UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from            to            .

Commission file number 001-33099

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 32-0174431

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(212) 810-5300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

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

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

Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

As of April 30,July 31, 2008, there were 117,807,051118,059,866 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

  6

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  2527

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  4554

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures  4755

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings  4756

Item 2.

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  4756

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders57

Item 6.

  Exhibits  4858

 

- ii -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   June 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,194,180  $1,656,200   $1,427,522  $1,656,200 

Accounts receivable

   1,490,837   1,235,940    1,569,116   1,235,940 

Due from related parties

   254,337   174,853    204,476   174,853 

Investments

   1,922,928   1,999,944    1,941,525   1,999,944 

Separate account assets

   4,147,981   4,669,874    4,026,713   4,669,874 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions, net

   169,503   174,849    168,271   174,849 

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

   270,607   266,460 

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

   6,543,604   6,553,122 

Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $267,074 at June 30, 2008 and $225,645 at December 31, 2007)

   265,399   266,460 

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $251,591 at June 30, 2008 and $178,450 at December 31, 2007)

   6,507,087   6,553,122 

Goodwill

   5,500,414   5,519,714    5,535,174   5,519,714 

Other assets

   322,013   310,559    371,969   310,559 
              

Total assets

  $21,816,404  $22,561,515   $22,017,252  $22,561,515 
       
       

Liabilities

      

Accrued compensation and benefits

  $419,486  $1,086,590   $666,190  $1,086,590 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   1,103,655   788,968    1,029,636   788,968 

Due to related parties

   111,590   114,347    93,972   114,347 

Short-term borrowings

   300,000   300,000    300,000   300,000 

Long-term borrowings

   947,162   947,021    946,552   947,021 

Separate account liabilities

   4,147,981   4,669,874    4,026,713   4,669,874 

Deferred tax liabilities

   2,018,569   2,059,980    1,993,398   2,059,980 

Other liabilities

   374,256   419,570    286,694   419,570 
              

Total liabilities

   9,422,699   10,386,350    9,343,155   10,386,350 
              

Non-controlling interests

   579,496   578,210    544,388   578,210 
              

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

      

Stockholders’ equity

      

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

   1,186   1,186 

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

   126   126 

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 118,573,367 shares issued, 117,071,411 and 116,059,560 shares outstanding at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   1,186   1,186 

Series A participating preferred stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and 12,604,918 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007)

   126   126 

Additional paid-in capital

   10,293,720   10,274,096    10,342,601   10,274,096 

Retained earnings

   1,759,534   1,622,041    1,929,726   1,622,041 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   91,620   71,020    91,504   71,020 

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

   (187,500)  (187,500)

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

   (144,477)  (184,014)

Escrow shares, common, at cost (911,266 and 1,191,785 held at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   (143,367)  (187,500)

Treasury stock, common, at cost (590,690 and 1,322,022 shares held at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

   (92,067)  (184,014)
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   11,814,209   11,596,955    12,129,709   11,596,955 
              

Total liabilities, non-controlling interests and stockholders’ equity

  $21,816,404  $22,561,515   $22,017,252  $22,561,515 
              

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 1 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2008 2007   2008 2007 2008 2007 

Revenue

        

Investment advisory and administration base fees

        

Related parties

  $747,962  $574,780   $773,477  $625,424  $1,521,439  $1,200,204 

Other

   384,916   298,728 

Other third parties

   387,880   325,186   772,796   623,914 

Investment advisory performance fees

   41,543   22,418    57,079   25,720   98,622   48,138 
                    

Investment advisory and administration fees

   1,174,421   895,926 

Investment advisory and administration base and performance fees

   1,218,436   976,330   2,392,857   1,872,256 

Distribution fees

   35,319   24,820    33,683   32,867   69,002   57,687 

Other revenue

        

Other

   85,541   80,231 

Other third parties

   125,777   80,780   211,318   161,011 

Related parties

   4,857   4,397    9,055   7,046   13,912   11,443 
                    

Total revenue

   1,300,138   1,005,374    1,386,951   1,097,023   2,687,089   2,102,397 
                    

Expenses

        

Employee compensation and benefits

   468,949   347,302    551,954   408,773   1,020,903   756,075 

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

        

Related parties

   130,246   117,516    126,968   115,452   257,214   232,969 

Other

   25,493   13,570 

Other third parties

   26,650   15,625   52,143   29,194 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   30,208   21,558    33,422   28,713   63,630   50,271 

General and administration

        

Other

   203,650   191,692 

Other third parties

   203,794   190,752   407,576   382,445 

Related parties

   9,333   10,473    2,601   24,632   11,802   35,104 

Amortization of intangible assets

   36,569   31,032    36,572   31,075   73,141   62,107 
                    

Total expenses

   904,448   733,143    981,961   815,022   1,886,409   1,548,165 
                    

Operating income

   395,690   272,231    404,990   282,001   800,680   554,232 
                    

Non-operating income (expense)

        

Net gain (loss) on investments

   (19,489)  150,360    (467)  210,203   (19,956)  360,563 

Interest and dividend income

   18,339   18,357    13,924   13,738   32,263   32,095 

Interest expense

   (17,378)  (10,986)   (16,720)  (10,223)  (34,098)  (21,209)
                    

Total non-operating income (expense)

   (18,528)  157,731    (3,263)  213,718   (21,791)  371,449 
                    

Income before income taxes and non-controlling interest

   377,162   429,962 

Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests

   401,727   495,719   778,889   925,681 

Income tax expense

   130,131   109,906    147,569   125,012   277,700   234,918 
                    

Income before non-controlling interest

   247,031   320,056 

Non-controlling interest

   5,360   124,668 

Income before non-controlling interests

   254,158   370,707   501,189   690,763 

Non-controlling interests

   (19,900)  148,463   (14,540)  273,131 
             
       

Net income

  $241,671  $195,388   $274,058  $222,244  $515,729  $417,632 
                    

Earnings per share:

        

Basic

  $1.87  $1.52   $2.12  $1.73  $3.99  $3.25 

Diluted

  $1.82  $1.48   $2.05  $1.69  $3.87  $3.17 

Cash dividends declared and paid per share

  $0.78  $0.67   $0.78  $0.67  $1.56  $1.34 

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

        

Basic

   128,904,253   128,809,726    129,569,325   128,544,894   129,242,591   128,676,577 

Diluted

   132,876,553   131,895,570    133,526,713   131,383,470   133,189,957   131,580,121 

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
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2008 2007   2008 2007  2008 2007 

Net income

  $241,671  $195,388   $274,058  $222,244  $515,729  $417,632 

Other comprehensive income:

         

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

   (5,165)  (1,457)

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

   1,228   586   (3,937)  (871)

Minimum pension liability adjustment

   (542)  —      —     —     (542)  —   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   26,307   2,203    (1,344)  16,371   24,963   18,574 
                    

Comprehensive income

  $262,271  $196,134   $273,942  $239,201  $536,213  $435,335 
                    

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)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2008 2007   2008 2007 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net income

  $241,671  $195,388   $515,729  $417,632 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

      

Depreciation and other amortization

   57,491   46,062    115,346   94,686 

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   30,208   21,558    63,630   50,271 

Non-controlling interest

   5,360   124,668 

Non-controlling interests

   (14,540)  273,131 

Stock-based compensation

   69,539   41,418    133,071   91,430 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

   (42,457)  103,426    (66,323)  41,462 

Other net gains and net proceeds (purchases) of investments

   31,231   (174,101)   16,185   (329,149)

Earnings from equity method investees

   9,909   (2,406)   (10,410)  (22,475)

Distributions of earnings from equity method investees

   9,929   —      13,946   5,118 

Other adjustments

   (429)  6,003    (757)  (1,669)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

   (245,204)  (317,950)   (323,765)  (113,288)

Due from related parties

   (79,484)  40,693    (29,623)  35,095 

Deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (24,862)  (5,255)   (57,052)  (26,948)

Investments, trading

   110,460   (20,653)   221,682   (134,615)

Other assets

   (19,891)  (99,745)   59,879   (219,485)

Accrued compensation and benefits

   (666,763)  (534,942)   (415,186)  (362,267)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   328,406   149,898    255,659   150,583 

Due to related parties

   (2,757)  (85,127)   (20,375)  (158,788)

Other liabilities

   57,310   25,865    24,377   131,667 
              

Cash flows from operating activities

   (130,333)  (485,200)   481,473   (77,609)
              

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Purchases of investments

   (138,079)  (125,629)   (285,221)  (214,786)

Purchases of assets held for sale

   (58,719)  —   

Proceeds from sales of investments

   27,402   41,742    52,231   128,311 

Distributions of capital from equity method investees

   1,570   —      7,995   —   

Purchases of property and equipment

   (24,594)  (27,983)   (39,903)  (62,305)

Net consolidations (deconsolidations) of sponsored investment funds

   —     (5,709)   —     (5,709)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   —     (53,501)   —     (42,198)

Proceeds from other investing activities

   4,361   —   
              

Cash flows from investing activities

   (133,701)  (171,080)   (319,256)  (196,687)
              

 

- 4 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2008 2007   2008 2007 

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Short-term borrowings

   —     550,000 

Repayment of long-term borrowings

   (751)  —   

Repayment of short-term borrowings

   (100,000)  —   

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

   100,000   360,000 

Cash dividends paid

   (104,178)  (88,417)   (208,044)  (176,766)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

   5,135   32,194    17,712   36,737 

Reissuance of treasury stock

   1,241   —      2,873   3,810 

Purchase of treasury stock

   (35,692)  (164,396)   (43,236)  (286,758)

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

   1,685   54,615    (9,874)  192,864 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

   19,868   43,609    46,750   61,348 

Net borrowings by consolidated sponsored investments funds

   (92,701)  84,996 

Net proceeds/(repayments) of borrowings by consolidated sponsored investment funds

   (202,393)  261,616 

Other financing activities

   —     (1,183)
              

Cash flows from financing activities

   (204,642)  512,601    (396,963)  451,668 
              

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   6,656   2,203    6,068   18,574 
              

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (462,020)  (141,476)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (228,678)  195,946 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,656,200   1,160,304    1,656,200   1,160,304 
              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,194,180  $1,018,828   $1,427,522  $1,356,250 
              

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Cash paid for interest

  $29,139  $6,707   $32,537  $13,684 
       

Cash paid for income taxes

  $57,746  $50,315   $294,575  $102,758 
       

Supplemental non-cash flow information:

      

Issuance of treasury stock

  $73,594  $63,953   $109,481  $81,390 

Decrease in investments due to net deconsolidations of sponsored investment funds

  $5,759  $181,953   $5,935  $181,953 

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

  $5,759  $203,923   $5,935  $167,016 

PNC LTIP capital contributions

  $4,503  $173,497   $5,090  $174,932 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 5 -


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 vehicles. Investment management services primarily consist of the active management of fixed income, cash management and equity client accounts, the management of open-end and closed-end mutual fund families and other non-U.S. equivalent retail products serving the institutional and retail markets, and the management of alternative funds developed to serve various customer needs. In addition, BlackRock provides risk management, strategicfinancial markets advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of clients. Financial markets advisory services include valuation of illiquid securities, dispositions and workouts, risk management and strategic planning and execution.

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

 

1.Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

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

The preparation of 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain financial information that normally is included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted herein. These 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, 2007, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2008.

The interim financial information at March 31,June 30, 2008 and for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim information includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s results for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. Certain amounts in the Company’s prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

- 6 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Recent Accounting DevelopmentsBasis of Presentation(continued)

Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issuedBlackRock adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”) as of January 1, 2008, which requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value. SFAS No. 157 definesestablishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure 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 inputs, as defined). The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

- 7 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Basis of Presentation (continued)

Assets and Liabilities to be Disposed of by Sale

In the course of the business of establishing real estate and private equity sponsored investment funds, the Company may purchase land, properties and third party private equity funds while incurring liabilities directly associated with the assets, together a disposal group, with the intention to sell the disposal group to sponsored investment funds upon their launch. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, the Company treats these assets and liabilities as a “disposal group”, measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value. Losses are recognized for any initial or subsequent write-down to fair value and gains are recognized for any subsequent increase in fair value, but not in excess of the cumulative loss previously recognized.

At June 30, 2008, the Company held disposal group assets of $129,598 and related liabilities of $71,150 in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on its condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Disposal group liabilities include approximately $56,900 of borrowings directly associated with the disposal group assets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recorded losses of $3,276 within non-operating income on its condensed consolidated statements of income related to the disposal group.

Recent Accounting Developments

Fair Value Measurements

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

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of FSP FAS 157-2 related to non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities. The partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2 for non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 8 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

Fair Value Option

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities(“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The unrealizedUnrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis, it shouldmust be applied to an entire instrument and it is irrevocable once elected. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to the fair value option shouldSFAS No. 159 would be reported separately in the balance sheetstatement of financial condition from those instruments measured using another measurement attribute.accounting method. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, however, elected not to apply the fair value option to any of its eligible financial assets or liabilities.liabilities at that date. Therefore, the adoption of SFAS No. 159 had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company may elect the fair value option for any future eligible financial assets or liabilities upon their initial recognition.

- 7 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

Non-Controlling Interests

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51. (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,Consolidated Financial Statements, to establishestablishes accounting and reporting standards for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary and clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity, separate from the parent’s equity, in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 requires retroactiveretrospective adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing non-controlling interests. All other requirements of SFAS No. 160 shall be applied prospectively. The Company is currently is evaluating the potential impact of SFAS No. 160 on its consolidated financial statements.

- 9 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments(continued)

Business Combinations

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

Investment Companies

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

- 8 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments

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

Useful Life of Intangible Assets

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3,Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”). FSP FAS 142-3 is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of an intangible asset determined under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R) and other GAAP. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 on its consolidated financial statements.

- 10 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

1.Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Developments(continued)

Convertible Debt Instruments

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1,Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FSP APB 14-1”). FSP APB 14-1 specifies that for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in the statement of financial condition. The excess of the initial proceeds of the convertible debt instrument over the amount allocated to the liability component creates a debt discount which should be amortized as interest expense over the expected life of the liability. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and is to be applied retrospectively. At June 30, 2008 the Company had $249,997 principal amount of convertible debentures outstanding, which were issued in February 2005, bear interest at a rate of 2.625%, and are due in 2035. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP APB 14-1 on its consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Per Share

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1,Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities(“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 specifies that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. All prior period EPS data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively. The Company has awarded restricted stock and restricted stock units with nonforfeitable dividend equivalent rights and is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 on the Company’s EPS.

- 11 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2.Investments

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

 

  Carrying Value  Carrying Value
  March 31,
2008
  December 31,
2007
  June 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007

Available-for-sale investments

  $261,355  $263,795  $244,354  $263,795

Trading investments

   278,572   395,006   167,350   395,006

Other investments:

        

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   728,536   760,378   730,042   760,378

Equity method

   626,679   554,016   776,462   554,016

Deferred compensation plan investments

   23,732   22,710   23,218   22,710

Cost method

   4,054   4,039   99   4,039
            

Total other investments

   1,383,001   1,341,143   1,529,821   1,341,143
            

Total investments

  $1,922,928  $1,999,944  $1,941,525  $1,999,944
            

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had $907,562$792,219 of total investments held by consolidated sponsored investment funds of which $179,026$62,177 and $728,536$730,042 were classified as trading investments and other investments, respectively.

- 9 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2.Investments (continued)

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

 

     Gross Unrealized       Gross Unrealized Carrying

March 31, 2008

  Cost  Gains  Losses Carrying
Value

June 30, 2008

  Cost  Gains  Losses Value

Total available-for-sale investments:

              

Sponsored investment funds

  $245,627  $3,464  $(4,351) $244,740  $229,894  $3,459  $(2,893) $230,460

Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”)

   7,110   668   —     7,778   7,913   143   —     8,056

Corporate debt

   8,273   —     (2,336)  5,937

Other debt securities

   4,365   —     (1,256)  3,109

Other

   2,811   89   —     2,900   2,815   —     (86)  2,729
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $263,821  $4,221  $(6,687) $261,355  $244,987  $3,602  $(4,235) $244,354
            
            

December 31, 2007

                      

Total available-for-sale investments:

              

Sponsored investment funds

  $245,677  $5,894  $(1,217) $250,354  $245,677  $5,894  $(1,217) $250,354

Collateralized debt obligations

   10,458   53   —     10,511   10,458   53   —     10,511

Other

   2,815   115   —     2,930   2,815   115   —     2,930
                        

Total available-for-sale investments

  $258,950  $6,062  $(1,217) $263,795  $258,950  $6,062  $(1,217) $263,795
                        

- 12 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2.Investments (continued)

During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $4,853 and $1,831, respectively, related to other debt securities and CDO available-for-sale investments.

The Company has reviewed the gross unrealized losses of $6,687 as of March 31,$4,235 at June 30, 2008 related to available-for-sale investments, of which $6,516$291 had been in a loss position for lessgreater 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 additional impairments on such securities.

During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded impairments of $1,430 and $393, to its CDO investments, respectively.

- 10 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2.Investments (continued)

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

 

  March 31, 2008  December 31, 2007  June 30, 2008  December 31, 2007
  Cost  Carrying
Value
  Cost  Carrying
Value
  Cost  Carrying
Value
  Cost  Carrying
Value

Trading investments:

                

Deferred compensation plan mutual fund investments

  $43,100  $42,929  $40,394  $44,680  $37,324  $44,399  $40,394  $44,680

Equity securities

   92,534   99,039   103,058   116,742   96,182   102,596   103,058   116,742

Municipal debt securities

   141,848   126,764   239,398   233,584   10,302   10,266   239,398   233,584

Foreign government debt securities

   8,608   8,470   —     —     8,311   7,945   —     —  

U.S. government securities

   1,392   1,370   —     —  

Corporate debt securities

   1,285   1,250   —     —  

U.S. government debt securities

   898   894   —     —  
                        

Total trading investments

  $287,482  $278,572  $382,850  $395,006  $154,302  $167,350  $382,850  $395,006
                        

Other investments:

                

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

  $610,883  $728,536  $721,300  $760,378  $645,583  $730,042  $721,300  $760,378

Equity method

   563,175   626,679   463,497   554,016   694,291   776,462   463,497   554,016

Deferred compensation plan hedge fund investments

   17,851   23,732   14,086   22,710   23,629   23,218   14,086   22,710

Cost method

   4,054   4,054   4,039   4,039   99   99   4,039   4,039
                        

Total other investments

  $1,195,963  $1,383,001  $1,202,922  $1,341,143  $1,363,602  $1,529,821  $1,202,922  $1,341,143
                        

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

- 13 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2.Investments (continued)

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

The carrying value of debt securities, classified as available-for-sale and trading investments, by contractual maturity at March 31,June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

   Carrying Value

Maturity date

  March 31,
2008
  December 31,
2007

<1 year

  $1,370  $—  

1-5 years

   1,676   9,567

5-10 years

   6,946   28,677

After 10 years

   132,549   195,340
        

Total

  $142,541  $233,584
        

- 11 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2.Investments (continued)

   Carrying Value

Maturity date

  June 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007

<1 year

  $1,762  $—  

1-5 years

   1,470   9,567

5-10 years

   3,955   28,677

After 10 years

   16,277   195,340
        

Total

  $23,464  $233,584
        

At March 31,June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the debt securities in the table above primarily consistconsisted of municipal, corporate, U.S. and foreign government debt securities held by twoseveral sponsored investment funds that are consolidated in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of financial statements.condition.

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

 

  March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   June 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $100,034  $66,971   $56,317  $66,971 

Investments

   907,562   1,054,208    792,219   1,054,208 

Other net liabilities

   (119,433)  (218,337)   (7,326)  (218,337)

Non-controlling interests

   (579,496)  (578,210)   (544,388)  (578,210)
              

Total exposure to consolidated investment funds

  $308,667  $324,632   $296,822  $324,632 
              

- 14 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

2.Investments (continued)

BlackRock’s total exposure to consolidated sponsored investment funds of $308,667$296,822 and $324,632 at March 31,June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, represents the fair value of the Company’s economic ownership interest in these sponsored investment funds. Valuation changes associated with these consolidated investment funds are reflected in non-operating income and non-controlling interest.interests. Approximately $117,028$7,336 and $209,729 of borrowings by consolidated sponsored investment funds at March 31,June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, is included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

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

 

- 12 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3.Fair Value Disclosures

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

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

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

Level 2 Inputs - Other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 assets include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, suchJune 30, 2008 were as models or other valuation methodologies. Investments which generally are included in this category include securities held within consolidated hedge funds as well as restricted public securities valued at a discount.

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

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

 

- 13 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3.Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

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

  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

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

(Level 3)
  Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (1)
  Investments at
March 31, 2008
  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

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

(Level 3)
  Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (1)
  Investments at
June 30, 2008

Investments:

                    

Available-for-sale

  $159,146  $100,347  $1,862  $—    $261,355  $144,695  $97,994  $1,665  $   $244,354

Trading

   151,808   126,764   —     —     278,572   167,350   —     —     —     167,350

Other investments:

          

Consolidated sponsored investment funds

   —     58,774   669,762   —     728,536   —     49,654   680,388   —     730,042

Equity method

   —     —     593,224   33,455   626,679   —     56,946   681,151   38,365   776,462

Deferred compensation plan investments

   —     —     23,732   —     23,732   —     —     23,218   —     23,218

Cost method

   —     —     —     4,054   4,054   —     —     —     99   99
                              

Total Investments

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

Total investments

  $312,045  $204,594  $1,386,422  $38,464  $1,941,525
                              

 

(1)

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

- 15 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3.Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

The Company has $4,147,981$4,026,713 of separate account assets, representing segregated funds held for purposes of funding individual and group pension contracts, and equal and offsetting separate account liabilities of which $52,000approximately $60,000 is not held at fair value. Excluding approximately $52,000$60,000 not subject to SFAS No. 157, approximately 96%97%, 4%3% and less than 1% of the separate account assets and liabilities are classified as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, respectively. The net investment income and net gains and losses attributable to separate account assets accrue directly to the contract owner and are not reported as revenue inon the condensed consolidated statements of income.

- 14 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

3.Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

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

Changes in Level 3 Investments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the three months ended March 31,Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

 

  Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2008
   Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2008
 Six Months
Ended

June 30,
2008
 

December 31, 2007

  $1,239,519 

Beginning of period

  $1,288,580  $1,239,519 

Realized and unrealized gains / (losses), net

   7,294    (7,794)  (500)

Purchases, sales, other settlements and issuances, net

   41,767    137,269   179,036 

Net transfers in and/or out of Level 3

   —      (31,633)  (31,633)
           

March 31, 2008

  $1,288,580 

June 30, 2008

  $1,386,422  $1,386,422 
           

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

  $(6,098)

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

  $(12,761) $(18,859)

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

 

- 1516 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

4.Derivatives and Hedging

For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended.

During first quarterthe six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company was a counterparty to a series of total return swaps to economically hedge against changes in fair value of certain seed investments in sponsored investment products. At March 31,June 30, 2008 the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $79,084$73,628 and net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) of approximately $9,486$11,521 and ($292)3,670) for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, which were included in non-operating income in(expense) on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income.

In December 2007, BlackRock entered into capital support agreements, up to $100,000, with two enhanced cash funds,funds. These capital support agreements are backed by letters of credit (“LOCs”) in whichissued under BlackRock’s revolving credit facility (see Note 7 for further discussion). During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company provided approximately $1,000 of capital contributions to these two funds under the capital support agreements. BlackRock agreed to reimbursedetermined that the bank for any amounts drawn on the LOCs.capital support agreements qualified as derivatives under SFAS No. 133. At March 31,June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the derivative liabilityliabilities for the fair value of the capital support agreements for the two funds totaled approximately $9,300$9,100 and $12,000, respectively.respectively, which are recorded in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The amount of the liabilitythese liabilities will increase or decrease as BlackRock’s obligationobligations under the guarantee fluctuatescapital support agreements fluctuate based on the fair value of the derivative.derivatives.

 

5.Goodwill

Goodwill at March 31,June 30, 2008 and changes during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 were as follows:

 

December 31, 2007

  $5,519,714   $5,519,714 

Goodwill adjustments related to:

    

Quellos

   (20,881)   18,297 

Fund of hedge funds manager

   1,581 

Other

   (2,837)
        

Total goodwill adjustments

   (19,300)   15,460 
        

March 31, 2008

  $5,500,414 

June 30, 2008

  $5,535,174 
        

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 goodwill of the Company reducedincreased by $15,460. Approximately $44,100 was recorded as additional goodwill due to the release of 280,519 common shares to Quellos, which were held in escrow in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement. This increase was partially offset by $19,300. Approximately $15,800a decline in goodwill of the reduction wasapproximately $15,900 as a result of the Company’s review of the Quellos purchase price allocation in the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $5,100a decrease of approximately $10,200 related to tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill. At March 31,June 30, 2008, the balance of the Quellos tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill was $422,000.approximately $427,500. Goodwill will continue to be reduced in future periods by the amount of tax benefits realized from tax-deductible goodwill in excess of book goodwill.

 

- 1617 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

6.Intangible Assets

The carrying amounts of identifiable intangible assets are summarized as follows:

 

  Indefinite-lived
intangible assets
  Finite-lived
intangible assets
 Total   Indefinite-lived
intangible assets
  Finite-lived
intangible assets
 Total 

December 31, 2007

  $5,351,132  $1,201,990  $6,553,122   $5,351,132  $1,201,990  $6,553,122 

Purchase price adjustments

   27,000   51   27,051    27,000   106   27,106 

Amortization expense

   —     (36,569)  (36,569)   —     (73,141)  (73,141)
                    

March 31, 2008

  $5,378,132  $1,165,472  $6,543,604 

June 30, 2008

  $5,378,132  $1,128,955  $6,507,087 
                    

The purchase price adjustments to intangible assets during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 primarily related to the Company’s review of its purchase price allocation ofin the three months ended March 31, 2008 related to the net assets acquired from Quellos.

 

7.Borrowings

Short-Term Borrowings

In August 2007, the Company entered into a five-year $2,500,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (“the 2007 facility”(the “2007 Facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $500,000 of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $3,000,000. The 2007 facilityFacility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA, where net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1, which was satisfied at March 31,June 30, 2008.

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had $300,000 outstanding under the 2007 facilityFacility with interest rates between 2.855%2.655% to 5.105% and maturity dates between AprilJuly 2008 and September 2008. During AprilJuly 2008 the Company repaid $100,000 of the balance outstanding.

In addition, in December 2007, in order to support two enhanced cash funds that BlackRock manages, BlackRock elected to procure two LOCs under the 2007 Facility totaling in aggregate $100,000.

In June 2008, BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a five billion Japanese yen commitment-line agreement with a banking institution (the “Japan Commitment-line”). The term of the Japan Commitment-line is one year and interest will accrue at the applicable Japanese short-term prime rate. The Japan Commitment-line is intended to provide liquidity flexibility for operating requirements in Japan. At June 30, 2008, the Company had no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2008.on the Japan Commitment-line.

Long-Term Borrowings

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the estimated fair value of the Company’s $249,997 aggregate principal amount of convertible debentures was $556,700.$447,225. The fair value was estimated using a market prices.price as of the end of June 2008.

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the Company’s $700,000 long-term notes was $731,353.$694,819 and $695,926, respectively. The fair value was estimated using an applicable bond index.index as of the end of June 2008.

 

- 1718 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

8.Related Party Transaction

On February 29, 2008, the Company committed to provide financing, if needed, of up to $60,000 to Anthracite Capital, Inc. (“Anthracite”), a specialty commercial real estate finance company that is managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. Financing is collateralized by Anthracite pledging its ownership interest in an investment fund which is also managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. AtBorrowings of $52,500, which were outstanding at March 31, 2008, $52,500 of financing was outstanding with interest rates between 5.15% and 5.44%, which was included in due from affiliates on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition, and was subsequentlywere repaid in April 2008. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, Anthracite borrowed $30,000 at an interest rate of 5.295%.

 

9.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Investment / Loan Commitments

At June 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $692,275 of certain investment and loan commitments relating primarily to real estate funds, hedge funds, funds of private equity funds and a warehouse entity established for certain private equity funds of funds. Amounts to be funded generally are callable at any point prior to the expiration of the commitment.

Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

BlackRock has received subpoenas from various U.S. federal and state governmental and regulatory authorities and various information requests from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)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 and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions, and other litigation and regulatory proceedings arising in connection with BlackRock’s activities. While Merrill Lynch has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain of the pre-closing liabilities related to legal and regulatory proceedings acquired in the MLIM Transaction, entities that BlackRock now owns may be named as defendants in these matters and the Company’s reputation may be negatively impacted. Additionally, certain of the investment funds that the Company manages are subject to lawsuits, any of which could potentially harm the investment returns of the applicable fund or result in the Company being liable to the funds for any resulting damages.

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

- 19 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

9.Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Contingencies (continued)

Indemnifications

In the ordinary course of business, BlackRock enters into contracts with third parties pursuant to which theit may agree to indemnify third parties provide services on behalf of BlackRock. In many of the contracts, BlackRock agrees to indemnify the third party service provider underin certain circumstances. The terms of the indemnitythese indemnities vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined.

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

- 18 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

9.Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Indemnifications (continued)

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

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.is remote. 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. Consequently, no liability has been recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

- 20 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation

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

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  2008  2007  2008  2007  2008  2007

Stock-based compensation:

            

Restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”)

  $50,985  $27,019  $47,780  $32,463  $98,927  $59,565

Stock options

   3,533   2,356   839   3,533   4,372   5,889

Long-term incentive plans (funded by PNC)

   15,021   12,043

Long-term incentive plans (funded by PNC1)

   14,751   13,933   29,772   25,976
                  

Total stock-based compensation

  $69,539  $41,418  $63,370  $49,929  $133,071  $91,430
                  

1

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Stock Options

Options outstanding at June 30, 2008 and changes during the six months ended June 30, 2008 were as follows:

Outstanding at

  Shares
Under
Option
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

December 31, 2007

  4,101,165  $86.19

Exercised

  (474,798) $37.30

Forfeited

  (298,635) $169.07
     

June 30, 2008

  3,327,732  $85.73
     

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $82,543.

 

- 1921 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

 

Stock Options (continued)

Options outstanding at March 31, 2008

The three and changes during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 wereincluded a cumulative adjustment to the estimated forfeiture rate for unvested stock options as follows:

Outstanding at

  Shares
Under
Option
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

December 31, 2007

  4,101,165  $86.19

Exercised

  (134,150) $38.28
     

March 31, 2008

  3,967,015  $87.81
     

The aggregate intrinsic valuea result of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $23,526.additional data on actual forfeiture activity.

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had $53,189$39,752 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 3.53.3 years.

Restricted Stock and RSUs

Restricted stock and RSU activityRSUs outstanding at March 31,June 30, 2008 and changes during the threesix months then ended March 31,June 30, 2008 were as follows:

 

Outstanding at

  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
Units
  Weighted
Average
Grant Date

Fair Value

December 31, 2007

  3,709,008  $158.01

Granted

  1,505,286  $202.29

Converted

  (394,199) $155.20

Forfeited

  (53,267) $154.84
     

March 31, 2008

  4,766,828  $172.26
     

- 20 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Restricted Stock and RSUs (continued)

Outstanding at

  Unvested
Restricted
Stock and
RSUs
  Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

December 31, 2007

  3,709,008  $158.01

Granted

  1,551,502  $202.48

Converted

  (433,055) $149.05

Forfeited

  (183,239) $160.03
     

June 30, 2008

  4,644,216  $173.62
     

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

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

In January 2008, the Company granted 1,186,3061,212,759 RSUs to employees as part of annual incentive compensation under the BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Award Plan”) that vest evenlyratably over three years.years from the date of grant.

At March 31,June 30, 2008, there was $630,940$565,459 in unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock and RSUs. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of 2.92.7 years.

- 22 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

10.Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Long-Term Incentive Plans Funded by PNC

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

During 2007, the Company granted additional long-term incentive awards out of the Award Plan of approximately 1,600,000 RSUs that will be settled using BlackRock shares held by PNC in accordance with the share surrender agreement. The RSU awards vest on September 29, 2011 provided that BlackRock has actual GAAP earnings per share of at least $5.20 in 2009, $5.52 in 2010 or $5.85 in 2011 or has attained an alternative performance hurdle based on the Company’s earnings per share growth rate versus certain peers over the term of the awards. The value of the RSUs was calculated using BlackRock’s closing stock price on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is being amortized as an expense on the straight-line method over the vesting period, net of expected forfeitures. The maximum value of awards that may be funded by PNC, prior to the earlier of September 29, 2011 or the date the performance criteria are met, is approximately $271,000, all of which has all been granted at March 31,as of June 30, 2008.

 

- 2123 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

11.Earnings Per Share

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

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  2008  2007  2008  2007  2008  2007

Net income

  $241,671  $195,388  $274,058  $222,244  $515,729  $417,632
                  

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

   128,904,253   128,809,726   129,569,325   128,544,894   129,242,591   128,676,577

Dilutive potential shares from stock options and restricted stock units

   2,601,255   2,565,696   2,725,447   2,275,810   2,702,458   2,363,035

Dilutive potential shares from convertible debt

   793,917   520,148   655,806   562,766   668,773   540,509

Dilutive potential shares from acquisition-related contingent stock payments

   577,128   —     576,135   —     576,135   —  
                  

Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding

   132,876,553   131,895,570   133,526,713   131,383,470   133,189,957   131,580,121
                  

Basic earnings per share

  $1.87  $1.52  $2.12  $1.73  $3.99  $3.25
                  

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.82  $1.48  $2.05  $1.69  $3.87  $3.17
                  

Due to the similarities in terms between BlackRock series A non-voting participating preferred stock and the Company’s common stock, the Company considers the series A non-voting participating preferred stock to be common stock for purposes of earnings per share calculations. As such, the Company has included the outstanding series A non-voting participating preferred stock in the calculation of average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007.

Shares issued in acquisition

On October 1, 2007, the Company acquired the fund of funds business of Quellos. The CompanyQuellos and issued 1,191,785 shares of newly-issued BlackRock common stock that were placed into an escrow account. TheIn April 2008, 280,519 shares issued have nowere released to Quellos in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement, which resulted in an adjustment to the recognized purchase price and had a dilutive effect forin the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008. SuchAdditional shares may have a dilutive effect in future periods based on the timing of the release of shares from the escrow account in accordance with the Quellos asset purchase agreement.

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

 

- 2224 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

12.Segment Information

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

The following table illustrates investment advisory and administration base and performance fee revenue by asset class for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  2008  2007

Investment advisory and administration base fees (in thousands)

    

Investment advisory and administration fees

  2008  2007  2008  2007

Fixed income

  $221,503  $218,723  $234,542  $223,041  $457,267  $442,659

Equity and balanced

   602,627   469,031   630,805   535,986   1,271,443   1,015,525

Cash management

   174,554   115,389   183,505   120,189   358,059   234,786

Alternative investments

   134,194   70,365   169,584   97,114   306,088   179,286
                  

Total investment advisory and administration base fees

  $1,132,878  $873,508

Total investment advisory and administration fees

  $1,218,436  $976,330  $2,392,857  $1,872,256
                  

The following chart shows the Company’s revenuesIn addition, distribution and other revenue, which includesBlackRock Solutions, totaled $168,515 and $294,232 for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, as compared to $120,693 and $230,141 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

The following table illustrates the Company’s total revenue by geographic region for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity jurisdiction basis and do not necessarily reflect where the customer is sourced.

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
 

Revenues (in millions)

  2008  % of
total
 2007  % of
total
 

Revenue

  2008  % of
total
 2007  % of
total
 

North America

  $829.2  63.8% $656.9  65.3%  $915,093  66.0% $716,099  65.3%

Europe

   417.0  32.1%  312.2  31.1%   389,113  28.1%  340,354  31.0%

Asia-Pacific

   53.9  4.1%  36.3  3.6%   82,745  5.9%  40,570  3.7%
                          

Total revenues

  $1,300.1  100.0% $1,005.4  100.0%

Total revenue

  $1,386,951  100.0% $1,097,023  100.0%
                          
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 

Revenue

  2008  % of
total
 2007  % of
total
 

North America

  $1,744,277  64.9% $1,372,961  65.3%

Europe

   806,166  30.0%  652,542  31.0%

Asia-Pacific

   136,646  5.1%  76,894  3.7%
             

Total revenue

  $2,687,089  100.0% $2,102,397  100.0%
             

 

- 2325 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

Item 1.Financial Statements (continued)

 

12.Segment Information (continued)

 

The following chart showstable illustrates the Company’s long-lived assets, including goodwill and property and equipment at March 31,June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.2007 by geographic region. These amounts are aggregated on a legal entity jurisdiction basis.

 

Long-lived Assets (in millions)

  March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

Long-lived Assets

  June 30,
2008
 December 31,
2007
 

North America

  $5,674.8  98.3% $5,695.2  98.4%  $5,707,511  98.4% $5,695,172  98.4%

Europe

   39.9  0.7%  34.6  0.6%   38,597  0.7%  34,584  0.6%

Asia-Pacific

   56.3  1.0%  56.4  1.0%   54,466  0.9%  56,418  1.0%
                          

Total long-lived assets

  $5,771.0  100.0% $5,786.2  100.0%  $5,800,574  100.0% $5,786,174  100.0%
                          

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

These amounts

13.Subsequent Events

Material Definitive Agreements

In July 2008, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement (“Stockholder Agreement”) and an Amended and Restated Global Distribution Agreement (“Global Distribution Agreement”) with Merrill Lynch.

The changes in the Stockholder Agreement in relation to the prior agreement, among other things, (i) provide Merrill Lynch with some additional flexibility to form or acquire asset managers substantially all of the business of which is devoted to nontraditional investment management strategies such as short selling, leverage, arbitrage, specialty finance and quantitatively-driven structured trades; (ii) expand the definition of change in control of Merrill Lynch to include the disposition of two-thirds or more of its Global Private Client business; (iii) extend the general termination date to the later of July 16, 2013 or the date Merrill Lynch’s beneficial ownership of BlackRock falls below 20%; and (iv) clarify certain other provisions in the agreement.

The changes in the Global Distribution Agreement in relation to the prior agreement, among other things, (i) provide for an extension to September 29, 2013, an additional 5-year extension after the date of a change in control of Merrill Lynch and one automatic 3-year extension if certain conditions are aggregatedsatisfied; (ii) strengthen the obligations of Merrill Lynch to achieve revenue neutrality across the range of BlackRock products distributed by Merrill Lynch if the pricing or structure of particular products is required to be changed; (iii) obligate Merrill Lynch to seek to obtain distribution arrangements for BlackRock products from buyers of any portion of its distribution business on the same terms as the Global Distribution Agreement for a legal entity jurisdiction basisperiod of at least 3 years; and do(iv) restrict the manner in which products managed by alternative asset managers in which Merrill Lynch has an interest may be distributed by Merrill Lynch.

Acquisition of Impact Investing

On August 1, 2008, the Company acquired Impact Investing, a Sydney, Australia based software development company specializing in equity portfolio management and analytical software tools. The total consideration to be paid in the acquisition is not necessarily reflect whereexpected to be material to the customer is sourced or where the asset is physically located.Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 2426 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Forward-looking Statements

This report, and other statements that BlackRock may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions.

BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.

In addition to risk factors previously disclosed in BlackRock’s SEC reports and those identified elsewhere in this report the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (2) changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for products or services or in the value of assets under management; (3) the relative and absolute investment performance of BlackRock’s investment products; (4) the impact of increased competition; (5) the impact of capital improvement projects; (6) the impact of future acquisitions or divestitures; (7) the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings; (8) the extent and timing of any share repurchases; (9) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection; (10) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to BlackRock, Merrill Lynch or PNC; (11) terrorist activities and international hostilities, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries, andor 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 investment advisory and administration fees earned by BlackRock andor the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies; (15) the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, the tax position of the Company; (16) BlackRock’s ability to successfully integrate the MLIM and Quellos Businesses with its existing business; (17) the ability of BlackRock to effectively manage the former MLIM and Quellos assets along with its historical assets under management; (18) BlackRock’s success in maintaining the distribution of its products; and (19) the impact of BlackRock may electelecting to provide support to its products from time to time.

 

- 2527 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

 

Overview

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) is one of the largest publicly traded investment management firms in the United States with $1.364$1.428 trillion of assets under management (“AUM”) at March 31,June 30, 2008. BlackRock manages assets on behalf of institutional and individual investors worldwide through a variety of fixed income, cash management, equity and balanced and alternative investment separate accounts and funds. In addition, BlackRock provides risk management, strategicfinancial markets advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of clients. Financial markets advisory services include valuation of illiquid securities, dispositions and workouts, risk management and strategic planning and execution.

On September 29, 2006, BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) closed a transaction pursuant to which Merrill Lynch contributed its investment management business, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”), to BlackRock in exchange for an aggregate of 65 million shares of newly issued BlackRock common and non-voting participating preferred stock (the “MLIM Transaction”). On October 1, 2007, BlackRock acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the fund of funds business of Quellos Group, LLC (“Quellos”) for up to $1.719 billion in a combination of cash and common stock (the “Quellos Transaction”). At March 31,June 30, 2008, Merrill Lynch owned approximately 45.0%44.8% of the Company’s voting common stock and approximately 48.9%48.7% of the Company’s capital stock on a fully diluted basis and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) owned approximately 33.4%33.3% of the capital stock.

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

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

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

Total revenue

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

Total expenses

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

Operating income

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

Operating income, as adjusted (a)

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

Net income

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

Net income, as adjusted (b)

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

Diluted earnings per share (c)

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

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

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

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (c)

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

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   30.4%  27.1%  32.4%     

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   37.6%  36.7%  38.8%     

Assets under management ($ in millions)

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

 

- 2628 -


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

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The following table summarizes BlackRock’s operating performance for each of the three months ended June 30, 2008, March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation.

   Three Months Ended  Variance vs. 
   June 30,  March 31,  June 30, 2007  March 31, 2008 
   2008  2007  2008  Amount  %  Amount  % 

Total revenue

  $1,386,951  $1,097,023  $1,300,138  $289,928  26.4% $86,813  6.7%

Total expenses

  $981,961  $815,022  $904,448  $166,939  20.5% $77,513  8.6%

Operating income

  $404,990  $282,001  $395,690  $122,989  43.6% $9,300  2.4%

Net income

  $274,058  $222,244  $241,671  $51,814  23.3% $32,387  13.4%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $285,271  $236,626  $253,060  $48,645  20.6% $32,211  12.7%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $2.05  $1.69  $1.82  $0.36  21.3% $0.23  12.6%

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

  $2.14  $1.80  $1.90  $0.34  18.9% $0.24  12.6%

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   133,526,713   131,383,470   132,876,553   2,143,243  1.6%  650,160  0.5%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   29.2%  25.7%  30.4%      

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   37.9%  36.1%  37.6%      

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,427,543  $1,230,086  $1,364,436  $197,457  16.1% $63,107  4.6%

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
   2008  2007  Amount  % 

Total revenue

  $2,687,089  $2,102,397  $584,692  27.8%

Total expenses

  $1,886,409  $1,548,165  $338,244  21.8%

Operating income

  $800,680  $554,232  $246,448  44.5%

Net income

  $515,729  $417,632  $98,097  23.5%

Net income, as adjusted(b)

  $538,331  $445,866  $92,465  20.7%

Diluted earnings per share (c)

  $3.87  $3.17  $0.70  22.1%

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

  $4.04  $3.39  $0.65  19.2%

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding(c)

   133,189,957   131,580,121   1,609,836  1.2%

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   29.8%  26.4%   

Operating margin, as adjusted (a)

   37.8%  36.4%   

Assets under management ($ in millions)

  $1,427,543  $1,230,086  $197,457  16.1%

- 29 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Overview (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

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

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

Operating margin, as adjusted, equals operating income as adjusted,used for operating margin measurement, 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 the current presentation. Computations for all periods are derived from the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:

 

  Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  March 31, December 31,   June 30, March 31, 
  2008 2007 2007   2008 2007 2008 2008 2007 

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $395,690  $272,231  $467,716   $404,990  $282,001  $395,690  $800,680  $554,232 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

          

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   15,021   12,043   13,927    14,751   13,933   15,021   29,772   25,976 

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   2,500   2,500   2,500    2,500   2,500   2,500   5,000   5,000 

MLIM integration costs

   —     7,100   923    —     6,039   —     —     13,139 

Quellos integration costs

   —     —     320 

Closed-end fund launch costs

   3,739   13,152   766    5,388   19,801   3,739   9,127   32,953 

Closed-end fund launch commissions

   164   1,397   71 

Closed-end fund commissions

   —     4,297   164   164   5,694 

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

   (795)  2,486   2,989    24,925   7,073   (795)  24,129   9,559 
                          

Operating income, as adjusted

  $416,319  $310,909  $489,212 

Operating income used for operating margin measurement

  $452,554  $335,644  $416,319  $868,872  $646,553 
                          

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $1,300,138  $1,005,374  $1,444,179   $1,386,951  $1,097,023  $1,300,138  $2,687,089  $2,102,397 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

          

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   (155,739)  (131,086)  (146,606)   (153,618)  (131,077)  (155,739)  (309,357)  (262,163)

Amortization of deferred sales costs

   (30,208)  (21,558)  (29,057)

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   (33,422)  (28,713)  (30,208)  (63,630)  (50,271)

Reimbursable property management compensation

   (6,119)  (6,642)  (6,287)   (6,341)  (6,664)  (6,119)  (12,460)  (13,306)
                          

Revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted

  $1,108,072  $846,088  $1,262,229 

Revenue used for operating margin measurement

  $1,193,570  $930,569  $1,108,072  $2,301,642  $1,776,657 
                          

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   30.4%  27.1%  32.4%   29.2%  25.7%  30.4%  29.8%  26.4%
                          

Operating margin, as adjusted

   37.6%  36.7%  38.8%   37.9%  36.1%  37.6%  37.8%  36.4%
                          

Management believes that operating margin, as adjusted, is an effective indicator of management’s ability to effectively employ BlackRock’s resources. As such, management believes that operating margin, as adjusted, provides useful disclosure to investors.

 

- 2730 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Overview (continued)

BlackRock, Inc.

Financial Highlights

(continued)

(a)(a) (continued)

Management believes thatNon-GAAP operating income as adjusted, andadjustments used for operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of management’s ability to effectively employ BlackRock’s resources. As such, management believes that operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, provide useful disclosure to investors.

Non-GAAP Operating Income Adjustments:adjusted:

The portion of the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) expense associated with awardscertain Long-Term Incentive Plans (“LTIP”) that will be funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded because, exclusive of the impact related to the exercise of LTIP participants’ put options primarily in the three months ended March 31, 2007, these charges do not impact BlackRock’s book value. MLIM and Quellos integration costs consist principally of certain professional fees, and rebranding costs related toand compensation costs incurred in conjunction with the integration which were reflected in GAAP operating income. Integration and acquisition costs have been deemed non-recurring by management and have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, to help ensure the comparability of this information to prior periods. Closed-end fund launch costs and commissions have been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, because such costs can fluctuate considerably and revenues associated with the expenditure of such costs will not fully impact the Company’s results until future periods. As such, management believes that operating margins exclusive of these costs are more representative of the operating performance for the respective periods. Compensation expense associated with appreciation (depreciation) on assets related to certain BlackRock deferred compensation plans has been excluded as returns on investments set aside for these plans are reported in non-operating income.

Non-GAAP Revenue Adjustments:revenue adjustments used for operating margin, as adjusted:

Portfolio administration and servicing costs, paid to related parties and to other third parties, 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 mutual fund sales costscommissions are excluded from revenue used for operating margin measurement, as adjusted, because such costs, over time, offset distribution fee revenue earned by the Company. Reimbursable property management compensation represents compensation and benefits paid to certainpersonnel of Metric Property Management, Inc. (“Metric”) a subsidiary of BlackRock Realty Advisors, Inc. (“Realty”) personnel.. These employees are retained on Realty’sMetric’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.

- 28 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (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.

 

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

Overview (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  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
  March 31,  December 31,  June 30,  March 31,  June 30,
  2008  2007  2007  2008  2007  2008  2008  2007

Net income, GAAP basis

  $241,671  $195,388  $322,439  $274,058  $222,244  $241,671  $515,729  $417,632

Non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax:

                

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   9,764   7,708   8,913   9,588   8,917   9,764   19,352   16,625

Merrill Lynch compensation contribution

   1,625   1,600   1,600   1,625   1,600   1,625   3,250   3,200

MLIM integration costs

   —     4,544   591   —     3,865   —     —     8,409

Quellos integration costs

   —     —     205
                        

Net income, as adjusted

  $253,060  $209,420  $333,748  $285,271  $236,626  $253,060  $538,331  $445,866
                        

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (c)

   132,876,553   131,895,570   132,578,679   133,526,713   131,383,470   132,876,553   133,189,957   131,580,121
                        

Diluted earnings per share, GAAP basis(c)

  $1.82  $1.48  $2.43  $2.05  $1.69  $1.82  $3.87  $3.17
                        

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted(c)

  $1.90  $1.59  $2.52  $2.14  $1.80  $1.90  $4.04  $3.39
                        

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 the LTIP expense associated with awards that will be funded through the distribution to participants of shares of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and the anticipated Merrill Lynch compensation contribution have been excluded from net income, as adjusted, and diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, because, exclusive of the impact related to the exercise of LTIP participants’ put options, primarily in the three months ended March 31, 2007, 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 certain professional fees, rebranding costs and rebrandingcompensation costs incurred in conjunction with the integrations.integration.

 

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

 

- 2931 -


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, Hong Kong and Australia. The Company provides a wide array of taxable and tax-exempt fixed income, 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. 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 BlackRock Global Funds (“BGF”), which was formerly the Merrill Lynch International Investment Funds (“MLIIF”), which and was rebranded in April 2008 and subsequently named BlackRock Global Funds (“BGF”), which2008. BGF is authorized for distribution in more than 35 jurisdictions worldwide. In the United States, the primary retail offerings include a wide variety ofvarious open-end and closed-end funds. Additional fund offerings include structured products, real estate funds, hedge funds, hedge funds of funds, private equity funds and funds of funds, managed futures funds and exchange funds. These products are sold to both U.S. and non-U.S. high net worth, retail and institutional investors in a wide variety of active and passive strategies covering both equity and fixed income assets.

BlackRock’s client base consists of financial institutions and other corporate clients, pension funds, high net worth individuals and retail investors around the world. BlackRock maintains a significant sales and marketing presence both inside and outside the United States that is focused on establishing and maintaining retail and institutional investment management relationships by marketing its services to retail and institutional investors directly and through financial professionals, pension consultants and establishing third-party distribution relationships. BlackRock also distributes certaina significant amount of its products and services through Merrill Lynch.Lynch under a Global Distribution Agreement, which was amended and restated in July 2008, to among other things provide for an extension which runs through September 29, 2013. See Note 13, Subsequent Events, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this filing for further discussion.

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

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

BlackRock provides a variety of risk management, investment analytic, and investment system and financial markets advisory services to financial institutions, pension funds, asset managers, foundations, consultants, mutual fund sponsors, real estate investment trusts and government agencies. These services are provided under the brand nameBlackRock Solutions® and include a wide array of risk management services, valuation of illiquid securities, disposition and workouts, strategic planning and execution, and enterprise investment system outsourcing tofor clients. Fees earned forBlackRock Solutions services, which include financial market advisory services, are based on a numbersome, or all, of factors including pre-determinedthe following methods: (i) fixed fees, (ii) percentages of the market valuevarious attributes of advisory assets subject to the servicesunder management and the number of individual investment accounts, or fixed fees. Fees earned on risk management, investment analytic and investment system assignments(iii) performance fees if contractual thresholds are met.BlackRock Solutions fees are recorded as other revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

- 3032 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Overview (continued)

 

Operating expenses reflect employee compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions, general and administration expense and amortization of intangible assets. Employee compensation and benefits expense reflects salaries, deferred and incentive compensation, stock-based compensation and related benefit costs. Portfolio administration and servicing costs reflect payments made to Merrill Lynch-affiliated entities under the Global Distribution Agreement and to PNC-affiliated entities, as well as third parties, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products.

Assets Under Management

BlackRock, Inc.

Assets Under Management Summary

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

           Variance   June 30,  March 31,  June 30,
2007
  Variance 
  March 31,
2008
  December 31,  March 31,  Quarter to
Quarter
  Year to
Year
    Quarter to
Quarter
  Year to
Year
 
  2007     2008   

Fixed income

  $514,673  $513,020  $470,513  0.3% 9.4%  $527,186  $514,673  $492,287  2.4% 7.1%

Equity and balanced

   426,935   459,182   402,983  (7.0)% 5.9%   435,676   426,935   435,873  2.0% 0.0%

Cash management

   349,208   313,338   244,838  11.4% 42.6%   344,944   349,208   259,840  (1.2)% 32.8%

Alternative investments

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

Alternative investments products

   76,103   73,620   42,086  3.4% 80.8%
            

Sub Total

   1,383,909   1,364,436   1,230,086  1.4% 12.5%

Advisory1

   43,634   —     —    NM  NM 
                        

Total

  $1,364,436  $1,356,644  $1,154,164  0.6% 18.2%  $1,427,543  $1,364,436  $1,230,086  4.6% 16.1%
                        

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

1

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

AUM increased approximately $210.3 billion, or 18.2%, to $1.364 trillion at March 31, 2008, compared with $1.154 trillion at March 31, 2007. The growth in AUM was attributable to $158.4 billion in net subscriptions, $21.9 billion acquired in the Quellos Transaction, $21.2 billion in foreign exchange gains and $8.8 billion in net market appreciation. Net subscriptions of $158.4 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2008 were attributable to net new business of $102.0 billion in cash management products, $21.6 billion in equity and balanced products, $20.7 billion in fixed income products and $14.1 billion in alternative investment products. Foreign exchange gains of $21.2 billion consisted primarily of $13.2 billion in equity and balanced assets and $6.5 billion in fixed income assets. Market appreciation of $8.8 billion largely reflected appreciation on fixed income products of $16.9 billion due to current income and changes in market interest rates, partially offset by market depreciation in equity and balanced assets of $10.8 billion, as equity markets declined during the three months ended March 31, 2008.NM – Not Meaningful

 

- 3133 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Assets Under Management (continued)

 

AUM increased approximately $63.1 billion, or 4.6%, to $1.428 trillion at June 30, 2008, compared to $1.364 trillion at March 31, 2008. The growth in AUM was attributable to $63.2 billion in net subscriptions and $1.5 billion in net market appreciation, partially offset by $1.7 billion in foreign exchange losses. Net subscriptions of $63.2 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was the result of net new business of $43.6 billion in advisory assignments, $16.7 billion in fixed income products primarily related to targeted duration products, $6.0 billion in equity and balanced products primarily related to global allocation products and $1.5 billion in alternative products, partially offset by net redemptions of $4.6 billion in cash management products at quarter-end. Net market appreciation of $1.5 billion included $3.7 billion of appreciation in equity and balanced assets primarily in sector funds, including natural resources funds. Foreign exchange losses of $1.7 billion consisted primarily of $0.9 billion in equity and balanced assets, $0.6 billion in fixed income assets and $0.1 billion in alternative products.

AUM increased approximately $197.5 billion, or 16.1%, to $1.428 trillion at June 30, 2008, compared with $1.230 trillion at June 30, 2007. The growth in AUM was attributable to $170.2 billion in net subscriptions, of which $21.9 billion was acquired in the Quellos Transaction and $16.9 billion represents foreign exchange gains, partially offset by $11.5 billion in net market depreciation. Net subscriptions of $170.2 billion for the twelve months ended June 30, 2008 were attributable to net new business of $82.9 billion in cash management products, $43.6 billion in advisory assets, $19.7 billion in equity and balanced products, $13.4 billion in fixed income products and $10.6 billion in alternative investment products. Foreign exchange gains of $16.9 billion consisted primarily of $10.4 billion in equity and balanced assets and $5.3 billion in fixed income assets. Market depreciation of $11.5 billion was more than explained by the depreciation in equity and balanced assets of $30.2 billion, as equity markets declined during the twelve months ended June 30, 2008, partially offset by appreciation on fixed income products of $16.1 billion due to current income and changes in market interest rates.

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Quarter Ended March 31,June 30, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  March 31,
2008
  Net
subscriptions

(redemptions)
  Market
appreciation

(depreciation)
  Foreign
exchange 1
  June 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
 Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
 Foreign
Exchange 1
  March 31,
2008
   

Fixed income

  $513,020  $(2,935) $1,347  $3,241  $514,673  $514,673  $16,732  $(3,610) $(609) $527,186

Equity and balanced

   459,182   (319)  (38,054)  6,126   426,935   426,935   5,963   3,701   (923)  435,676

Cash management

   313,338   35,144   424   302   349,208   349,208   (4,601)  338   (1)  344,944

Alternative investments

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

Alternative investment products

   73,620   1,508   1,095   (120)  76,103
               

Sub Total

   1,364,436   19,602   1,524   (1,653)  1,383,909

Advisory2

   —     43,634   —     —     43,634
                              

Total

  $1,356,644  $35,213  $(37,615) $10,194  $1,364,436  $1,364,436  $63,236  $1,524  $(1,653) $1,427,543
                              

 

1

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

2

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

- 34 -


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 six months ended June 30, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

   December 31,
2007
  Net
subscriptions

(redemptions)
  Market
appreciation

(depreciation)
  Foreign
exchange 1
  June 30,
2008
         

Fixed income

  $513,020  $13,797  $(2,264) $2,633  $527,186

Equity and balanced

   459,182   5,644   (34,353)  5,203   435,676

Cash management

   313,338   30,543   762   301   344,944

Alternative investment products

   71,104   4,830   (236)  405   76,103
                    

Sub Total

   1,356,644   54,814   (36,091)  8,542   1,383,909

Advisory2

   —     43,634   —     —     43,634
                    

Total

  $1,356,644  $98,448  $(36,091) $8,542  $1,427,543
                    

1

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

2

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

The following table presents the component changes in BlackRock’s AUM for the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 2008.

BlackRock, Inc.

Component Changes in Assets Under Management

For the Twelve Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2008

(Dollar amounts in millions)

 

  June 30,
2007
  Net
subscriptions

(redemptions)
  Acquisition 1  Market
appreciation

(depreciation)
  Foreign
exchange 2
  June 30,
2008
  March 31,
2007
  Net
subscriptions
(redemptions)
  Acquisition 1
  Market
appreciation
(depreciation)
 Foreign
Exchange 2
  March 31,
2008
     

Fixed income

  $470,513  $20,717  $—    $16,938  $6,505  $514,673  $492,287  $13,411  $—    $16,147  $5,341  $527,186

Equity and balanced

   402,983   21,558   —     (10,796)  13,190   426,935   435,873   19,653   —     (30,209)  10,359   435,676

Cash management

   244,838   102,028   —     1,693   649   349,208   259,840   82,914   —     1,632   558   344,944

Alternative investments

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

Alternative investment products

   42,086   10,603   21,868   949   597   76,103
                  

Sub Total

   1,230,086   126,581   21,868   (11,481)  16,855   1,383,909

Advisory3

   —     43,634   —     —     —     43,634
                                    

Total

  $1,154,164  $158,418  $21,868  $8,795  $21,191  $1,364,436  $1,230,086  $170,215  $21,868  $(11,481) $16,855  $1,427,543
                                    

 

1

Data reflects net assets acquired in the Quellos Transaction on October 1, 2007.

2

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

3

Advisory AUM represents long-term portfolio liquidation assignments.

 

- 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 March 31,June 30, 2008, as compared with the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007.

Revenue

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount %   2008  2007  Amount % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

              

Fixed income

  $221,503  $218,723  $2,780  1.3%  $234,048  $221,931  $12,117  5.5%

Equity and balanced

   602,627   469,031   133,596  28.5%   601,311   529,046   72,265  13.7%

Cash management

   174,554   115,389   59,165  51.3%   183,505   120,189   63,316  52.7%

Alternative investments

   134,194   70,365   63,829  90.7%

Alternative investment products

   142,493   79,444   63,049  79.4%
                      

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   1,132,878   873,508   259,370  29.7%   1,161,357   950,610   210,747  22.2%

Fixed income

   1,222   1,506   (284) (18.9)%   494   1,110   (616) (55.5)%

Equity and balanced

   38,011   9,105   28,906  317.5%   29,494   6,940   22,554  325.0%

Alternative investments

   2,310   11,807   (9,497) (80.4)%

Alternative investment products

   27,091   17,670   9,421  53.3%
                      

Investment advisory performance fees

   41,543   22,418   19,125  85.3%   57,079   25,720   31,359  121.9%
                      

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   1,174,421   895,926   278,495  31.1%   1,218,436   976,330   242,106  24.8%

Distribution Fees

   35,319   24,820   10,499  42.3%
Distribution fees   33,683   32,867   816  2.5%

Other revenue:

              

BlackRock Solutions

   59,665   42,314   17,351  41.0%   99,701   46,296   53,405  115.4%

Other revenue

   30,733   42,314   (11,581) (27.4)%   35,131   41,530   (6,399) (15.4)%
                      

Total other revenue

   90,398   84,628   5,770  6.8%   134,832   87,826   47,006  53.5%
                      

Total revenue

  $1,300,138  $1,005,374  $294,764  29.3%  $1,386,951  $1,097,023  $289,928  26.4%
                      

Total revenue for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 increased $294.8$289.9 million, or 29.3%26.4%, to $1,300.1$1,387.0 million, compared with $1,005.4$1,097.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. TotalThe $289.9 million increase was primarily the result of a $242.1 million increase in investment advisory and administration fees increased $278.5and a $47.0 million or 31.1%,to $1,174.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared with $895.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Distribution fees increased by $10.5 million to $35.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared with $24.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Other revenue increased by $5.8 million, or 6.8%, to $90.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared with $84.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.increase in total other revenue.

 

- 3336 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

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

Revenue (continued)

 

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

The increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $278.5$242.1 million, or 31.1%, was the result of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $259.4$210.7 million, or 29.7%22.2%, to $1,132.9$1,161.4 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, compared with $873.5$950.6 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007, and an increase of $19.1$31.4 million in performance fees. Investment advisory and administration base fees increased infor the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 primarily as a result of increased average AUM across all asset types of $210.3 billion over the past twelve months.

The increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $259.4$210.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, compared with the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 consisted of increases of $133.6$72.3 million in equity and balanced products, $63.8 million in alternative products, $59.2$63.3 million in cash management products, $63.0 million in alternative investment products and $2.8$12.1 million in fixed income products. The increase in investment advisory and administration base fees for equity and balanced, alternative products, cash management and fixed income was driven by increases in average AUM in each asset class, which includes the impact of $23.9 billion, $37.8 billion, $104.4 billion and $44.2 billion, respectively, over the past twelve months.AUM acquired in the Quellos Transaction, for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007.

PerformanceInvestment advisory performance fees increased by $19.1$31.4 million, or 85.3%121.9%, to $41.5$57.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, as compared to $22.4$25.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007, primarily as a result of higher investment advisory performance fees in international equity separate accounts.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $10.5 million to $35.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to $24.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in distribution fees is primarily the result of the acquisition of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007.accounts and other investment products including equity hedge funds and real estate debt funds.

Other Revenue

OtherTotal other revenue of $90.4$134.8 million for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2008 increased $5.8$47.0 million, or 53.5%, compared with the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2007. OtherTotal other revenue primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $59.7$99.7 million, net interest related to securities lending of $10.5 million, property management fees of $9.1 million earned on real estate products (primarily related to reimbursement of the salaries and benefits of certain RealtyMetric employees from certain real estate products), and unit trust sales feescommissions of $7.3 million and fees related to securities lending of $7.1$6.7 million.

The increase in other revenue of $5.8$47.0 million or 6.8%, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, as compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007, was primarily the result of an increase of $17.4$53.4 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services driven by newadditional advisory and Aladdin® and advisory assignments, partially offset by a decrease in fees earned for fund accounting of $9.0 million and $4.5 million$6.5 million. A portion of the revenue earned on unit trust sales.advisory assignments was comprised of both ongoing fees based on AUM of the respective portfolio assignments and one-time advisory and portfolio structuring fees.

 

- 3437 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

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

 

Expenses

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  %   2008  2007  Amount % 

Expenses:

               

Employee compensation and benefits

  $468,949  $347,302  $121,647  35.0%  $551,954  $408,773  $143,181  35.0%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   155,739   131,086   24,653  18.8%   153,618   131,077   22,541  17.2%

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

   30,208   21,558   8,650  40.1%

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   33,422   28,713   4,709  16.4%

General and administration

   212,983   202,165   10,818  5.4%   206,395   215,384   (8,989) (4.2)%

Amortization of intangible assets

   36,569   31,032   5,537  17.8%   36,572   31,075   5,497  17.7%
                      

Total expenses

  $904,448  $733,143  $171,305  23.4%  $981,961  $815,022  $166,939  20.5%
                      

Total expenses increased $171.3$166.9 million, or 23.4%20.5%, to $904.4$982.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, compared with $733.1$815.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. The increase was attributable to increases in employee compensation and benefits, portfolio and administration and servicing costs, amortization of finite-lived intangible assets and amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions, partially offset by a decrease in general and administration expenses. The three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 included $7.1$6.0 million of integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction. These chargesTransaction, which were primarily recorded in general and administration in 2007.expense.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $121.6$143.2 million, or 35.0%, to $468.9 million, at March 31, 2008, compared to $347.3$552.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, compared to $408.8 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, salaries and benefits, deferred compensation and stock-based compensation of $57.8$68.4 million, $27.4$38.4 million, $23.1 million and $28.5$13.3 million, respectively. The $57.8$68.4 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 $27.4$38.4 million in salaries and benefits was primarily due to higher staffing levels associated with business growth and the Quellos Transaction. EmployeesFull time employees (including employees of Metric Property Management, Inc. (“Metric”))Metric) at March 31,June 30, 2008 totaled 6,0246,069 as compared to 5,2275,315 at March 31,June 30, 2007. Deferred compensation increased $23.1 million primarily due to appreciation on assets related to certain deferred compensation plans, which is substantially offset by gains on certain investments included in non-operating income. Stock-based compensation increased $28.5$13.3 million primarily due to additional grants of stock awards in the first quarter 2008.

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $24.7$22.5 million to $155.7$153.6 million duringfor the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, compared to $131.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. These costs include payments to third parties,Merrill Lynch under the Global Distribution Agreement, and payments to PNC as well as payments to Merrill Lynch and PNC,other third parties, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock products. The $22.5 million increase relates primarily to higher levels of average AUM in open-end funds, cash management products, as well as alternative products. Portfolio administration and servicing costs for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 included $121.9$118.1 million of costs payableattributable to Merrill Lynch and affiliates and $8.2$8.6 million of costs payableattributable to PNC and affiliates.affiliates as compared to $107.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively, in the three months ended June 30, 2007.

 

- 3538 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

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

Expenses (continued)

 

Amortization of Deferred Mutual Fund Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions increased by $8.7$4.7 million to $30.2$33.4 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, as compared to $21.6$28.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. The increase in amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions was primarily the result of the acquisitionhigher sales of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007.certain share classes of open-ended funds.

General and Administration Expense

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount %   2008  2007  Amount % 

General and administration expense:

              

Marketing and promotional

  $41,454  $40,870  $584  1.4%  $45,053  $42,324  $2,729  6.4%

Portfolio services

   41,175   37,729   3,446  9.1%   46,323   37,994   8,329  21.9%

Occupancy

   33,308   33,231   77  0.2%   34,425   28,438   5,987  21.1%

Technology

   30,888   28,438   2,450  8.6%   30,266   33,205   (2,939) (8.9)%

Professional services

   22,401   23,527   (1,126) (4.8)%   18,469   21,944   (3,475) (15.8)%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   3,739   13,152   (9,413) (71.6)%   5,388   19,801   (14,413) (72.8)%

Other general and administration

   40,018   25,218   14,800  58.7%   26,471   31,678   (5,207) (16.4)%
                      

Total general and administration expense

  $212,983  $202,165  $10,818  5.4%  $206,395  $215,384  $(8,989) (4.2)%
                      

General and administration expense increased $10.8expenses decreased $9.0 million or 5.4%,4.2% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007. Closed-end fund launch costs decreased $14.4 million as compared to $213.0the three months ended June 30, 2007 due to a closed-end fund launched during the second quarter 2007, which generated $2.0 billion in AUM as compared to one alternative asset fund launched on the London Stock Exchange in the three months ended June 30, 2008, which generated approximately $300 million in AUM. Other general and administration expense decreased $5.2 million, or 16.4%, to $26.5 million, primarily related to a $6.4 million decline in foreign currency remeasurement losses. Professional services decreased $3.5 million, or 15.8%, to $18.5 million compared to $202.2$21.9 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 primarily due to decreased consulting costs related to the MLIM integration in 2007. Portfolio services costs increased by $8.3 million, or 21.9%, to $46.3 million primarily as a result of the Company incurring additional portfolio service expenses related to certain funds. The increase in general and administrationthis fund-related expense was due to increases in portfolio services costs of $3.4 million, technology expense of $2.5 million, marketing and promotional expense of $0.6 million and other general and administration costs of $14.8 million, partiallyis more than offset by higher administration fee revenue earned on the funds. Occupancy expenses increased by $6.0 million, or 21.1%, to $34.4 million, as a reduction in closed-end fund launch costsresult of $9.4 million and professional servicesan increase of $1.1 million.offices worldwide, including the impact of the Quellos Transaction.

 

- 3639 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

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

Expenses (continued)

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

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $5.5 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $36.6 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, compared to $31.0$31.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007, primarily reflects amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the Quellos Transactions.Transaction.

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling InterestInterests

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interestinterests, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

 

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

Total non-operating income

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

Non-controlling interest

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

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

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

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

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Total non-operating income

  $(3,263) $213,718  $(216,981) (101.5)%

Non-controlling interests

   19,900   (148,463)  168,363  113.4%
              

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

  $16,637  $65,255  $(48,618) (74.5)%
              

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

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Variance   Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008 2007 Amount %   2008 2007 Amount % 

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

Private equity

  $8,061  $10,267  $(2,206) (21.5)%  $1,696  $32,636  $(30,940) (94.8)%

Real estate

   (13,936)  (1,164)  (12,772) NM    (8,455)  3,621   (12,076) (333.5)%

Hedge funds/funds of hedge funds

   (15,882)  8,650   (24,532) (283.6)%   11,664   8,785   2,879  32.8%

Other investments1

   (3,092)  7,939   (11,031) (138.9)%   15,190   16,698   (1,508) (9.0)%
                      

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

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

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

   20,095   61,740   (41,645) (67.5)%

Other non-controlling interest2

   (662)  —     (662) NM 

Interest and dividend income

   18,339   18,357   (18) (0.1)%   13,924   13,738   186  1.4%

Interest expense

   (17,378)  (10,986)  (6,392) 58.2%   (16,720)  (10,223)  (6,497) 63.6%
                      

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

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

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

  $16,637  $65,255  $(48,618) (74.5)%
                      

 

NM – Not Meaningful

1

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

2

Includes non-controlling interest related to operating entities (non-investment activities).

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

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

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interest,interests, decreased $57.0$48.6 million to a loss of $23.9$16.6 million for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2008, as compared to income of $33.1$65.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, asJune 30, 2007. The decrease in net non-operating income of $48.6 million primarily reflects a result of a $24.8$30.9 million decline in net lossinvestment gains from co-investments in private equity products and $12.1 million related to declines in valuations on investmentsco-investments in real estate products. In addition, net interest expense increased $6.3 million compared with a net gain on investments of $25.7 million in firstto second quarter 2007 and a $6.4 million increase in interest expense relateddue primarily to the issuance of long-term debt in September 2007. The net loss on investments, net of non-controlling interest, in 2008 was primarily due to a decline in valuations from seed investments and co-investments in private equity products, real estate equity products, hedge funds/funds of hedge funds and other investments.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $130.1$147.6 million and $109.9$125.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representingrespectively. The effective income tax rates ofrate was 35.0% andfor the three months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to 36.0%, respectively. for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The reduction in the effective tax rate isdecrease was primarily due to the geographic mix of earningspre-tax income and tax legislation changes enacted in the third quarter 2007 in the United Kingdom that reduced corporate income tax rates in 2008.

- 38 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

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

Net Income

Net income totaled $241.7$274.1 million, or $1.82$2.05 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, which was an increase of $46.3$51.8 million, or $0.34$0.36 per diluted share, compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007. Net income for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2008 includes the after-tax impact of the portion of LTIP awards tothat will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees of $9.8$9.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Net income of $195.4$222.2 million for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2007 included the after-tax impacts related to the portion of certain LTIP awards towhich will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC of $7.7$8.9 million, MLIM integration costs of $4.5$3.9 million and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch of $1.6 million to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees. MLIM integration costs primarily include professional fees and other generalmarketing and administrationpromotional expenses. Exclusive of these GAAP expenses in both periods, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 increased $0.31,$0.34, or 19.5%18.9%, to $2.14 compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007.

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

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 30.4%29.2% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008, compared to 27.1%25.7% for the three months ended March, 31,June 30, 2007. Operating margin for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007 included the impact of $3.9$5.4 million and $14.5$24.1 million, respectively, of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions. In addition, operating margin for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2007 included the impact of $7.1$6.0 million of MLIM integration costs. Operating margin improved 3.3%13.6% primarily due to operating leverage associated with the growth in revenue, aan $18.7 million reduction of close-endin closed-end fund launch costs and commissions and the reduction of MLIM integration costs partially offset by ana $17.8 million increase in compensation expense related to appreciation on certain deferred compensation plans and a $5.5 million increase in amortization of finite-lived intangible assets associated with the Quellos Transaction.

Operating margin, as adjusted, which excludes from operating income the impact of certain GAAP operating expenses and adjusts GAAP operating revenue was 37.6%37.9% and 36.7%36.1% for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The improvement in margin primarily reflects operating leverage associated with growth in revenue. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the Overview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Other Operating Items

Support of Two Enhanced Cash Funds

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

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

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

 

- 3942 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Other Operating Itemsresults for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

 

ExposureRevenue

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Investment advisory and administration fees:

       

Fixed income

  $455,551  $440,038  $15,513  3.5%

Equity and balanced

   1,203,938   999,484   204,454  20.5%

Cash management

   358,059   234,786   123,273  52.5%

Alternative investment products

   276,687   149,810   126,877  84.7%
              

Investment advisory and administration base fees

   2,294,235   1,824,118   470,117  25.8%

Fixed income

   1,716   2,621   (905) (34.5)%

Equity and balanced

   67,505   16,041   51,464  320.8%

Alternative investment products

   29,401   29,476   (75) (0.3)%
              

Investment advisory performance fees

   98,622   48,138   50,484  104.9%
              

Total investment advisory and administration fees

   2,392,857   1,872,256   520,601  27.8%

Distribution Fees

   69,002   57,687   11,315  19.6%

Other revenue:

       

BlackRock Solutions

   159,366   88,610   70,756  79.9%

Other revenue

   65,864   83,844   (17,980) (21.4)%
              

Total other revenue

   225,230   172,454   52,776  30.6%
              

Total revenue

  $2,687,089  $2,102,397  $584,692  27.8%
              

Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased $584.7 million, or 27.8%, to Collateralized Debt Obligations$2,687.1 million, compared with $2,102.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The $584.7 million increase was primarily the result of a $520.6 million increase in total investment advisory and administration fees and a $52.8 million increase in total other revenue.

- 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 six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Revenue (continued)

Investment Advisory and Administration Fees

InThe increase in investment advisory and administration fees of $520.6 million, or 27.8%, was the normal courseresult of an increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $470.1 million, or 25.8%, to $2,294.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared with $1,824.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and an increase of $50.4 million in investment advisory performance fees.

The increase in investment advisory and administration base fees of $470.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007, consisted of increases of $204.5 million in equity and balanced products, $126.9 million in alternative investment products, $123.3 million in cash management products and $15.5 million in fixed income products. The increase in investment advisory and administration fees for all asset types was driven by increased average AUM across all asset types, which includes the impact of the AUM acquired in the Quellos Transaction, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Investment advisory performance fees increased by $50.5 million, or 104.9%, to $98.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $48.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily as a result of higher investment advisory performance fees in international equity separate accounts.

Distribution Fees

Distribution fees increased by $11.3 million to $69.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $57.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in distribution fees is primarily the result of the acquisition of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007.

Other Revenue

Total other revenue of $225.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased $52.8 million, or 30.6%, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. Total other revenue primarily represents fees earned onBlackRock Solutions products and services of $159.4 million, net interest related to securities lending of $17.6 million, property management fees of $18.2 million earned on real estate products (primarily related to reimbursement of the salaries and benefits of certain Metric employees from certain real estate products), and unit trust sales commissions of $13.9 million.

The increase in other revenue of $52.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $172.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, was primarily the result of an increase of $70.8 million fromBlackRock Solutions products and services driven by additional advisory and Aladdin® assignments, partially offset by a decrease in fees earned for fund accounting services of $15.5 million and $4.9 million earned on unit trust sales commissions. A portion of the revenue earned on advisory assignments was comprised of both ongoing fees based on AUM of the respective portfolio assignments and one-time advisory and portfolio structuring fees.

- 44 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Expenses

   Six Months Ended       
   June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Expenses:

        

Employee compensation and benefits

  $1,020,903  $756,075  $264,828  35.0%

Portfolio administration and servicing costs

   309,357   262,163   47,194  18.0%

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions

   63,630   50,271   13,359  26.6%

General and administration

   419,378   417,549   1,829  0.4%

Amortization of intangible assets

   73,141   62,107   11,034  17.8%
              

Total expenses

  $1,886,409  $1,548,165  $338,244  21.8%
              

Total expenses increased $338.2 million, or 21.8%, to $1,886.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared with $1,548.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase was attributable to increases in employee compensation and benefits, portfolio administration and servicing costs, amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions, amortization of intangible assets and general and administration expenses. The six months ended June 30, 2007, included $13.1 million of integration charges related to the MLIM Transaction, which were primarily recorded in general and administration expense.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased by $264.8 million, or 35.0%, to $1,020.9 million, at June 30, 2008, compared to $756.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in employee compensation and benefits expense was attributable to increases in incentive compensation, salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation and deferred compensation of $126.4 million, $77.3 million, $41.3 million and $19.8 million, respectively. The $126.4 million increase in incentive compensation was primarily attributable to higher operating income and direct incentives associated with higher base and performance fees. The increase of $77.3 million, or 20.9%, in salaries and benefits was primarily due to higher staffing levels associated with business growth and the Quellos Transaction. Full time employees (including employees of Metric) at June 30, 2008 totaled 6,069 as compared to 5,315 at June 30, 2007. Stock-based compensation increased $41.3 million, or 45.6%, primarily due to additional grants of stock awards in the six months ended June 30, 2008. Deferred compensation increased $19.8 million primarily due to appreciation on assets related to certain deferred compensation plans, which is primarily offset by gains on certain investments included in non-operating income.

Portfolio Administration and Servicing Costs

Portfolio administration and servicing costs increased $47.2 million, or 18.0%, to $309.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $262.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. These costs include payments to Merrill Lynch under the Global Distribution Agreement, and payments to PNC as well as other third parties, primarily associated with the administration and servicing of client investments in certain BlackRock manages various CDOs. A CDOproducts. The $47.2 million increase related primarily to higher levels of average AUM in open-end funds, cash management products, as well as alternative products. Portfolio administration and servicing costs for the six months ended June 30, 2008 included $240.0 million of costs attributable to Merrill Lynch and affiliates and $16.8 million of costs attributable to PNC and affiliates as compared to $217.2 million and $14.1 million, respectively, in the six months ended June 30, 2007.

- 45 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Expenses (continued)

Amortization of Deferred Mutual Fund Sales Commissions

Amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions increased by $13.3 million to $63.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to $50.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in amortization of deferred mutual fund sales commissions was primarily the result of the acquisition of distribution financing arrangements from PNC in second quarter 2007 as well as higher sales in certain share classes of open-ended funds.

General and Administration Expense

   Six Months Ended       
   June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

General and administration expense:

       

Marketing and promotional

  $86,508  $83,194  $3,314  4.0%

Portfolio services

   87,498   75,723   11,775  15.6%

Occupancy

   67,733   61,670   6,063  9.8%

Technology

   61,154   61,642   (488) (0.8)%

Professional services

   40,870   45,471   (4,601) (10.1)%

Closed-end fund launch costs

   9,127   32,953   (23,826) (72.3)%

Other general and administration

   66,488   56,896   9,592  16.9%
              

Total general and administration expense

  $419,378  $417,549  $1,829  0.4%
              

General and administration expenses increased $1.8 million, or 0.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. Portfolio services costs increased by $11.8 million to $87.5 million, or 15.6%, primarily as a result of the Company incurring additional portfolio service expenses related to certain funds. The increase in this fund-related expense is more than offset by higher administration fee revenue earned on the funds. Other general and administration costs increased by $9.6 million, or 16.9%, to $66.5 million from $56.9 million, primarily related to an increase in foreign currency remeasurement expenses of $4.0 million and $3.3 million of incremental communication costs. Occupancy expenses increased $6.1 million, or 9.8%, to $67.7 million compared to $61.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as a managed investment vehicle that purchasesresult of expansion of offices worldwide (including the impact of the Quellos Transaction). Closed-end funds launch costs decreased $23.8 million as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007 due to two closed-end funds launched during the six months ended June 30, 2007, which generated $2.8 billion in AUM as compared to two funds launched in the six months ended June 30, 2008 which generated $402.4 million in AUM. Professional services decreased $4.6 million, or 10.1%, to $40.9 million compared to $45.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 primarily due to decreased consulting and legal costs related to the MLIM integration in 2007.

- 46 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The $11.0 million increase in amortization of intangible assets to $73.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $62.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily reflects amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the Quellos Transaction.

Non-Operating Income, Net of Non-Controlling Interests

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

   Six Months Ended       
   June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

Total non-operating income

  $(21,791) $371,449  $(393,240) (105.9)%

Non-controlling interests

   14,540   (273,131)  287,671  105.3%
              

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

  $(7,251) $98,318  $(105,569) (107.4)%
              

The components of non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

   Six Months Ended       
   June 30,  Variance 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)  2008  2007  Amount  % 

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

     

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

     

Private equity

  $9,757  $42,903  $(33,146) (77.3)%

Real estate

   (22,391)  2,457   (24,848) NM 

Hedge funds/hedge funds of funds

   (3,922)  16,720   (20,642) (123.5)%

Other investments1

   11,802   25,352   (13,550) (53.4)%
              

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

   (4,754)  87,432   (92,186) (105.4)%

Other non-controlling interest2

   (662)  —     (662) NM 

Interest and dividend income

   32,263   32,095   168  0.5%

Interest expense

   (34,098)  (21,209)  (12,889) 60.8%
              

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

  $(7,251) $98,318  $(105,569) (107.4)%
              

NM – Not Meaningful

1

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

2

Includes non-controlling interest related to operating entities (non-investment activities).

- 47 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

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

Non-operating income, net of non-controlling interests, decreased $105.6 million to a portfolioloss of assets or enters into swaps. A CDO funds its activities through$7.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to income of $98.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease was primarily the result of a $4.8 million net loss on investments compared with a net gain on investments in the six months ended June 30, 2007 and a $12.9 million increase in interest expense related to the issuance of several trancheslong-term debt in September 2007. The net loss on investments, net of debtnon-controlling interests, in 2008 was primarily due to a decline in valuations from seed investments and co-investments in real estate equity products and hedge funds/funds of hedge funds offset by net gains in private equity and other investments.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $277.7 million and $234.9 million for the repaymentsix months ended June 30, 2008 and return of which are linked2007, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was 35.0%, as compared to 36.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to the performancemix of pre-tax income and tax legislation changes enacted in the third quarter 2007 in the United Kingdom that reduced corporate income tax rates in 2008.

Net Income

Net income totaled $515.7 million, or $3.87 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2008, which was an increase of $98.1 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 includes the after-tax impact of the portion of LTIP awards which will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees of $19.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

Net income of $417.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 included the after-tax impacts related to the portion of certain LTIP awards which will be funded through a capital contribution of BlackRock common stock held by PNC of $16.6 million, MLIM integration costs of $8.4 million and an expected contribution by Merrill Lynch of $3.2 million to fund certain compensation of former MLIM employees. MLIM integration costs primarily include professional fees and marketing and promotional expenses. Exclusive of these GAAP expenses in both periods, fully diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased $0.65, or 19.2%, to $4.04 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2007.

- 48 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2008, as compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007. (continued)

Operating Margin

The Company’s operating margin was 29.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 26.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Operating margin for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 included the impact of $9.3 million and $38.6 million, respectively, of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions. In addition, operating margin for the six months ended June 30, 2007 included the impact of $13.1 million of MLIM integration costs. Operating margin improved 12.9% primarily due to operating leverage associated with the growth in revenue, a $29.4 million reduction of closed-end fund launch costs and commissions and the reduction of MLIM integration costs partially offset by a $14.6 million increase in compensation expense related to appreciation on certain deferred compensation plans and a $11.0 million increase in amortization of intangible assets associated with the Quellos Transaction.

Operating margin, as adjusted, which excludes from operating income the impact of certain GAAP operating expenses and adjusts GAAP operating revenue, was 37.8% and 36.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The six months ended June 30, 2008 operating margin, as adjusted, which included the impact of an $11 million increase in amortization of intangible assets primarily associated with the Quellos Transaction, rose 1.4% to 37.8%. Operating margin, as adjusted, is described in more detail in the CDO. Typically, BlackRock’s role is as collateral manager. The Company also may invest in a portionOverview to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the debt or equity issued. These entities meet the definitionFinancial Condition and Results of a variable interest entity under FIN 46(R). BlackRock has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of these CDOs, and as a result it does not consolidate these CDOs in its condensed consolidated financial statements.Operations.

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

- 49 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

BlackRock Cash Flows Excluding the Impact of Consolidated Sponsored Investment Funds

In accordance with GAAP, certain BlackRock sponsored investment funds are consolidated into the condensed consolidated financial statements of BlackRock, notwithstanding the fact that BlackRock may only have a minority economic interest in these funds. As a result, BlackRock’s condensed consolidated statements of cash flows include the cash flows of consolidated sponsored investment funds. We useThe Company uses an adjusted cash flow, which excludes the impact of consolidated sponsored investment funds, as a supplemental non-GAAP measure to assess liquidity and capital requirements. We believeThe Company believes that BlackRock’sits cash flows, excluding the impact of the consolidated sponsored investment funds, provide investors with useful information on the cash flows of BlackRock relating to our ability to fund additional operating, investing and financing activities. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider such non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, its cash flowflows presented in accordance with GAAP.

- 40 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

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

 

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

Funds
 Cash Flows
Excluding

Impact of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment

Funds
   June 30, 2008 
  GAAP
Basis
 Impact on
Cash Flows of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment
Funds
 Cash Flows
Excluding
Impact of
Consolidated
Sponsored
Investment
Funds
 

Cash flows from operating activities

  $(130) $135  $(265)  $481  $206  $275 

Cash flows from investing activities

   (134)  (11)  (123)   (318)  (5)  (313)

Cash flows from financing activities

   (205)  (91)  (114)   (397)  (212)  (185)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   7   —     7    6   —     6 
                    

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (462)  33   (495)   (228)  (11)  (217)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,656   67   1,589    1,656   67   1,589 
                    

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,194  $100  $1,094   $1,428  $56  $1,372 
                    

- 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 (continued)

Operating Activities

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

Cash flows from operating activities in the first quarter includessix months ended June 30, 2008 included cash payments related to year-endyear end incentive compensation.

- 41 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Capital Resources

The Company manages its consolidated financial condition and funding to maintain appropriate liquidity for the business. At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents on its condensed consolidated statements of financial condition of $1,194.2$1,427.5 million. Cash and cash equivalents, net of amounts in consolidated sponsored investment funds of $100.0$56.3 million and net of regulatory capital requirements of $239.7$203.8 million (partially met with cash and cash equivalents), was $854.5$1,167.4 million. In addition, at March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had committed access to $2,100$2,100.0 million of undrawn cash (net of outstanding letters of credit totaling $100 million) via its 2007 five-year credit facility, resulting in cash, net of cash in consolidated sponsored investment funds and regulatory capital requirements, plus credit capacity of $2,954.5$3,267.4 million.

Approximately $100.0$56.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $907.6$792.2 million in investments included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at March 31,June 30, 2008 are held by sponsored investment funds that are consolidated by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP. The Company may not be able to access such cash or investments to use in its operating activities. In addition, a significant portion of the Company’s investments are illiquid in nature and, as such, are not readily convertible to cash.

Investment/Loan Commitments

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had $498.7$487.8 million of various capital commitments to fund sponsored investment funds and unfunded commitments related to one private equity warehouse facility. Generally, the timing of the funding of capital commitments is uncertain and such commitments could expire before funding. The Company intends to make additional capital commitments from time to time to seedfund additional investment products for, and with, its clients.

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had loaned approximately $99.5$97.2 million to a warehouse entity established for certain private equity funds of funds managed by the Company and warehouse entities established for such funds. At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had committed to make additional loans of approximately $76.1$144.5 million under the agreements.agreement. The Company anticipates making additional commitments under these facilitiesthis facility from time to time, but is not obligated to do so.

On February 29, 2008, the Company committed to provide financing, if needed, of up to $60.0 million to Anthracite Capital, Inc. (“Anthracite”), a specialty commercial real estate finance company that is managed by a subsidiary of BlackRock. Financing is collateralized by certain investments ownedAnthracite pledging its ownership interest in an investment fund which is also managed by Anthracite. Ata subsidiary of BlackRock. Borrowings of $52.5 million, which were outstanding at March 31, 2008, $52.5 million of financing was outstanding, which was included in due from affiliates on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of financial condition, with interest rates between 5.15% and 5.44% and was subsequentlywere repaid in April 2008. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, Anthracite borrowed $30.0 million at an interest rate of 5.295%.

 

- 4251 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

 

Borrowings

In August 2007, the Company entered into a five-year $2.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2007 facility”Facility”), which permits the Company to request an additional $500 million of borrowing capacity, subject to lender credit approval, up to a maximum of $3.0 billion. The 2007 facilityFacility requires the Company not to exceed a maximum leverage ratio (ratio of net debt to EBITDA, where net debt equals total debt less domestic unrestricted cash) of 3 to 1, which was satisfied at March 31,June 30, 2008.

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had $300.0 million outstanding under the 2007 facilityFacility with interest rates between 2.855%2.655% to 5.105% and maturity dates between AprilJuly 2008 and September 2008. During AprilJuly 2008, the Company repaid $100.0 million of the balance outstanding at March 31, 2008.outstanding.

In addition, in December 2007, in order to support two enhanced cash funds that BlackRock manages, BlackRock elected to procure two letters of credit under the existing 2007 facilityFacility totaling in aggregate $100 million.

In June 2008, BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a five billion Japanese yen commitment-line agreement with a banking institution (the “Japan Commitment-line”). The term of the Japan Commitment-line is one year and interest will accrue at the applicable Japanese short-term prime rate. The Japan Commitment-line is intended to provide liquidity flexibility for operating requirements in Japan. At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company had no borrowings outstanding on the Japan Commitment-line.

At June 30, 2008, long-term borrowings were $947.2$946.6 million. Debt service and repayment requirements, assuming the convertible debentures are repaid at BlackRock’s option in 2010, are $25.8$25.2 million for the remainder of 2008, $51.0 million in 2009, $297.7 million in 2010 and $43.8 million in each of 2011 and 2012.

Support of Two Enhanced Cash Funds

During 2007, BlackRock made investments in two enhanced cash funds to enhance liquidity of the funds and to facilitate redemptions. At June 30, 2008, BlackRock’s total net investment in these two funds was approximately $88.5 million.

In December 2007, BlackRock entered into capital support agreements with the two funds. These credit support agreements are backed by letters of credit drawn under BlackRock’s existing credit facility. Pursuant to the capital support agreements, BlackRock has agreed to make subsequent capital contributions to the funds to cover realized losses, up to $100 million, related to specified securities held by the funds. BlackRock provided approximately $1 million of capital contributions to these two funds for the six months ended June 30, 2008 under the capital support agreements.

At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, in applying the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R),Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities(“FIN 46(R)”), BlackRock concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of either fund.

Exposure to Collateralized Debt Obligations

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

At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, BlackRock’s maximum risk of loss related to CDOs was approximately $25.5 million and $32.1 million, respectively.

- 52 -


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)

Net Capital Requirements

The Company is required to maintain net capital in certain jurisdictions, which is met in part by retaining cash and cash equivalent investments in those jurisdictions. As a result, the Company may be restricted in its ability to transfer cash between different jurisdictions. Additionally, transfer of cash between international jurisdictions, including repatriation to the United States, may have adverse tax consequences that could discourage such transfers. At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company was required to maintain approximately $239.7$203.8 million in net capital at these subsidiaries and is in compliance with all applicable regulatory minimum net capital requirements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. In addition to Fair Value Measurements, discussed below, see Note 2 and the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in BlackRock’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2008 for detaildetails on Significant Accounting Policies.

- 43 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Critical Accounting Policies (continued)

Fair Value Measurements

BlackRock adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157157”), as of January 1, 2008, which requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

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

Level2008. See Note 1, Inputs – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the reporting date. Level 1 assets include listed mutual funds, equities and debt securities.

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

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

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular inputSignificant Accounting Policies to the fair value measurementCompany’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.Part I, Item 1 of this filing.

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

- 44 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Critical Accounting Policies (continued)

Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

The following table represents investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31,June 30, 2008:

 

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

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

(Level 3)
 Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (3)
  Investments at
March 31, 2008
 
(Dollar amounts in millions)  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

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

(Level 3)
 Other
Investments
Not Held at
Fair Value (3)
  Investments at
June 30, 2008
 

Total investments, GAAP

  $310.9  $285.9  $1,288.6  $37.5  $1,922.9   $312  $205  $1,386  $39  $1,942 

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

   (3.7)  (160.1)  (435.1)  —     (598.9)   (6)  (36)  (454)  —     (496)
                                

Net “economic” investment exposure(2)

  $307.2  $125.8  $853.5  $37.5  $1,324.0   $306  $169  $932  $39  $1,446 
                                

 

(1)

Consists of net assets attributable to non-controlling investors of consolidated sponsored investment funds.

(2)

Includes BlackRock’s portion of cash and cash equivalents, other assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and other liabilities that are consolidated from sponsored investment funds.

(3)

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

 

- 53 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a leading investment management firm, BlackRock devotes significant resources across all of its operations to identifying, measuring, monitoring, managing and analyzing market and operating risks, including the management and oversight of its own investment portfolio. The 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 Capital 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.

AUM Market Price Risk

BlackRock’s investment management revenues are primarily comprised of fees based on a percentage of the value of AUM and, in some cases, performance fees expressed as a percentage of the returns realized on AUM. At March 31,June 30, 2008, the majority of our investment advisory and administration fees were based on AUM of the applicable mutual funds or separate accounts. Movements in equity market prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates or all three could cause the value of AUM to decline, which wouldcould result in lower investment advisory and administration fees.

- 45 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Corporate InvestmentsInvestment Portfolio Risks

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

BlackRock has investments primarily in sponsored investment products that invest in a variety of asset classes. Investments generally are made to establish a performance track record, for co-investment purposes or to hedge exposure to certain deferred compensation plans. Currently, the Company has a seed capital hedging program in which it enters into total return swaps to hedge exposure to certain equity investments. At March 31,June 30, 2008, the outstanding total return swaps had an aggregate notional value of approximately $79$74 million.

Corporate Investments Portfolio Risks

At March 31,June 30, 2008, approximately $908$792 million of BlackRock’s total investments were maintained in sponsored investment funds that are deemed to be controlled by BlackRock in accordance with GAAP and therefore are consolidated even though BlackRock may not own a majority of such funds. ThePrior to the impact of the seed capital hedging program, the Company’s net economic exposure to its investment portfolio is as follows:

 

  June 30, December 31, 

(Dollar amounts in millions)

  March 31,
2008
 December 31,
2007
   2008 2007 

Total investments

  $1,923  $2,000   $1,942  $2,000 

Consolidated sponsored investments funds

   (908)  (1,054)   (792)  (1,054)

Net exposure to consolidated investment funds

   309   325    296   325 
              

Total net “economic” investment exposure

  $1,324  $1,271   $1,446  $1,271 
              

Equity Market Price Risk

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company’s net exposure to equity price risk is approximately $926$945 million (net of $79$74 million of certain equity investments that are hedged via total return swaps) of the Company’s net economic investment exposure. The Company estimates that a 10% adverse change in equity prices would result in a decrease of approximately $92.6$94.5 million in the carrying value of such investments.

- 54 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

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

Interest Rate Risk

At March 31,June 30, 2008, the Company was exposed to interest-rate risk as a result of approximately $319$427 million of investments in debt securities and sponsored investment products that invest primarily in debt securities. Management considered a hypothetical 100 basis point fluctuation in interest rates and estimates that the impact of such a fluctuation on these investments, in the aggregate, would result in a decrease, or increase, of approximately $3.2$5.6 million in the carrying value of such investments.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

As discussed above, the Company invests in sponsored investment products that invest in a variety of asset classes. The carrying value of the net economic investment exposure denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound sterling and the Euro, was $91$84 million. A 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates would result in approximately a $9.1an $8.4 million decline in the carrying value of such investments.

 

- 46 -


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the direction of BlackRock’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, BlackRock evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d—15(e)15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) at March 31,June 30, 2008. Based on this evaluation, BlackRock’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that BlackRock’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at March 31,June 30, 2008.

Internal Control and Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

- 55 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

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

 

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

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company made the following purchases of its common stock, which are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.

(c)During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company made the following purchases of its common stock, which is 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

January 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008

  31,097 2 $200.36  —    751,400

February 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008

  159,120 3 $215.82  —    751,400

March 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008

  922 3 $195.99  —    751,400
          

Total

  191,139  $213.21  —    
          
   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, 2008 through April 30, 2008

  5,270 2 $204.77  —    751,400

May 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008

  9,719 2 $219.02  —    751,400

June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008

  2,795 2 $212.09  —    751,400
            

Total

  17,784  $213.71  —    
            

 

1

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

2

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

3

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

 

- 4756 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (continued)( continued)

 

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

The annual meeting of stockholders of BlackRock was held on May 27, 2008, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following:

(1)Election of Directors. Six Class III directors were elected and the votes cast for or against/withheld were as follows:

   Aggregate Votes
   For  Withheld

Nominees for Class III

    

Robert C. Doll

  113,331,184  1,465,653

Gregory J. Fleming

  112,330,984  1,465,853

Murry S. Gerber

  113,405,853  390,984

James Grosfeld

  112,961,117  835,720

Sir Deryck Maughan

  112,961,480  835,357

Linda Gosden Robinson

  113,117,594  679,243

As of August 7, 2008 the other continuing directors of BlackRock are Laurence D. Fink, Mathis Cabiallavetta, Dennis D. Dammerman, William S. Demchak, Kenneth B. Dunn, Robert S. Kapito, David H. Komansky, Thomas H. O’Brien, James E. Rohr and John A. Thain.

(2)Ratification of Auditor. The appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2008 was ratified.

   Aggregate Votes
   For  Against  Abstain

Ratification of Appointment

  113,789,219  5,639  1,979

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

- 57 -


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ( continued)

Item 6.Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.1(1)+

Letter to Ann Marie Petach.
12.1

 Computation of 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)Filed herewith.
+Denotes compensatory arrangement.

- 4858 -


SIGNATURES

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

 

 BLACKROCK, INC.
 (Registrant)
Date: May 9, 2008 By: 

/s/ Paul L. AudetAnn Marie Petach

Date: August 8, 2008  Paul L. AudetAnn Marie Petach
  Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.Description

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.1(1)+

Letter to Ann Marie Petach.
12.1

 Computation of 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)Filed herewith.
+Denotes compensatory arrangement.