SCHEDULE 13G/A: BlackRock Maintains Majority Stake in iShares Trust with 51.1% Beneficial Ownership
Beneficial Ownership Report
BlackRock, Inc. has filed an amended Schedule 13G, reaffirming its significant beneficial ownership of 51.1% in iShares Trust as of December 31, 2024.
Summary
- BlackRock, Inc. reported beneficial ownership of 289,300,317 shares of iShares Trust Common Stock as of December 31, 2024.
- This ownership represents 51.1% of the total outstanding class of securities.
- BlackRock, Inc. holds sole voting power over 278,236,494 shares and sole dispositive power over 289,300,317 shares.
- The filing is an Amendment No. 5 to Schedule 13G, indicating ongoing reporting of beneficial ownership.
- BlackRock, Inc. is classified as a parent holding company or control person for this filing.
- The securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business, not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of the issuer.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: The document is a factual, routine regulatory filing reporting beneficial ownership. It contains no positive or negative news that would significantly alter sentiment, merely confirming an existing, well-known ownership structure.
Positives
- BlackRock's continued substantial beneficial ownership (51.1%) in iShares Trust indicates a stable and long-term investment by a major financial institution.
- The filing confirms that the securities are held in the ordinary course of business, suggesting no immediate strategic shift or intent to influence control.
Future Outlook
This Schedule 13G filing is a historical report of beneficial ownership and does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the future performance or strategy of iShares Trust or BlackRock, Inc.
Management Comments
- "After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct." Spencer Fleming, Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc.
Industry Context
This filing highlights BlackRock's continued dominance as a global asset manager and a significant holder in its own iShares exchange-traded fund (ETF) products. As one of the largest ETF providers, BlackRock's substantial ownership in iShares Trust is consistent with its business model of managing and distributing a wide range of investment products.
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power of Attorney Update | BlackRock, Inc. executed a new Power of Attorney on January 21, 2025, authorizing specific individuals to execute SEC filings on its behalf and on behalf of its subsidiaries and affiliates. This new Power of Attorney expressly revokes a previous one dated April 30, 2023. | 2025-01-21 | This is an administrative update to BlackRock's internal governance regarding signatory authority for regulatory filings, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency for its extensive reporting obligations. |
Related Party Transactions
- The filing notes that iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, an entity within the BlackRock ecosystem, holds more than five percent of the total outstanding common stock of ISHARES MSCI TOTAL INTL STOCK ETF. This indicates significant inter-fund holdings within the BlackRock-managed family of ETFs.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders of iShares Trust are informed of BlackRock's continued majority beneficial ownership, providing transparency regarding the control structure of the trust.
- Investment professionals gain insight into the stable ownership structure of a major ETF provider.
Next Steps
- BlackRock, Inc. will continue to file amendments to Schedule 13G as required by SEC regulations if there are material changes to its beneficial ownership in iShares Trust.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-30 | Date of previous Power of Attorney that was revoked. |
| 2024-12-31 | Date of event which requires filing of this statement (reporting period end). |
| 2025-01-21 | Effective date of the new Power of Attorney. |
| 2025-02-06 | Date of filing of this Schedule 13G. |
Keywords
BlackRock, iShares Trust, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, ETF, Asset Management, Common Stock, Institutional Investor
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