Blackstone And Vista Plot Smartsheet Takeover: Report
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 06 2024
0mins
Should l Buy BX?
Source: Benzinga
Acquisition Talks: Blackstone Inc. and Vista Equity Partners are in discussions to acquire Smartsheet Inc., valued at approximately $7 billion, with a potential deal expected soon.
Recent Performance: Smartsheet reported better-than-expected earnings and sales for the second quarter, while Blackstone continues its acquisition strategy with recent deals in logistics and data centers.
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Analyst Views on BX
Wall Street analysts forecast BX stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 128.990
Low
166.00
Averages
176.60
High
205.00
Current: 128.990
Low
166.00
Averages
176.60
High
205.00
About BX
Blackstone Inc. is an alternative asset manager. Its asset management includes global investment strategies focused on real estate, private equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, credit, real assets, secondaries, and hedge funds. Its Real Estate segment comprises its management of opportunistic real estate funds, Core+ real estate funds, and real estate debt strategies. Its Private Equity segment includes its management of flagship Corporate Private Equity funds, sector and geographically focused Corporate Private Equity funds, core private equity funds, an investment platform, and others. Its Credit & Insurance segment consists of Blackstone Credit & Insurance, which is organized into three overarching strategies: private corporate credit, liquid corporate credit and infrastructure and asset-based credit. Its Multi-Asset Investing segment is organized into four investment platforms: Absolute Return, Multi-Strategy, Total Portfolio Management, and Public Real Assets.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Increase in Non-Accruals: Blackstone's private credit fund reported a rise in non-accruals to 2.4% at cost and 1.4% at fair value, indicating heightened potential risks in its investment portfolio that could adversely affect future earnings performance.
- Key Contributors Identified: The increase in non-accruals was primarily driven by Medallia, a software platform, and Affordable Care Holding, a consumer healthcare company focused on tooth replacement solutions, suggesting challenges in these sectors may impact Blackstone's overall investment returns.
- Market Reaction: The rise in non-accruals may undermine market confidence in Blackstone's credit fund, prompting investors to closely monitor its future risk management strategies and asset allocation adjustments.
- Industry Implications: This situation at Blackstone could trigger scrutiny across the private credit industry, especially amid increasing economic uncertainty, leading investors to reassess their risk appetite and investment strategies.
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- Record Inflows: According to LSEG Lipper, 22 BDC funds attracted $868 million in the first quarter, marking the highest inflow ever, indicating strong investor confidence in private credit despite redemption pressures.
- PIMCO's Bond Purchase: Bond fund manager PIMCO made headlines last week by purchasing the entire $400 million bond issuance from private credit firm Blue Owl Capital, demonstrating that large investors are still actively seeking opportunities amid market uncertainty.
- Successful Direct Lending Fund: Golub Capital launched a direct lending fund that raised approximately $320 million from 14 institutional investors, showcasing robust demand for private credit despite concerns over risks in the software services sector.
- Continued ETF Inflows: VanEck's GPZ ETF has seen no outflows in the past three months and attracted $110.06 million in inflows, suggesting that investors perceive current market conditions as an opportunity to invest at discounted prices.
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- Investor Exodus: Wealthy individuals are pulling money from illiquid private loan funds due to concerns over AI's potential impact on portfolio companies, leading to significant outflows for alternative asset managers, with Blackstone's retail funds now accounting for 24% of total assets.
- Stagnant Private Credit Fundraising: According to S&P Global, private credit fundraising was nearly flat at $49.9 billion in Q1 2023, with direct lending dropping to $10.7 billion, the lowest level in three years, indicating structural concerns about liquidity and valuation credibility.
- Shift in Market Sentiment: Oppenheimer analysts have cut price targets for several firms ahead of quarterly earnings, reflecting a change in investor perceptions, particularly under pressure from direct lending and retail redemptions.
- Private Equity Exit Constraints: While there were high expectations for private equity exits, with around 29,000 companies anticipated to exit by 2026, high interest rates and geopolitical tensions have dampened market sentiment, leading to decreased confidence in liquidity and valuations.
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- Current Position: Blackstone Private Credit Fund is well-positioned to navigate today's economic environment.
- Focus on Income: The fund continues to generate durable income for its shareholders.
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Performance of Blackstone Private Credit Fund: As of March 31, 2026, Blackstone Credit's borrowers have achieved an average year-over-year growth rate of 11%.
Implications for Investors: This growth indicates a strong performance of the fund, potentially attracting more investors looking for reliable credit opportunities.
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- Blackstone Private Credit Fund: As of Q1 2026, Blackstone Credit has over $15 billion in available liquidity.
- Financial Position: The fund's substantial liquidity indicates a strong financial position and capacity for future investments.
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