This BLK Stock Forecast article was written by Milana Papadopoulou – Financial Analyst at I Know First.

Highlights

• BlackRock hit $11.6 trillion in assets in 2024
• BlackRock invests $22.8B in Panama Canal ports for global expansion
• Stable financials make it a solid long-term investment

BLK Stock Forecast: Overview

BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) has grown from a small risk management firm into the world’s largest asset manager, overseeing $11.6 trillion in assets under management. Founded in 1988 by Larry Fink, BlackRock focused on fixed-income asset management and risk analysis.

Over the years, BlackRock expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Merrill Lynch Investment Managers in 2006 and Barclays Global Investors in 2009, which added the now-dominant iShares ETF business. Today, BlackRock is a leader in investment advisory, technology services, and alternative assets, continually evolving with the financial landscape. This article explores the company’s financial strength, revenue streams, recent expansions—including its Panama Canal investment and Bitcoin ETF launch—and why it remains a top long-term investment choice.

BLK Stock Forecast: Revenue Streams

BlackRock generates revenue from five segments: investment advisory, administration fees, securities lending revenue, investment advisory performance fees, technology services revenue, distribution fees, advisory revenue, and other revenue.

Investment advisory administration fees are BlackRock’s largest revenue stream, accounting for the majority of its total income. It includes fees from managing assets across various investment vehicles, such as exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, and institutional accounts. Performance fees are earned when BlackRock’s investment funds outperform their benchmarks. While they make up a smaller portion of the total revenue, they provide a significant boost during periods of strong market performance. It also generates substantial revenue through its Aladdin software (a risk management and investment operations platform).

Financial Performance

The company reported a total revenue of $20.4 billion for 2024, a 14% increase from $17.9 billion in 2023. Higher base fees, performance fees, and technology services revenue drove this growth. Net income attributable to BlackRock rose to $6.4 billion, up from $5.5 billion in the previous year, reflecting a 15.8% increase. Diluted earnings per share for the full year were $42.01, or $43.61 as adjusted, compared to $36.51 in 2023, indicating a 15% growth.

BlackRock’s AUM reached a record $11.6 trillion by the end of 2024, up from $10.0 trillion in 2023. This increase was driven by market appreciation, net inflows, and the impact of strategic acquisitions, notably the purchase of Global Infrastructure Partners.

The operating income for 2024 was $7.6 billion, a 20.7% increase from $6.3 billion in 2023. The operating margin improved to 37.1% from 35.1% in the prior year, reflecting enhanced efficiency and revenue growth

The Panama Acquisitions

In a landmark move, BlackRock Inc. has announced a $22.8 billion acquisition of key port assets on the Panama Canal, a deal that marks a significant expansion into global infrastructure. The acquisition includes a 90% stake in two major ports along the canal, previously owned by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, along with an 80% stake in the company’s global port operations. The Panama Canal is a critical trade route, handling nearly 6% of global maritime trade. Following the announcement, BlackRock’s stock price rose 1%. 

The investment was also surrounded by political turmoil. The US president praised the firm for the acquisition, celebrating the reduction of “Chinese influence” in the region. Experts, however, have pointed out that there is a possibility of increasing political tensions with the government of Panama following President Trump’s claims about the canal.

Institutional Investments

BlackRock is one of the most widely held stocks by institutional investors, given its dominant position as the world’s largest asset manager. Institutional investors, such as mutual funds, pension funds, hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance companies, own a significant portion of BlackRock’s outstanding shares.

High institutional ownership leads to lower volatility since large investors tend to hold stocks for the long term. Coupled with the fact that most large shareholders have a passive investment style, BLK rarely suffers large fluctuations. Also, Institutional activity ensures strong liquidity, making BlackRock an attractive stock for large-scale investors. Moreover, institutional investors often engage with BlackRock’s management, influencing corporate governance decisions and strategic direction, thus providing access to credible market knowledge and insights into different sectors. 

Cryptocurrency Pivot

BlackRock launched the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF  in January 2024 after securing SEC approval, making it one of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. The ETF quickly gained traction, surpassing $1 billion in trading volume within nine days and reaching $10 billion in AUM by May 2024. Its introduction marked a major step in mainstreaming Bitcoin as an institutional asset. However, in early 2025, Bitcoin ETFs faced significant volatility, with record outflows of $3.3 billion as Bitcoin’s price dropped 17.2%, reflecting market uncertainty. Despite this, BlackRock’s ETF has played a crucial role in increasing liquidity and institutional participation in the crypto market. The firm’s foray into cryptocurrency aligns with its strategy of expanding into innovative financial products. As the demand for regulated digital asset investments grows, BlackRock remains at the forefront of bridging traditional finance and the evolving crypto industry.

BLK Stock Forecast: Conclusion

BlackRock continues to show strong financial responsibility as well as dedication to expansion and excellence. Despite a slight increase in volatility in the last month, the stock shall remain a stable investment in the long term. With a record-high AUM of $11.6 trillion, robust financial performance, and an improving operating margin, BlackRock remains well-positioned to capitalize on global market trends.

Additionally, its recent infrastructure investments, including the Panama Canal deal, and its successful foray into cryptocurrency with the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF reinforce its ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Institutional investor confidence in BlackRock further underscores its stability and long-term value.

Taking all the above factors into consideration, I deem BlackRock a bullish stock and give it a Buy recommendation for long-term investors. 

It is worth paying attention that the stock-picking AI of I Know First has a high signal on the one-year market trend forecasts, supporting my position for the BLK stock forecast. The light red for the short-term forecasts is mildly bearish, while the darker green is a strong bullish signal for the one-year forecast.

To subscribe today click here.

Please note-for trading decisions use the most recent forecast.