BlackRock Fund Advisors' Q3 and Q4 2016 13F Holdings Comparison Report: Insights & Analysis.

BlackRock Fund Advisors' Q3 and Q4 2016 13F holdings comparison report details the changes in the holdings of the fund for the two quarters. The table highlights the changes in the number of shares and the total value of holdings for each stock the fund invested in. These changes, coupled with the percentage change, provide insight into the fund's investment strategy and performance during the period.

The data shows that the fund saw significant changes in its holdings, with some stocks seeing sizeable gains, while others experienced losses. Apple Inc. (AAPL), for instance, saw an increase in the number of shares held by the fund from 71,122,254 to 76,838,518, indicating increased bullishness on the tech giant. The value of holdings in the company also increased by 10.7%, from $8,040,371 to $8,899,437. Similarly, Microsoft Corp (MSFT) saw a 16.6% increase in the value of its holdings, from $6,035,068 to $7,034,494, signaling continued confidence in the tech industry.

Other companies that saw increases in the number of shares held by the fund include Exxon Mobil (XOM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), AT&T Inc. (T), Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Del (BRK-B), JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM), Chevron Corp. New (CVX), and Bank Amer Corp (BAC). The increase in the fund's holdings in these companies was largely driven by factors such as positive earnings reports, strong financials, and attractive valuations.

On the other hand, the fund saw declines in the value of holdings in some companies, with Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) leading the way with a 4.5% decrease, from $4,097,013 to $3,913,740. Other companies that saw decreases in their holdings include Facebook Inc. (META), Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), and CVS Health Corp (CVS), all of which saw decreases in the value of their holdings by 3.1%, 13.5%, and 5.3%, respectively.

Despite these fluctuations, the fund maintained its bullish outlook on some of the top-performing stocks in the market during the period. Alphabet Inc (GOOGL), for instance, saw a 5.3% increase in the value of holdings, from $3,179,076 to $3,348,766. The fund also increased its holdings in UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH) by 17.1%, from $2,022,004 to $2,366,959, indicating a continued bullish outlook on healthcare stocks.

Wells Fargo & Co New (WFC) saw the highest percentage change in the value of holdings, with a significant increase of 36.7%, from $2,456,369 to $3,358,101. The increase in holdings in the bank came despite the scandal that engulfed the bank during the period, indicating continued confidence in the financial industry.

The fund also increased its holdings in some emerging markets, with iShares TR (EFA) and iShares TR (IXUS) seeing increases in the number of shares held by the fund. iShares TR (EFA) saw an increase of 3.5%, from 53,292,687 to 56,501,952, while iShares TR (IXUS) saw an impressive 39.6% increase, from 25,082,430 to 36,208,671.

Overall, the data highlights the fund's investment strategy, which involves maintaining holdings in some of the top-performing stocks while also making strategic investments in emerging markets. The fund's performance during the period can be attributed to its commitment to investing in stocks with strong fundamentals, attractive valuations, and solid earnings reports, which are critical indicators of success in the stock market.