BlackRock, Inc. (BLK) opened 2026 with solid results, led by strong client demand and steady growth across its platform. The firm reported $130 billion in net inflows for the first quarter, a clear jump from last year, while total assets under management reached about $13.9 trillion.
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At the same time, revenue rose 27% year-over-year to $6.7 billion, supported by higher market levels, new client money, and recent deals. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $12.53, up 11%, which shows steady core growth even as costs and taxes moved higher.
Chief Executive Larry Fink pointed to strong client demand across the business. He said, “BlackRock delivered one of the strongest starts to a year in our history,” and noted that clients are turning to the firm for broad portfolio solutions.
Meanwhile, BLK shares rose nearly 3% on pre-market trading following the company’s strong earnings.
ETFs and Private Markets Lead the Way
Looking closer, exchange-traded funds remained the main growth engine. iShares ETFs brought in $132 billion in inflows during the quarter, a record for a first quarter.
In addition, private markets added $9 billion in inflows, led by credit and infrastructure strategies. These areas tend to carry higher fees, which can support profit over time. As a result, BlackRock continues to build a more balanced mix between low-cost index products and higher-margin private assets.
However, some weakness appeared in institutional index flows, which saw outflows during the quarter. Still, strong demand from ETFs and active strategies more than offset that trend.
Technology Business Gains Momentum
Another key theme was growth in technology services. Revenue from this segment rose 22% year-over-year to $530 million, driven by demand for the Aladdin platform and the impact of the Preqin deal.
This part of the business brings steady, repeat revenue and helps expand BlackRock’s reach beyond asset management. As Fink noted, the firm is combining investing and technology “on one integrated platform,” which is becoming a larger part of its strategy.
Overall, BlackRock’s first quarter points to steady growth, strong client demand, and a business that is expanding beyond its core roots.
Is BLK a Good Stock?
Turning to the Street, BlackRock holds a Strong Buy consensus, based on 12 analysts’ ratings. The average BLK stock price target is $1,230.50, implying a 20.21% upside from the current price.
