On Monday, Goldman Sachs reiterated its Buy rating on BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) shares with a price target of $929. The reaffirmation follows BlackRock's announcement of its intention to acquire Preqin, a leading provider of data and solutions for the private markets. The transaction is valued at approximately $3.2 billion and is expected to be completed before the end of 2024.
BlackRock plans to fund the acquisition with up to $3 billion in incremental debt and the balance with cash on hand. The purchase price translates to roughly 13 times the estimated 2024 revenue of Preqin's management. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing BlackRock's technology offerings in the private markets sector, particularly through integration with its existing platforms eFront and Aladdin.
The firm anticipates that the acquisition will offer considerable opportunities for revenue synergies, largely through the expansion of distribution via BlackRock's extensive network. Additionally, management at BlackRock foresees the potential to develop new data products and applications, further unlocking value from the acquisition.
Looking ahead, BlackRock sees the Preqin deal as a pivotal step in establishing a comprehensive suite of tools for the "indexation of the private markets." This concept mirrors the approach BlackRock pioneered in public markets, with standardized indexes, risk models, and performance measures. The firm also contemplates the future possibility of creating investible indices within the private markets.
In other recent news, BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has made a significant move into the private markets data sector with its acquisition of UK-based data firm Preqin for $3.2 billion. This acquisition is expected to enhance BlackRock's Aladdin technology platform by integrating Preqin's data, research, and tools. Despite the acquisition, Preqin is projected to continue operating as a standalone product and is expected to generate about $240 million in recurring revenue for 2024.
In analyst updates, UBS has maintained a Neutral rating on BlackRock, while Citi has reaffirmed its Buy rating, both following the Preqin acquisition announcement. The acquisition of Preqin aligns with BlackRock's strategy to deepen its presence in the private markets and diversify its earnings streams.
In other company developments, BlackRock successfully defended its board of directors in a shareholder vote against a challenge from Saba Capital Management. The shareholders sided with the current management, retaining BlackRock as the manager of the funds. Additionally, BlackRock is set to restart formal negotiations with Sri Lanka concerning the restructuring of over $12 billion in bonds.
InvestingPro Insights
With Goldman Sachs maintaining a bullish stance on BlackRock, investors may find additional confidence in the company's financial health and growth prospects. According to InvestingPro data, BlackRock boasts a market capitalization of $116.2 billion and a P/E ratio of 19.67, suggesting a potentially attractive valuation relative to its earnings. Notably, the company has experienced a revenue growth of 5.32% over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, indicating steady business expansion.
Two InvestingPro Tips highlight BlackRock's strong track record and promising valuation. The company has not only raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years but is also trading at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth. Such financial resilience and consistency in returning value to shareholders could be key factors for investors considering BlackRock, especially in light of the Preqin acquisition.
For investors seeking deeper insights and additional tips on BlackRock, InvestingPro offers a comprehensive analysis, including the fact that analysts predict the company will be profitable this year. To explore further, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription. InvestingPro currently lists five additional tips for BlackRock, which can be accessed through their platform.
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