to equity price risk is approximately $925$926 million (net of $82$79 million of certain equity investments that are hedged via total return swaps) of the Company’s net economic investments.investment exposure. The Company estimates that a 10% adverse change in equity prices would result in a decrease of approximately $92.5$92.6 million in the carrying value of such investments.

Interest Rate Risk

At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, the Company was exposed to interest-rate risk as a result of approximately $148$319 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 determinedestimates that the impact of such a fluctuation on these investments, individually and in the aggregate, would not haveresult in a material effect on BlackRock’s financial conditiondecrease, or resultsincrease, of operations.

- 54 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

approximately $3.2 million in the carrying value of such investments.

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 areinvestment exposure denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound sterling and the euro,Euro, was $109$91 million. A 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates would result in an $10.9approximately a $9.1 million decline in the investment portfolio.carrying value of such investments.

 

- 46 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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)15d—15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2007.at March 31, 2008. 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 September 30, 2007.at March 31, 2008.

Internal Control overand Financial Reporting

Other than system conversion activities related to the transition of support from Merrill Lynch to BlackRock, thereThere have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting. The Company has substantially completed an evaluation of internal control over financial reporting in light of the MLIM Transaction and expects to make additional modifications based upon this review.

- 55 -


PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

See footnote 12,9, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this filing.

 

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

(c) During the three months ended September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, 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  
            

   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, 2008 through January 31, 2008

  31,097 2 $200.36  —    751,400

February 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008

  159,120 3 $215.82  —    751,400

March 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008

  922 3 $195.99  —    751,400
          

Total

  191,139  $213.21  —    
          

1

On August 2, 2006, the Company announced a 2.1 million share repurchase program with no stated expiration date. An additional indeterminable number of shares may be repurchased under the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2002 LTIP”).

2

Includes 25,072 shares purchased by the Company from employees in January pursuant to a put feature available in connection with the payment of certain 2002 LTIP awards. This number also includes purchases made by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding obligations withof employees related to the vesting of certain employees.restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. All such purchases were made outside of the publicly announced share repurchase program.

3

Reflects purchases made by the Company primarily to satisfy income tax withholding obligations of employees related to the vesting of certain restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards. All such purchases were made outside of the publicly announced share repurchase program.

 

- 5647 -


PART II OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

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, 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.+

- 57 -


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

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(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.

- 58 -


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

Item 6.Exhibits

 

10.30(1)

Exhibit No.

 Implementation and Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, among The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., BlackRock and Old BlackRock.

Description

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.

12.1

 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 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. 333-145976).

 

- 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.

- 6048 -


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 9, 2008 By: 

/s/ Paul L. Audet

Date: November 8, 2007  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, 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.+

12.1


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.
12.1 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 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.