Selected stock price target news of the day - January 16th, 2025

By: Matthew Otto

BlackRock Reports Results for 2024 Amid Strong Inflows and Strategic Acquisitions

BlackRock announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. The asset manager’s total assets under management (AUM) reached $11.6 trillion, a 15% year-over-year increase, supported by $641 billion in net inflows for the year, including $281 billion in the fourth quarter.

While Q3 AUM slightly missed estimates of $11.66 trillion, coming in at $11.55 trillion, BlackRock’s Q3 earnings per share (EPS) of $11.93 exceeded analyst expectations by $0.47. Additionally, quarterly revenue of $5.68 billion surpassed the consensus estimate of $5.59 billion.

Full-year revenue increased 14%, supported by growth in organic base fees, performance fees, and technology services. Adjusted operating income rose 23%, and diluted earnings per share grew 15%.

BlakcRock completed a $25 billion acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and announced the $3.2 billion purchase of HPS Investment Partners, which is expected to create a $220 billion private credit franchise. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) captured $142.6 billion of inflows, driving long-term net inflows to $201 billion in Q4 alone.

BlackRock’s operating margin expanded by 280 basis points to 44.5%, with organic base fees and technology services annual contract value increasing 7% and 12%, respectively.

Analyst Upgrades Reflect Confidence in Performance

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Aidan Hall raised the price target from $1,160 to $1,180.
JP Morgan analyst Kenneth Worthington maintained a Neutral rating yet increased the price target from $971 to $1,053.
Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Bedell reiterated a Buy rating while raising the price target from $1,215 to $1,275.

Which Analyst has the best track record to show on BLK?

Analyst Kenneth Worthington (JPMORGAN) currently has the highest performing score on BLK with 10/13 (76.92%) price target fulfillment ratio. His price targets carry an average of $-86.53 (-8.65%) potential downside. BlackRock stock price reaches these price targets on average within 276 days.

Azul Advances Toward Dominance with Gol Merger, Targeting 60% Market Share

Azul is progressing toward a merger with rival Gol in a deal that would create a dominant carrier in Brazil’s domestic market. According to a securities filing on Wednesday, the combined entity would control approximately 60% of Brazil’s domestic aviation sector, outpacing LATAM Airlines (LTM.SN), which holds a 32% market share.

Azul’s current fleet includes over 160 aircraft, comprising Embraer regional jets and Airbus single- and twin-aisle planes. The merger would enable Azul to integrate with Gol’s fleet of over 140 Boeing 737 aircraft, enhancing operational flexibility and increasing route coverage across Brazil’s vast geography. Together, the airlines operate on nearly 90% complementary, non-overlapping routes, with Azul serving regional and mid-sized markets and Gol focusing on major hubs like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília.

Analyst Upgrades to Buy Amid Merger Momentum

Seaport Global analyst Daniel Mckenzie upgraded from Neutral to Buy and announced a $5 price target.

Which Analyst has the best track record to show on AZUL?

Analyst Pablo Monsivais (BARCLAYS) currently has the highest performing score on AZUL with 3/8 (37.5%) price target fulfillment ratio. His price targets carry an average of $0.19 (4.41%) potential upside. Azul stock price reaches these price targets on average within 59 days.

Spotify Positioned for Continued Growth in 2025

Spotify Technology continues to expand its global footprint, ending 2024 with gains in monthly active users and premium subscriptions.

UBS analyst Batya Levi forecasts Spotify’s revenue to grow by 13% in 2025, supported by the addition of approximately 23 million new premium subscribers and enhancements to its offerings. Levi noted that Spotify’s expansion of audiobook services to new countries and the introduction of improved app features are likely to fuel this growth.

Since launching audiobooks in 2022, Spotify has evolved the service. Now offering premium subscribers 15 hours of audiobook listening per month.

Deutsche Bank analyst Benjamin Black highlighted the effectiveness of Spotify’s pricing strategy, which includes differentiated subscription tiers and strategic price increases that have had no adverse impact on user retention. Black also pointed to the potential for further monetization through these strategies, calling Spotify a top pick for 2025.

Analyst Ratings Show Strong Confidence in Spotify’s Future

Benchmark analyst Mark Zgutowicz reiterated a Buy rating and a $520 price target.
UBS analyst Batya Levi maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $485 to $540.

Which Analyst has the best track record to show on SPOT?

Analyst Kannan Venkateshwar (BARCLAYS) currently has the highest performing score on SPOT with 5/5 (100%) price target fulfillment ratio. His price targets carry an average of $19.03 (4.17%) potential upside. Spotify Technology stock price reaches these price targets on average within 60 days.