TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 23, 2015) - (TSX:XAL)(TSX:XCR)(TSX:XGC)(TSX:XGR)(TSX:XIG)(TSX:XPF) - Six Canadian iShares® Funds managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (the "Funds") invest in one or more U.S. Regulated Investment Companies ("RICs") that earn and distribute qualified interest-related dividends. On December 19, 2014, the U.S. President signed into law the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the "TIPA"). The TIPA extends for one year, on a retroactive basis, favourable treatment to foreign shareholders, including the Funds, that receive RIC dividends comprised of short-term capital gains and/or interest, so that those shareholders receive the same treatment with respect to such items as if they had invested directly in the RIC's underlying assets. As a result, the Funds will be receiving tax reclaims in 2015 from the U.S. withholding agent for a portion of withholding taxes previously paid in 2014.
U.S. withholding tax reclaims
The Funds will record a tax reclaim receivable amount on February 24, 2015 which will result in an increase in the net asset value and net asset value per unit of the Funds.
iShares Funds Which Will Record a Tax Reclaim Receivable Amount
| Fund Name |
Ticker |
| iShares Alternatives Completion Portfolio Builder Fund |
XAL |
| iShares Conservative Core Portfolio Builder Fund |
XCR |
| iShares Global Completion Portfolio Builder Fund |
XGC |
| iShares Growth Core Portfolio Builder Fund |
XGR |
| iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) |
XIG |
| iShares S&P/TSX North American Preferred Stock Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) |
XPF |
As a result of the retroactive change made by the TIPA, the Funds are benefitting from the exemption from U.S. withholding tax on qualified interest-related dividends received from investments in RICs with fiscal years beginning on or before December 31, 2014. Without further changes in legislation or a further extension of the withholding tax exemption, the Funds will be subject to withholding at a rate of 15% on such dividends received from RICs with fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2014.
Further information on the iShares Funds can be found at www.blackrock.com/ca.
About BlackRock
BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At December 31, 2014, BlackRock's AUM was US $4.652 trillion. BlackRock helps clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of December 31, 2014, the firm had approximately 12,200 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com/ca / Twitter: @BlackRockCA / Blog: www.blackrockblog.com/can
About iShares Funds
iShares is a global leader in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with more than a decade of expertise and commitment to individual and institutional investors of all sizes. With over 700 funds globally across multiple asset classes and strategies and more than $1 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2014, iShares helps clients around the world build the core of their portfolios, meet specific investment goals and implement market views. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, trusted to manage more money than any other investment firm.
iShares® Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.
Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares Funds. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. Fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances that the fund will be able to maintain its net asset value per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you. The fund is not guaranteed, its 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.