Blackstone(US:BX) ZACKS·2026-03-11 14:31Core Viewpoint - Blackstone Inc. (BX) shares are trading at a premium compared to the industry, with a forward 12-month price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.48, significantly higher than the industry average of 9.87 [1][8]. Valuation Comparison - Compared to peers Apollo Global Management, Inc. (APO) and The Carlyle Group Inc. (CG), Blackstone's stock appears overvalued, with Apollo's P/E ratio at 11.31 and Carlyle's at 10.12 [2]. Fundamental Strength - Blackstone has a robust assets under management (AUM) balance, with total AUM reaching a record $1.27 trillion by the end of 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% over the past five years [6][8]. - The growth in AUM is driven by strong capital inflows, strategic investments in high-growth sectors such as digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, and a diversified product base [9][10]. - Blackstone's fundraising ability remains strong, with available capital ("dry powder") of $198.3 billion as of December 31, 2025, despite a challenging fundraising environment [11]. Price Performance Analysis - Over the past six months, BX shares have declined by 40.2%, underperforming the industry decline of 28.9% and peers like Carlyle Group and Apollo Global [14]. - The S&P 500 Index has returned 4.2% during the same period, highlighting Blackstone's relative underperformance [14]. Growth Prospects - Blackstone's diversification across various asset classes enables multiple revenue streams, which is expected to support growth in AUM and fee-related earnings in the long term [16]. - However, tighter credit markets and high interest rates may hinder near-term prospects, with concerns about reduced deal activity and investor sentiment affecting fundraising [17][18]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Analysts have revised down earnings estimates for Blackstone, indicating a lack of optimism regarding growth prospects, with expected year-over-year growth rates of 14% and 26.8% for 2026 and 2027, respectively [19].