SCHEDULE 13G/A: BlackRock Maintains Significant Stake in PriceSmart Inc., Disclosing 12.1% Beneficial Ownership

BlackRock, Inc. has filed an amended Schedule 13G, reaffirming its beneficial ownership of 12.1% of PriceSmart Inc.'s common stock as of March 31, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. reported beneficial ownership of 3,701,768 shares of PriceSmart Inc. common stock.
• This represents 12.1% of the total outstanding common stock of PriceSmart Inc.
• BlackRock holds sole voting power over 3,666,082 shares and sole dispositive power over 3,701,768 shares.
• The shares were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business, not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of PriceSmart Inc.
• iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, a BlackRock entity, beneficially owns more than 5% of PriceSmart Inc.'s common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The document is a factual disclosure of beneficial ownership by an institutional investor. It does not contain information that would inherently indicate a positive or negative sentiment towards the issuer's performance or outlook.

Positives

• BlackRock, a major institutional investor, maintaining a significant stake (12.1%) in PriceSmart Inc. may signal continued confidence in the company.
• The filing indicates the shares are held in the ordinary course of business, suggesting a passive investment rather than an activist stance.

Future Outlook

This Schedule 13G filing is a disclosure of current beneficial ownership and does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding PriceSmart Inc.'s future performance or BlackRock's future investment intentions beyond the statement that shares are held in the ordinary course of business.

Management Comments

• "The securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under 240.14a-11."

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure by BlackRock, Inc., one of the world's largest asset managers, indicating its significant passive investment in PriceSmart Inc. Such filings are common for large institutional investors that cross the 5% ownership threshold, providing transparency on major shareholder positions within the market.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Provides transparency regarding a significant institutional holder's stake, which can influence investor perception and liquidity.

Key Dates

Keywords

BlackRock, PriceSmart, Schedule 13G, Common Stock, Institutional Ownership, Beneficial Ownership, Investment Management, SEC Filing, Passive Investment