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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007

OR

 

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

For the transition period from            to            .

Commission file number 001-33099

 


BlackRock, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware 32-0174431

(State or other jurisdiction of


incorporation or organization)

 

(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 or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

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

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

As of JulyOctober 31, 2007, there were 115,840,166116,824,060 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 



BlackRock, Inc.

Index to Form 10-Q

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

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

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

  1
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

  2
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

  3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  4
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  5
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  1921
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  4653
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures  4655
PART II
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
  
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings  4756
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  47
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders4856
Item 6.  Exhibits  4957

 

- ii -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  

September 30,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

 
  

June 30,

2007

 December 31,
2006
   

Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,356,250  $1,160,304   $2,320,579  $1,160,304 

Accounts receivable

   1,077,654   964,366    1,155,996   964,366 

Due from affiliates

   78,089   113,184    96,606   113,184 

Investments

   2,484,127   2,097,574    2,680,751   2,097,574 

Separate account assets

   4,829,861   4,299,879 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions, net

   178,407   177,242 

Property and equipment, net

   250,481   214,784 

Intangible assets, net

   5,820,317   5,882,430    5,789,240   5,882,430 

Goodwill

   5,461,961   5,257,017    5,454,521   5,257,017 

Separate account assets

   4,787,708   4,299,879 

Deferred mutual fund commissions

   187,915   177,242 

Property and equipment, net

   245,120   214,784 

Taxes and other receivables

   250,726   124,291 

Other assets

   242,310   178,421    322,092   302,712 
              

Total assets

  $21,992,177  $20,469,492   $23,078,534  $20,469,492 
              

Liabilities

      

Accrued compensation

  $518,297  $1,051,273   $807,870  $1,051,273 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   937,237   753,839    776,928   753,839 

Due to affiliates

   91,259   243,836    245,890   243,836 

Short-term borrowings

   360,000   —      450,000   —   

Long-term borrowings

   252,484   253,167    946,879   253,167 

Separate account liabilities

   4,787,708   4,299,879    4,829,861   4,299,879 

Deferred taxes

   1,938,374   1,738,670    1,792,199   1,738,670 

Other liabilities

   594,993   237,856    501,716   237,856 
              

Total liabilities

   9,480,352   8,578,520    10,351,343   8,578,520 
              

Non-controlling interest

   1,408,707   1,109,092    1,458,879   1,109,092 
              

Stockholders’ equity

      

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

   1,174   1,174 

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

   1,174   1,174 

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

   126   126    126   126 

Additional paid-in capital

   10,033,912   9,799,447    10,070,480   9,799,447 

Retained earnings

   1,227,568   993,821    1,387,478   993,821 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   62,369   44,666 

Treasury stock, common, at cost (1,683,007 and 972,685 shares held at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)

   (222,031)  (57,354)

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

   85,478   44,666 

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

   (276,424)  (57,354)
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   11,103,118   10,781,880    11,268,312   10,781,880 
              

Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and stockholders’ equity

  $21,992,177  $20,469,492   $23,078,534  $20,469,492 
              

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 1 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  

Three months ended

June 30,

 

Six months ended

June 30,

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

Revenue

          

Investment advisory and administration fees

          

Unaffiliated

  $352,215  $108,386  $674,634  $215,596   $495,127  $158,707  $1,169,760  $606,748 

Affiliated

   624,115   205,542   1,197,622   448,040    680,685   115,799   1,878,308   331,395 

Distribution fees

   32,867   2,486   57,687   4,914    32,310   2,263   89,997   7,177 

Other revenue

   87,826   44,319   172,454   87,843    89,957   46,289   262,411   134,131 
                          

Total revenue

   1,097,023   360,733   2,102,397   756,393    1,298,079   323,058   3,400,476   1,079,451 
                          

Expense

     

Expenses

     

Employee compensation and benefits

   413,377   177,098   765,775   368,894    505,107   198,099   1,270,883   566,993 

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

          

Unaffiliated

   17,011   9,037   31,096   19,176    16,308   9,201   47,405   28,378 

Affiliated

   114,066   6,724   231,067   12,970    122,542   7,181   353,609   20,151 

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   28,713   1,533   50,271   3,304 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   1,341   79,034   4,645 

General and administration

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

Unaffiliated

   187,520   65,598   374,927   114,113 

Affiliated

   23,260   2,031   32,922   2,718 

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     128,114   —   

Fee sharing payment

   —     —     —     34,450    —     —     —     34,450 

Amortization of intangible assets

   31,075   2,029   62,107   4,058    31,085   2,394   93,193   6,451 
                          

Total expense

   815,022   264,050   1,548,165   559,683 

Total expenses

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

Operating income

   282,001   96,683   554,232   196,710    271,718   29,008   825,948   225,717 
                          

Non-operating income (expense)

          

Net gain on investments

   210,203   1,608   360,563   10,902 

Net gain (loss) on investments

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

Interest and dividend income

   13,738   5,237   32,095   11,007    20,109   5,668   52,204   16,675 

Interest expense

   (10,223)  (2,030)  (21,209)  (3,999)   (9,815)  (2,022)  (31,023)  (6,021)
                          

Total non-operating income

   213,718   4,815   371,449   17,910    128,189   1,909   499,639   19,819 
                          

Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest

   495,719   101,498   925,681   214,620    399,907   30,917   1,325,587   245,536 

Income tax expense

   125,012   37,237   234,918   78,855    63,168   11,108   298,086   89,963 
                          

Income before non-controlling interest

   370,707   64,261   690,763   135,765    336,739   19,809   1,027,501   155,573 

Non-controlling interest

   148,463   857   273,131   1,499    81,539   895   354,669   2,394 
                          

Net income

  $222,244  $63,404  $417,632  $134,266   $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179 
                          

Earnings per share

          

Basic

  $1.73  $0.99  $3.25  $2.09   $1.99  $0.29  $5.24  $2.38 

Diluted

  $1.69  $0.95  $3.17  $2.02   $1.94  $0.28  $5.12  $2.29 

Dividends paid per share

  $0.67�� $0.42  $1.34  $0.84 

Dividends declared and paid per share

  $0.67  $0.42  $2.01  $1.26 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

          

Basic

   128,544,894   64,136,378   128,676,577   64,105,803    128,161,027   64,761,447   128,501,575   64,326,752 

Diluted

   131,383,470   66,653,479   131,580,121   66,520,436    131,316,455   67,477,536   131,534,188   66,903,553 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 2 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  Three months ended
June 30,
 

Six months ended

June 30,

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

Net Income

  $222,244  $63,404  $417,632  $134,266

Net income

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

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

            

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

   586   (325)  (871)  51   (1,417)  456   (2,288)  507

Foreign currency translation gain

   16,371   2,914   18,574   3,325

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   24,527   467   43,100   3,793

Minimum pension liability adjustment

   —     379   —     379
                        

Comprehensive income

  $239,201  $65,993  $435,335  $137,642  $278,310  $20,216  $713,644  $157,858
                        

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)

 

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2007 2006   2007 2006 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

  $417,632  $134,266   $672,832  $153,179 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

      

Non-controlling interest

   354,669   2,394 

Depreciation and amortization

   94,082   18,517    143,387   29,301 

Non-controlling interest

   273,131   1,499 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   79,034   4,645 

Stock-based compensation

   88,994   53,256    142,329   78,567 

Deferred income taxes

  

 

41,462

 

  (15,954)   (100,576)  (32,965)

Other net unrealized gains and net purchases of investments

   (346,506)  (7,414)

Amortization of deferred mutual fund commissions and bond issuance costs

   23,927   5,218 

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

   (1,669)  (2,612)   (1,644)  (2,828)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

   (113,288)  (109,826)   (195,236)  (66,582)

Due from affiliates

   35,095   11,128    16,578   9,397 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (46,203)  1,860 

Investments, trading

  

 

(134,615

)

  (7,065)   (20,518)  (17,121)

Taxes and other receivables

   (99,490)  729 

Other assets

   (119,995)  (12,302)   (79,195)  (9,051)

Accrued compensation

   (359,831)  (72,086)   (73,381)  21,950 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   150,583   (50,983)   (5,401)  (5,417)

Due to affiliates

   (158,788)  86,023    (5,981)  67,214 

Other liabilities

   131,667   (224)   111,402   8,883 
              

Cash flows from operating activities

  

 

(77,609

)

  32,170    361,315   237,857 
              

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Purchase of investments

   (214,786)  (47,044)   (313,837)  (62,046)

Sale of investments

   128,311   9,915    193,731   18,022 

Consolidation of sponsored investment funds

   135   —   

Deconsolidation of sponsored investment funds

   (5,844)  —   

Distributions of capital from equity method investees

   5,695   —   

Net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

   (7,703)  —   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (42,198)  (49,214)   (42,272)  389,886 

Purchases of property and equipment

   (62,305)  (27,535)   (84,940)  (47,014)
              

Cash flows from investing activities

   (196,687)  (113,878)   (249,326)  298,848 
              

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Short-term borrowings, net

   360,000   —      450,000   —   

Long-term borrowings, net

   694,372   —   

Dividends paid

   (176,766)  (54,112)   (265,587)  (81,134)

Reissuance of treasury stock

   40,547   4,441    47,987   7,464 

Purchase of treasury stock

   (286,758)  (1,226)

Purchases of treasury stock

   (370,103)  (24,615)

Issuance of common stock

   —     133    —     1,196 

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

   192,864   12,357    204,734   15,735 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

   61,348   1,875 

Debt held by consolidated investments

   261,616   —   

Other

   (1,183)  (621)

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

   451,668   (37,153)   1,005,186   (80,820)
              

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   18,574   3,325    43,100   3,793 
              

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   195,946   (115,536)   1,160,275   459,678 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

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

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,356,250  $368,687   $2,320,579  $943,901 
              

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 4 -


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. 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 fund families and the management of alternative investment funds developed to serve various customer needs. ThroughBlackRock Solutions®, the Company provides risk management, system outsourcing, investment accounting services, advisory and transition management services that combine capital markets expertise with proprietarially-developedproprietarily-developed systems and technology.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

1.Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

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

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Certain financial information that normally is 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, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 13, 2007.

The interim financial datainformation as of JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and for the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and 2006 areis unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim datainformation includes all normal recurring adjustments as well as purchase accounting fair value adjustments related to the Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”) transaction, necessary for 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 yearperiod condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

- 5 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Income Taxes

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes and Related Implementation Issues. FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a Company’scompany’s financial statements in accordance with 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 JuneSeptember 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 related toaccrued on uncertain tax matterspositions was approximately $4,600 at December 31, 2006 was approximately $4,600.and $7,100 at September 30, 2007. The Company has not accrued any tax-related penalties.

BlackRock is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple jurisdictions. The tax years after 2002 remain open to U.S. federal income tax examination, and the tax years after 2004 remain open to income tax examination in the United Kingdom. Prior to the closing of the MLIMMerrill 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 compensationCompensation

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.period, if applicable.

Carried interestInterest

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 fund.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 theeach private equity fund or when the likelihood of clawback is mathematically improbable. At JuneSeptember 30, 2007, the Company had $18,833$17,399 of deferred carried interest recorded in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statementstatements of financial condition.

 

- 6 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

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

Recent Accounting Developments

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

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

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

 

- 7 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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

2. Investments

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

   Carrying Value
   September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

Available-for-sale investments

  $187,337  $158,442

Trading investments

   361,631   370,718

Other investments:

    

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   1,606,296   1,198,422

Equity method

   448,802   327,599

Cost method

   55,118   24,247

Deferred compensation plan investments

   21,567   18,146
        

Total other investments

   2,131,783   1,568,414
        

Total investments

  $2,680,751  $2,097,574
        

- 8 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

2.Item 1.InvestmentsFinancial Statements (continued)

At June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, BlackRock had total investments of $2,484,127 and $2,097,574, respectively. Of the total investments at June 30, 2007, $124,863 were classified as available-for-sale investments, $577,777 were classified as trading investments and $1,781,487 were classified as other investments, which include equity and cost method investments and investments held by certain consolidated private equity and other alternative funds.2. Investments (continued)

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

 

  

Cost

  Gross Unrealized Carrying
Value
     Gross Unrealized 

Carrying

Value

June 30, 2007

  Gains  Losses 
  Cost  Gains  Losses 

Carrying

Value

September 30, 2007

       

Available-for-sale investments:

              

Commingled investments

  $86,356  $9,420  $(558) $95,218

Sponsored investment funds

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

Collateralized debt obligations

   24,795   2,116   —     26,911   23,328   1,079   (1,201)  23,206

Other

   2,812   —     (78)  2,734   2,812   72   —     2,884
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $113,963  $11,536  $(636) $124,863  $178,773  $11,747  $(3,183) $187,337
                        

December 31, 2006

                  

Available-for-sale investments:

              

Commingled investments

  $118,147  $8,085  $(583) $125,649

Sponsored investment funds

  $118,147  $8,085  $(583) $125,649

Collateralized debt obligations

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

Other

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

Total available-for-sale investments

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

The Company has reviewed the gross unrealized losses of $636$3,183 at JuneSeptember 30, 2007, all of which had been in a loss position for less than twelve months, and determined that these losses were not other than temporary primarily because the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to recover such losses. As a result, the Company recorded no impairments on such securities.

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded realized impairments of $1,831$3,228 and $2,066,$2,211, respectively, on certain collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).

 

- 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 trading and other investments is as follows:

 

June 30, 2007

  Cost  

Carrying

Value

  Cost  Carrying
Value

September 30, 2007

    

Trading investments:

        

Commingled investments

  $105,134  $121,560

Deferred compensation plan investments

  $40,218  $43,196

Equity securities

   80,840   101,620   67,817   86,638

Municipal debt securities

   330,270   331,146   235,646   231,797

Mortgage-backed securities

   12,502   12,157

U.S. government securities

   7,081   6,886

Corporate notes and bonds

   1,047   1,018

Other debt securities

   3,486   3,390
            

Total trading investments

   540,360   577,777  $343,681  $361,631
            

Other investments:

        

Other fund investments

   1,675,793   1,762,346  $1,980,230  $2,110,216

Deferred compensation plan assets

   14,086   19,141

Deferred compensation plan investments

   14,100   21,567
            

Total other investments

   1,689,879   1,781,487  $1,994,330  $2,131,783
            

Total trading and other investments

  $2,230,239  $2,359,264
      

December 31, 2006

          

Trading investments:

        

Commingled investments

  $137,505  $148,387

Deferred compensation plan and other investments

  $53,306  $54,527

Equity securities

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

Municipal debt securities

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

Corporate notes and bonds

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

Total trading investments

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

Other investments:

        

Other fund investments

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

Deferred compensation plan assets

   14,074   18,146

Deferred compensation plan investments

   14,074   18,146
            

Total other investments

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

Total trading and other investments

  $1,887,864  $1,939,132
      

 

- 910 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

2.Investments (continued)

2. Investments (continued)

 

Included in other investments at JuneSeptember 30, 2007 is $33,864$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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007, management reviewed the carrying value of these investments and estimated their aggregate fair value to be $37,691.$61,708. No impairments were recorded on such investments during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

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

 

  Carrying Value  Carrying Value

Maturity date

  June 30, 2007  December 31, 2006  September 30,
2007
  December 31,
2006

<1 year

  $2,268  $776  $—    $776

1-5 years

   15,780   7,989   10,061   7,989

5-10 years

   44,335   2,772   30,010   2,772

After 10 years

   292,214   156,629   191,726   156,629
            

Total

  $354,597  $168,166  $231,797  $168,166
            

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

 

  June 30, 2007 December 31, 2006   September 30,
2007
 December 31,
2006
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $268,852  $90,919   $191,488  $90,919 

Investments

   1,786,902   1,515,754    1,872,782   1,469,930 

Other net liabilities

   (308,669)  (127,266)   (258,881)  (127,266)

Non-controlling interest

   (1,408,707)  (1,109,092)   (1,458,879)  (1,109,092)
              

Total consolidated net assets

  $338,378  $370,315 

Total exposure to consolidated investment funds

  $346,510  $324,491 
              

TotalBlackRock’s total exposure to consolidated net assetssponsored investment funds of $338,378$346,510 and $370,315$324,491 at JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, representrepresents the fair value of the Company’s economic ownership interest in these investments.sponsored investment funds. Valuation changes associated with these investmentsconsolidated investment funds are reflected in non-operating income and non-controlling interest. Other net liabilities includes $357,431$276,198 and $95,815 of debt held by consolidated investmentssponsored investment funds at JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, which are included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

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

 

- 1011 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3. Derivatives and Hedging

3.Derivatives and Hedging

From time to time,

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

During first quarter 2007, the Company entered into a forward contract to sell 1.2 billion yen in August 2007 as a hedge against the foreign 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 sixthree and nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, the change in fair value of the forward contracts were immaterial.

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

During 2007, the Company entered into a series of total return swaps. At June 30, 2007, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $80,000 and net losses of approximately $3,378 and $3,670 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, which were included in non-operating income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income.4. Earnings Per Share

During first quarter 2007, the Company also entered into a forward contract to sell 1.2 billion yen in August 2007 as a hedge against the foreign exchange risk associated with a consolidated sponsored investment product in Japan. The change in value 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. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, the change in fair value of the forward contract was immaterial. In August 2007, the forward contract was extended through November 2007.

4.Earnings Per Share

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

 

  

Three months ended

June 30,

  

Six months ended

June 30,

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

Net income

  $222,244  $63,404  $417,632  $134,266  $255,200  $18,914  $672,832  $153,179
                        

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

   128,544,894   64,136,378   128,676,577   64,105,803   128,161,027   64,761,447   128,501,575   64,326,752

Dilutive potential shares from stock options and restricted stock units

   2,275,810   2,187,667   2,363,035   2,078,017   2,502,798   2,208,829   2,376,400   2,074,384

Dilutive potential shares from convertible debt

   562,766   329,434   540,509   336,616   652,630   507,260   656,213   502,417
                        

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

   131,383,470   66,653,479   131,580,121   66,520,436   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,534,188   66,903,553
                        

Basic earnings per share

  $1.73  $0.99  $3.25  $2.09  $1.99  $0.29  $5.24  $2.38
                        

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.69  $0.95  $3.17  $2.02  $1.94  $0.28  $5.12  $2.29
                        

As of JuneDuring the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, there were 1,570,376 securities which1,545,735 stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because to include them would have an anti-dilutive effect.

 

- 1112 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

4. Earnings Per Share (continued)

4.Earnings Per Share (continued)

 

Due to the similarities in terms between BlackRockthe Company’s series A non-voting participating preferred stock and the Company’s common stock, the Company considers the series A non-voting participating preferred stock to be common stock for purposes of earnings per share calculations. As such, the Company has included the outstanding series A non-voting participating preferred stock in the calculation of weighted average basic shares outstanding for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2007 and September 30, 2006.

5. Stock-Based Compensation

5.Stock-Based Compensation

BlackRock, Inc. 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 Plan (“LTIP”)Plans

The BlackRock, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan (“LTIP”(the “2002 LTIP Awards”) permitted the grant of up to $240,000 in deferred compensation awards, (the “LTIP Awards”), of which the Company previously granted approximately $230,300. Approximately $210,000 of the 2002 LTIP awardsAwards were paid in January 2007. The awards2002 LTIP Awards were payable approximately 16.7% in cash and the remainder in BlackRock stock contributed by PNC and distributed to plan participants. Approximately $20,000 of previously issued 2002 LTIP participants.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 compensationlong term incentive programs. The settlement of LTIP awards in January 2007 resulted in the surrender by PNC of approximately 1,000,000 shares of BlackRock common stock. 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 shares in accordance with the share surrender agreement. Approximately $20,000 previously issued LTIP awards will result in additional issuance of BlackRock shares owned by PNC in 2007 and 2008 at a conversion price approximating the market price on the settlement date. 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 30,29, 2011 and additional awards to be settled with the remaining shares in periods subsequent periods.

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 before taxes associated with stock-based employee compensation plans was $89,175 and $23,318 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.to September 29, 2011.

 

- 1213 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

5. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

5.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

 

Stock Options

Options outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and changes during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

Outstanding at

  

Shares

Under
Option

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

December 31, 2006

  4,457,669  $36.90  $512,624

Granted

  1,545,735  $167.76   —  

Exercised

  (981,334) $37.43  $127,354
       

June 30, 2007

  5,022,070  $77.07  $399,335
       

Aggregate intrinsic value at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of that period and the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options that all option holders would have received had they exercised their options. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock. Aggregate intrinsic value upon exercise in the table above represents the difference between the Company’s market price on the date of exercise and the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised during the period.

Outstanding at

  Number of
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

December 31, 2006

  4,457,669  $36.90

Granted

  1,545,735  $167.76

Exercised

  (1,192,335) $37.22
     

September 30, 2007

  4,811,069  $78.86
     

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2007, the Company had 3,476,335 shares under option3,265,334 outstanding options which were exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $36.75.$36.78. The weighted average remaining life of stock options outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 2007 was 6.36.1 years.

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

On January 31, 2007, the Company awarded options to purchase 1,545,735 shares of BlackRock common stock to certain executives as long-term incentive compensation. The options vest on September 29, 2011, provided that the Company has actual GAAP earnings per share of at least $5.20 in 2009, $5.52 in 2010 or $5.85 in 2011. An alternative performance hurdle provides for vesting of the awards based on specific targets for the Company’s earnings growth performance to peers over the term of the awards. The options have a strike price of $167.76, which was 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  $167.76 

Expected Term (years)

   7.335   7.335 

Expected Volatility

   24.5%   24.5%

Dividend Yield

   1.0%-4.44%   1.0%-4.44%

Risk Free Interest Rate

   4.8%   4.8%

 

- 1314 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

5.5. 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007, the Company had $64,672$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 4.34.0 years.

Restricted Stock and Stock Units

Unvested restricted stock and stock unit awards at JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and changes during the sixnine months then ended were as follows:

 

Outstanding at

  

Unvested

Restricted

Stock and

Units

 

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
Units
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

December 31, 2006

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

Granted

  2,486,371   168.18  2,517,718  $168.12

Forfeited

  (44,872)  160.78  (80,441) $161.37

Vested

  (133,646)  126.11  (136,955) $126.45
          

June 30, 2007

  3,823,916  $155.97

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 33.3% per yearover three years through January 2010. The value of the RSUs was calculated using BlackRock’s closing stock price on the date of grant, or $169.70. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is being amortized into earnings on the straight-line method over the requisite service period, net of expected forfeitures, for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.

On January 31, 2007, the Company issued 1,540,050 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.

 

- 1415 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

5.5. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Restricted Stock and Stock Units (continued)

At JuneSeptember 30, 2007, there was $471,742$434,875 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock and RSU awards. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a remaining weighted-average period of 3.83.6 years.

6. Goodwill

6.

Goodwill

During the first sixnine months of 2007, the Company recorded goodwill adjustments of $204,944$197,504 primarily related to the MLIM transaction as the result of the Company’s ongoing review of its purchase price allocation of the net assets acquired in the MLIM transaction. Additional net deferred tax liabilities totaling $169,469$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.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..

7. Borrowings

7.Borrowings

Short Term Borrowing:

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

In August 2007, the Company terminated the 2006 facility and entered into a new five year $2,500,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007 facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $200,000$500,000 of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $1,000,000.$3,000,000. The term of the2007 facility is five years and interest currently accrues at the applicable London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.20%. The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.04% per annum on the undrawn balance. Additionally, for each day that the total amount outstanding is greater than 50% of the total commitments by all lenders,requires the Company pays a utilization fee of 0.05% per annum on the total amount outstanding. Financial convenants in the Credit Agreement require BlackRocknot to maintainexceed a maximum debt/leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA, ratiowhere net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3.03 to 1, which was satisfied at September 30, 2007.

The 2007 facility was used to refinance the 2006 facility and a minimum EBITDA/interest expense ratio of 4.0. At June 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. The facility is intended towill provide back-up liquidity, fund ongoing working capital for general corporate purposes and fund various investment opportunities as well as BlackRock’s near-term operating cash requirements.opportunities. At JuneSeptember 30, 2007, the Company had $360,000$450,000 outstanding onunder the facility.2007 facility with interest rates between 5.105% to 5.845% and maturity dates between October 2007 and September 2008.

During JulyLong Term Borrowings:

In September 2007, the Company repaid $120,000issued $700,000 in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes maturing on September 15, 2017 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at a discount of $5,628, which is being amortized over their ten-year term. The Company incurred approximately $4,000 in debt issuance costs, which are included in other assets on the facilitycondensed consolidated statements of financial condition and extendedare being amortized over the remaining balance into August 2007.

8.Pending Acquisition

In June 2007,term of the Company announced that it entered into an agreement under which it will acquire certain assetsNotes. A portion of the net proceeds of the Notes was used to fund the initial cash payment for its acquisition of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”) and the remainder will be used for up to $1,700,000. Under the terms of the transaction, which has been approved by the Company’s board of directors, Quellos will receive, at closing, $562,000 in cash and $188,000 in BlackRock common stock. In addition, Quellos may receive up to an additional $970,000 in cash and/or stock over three and a half years contingent upon certain measures. BlackRock’s acquisition of Quellos is expected to close on or around October 1, 2007, pending regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.general corporate purposes.

 

- 1516 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

8. Deferred Mutual Fund Sales Commissions

9.Deferred Mutual Fund 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”). The fair value of these assets was capitalized and is being amortized over periods between one andup to six years. The Company also assumed the rights to related distribution and service fees from certain funds and contingent deferred sales commissions upon shareholder redemption of certain back-end load shares prior to the end of the contingent deferred sales period. The Company paid $33,996 in exchange for the above rights.

10.Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental disclosure9. Termination of cash flow informationFund 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 follows:“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 Lynch was discharged of any further duty to provide the services and BlackRock was discharged from any further payment obligations..

10. Income Taxes

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

   2007  2006

Cash paid for interest

  $13,684  $3,595
        

Cash paid for income taxes

  $102,758  $104,489
        

Supplemental scheduleIn the third quarter of non-cash transactions is as follows: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.

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

   2007  2006

Issuance of treasury stock

  $81,390  $3,293

Net decrease in investments due to deconsolidation of sponsored investment funds

  $181,953  $3,538

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

  $167,016  $4,321

PNC LTIP capital contribution

  $174,932  $—  

 

- 1617 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

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

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2007  2006

Common and preferred stock issued in MLIM Transaction

  $—    $9,577,100

Issuance of treasury stock

  $102,735  $13,278

Decrease in investments due to net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $183,442  $7,638

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

  $210,252  $8,881

PNC LTIP capital contribution

  $174,932  $—  

- 18 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

11.Item 1.Commitments and ContingenciesFinancial Statements (continued)

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 SEC in connection with industry-wide investigations of U.S. mutual fund matters. BlackRock is continuing to cooperate fully in these matters. From time to time, BlackRock is subject to other regulatory inquiries and proceedings.

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

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

Indemnifications

In the ordinary course of business, BlackRock enters into contracts with clients and third party service providers. In many of the contracts, BlackRock agrees to indemnify the client or third party service provider in certain circumstances. The terms of such indemnity obligations vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined.

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

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

 

- 1719 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

12. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

11.Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Indemnifications (continued)

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

13. Subsequent Events

12.Subsequent Events

In JulyJune 2007, the United Kingdom enactedCompany announced that it had entered into an income tax law change that generally reduces corporate income tax rates.asset purchase agreement under which it would acquire certain assets of 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, Germany isQuellos may receive up to an additional $970,000 in cash and stock over three and a half years contingent upon certain operating measures.

In April 2003, the processCompany acquired 80% of enactingan investment manager of a change to its income taxation laws. The Company is in the processfund of determining the impact of such changes, which could be material.

Effective Julyhedge funds. On October 1, 2007, the Company terminatedpaid $27,000 to purchase the State Street Research & Management Company Retirement Plan (“the Plan”). Upon terminationremaining 20% of the Plan, participants were eligible to elect to receive a distribution of their benefits in the form of a one time lump sum payment or an annuity, to be purchased from an insurer at market rates. The Company expects to distribute the assets of the Plan in second quarter 2008. Additional costs of the termination are not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated statements of income.investment manager.

 

- 1820 -


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 factors previously disclosed in BlackRock’s SEC reports and those identified elsewhere in this report the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (2) changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for products or services or in the value of assets under management; (3) the relative and absolute investment performance of BlackRock’s investment products, including its separately managed accounts and the investments of the former MLIM business:products; (4) the impact of increased competition; (5) the impact of capital improvement projects; (6) the impact of future acquisitions or divestitures; (7) the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings; (8) the extent and timing of any share repurchases; (9) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection; (10) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to BlackRock, Merrill Lynch or PNC; (11) terrorist activities and international hostilities, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries, and BlackRock; (12) the ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (13) fluctuations in the carrying value of BlackRock’s investments; (14) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect the value of advisory and administration fees earned by BlackRock and the carrying value of certain investments denominated in foreign currencies; (14)(15) the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, the tax position of the Company; (15)(16) BlackRock’s ability to successfully integrate the MLIM businessand Quellos businesses with its existing business; (16)(17) the ability of BlackRock to effectively manage the former MLIM and Quellos assets along with its historical assets under management; (17)and (18) BlackRock’s success in maintaining the distribution of its products; and (18) the ability of BlackRock to consummate the transaction with Quellos Group, LLC and realize the benefits of such transaction.products.

 

- 1921 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Overview

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) is one of the largest publicly traded investment management firms in the United States with $1.230$1.3 trillion of assets under management (“AUM”) at JuneSeptember 30, 2007. BlackRock manages assets on behalf of institutional and individual investors worldwide through a variety of fixed income, cash management, equity and alternative investment separate accounts and funds. In addition, BlackRock provides risk management, investment system outsourcing and financial advisory services to institutional investors.

On September 29, 2006, BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) closed a transaction pursuant to which Merrill Lynch contributed its investment management business, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”), to BlackRock in exchange for an aggregate of 65 million shares of newly issued BlackRock common and non-voting participating preferred stock (the “MLIM Transaction”). Currently,At September 30, 2007, Merrill Lynch ownsowned approximately 45%45.4% of the Company’s voting common stock and approximately 49.5%49.6% of the total capital stock on a fully diluted basis of the combined companyCompany and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) ownsowned approximately 34%33.7% of the capital stock of the combined company.stock.

 

- 2022 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

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

 

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

Total revenue

  $1,097,023  $360,733  $1,005,374  $736,290  204.1% $91,649  9.1%  $1,298,079  $323,058  $1,097,023  $975,021  301.8% $201,056  18.3%

Total expense

  $815,022  $264,050  $733,143  $550,972  208.7% $81,879  11.2%

Total expenses

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

Operating income

  $282,001  $96,683  $272,231  $185,318  191.7% $9,770  3.6%  $271,718  $29,008  $282,001  $242,710  NM  $(10,283) (3.6)%

Operating income, as adjusted (a)

  $335,644  $122,621  $310,909  $213,023  173.7% $24,735  8.0%  $423,656  $115,266  $335,644  $308,390  267.5% $88,012  26.2%

Net income

  $222,244  $63,404  $195,388  $158,840  250.5% $26,856  13.7%  $255,200  $18,914  $222,244  $236,286  NM  $32,956  14.8%

Net income, as adjusted (b)

  $236,626  $79,088  $209,240  $157,538  199.2% $27,386  13.1%  $300,079  $71,519  $236,626  $228,560  319.6% $63,453  26.8%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $1.69  $0.95  $1.48  $0.74  77.9% $0.21  14.2%  $1.94  $0.28  $1.69  $1.66  NM  $0.25  14.8%

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

  $1.80  $1.19  $1.59  $0.61  51.3% $0.21  13.2%  $2.29  $1.06  $1.80  $1.23  116.0% $0.49  27.2%

Average diluted shares outstanding (c)

   131,383,470   66,653,479   131,895,570   64,729,991  97.1%  (512,100) (0.4)%   131,316,455   67,477,536   131,383,470   63,838,919  94.6%  (67,015) (0.1)%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   25.7%  26.8%  27.1%        20.9%  9.0%  25.7%     

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   36.1%  36.3%  36.7%        37.7%  38.5%  36.1%     

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,230,086  $464,070  $1,154,164  $766,016  165.1% $75,922  6.6%  $1,299,556  $1,075,016  $1,230,086  $224,540  20.9% $69,470  5.6%

 

  

Six months ended

June 30,

 Variance   Nine months ended
September 30,
 Variance 
  2007 2006 Amount  %   2007 2006 Amount  % 

Total revenue

  $2,102,397  $756,393  $1,346,004  178.0%  $3,400,476  $1,079,451  $2,321,025  215.0%

Total expense

  $1,548,165  $559,683  $988,482  176.6%

Total expenses

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

Operating income

  $554,232  $196,710  $357,522  181.8%  $825,948  $225,717  $600,231  265.9%

Operating income, as adjusted(a)

  $646,553  $246,390  $400,163  162.4%  $1,070,209  $361,653  $708,556  195.9%

Net income

  $417,632  $134,266  $283,366  211.0%  $672,832  $153,179  $519,653  339.2%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $445,866  $161,451  $284,415  176.2%  $745,945  $232,969  $512,976  220.2%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $3.17  $2.02  $1.15  56.9%  $5.12  $2.29  $2.83  123.6%

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

  $3.39  $2.43  $0.96  39.5%  $5.67  $3.48  $2.19  62.9%

Average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   131,580,121   66,520,436   65,059,685  97.8%   131,534,188   66,903,553   64,630,635  96.6%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   26.4%  26.0%      24.3%  20.9%   

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   36.4%  34.7%      36.9%  35.9%   

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,230,086  $464,070  $766,016  165.1%  $1,299,556  $1,075,016  $224,540  20.9%

NM – Not Meaningful

 

- 2123 -


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)While BlackRock reports its financial results on a GAAP basis, management believes that evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results may not be as useful if investors are limited to reviewing only GAAP financial measures. Management reviews non-GAAP financial measures to assess ongoing operations, and for the reasons described below, considers them to be effective indicators, for both management and investors, of BlackRock’s financial performance over time. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Certain prior year non-GAAP data has been restated to conform to current year presentation.

(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:

 

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 such, the calculation of operating income, as adjusted and operating margin, as adjusted, were modified 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 include affiliated and unaffiliated portfolio administration and servicing costs. Computations for all periods are derived from the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as follows:

   Three months ended  Six months ended 
   June 30,  March 31,  June 30, 
  2007  2006  2007  2007  2006 

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $282,001  $96,683  $272,231  $554,232  $196,710 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

MLIM integration costs

   6,039   12,547   7,100   13,139   19,126 

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   13,933   12,347   12,043   25,976   24,023 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   2,500   —     2,500   5,000   —   

Closed-end fund launch costs

   19,801   —     13,152   32,953   531 

Closed-end fund commissions

   4,297   —     1,397   5,694   414 

Appreciation on assets related to deferred compensation plans

   7,073   1,044   2,486   9,559   5,586 
                     

Operating income, as adjusted

  $335,644  $122,621  $310,909  $646,553  $246,390 
                     

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $1,097,023  $360,733  $1,005,374  $2,102,397  $756,393 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   (131,077)  (15,761)  (131,086)  (262,163)  (32,146)

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   (28,713)  (1,533)  (21,558)  (50,271)  (3,304)

Reimbursable property management compensation

   (6,664)  (5,879)  (6,642)  (13,306)  (11,477)
                     

Revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted

  $930,569  $337,560  $846,088  $1,776,657  $709,466 
                     

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   25.7%  26.8%  27.1%  26.4%  26.0%
                     

Operating margin, as adjusted

   36.1%  36.3%  36.7%  36.4%  34.7%
                     

Management believes that operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of management’s ability to, and useful to management in deciding how to, effectively employ BlackRock’s resources. As such, management believes that operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, provide useful disclosure to investors. MLIM integration costs consist principally of certain professional fees, rebranding costs and compensation costs related to the integration which were reflected in GAAP net income. MLIM integration costs have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior periods. The portion of the LTIP expense associated with awards funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded because, exclusive of the impact related to LTIP participants’ put options, these

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

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $271,718  $29,008  $282,001  $825,948  $225,717 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   128,114   —     —     128,114   —   

PNC LTIP funding obligation

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

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   2,500   —     2,500   7,500   —   

MLIM integration costs

   6,139   71,456   6,039   19,278   90,580 

Quellos integration costs

   140   —     —     140   —   

Closed-end fund launch costs

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

Closed-end fund launch commissions

   264   973   4,297   5,958   1,387 

Appreciation (depreciation) related to deferred compensation plans

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

Operating income, as adjusted

  $423,656  $115,266  $335,644  $1,070,209  $361,653 
                     

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $1,298,079  $323,058  $1,097,023  $3,400,476  $1,079,451 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   (138,850)  (16,382)  (131,077)  (401,014)  (48,529)

Amortization of deferred sales costs

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

Reimbursable property management compensation

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

Revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted

  $1,123,248  $299,116  $930,569  $2,899,903  $1,008,581 
                     

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   20.9%  9.0%  25.7%  24.3%  20.9%
                     

Operating margin, as adjusted

   37.7%  38.5%  36.1%  36.9%  35.9%
                     

 

- 2224 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Overview (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(a) (continued)

(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.

charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. 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 impact the Company’s results until future periods. As such, management believes that operating margins exclusive of these costs is more representative of the operating performance for the given period. Compensation

Non-GAAP Operating Income Adjustments:

The expense associated with appreciation on assets related to BlackRock’s deferred compensation plans has been excluded because investment returns on these assets reported in non-operating income, net of the related impact on compensation expense, result in a nominal impact to the termination of the closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch has been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, as the termination of the arrangements is deemed non-recurring by management. The portion of the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) expense associated with awards funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded because, exclusive of the impact related to LTIP participants’ put options, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM and Quellos integration costs consist principally of certain professional fees, rebranding costs and compensation costs related to the integration which were reflected in GAAP net income. Integration 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. Compensation expense associated with appreciation (depreciation) on assets related to certain BlackRock’s deferred compensation plans has been excluded because investment returns on these assets are reported in non-operating income.

Non-GAAP Revenue Adjustments:

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.

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.

(b)While BlackRock reports its financial results on a GAAP basis, 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  Six months ended
   June 30,  March 31,  June 30,
  2007  2006  2007  2007  2006

Net income, GAAP basis

  $222,244  $63,404  $195,388  $417,632  $134,266

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax

          

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   8,917   7,779   7,708   16,625   15,135

MLIM integration costs

   3,865   7,905   4,544   8,409   12,050

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   1,600   —     1,600   3,200   —  
                    

Net income, as adjusted

  $236,626  $79,088  $209,240  $445,866  $161,451
                    

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

   131,383,470   66,653,479   131,895,570   131,580,121   66,520,436
                    

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis

  $1.69  $0.95  $1.48  $3.17  $2.02
                    

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted

  $1.80  $1.19  $1.59  $3.39  $2.43
                    

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 portion of LTIP expense associated with awards funded by the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNC has been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, because these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM integration costs reflected in GAAP net income have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior reporting periods. MLIM integration costs consist principally of compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs incurred in conjunction with the MLIM integration. The portion of the current year compensation expense related to incentive awards to be funded by Merrill Lynch has been excluded because it is not expected to impact BlackRock’s book value.

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

 

- 2325 -


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.

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

Net income, GAAP basis

  $255,200  $18,914  $222,244  $672,832  $153,179

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax

        

Termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements

   81,993   —     —     81,993   —  

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   8,712   7,588   8,917   25,337   22,723

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   1,600   —     1,600   4,800   —  

MLIM integration costs

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

Quellos integration costs

   90   —     —     90   —  

Corporate income tax reductions

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

Net income, as adjusted

  $300,079  $71,519  $236,626  $745,945  $232,969
                    

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

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

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis

  $1.94  $0.28  $1.69  $5.12  $2.29
                    

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted

  $2.29  $1.06  $1.80  $5.67  $3.48
                    

Management believes that net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, are effective measurements of BlackRock’s profitability and financial performance. The termination of the closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements with Merrill Lynch has been excluded from net income, as adjusted, as the termination of the arrangements is deemed non-recurring by management. The portion of the LTIP expense associated with awards funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, because, exclusive of the impact related to LTIP participants’ put options, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM and Quellos integration costs reflected in GAAP net income have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior reporting periods. 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.

- 26 -


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

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

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

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

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

ThroughBlackRock Solutions®, the firm provides risk management, systems outsourcing, investment accounting services, advisory and transition management services that combine capital markets expertise with proprietary systems and technology. BlackRock Solutions clients consist of financial institutions, pension funds, asset managers, foundations, consultants, mutual fund sponsors and government agencies. Fees earned forBlackRock Solutions services are typically based either on 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 earned on risk management, system outsourcing, investment accounting services, advisory and transition management services are recorded as other revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

- 2427 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Overview (continued)

 

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

Assets Under Management

BlackRock, Inc.

Assets Under Management Summary

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  June 30,  March 31,  

June 30,

  Variance            Variance 
  

Quarter to

Quarter

  

Year to

Year

   September 30,  June 30,  September 30,1  Quarter to Year to 
2007  2006     2007  2006  Quarter Year 

Fixed income

  $492,287  $470,513  $307,640  4.6% 60.0%  $509,750  $492,287  $443,594  3.5% 14.9%

Equity and balanced

   435,873   402,983   40,872  8.2% NM    454,162   435,873   358,145  4.2% 26.8%

Cash management

   259,840   244,838   88,431  6.1% 193.8%   290,748   259,840   229,416  11.9% 26.7%

Alternative investments products

   42,086   35,830   27,127  17.5% 55.1%   44,896   42,086   43,861  6.7% 2.4%
                        

Total

  $1,230,086  $1,154,164  $464,070  6.6% 165.1%  $1,299,556  $1,230,086  $1,075,016  5.6% 20.9%
                        

NM1

–    Not Meaningful

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

AUM increased approximately $75.9$69.5 billion, or 6.6%5.6%, to $1.3 trillion at September 30, 2007, compared to $1.230 trillion at June 30, 2007, compared to $1.154 trillion at March 31, 2007. The growth in AUM was attributable to $51.4$41.0 billion in net subscriptions, $21.8$20.3 billion in market appreciation and $2.7$8.2 billion in foreign exchange gains. Net subscriptions of $51.4$41.0 billion for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 were the result of net new business of $24.0$30.2 billion in cash management products, $5.6 billion in fixed income products, $14.5 billion in cash management products, $7.9$3.2 billion in equity and balanced products and $5.0$2.1 billion in alternative products. Market appreciation of $21.8$20.3 billion primarily reflected appreciation in equity and balanced assets of $23.1$9.9 billion, as equity markets improved duringended positive for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 partially offsetand by market depreciationappreciation on fixed income products of $2.8$9.4 billion due to changes in market interest rates. Foreign exchange gains of $2.7$8.2 billion consisted primarily of $1.9$5.2 billion in equity and balanced assets and $0.6$2.5 billion in fixed income assets.

AUM increased approximately $766.0$224.5 billion, or 165.1%20.9%, to $1.230$1.3 trillion at JuneSeptember 30, 2007, compared with $464.1 billion$1.075 trillion at JuneSeptember 30, 2006. The growth in AUM was attributable to $589.2 billion acquired in the MLIM Transaction, $91.4 billion in net subscriptions, $75.0 billion in market appreciation and $10.4 billion in foreign exchange gains. Net subscriptions of $91.4$124.0 billion for the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 were primarily the result of net new business of $33.0$59.2 billion in cash management products, $27.7$31.6 billion in fixed income products, $18.8$22.0 billion in equity and balanced products and $11.9$11.3 billion in alternative investment products. Market appreciation of $75.0$84.9 billion largely reflected appreciation in equity and balanced assets of $54.4$63.4 billion, as equity markets improved during the period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and market appreciation on fixed income products of $15.7$15.5 billion due to current income and changes in market interest rates. Foreign exchange gains of $10.4$19.0 billion consisted primarily of $7.4$12.7 billion in equity and balanced assets and $2.3$5.1 billion in fixed income assets.

 

- 2528 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Quarter Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  

March 31,

2007

  

Net

subscriptions

(redemptions)

  

Foreign

exchange3

  

Market

appreciation

(depreciation)

 

June 30,

2007

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

Fixed income

  $470,513  $24,038  $577  $(2,841) $492,287  $492,287  $5,592  $2,504  $9,367  $509,750

Equity and balanced

   402,983   7,869   1,909   23,112   435,873   435,873   3,194   5,204   9,891   454,162

Cash management

   244,838   14,513   90   399   259,840   259,840   30,190   234   484   290,748

Alternative investment products1

   35,830   5,018   130   1,108   42,086

Alternative investment products

   42,086   2,066   219   525   44,896
                              

Total

  $1,154,164  $51,438  $2,706  $21,778  $1,230,086  $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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  December 31,
2006
  

Net

subscriptions
(redemptions)

  Acquisitions/
reclassifications2
 Foreign
exchange3
  

Market

appreciation
(depreciation)

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

Fixed income

  $448,012  $27,583  $14,037  $1,001  $1,654  $492,287  $448,012  $33,174  $14,037  $3,479  $11,048  $509,750

Equity and balanced

   392,708   9,480   —     2,821   30,864   435,873   392,708   12,674   —     8,018   40,762   454,162

Cash management

   235,768   22,900   —     108   1,064   259,840   235,768   53,090   —     342   1,548   290,748

Alternative investment products1

   48,139   5,909   (14,037)  164   1,911   42,086

Alternative investment products

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

Total

  $1,124,627  $65,872  $—    $4,094  $35,493  $1,230,086  $1,124,627  $106,913  $—    $12,226  $55,790  $1,299,556
                                    

1

$1.7 billion of the increase in alternative net new business is due to a conforming change in methodology for reporting of certain real estate assets.

2

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

32

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

 

- 2629 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Twelve Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  June 30,
2006
  

Net

subscriptions
(redemptions)

  Acquisitions/
reclassifications2
  Foreign
exchange3
  

Market

appreciation
(depreciation)

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

Fixed income

  $307,640  $27,689  $138,923  $2,347  $15,688  $492,287  $443,594  $31,601  $13,940  $5,119  $15,496  $509,750

Equity and balanced

   40,872   18,818   314,419   7,373   54,391   435,873   358,145   21,968   (2,028)  12,701   63,376   454,162

Cash management

   88,431   32,969   135,629   283   2,528   259,840   229,416   59,184   (1,260)  508   2,900   290,748

Alternative investment products1

   27,127   11,938   187   419   2,415   42,086

Alternative investment products

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

Total

  $464,070  $91,414  $589,158  $10,422  $75,022  $1,230,086  $1,075,016  $124,034  $(3,385) $18,974  $84,917  $1,299,556
                                    

1

$1.7September 30, 2006 AUM reflects a reclassification of certain MLIM acquired assets. Approximately $7.9 billion ofwas reclassified from fixed income to cash management, relative to the increaseAUM as reported in alternative net new business is due to a conforming change in methodology for reporting certain real estate assets.BlackRock’s third quarter 2006 Form 10-Q.

2

Data reflects the reclassification of $14.0 billion of fixed income-oriented absolute return and structured product alternativesproducts from alternative investment products to fixed income, as well as the assets acquired from MLIM on September 29, 2006.income.

3

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

4

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

 

- 2730 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006.

Operating results for the three months ended JuneSeptember 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 2007 presentation:the current presentation.

Revenue

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Three months ended

June 30,

  Variance 
  Three months ended
September 30,
  Variance 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

2007  2006  Amount %   2007  2006  Amount  % 
               

Equity and balanced

  $511,609  $55,779  $455,830  NM   $580,302  $58,737  $521,565  NM 

Fixed income

   238,697   121,337   117,360  96.7%   230,373   125,102   105,271  84.1%

Cash management

   120,859   30,263   90,596  299.4%   128,381   32,110   96,271  299.8%

Alternative investment products

   79,445   36,606   42,839  117.0%   87,374   40,740   46,634  114.5%
                      

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   950,610   243,985   706,625  289.6%   1,026,430   256,689   769,741  299.9%

Investment advisory performance fees

   25,720   69,943   (44,223) (63.2)%   149,382   17,817   131,565  NM%
                      

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   976,330   313,928   662,402  211.0%   1,175,812   274,506   901,306  328.3%
                      

Distribution fees:

   32,867   2,486   30,381  NM 

Distribution fees

   32,310   2,263   30,047  NM 
           

Other revenue:

               

BlackRock Solutions

   46,296   34,657   11,639  33.6%   47,683   33,807   13,876  41.0%

Other revenue

   41,530   9,662   31,868  329.8%   42,274   12,482   29,792  238.7%
                      

Total other revenue

   87,826   44,319   43,507  98.2%   89,957   46,289   43,668  94.3%
                      

Total revenue

  $1,097,023  $360,733  $736,290  204.1%  $1,298,079  $323,058  $975,021  301.8%
                      

NM–    Not Meaningful

NM – Not Meaningful

Total revenue for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 increased $736.3$975.0 million, or 204.1%301.8%, to $1,097.0$1,298.1 million, compared with $360.7$323.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. InvestmentTotal investment advisory and administration fees increased $662.4$901.3 million, or 211.0328.3%,to $976.3$1,175.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared with $313.9$274.5 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. Distribution fees increased by $30.4$30.0 million to $32.9$32.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared with $2.5$2.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. Other revenue increased by $43.5$43.7 million, or 98.2%94.3%, to $87.8$90.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared with $44.3$46.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006.

 

- 2831 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. (continued)

Revenue (continued)

 

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $662.4$901.3 million, or 211.0%328.3%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $706.6$769.7 million, or 289.6%299.9%, to $950.6$1,026.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared with $244.0$256.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006 partially offset by a reductionand an increase of $131.6 million in performance fees of $44.2 million.fees. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 primarily due to the MLIM Transaction which added $589.2 billion in AUM on September 29, 2006 and increased AUM of $766.0$224.5 billion including $589.2 billion of AUM acquired inover the MLIM Transaction.past twelve months.

The increase in base investment advisory and administration fees of $706.6$769.7 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006 consisted of increases of $455.8$521.6 million in equity and balanced products, $117.4$105.3 million in fixed income products, $90.6$96.3 million in cash management products and $42.8$46.6 million in alternative investment products. The increase in investment advisory and administration fees for equity and balanced, fixed income, cash management and alternative investment products was driven by AUM acquired in the MLIM Transaction on September 29, 2006, as well as increases in AUM of $395.0$96.0 billion, $184.6$66.2 billion, $171.4$61.3 billion and $15.0$1.0 billion, respectively. The AUM growth in equity and balanced, fixed income, cash management and alternative products included assets acquired inrespectively, over the MLIM transaction of $314.4 billion, $138.9 billion, $135.6 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively.past twelve months.

Performance fees decreasedincreased by $44.2$131.6 million or 63.2%, to $25.7$149.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared to $69.9$17.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006 primarily due to lowerhigher performance fees earned on an energyequity and fixed income hedge fund.funds, as well as real estate equity products.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $30.4$30.0 million to $32.9$32.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared to $2.5$2.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 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 $87.8$90.0 million for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 increased $43.5$43.7 million, or 98.2%94.3%, compared with the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006 and primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $46.3$47.7 million, distributionother advisory service fees of $32.9$13.6 million, earned on certain BlackRock mutual funds, management fees earned on the Company’s securities lending program of $10.2 million, fees for fund accounting services of $9.4 million and property management fees of $9.5$10.0 million earned on real estate AUMproperties (which representedprimarily represents direct reimbursement of the salaries of certain employees of Metric Properties Management, Inc., “Metric”). and $6.0 million of fees earned related to securities lending.

The $43.7 million increase in other revenue for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006 was primarily the result of an increase of $11.6$13.9 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services primarily driven by new assignments, $10.2$13.6 million related to other advisory services and $6.0 million on fees earned related to the Company’s securities lending program and $9.4 million in fund accounting services.lending.

 

- 2932 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. (continued)

 

ExpenseExpenses

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
  

Variance

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Three months ended

June 30,

  Variance   2007  2006  Amount  % 
2007  2006  Amount  % 

Expense:

        

Expenses:

        

Employee compensation and benefits

  $413,377  $177,098  $236,279  133.4%  $505,107  $198,099  $307,008  155.0%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   131,077   15,761   115,316  NM    138,850   16,382   122,468  NM 

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   28,713   1,533   27,180  NM 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   1,341   27,422  NM 

General and administration

   210,780   67,629   143,151  211.7%   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

   31,075   2,029   29,046  NM    31,085   2,394   28,691  NM 
                      

Total expense

  $815,022  $264,050  $550,972  208.7%

Total expenses

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

NM–    Not Meaningful

NM – Not Meaningful

Total expense,expenses, which reflectsreflect the impact of the MLIM Transaction since September 29, 2006, increased $551.0$732.3 million, or 208.7%249.0%, to $815.0$1,026.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared with $264.1$294.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. IntegrationTotal expenses included integration charges related to the MLIM transactionTransaction of $5.8$6.1 million and $15.7$71.5 million in the secondthird quarters 2007 and 2006, respectively, were recordedrespectively. The third quarter of 2007 included $6.1 million of MLIM integration charges in general and administration expense.expenses compared to $28.4 million and $43.1 of integration charges in general and administration and employee compensation and benefits, respectively, in the third quarter 2006.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $236.3$307.0 million, or 133.4%155.0%, to $413.4$505.1 million, at JuneSeptember 30, 2007, compared to $177.1$198.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to increases in incentive compensation, salaries and benefits and incentivestock-based compensation of $144.1$162.8 million, $119.7 million and $87.6$18.9 million, respectively. The $162.8 million, or 188.9%, increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income and higher incentive compensation associated with greater performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investment products, offset by integration costs incurred in 2006. The increase of $144.1$119.7 million, or 164.5%129.3%, in salaries and benefits was primarily attributable to higher staffing levels associated with business growth and the MLIM Transaction.Transaction and business growth. Employees (excluding employees of Metric) at JuneSeptember 30, 2007 totaled 4,8375,125, as compared to 1,9154,565 at JuneSeptember 30, 2006. The $87.6 million, or 114.5%, increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income, partially offset by lower incentive compensation associated with lower performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investment products.

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $115.3$122.5 million to $131.1$138.9 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, compared to $15.8$16.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 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.

 

- 3033 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. (continued)

ExpenseExpenses (continued)

 

Amortization of Deferred Sales CostsCommissions

Amortization of deferred sales costscommissions increased by $27.2$27.4 million to $28.7$28.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, as compared to $1.5$1.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. The increase in amortization of deferred sales costscommissions is primarily the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from MLIM inat 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)

  

Three months ended

June 30,

  Variance   2007  2006  Amount % 
2007  2006  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

               

Portfolio services

  $43,844  $5,218  $38,626  NM 

Marketing and promotional

  $42,324  $13,216  $29,108  220.2%   35,146   20,203   14,943  74.0%

Portfolio services

   37,994   5,907   32,087  NM 

Occupancy

   34,506   12,794   21,712  169.7%

Technology

   33,205   7,183   26,022  362.3%   28,547   15,731   12,816  81.5%

Occupancy

   28,438   11,392   17,046  149.6%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   19,801   —     19,801  NM    1,875   4,933   (3,058) (62.0)%

Other general and administration

   49,018   29,931   19,087  63.8%   50,524   16,955   33,569  198.0%
                      

Total general and administration expense

  $210,780  $67,629  $143,151  211.7%  $194,442  $75,834  $118,608  156.4%
                      

NM–    Not Meaningful

NM – Not Meaningful

General and administration expense increased $143.2$118.6 million, or 211.7%156.4%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 to $210.8$194.4 million, compared to $67.6$75.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 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 $29.1 million, portfolio services expense of $32.1$14.9 million, technology expense of $26.0 million, occupancy expense of $17.0 million, closed-end fund launch costs of $19.8$12.8 million and other general and administration expense of $19.1$33.6 million, partially offset by a reduction in closed-end fund launch costs of $3.1 million.

Marketing MLIM and promotionalQuellos integration expenses recorded in general and administration expense increased $29.1 million to $42.3 million for the three months ended June 30,September 2007 compared to $13.2and 2006 were $6.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 primarily due to increased marketing activities, including $22.7 million related to domestic and international marketing efforts and $5.9 million related to BlackRock’s advertising and rebranding campaign. Closed-end fund launch costs totaled $19.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 relating to one new closed-end fund launched during the quarter, generating $2.0 billion in AUM. No closed-end funds were launched during the three months ended June 30, 2006. Portfolio services costs increased by $32.1 million to $38.0 million compared to $5.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, relating to supporting higher AUM levels and increased trading activities. Technology expenses increased $26.0 million, or 362.3%, to $33.2 million compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of $10.6 million in technology consulting expenses associated with operating growth, a $6.1 million increase in depreciation expense and a $5.8 million increase in software licensing and maintenance costs. Occupancy costs for the three months ended June 30, 2007 totaled $28.4 million, representing a $17.0 million, or 149.6%, increase from $11.4 million for the three months ended June 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. Other general and administration costs increased by $19.1 million to $49.0 million from $29.9 million, including $8.7 million in incremental foreign currency remeasurement costs.respectively.

 

- 3134 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 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 $29.0$28.7 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $31.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared to $2.0$2.4 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006 primarily reflects the amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the MLIM transaction.Transaction.

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interest

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

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Three months ended

June 30,

 Variance
  Three months ended
September 30,
 

Variance

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

2007 2006 Amount %  2007 2006 Amount %
  $213,718  $4,815  $208,903  NM  $128,189  $1,909  $126,280  NM

Non-controlling interest

   (148,463)  (857)  (147,606) NM   (81,539)  (895)  (80,644) NM
                      

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

  $65,255  $3,958  $61,297  NM  $46,650  $1,014  $45,636  NM
                      

NM–    Not Meaningful

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:NM – Not Meaningful

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Three months ended

June 30,

  Variance 
  2007  2006  Amount  % 

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

     

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

     

Private equity1

  $32,636  $—    $32,636  NM 

Real estate

   3,621   288   3,333  NM 

Other alternative products

   13,929   2,035   11,894  NM 

Other2

   11,554   (1,572)  13,126  NM 
              

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

   61,740   751   60,989  NM 

Interest and dividend income

   13,738   5,237   8,501  162.3%

Interest expense

   (10,223)  (2,030)  (8,193) (403.6)%
              

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

  $65,255  $3,958  $61,297  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.

 

- 3235 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 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 $61.3$45.6 million to $65.3$46.7 million for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007, as compared to $4.0$1.0 million for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006 as a result of a $61.0$39.0 million increase in net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest, and an $8.5a $14.4 million increase in interest and dividend income, substantiallypartially offset by an $8.2$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 market appreciation and investment gains on private equity investments and other alternative investments primarily acquired in the MLIM Transaction.real estate investments.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $125.0 million and $37.2 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 36.0% and 37.0%, respectively. The reduction in the tax rate is primarily the result of a greater proportion of 2007 net income being generated in lower tax rate jurisdictions as a result of the MLIM Transaction.

Net Income

Net income totaled $222.2 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and increased $158.8 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 includes the after-tax impacts of 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 an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees, of $8.9 million, $3.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively. MLIM integration costs primarily consist of compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs. Net income of $63.4 million during the three months ended June 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 $7.8 million and MLIM integration costs of $7.9 million. Exclusive of these items, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the three months ended June 30, 2007 increased $0.61, or 51.3%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 25.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 26.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2006. The decrease in operating margin primarily relates to $24.1 million in closed-end fund launch costs and commissions related to the launch of the fund incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2007. No such costs were incurred in the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 36.1% and 36.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

- 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Operating results for the six months ended June 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

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Six months ended

June 30,

  Variance 
  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

       

Equity and balanced

  $965,440  $109,646  $855,794  NM 

Fixed income

   472,620   239,895   232,725  97.0%

Cash management

   236,248   60,123   176,125  292.9%

Alternative investment products

   149,810   69,421   80,389  115.8%
              

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   1,824,118   479,085   1,345,033  280.8%

Investment advisory performance fees

   48,138   184,551   (136,413) (73.9)%
              

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   1,872,256   663,636   1,208,620  182.1%
              

Distribution fees:

   57,687   4,914   52,773  NM 
              

Other revenue:

       

BlackRock Solutions

   88,610   68,707   19,903  29.0%

Other revenue

   83,844   19,136   64,708  338.1%
              

Total other revenue

   172,454   87,843   84,611  96.3%
              

Total revenue

  $2,102,397  $756,393  $1,346,004  178.0%
              

NM–    Not Meaningful

Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased $1,346.0 million, or 178.0%, to $2,102.4 million compared with $756.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Investment advisory and administration fees increased $1,208.6 million, or 182.1%,to $1,872.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared with $663.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Distribution fees increased by $52.8 million to $57.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared with $4.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Other revenue increased by $84.6 million, or 96.3%, to $172.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared with $87.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

- 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006. (continued)

Revenue (continued)

Investment advisory and administration fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $1,208.6 million, or 182.1%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $1,345.0 million, or 280.8%, to $1,824.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared with $479.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, partially offset by a reduction in performance fees of $136.4 million. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased for the six months ended June 30, 2007 primarily due to increased AUM of $766.0 billion, including $589.2 billion of AUM acquired in the MLIM Transaction.

The increase in base investment advisory and administration fees of $1,345.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006 consisted of increases of $855.8 million in equity and balanced products, $232.7 million in fixed income products, $176.1 million in cash management products and $80.4 million in alternative investment products. The increase in investment advisory and administration fees for equity and balanced, fixed income, cash management and alternative investment products was driven by increases in AUM of $395.0 billion, $184.6 billion, $171.4 billion and $15.0 billion, respectively. The AUM growth in equity and balanced, fixed income, cash management and alternative products included assets acquired in the MLIM Transaction of $314.4 billion, $138.9 billion, $135.6 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively.

Performance fees decreased by $136.4 million, or 73.9%, to $48.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared with $184.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 primarily due to fees earned on an energy hedge fund in the second quarter of 2006 and fees earned on a large real estate investment fund in first quarter 2006.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $52.8 million to $57.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to $4.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in distribution fees is primarily the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from MLIM in third quarter 2006 and from PNC in second quarter 2007.

Other Revenue

Other revenue of $172.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased $84.6 million compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006 and primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $88.6 million, fees for fund accounting services of $21.5 million and property management fees of $19.0 million earned on real estate AUM (which represented direct reimbursement of the salaries of certain Metric employees).

The increase in other revenue of $84.6 million, or 96.3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to $87.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was primarily the result of an increase of $21.5 million in fund accounting services, an increase of $19.9 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services primarily driven by new assignments and $16.6 million of fees earned related to the Company’s securities lending program.

- 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006. (continued)

Expense

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Six months ended

June 30,

  Variance 
  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Expense:

       

Employee compensation and benefits

  $765,775  $368,894  $396,881  107.6%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   262,163   32,146   230,017  NM 

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   50,271   3,304   46,967  NM 

General and administration

   407,849   116,831   291,018  249.1%

Fee sharing payment

   —     34,450   (34,450) (100.0)%

Amortization of intangible assets

   62,107   4,058   58,049  NM 
              

Total expense

  $1,548,165  $559,683  $988,482  176.6%
              

NM–    Not Meaningful

Total expense, which reflects the impact of the MLIM Transaction since September 29, 2006, increased $988.5 million, or 176.6%, to $1,548.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared with $559.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction of $12.9 million and $19.1 million in the first six months of 2007 and 2006, respectively, were recorded in general and administration expense.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $396.9 million, or 107.6%, to $765.8 million, at June 30, 2007 compared to $368.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to increases in salaries and benefits and incentive compensation of $279.3 million and $113.5 million, respectively. The increase of $279.3 million, or 162.4%, in salaries and benefits was primarily attributable to higher staffing levels associated with business growth and the MLIM Transaction. Employees (excluding employees of Metric) at June 30, 2007 totaled 4,837 as compared to 1,915 at June 30, 2006. The $113.5 million, or 67.7%, increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income, partially offset by lower incentive compensation associated with lower performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investment products.

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $230.0 million to $262.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $32.1 million for the six months ended June 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.

- 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006. (continued)

Expense (continued)

Amortization of Deferred Sales Costs

Amortization of deferred sales costs increased by $47.0 million to $50.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in amortization of deferred sales costs is primarily the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from MLIM in the third quarter 2006 and from PNC in second quarter 2007.

General and Administration Expense

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Six months ended

June 30,

  Variance 
  2007  2006  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

        

Marketing and promotional

  $83,194  $23,967  $59,227  247.1%

Portfolio services

   75,723   10,579   65,144  NM 

Technology

   61,642   13,673   47,969  350.8%

Occupancy

   61,670   21,619   40,051  185.3%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   32,953   531   32,422  NM 

Other general and administration

   92,667   46,462   46,205  99.4%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $407,849  $116,831  $291,018  249.1%
              

NM–    Not Meaningful

General and administration expense increased $291.0 million, or 249.1%, for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $407.8 million compared to $116.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase in general and administration expense was due to increases in portfolio services expense of $65.1 million, marketing and promotional expense of $59.2 million, technology expense of $48.0 million, occupancy expense of $40.1 million, closed-end fund launch costs of $32.4 million and other general and administration expense of $46.2 million.

Marketing and promotional expense increased $59.2 million, or 247.1%, to $83.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $24.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 primarily due to increased marketing activities, including $46.7 million related to domestic and international marketing efforts and $12.5 million related to BlackRock’s advertising and rebranding campaign. Portfolio services costs increased by $65.1 million to $75.7 million, relating to supporting higher AUM levels and increased trading activities. Technology expenses increased $48.0 million, or 350.8%, to $61.6 million compared to $13.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of $19.2 million in technology consulting expenses associated with operating growth, an $11.1 million increase in depreciation expense and a $9.3 million increase in software licensing and maintenance costs. Occupancy costs for the six months ended June 30, 2007 totaled $61.7 million, representing a $40.1 million, or 185.3%, increase from $21.6 million for the six months ended June 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. Closed-end fund launch costs totaled $33.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 relating to two new closed-end funds launched during the period. Closed-end fund launch costs for the six months ended June 30, 2006 totaled $0.5 million. Other general and administration costs increased by $46.2 million to $92.7 million from $46.5 million, including a $17.6 million increase in professional fees and $7.1 million in incremental foreign currency remeasurement costs.

- 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006. (continued)

Fee Sharing Payment

For the six months ended June 30, 2006, BlackRock expensed a one-time fee sharing payment 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 $58.0 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $62.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 primarily reflects 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  

Six months ended

June 30,

  Variance 
  2007  2006  Amount  % 

Total non-operating income

  $371,449  $17,910  $353,539  NM 

Non-controlling interest

   (273,131)  (1,499)  (271,632) NM 
              

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

  $98,318  $16,411  $81,907  499.1%
              

NM–    Not Meaningful

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

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  Six months ended
June 30,
  Variance 
  2007  2006  Amount  % 

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

     

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

     

Private equity1

  $42,903  $—    $42,903  NM 

Real estate2

   2,457   503   1,954  388.5%

Other alternative products

   22,579   6,433   16,146  251.0%

Other3

   19,493   2,467   17,026  NM 
           

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

   87,432   9,403   78,029  NM 

Interest and dividend income

   32,095   11,007   21,088  191.6%

Interest expense

   (21,209)  (3,999)  (17,210) 430.4%
              

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

  $98,318  $16,411  $81,907  499.1%
              

NM–    Not Meaningful

1

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

2

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

3

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

- 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 six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2006. (continued)

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

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest, increased $81.9 million to $98.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $16.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as a result of a $78.0 million increase in net gain on investments, net of non-controlling interest, and a $21.1 million increase in interest and dividend income, partially offset by a $17.2 million increase in interest expense 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 market appreciation and investment gains on private equity investments and other alternative products.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $234.9$63.2 million and $78.9$11.1 million for the six monthsquarters ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 36.0%19.8% and 37.0%, respectively. The reduction in the tax rate iswas primarily the result of a greater proportionone-time tax benefit of $51.4 million recognized due to recent tax legislation changes enacted in the third quarter 2007 net income being generated in lowerthe United Kingdom and Germany, which resulted in a revaluation of certain deferred tax rate jurisdictionsliabilities.

- 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 a result ofcompared with the MLIM transaction.three months ended September 30, 2006. (continued)

Net Income

Net income totaled $417.6$255.2 million, or $3.17$1.94 per diluted share, for the sixthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and increased $283.4an increase of $236.3 million, or $1.15$1.66 per diluted share, as compared to the sixthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. Net income for the six monthsquarter ended JuneSeptember 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 expensescosts primarily related to the MLIM transactionTransaction and Quellos acquisition and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees, of $16.6$82.0 million, $8.4$8.7 million, $4.0 million and $3.2$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 $134.3$153.2 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 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 $15.1$22.7 million and MLIM integration costs of $12.1$57.1 million. Exclusive of these items, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 increased $0.96,$2.19, or 39.5%62.9%, compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 26.4%24.3% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared to 26.0%20.9% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2006. Operating margin for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 includes the impacts of $38.6$128.1 million for the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements, $40.8 million of closed-end fund launch costs and related commissions partially offset by a $6.0and $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 MLIM integration charges. revenue.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 36.4%36.9% and 34.7%35.9% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Revenue used for operating margin measurement includes a $230.0 million increase in portfolio administration and servicing costs and a $47.0 million increase in amortization of deferred sales costs for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007.2006, 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 Operation.Operations.

 

- 3944 -


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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 as compared with the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007.

Revenue

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  Three months ended  Variance 
June 30,  March 31,  
  Three months ended    
  September 30,  June 30,  Variance 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

2007  Amount %   2007  Amount % 
              
  $511,609  $453,831  $57,778  12.7%  $580,302  $527,800  $52,502  9.9%

Fixed income

   238,697   233,923   4,774  2.0%   230,373   222,506   7,867  3.5%

Cash management

   120,859   115,389   5,470  4.7%   128,381   120,859   7,522  6.2%

Alternative investment products

   79,445   70,365   9,080  12.9%   87,374   79,445   7,929  10.0%
                      

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   950,610   873,508   77,102  8.8%   1,026,430   950,610   75,820  8.0%

Investment advisory performance fees

   25,720   22,418   3,302  14.7%   149,382   25,720   123,662  480.8%
                      

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   976,330   895,926   80,404  9.0%   1,175,812   976,330   199,482  20.4%
                      

Distribution fees:

   32,867   24,820   8,047  32.4%

Distribution fees

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

Other revenue:

              

BlackRock Solutions

   46,296   42,314   3,982  9.4%   47,683   46,296   1,387  3.0%

Other revenue

   41,530   42,314   (784) (1.9)%   42,274   41,530   744  1.8%
                      

Total other revenue

   87,826   84,628   3,198  3.8%   89,957   87,826   2,131  2.4%
                      

Total revenue

  $1,097,023  $1,005,374  $91,649  9.1%  $1,298,079  $1,097,023  $201,056  18.3%
                      

Total revenue for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 increased $91.6$201.1 million, or 9.1%18.3%, to $1,097.0$1,298.1 million, compared with $1,005.4$1,097.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased $77.1$75.8 million, or 8.88.0%,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, 2007,2007. Performance fees increased $123.7 million, to $149.4 million, compared with $873.5$25.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. Performance feesOther revenue increased $3.3by $2.1 million, or 14.7%2.4%, to $25.7 million, compared with $22.4$90.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Other revenue increased by $3.2 million, or 3.8%, toSeptember 30, 2007, compared with $87.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared with $84.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $80.4$199.5 million, or 9.0%20.4%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $77.1$75.8 million, or 8.8%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 compared with $873.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and an increase in performance fees of $3.3$123.7 million, or 14.7%, 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 compared with $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 primarily due to increased AUM of $75.9$69.5 billion during secondthird quarter 2007 resulting from net new business of $51.4$41.0 billion, market appreciation of $21.8$20.3 billion and foreign exchange gains of $2.7 billion.$8.2 billion, as well as one additional revenue day.

The increase in base investment advisory and administration fees of $77.1$75.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 compared with the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 consisted of increases of $57.8$52.5 million in equity and balanced products, $9.1$7.9 million in fixed income products, $7.9 million in alternative investmentsinvestment products $5.5and $7.5 million in cash management products and $4.8 million in fixed income products. The increases in investment advisory and administration fees for equity and balanced products, fixed income products, alternative investment products and cash management and fixed income products were driven by increases in AUM of $32.9$18.3 billion, $6.3$17.5 billion, $15.0$2.8 billion and $21.8$30.9 billion, respectively.

Performance fees increased by $3.3 million to $25.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 primarily as a result of the timing of performance fee locks on various alternative products.

 

- 4045 -


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

DistributionInvestment Advisory and Administration Fees (continued)

Distribution

Performance fees increased by $8.0$123.7 million to $32.9$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 compared to $24.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in distribution fees is primarily thea result of the assumptiontiming of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007.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 $87.8$90.0 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 increased $3.2$2.1 million compared with the three months ended March 31,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, primarily drivenpartially offset by new assignments.a decline in fees for fund accounting services of $6.8 million and fees related to securities lending of $4.2 million.

ExpenseExpenses

 

  Three months ended    
  September 30,  June 30,  Variance 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  Three months ended  Variance   2007  Amount % 
June 30,  March 31,  
2007  Amount % 

Expense:

       

Expenses:

       

Employee compensation and benefits

  $413,377  $352,398  $60,979  17.3%  $505,107  $413,377  $91,730  22.2%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   131,077   131,086   (9) 0.0%   138,850   131,077   7,773  5.9%

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   28,713   21,558   7,155  33.2%

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   28,763   28,713   50  0.2%

General and administration

   210,780   197,069   13,711  7.0%   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

   31,075   31,032   43  0.1%   31,085   31,075   10  NM 
                      

Total expense

  $815,022  $733,143  $81,879  11.2%

Total expenses

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

NM– Not Meaningful

Total expenseexpenses increased $81.9$211.3 million, or 11.2%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, compared with $733.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Integration charges related to the MLIM transactionTransaction of $5.8$6.1 million and $7.1$6.0 million were recorded in general and administration expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and June 30, 2007, and March 31, 2007, respectively.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $61.0 million, or 17.3%, to $413.4 million at June 30, 2007 compared to $352.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to increases in incentive compensation, and salaries and benefits of $47.0 million and $12.2 million, respectively. The $47.0 million increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income, partially offset by lower incentive compensation associated with lower performance fees earned on the Company’s alternative investment products. The increase of $12.2 million, or 5.5%, in salaries and benefits was primarily attributable to increased stock-based compensation costs as a result of first quarter 2007 stock option and restricted stock unit grants, higher commissions from closed-end fund launches and higher staffing levels associated with business growth. Employees (excluding Metric) at June 30, 2007 totaled 4,837 as compared to 4,766 at March 31, 2007.

 

- 4146 -


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

Expense (continued)

 

Amortization of Deferred Sales CostsEmployee Compensation and Benefits

Amortization of deferred sales costsEmployee compensation and benefits expense increased by $7.2$91.7 million, or 33.2%22.2%, to $28.7$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 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 million, or 4.8%, in salaries and benefits was primarily attributable to increased payroll tax accruals on higher incentive compensation and higher staffing levels associated with business growth. Employees (excluding Metric) at September 30, 2007 totaled 5,125 as compared to $21.6 million4,837 at June 30, 2007.

Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred sales commissions was relatively unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in amortization of deferred sales costs is primarilySeptember 30, 2007 as compared to the result of the assumption of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarterthree months ended June 30, 2007.

General and Administration Expense

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  Three months ended  Variance 
  June 30,  March 31,  
  2007  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

       

Marketing and promotional

  $42,324  $40,870  $1,454  3.6%

Occupancy

   28,438   33,232   (4,794) (14.4)%

Technology

   33,205   28,438   4,767  16.8%

Portfolio services

   37,994   37,729   265  0.7%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   19,801   13,152   6,649  50.6%

Other general and administration

   49,018   43,648   5,370  12.3%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $210,780  $197,069  $13,711  7.0%
              

General and administration expense, which included MLIM integration costs of $7.1 million and $5.8 million in the first and second quarters of 2007, respectively, increased $13.7 million, or 7.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $210.8 million, compared to $197.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in general and administration expense was primarily due to increases closed-end fund launch costs of $6.6 million and other general and administration expense of $5.4 million.

Closed-end fund launch costs totaled $19.8 million and $13.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively. The increase in closed-end fund launch costs for the three months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007 was the result of the larger size of the fund which was launched in the second quarter. Other general and administration expenses increased by $5.4 million primarily related to incremental foreign currency remeasurement costs.

   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)%
              

 

- 4247 -


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

General and Administration Expense (continued)

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 $16.3 million, or 7.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to $194.4 million, compared to $210.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease in general and administration expense was primarily due to decreases in closed-end fund launch costs of $17.9 million and marketing and promotional expense of $7.2 million, partially offset by increases in occupancy of $6.1 million and portfolio services of $5.9 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and March 31,June 30, 2007 was as follows:

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  Three months ended Variance 
June 30, March 31, 
  Three months ended   
  September 30, June 30, Variance 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

2007 Amount %   2007 Amount % 
  $213,718  $157,731  $55,987  35.5%  $128,189  $213,718  $(85,529) (40.0)%
   (148,463)  (124,668)  (23,795) 19.1%   (81,539)  (148,463)  66,924  45.1%
                      

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

  $65,255  $33,063  $32,192  97.4%  $46,650  $65,255  $(18,605) (28.5)%
                      

- 48 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

NMItem 2.–    Not MeaningfulManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

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

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

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

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

  Three months ended Variance 
June 30, March 31, 
  Three months ended   
  September 30, June 30, Variance 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

2007 Amount %   2007 Amount % 
          
          

Private equity1

  $32,636  $10,267  $22,369  217.9%  $12,413  $32,636  $(20,223) (62.0)%

Real estate2

   3,621   (1,164)  4,785  NM 

Real estate

   26,915   3,621   23,294  NM 

Other alternative products

   13,929   8,650   5,279  61.0%   (4,940)  13,929   (18,869) (135.5)%

Other3

   11,554   7,939   3,615  45.5%

Other2

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

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

   61,740   25,692   36,048  140.3%   36,356   61,740   (25,384) (41.1)%

Interest and dividend income

   13,738   18,357   (4,619) (25.2)%   20,109   13,738   6,371  46.4%

Interest expense

   (10,223)  (10,986)  763  (6.9)%   (9,815)  (10,223)  408  4.0%
                      

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

  $65,255  $33,063  $32,192  97.4%  $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

March 31, 2007 results include BlackRock’s share of one-time syndication costs related to a real estate investment fund.

3

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 $32.2decreased $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 as compared to $33.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 primarily as a result of a $36.0$25.4 million decrease in net gaingains on investments, net of non-controlling interest, partially offset by a $4.6$6.4 million decreaseincrease in interest and dividend income. The increasedecrease in net gain on investments in secondthird quarter 2007 was primarily due to market appreciation anda decline in net investment gains on private equity investments.investments and other alternative products, offset by an increase in real estate products.

 

- 4349 -


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

 

Income Taxes

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

Net Income

Net income totaled $222.2$255.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 and increased $26.9an increase of $33.0 million, or 13.7%14.8%, as compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. Net income for the quarter 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, $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.

MLIM and Quellos integration costs primarily consist of compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs. Net income of $222.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 includes the after-tax impacts of certain LTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and integration expenses related to the MLIM Transaction of $8.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively. MLIM integration costs primarily include compensation costs, professional fees and rebranding costs. Net income of $195.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007 includes the after-tax impacts of certain LTIP awards to be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and integration expenses related to the MLIM Transaction of $7.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively. Exclusive of these items, and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees of $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, net income, as adjusted, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 increased $27.4$63.5 million, or 13.1%26.8%, compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007.

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 20.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 25.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 27.1%2007. Operating margin for the three months ended March 31, 2007.September 30, 2007 includes the impacts of $128.1 million for the termination of closed-end fund administration and servicing arrangements and $6.2 million of integration costs. Operating margin for the three months ended June 30, 2007 decreased primarily asincludes the resultimpact of increased$24.1 million of closed-end fund launch costs and related commissions increased amortizationand $6.0 million of deferred sales costs acquiredintegration costs. The decline in the second quarter of 2007 and increased appreciation on assets relatedoperating margin is primarily due to the Company’s deferred compensation plans, which impact non-operating incomeof the termination of closed-end fund administration and operating expense.servicing arrangements.

Operating margin, as adjusted, was 37.7% and 36.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 36.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, and March 31, 2007, respectively, andrespectively. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

- 50 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

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

In December 2006, the Company entered into aan unsecured revolving credit agreementfacility with a syndicate of banking institutions. The agreement,This facility, as amended in February 2007 (the “Credit Agreement”“2006 facility”) permits, permitted the Company to borrow up to $800 million$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 $200$500 million of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $1$3 billion. The term of the2007 facility is five years and interest accrues at the applicable London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.20%. The Company pays a commitment fee of 0.04% per annum on the undrawn balance. Additionally, for each day that the total amount outstanding is greater than 50% of the total commitments by all lenders,requires the Company pays a utilization fee of 0.05% per annum on the total amount outstanding. Financial covenants in the Credit Agreement require BlackRocknot to maintainexceed a maximum debt/leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA, ratiowhere net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3.03 to 1, which was satisfied at September 30, 2007.

The 2007 facility was used to refinance the 2006 facility and a minimum EBITDA/interest expense ratio of 4.0. At June 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. The facility is intended towill provide back-up liquidity, fund ongoing working capital for general corporate purposes and fund various investment opportunities as well as BlackRock’s near-term operating cash requirements.opportunities. At JuneSeptember 30, 2007, the Company had $360$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 facility.ten-year term. A portion of the net proceeds of the Notes was used to fund the initial cash payment for the acquisition of the fund of funds business of Quellos and 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 million in cash and $187.5 million in BlackRock common stock. The common stock will be held in escrow for up to three years and is available to satisfy certain indemnification obligations of Quellos under the asset purchase agreement. In addition, Quellos may receive up to an additional $970 million in cash and stock over three and a half years contingent upon certain operating measures.

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

 

- 4451 -


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)

 

During July 2007, the Company repaid $120,000 on the facility and extended the remaining balance into August 2007. The Company is reviewing opportunities to refinance the existing line of credit with a larger facility. Management believes that the Company has sufficient access to cash through its operations, its existing revolving credit facility and its access to debt markets.

In June 2007, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive agreement under which it will acquire certain assets of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”) for up to $1.7 billion. Under the terms of the transaction, which has been approved by the Company’s board of directors, Quellos will receive, at closing, $562Approximately $191.5 million in cash and $188cash equivalents and $1,872.8 million in investments included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2007 are held by sponsored investment funds that are consolidated by BlackRock common stock.in accordance with GAAP. The Company may not be able to access such cash or investments to use in its operating activities. In addition, Quellos may receive upa 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 an additional $970cash.

At September 30, 2007, long-term debt, including current maturities, was $946.9 million. Debt service and repayment requirements are $51.3 million in cash and/or stock over three2008, $51.3 million in 2009 and a half years contingent upon certain measures. BlackRock’s acquisition of Quellos is expected to close on or around October 1, 2007, pending regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Pursuant to existing stockholder agreements, Merrill Lynch and PNC have the right to purchase additional shares of BlackRock capital stock upon the issuance of shares to Quellos$298.0 million in order to maintain their current ownership percentages.2010.

As of JuneAt September 30, 2007, the Company had $460.0$676.3 million of various capital commitments to fund sponsored investment funds in which it has an ownership stake and an unfunded commitmentcommitments related to two private equity warehouse facilities. Generally, the timing of the funding of thesecapital commitments is uncertain.uncertain and such commitments could expire before funding. The Company intends to make additional capital commitments from time to time.

On August 2, 2006, BlackRock announced that its board of directors had authorized a new share repurchase program to purchase an additional 2.1 million shares. Pursuant to this repurchase program, BlackRock may make repurchases from time to time, as market conditions warrant, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at the discretion of management. The Company repurchased 789,5001,348,600 shares under the program in open market transactions for approximately $117.9$200.9 million through JuneSeptember 30, 2007. As a result, the Company is currently authorized to repurchase an additional 1,310,500751,400 shares under its share repurchase program.

At June 30, 2007, long-term debt, including current maturities, was $252.5 million. Debt service requirements are $3.5 million for the last six months of 2007, $6.8 million in 2008 and $6.7 million in 2009 and 2010.

Approximately $268.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1,786.9 million in investments included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at June 30, 2007 are held by sponsored investment funds that are deemed to be controlled 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 available-for-sale, equity method and cost method investments are illiquid in nature and, as such, are not readily convertible cash.

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 JuneSeptember 30, 2007, the Company was required to maintain approximately $233.1$215.7 million in net capital at these subsidiaries and is in compliance with all regulatory minimum net capital requirements.

 

- 4552 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies

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

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

Long-term borrowings2

              

Long-term notes

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

Convertible debentures3

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

Acquired management contract

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

Short-term borrowings2

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

Operating lease commitments

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

Purchase obligations

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

Investment commitments1

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

Total

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

1

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

2

Amounts include principal repayments and interest payments.

3

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

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

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

In addition, excluded from the 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 in the management and oversight of its own investment portfolio. The board of directors of the Company has adopted guidelines for the review of investments to be made by the Company, requiring, among other things, that all investments be reviewed by the Company’s Investment Committee, which consists of senior officers of the Company, and that certain investments over prescribed thresholds receive prior approval from the audit committee or the board of directors 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. Movements in equity market prices, or interest rates, foreign exchange rates, or all three, could cause revenues to decline because of lower investment managementadvisory and administration fees by:

 

causing the value of AUM to decrease;

 

causing the returns realized on AUM to decrease;

 

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

 

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

 

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

Corporate InvestmentInvestments 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. Approximately $1.8 billionrisk associated with its corporate investments.

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

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

(Dollar amounts in millions)

  September 30, 2007 

Total investments

  $2,681 

Consolidated investments

   (1,873)

Net exposure to consolidated investment funds

   347 
     

Total net “economic” investments

  $1,155 
     

Equity risk inherent in those funds would be limited toMarket Price Risk

At September 30, 2007, the Company’s net exposure of $338.4 million on these investments. BlackRock’s net exposure to equity price risk is approximately $925 million (net of $82 million of certain equity investments that are hedged via total return swaps) of the Company’s net economic investments. The Company estimates that a 10% adverse change in equity prices would result in a decrease of approximately $92.5 million in the carrying value of such investments.

Interest Rate Risk

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

- 54 -


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

As discussed above, the Company invests in sponsored investment products that invest in a variety of asset classes. The carrying value of the net economic investments that are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound sterling and the euro, was $109 million. A 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rate risk has not changed significantly since December 31, 2006.rates would result in an $10.9 million decline in the investment portfolio.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Remediation and Changes in Internal ControlsControl over Financial Reporting

In connection with its preparation of its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the interim period ended June 30, 2007, BlackRock determined that approximately $190 million of cash flows related to non-controlling interests of consolidated investment funds (which primarily reflect funds acquired in the MLIM Transaction) had been erroneously classified as cash flows from operating activities instead of cash flows from financing activities on its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the interim period ended March 31, 2007. This error, which had no effect on BlackRock’s financial condition, results of operation or margins, resulted from a deficiency in internal controls around the reconciliation processes within the financial reporting and investment accounting functions relative to the classification of cash flows related to non-controlling interests of consolidated investment funds. BlackRock’s management has determined that this control deficiency constituted a material weakness. As of June 30, 2007, BlackRock’s management believes it had remediated the material weakness. Specifically, as of June 30, 2007 BlackRock had enhanced internal controls around the reconciliation processes within the financial reporting and investment accounting functions relative to the classification of cash flows related to non-controlling interests of consolidated investment funds on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The effective operation of these enhanced internal controls resulted in BlackRock’ s management identifying the error in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the interim period ended March 31, 2007. BlackRock intends to file an amended Form 10-Q for the interim period ended March 31, 2007 as soon as practicable.

Other than changes described above and system conversion activities related to the transition of support from Merrill Lynch to BlackRock, there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the three monthsquarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2007 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 its internal control over financial reporting in light of the MLIM Transaction and expects to make additional modifications to its internal control over financial reporting based upon this review.

 

- 4655 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

See footnote 11,12, 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, the Company made the following purchases of its common stock, which are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.

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

 

   Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  

Total Number of

Shares
Purchased as

Part of Publicly
Announced Plans

of Programs

  

Maximum

Number of

Shares that May

Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plans

or Programs1

April 1, 2007 through April 30, 2007

  306,8872 $152.32  305,100  1,794,900

May 1, 2007 through May 31, 2007

  499,7992 $147.97  484,400  1,310,500

June 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007

  2,1282 $156.31  —    1,310,500
            

Total

  808,814  $149.64  789,500  
            
   

Total Number of

Shares

Purchased

  

Average Price

Paid per Share

  

Total Number of

Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced Plans

or Programs

  

Maximum

Number of

Shares that May

Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plans

or Programs1

       
       
       
       
       
       

July 1, 2007 through July 31, 2007

  1,3092 $169.92  —    1,310,500

August 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007

  559,525 2 $148.52  559,100  751,400

September 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007

  —     —    —    751,400
            

Total

  560,834  $148.57  559,100  
            

1

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

2

Includes purchases made by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding obligations with certain employees.

 

- 4756 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The annual meeting of stockholders of BlackRock was held on May 23, 2007, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following:

(1)Election of Directors. Five Class II and one Class I directors were elected and the votes cast for or against/withheld were as follows:

   Aggregate Votes
   For  Withheld

Nominees for Class II

    

William O. Albertini

  113,501,887  80,070

Dennis D. Dammerman

  113,501,687  80,270

David H. Komansky

  113,499,165  82,792

James E. Rohr

  109,385,197  4,196,760

Ralph L. Schlosstein

  113,126,036  455,921

Nominees for Class I

    

William S. Demchak

  112,588,958  992,999

The continuing directors of BlackRock are Laurence D. Fink, Robert C. Doll, Kenneth B. Dunn, Gregory J. Fleming, Murry S. Gerber, James Grosfeld, Robert S. Kapito, Sir Deryck Maughan, Thomas H. O’Brien , E. Stanley O’Neal and Linda Gosden Robinson.

(2)Ratification of Auditor. The appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2007 was ratified.

   Aggregate Votes
   For  Against  Abstain

Ratification of Appointment

  113,572,129  7,274  2,555

There were no broker non-votes for any of the items.

- 48 -


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, 2006.2006, 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.+

 

- 4957 -


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 -


Item 6. ExhibitsPART II — OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 6.Exhibits

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

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

- 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.

- 60 -


SIGNATURES

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

BLACKROCK, INC.
(Registrant)
By:

/s/ Paul L. Audet

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


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

Exhibit No.

Description

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


EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

10.14(2) Form of Restricted Stock Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.15(2) Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.16(2) Form of Directors’ Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+
10.17(6) BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.18(7) Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+
10.19(2) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among BlackRock, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and the PNC Financial Service Group, Inc.
10.20(5)Services Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, between Old BlackRock and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.
10.21(8)10.20(8) Agreement of Lease, dated May 3, 2000, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.22(9)10.21(9) Agreement of Lease, dated September 4, 2001, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.23(10)10.22(10) Share Surrender Agreement, dated October 10, 2002, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
10.24(1)10.23(1) First Amendment, dated as of February 15, 2006, to the Share Surrender Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2002, among PNC Bancorp, Inc., The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and Old BlackRock.
10.25(16)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.
10.26(11)10.25(11) Amended and Restated 1999 Annual Incentive Performance Plan. +
10.27(12)10.26(12) Agreement of Lease, dated July 29, 2004, between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.28(12)10.27(12) Letter Agreement, dated July 29, 2004, amending the Agreement of Lease between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.
10.29(13)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.
10.30(4)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.

- 50 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATIONEXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

Item 6.Exhibits

 

10.31(1)10.30(1) Implementation and Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, among The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., BlackRock and Old BlackRock.
10.32(1)10.31(1) Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.33(2)10.32(2) Letter to Robert C. Doll.+
10.34(14)10.33(14) Global Distribution Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
10.35(14)10.34(14) Transition Services Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.
10.36(15)Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2006, by and among BlackRock, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, various lenders, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager, and ABN Amro Bank, N.V., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank and UBS Loan Finance LLC, as documentation agents.
10.37 (17)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 the Registrant’sBlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-33099) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2006.

(3)Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’sBlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-137708) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2006.

(4)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) for the year ended December 31, 2004.

(5)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-78367), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1999.

(6)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-32406), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2000.

(7)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.

(8)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.

(9)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

(10)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

(11)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the year ended December 31, 2002.

(12)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

(13)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on August 30, 2004.

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

(15)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.

(16)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2007.

(17)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2007.

+Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements.

- 51 -


SIGNATURES

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

BLACKROCK, INC.
(Registrant)
By:

/S/ PAUL L. AUDET

Date: August 10, 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.

10.1(5)

Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.

10.2(3)

BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.3(3)

Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.4(3)

Amendment No. 2 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.5(3)

Amendment No. 3 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.6(3)

Amendment No. 4 to the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.7(3)

BlackRock, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+

10.8(3)

Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+

10.9(3)

Amendment No. 2 to 2002 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Program.+

10.10(3)

BlackRock, Inc. Nonemployee Directors Stock Compensation Plan.+

10.11(3)

BlackRock, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+

10.12(3)

BlackRock, Inc. Involuntary Deferred Compensation Plan.+

10.13(2)

Form of Stock Option Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Stock Options under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+


EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

10.14(2)

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.15(2)

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.16(2)

Form of Directors’ Restricted Stock Unit Agreement expected to be used in connection with future grants of Restricted Stock Units under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.+

10.17(6)

BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+

10.18(7)

Amendment No. 1 to the BlackRock International, Ltd. Amended and Restated Long-Term Deferred Compensation Plan.+

10.19(2)

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among BlackRock, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and the PNC Financial Service Group, Inc.

10.20(5)

Services Agreement, dated October 6, 1999, between Old BlackRock and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., formerly PNC Bank Corp.

10.21(8)

Agreement of Lease, dated May 3, 2000, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.

10.22(9)

Agreement of Lease, dated September 4, 2001, between 40 East 52nd Street L.P. and Old BlackRock.

10.23(10)

Share Surrender Agreement, dated October 10, 2002, among Old BlackRock, PNC Asset Management, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

10.24(1)

First Amendment, dated as of February 15, 2006, to the Share Surrender Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2002, among PNC Bancorp, Inc., The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and Old BlackRock.

10.25(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.

10.26(11)

Amended and Restated 1999 Annual Incentive Performance Plan. +

10.27(12)

Agreement of Lease, dated July 29, 2004, between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.

10.28(12)

Letter Agreement, dated July 29, 2004, amending the Agreement of Lease between Park Avenue Plaza Company L.P. and Old BlackRock.

10.29(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.

10.30(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)

10.31(1)

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

10.32(1)

Stockholder Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2006, between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.

10.33(2)

Letter to Robert C. Doll.+

10.34(14)

Global Distribution Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

10.35(14)

Transition Services Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, by and between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and BlackRock.

10.36(15)

Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2006, by and among BlackRock, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, various lenders, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager, and ABN Amro Bank, N.V., HSBC Bank USA, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank and UBS Loan Finance LLC, as documentation agents.

10.37(17)

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2007, by and among BlackRock, Inc., BAA Holdings, LLC and Quellos Holdings, LLC.

12.1

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

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)(18)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on February 22, 2006.

(2)Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-33099) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2006.

(3)Incorporated by Reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-137708) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2006.

(4)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) for the year ended December 31, 2004.

(5)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-78367), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1999.

(6)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-32406), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2000.

(7)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.

(8)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.

(9)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

(10)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

(11)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the year ended December 31, 2002.

(12)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-15305), for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

(13)Incorporated by Reference to Old BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-15305) filed on August 30, 2004.

(14)Incorporated by Referencereference to BlackRock’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2006.S-3 (Registration No. 333- 45976).

(15)(19)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.September 17, 2007.

(16)(20)Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15,August 27, 2007.

(17)+Incorporated by reference to BlackRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2007.Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements.

+ Denotes compensatory plans or arrangements.