Is Blackstone a Buy After Its Latest Earnings Report?
Blackstone (BX) posted mixed Q3 2026 results: distributable earnings fell 9%, driven by a 34% decline in net realizations. The pullback masks stronger top-line fundamentals, with assets under management reaching $1.4 trillion and capital inflows hitting $63.3 billion.
The earnings dip stems from realizations, the income recognized when investments are sold, rather than from a drop in capital raised. Management expects a significant recovery in Q4 and an outstanding 2027. Interpretation: the guidance frames Q3 as a timing issue in exits, though the next print has to confirm it.
Valuation is the bull case. BX trades at $117 per share, down 28.5% from its 52-week high, at less than 20x earnings. The stock carries a 4.4% dividend yield. The article projects potential annualized returns of 15% over five years, a long-horizon estimate rather than a near-term catalyst.
Interpretation: the setup pairs a depressed price with record AUM and inflows, while the realization decline keeps near-term earnings noisy. Investors are being asked to look past a 9% earnings drop on management's word that Q4 rebounds.