TLDR
- BlackRock stock rose 1.74% to $983.89 on May 15.
- Quarterly dividend of $5.21 declared; 2.1% annual yield.
- 67% of shareholders supported the executive compensation plan.
- CEO Larry Fink addressed the global economy and ESG direction.
- Earnings are expected between July 14–29, 2025.
BlackRock Inc. (NYSE: BLK) saw its stock rise 1.74% to $983.89 as of writing in early afternoon on May 15, 2025. The move comes after the asset manager declared a quarterly dividend and navigated a contentious annual meeting where executive pay and ESG practices were in focus.
During its annual meeting, 67% of votes backed executive compensation, up from 59% last year but still well below the S&P 500 average of about 90%. Proxy adviser ISS had urged a vote against the package, citing insufficient transparency. CEO Larry Fink received $30.8 million in total compensation for 2024. Rival advisory firm Glass Lewis recommended approval, citing strong financial performance.
Dividend Maintained with June 2025 Payout
BlackRock confirmed a $5.21 quarterly dividend per share, equating to an annualized $20.84 and a 2.1% yield. The dividend is payable on June 23, 2025, to shareholders on record as of June 5, with an ex-dividend date of June 4.
BlackRock Declares Quarterly Dividend of $5.21 on Common Stock #BLK #dividend #PressRelease #StockMarketNews https://t.co/8tlS0w7t1v
— Stock Dividend USA (@DividendUsa) May 15, 2025
This consistent payout continues to appeal to long-term investors, especially amid a relatively sluggish year-to-date performance. Despite a 1-year return of 23.21%, the stock is down 3.66% in 2025 so far, lagging the broader S&P 500’s 0.51% gain.
CEO Fink Addresses Economy and ESG
During the meeting, Fink struck a cautious yet confident tone on the global economy. He acknowledged the disruptive effects of former President Trump’s tariffs but noted markets have partially rebounded. “There isn’t systemic risk. Our financial system is safe and sound,” he assured shareholders.
Fink also reiterated that BlackRock’s approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues is based on client mandates. In response to criticism from conservative investors, he said the firm remains balanced: “We are the largest investor in both hydrocarbons and the largest investor in renewables.”
A resolution challenging BlackRock’s ESG policies received only 1% of shareholder votes, signaling little support for a shift in direction. All 18 of BlackRock’s board nominees were re-elected with over 98% backing.
Earnings on the Horizon
Investors now look ahead to BlackRock’s next earnings report, expected between July 14 and July 29, 2025. Recent volatility in markets and economic uncertainty will make that report a key moment for the stock’s next move.
Outlook
BlackRock continues to walk a delicate line on executive pay and ESG amid political scrutiny, while maintaining shareholder value through dividends and steady long-term growth. The stock remains a strong performer over 1-year and 3-year horizons, outpacing the S&P 500, though near-term returns have dipped.
