Blackstone rides AI boom to strong Q2, but bubble and credit risks build
Q2 earnings beat on AI and energy bets Blackstone beat Q2 expectations with earnings per share up 26% and revenue up 24%, powered by AI, data center, and energy investments. It also launched the largest-ever data center REIT IPO and scored an oversubscribed Jersey Mike's IPO.
This shows the core financial performance and successful exits that drove positive sentiment in the quarter.
Deepened AI exposure and deployed cash Blackstone deepened its AI exposure through Nvidia's $500 billion alliance, Broadcom/Anthropic chip deals, and an $18 billion Anthropic tranche. It deployed its $177 billion cash pile and unlocked value via Cirsa, Bumble (98% return), and other exits.
This highlights the major new investments and realizations that fueled growth and investor optimism.
AI bubble fears and real estate debt wall Risks mounted as QTS scrapped a $100 billion Virginia campus, Schwarzman warned of AI exuberance, and analysts flagged AI bubble risk shifting into private credit and insurers. Blackstone also defaulted on a $90 million Dallas loan amid a $1.8 trillion real estate debt wall.
These are the key negative developments that created headwinds and tempered the positive news.
Retail access expansion with liquidity concerns Blackstone expanded private credit into 401(k) plans, and new SEC retail-access rules bring capital but raise liquidity concerns. This follows last quarter's cap on withdrawals from its flagship private credit fund.
This shows a regulatory and strategic shift that could bring capital but also adds to liquidity worries.