BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) is one of Jim Cramer’s Recession-Proof Stock Picks. The stock captures Cramer’s attention amid a price target boost and GIP’s negotiation to take over Aligned Data Centers for $40 billion. Cramer Backs BlackRock as Citi Raises Target and GIP Eyes $40 B Deal On September 29, 2025, the company’s price target was boosted from $1,200 to $1,350 by Citi. The analyst also reiterated the Buy rating on the stock, indicating the stock’s future growth in value. BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK ...

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock, Inc. has increased its stake in Freedom Holding Corp. to 0.85%, investing approximately $89 million, making it the second-largest shareholder after founder Timur Turlov [1][2][3] Group 1: Investment Details - BlackRock acquired an additional 443,965 shares, raising its total holdings to 520,565 shares [2] - The investment by BlackRock reflects growing interest from global institutional investors in Freedom Holding Corp. [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 22 countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, and several European nations, providing a range of financial services [4] - The company is actively developing its financial and digital ecosystem in Kazakhstan, which includes various subsidiaries such as Freedom Bank and Freedom Broker [4] - Freedom Holding Corp. is listed on NASDAQ, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, and Astana International Exchange under the ticker symbol FRHC [4]

Core Insights - BlackRock, Inc. has increased its stake in Freedom Holding Corp. to 0.85%, investing approximately $89 million, making it the second-largest shareholder after founder and CEO Timur Turlov [1][2] - BlackRock acquired an additional 443,965 shares, bringing its total holdings to 520,565 shares [2] - The presence of BlackRock and other institutional investors indicates the resilience and strategic potential of Freedom Holding in international markets [3] Company Overview - Freedom Holding Corp. operates in 22 countries, including Kazakhstan, the United States, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan, and Armenia [4] - The company is developing a financial and digital ecosystem in Kazakhstan, which includes Freedom Bank, Freedom Broker, and various insurance companies [4] - Freedom Holding Corp. is listed on NASDAQ, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), and Astana International Exchange (AIX) under the ticker symbol FRHC [4]

Core Points - BlackRock Canada announced updates to investment risk ratings, management fee reductions, and the commencement of securities lending transactions for certain iShares ETFs [1][5]. Risk Rating Changes - The investment risk ratings for specific iShares ETFs have been updated, effective June 26, 2025: - iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF (XDU) changed from Medium to Low to Medium - iShares Japan Fundamental Index Fund (CJP) changed from Medium to High to Medium - iShares US Fundamental Index ETF (CLU) changed from Medium to Medium to High [2][3]. Annual Management Fee Reductions - Effective July 2, 2025, BlackRock Canada reduced the annual management fees for the following iShares ETFs: - iShares 0-5 TIPS Bond Index ETF (XSTP, XSTP.U) from 0.15% to 0.10% - iShares 0-5 TIPS Bond Index ETF (CAD Hedged) (XSTH) from 0.15% to 0.10% [4]. Securities Lending Transactions - BlackRock Canada may engage in securities lending transactions for the iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), with a notice period of 60 days to unitholders before transactions commence on or after August 25, 2025 [5].

BlackRock's Strategic Ambition - BlackRock aims to double its operating income from $8 billion to approximately $15 billion and market capitalization from approximately $140 billion to $280 billion by 2030[21] - The company targets organic base fee growth of ≥5% and an operating margin, as adjusted, of ≥45% through the cycle[17, 21] - BlackRock targets $400 billion of cumulative fundraising in private markets from 2025 to 2030[29, 30, 31] iShares Growth and ETF Market - The ETF industry is projected to grow to $27 trillion by 2030[132, 133] - iShares achieved $431 billion in LTM (Last Twelve Months) net new business in 1Q25, representing 11% organic asset growth[129] - iShares' ETF AUM (Assets Under Management) stands at $43 trillion[129] Liquid Active Strategies - BlackRock's liquid active strategies have $36 trillion in AUM[207] - Liquid active strategies generated $215 billion in LTM net new business in 1Q25, reflecting 7% organic asset growth[208] Systematic Investing - BlackRock Systematic has $317 billion in AUM across equities, fixed income, and alternatives[245, 247] - The Systematic strategies generated $115 billion in alpha from January 2020 to March 2025[245] Fixed Income - BlackRock's fixed income AUM is $30 trillion, including $931 billion in cash management and $206 billion in private credit client assets[265] - Fixed income strategies achieved $160 billion in LTM net new business in 1Q25, with 6% organic asset growth[265] International Platform - BlackRock's non-US AUM is $44 trillion[405] - The international platform generated $331 billion in LTM net new business in 1Q25, representing 8% organic asset growth[405]

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock Canada announced the May 2025 cash distributions for various iShares ETFs, detailing specific amounts for each fund and the payment schedule for unitholders [1][2][4]. Distribution Details - The cash distribution amounts per unit for selected iShares ETFs are provided, with notable distributions including: - iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (XIU): $0.272 - iShares Canadian Real Return Bond Index ETF (XRB): $0.273 - iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (XFLI): $0.189 - iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI): $0.136 [2][3]. Payment Schedule - Unitholders of record for most iShares ETFs will receive distributions on May 30, 2025, while unitholders of XRB will receive distributions on June 5, 2025 [1][4]. Additional Information - BlackRock Canada plans to issue a press release around May 21, 2025, to provide final amounts for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF [4]. - The iShares Canadian Real Return Bond Index ETF also has reinvested distributions, with a unit value of $0.31014 [6]. Company Overview - BlackRock is a leading provider of financial technology and investment management, with over $4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025 [8]. - iShares ETFs, managed by BlackRock, offer a diverse range of investment opportunities across various markets [8].

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock Canada announced the April 2025 cash distributions for various iShares ETFs, with payments scheduled for April 30, 2025, for unitholders of record on April 25, 2025 [1]. Distribution Details - The cash distribution amounts per unit for selected iShares ETFs are as follows: - iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBH): $0.049 - iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO): $0.051 - iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF (CDZ): $0.128 - iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF (CEW): $0.066 - iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (XAGG): $0.105 - iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (XFLI): $0.192 - iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI): $0.136 - iShares Premium Money Market ETF (CMR): Estimated at $0.121 [2][3][4]. Company Overview - BlackRock is a leading provider of financial technology and investment management services, with over $4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025 [7]. - iShares ETFs, managed by BlackRock, offer a diverse range of investment opportunities across various markets, catering to the evolving needs of investors [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BlackRock reported first quarter revenue of $5.3 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year, driven by organic growth and higher average AUM [14] - Operating income rose 14% to $2 billion, while earnings per share (EPS) increased by 15% to $11.30 [14] - The company achieved 6% organic base fee growth, marking its best start to the year since 2021, alongside a 100 basis points margin expansion [6][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Base fee and securities lending revenue reached $4.4 billion, up 16% year-over-year, influenced by market beta and organic growth [17] - Technology services and subscription revenue increased by 16%, reflecting sustained demand for Aladdin technology offerings [19] - Performance fees decreased to $60 million, primarily due to lower performance revenue from private markets and liquid alternatives [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - BlackRock's total net inflows for the first quarter were $84 billion, with $140 billion when excluding low-fee institutional index outflows [12][30] - ETF net inflows totaled $107 billion, led by core equity and fixed income ETFs [30] - The European ETF platform crossed over $1 trillion in AUM for the first time, capturing approximately 40% market share [74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - BlackRock's strategy focuses on structural growth engines such as private markets, ETFs, and technology, aiming to integrate public and private markets for clients [6][11] - The company is committed to expanding its presence in private markets and enhancing its technology platform through acquisitions like Prequin [67] - BlackRock aims to leverage its global scale and local insights to provide comprehensive investment solutions across various markets [70][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of being a trusted partner during periods of market uncertainty, highlighting the resilience of their platform [7][39] - The company anticipates continued demand for infrastructure investments and private credit as clients seek to navigate economic challenges [97][136] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities despite short-term market volatility, citing macro trends such as AI and infrastructure development [83][138] Other Important Information - BlackRock repurchased $375 million worth of common shares in the first quarter and plans to continue this strategy throughout the year [25][26] - The company is actively involved in various international markets, including India and Saudi Arabia, to enhance local capital markets [71][73] - BlackRock's cash management platform reached an all-time high of $950 billion in AUM [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current client allocation shifts - Management noted no capitulation from clients, with significant inflows into cash and ongoing discussions about fixed income and equity allocations [90][92] Question: Private markets in retirement funds - Management discussed the integration of private investments into target date funds, emphasizing the need for better data analytics and transparency [105][110] Question: Market dislocations and acquisitions - Management clarified that there are no immediate plans for large acquisitions outside the U.S., focusing instead on strategic partnerships and local market engagement [119][123] Question: Risks of asset movement away from the U.S. - Management acknowledged potential reallocations but emphasized their long-standing local presence and relationships in various markets [130][134]