Wall Street’s most accurate analysts have raised their fourth-quarter earnings per share forecast for BlackRock to $12.41, reflecting a 1.6% upward revision over the past 30 days. Revenue projections now stand at $6.75 billion, implying year-over-year top-line growth of 18.8%. These forecast changes follow a third-quarter AUM milestone of $13.46 trillion, driven by net inflows into active, passive and spot crypto ETFs, as well as the integration of recent acquisitions.

BlackRock plans to eliminate approximately 250 positions—around 1% of its 24,600-strong global workforce—across investment and sales teams. This marks the third consecutive annual round of 1% workforce trims, part of a broader efficiency drive that management says will better align resources with client objectives. The firm’s spokesperson emphasized that these decisions support long-term competitiveness, noting similar moves at peer banks and asset managers as they adapt to technological shifts and economic uncertainty.

CEO Larry Fink’s strategy remains focused on expanding alternative investments and thematic exposures. Since closing the $12 billion acquisition of HPS Investment Partners in July, BlackRock has integrated new leadership and prepared a suite of alternative credit funds. In its 2026 outlook, the firm highlights three key themes—artificial intelligence, income and diversification—with AI-focused vehicles such as its Tech Active ETF already managing over $8 billion. Income strategies aim to navigate anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, while diversification solutions target non-correlated assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds.