TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced a special cash distribution for iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio (formerly iShares Balanced Income CorePortfolio™ Index ETF) (“CBD/XBAL¹”) and iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio (formerly iShares Balanced Growth CorePortfolio™ Index ETF) (“CBN/XGO²”), and together with  CBD/XBAL¹, the “iShares Funds”). This special cash distribution is a result in the realization of net capital gains for each iShares Fund and will be incremental to the normal year-end distributions of each iShares Fund as described in the prospectus of the iShares Funds under “Distribution Policy—Year-end Distributions”. This special cash distribution is in connection with the approved proposed changes to the fundamental investment objective of each iShares Fund and certain related matters which were previously announced on December 7, 2018. Unitholders that have elected to participate in the iShares Funds’ distribution reinvestment plan should note that these distributions will not be eligible for the plan. Unitholders of record of an iShares Fund on December 27, 2018 will receive cash distributions payable in respect of that fund on December 31, 2018.

Please note that these are estimated amounts only as of December 15, 2018 and could change if the iShares Funds experience subscriptions or redemptions prior to the ex-dividend date or may change for other unforeseen factors.

Details regarding the “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

¹ The TSX ticker for the iShares Fund is expected to change from CBD to XBAL on or about December 20, 2018. The CUSIP of the iShares Fund will not change as a result of the implementation of the ticker or name changes. The iShares Fund also changed its name, effective December 11, 2018.
² The TSX ticker for the iShares Fund is expected to change from CBN to XGRO on or about December 20, 2018. The CUSIP of the iShares Fund will not change as a result of the implementation of the ticker or name changes. The iShares Fund also changed its name, effective December 11, 2018.

BlackRock Canada expects to issue a press release on or about December 21, 2018, which will provide the final amounts.

Further information on the iShares Funds can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

About BlackRock

BlackRock helps investors build better financial futures. As a fiduciary to our clients, we provide the investment and technology solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. As of September 30, 2018, the firm managed approximately US$6.44 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit  www.blackrock.com/ca | Twitter: @BlackRockCA | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com/can

About iShares ETFs

iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 800+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$1.8 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2018, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, trusted to manage more money than any other investment firm¹.

¹ Based on US$6.44 trillion in AUM as of 9/30/18

iShares^® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. 

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs.  Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.  Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. 

Contact for Media:               
Peter McKillop  
T – 212-810-3737                  
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