Dividend.com: BlackRock Solid

BlackRock(BLK Quote) came through for shareholders Wednesday night with a double dose of good news: a big earnings increase and a huge decision by Merrill Lynch(MER Quote).

BlackRock's profit report showed a gain of 23%, credited to an increase in assets under management, which now total $1.43 trillion. The company's report also stated that the cloud of Merrill Lynch possibly selling its 49% stake in BLK is gone -- or now.

BlackRock is the gold standard in the asset management business, and we are putting this company back on our "Recommended" list with these recent clouds being lifted. This is a company that investors may want to look to purchase on future dips. Blackrock's dividend yield is 1.74%, (based on last night's close of $178.95), but we feel it will continue to outperform its competition and be the asset management play investors should want to own. JPMorgan Chase Gaining Fans

JPMorgan Chase's(JPM Quote) earnings may have proved our recent removal of the name from our "Recommended" list wrong. The company's revenue was higher than forecast, helped by market share gains it made in its investment banking division as well as growth in retail financial services. JPMorgan may be starting to take market share during this market swoon period.

That said, management is concerned about more damage to come. CEO Jamie Dimon indicated that the company will not be raising its dividend until it sees a permanent break in the clouds. JPMorgan will not be afraid to pay for and keep talent, as it that its compensation level is still high.