ValueAct's Mason Morfit Invests in BlackRock, Sees Potential in Investment Management Software
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 17 2026
0mins
Should l Buy TROW?
Source: CNBC
- Investment Management Software Potential: Mason Morfit of ValueAct disclosed his stake in BlackRock, highlighting the Aladdin platform's ability to automate investment decisions, which could significantly enhance portfolio management efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate processes, showcasing its technological edge in investment management.
- Market Competitive Advantage: Morfit noted that BlackRock can reshape its image as merely an ETF manager through the Aladdin platform, leveraging technology integration to improve management efficiency and strengthen its competitive position against Vanguard, thereby solidifying its market presence.
- Industry Efficiency Issues: While Morfit acknowledged that his investment thesis might seem 'strange,' he emphasized the significant inefficiencies within the sector, creating a pressing need for a company to organize and streamline technology, with BlackRock's strengths in data and software positioning it well to address this need.
- Analyst Optimism: Despite BlackRock's shares dropping over 3% in February, most analysts maintain buy ratings, with expectations for the stock to rise over 23% in the next year, reflecting confidence in its long-term growth potential.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy TROW?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on TROW
Wall Street analysts forecast TROW stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
4 Hold
3 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 88.450
Low
94.00
Averages
104.67
High
115.00
Current: 88.450
Low
94.00
Averages
104.67
High
115.00
About TROW
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. is a financial services holding company that provides global investment advisory services to investors. It provides a range of investment solutions across equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative capabilities for clients from individuals to advisors to institutions to retirement plan sponsors. It also provides certain investment advisory clients with related administrative services, including distribution, mutual fund transfer agent, accounting, and shareholder services; participant recordkeeping and transfer agent services for defined contribution retirement plans; brokerage; trust services, and non-discretionary advisory services through model delivery. It distributes its array of active investment solutions through a diverse set of distribution channels and vehicles. These vehicles include an array of U.S. mutual funds, collective investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, subadvised funds, separately managed accounts, and other sponsored products.
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.
Americans Should Prioritize Tax Planning for Wealth Maximization
- Importance of Tax Planning: A survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute reveals that while 80% of Americans expect taxes to rise, only 31% are adjusting their financial plans accordingly, indicating a significant oversight that could lead to substantial financial losses for families.
- 401(k) Investment Benefits: In 2026, employees can contribute up to $24,500 pre-tax to a 401(k) or 403(b), with those over 50 allowed an additional $8,000, maximizing these pre-tax deductions can effectively lower taxable income and result in real savings.
- Tax-Optimized Investment Strategies: Placing high-yield investments in retirement accounts like IRAs can avoid ordinary tax rates that are typically higher than capital gains rates, while utilizing a Roth IRA for high-growth assets allows for tax-free growth throughout one's lifetime, enhancing wealth accumulation efficiency.
- Tax Benefits of Donating Investments: Donor-advised funds enable investors to make tax-deductible charitable contributions using highly appreciated assets, thus avoiding capital gains tax, particularly beneficial for those holding significant company stock, which can substantially reduce tax liabilities over the long term.
See More
Janus Henderson Secures a Buyer: A Look at the Performance of Its Funds.
- Acquisition Announcement: Janus Henderson, managing $493 billion in assets, is set to be acquired by Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst for $52 per share in cash.
- Bidding Update: The acquisition follows the withdrawal of rival bidder Victory Capital Holdings from the bidding process earlier this week.
See More
Trian's Battle for Janus Henderson Concludes: A Look at Fund Performance.
Acquisition Announcement: Janus Henderson, managing $493 billion in assets, is set to be acquired by Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst for $52 per share in cash.
Bidding Update: The acquisition follows the withdrawal of rival bidder Victory Capital Holdings from the bidding process earlier this week.
See More
Victory Capital Withdraws Bid for Janus Henderson Amid Market Dynamics
- Acquisition Dynamics: Victory Capital's withdrawal from the bid for Janus Henderson has led to its acquisition by General Catalyst and Trian, indicating a critical price discovery moment in the asset management industry, with the deal priced at a modest 11.6x forward earnings estimates.
- Fee Pressure: Asset management fees are trending lower, with ETFs providing a compelling low-cost alternative for many investors; however, the bidding war for Janus Henderson suggests that some asset management firms may be undervalued, capturing market attention.
- Invesco's Market Position: As a heavyweight in the industry, Invesco manages $2.26 trillion in assets, with its QQQ Trust essentially acting as a money-printing machine, and its current trading price is significantly below what a private equity firm would pay to build the business from scratch, highlighting its strong competitive moat.
- Options Trading Strategy: By structuring options trades to offset the dividend one would forgo by not purchasing the stock, investors can effectively acquire IVZ shares at about a 9% discount if the stock falls below $22, while also positioning for a maximum payout of $2 if the stock benefits from the JHG deal, showcasing a flexible investment strategy.
See More
OpenAI Raises Additional $10 Billion, Setting Historic Funding Record
- Funding Milestone: OpenAI has raised an additional $10 billion in its latest funding round, bringing its total fundraising to over $120 billion, significantly exceeding its initial target of $100 billion, reflecting strong market confidence in its AI technology.
- Diverse Investor Base: The funding round attracted participation from various venture capital and private equity firms, including Andreessen Horowitz and D.E. Shaw Ventures, indicating widespread investor trust and support for the AI revolution.
- Continued Microsoft Support: Microsoft, a long-time investor, has once again joined this funding round, with CFO Sarah Friar calling it an “incredible partner,” further solidifying their strategic collaboration in the AI space.
- Surging Market Demand: Since the launch of ChatGPT, OpenAI has amassed 900 million weekly active users and generated approximately $13.1 billion in revenue last year, demonstrating the extensive application and immense market potential of AI technology.
See More
OPENAI CFO SARAH FRIAR ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION OF A16Z, D.E. SHAW VENTURES, MGX, TPG, AND T. ROWE PRICE IN FUNDING ROUND
Funding Round Announcement: OpenAI, along with several venture capital firms including C.F.O. Sarah Friar, is participating in a new funding round.
Investors Involved: The funding round includes notable investors such as 16Z, D.E. Shaw Ventures, MGX, TPG, and T. Rowe Price.
See More
Americans Should Prioritize Tax Planning for Wealth Maximization
- Importance of Tax Planning: A survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute reveals that while 80% of Americans expect taxes to rise, only 31% are adjusting their financial plans accordingly, indicating a significant oversight that could lead to substantial financial losses for families.
- 401(k) Investment Benefits: In 2026, employees can contribute up to $24,500 pre-tax to a 401(k) or 403(b), with those over 50 allowed an additional $8,000, maximizing these pre-tax deductions can effectively lower taxable income and result in real savings.
- Tax-Optimized Investment Strategies: Placing high-yield investments in retirement accounts like IRAs can avoid ordinary tax rates that are typically higher than capital gains rates, while utilizing a Roth IRA for high-growth assets allows for tax-free growth throughout one's lifetime, enhancing wealth accumulation efficiency.
- Tax Benefits of Donating Investments: Donor-advised funds enable investors to make tax-deductible charitable contributions using highly appreciated assets, thus avoiding capital gains tax, particularly beneficial for those holding significant company stock, which can substantially reduce tax liabilities over the long term.
See More
Janus Henderson Secures a Buyer: A Look at the Performance of Its Funds.
- Acquisition Announcement: Janus Henderson, managing $493 billion in assets, is set to be acquired by Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst for $52 per share in cash.
- Bidding Update: The acquisition follows the withdrawal of rival bidder Victory Capital Holdings from the bidding process earlier this week.
See More
Trian's Battle for Janus Henderson Concludes: A Look at Fund Performance.
Acquisition Announcement: Janus Henderson, managing $493 billion in assets, is set to be acquired by Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst for $52 per share in cash.
Bidding Update: The acquisition follows the withdrawal of rival bidder Victory Capital Holdings from the bidding process earlier this week.
See More
Victory Capital Withdraws Bid for Janus Henderson Amid Market Dynamics
- Acquisition Dynamics: Victory Capital's withdrawal from the bid for Janus Henderson has led to its acquisition by General Catalyst and Trian, indicating a critical price discovery moment in the asset management industry, with the deal priced at a modest 11.6x forward earnings estimates.
- Fee Pressure: Asset management fees are trending lower, with ETFs providing a compelling low-cost alternative for many investors; however, the bidding war for Janus Henderson suggests that some asset management firms may be undervalued, capturing market attention.
- Invesco's Market Position: As a heavyweight in the industry, Invesco manages $2.26 trillion in assets, with its QQQ Trust essentially acting as a money-printing machine, and its current trading price is significantly below what a private equity firm would pay to build the business from scratch, highlighting its strong competitive moat.
- Options Trading Strategy: By structuring options trades to offset the dividend one would forgo by not purchasing the stock, investors can effectively acquire IVZ shares at about a 9% discount if the stock falls below $22, while also positioning for a maximum payout of $2 if the stock benefits from the JHG deal, showcasing a flexible investment strategy.
See More
OpenAI Raises Additional $10 Billion, Setting Historic Funding Record
- Funding Milestone: OpenAI has raised an additional $10 billion in its latest funding round, bringing its total fundraising to over $120 billion, significantly exceeding its initial target of $100 billion, reflecting strong market confidence in its AI technology.
- Diverse Investor Base: The funding round attracted participation from various venture capital and private equity firms, including Andreessen Horowitz and D.E. Shaw Ventures, indicating widespread investor trust and support for the AI revolution.
- Continued Microsoft Support: Microsoft, a long-time investor, has once again joined this funding round, with CFO Sarah Friar calling it an “incredible partner,” further solidifying their strategic collaboration in the AI space.
- Surging Market Demand: Since the launch of ChatGPT, OpenAI has amassed 900 million weekly active users and generated approximately $13.1 billion in revenue last year, demonstrating the extensive application and immense market potential of AI technology.
See More
OPENAI CFO SARAH FRIAR ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION OF A16Z, D.E. SHAW VENTURES, MGX, TPG, AND T. ROWE PRICE IN FUNDING ROUND
Funding Round Announcement: OpenAI, along with several venture capital firms including C.F.O. Sarah Friar, is participating in a new funding round.
Investors Involved: The funding round includes notable investors such as 16Z, D.E. Shaw Ventures, MGX, TPG, and T. Rowe Price.
See More
