REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☒ |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | □ |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 960 | ☒ |
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ |
Amendment No. 962 | ☒ |
Counsel for the Fund: | |
Frank
P. Bruno, Esq.
Sidley Austin LLP 787 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019--6018 |
Benjamin
Archibald, Esq.
BlackRock Advisors, LLC 55 East 52nd Street New York, New York 10055 |
► | BlackRock Money Market Portfolio |
Investor A: PINXX • Investor C: BMCXX • Institutional: PNIXX |
Fund Overview | Key facts and details about the Fund, including investment objective, principal investment strategies, principal risk factors, fee and expense information and historical performance information | |
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Details About the Fund | Information about how the Fund invests, including investment objective, investment processes, principal strategies and risk factors | |
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Account Information | Information about account services, sales charges and waivers, shareholder transactions, and distribution and other payments | |
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Management of the Fund | Information about BlackRock | |
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Financial Highlights |
Financial Performance of the
Fund
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General Information |
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Glossary |
Glossary of Investment
Terms
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Intermediary-Defined Sales Charge Waiver Policies |
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A-1 |
For More Information |
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Inside Back Cover |
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Back Cover |
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
Investor
A
Shares |
Investor
C
Shares |
Institutional
Shares |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | None | None | None |
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of offering price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) | None 1 | 1.00% 2 | None |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Investor
A
Shares |
Investor
C
Shares |
Institutional
Shares |
Management Fee | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.45% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 1.00% | None |
Other Expenses 3,4 | 0.21% | 0.20% | 0.16% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 4 | 0.91% | 1.65% | 0.61% |
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 5 | (0.36)% | (0.35)% | (0.41)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 5 | 0.55% | 1.30% | 0.20% |
1 | There is no contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on Investor A Shares purchased directly. However, a CDSC of up to 1.00% may apply to certain redemptions of the Fund’s Investor A Shares purchased in an exchange transaction for Investor A Shares of a fund advised by BlackRock or its affiliates where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase of such fund (each an “Investor A Load-Waived BlackRock Fund”) as part of an investment of $1,000,000 (lesser amounts may apply depending on the Investor A Load-Waived BlackRock Fund) or more. The Investor A Shares CDSC is only charged upon redemptions of Investor A Shares within 18 months after you originally acquired such Investor A Shares of the Investor A Load-Waived BlackRock Fund (a shorter holding period may apply depending on the Investor A Load-Waived BlackRock Fund), unless you qualify for a waiver. There is no CDSC charged on redemptions if you have owned your Investor A Shares for more than 18 months (or for a shorter holding period, as applicable) as measured from you original purchase of Investor A Shares that you exchanged into Investor A Shares of the Fund or if you purchase Investor A Shares of the Fund not through an exchange. |
2 | Since all Investor C shares must be purchased in an exchange transaction for Investor C Shares of a non-money market fund advised by BlackRock or its affiliates (each, a “Non-Money Market BlackRock Fund”), a CDSC of 1.00% may apply to certain redemptions of the Fund’s Investor C Shares. The Investor C Shares CDSC is only charged upon redemptions of Investor C Shares within one year after you originally acquired the Investor C Shares of the Non-Money Market BlackRock Fund, unless you qualify for a waiver. There is no CDSC charged on redemptions if you have owned your Investor C Shares for more than one year (as measured from your original purchase of Investor C Shares that you exchanged into Investor C Shares of the Fund). |
3 | Other Expenses have been restated to reflect current fees. |
4 | The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratios of expenses to average net assets given in the Fund’s most recent annual report, which do not include the restatement of Other Expenses to reflect current fees. |
5 | As described in the “Management of the Fund” section of the Fund’s prospectus beginning on page 32, BlackRock, the Fund’s investment manager, has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse fees or expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund expenses) as a percentage of average daily net assets to 0.55% (for Investor A Shares), 1.30% (for Investor C Shares) and 0.20% (for Institutional Shares) through July 31, 2021. The Fund may have to repay some of these waivers and/or reimbursements to BlackRock in the following two years. The agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
Investor A Shares 1 | $ 56 | $216 | $431 | $1,051 |
Investor C Shares 2 | $232 | $450 | $829 | $1,894 |
Institutional Shares | $ 20 | $110 | $256 | $ 682 |
1. | These expense figures do not reflect the imposition of the CDSC which may be deducted upon the redemption of Investor A Shares of the Fund received in an exchange transaction for Investor A Shares of an Investor A Load-Waived BlackRock Fund as described in the applicable prospectuses. No CDSC is deducted upon the redemption of Investor A Shares of the Fund that are not acquired by exchange. |
2 | Reflects assessment of applicable CDSC assuming Investor C Shares were acquired by exchange from Non-Money Market BlackRock Fund immediately after purchase of shares from such other fund. |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
Investor C Shares | $132 | $450 | $829 | $1,894 |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. |
■ | Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these securities to fall. |
■ |
Financial Services Industry
Risk
—
Because of its concentration in the financial services industry, the Fund will be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or
other developments which generally affect this industry sector. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to a large extent to the risks associated with that industry, such as government regulation, the availability and cost of capital funds,
consolidation and general economic conditions. Financial services companies are also exposed to losses if borrowers and other counterparties experience financial problems and/or cannot repay their obligations.
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When interest rates go up,
the value of securities issued by many types of financial services companies generally goes down. In many countries, financial services and the companies that provide them are regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs for new
services or products and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of financial services companies has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies.
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The profitability of many types of financial services companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and increase the cost of capital, and declining economic conditions, which may cause credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers. Because many types of financial services companies are vulnerable to these economic cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods. | |
■ | Foreign Exposure Risk — Securities issued or supported by foreign entities, including foreign banks and corporations, may involve additional risks and considerations. Extensive public information about the foreign issuer may not be available, and unfavorable political, economic or governmental developments in the foreign country involved could affect the payment of principal and interest. |
■ | Income Risk — Income risk is the risk that the Fund’s yield will vary as short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | Liquidity Fee and Redemption Gate Risk — The Board has discretion to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell your shares or your redemptions may be subject to a liquidity fee when you sell your shares at certain times. |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. |
■ | Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgage or asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. |
■ | Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. |
■ | Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Stable Net Asset Value Risk — The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Fund, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Certain securities in which the Fund may invest, including securities issued by certain U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government or supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — Variable and floating rate securities provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. These securities may be subject to greater illiquidity risk than other fixed income securities, meaning the absence of an active market for these securities could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at any given time. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
As
of 12/31/18
Average Annual Total Returns |
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
BlackRock Money Market Portfolio — Investor A Shares | |||
Return Before Taxes | 1.54% | 0.50% | 0.27% |
BlackRock Money Market Portfolio — Investor C Shares | |||
Return Before Taxes | (0.20)% | 0.22% | 0.12% |
BlackRock Money Market Portfolio — Institutional Shares | |||
Return Before Taxes | 1.90% | 0.70% | 0.39% |
Investor A Shares | Institutional Shares | |
Minimum
Initial
Investment |
$1,000
for all accounts except:
• $50, if establishing an Automatic Investment Plan. • There is no investment minimum for employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs). • There is no investment minimum for certain fee-based programs. |
There
is no minimum initial investment for:
• Employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs) and state sponsored 529 college savings plans, each of which may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor to purchase such shares. • Clients of Financial Intermediaries that: (i) charge such clients a fee for advisory, investment consulting, or similar services or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor to offer Institutional Shares through a no-load program or investment platform. • Clients investing through Financial Intermediaries that offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction based sales commission outside of the Fund. • Tax-qualified accounts for insurance agents that are registered representatives of an insurance company’s broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor to offer Institutional Shares, and the family members of such persons. |
Minimum
Additional
Investment |
$50 for all accounts (with the exception of certain employer-sponsored retirement plans which may have a lower minimum). | No subsequent minimum. |
■ | The Fund seeks to maintain a net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share. |
■ | The Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. For a discussion of dollar-weighted average maturity and dollar-weighted average life, please see the Glossary on page 42. |
■ | Pursuant to Rule 2a-7, the Fund is subject to a “general liquidity requirement” that requires that the Fund hold securities that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable shareholder redemptions in light of its obligations under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act regarding share redemptions and any commitments the Fund has made to shareholders. To comply with this general liquidity requirement, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) must consider factors that could affect the Fund’s liquidity needs, including characteristics of the Fund’s investors and their likely redemptions. Depending upon the volatility of its cash flows (particularly shareholder redemptions), this may require the Fund to maintain greater liquidity than would be required by the daily and weekly minimum liquidity requirements discussed below. |
■ | The Fund will not acquire any illiquid security (i.e., securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value ascribed to them by the Fund) if, immediately following such purchase, more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in illiquid securities. |
■ | The Fund will not acquire any security other than a daily liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 10% of its total assets would be invested in daily liquid assets, and the Fund will not acquire any security other than a weekly liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 30% of its total assets would be invested in weekly liquid assets. For a discussion of daily liquid assets and weekly liquid assets, please see the Glossary on page 42. |
■ | The Fund invests in securities maturing within 13 months or less from the date of purchase, with certain exceptions. For example, certain government securities held by the Fund may have remaining maturities exceeding 13 months if such securities provide for adjustments in their interest rates not less frequently than every 13 months. |
■ | The securities purchased by the Fund are subject to the quality, diversification, and other requirements of Rule 2a-7, and other rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Fund will purchase securities (or issuers of such securities) that are Eligible Securities that present minimal credit risk as determined by BlackRock pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). For a discussion of Eligible Securities, please see the Glossary on page 42. |
■ | U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or supported by the credit of U.S. or foreign banks or savings institutions with total assets of more than $1 billion (including obligations of foreign branches of such banks) |
■ | High quality commercial paper and other obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. and foreign corporations and other issuers rated (at the time of purchase) A-2 or higher by S&P Global Ratings, P-2 (Prime-2) or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or F2 or higher by Fitch Ratings, Inc., as well as high quality corporate bonds rated A or higher at the time of purchase by those rating agencies |
■ | Unrated notes, paper and other instruments that are determined by Fund management to be of comparable quality to the instruments described above |
■ | Asset-backed securities (including interests in “pools” of assets such as mortgages, installment purchase obligations and credit card receivables) |
■ | Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or authorities |
■ | Dollar-denominated securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their political subdivisions, agencies or authorities |
■ | Repurchase agreements relating to the above instruments |
■ | Investment Company Securities — The Fund may invest in securities issued by other open-end or closed-end investment companies as permitted by the Investment Company Act. A pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses may be borne by the Fund’s shareholders. These investments may include, as consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, certain variable rate demand securities issued by closed-end funds, which invest primarily in portfolios of taxable or tax-exempt securities. It is anticipated that the payments made on the variable rate demand securities issued by closed-end municipal bond funds will be exempt from federal income tax. |
■ | Uninvested Cash Reserves — The Fund may hold up to 20% of its assets in uninvested cash reserves. Uninvested cash reserves will not earn income. |
■ | U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes — The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes (FRNs). These are two-year notes issued by the U.S. Treasury that reset their interest rates on a weekly basis. At maturity, the face value of an FRN is paid to the note holder. |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. |
■ | Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. |
■ | Financial Services Industry Risk — Because of its concentration in the financial services industry, the Fund will be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or other developments which generally affect this industry sector. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to a large extent to the risks associated with that industry, such as government regulation, the availability and cost of capital funds, consolidation and general economic conditions. Financial services companies are also exposed to losses if borrowers and other counterparties experience financial problems and/or cannot repay their obligations. |
When interest rates go up, the value of securities issued by many types of financial services companies generally goes down. In many countries, financial services and the companies that provide them are regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs for new services or products and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of financial services companies has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies. | |
The profitability of many types of financial services companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and increase the cost of capital, and declining economic conditions, which may cause credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers. Because many types of financial services companies are vulnerable to these economic cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods. | |
■ | Foreign Exposure Risk — Securities issued or supported by foreign entities, including foreign banks and corporations, may involve additional risks and considerations. Extensive public information about the foreign issuer may not be available, and unfavorable political, economic or governmental developments in the foreign country involved could affect the payment of principal and interest. |
■ | Income Risk — The Fund’s yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | Liquidity Fee and Redemption Gate Risk — The Board has discretion to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell your shares or your redemptions may be subject to a liquidity fee when you sell your shares at certain times. |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. |
■ | Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage-backed securities (residential and commercial) and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Although asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) generally |
experience less prepayment than residential mortgage-backed securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, like traditional fixed-income securities, are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. | |
Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. The Fund’s investments in asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-related securities, as well as additional risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets. These securities also are subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or assets, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Certain CMBS are issued in several classes with different levels of yield and credit protection. The Fund’s investments in CMBS with several classes may be in the lower classes that have greater risks than the higher classes, including greater interest rate, credit and prepayment risks. | |
Mortgage-backed securities may be either pass-through securities or collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”). Pass-through securities represent a right to receive principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages, which are passed through to security holders. CMOs are created by dividing the principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages into several revenue streams (“tranches”) with different priority rights to portions of the underlying mortgage payments. Certain CMO tranches may represent a right to receive interest only (“IOs”), principal only (“POs”) or an amount that remains after floating-rate tranches are paid (an “inverse floater”). These securities are frequently referred to as “mortgage derivatives” and may be extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rates on inverse floaters, for example, vary inversely with a short-term floating rate (which may be reset periodically). Interest rates on inverse floaters will decrease when short-term rates increase, and will increase when short-term rates decrease. These securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage. In response to changes in market interest rates or other market conditions, the value of an inverse floater may increase or decrease at a multiple of the increase or decrease in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund invests in CMO tranches (including CMO tranches issued by government agencies) and interest rates move in a manner not anticipated by Fund management, it is possible that the Fund could lose all or substantially all of its investment. Certain mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest may also provide a degree of investment leverage, which could cause the Fund to lose all or substantially all of its investment. | |
The mortgage market in the United States has experienced difficulties that may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain of the Fund’s mortgage-related investments. Delinquencies and losses on mortgage loans (including subprime and second-lien mortgage loans) generally have increased and may continue to increase, and a decline in or flattening of real estate values (as has been experienced and may continue to be experienced in many housing markets) may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Also, a number of mortgage loan originators have experienced serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy. Reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements have caused limited liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which can adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities. It is possible that such limited liquidity in such secondary markets could continue or worsen. | |
Asset-backed securities entail certain risks not presented by mortgage-backed securities, including the risk that in certain states it may be difficult to perfect the liens securing the collateral backing certain asset-backed securities. In addition, certain asset-backed securities are based on loans that are unsecured, which means that there is no collateral to seize if the underlying borrower defaults. | |
■ | Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. In periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase (as does price fluctuation) as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. During such periods, reinvestment of the prepayment proceeds by the management team will generally be at lower rates of return than the return on the assets that were prepaid. Prepayment reduces the yield to maturity and the average life of the security. |
■ | Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Stable Net Asset Value Risk — The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Fund, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of certain agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises of the U.S. Government are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., the Government National Mortgage Association); other obligations are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (e.g., the Federal Home Loan Banks) and others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase an agency’s obligations. Still others are backed only by the credit of the agency, authority, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise issuing the obligation. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — Variable and floating rate securities provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. These securities may be subject to greater illiquidity risk than other fixed income securities, meaning the absence of an active market for these securities could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at any given time. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
■ | Cyber Security Risk — Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund’s adviser, distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund’s service providers or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. |
■ | Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund’s net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund’s expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund’s expense ratio could be significant. |
■ | Illiquid Investments Risk — The Fund’s illiquid investments may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be difficult to sell the illiquid investments at an advantageous time or price. The Fund may be unable to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in this prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. |
■ | Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk — As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Fund acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the Fund, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by BlackRock through waivers). To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited. |
■ | Restricted Securities Risk — Limitations on the resale of restricted securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at advantageous prices. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. In order to sell such securities, the Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Other transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, the Fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund. |
Investor A | Investor C 2 | Institutional | |
Availability | Generally available through Financial Intermediaries. | Limited to exchanges from Investor C Shares of the Non-Money Market BlackRock Funds. |
Limited
to certain investors, including:
• Individuals who may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares. • Employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs) and state sponsored 529 college savings plans, each of which may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares. • Employees, officers and directors/trustees of BlackRock or its affiliates and immediate family members of such persons, if they open an account directly with BlackRock. • Participants in certain programs sponsored by BlackRock or its affiliates or other Financial Intermediaries. • Tax-qualified accounts for insurance agents that are registered representatives of an insurance company’s broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Institutional Shares, and the family members of such persons. • Clients investing through Financial Intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction based sales commission outside of the Fund. |
Investor A | Investor C 2 | Institutional | |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees? |
No
Distribution Fee.
0.25% Annual Service Fee. |
0.75%
Annual Distribution Fee.
0.25% Annual Service Fee. |
No. |
Redemption Fees? | The Fund may impose a liquidity fee under certain limited circumstances. See “Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates” below. | The Fund may impose a liquidity fee under certain limited circumstances. See “Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates” below. | The Fund may impose a liquidity fee under certain limited circumstances. See “Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates” below. |
Conversion to Investor A Shares? | N/A | Yes, automatically approximately ten years after the date of purchase. It is the Financial Intermediary’s responsibility to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period. As of the Effective Date (as defined below), certain Financial Intermediaries, including group retirement recordkeeping platforms, may not have been tracking such holding periods and therefore may not be able to process such conversions. In such instances, the automatic conversion of Investor C Shares to Investor A Shares will occur ten years after the Effective Date. | No. |
Advantage | Generally available to most investors. | N/A | No ongoing shareholder servicing fees. |
Disadvantage | You pay ongoing shareholder servicing fees. | Limited availability. | Limited availability. |
1 | Please see “Details About the Share Classes” for more information about each share class. |
2 | Investor C Shares are no longer offered for purchase by the Fund. |
■ | Redemptions of shares purchased through certain employer-sponsored retirement plans and rollovers of current investments in the Fund through such plans; |
■ | Exchanges pursuant to the exchange privilege, as described in “How to Buy, Sell, Exchange and Transfer Shares — How to Exchange Shares or Transfer Your Account”; |
■ | Redemptions made in connection with minimum required distributions from IRA or 403(b)(7) accounts due to the shareholder reaching the age of 70½; |
■ | Certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan if you are over 59 ½ years old and you purchased your shares prior to October 2, 2006; |
■ | Redemptions made with respect to certain retirement plans sponsored by BlackRock or an affiliate; |
■ | Redemptions resulting from shareholder death as long as the waiver request is made within one year of death or, if later, reasonably promptly following completion of probate (including in connection with the distribution of account assets to a beneficiary of the decedent); |
■ | Withdrawals resulting from shareholder disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) as long as the disability arose subsequent to the purchase of the shares; |
■ | Involuntary redemptions made of shares in accounts with low balances; |
■ | Certain redemptions made through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”) offered by the Fund, BlackRock or an affiliate; |
■ | Redemptions related to the payment of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing Trust Company custodial IRA fees; and |
■ | Redemptions when a shareholder can demonstrate hardship, in the absolute discretion of the Fund. |
■ | Individuals with a minimum initial investment of $2 million who may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares; |
■ | Clients of Financial Intermediaries that: (i) charge such clients a fee for advisory, investment consulting, or similar services or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Institutional Shares through a no-load program or investment platform, in each case, with no minimum initial investment; |
■ | Clients investing through Financial Intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction based sales commission outside of the Fund, with a minimum initial investment of $1,000; |
■ | Employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs or SARSEPs) and state sponsored 529 college savings plans, each of which is not subject to any minimum initial investment and may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares; |
■ | Trust department clients of PNC Bank, National Association and Bank of America, N.A. and their affiliates for whom they (i) act in a fiduciary capacity (excluding participant directed employee benefit plans); (ii) otherwise have investment discretion; or (iii) act as custodian for at least $2 million in assets, who are not subject to any minimum initial investment; |
■ | Holders of certain Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”) sponsored unit investment trusts (“UITs”) who reinvest dividends received from such UITs in shares of the Fund, who are not subject to any minimum initial investment; |
■ | Employees, officers and directors/trustees of BlackRock, Inc., mutual funds sponsored by BlackRock or its affiliates (“BlackRock Funds”), BofA Corp., The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., Barclays PLC (“Barclays”) or their respective affiliates and immediate family members of such persons, if they open an account directly with BlackRock, who are not subject to any minimum initial investment; and |
■ | Tax-qualified accounts for insurance agents that are registered representatives of an insurance company’s broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Institutional Shares, and the family members of such persons. |
i. | The current value of an investor’s existing Investor A and A1, Investor C, C1, C2 and C3, Investor P, Institutional, Class K and Premier Shares in most BlackRock Funds, |
ii. | The current value of an investor’s existing shares of certain unlisted closed-end management investment companies sponsored and advised by BlackRock or its affiliates and |
iii. | The investment in the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Program by the investor or by or on behalf of the investor’s spouse and children. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
How to Pay for Shares (continued) | Making payment for purchases (continued) | For shares purchased directly from the Fund, a check payable to BlackRock Funds which bears the name of the Fund must accompany a completed purchase application. There is a $20 fee for each purchase check that is returned due to insufficient funds. The Fund does not accept third-party checks. You may also wire Federal funds to the Transfer Agent to purchase shares, but you must call (800) 441-7762 before doing so to confirm the wiring instructions. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full or Partial Redemption of Shares | Have your Financial Intermediary submit your sales order |
You
can make redemption requests through your Financial Intermediary. Shareholders should indicate whether they are redeeming Investor A, Investor C or Institutional Shares. The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of the Fund’s
NAV after your order is placed. For your redemption request to be priced at the NAV on the day of your request, you must submit your request to your Financial Intermediary prior to that day’s close of business on the Exchange (generally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time). Certain Financial Intermediaries, however, may require submission of orders prior to that time. Any redemption request placed after that time will be priced at the NAV at the close of business on the next business day.
|
Selling shares held directly with BlackRock |
Methods
of Redeeming
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full or Partial Redemption of Shares (continued) | Selling shares held directly with BlackRock (continued) |
Redeem
by Internet:
You may redeem in your account, by logging onto the BlackRock website at www.blackrock.com. Proceeds from Internet redemptions may be sent via check, ACH or wire to the bank account of record. Proceeds
for Investor Shares redeemed by Internet may be paid for non-retirement accounts in amounts up to $25,000, either through check, ACH or wire. Different maximums may apply to investors in Institutional Shares.
Redemption proceeds may be paid by check or, if the Fund has verified banking information on file, through ACH or by wire transfer. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full or Partial Redemption of Shares (continued) | Selling shares held directly with BlackRock (continued) |
the
back cover of this prospectus.
***
If you make a redemption request before the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares, the Fund may delay sending your proceeds. This delay will usually not exceed ten days.
Please see
“Account Information — Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates” for more information.
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Exchange Privilege | Selling shares of one BlackRock Fund to purchase shares of another BlackRock Fund (“exchanging”) |
Investor
A, Investor C and Institutional Shares of the Fund are generally exchangeable for shares of the same class of another BlackRock Fund, to the extent such shares are offered by your Financial Intermediary.
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Exchange Privilege (continued) | Selling shares of one BlackRock Fund to purchase shares of another BlackRock Fund (“exchanging”) (continued) |
representatives,
(ii) make the exchange via the Internet by accessing your account online at www.blackrock.com, or (iii) send a written request to the Fund at the address on the back cover of this prospectus. Please note, if you indicated on your new account
application that you did not want the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you will not be able to place exchanges via the telephone until you update this option either in writing or by calling (800) 441-7762. The Fund has the right to reject any telephone
request for any reason.
|
Transfer Shares to Another Financial Intermediary | Transfer to a participating Financial Intermediary |
You
may transfer your shares of the Fund only to another Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor. Certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred shares. All future trading of these assets
must be coordinated by the receiving firm.
|
Transfer to a non-participating Financial Intermediary |
You
must either:
• Transfer your shares to an account with the Fund; or • Sell your shares, paying any applicable deferred sales charge. |
Automatic Investment Plan | Allows systematic investments on a periodic basis from your checking or savings account. |
BlackRock’s
AIP allows you to invest a specific amount on a periodic basis from your checking or savings account into your investment account. You may apply for this option upon account opening or by completing the AIP application. The minimum investment
amount for an automatic investment is $50 per portfolio.
|
■ | Suspend the right of redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act; |
■ | Postpone the date of payment upon redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act or if a redemption request is made before the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares; |
■ | Redeem shares for property other than cash as may be permitted under the Investment Company Act; and |
■ | Redeem shares involuntarily in certain cases, such as when the value of a shareholder account falls below a specified level or if the Fund does not believe the account is for a natural person. |
■ | 30% weekly liquid assets — If the weekly liquid assets of the Fund fall below 30% of the Fund’s total assets, and the Board determines it is in the best interests of the Fund, the Board may impose at any time, and as early as the same day, a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the amount redeemed, or a redemption gate that temporarily suspends the right of redemption. |
■ | 10% weekly liquid assets — If the weekly liquid assets of the Fund fall below 10% of the Fund’s total assets as of the end of a business day, the Board will impose, at the beginning of the next business day, a liquidity fee of 1% of the amount redeemed, unless the Board determines that imposing such a fee would not be in the best interests of the Fund or determines that a lower or higher fee (not to exceed 2%) would be in the best interests of the Fund. |
Average Daily Net Assets |
Rate
of
Management Fee |
First $1 billion | 0.450% |
$1 billion - $2 billion | 0.400% |
$2 billion - $3 billion | 0.375% |
Greater than $3 billion | 0.350% |
Contractual
Caps
1
on Total
Annual Operating Expenses 2 (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund expenses) |
Total
Annual Fund Operating
Expenses 2 after giving effect to all applicable expense limitation provisions (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund Expenses) |
|
Investor A | 0.55% | 0.54% |
Investor C | 1.30% | 1.28% |
Institutional | 0.20% | 0.20% |
1 | The contractual caps are in effect through July 31, 2021. The contractual agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. |
2 | As a percentage of average daily net assets. |
Institutional | |||||
Year Ended March 31, | |||||
(For a share outstanding throughout each period) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Net investment income | 0.0213 | 0.0118 | 0.0061 | 0.0013 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net realized gain | 0.0000 (a) | 0.0004 | 0.0002 | 0.0001 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net increase from investment operations | 0.0213 | 0.0122 | 0.0063 | 0.0014 | 0.0000 |
Distributions (b) | |||||
From net investment income | (0.0213) | (0.0122) | (0.0061) | (0.0013) | (0.0000) (c) |
From net realized gain | (0.0000) (c) | — | (0.0002) | (0.0001) | (0.0000) (c) |
Total distributions | (0.0213) | (0.0122) | (0.0063) | (0.0014) | (0.0000) |
Net asset value, end of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Total Return (d) | |||||
Based on net asset value | 2.15% | 1.23% | 0.63% | 0.13% | 0.00% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||||
Total expenses | 0.60% | 0.56% | 0.56% | 0.56% | 0.62% |
Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.24% | 0.22% |
Net investment income | 2.17% | 1.18% | 0.61% | 0.11% | 0.00% |
Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of year (000) | $ 336,387 | $305,669 | $569,757 | $605,469 | $ 786,626 |
(a) | Amount is less than $0.00005 per share. |
(b) | Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations. |
(c) | Amount is greater than $(0.00005) per share. |
(d) | Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. |
Investor A | |||||
Year Ended March 31, | |||||
(For a share outstanding throughout each period) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Net investment income | 0.0178 | 0.0090 | 0.0025 | 0.0007 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net realized gain (loss) | 0.0000 (a) | (0.0002) | 0.0003 | 0.0001 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net increase from investment operations | 0.0178 | 0.0088 | 0.0028 | 0.0008 | 0.0000 |
Distributions (b) | |||||
From net investment income | (0.0178) | (0.0088) | (0.0025) | (0.0007) | (0.0000) (c) |
From net realized gain | (0.0000) (c) | — | (0.0003) | (0.0001) | (0.0000) (c) |
Total distributions | (0.0178) | (0.0088) | (0.0028) | (0.0008) | (0.0000) |
Net asset value, end of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Total Return (d) | |||||
Based on net asset value | 1.80% | 0.88% | 0.28% | 0.08% | 0.00% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||||
Total expenses | 0.90% | 0.91% | 0.97% | 0.90% | 0.93% |
Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed | 0.54% | 0.54% | 0.55% | 0.29% | 0.22% |
Net investment income | 1.85% | 0.90% | 0.25% | 0.08% | 0.00% |
Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of year (000) | $ 484,301 | $180,873 | $122,896 | $176,772 | $ 137,381 |
(a) | Amount is less than $0.00005 per share. |
(b) | Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations. |
(c) | Amount is greater than $(0.00005) per share. |
(d) | Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. |
Investor C | |||||
Year Ended March 31, | |||||
(For a share outstanding throughout each period) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Net investment income | 0.0105 | 0.0017 | 0.0009 | 0.0010 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net realized gain | 0.0000 (a) | 0.0001 | 0.0001 | 0.0001 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net increase from investment operations | 0.0105 | 0.0018 | 0.0010 | 0.0011 | 0.0000 |
Distributions (b) | |||||
From net investment income | (0.0105) | (0.0018) | (0.0009) | (0.0010) | (0.0000) (c) |
From net realized gain | (0.0000) (c) | — | (0.0001) | (0.0001) | (0.0000) (c) |
Total distributions | (0.0105) | (0.0018) | (0.0010) | (0.0011) | (0.0000) |
Net asset value, end of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Total Return (d) | |||||
Based on net asset value | 1.05% | 0.18% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.00% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||||
Total expenses | 1.64% | 1.65% | 1.62% | 1.57% | 1.59% |
Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed | 1.28% | 1.24% | 0.71% | 0.26% | 0.22% |
Net investment income | 1.07% | 0.17% | 0.09% | 0.12% | 0.00% |
Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of year (000) | $ 15,174 | $ 21,727 | $ 26,434 | $ 38,069 | $ 26,568 |
(a) | Amount is less than $0.00005 per share. |
(b) | Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations. |
(c) | Amount is greater than $(0.00005) per share. |
(d) | Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. |
■ | Access the BlackRock website at http://www.blackrock.com/edelivery; and |
■ | Log into your account |
■ | securities with a remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less (with certain exceptions) that BlackRock determines present minimal credit risks to the Fund after considering certain factors; |
■ | securities issued by other registered investment companies that are money market funds; or |
■ | securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. |
■ | Shares purchased by employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan/plan participants |
■ | Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan |
■ | Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program, or effective February 1, 2019, exchanges of shares purchased through such a Merrill Lynch program due to the holdings moving from such program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account |
■ | Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform |
■ | Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform |
■ | Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other BlackRock Fund) |
■ | Shares exchanged from Investor C (i.e. level-load) Shares of the same Fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date |
■ | Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members |
■ | Shares purchased by directors of the Fund, and employees of BlackRock or any of its affiliates, as described in the prospectus |
■ | Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement) |
■ | Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder |
■ | Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the prospectus |
■ | Shares bought due to return of excess contributions from an IRA Account |
■ | Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ |
■ | Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch |
■ | Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement |
■ | Investor A and C Shares of the Fund held in the following IRA or other retirement brokerage accounts: Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Rollover IRAs, Inherited IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, BASIC Plans, Educational Savings Accounts and Medical Savings Accounts, that are exchanged for Institutional Shares of the Fund due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms |
■ | Effective February 1, 2019, Investor A Shares sold, where such Investor A Shares were received as a result of exchanges of shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program due to the holdings moving from the program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account |
■ | Breakpoints as described in the prospectus |
■ | Rights of Accumulation (ROA) entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts that will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets |
■ | Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of BlackRock Funds, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time |
■ | Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs |
■ | Shares purchased through an Ameriprise Financial investment advisory program (if an advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available) |
■ | Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Ameriprise Financial’s platform (if an advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available) |
■ | Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within BlackRock Funds) |
■ | Shares exchanged from Investor C Shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to such shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply to exchanges following such shorter period. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Investor C Shares for load waived shares, that waiver will also apply to such exchanges |
■ | Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members |
■ | Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor (“FA”) and/or the FA’s spouse, FA’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), FA’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant |
■ | Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within BlackRock Funds, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement) |
■ | Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans does not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans |
■ | Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules |
■ | Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund |
■ | Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account |
■ | Investor C Shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are exchanged for Investor A Shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program |
■ | Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within BlackRock Funds under a Rights of Reinstatement provision, provided the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge |
■ | Shares purchased in a Raymond James investment advisory program. |
■ | Shares purchased of the same Fund or another BlackRock Fund through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend distributions. |
■ | Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James. |
■ | Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions from another BlackRock Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement). |
■ | A shareholder in the Fund’s Investor C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Investor A shares of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James. |
■ | Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder. |
■ | Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus. |
■ | Shares bought due to return of excess contributions from an IRA Account. |
■ | Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus. |
■ | Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James. |
■ | Shares acquired through a Right of Reinstatement. |
■ | Breakpoints as described in this prospectus. |
■ | Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of BlackRock Fund assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets. |
■ | Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of BlackRock Funds over a 13-month time period. Eligible BlackRock Fund assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets. |
► | BlackRock Money Market Portfolio |
Service: PNPXX |
Fund Overview | Key facts and details about the Fund, including investment objective, principal investment strategies, principal risk factors, fee and expense information and historical performance information | |
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Details About the Fund | Information about how the Fund invests, including investment objective, investment processes, principal strategies and risk factors | |
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Account Information | Information about account services, sales charges and waivers, shareholder transactions, and distribution and other payments | |
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Management of the Fund | Information about BlackRock | |
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Financial Highlights |
Financial Performance of the
Fund
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General Information |
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Glossary |
Glossary of Investment
Terms
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For More Information |
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Inside Back Cover |
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Back Cover |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Service
Shares |
Management Fee | 0.45% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% |
Other Expenses 1,2 | 0.14% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 2 | 0.84% |
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 3 | (0.34)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 3 | 0.50% |
1 | Other Expenses have been restated to reflect current fees. |
2 | The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets given in the Fund’s most recent annual report, which does not include the restatement of Other Expenses to reflect current fees. |
3 | As described in the “Management of the Fund” section of the Fund’s prospectus beginning on page 21, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”), the Fund’s investment manager, has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse fees or expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund expenses) to 0.50% (for Service Shares) of average daily net assets through July 31, 2021. The Fund may have to repay some of these waivers and/or reimbursements to BlackRock in the following two years. The agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
Service Shares | $51 | $198 | $397 | $972 |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. |
■ | Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these securities to fall. |
■ |
Financial Services Industry
Risk
—
Because of its concentration in the financial services industry, the Fund will be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or
other developments which generally affect this industry sector. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to a large extent to the risks associated with that industry, such as government regulation, the availability and cost of capital funds,
consolidation and general economic conditions. Financial services companies are also exposed to losses if borrowers and other counterparties experience financial problems and/or cannot repay their obligations.
|
When interest rates go up,
the value of securities issued by many types of financial services companies generally goes down. In many countries, financial services and the companies that provide them are regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs for new
services or products and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of financial services companies has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies.
|
|
The profitability of many types of financial services companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and increase the cost of capital, and declining economic conditions, which may cause credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers. Because many types of financial services companies are vulnerable to these economic cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods. | |
■ | Foreign Exposure Risk — Securities issued or supported by foreign entities, including foreign banks and corporations, may involve additional risks and considerations. Extensive public information about the foreign issuer may not be available, and unfavorable political, economic or governmental developments in the foreign country involved could affect the payment of principal and interest. |
■ | Income Risk — Income risk is the risk that the Fund’s yield will vary as short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | Liquidity Fee and Redemption Gate Risk — The Board has discretion to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell your shares or your redemptions may be subject to a liquidity fee when you sell your shares at certain times. |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is |
the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. | |
■ | Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgage or asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. |
■ | Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. |
■ | Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Stable Net Asset Value Risk — The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Fund, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Certain securities in which the Fund may invest, including securities issued by certain U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government or supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — Variable and floating rate securities provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. These securities may be subject to greater illiquidity risk than other fixed income securities, meaning the absence of an active market for these securities could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at any given time. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
As
of 12/31/18
Average Annual Total Returns |
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
BlackRock Money Market Portfolio — Service Shares | |||
Return Before Taxes | 1.62% | 0.53% | 0.29% |
Service Shares | |
Minimum Initial Investment | $5,000 |
Minimum Additional Investment | No subsequent minimum. |
■ | The Fund seeks to maintain a net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share. |
■ | The Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. For a discussion of dollar-weighted average maturity and dollar-weighted average life, please see the Glossary on page 28. |
■ | Pursuant to Rule 2a-7, the Fund is subject to a “general liquidity requirement” that requires that the Fund hold securities that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable shareholder redemptions in light of its obligations under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act regarding share redemptions and any commitments the Fund has made to shareholders. To comply with this general liquidity requirement, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) must consider factors that could affect the Fund’s liquidity needs, including characteristics of the Fund’s investors and their likely redemptions. Depending upon the volatility of its cash flows (particularly shareholder redemptions), this may require the Fund to maintain greater liquidity than would be required by the daily and weekly minimum liquidity requirements discussed below. |
■ | The Fund will not acquire any illiquid security (i.e., securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value ascribed to them by the Fund) if, immediately following such purchase, more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in illiquid securities. |
■ | The Fund will not acquire any security other than a daily liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 10% of its total assets would be invested in daily liquid assets, and the Fund will not acquire any security other than a weekly liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 30% of its total assets would be invested in weekly liquid assets. For a discussion of daily liquid assets and weekly liquid assets, please see the Glossary on page 28. |
■ | The Fund invests in securities maturing within 13 months or less from the date of purchase, with certain exceptions. For example, certain government securities held by the Fund may have remaining maturities exceeding 13 months if such securities provide for adjustments in their interest rates not less frequently than every 13 months. |
■ | The securities purchased by the Fund are subject to the quality, diversification, and other requirements of Rule 2a-7, and other rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Fund will purchase securities (or issuers of such securities) that are Eligible Securities that present minimal credit risk as determined by BlackRock pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). For a discussion of Eligible Securities, please see the Glossary on page 28. |
■ | U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or supported by the credit of U.S. or foreign banks or savings institutions with total assets of more than $1 billion (including obligations of foreign branches of such banks) |
■ | High quality commercial paper and other obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. and foreign corporations and other issuers rated (at the time of purchase) A-2 or higher by S&P Global Ratings, P-2 (Prime-2) or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or F2 or higher by Fitch Ratings, Inc., as well as high quality corporate bonds rated A or higher at the time of purchase by those rating agencies |
■ | Unrated notes, paper and other instruments that are determined by Fund management to be of comparable quality to the instruments described above |
■ | Asset-backed securities (including interests in “pools” of assets such as mortgages, installment purchase obligations and credit card receivables) |
■ | Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or authorities |
■ | Dollar-denominated securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their political subdivisions, agencies or authorities |
■ | Repurchase agreements relating to the above instruments |
■ | Investment Company Securities — The Fund may invest in securities issued by other open-end or closed-end investment companies as permitted by the Investment Company Act. A pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses may be borne by the Fund’s shareholders. These investments may include, as consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, certain variable rate demand securities issued by closed-end funds, which invest primarily in portfolios of taxable or tax-exempt securities. It is anticipated that the payments made on the variable rate demand securities issued by closed-end municipal bond funds will be exempt from federal income tax. |
■ | Uninvested Cash Reserves — The Fund may hold up to 20% of its assets in uninvested cash reserves. Uninvested cash reserves will not earn income. |
■ | U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes — The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes (FRNs). These are two-year notes issued by the U.S. Treasury that reset their interest rates on a weekly basis. At maturity, the face value of an FRN is paid to the note holder. |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. |
■ | Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. |
■ | Financial Services Industry Risk — Because of its concentration in the financial services industry, the Fund will be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or other developments which generally affect this industry sector. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to a large extent to the risks associated with that industry, such as government regulation, the availability and cost of capital funds, consolidation and general economic conditions. Financial services companies are also exposed to losses if borrowers and other counterparties experience financial problems and/or cannot repay their obligations. |
When interest rates go up, the value of securities issued by many types of financial services companies generally goes down. In many countries, financial services and the companies that provide them are regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs for new services or products and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of financial services companies has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies. | |
The profitability of many types of financial services companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and increase the cost of capital, and declining economic conditions, which may cause credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers. Because many types of financial services companies are vulnerable to these economic cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods. | |
■ | Foreign Exposure Risk — Securities issued or supported by foreign entities, including foreign banks and corporations, may involve additional risks and considerations. Extensive public information about the foreign issuer may not be available, and unfavorable political, economic or governmental developments in the foreign country involved could affect the payment of principal and interest. |
■ | Income Risk — The Fund’s yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | Liquidity Fee and Redemption Gate Risk — The Board has discretion to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell your shares or your redemptions may be subject to a liquidity fee when you sell your shares at certain times. |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. |
■ | Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage-backed securities (residential and commercial) and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Although asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) generally |
experience less prepayment than residential mortgage-backed securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, like traditional fixed-income securities, are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. | |
Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. The Fund’s investments in asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-related securities, as well as additional risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets. These securities also are subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or assets, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Certain CMBS are issued in several classes with different levels of yield and credit protection. The Fund’s investments in CMBS with several classes may be in the lower classes that have greater risks than the higher classes, including greater interest rate, credit and prepayment risks. | |
Mortgage-backed securities may be either pass-through securities or collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”). Pass-through securities represent a right to receive principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages, which are passed through to security holders. CMOs are created by dividing the principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages into several revenue streams (“tranches”) with different priority rights to portions of the underlying mortgage payments. Certain CMO tranches may represent a right to receive interest only (“IOs”), principal only (“POs”) or an amount that remains after floating-rate tranches are paid (an “inverse floater”). These securities are frequently referred to as “mortgage derivatives” and may be extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rates on inverse floaters, for example, vary inversely with a short-term floating rate (which may be reset periodically). Interest rates on inverse floaters will decrease when short-term rates increase, and will increase when short-term rates decrease. These securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage. In response to changes in market interest rates or other market conditions, the value of an inverse floater may increase or decrease at a multiple of the increase or decrease in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund invests in CMO tranches (including CMO tranches issued by government agencies) and interest rates move in a manner not anticipated by Fund management, it is possible that the Fund could lose all or substantially all of its investment. Certain mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest may also provide a degree of investment leverage, which could cause the Fund to lose all or substantially all of its investment. | |
The mortgage market in the United States has experienced difficulties that may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain of the Fund’s mortgage-related investments. Delinquencies and losses on mortgage loans (including subprime and second-lien mortgage loans) generally have increased and may continue to increase, and a decline in or flattening of real estate values (as has been experienced and may continue to be experienced in many housing markets) may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Also, a number of mortgage loan originators have experienced serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy. Reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements have caused limited liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which can adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities. It is possible that such limited liquidity in such secondary markets could continue or worsen. | |
Asset-backed securities entail certain risks not presented by mortgage-backed securities, including the risk that in certain states it may be difficult to perfect the liens securing the collateral backing certain asset-backed securities. In addition, certain asset-backed securities are based on loans that are unsecured, which means that there is no collateral to seize if the underlying borrower defaults. | |
■ | Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. In periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase (as does price fluctuation) as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. During such periods, reinvestment of the prepayment proceeds by the management team will generally be at lower rates of return than the return on the assets that were prepaid. Prepayment reduces the yield to maturity and the average life of the security. |
■ | Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Stable Net Asset Value Risk — The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Fund, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of certain agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises of the U.S. Government are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., the Government National Mortgage Association); other obligations are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (e.g., the Federal Home Loan Banks) and others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase an agency’s obligations. Still others are backed only by the credit of the agency, authority, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise issuing the obligation. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — Variable and floating rate securities provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. These securities may be subject to greater illiquidity risk than other fixed income securities, meaning the absence of an active market for these securities could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at any given time. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
■ | Cyber Security Risk — Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund’s adviser, distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund’s service providers or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. |
■ | Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund’s net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund’s expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund’s expense ratio could be significant. |
■ | Illiquid Investments Risk — The Fund’s illiquid investments may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be difficult to sell the illiquid investments at an advantageous time or price. The Fund may be unable to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in this prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. |
■ | Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk — As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Fund acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the Fund, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by BlackRock through waivers). To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited. |
■ | Restricted Securities Risk — Limitations on the resale of restricted securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at advantageous prices. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. In order to sell such securities, the Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Other transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, the Fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund. |
Availability | Limited to certain investors whose beneficial owner is a natural person, including: Financial Intermediaries (such as banks and brokerage firms) acting on behalf of their customers, certain persons who were shareholders of the Compass Capital Group of Funds at the time of its combination with The PNC ® Fund in 1996 and investors that participate in the Capital Directions SM asset allocation program. Service Shares will normally be held by Financial Intermediaries or in the name of nominees of Financial Intermediaries on behalf of their customers. Service Shares are normally purchased through a customer’s account at a Financial Intermediary through procedures established by such Financial Intermediary. In these cases, confirmation of share purchases and redemptions will be sent to the Financial Intermediaries. A customer’s ownership of shares will be recorded by the Financial Intermediary and reflected in the account statements provided by such Financial Intermediaries to their customers. Investors wishing to purchase Service Shares should contact their Financial Intermediaries. |
Minimum Investment | $5,000. However, Financial Intermediaries may set a higher minimum for their customers. |
Initial Sales Charge? | No. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of the Fund. |
Deferred Sales Charge? | No. |
Service and Distribution Fees? | No Distribution Fee. 0.25% Annual Service Fee. |
Redemption Fees? | The Fund may impose a liquidity fee under certain limited circumstances. See “Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates” below. |
Advantage | No up-front sales charge so you start off owning more shares. |
Disadvantage | Limited availability. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Add to Your Investment (continued) | Or contact BlackRock (for accounts held directly with BlackRock) (continued) |
Exchange
will be priced at the NAV determined that day. Contact your Financial Intermediary or BlackRock for further information. Limits on amounts that may be purchased via Internet may vary. For additional information, call BlackRock at (800)
537-4942.
|
Acquire additional shares by reinvesting dividends and capital gains | All dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested without a sales charge. To make any changes to your dividend and/or capital gains distributions options, please call BlackRock at (800) 537-4942, or contact your Financial Intermediary (if your account is not held directly with BlackRock). | |
How to Pay for Shares | Making payment for purchases | Payment for Service Shares must normally be made in Federal funds or other immediately available funds by your Financial Intermediary, but in no event later than the close of the federal funds wire (normally 6:00 p.m. (Eastern time)). Payment may also, at the discretion of the Fund, be made in the form of securities that are permissible investments for the Fund. If payment is not received by this time, the order will be canceled and you and your Financial Intermediary will be responsible for any loss to the Fund. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full
or Partial
Redemption of Shares |
Have your Financial Intermediary submit your sales order |
You
can make redemption requests through your Financial Intermediary in accordance with the procedures applicable to your accounts. These procedures may vary according to the type of account and the Financial Intermediary involved and customers should
consult their Financial Intermediary in this regard. Financial Intermediaries are responsible for transmitting redemption orders and crediting their customers’ accounts with redemption proceeds on a timely basis.
|
Selling shares held directly with BlackRock |
Methods
of Redeeming
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full
or Partial
Redemption of Shares (continued) |
Selling shares held directly with BlackRock (continued) |
that
are reasonably believed to be genuine in accordance with such procedures. The Fund may refuse a telephone redemption request if it believes it is advisable to do so.
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full
or Partial
Redemption of Shares (continued) |
Selling shares held directly with BlackRock (continued) |
the
back cover of this prospectus.
***
If you make a redemption request before the Fund has collected
payment for the purchase of shares, the Fund may delay sending your proceeds. This delay will usually not exceed ten days.
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Transfer
Shares to
Another Financial Intermediary |
Transfer to a participating Financial Intermediary |
You
may transfer your shares of the Fund only to another Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor. Certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred shares. All future trading of these assets
must be coordinated by the receiving firm.
|
Transfer to a non-participating Financial Intermediary |
You
must either:
• Transfer your Service Shares to an account with the Fund; or • Sell your Service Shares, paying any applicable deferred sales charge. |
■ | Suspend the right of redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act; |
■ | Postpone the date of payment upon redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act or if a redemption request is made before the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares; |
■ | Redeem shares for property other than cash as may be permitted under the Investment Company Act; and |
■ | Redeem shares involuntarily in certain cases, such as when the value of a shareholder account falls below a specified level or if the Fund does not believe the account is for a natural person. |
■ | 30% weekly liquid assets — If the weekly liquid assets of the Fund fall below 30% of the Fund’s total assets, and the Board determines it is in the best interests of the Fund, the Board may impose at any time, and as early as the same day, a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the amount redeemed, or a redemption gate that temporarily suspends the right of redemption. |
■ | 10% weekly liquid assets — If the weekly liquid assets of the Fund fall below 10% of the Fund’s total assets as of the end of a business day, the Board will impose, at the beginning of the next business day, a liquidity fee of 1% of the amount redeemed, unless the Board determines that imposing such a fee would not be in the best interests of the Fund or determines that a lower or higher fee (not to exceed 2%) would be in the best interests of the Fund. |
Average Daily Net Assets |
Rate
of
Management Fee |
First $1 billion | 0.450% |
$1 billion – $2 billion | 0.400% |
$2 billion – $3 billion | 0.375% |
Greater than $3 billion | 0.350% |
Contractual
Cap
1
on Total
Annual Operating Expenses 2 (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund expenses) |
Total
Annual Fund Operating
Expenses 2 after giving effect to all applicable expense limitation provisions (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund Expenses) |
|
Service Shares | 0.50% | 0.47% |
1 | The contractual cap is in effect through July 31, 2021. The contractual agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. |
2 | As a percentage of average daily net assets. |
Service | |||||
Year Ended March 31, | |||||
(For a share outstanding throughout each period) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Net investment income | 0.0185 | 0.0092 | 0.0009 | 0.0008 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net realized gain | 0.0000 (a) | 0.0001 | 0.0024 | 0.0001 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net increase from investment operations | 0.0185 | 0.0093 | 0.0033 | 0.0009 | 0.0000 |
Distributions (b) | |||||
From net investment income | (0.0185) | (0.0093) | (0.0009) | (0.0008) | (0.0000) (c) |
From net realized gain | (0.0000) (c) | — | (0.0024) | (0.0001) | (0.0000) (c) |
Total distributions | (0.0185) | (0.0093) | (0.0033) | (0.0009) | (0.0000) |
Net asset value, end of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Total Return (d) | |||||
Based on net asset value | 1.87% | 0.93% | 0.33% | 0.09% | 0.00% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||||
Total expenses | 0.83% | 0.86% | 0.89% | 0.85% | 0.90% |
Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed | 0.47% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.27% | 0.22% |
Net investment income | 1.87% | 0.92% | 0.09% | 0.10% | 0.00% |
Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of year (000) | $ 6,152 | $ 5,655 | $ 6,191 | $520,139 | $ 428,033 |
(a) | Amount is less than $0.00005 per share. |
(b) | Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations. |
(c) | Amount is greater than $(0.00005) per share. |
(d) | Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. |
■ | Access the BlackRock website at http://www.blackrock.com/edelivery; and |
■ | Log into your account |
■ | securities with a remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less (with certain exceptions) that BlackRock determines present minimal credit risks to the Fund after considering certain factors; |
■ | securities issued by other registered investment companies that are money market funds; or |
■ | securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. |
► | BlackRock Money Market Portfolio |
Premier Shares: BMMXX |
Fund Overview | Key facts and details about the Fund, including investment objective, principal investment strategies, principal risk factors, fee and expense information and historical performance information | |
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Details About the Fund | Information about how the Fund invests, including investment objective, investment processes, principal strategies and risk factors | |
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Account Information | Information about account services, sales charges and waivers, shareholder transactions, and distribution and other payments | |
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Management of the Fund | Information about BlackRock | |
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Financial Highlights |
Financial Performance of the
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General Information |
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Glossary |
Glossary of Investment
Terms
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For More Information |
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Inside Back Cover |
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Back Cover |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Premier Shares |
Management Fee | 0.45% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses 1 | 0.16% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.61% |
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 2 | (0.41)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 2 | 0.20% |
1 | Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current year. |
2 | As described in the “Management of the Fund” section of the Fund’s prospectus beginning on page 20, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”), the Fund’s investment manager, has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse fees or expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund expenses) to 0.20% (for Premier Shares) of average daily net assets through July 31, 2021. The Fund may have to repay some of these waivers and/or reimbursements to BlackRock in the following two years. The agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |
Premier Shares | $20 | $110 | $256 | $682 |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. |
■ | Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these securities to fall. |
■ |
Financial Services Industry
Risk
—
Because of its concentration in the financial services industry, the Fund will be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or
other developments which generally affect this industry sector. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to a large extent to the risks associated with that industry, such as government regulation, the availability and cost of capital funds,
consolidation and general economic conditions. Financial services companies are also exposed to losses if borrowers and other counterparties experience financial problems and/or cannot repay their obligations.
|
When interest rates go up,
the value of securities issued by many types of financial services companies generally goes down. In many countries, financial services and the companies that provide them are regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs for new
services or products and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of financial services companies has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies.
|
|
The profitability of many types of financial services companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and increase the cost of capital, and declining economic conditions, which may cause credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers. Because many types of financial services companies are vulnerable to these economic cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods. | |
■ | Foreign Exposure Risk — Securities issued or supported by foreign entities, including foreign banks and corporations, may involve additional risks and considerations. Extensive public information about the foreign issuer may not be available, and unfavorable political, economic or governmental developments in the foreign country involved could affect the payment of principal and interest. |
■ | Income Risk — Income risk is the risk that the Fund’s yield will vary as short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | Liquidity Fee and Redemption Gate Risk — The Board has discretion to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell your shares or your redemptions may be subject to a liquidity fee when you sell your shares at certain times. |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. |
■ | Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgage or asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. |
■ | Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. |
■ | Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Stable Net Asset Value Risk — The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Fund, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Certain securities in which the Fund may invest, including securities issued by certain U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government or supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — Variable and floating rate securities provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. These securities may be subject to greater illiquidity risk than other fixed income securities, meaning the absence of an active market for these securities could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at any given time. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
As
of 12/31/18
Average Annual Total Returns |
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
BlackRock Money Market Portfolio — Institutional Shares | |||
Return Before Taxes | 1.90% | 0.70% | 0.39% |
■ | The Fund seeks to maintain a net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share. |
■ | The Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. For a discussion of dollar-weighted average maturity and dollar-weighted average life, please see the Glossary on page 27. |
■ | Pursuant to Rule 2a-7, the Fund is subject to a “general liquidity requirement” that requires that the Fund hold securities that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable shareholder redemptions in light of its obligations under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act regarding share redemptions and any commitments the Fund has made to shareholders. To comply with this general liquidity requirement, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) must consider factors that could affect the Fund’s liquidity needs, including characteristics of the Fund’s investors and their likely redemptions. Depending upon the volatility of its cash flows (particularly shareholder redemptions), this may require the Fund to maintain greater liquidity than would be required by the daily and weekly minimum liquidity requirements discussed below. |
■ | The Fund will not acquire any illiquid security (i.e., securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value ascribed to them by the Fund) if, immediately following such purchase, more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in illiquid securities. |
■ | The Fund will not acquire any security other than a daily liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 10% of its total assets would be invested in daily liquid assets, and the Fund will not acquire any security other than a weekly liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 30% of its total assets would be invested in weekly liquid assets. For a discussion of daily liquid assets and weekly liquid assets, please see the Glossary on page 27. |
■ | The Fund invests in securities maturing within 13 months or less from the date of purchase, with certain exceptions. For example, certain government securities held by the Fund may have remaining maturities exceeding 13 months if such securities provide for adjustments in their interest rates not less frequently than every 13 months. |
■ | The securities purchased by the Fund are subject to the quality, diversification, and other requirements of Rule 2a-7, and other rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Fund will purchase securities (or issuers of such securities) that are Eligible Securities that present minimal credit risk as determined by BlackRock pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). For a discussion of Eligible Securities, please see the Glossary on page 27. |
■ | U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or supported by the credit of U.S. or foreign banks or savings institutions with total assets of more than $1 billion (including obligations of foreign branches of such banks) |
■ | High quality commercial paper and other obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. and foreign corporations and other issuers rated (at the time of purchase) A-2 or higher by S&P Global Ratings, P-2 (Prime-2) or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or F2 or higher by Fitch Ratings, Inc., as well as high quality corporate bonds rated A or higher at the time of purchase by those rating agencies |
■ | Unrated notes, paper and other instruments that are determined by Fund management to be of comparable quality to the instruments described above |
■ | Asset-backed securities (including interests in “pools” of assets such as mortgages, installment purchase obligations and credit card receivables) |
■ | Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or authorities |
■ | Dollar-denominated securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their political subdivisions, agencies or authorities |
■ | Repurchase agreements relating to the above instruments |
■ | Investment Company Securities — The Fund may invest in securities issued by other open-end or closed-end investment companies as permitted by the Investment Company Act. A pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses may be borne by the Fund’s shareholders. These investments may include, as consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, certain variable rate demand securities issued by closed-end funds, which invest primarily in portfolios of taxable or tax-exempt securities. It is anticipated that the payments made on the variable rate demand securities issued by closed-end municipal bond funds will be exempt from federal income tax. |
■ | Uninvested Cash Reserves — The Fund may hold up to 20% of its assets in uninvested cash reserves. Uninvested cash reserves will not earn income. |
■ | U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes — The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes (FRNs). These are two-year notes issued by the U.S. Treasury that reset their interest rates on a weekly basis. At maturity, the face value of an FRN is paid to the note holder. |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. |
■ | Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. |
■ | Financial Services Industry Risk — Because of its concentration in the financial services industry, the Fund will be more susceptible to any economic, business, political or other developments which generally affect this industry sector. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to a large extent to the risks associated with that industry, such as government regulation, the availability and cost of capital funds, consolidation and general economic conditions. Financial services companies are also exposed to losses if borrowers and other counterparties experience financial problems and/or cannot repay their obligations. |
When interest rates go up, the value of securities issued by many types of financial services companies generally goes down. In many countries, financial services and the companies that provide them are regulated by governmental entities, which can increase costs for new services or products and make it difficult to pass increased costs on to consumers. In certain areas, deregulation of financial services companies has resulted in increased competition and reduced profitability for certain companies. | |
The profitability of many types of financial services companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and increase the cost of capital, and declining economic conditions, which may cause credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers. Because many types of financial services companies are vulnerable to these economic cycles, a large portion of the Fund’s investments may lose value during such periods. | |
■ | Foreign Exposure Risk — Securities issued or supported by foreign entities, including foreign banks and corporations, may involve additional risks and considerations. Extensive public information about the foreign issuer may not be available, and unfavorable political, economic or governmental developments in the foreign country involved could affect the payment of principal and interest. |
■ | Income Risk — The Fund’s yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | Liquidity Fee and Redemption Gate Risk — The Board has discretion to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell your shares or your redemptions may be subject to a liquidity fee when you sell your shares at certain times. |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. |
■ | Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks — Mortgage-backed securities (residential and commercial) and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Although asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) generally |
experience less prepayment than residential mortgage-backed securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, like traditional fixed-income securities, are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. | |
Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. The Fund’s investments in asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-related securities, as well as additional risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets. These securities also are subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or assets, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Certain CMBS are issued in several classes with different levels of yield and credit protection. The Fund’s investments in CMBS with several classes may be in the lower classes that have greater risks than the higher classes, including greater interest rate, credit and prepayment risks. | |
Mortgage-backed securities may be either pass-through securities or collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”). Pass-through securities represent a right to receive principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages, which are passed through to security holders. CMOs are created by dividing the principal and interest payments collected on a pool of mortgages into several revenue streams (“tranches”) with different priority rights to portions of the underlying mortgage payments. Certain CMO tranches may represent a right to receive interest only (“IOs”), principal only (“POs”) or an amount that remains after floating-rate tranches are paid (an “inverse floater”). These securities are frequently referred to as “mortgage derivatives” and may be extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rates on inverse floaters, for example, vary inversely with a short-term floating rate (which may be reset periodically). Interest rates on inverse floaters will decrease when short-term rates increase, and will increase when short-term rates decrease. These securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage. In response to changes in market interest rates or other market conditions, the value of an inverse floater may increase or decrease at a multiple of the increase or decrease in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund invests in CMO tranches (including CMO tranches issued by government agencies) and interest rates move in a manner not anticipated by Fund management, it is possible that the Fund could lose all or substantially all of its investment. Certain mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest may also provide a degree of investment leverage, which could cause the Fund to lose all or substantially all of its investment. | |
The mortgage market in the United States has experienced difficulties that may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain of the Fund’s mortgage-related investments. Delinquencies and losses on mortgage loans (including subprime and second-lien mortgage loans) generally have increased and may continue to increase, and a decline in or flattening of real estate values (as has been experienced and may continue to be experienced in many housing markets) may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Also, a number of mortgage loan originators have experienced serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy. Reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements have caused limited liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which can adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities. It is possible that such limited liquidity in such secondary markets could continue or worsen. | |
Asset-backed securities entail certain risks not presented by mortgage-backed securities, including the risk that in certain states it may be difficult to perfect the liens securing the collateral backing certain asset-backed securities. In addition, certain asset-backed securities are based on loans that are unsecured, which means that there is no collateral to seize if the underlying borrower defaults. | |
■ | Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. In periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase (as does price fluctuation) as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. During such periods, reinvestment of the prepayment proceeds by the management team will generally be at lower rates of return than the return on the assets that were prepaid. Prepayment reduces the yield to maturity and the average life of the security. |
■ | Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Stable Net Asset Value Risk — The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Fund, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of certain agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises of the U.S. Government are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., the Government National Mortgage Association); other obligations are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (e.g., the Federal Home Loan Banks) and others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase an agency’s obligations. Still others are backed only by the credit of the agency, authority, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise issuing the obligation. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — Variable and floating rate securities provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. These securities may be subject to greater illiquidity risk than other fixed income securities, meaning the absence of an active market for these securities could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at any given time. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
■ | Cyber Security Risk — Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund’s adviser, distributor, and other service providers, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund’s service providers or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. |
■ | Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund’s net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund’s expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund’s expense ratio could be significant. |
■ | Illiquid Investments Risk — The Fund’s illiquid investments may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be difficult to sell the illiquid investments at an advantageous time or price. The Fund may be unable to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in this prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. |
■ | Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk — As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Fund acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the Fund, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by BlackRock through waivers). To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited. |
■ | Restricted Securities Risk — Limitations on the resale of restricted securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at advantageous prices. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. In order to sell such securities, the Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Other transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities than unrestricted securities. Restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility. Also, the Fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a given restricted security, and therefore may be less able to predict a loss. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses to the Fund. |
Availability |
Limited
to certain investors, including:
• Individuals who may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares. • Employees of BlackRock whose accounts are held through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Premier Shares. • Participants in certain programs sponsored by BlackRock or its affiliates or other Financial Intermediaries. • Clients investing through Financial Intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction based sales commission outside of the Fund. |
Minimum Investment |
There
is no investment minimum for:
• Clients of Financial Intermediaries that: (i) charge such clients a fee for advisory, investment consulting, or similar services or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Premier Shares through a no-load program or investment platform. • Employees of BlackRock whose accounts are held through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Premier Shares. |
Initial Sales Charge? | No. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of the Fund. |
Deferred Sales Charge? | No. |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees? | No. |
Redemption Fees? | The Fund may impose a liquidity fee under certain limited circumstances. See “Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates” below. |
Advantage | No ongoing shareholder servicing fees. |
Disadvantage | Limited availability. |
1 | Please see “Details About the Share Class” for more information about Premier Shares. |
■ | Individuals with a minimum initial investment of $2 million who may purchase shares of the Fund through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to purchase such shares; |
■ | Clients of Financial Intermediaries that: (i) charge such clients a fee for advisory, investment consulting, or similar services or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Premier Shares through a no-load program or investment platform, in each case, with no minimum initial investment; |
■ | Clients investing through Financial Intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction based sales commission outside of the Fund, with a minimum initial investment of $1,000; and |
■ | Employees of BlackRock whose accounts are held through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Premier Shares. |
i. | The current value of an investor’s existing Investor A and A1, Investor C, C1, C2 and C3, Investor P, Institutional, Class K and Premier Shares in most BlackRock Funds, |
ii. | The current value of an investor’s existing shares of certain unlisted closed-end management investment companies sponsored and advised by BlackRock or its affiliates and |
iii. | The investment in the BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529 Program by the investor or by or on behalf of the investor’s spouse and children. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Initial Purchase | Determine the amount of your investment |
Refer
to the minimum initial investment in the “Premier Shares at a Glance” table of this prospectus.
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Initial Purchase (continued) | Have your Financial Intermediary submit your purchase order |
Purchase
orders received by the Fund’s transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (the “Transfer Agent”), before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on each business day will be priced based on the next NAV calculated on that day. Only
purchase and redemption orders submitted through the NSCC Fund/SERV trading platform will be accepted. Shares begin accruing dividends on the third business day following the day the purchase order for the shares is effected and continue to accrue
dividends through the second business day following the day such shares are redeemed.
|
Add to Your Investment | Purchase additional shares | Premier Shares have no minimum for additional purchases. |
Have your Financial Intermediary submit your purchase order for additional shares | To purchase additional shares you may contact your Financial Intermediary. | |
Acquire additional shares by reinvesting dividends and capital gains | All dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested without a sales charge. To make any changes to your dividend and/or capital gains distributions options, please contact your Financial Intermediary. | |
Full
or Partial
Redemption of Shares |
Have your Financial Intermediary submit your sales order |
You
can make redemption requests through your Financial Intermediary. Shareholders should indicate that they are redeeming Premier Shares. The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of the Fund’s NAV after your order is placed. For
your redemption request to be priced at the NAV on the day of your request, you must submit your request to your Financial Intermediary prior to that day’s close of business on the Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Certain Financial
Intermediaries, however, may require submission of orders prior to that time. Any redemption request placed after that time will be priced at the NAV at the close of business on the next business day. Financial Intermediaries may charge a fee to
process a redemption of shares.
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full
or Partial
Redemption of Shares (continued) |
Have your Financial Intermediary submit your sales order (continued) |
redemption
proceeds within seven days after receiving a redemption order if, in the judgment of the Fund, an earlier payment could adversely affect the Fund.
***
If you make a redemption request before the Fund has collected payment for the
purchase of shares, the Fund may delay sending your proceeds. This delay will usually not exceed ten days.
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Transfer Shares to Another Financial Intermediary | Transfer to a participating Financial Intermediary |
You
may transfer your shares of the Fund only to another Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor. Certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred shares. All future trading of these assets
must be coordinated by the receiving firm.
|
Transfer to a non-participating Financial Intermediary |
You
must sell your shares.
|
■ | Suspend the right of redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act; |
■ | Postpone the date of payment upon redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act or if a redemption request is made before the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares; |
■ | Redeem shares for property other than cash as may be permitted under the Investment Company Act; and |
■ | Redeem shares involuntarily in certain cases, such as when the value of a shareholder account falls below a specified level or if the Fund does not believe the account is for a natural person. |
■ | 30% weekly liquid assets — If the weekly liquid assets of the Fund fall below 30% of the Fund’s total assets, and the Board determines it is in the best interests of the Fund, the Board may impose at any time, and as early as the same day, a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the amount redeemed, or a redemption gate that temporarily suspends the right of redemption. |
■ | 10% weekly liquid assets — If the weekly liquid assets of the Fund fall below 10% of the Fund’s total assets as of the end of a business day, the Board will impose, at the beginning of the next business day, a liquidity fee of 1% of the amount redeemed, unless the Board determines that imposing such a fee would not be in the best interests of the Fund or determines that a lower or higher fee (not to exceed 2%) would be in the best interests of the Fund. |
Average Daily Net Assets |
Rate
of
Management Fee |
First $1 billion | 0.450% |
$1 billion - $2 billion | 0.400% |
$2 billion - $3 billion | 0.375% |
Greater than $3 billion | 0.350% |
Contractual
Cap
1
on Total Annual
Operating Expenses 2 (excluding Dividend Expense, Interest Expense, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and certain other Fund expenses) |
|
Premier Shares | 0.20% |
1 | The contractual cap is in effect through July 31, 2021. The contractual agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. |
2 | As a percentage of average daily net assets. |
Institutional | |||||
Year Ended March 31, | |||||
(For a share outstanding throughout each period) | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Net investment income | 0.0213 | 0.0118 | 0.0061 | 0.0013 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net realized gain | 0.0000 (a) | 0.0004 | 0.0002 | 0.0001 | 0.0000 (a) |
Net increase from investment operations | 0.0213 | 0.0122 | 0.0063 | 0.0014 | 0.0000 |
Distributions (b) | |||||
From net investment income | (0.0213) | (0.0122) | (0.0061) | (0.0013) | (0.0000) (c) |
From net realized gain | (0.0000) (c) | — | (0.0002) | (0.0001) | (0.0000) (c) |
Total distributions | (0.0213) | (0.0122) | (0.0063) | (0.0014) | (0.0000) |
Net asset value, end of year | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Total Return (d) | |||||
Based on net asset value | 2.15% | 1.23% | 0.63% | 0.13% | 0.00% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets | |||||
Total expenses | 0.60% | 0.56% | 0.56% | 0.56% | 0.62% |
Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.24% | 0.22% |
Net investment income | 2.17% | 1.18% | 0.61% | 0.11% | 0.00% |
Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of year (000) | $ 336,387 | $305,669 | $569,757 | $605,469 | $ 786,626 |
(a) | Amount is less than $0.00005 per share. |
(b) | Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations. |
(c) | Amount is greater than $(0.00005) per share. |
(d) | Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. |
■ | securities with a remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less (with certain exceptions) that BlackRock determines present minimal credit risks to the Fund after considering certain factors; |
■ | securities issued by other registered investment companies that are money market funds; or |
■ | securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. |
Class | Ticker Symbol | |
Investor A
Shares
|
PINXX | |
Investor C
Shares
|
BMCXX | |
Institutional
Shares
|
PNIXX | |
Service
Shares
|
PNPXX | |
Premier
Shares
|
BMMXX |
• | Financial condition; |
• | Sources of liquidity; |
• | Ability to react to future market-wide and issuer- or guarantor-specific events, including ability to repay debt in a highly adverse situation; and |
• | Strength of the issuer’s or guarantor’s industry within the economy and relative to economic trends, and issuer’s or guarantor’s competitive position within its industry; |
2. That is issued by a registered investment company that is a money market fund; or |
Money
Market Portfolio |
|
Bank Money Instruments | X |
Commercial Paper and Other Short Term Obligations | X |
Cyber Security Issues | X |
Foreign Bank Money Instruments | X |
Foreign Short Term Debt Instruments | X |
Forward Commitments | X |
Interfund Lending Program | |
Borrowing, to the extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions | |
Lending, to the extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions | |
Investment in Other Investment Companies | X |
Municipal Investments | X |
Municipal Securities | X |
Municipal Securities — Derivative Products | X |
Municipal Notes | X |
Municipal Commercial Paper | X |
Municipal Lease Obligations | X |
Municipal Securities — Short-Term Maturity Standards | X |
Municipal Securities — Quality Standards | X |
Municipal Securities — Other Factors | X |
VRDOs and Participating VRDOs | X |
Purchase of Securities with Fixed Price “Puts” | |
Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts | X |
Reverse Repurchase Agreements | X |
Rule 2a-7 Requirements | X |
Securities Lending | X |
Money
Market Portfolio |
|
Structured Notes | |
Taxable Money Market Securities | X |
U.S. Government Obligations | X |
Variable and Floating Rate Instruments | X |
When-Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments | X |
Trustees | Experience, Qualifications and Skills | |
Independent Trustees | ||
Bruce R. Bond | Bruce R. Bond has served for approximately 20 years on the board of registered investment companies, having served as a member of the boards of certain BlackRock-advised Funds and predecessor funds, including the legacy-BlackRock funds and the State Street Research Mutual Funds. He also has executive management and business experience, having served as president and chief executive officer of several communications networking companies. Mr. Bond also has corporate governance experience from his service as a director of a computer equipment company. | |
Susan J. Carter | Susan J. Carter has over 35 years of experience in investment management. She has served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Commonfund Capital, Inc. (“CCI”), a registered investment adviser focused on non-profit investors, from 1997 to 2013, Chief Executive Officer of CCI from 2013 to 2014 and Senior Advisor to CCI in 2015. Ms. Carter also served as trustee to the Pacific Pension Institute from 2014 to 2018. She currently serves as trustee to the Financial Accounting Foundation, Advisory Board Member for the Center for Private Equity and Entrepreneurship at Tuck School of Business, Board Member for Girls Who Invest, Advisory Board Member for Bridges Fund Management and Practitioner Advisory Board Member for Private Capital Research Institute (“PCRI”). These positions have provided her with insight and perspective on the markets and the economy. | |
Collette Chilton | Collette Chilton has over 20 years of experience in investment management. She has held the position of Chief Investment Officer of Williams College since October 2006. Prior to that she was President and Chief Investment Officer of Lucent Asset Management Corporation, where she oversaw approximately $40 billion in pension and retirement savings assets for the company. These positions have provided her with insight and perspective on the markets and the economy. |
Trustees | Experience, Qualifications and Skills | |
Neil A. Cotty | Neil A. Cotty has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 19 years at Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates, where he served, at different times, as the Chief Financial Officer of various businesses including Investment Banking, Global Markets, Wealth Management and Consumer and also served ten years as the Chief Accounting Officer for Bank of America Corporation. Mr. Cotty has been determined by the Audit Committee to be an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the applicable Commission rules. | |
Lena G. Goldberg | Lena G. Goldberg has more than 20 years of business and oversight experience, most recently through her service as a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School. Prior thereto, she held legal and management positions at FMR LLC/Fidelity Investments as well as positions on the boards of various Fidelity subsidiaries over a 12-year period. She has additional corporate governance experience as a member of board and advisory committees for privately held corporations and non-profit organizations. Ms. Goldberg also has more than 17 years of legal experience as an attorney in private practice, including as a partner in a law firm. | |
Robert M. Hernandez | Robert M. Hernandez has served for approximately 23 years on the board of registered investment companies, having previously served as chair of the boards of certain BlackRock-advised Funds and predecessor funds and as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Audit and Nominating/Governance Committees of certain predecessor funds, including certain legacy-BlackRock funds. Mr. Hernandez has business and executive experience through his service as group president, chief financial officer, Chairman and vice chairman, among other positions, of publicly-held energy, steel, and metal companies. He has served as a director of other public companies in various industries throughout his career. He also has broad corporate governance experience, having served as a board member of publicly-held energy, insurance, chemicals, metals and electronics companies. Mr. Hernandez has been determined by the Audit Committee to be an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the applicable Commission rules. | |
Henry R. Keizer | Henry R. Keizer brings over 40 years of executive, financial, operational, strategic and global expertise gained through his 35 year career at KPMG, a global professional services organization and by his service as a director to both publicly and privately held organizations. He has extensive experience with issues facing complex, global companies and expertise in financial reporting, accounting, auditing, risk management, and regulatory affairs for such companies. Mr. Keizer’s experience also includes service as an audit committee chair to both publicly and privately held organizations across numerous industries including professional services, property and casualty reinsurance, insurance, diversified financial services, banking, direct to consumer, business to business and technology. Mr. Keizer is a certified public accountant and also served on the board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Keizer has been determined by the Audit Committee to be an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the applicable Commission rules. | |
Cynthia A. Montgomery | Cynthia A. Montgomery has served for over 20 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of certain BlackRock-advised Funds and predecessor funds, including the legacy Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) funds. The Board benefits from Ms. Montgomery’s more than 20 years of academic experience as a professor at Harvard Business School where she taught courses on corporate strategy and corporate governance. Ms. Montgomery also has business management and corporate governance experience through her service on the corporate boards of a variety of public companies. She has also authored numerous articles and books on these topics. | |
Donald C. Opatrny | Donald C. Opatrny has more than 39 years of business, oversight and executive experience, including through his service as president, director and investment committee chair for academic and not-for-profit organizations, and his experience as a partner, managing director and advisory director at Goldman Sachs for 32 years. He also has investment management experience as a board member of Athena Capital Advisors LLC. |
Trustees | Experience, Qualifications and Skills | |
Joseph P. Platt | Joseph P. Platt has served for over 15 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of certain BlackRock-advised Funds and predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. Mr. Platt currently serves as general partner at Thorn Partners, LP, a private investment company. Prior to his joining Thorn Partners, LP, he was an owner, director and executive vice president with Johnson and Higgins, an insurance broker and employee benefits consultant. He has over 25 years of experience in the areas of insurance, compensation and benefits. Mr. Platt also serves on the boards of public, private and non-profit companies. | |
Mark Stalnecker | Mark Stalnecker has gained a wealth of experience in investing and asset management from his over 13 years of service as the Chief Investment Officer of the University of Delaware as well as from his various positions with First Union Corporation, including Senior Vice President and State Investment Director of First Investment Advisors. The Board benefits from his experience and perspective as the Chief Investment Officer of a university endowment and from the oversight experience he gained from service on various private and non-profit boards. | |
Kenneth L. Urish | Kenneth L. Urish has served for over 15 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of certain BlackRock-advised Funds and predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. He has over 30 years of experience in public accounting. Mr. Urish has served as a managing member of an accounting and consulting firm. Mr. Urish has been determined by the Audit Committee to be an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the applicable Commission rules. | |
Claire A. Walton | Claire A. Walton has over 25 years of experience in investment management. She has served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Liberty Square Asset Management, LP from 1998 to 2015, an investment manager that specialized in long/short non-U.S. equity investments, and has been an owner and General Partner of Neon Liberty Capital Management, LLC since 2003, a firm focusing on long/short equities in global emerging and frontier markets. These positions have provided her with insight and perspective on the markets and the economy. Ms. Walton has been determined by the Audit Committee to be an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the applicable Commission rules. | |
Interested Trustees | ||
Robert Fairbairn | Robert Fairbairn has more than 25 years of experience with BlackRock, Inc. and over 30 years of experience in finance and asset management. In particular, Mr. Fairbairn’s positions as Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc., Member of BlackRock’s Global Executive and Global Operating Committees and Co-Chair of BlackRock’s Human Capital Committee provide the Board with a wealth of practical business knowledge and leadership. In addition, Mr. Fairbairn has global investment management and oversight experience through his former positions as Global Head of BlackRock’s Retail and iShares ® businesses, Head of BlackRock’s Global Client Group, Chairman of BlackRock’s international businesses and his previous oversight over BlackRock’s Strategic Partner Program and Strategic Product Management Group. Mr. Fairbairn also serves as a board member for the funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex. | |
John M. Perlowski | John M. Perlowski’s experience as Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009, as the Head of BlackRock Global Accounting and Product Services since 2009, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the BlackRock-advised Funds provides him with a strong understanding of the BlackRock-advised Funds, their operations, and the business and regulatory issues facing the BlackRock-advised Funds. Mr. Perlowski’s prior position as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Global Product Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and his former service as Treasurer and Senior Vice President of the Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds and as Director of the Goldman Sachs Offshore Funds provides the Board with the benefit of his experience with the management practices of other financial companies. Mr. Perlowski also serves as a board member for the funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex. |
Name
and Year of Birth 1,2 |
Position(s)
Held (Length of Service) 3 |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
Number
of
BlackRock- Advised Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”) Consisting of Investment Portfolios (“Portfolios”) Overseen |
Public
Company and Other Investment Company Directorships Held During Past Five Years |
||||
Independent Trustees | ||||||||
Mark
Stalnecker
|
Chair
of the Board
(Since 2019) and Trustee (Since 2015) |
Chief Investment Officer, University of Delaware from 1999 to 2013; Trustee and Chair of the Finance and Investment Committees, Winterthur Museum and Country Estate from 2005 to 2016; Member of the Investment Committee, Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System since 2002; Member of the Investment Committee, Christiana Care Health System from 2009 to 2017; Member of the Investment Committee, Delaware Community Foundation from 2013 to 2014; Director and Chair of the Audit Committee, SEI Private Trust Co. from 2001 to 2014. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None | ||||
Bruce
R. Bond
|
Trustee
(Since 2019) |
Board Member, Amsphere Limited (software) since 2018; Trustee and Member of the Governance Committee, State Street Research Mutual Funds from 1997 to 2005; Board Member of Governance, Audit and Finance Committee, Avaya Inc. (computer equipment) from 2003 to 2007. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None | ||||
Susan
J. Carter
|
Trustee
(Since 2016) |
Director, Pacific Pension Institute from 2014 to 2018; Advisory Board Member, Center for Private Equity and Entrepreneurship at Tuck School of Business since 1997; Senior Advisor, CCI (investment adviser) in 2015; Chief Executive Officer, CCI from 2013 to 2014; President & Chief Executive Officer, CCI from 1997 to 2013; Advisory Board Member, Girls Who Invest from 2015 to 2018 and Board Member thereof since 2018; Advisory Board Member, Bridges Fund Management since 2016; Trustee, Financial Accounting Foundation since 2017; Practitioner Advisory Board Member, PCRI since 2017. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None | ||||
Collette
Chilton
|
Trustee
(Since 2015) |
Chief Investment Officer, Williams College since 2006; Chief Investment Officer, Lucent Asset Management Corporation from 1998 to 2006. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None | ||||
Neil
A. Cotty
|
Trustee
(Since 2016) |
Bank of America Corporation from 1996 to 2015, serving in various senior finance leadership roles, including Chief Accounting Officer from 2009 to 2015, Chief Financial Officer of Global Banking, Markets and Wealth Management from 2008 to 2009, Chief Accounting Officer from 2004 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Consumer Bank from 2003 to 2004, Chief Financial Officer of Global Corporate Investment Bank from 1999 to 2002. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None |
Name
and Year of Birth 1,2 |
Position(s)
Held (Length of Service) 3 |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
Number
of
BlackRock- Advised Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”) Consisting of Investment Portfolios (“Portfolios”) Overseen |
Public
Company and Other Investment Company Directorships Held During Past Five Years |
||||
Lena
G. Goldberg
|
Trustee
(Since 2019) |
Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School, since 2008; Director, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. since 2013; FMR LLC/Fidelity Investments (financial services) from 1996 to 2008, serving in various senior roles including Executive Vice President – Strategic Corporate Initiatives and Executive Vice President and General Counsel; Partner, Sullivan & Worcester LLP from 1985 to 1996 and Associate thereof from 1979 to 1985. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None | ||||
Robert
M. Hernandez
|
Trustee
(Since 2019) |
Director, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of USX Corporation (energy and steel business) from 1991 to 2001; Director and non-executive Chairman, RTI International Metals, Inc. from 1990 to 2015; Director, TE Connectivity (electronics) from 2006 to 2012. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | Chubb Limited (insurance company); Eastman Chemical Company | ||||
Henry
R. Keizer
|
Trustee
(Since 2019) |
Director, Park Indemnity Ltd. (captive insurer) since 2010; Director, MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (financial and bank holding company) from 2014 to 2016; Director, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants from 2009 to 2011; Director, KPMG LLP (audit, tax and advisory services) from 2004 to 2005 and 2010 to 2012; Director, KPMG International in 2012, Deputy Chairman and Chief Operating Officer thereof from 2010 to 2012 and U.S. Vice Chairman of Audit thereof from 2005 to 2010; Global Head of Audit, KPMGI (consortium of KPMG firms) from 2006 to 2010; Director, YMCA of Greater New York from 2006 to 2010. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | Hertz Global Holdings (car rental); Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd. (publicly held property and casualty reinsurance) from 2013 until 2015; WABCO (commercial vehicle safety systems); Sealed Air Corp. (packaging) | ||||
Cynthia
A. Montgomery
|
Trustee
(Since 2007) |
Professor, Harvard Business School since 1989. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. (manufacturing) | ||||
Donald
C. Opatrny
|
Trustee
(Since 2019) |
Trustee, Vice Chair, Member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Investment Committee, Cornell University since 2004; President, Trustee and Member of the Investment Committee, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum from 2007 to 2014; Member of the Board and Investment Committee, University School from 2007 to 2018; Member of the Investment Committee, Mellon Foundation from 2009 to 2015; Trustee, Artstor (a Mellon Foundation affiliate) from 2010 to 2015; President and Trustee, the Center for the Arts, Jackson Hole from 2011 to 2018; Director, Athena Capital Advisors LLC (investment management firm) since 2013; Trustee and Chair of the Investment Committee, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole since 2014; Member of Affordable Housing Supply Board of Jackson, Wyoming since 2018; Member, Investment Funds Committee, State of Wyoming since 2017; Trustee, Phoenix Art Museum since 2018. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None |
Name
and Year of Birth 1,2 |
Position(s)
Held (Length of Service) 3 |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
Number
of
BlackRock- Advised Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”) Consisting of Investment Portfolios (“Portfolios”) Overseen |
Public
Company and Other Investment Company Directorships Held During Past Five Years |
||||
Joseph
P. Platt
|
Trustee
(Since 2007) |
General Partner, Thorn Partners, LP (private investments) since 1998; Director, WQED Multi-Media (public broadcasting not-for-profit) since 2001; Chair, Basic Health International (non-profit) since 2015. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (reinsurance company); Consol Energy Inc. | ||||
Kenneth
L. Urish
|
Trustee
(Since 2007) |
Managing Partner, Urish Popeck & Co., LLC (certified public accountants and consultants) since 1976; Past-Chairman of the Professional Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Committee Member thereof since 2007; Member of External Advisory Board, The Pennsylvania State University Accounting Department since founding in 2001; Principal, UP Strategic Wealth Investment Advisors, LLC since 2013; Trustee, The Holy Family Institute from 2001 to 2010; President and Trustee, Pittsburgh Catholic Publishing Associates from 2003 to 2008; Director, Inter-Tel from 2006 to 2007. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None | ||||
Claire
A. Walton
|
Trustee
(Since 2016) |
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Liberty Square Asset Management, LP from 1998 to 2015; General Partner of Neon Liberty Capital Management, LLC since 2003; Director, Boston Hedge Fund Group from 2009 to 2018; Director, Woodstock Ski Runners since 2013; Director, Massachusetts Council on Economic Education from 2013 to 2015. | 38 RICs consisting of 182 Portfolios | None | ||||
Interested Trustees 4 | ||||||||
Robert
Fairbairn
|
Trustee
(Since 2018) |
Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. since 2019; Member of BlackRock’s Global Executive and Global Operating Committees; Co-Chair of BlackRock’s Human Capital Committee; Senior Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2010 to 2019; oversaw BlackRock’s Strategic Partner Program and Strategic Product Management Group from 2012 to 2019; Member of the Board of Managers of BlackRock Investments, LLC from 2011 to 2018; Global Head of BlackRock’s Retail and iShares ® businesses from 2012 to 2016. | 124 RICs consisting of 292 Portfolios | None | ||||
John
M. Perlowski
5
|
Trustee
(Since 2015)
President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 2010) |
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009; Head of BlackRock Global Accounting and Product Services since 2009; Advisory Director of Family Resource Network (charitable foundation) since 2009. | 125 RICs consisting of 293 Portfolios | None |
1 | The address of each Trustee is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52 nd Street, New York, New York 10055. |
2 | Independent Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement, removal or death, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 75. The Board may determine to extend the terms of Independent Trustees on a case-by-case basis, as appropriate. |
3 | Following the combination of MLIM and BlackRock, Inc. in September 2006, the various legacy MLIM and legacy BlackRock fund boards were realigned and consolidated into three new fund boards in 2007. Furthermore, effective January 1, 2019, three BlackRock Fund Complexes were realigned and consolidated into two BlackRock Fund Complexes. As a result, although the chart shows the year that each Independent Trustee joined the Board, certain Independent Trustees first became members of the boards of other BlackRock-advised Funds, legacy MLIM funds or legacy BlackRock funds as follows: Bruce R. Bond, 2005; Robert M. Hernandez, 1996; Cynthia A. Montgomery, 1994; Joseph P. Platt, 1999; Kenneth L. Urish, 1999; Lena G. Goldberg, 2016; Henry R. Keizer, 2016; Donald C. Opatrny, 2015. |
4 | Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Perlowski are both “interested persons,” as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Trust based on their positions with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates. Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Perlowski are also board members of the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex. |
5 | Mr. Perlowski is also a Trustee of the BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund. |
Name
and Year of Birth 1,2 |
Position(s)
Held
(Length of Service) |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
||
Officers Who Are Not Trustees | ||||
Thomas
Callahan
|
Vice
President
(Since 2016) |
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2013; Member of the Board of Managers of BlackRock Investments, LLC (principal underwriter) since 2019 and Managing Director thereof since 2017; Head of BlackRock’s Global Cash Management Business since 2016; Co-Head of the Global Cash Management Business from 2014 to 2016; Deputy Head of the Global Cash Management Business from 2013 to 2014; Member of the Cash Management Group Executive Committee since 2013; Chief Executive Officer of NYSE Liffe U.S. from 2008 to 2013. | ||
Jennifer
McGovern
|
Vice
President
(Since 2014) |
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2016; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2011 to 2015; Head of Product Development and Oversight for BlackRock’s Strategic Product Management Group since 2019; Head of Product Structure and Oversight for BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory Group from 2013 to 2019. | ||
Neal
J. Andrews
|
Chief
Financial
Officer (Since 2007) |
Chief Financial Officer of the iShares ® exchange traded funds since 2019; Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006. | ||
Jay
M. Fife
|
Treasurer
(Since 2007) |
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2007. | ||
Charles
Park
|
Chief
Compliance Officer (Since 2014) |
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer for certain BlackRock-advised Funds from 2014 to 2015; Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRock Advisors, LLC and the BlackRock-advised Funds in the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex and the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex since 2014; Principal of and Chief Compliance Officer for iShares ® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC since 2012 and BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for the BFA-advised iShares ® exchange traded funds since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. since 2012. | ||
John
MacKessy
|
Anti-Money
Laundering Compliance Officer
(Since 2018) |
Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2017; Global Head of Anti-Money Laundering at BlackRock, Inc. since 2017; Director of AML Monitoring and Investigations Group of Citibank from 2015 to 2017; Global Anti-Money Laundering and Economic Sanctions Officer for MasterCard from 2011 to 2015. | ||
Benjamin
Archibald
|
Secretary
(Since 2012) |
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2014; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2010 to 2013; Secretary of the iShares ® exchange traded funds since 2015; Secretary of the BlackRock-advised mutual funds since 2012. |
1 | The address of each Officer is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52 nd Street, New York, New York 10055. |
2 | Officers of the Trust serve at the pleasure of the Board. |
Name |
Dollar
Range of Equity Securities in the Fund |
Aggregate
Dollar
Range of Equity Securities in Supervised Funds |
||
Independent Trustees: | ||||
Bruce R.
Bond
1
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Susan J.
Carter
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Collette
Chilton
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Neil A.
Cotty
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Lena G.
Goldberg
1
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Robert M.
Hernandez
1
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Henry R.
Keizer
1
|
Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 | ||
Cynthia A.
Montgomery
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Donald C.
Opatrny
1
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Joseph P.
Platt
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Mark
Stalnecker
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Kenneth L.
Urish
|
Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 | ||
Claire A.
Walton
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Interested
Trustees:
|
||||
Robert
Fairbairn
1
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
John M.
Perlowski
|
None | Over $100,000 |
1 | Elected as a Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2019. |
Name |
Compensation
from
the Fund |
Estimated
Annual
Benefits upon Retirement |
Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund and Other BlackRock-Advised Funds 1 |
|||
Independent Trustees: | ||||||
Bruce R.
Bond
2
|
$268 | None | $397,500 | |||
Susan J.
Carter
|
$1,370 | None | $390,000 | |||
Collette
Chilton
|
$1,370 | None | $384,000 | |||
Neil A.
Cotty
|
$1,370 | None | $390,000 | |||
Lena G.
Goldberg
2,3
|
$282 | None | $377,500 | |||
Robert M.
Hernandez
2
|
$268 | None | $477,500 | |||
Rodney D.
Johnson
4
|
$1,277 | None | $500,000 | |||
Henry R.
Keizer
2,5
|
$282 | None | $397,500 | |||
Cynthia A.
Montgomery
6
|
$1,401 | None | $400,000 | |||
Donald C.
Opatrny
2,7
|
$282 | None | $387,500 | |||
Joseph P.
Platt
8
|
$1,387 | None | $392,000 | |||
Robert C. Robb,
Jr.
9
|
$1,370 | None | $400,000 | |||
Mark
Stalnecker
10
|
$1,494 | None | $430,000 | |||
Kenneth L.
Urish
11
|
$1,405 | None | $410,000 | |||
Claire A.
Walton
|
$1,370 | None | $390,000 | |||
Frederick W.
Winter
9
|
$1,370 | None | $392,000 | |||
Interested Trustees: | ||||||
Robert
Fairbairn
12
|
None | None | None | |||
Barbara G.
Novick
13
|
None | None | None | |||
John M.
Perlowski
|
None | None | None |
1 | For the number of BlackRock-advised Funds from which each Trustee receives compensation, see the Biographical Information chart beginning on page I-10. |
2 | Messrs. Bond, Hernandez, Keizer and Opatrny and Ms. Goldberg were elected as Trustees of the Trust effective January 1, 2019. They each served as a director or trustee to certain other BlackRock-advised Funds prior to January 1, 2019. |
3 | Ms. Goldberg was appointed Chair of the Compliance Committee effective January 1, 2019. |
4 | Mr. Johnson retired as a Trustee of the Trust and as Chair of the Board and Chair of the Ad Hoc Topics Committee effective December 31, 2018. |
5 | Mr. Keizer was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019. |
6 | Chair of the Governance Committee. |
7 | Mr. Opatrny was appointed Chair of the Performance Oversight Committee effective January 1, 2019. |
8 | Mr. Platt served as the Chair of the Compliance Committee through December 31, 2018. |
9 | Messrs. Robb and Winter retired as Trustees of the Trust effective December 31, 2018 and have been retained as consultants to the Independent Trustees. |
10 | Mr. Stalnecker was appointed Chair of the Board and Chair of the Ad Hoc Topics Committee effective January 1, 2019. He served as Chair Elect of the Board from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 and served as the Chair of the Performance Oversight Committee through December 31, 2018. |
11 | Mr. Urish served as the Chair of the Audit Committee through December 31, 2018. |
12 | Mr. Fairbairn was appointed as a Trustee of the Trust effective February 22, 2018. He served as a director or trustee to certain other BlackRock-advised Funds prior to February 22, 2018. |
13 | Ms. Novick resigned as a Trustee of the Trust effective February 22, 2018. |
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
Fees
Paid
to BlackRock |
Fees
Waived
by BlackRock |
Fees
Reimbursed
by BlackRock |
|||
2019
|
$2,791,831 | $2,169,310 | $ 62,319 | |||
2018
|
$3,291,754 | $2,475,920 | $ 44,133 | |||
2017
|
$3,989,193 | $2,948,433 | $158,551 |
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
Fees
Paid to
the Administrator |
Fees
Waived by
the Administrator |
||
2019
|
$384,291 | $ 90,855 | ||
2018
|
$451,108 | $144,164 | ||
2017
|
$547,460 | $168,493 |
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
Fees
Paid
to BlackRock |
Fees
Waived by
BlackRock |
||
2019
|
$38,212 | $21,384 | ||
2018
|
$31,981 | $18,256 | ||
2017
|
$48,755 | $43,609 |
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
Paid
to the
Accounting Services Providers |
|
2019
|
$48,201 | |
2018
|
$41,389 | |
2017
|
$55,018 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
Investor
A Shares
CDSCs Received on Redemption of Load-Waived Shares |
|
2019
|
$23,496 | |
2018
|
$26,560 | |
2017
|
$18,981 |
Investor C Shares | ||||
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
CDSCs
Received
by BRIL |
CDSCs
Paid
to Affiliates |
||
2019
|
$1,911 | $1,911 | ||
2018
|
$ 131 | $ 131 | ||
2017
|
$5,127 | $5,127 |
Class Name | Paid to BRIL | |
Investor A Shares
|
$706,958 | |
Investor C Shares
|
$164,629 | |
Service Shares
|
$ 15,762 |
Regular Broker-Dealer | Debt(D)/Equity(E) |
Aggregate
Holdings (000’s) |
||
Bank of America
Corp.
|
D | $70,000 | ||
JP Morgan Chase &
Co.
|
D | $44,000 | ||
Mizuho Financial
Group
|
D | $41,970 | ||
CITIC Securities International USA,
LLC
|
D | $31,540 | ||
Barclays Capital,
Inc.
|
D | $19,000 |
Name | Address | Percentage | Class | |||
Edward D Jones & Co. |
12555
Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63131 |
32.17% | Investor A Shares | |||
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. |
211
Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105 |
24.89% | Investor A Shares | |||
RBC Capital Markets LLC |
60
S. 6
th
Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402-4400 |
9.37% | Investor A Shares | |||
JP Morgan Securities LLC |
4
Chase Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245 |
9.27% | Investor A Shares | |||
Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc. |
501
North Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102 |
5.88% | Investor A Shares | |||
National Financial Services LLC |
499
Washington Boulevard, Floor 5
Jersey City, NJ 07310-2010 |
5.36% | Investor A Shares | |||
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC |
1
New York Plaza Floor 12
New York, NY 10004 |
17.92% | Investor C Shares | |||
LPL Financial |
4707
Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121 |
12.30% | Investor C Shares | |||
Wells Fargo Clearing Services |
2801
Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63103 |
10.56% | Investor C Shares |
Name | Address | Percentage | Class | |||
National Financial Services LLC |
499
Washington Boulevard, Floor 5
Jersey City, NJ 07310-2010 |
8.27% | Investor C Shares | |||
Pershing LLC |
1
Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001 |
7.35% | Investor C Shares | |||
JP Morgan Securities LLC |
4
Chase Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245 |
5.84% | Investor C Shares | |||
Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc. |
501
North Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102 |
6.33% | Institutional Shares | |||
Raymond James |
880
Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716 |
33.64% | Service Shares | |||
Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc. |
501
North Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102 |
6.57% | Service Shares |
• | Portfolio Holdings : “Portfolio Holdings” are a Fund’s portfolio securities and other instruments, and include, but are not limited to: |
• | for equity securities, information such as issuer name, CUSIP, ticker symbol, total shares and market value; |
• | for fixed income securities, information such as issuer name, CUSIP, ticker symbol, coupon, maturity, current face value and market value; |
• | for all securities, information such as quantity, SEDOL, market price, yield, WAL, duration and convexity as of a specific date; |
• | for derivatives, indicative data including, but not limited to, pay leg, receive leg, notional amount, reset frequency and trade counterparty; and |
• | trading strategies, specific portfolio holdings, including the number of shares held, weightings of particular holdings, trading details, pending or recent transactions and portfolio management plans to purchase or sell particular securities or allocation within particular sectors. |
• | Portfolio Characteristics : “Portfolio Characteristics” include, but are not limited to, sector allocation, credit quality breakdown, maturity distribution, duration and convexity measures, average credit quality, average maturity, average coupon, top 10 holdings with percent of the fund held, average market capitalization, capitalization range, risk related information ( e.g., value at risk, standard deviation), ROE, P/E, P/B, P/CF, P/S and EPS. |
• | Additional characteristics specific to money market funds include, but are not limited to, historical daily and weekly liquid assets (as defined under Rule 2a-7) and historical fund net inflows and outflows. |
Money Market Funds | ||
Time Periods (Calendar Days) | ||
Prior
to 5 Calendar Days
After Month-End |
5
Calendar Days After
Month-End to Date of Public Filing |
|
Portfolio
Holdings |
Cannot
disclose without non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement and CCO approval except the following portfolio holdings information may be released as follows:
• Weekly portfolio holdings information released on the website at least one business day after week-end. • Other information as may be required under Rule 2a-7 (e.g., name of issuer, category of investment, principal amount, maturity dates, yields). |
May disclose to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries, consultants and third-party data providers. If portfolio holdings are disclosed to one party, they must also be disclosed to all other parties requesting the same information. |
Portfolio
Characteristics |
Cannot
disclose without non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement and CCO approval except the following information may be released on the Fund’s website daily:
• Historical NAVs calculated based on market factors (e.g., marked-to-market) • Percentage of fund assets invested in daily and weekly liquid assets (as defined under Rule 2a-7) • Daily net inflows and outflows • Yields, SEC yields, WAM, WAL, current assets • Other information as may be required by Rule 2a-7 |
May disclose to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries, consultants and third-party data providers. If Portfolio Characteristics are disclosed to one party, they must also be disclosed to all other parties requesting the same information. |
(i) | the preparation and posting of the Fund’s Portfolio Holdings and/or Portfolio Characteristics to its website on a more frequent basis than authorized above; |
(ii) | the disclosure of the Fund’s Portfolio Holdings to third-party service providers not noted above; and |
(iii) | the disclosure of the Fund’s Portfolio Holdings and/or Portfolio Characteristics to other parties for legitimate business purposes. |
• | Fund Fact Sheets are available to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries and consultants on a monthly or quarterly basis no earlier than the fifth calendar day after the end of a month or quarter. |
• | Money Market Performance Reports are typically available to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries and consultants by the tenth calendar day of the month (and on a one day lag for certain institutional funds). They contain monthly money market Fund performance, rolling 12-month average and benchmark performance. |
1. | Fund’s Board of Trustees and, if necessary, independent Trustees’ counsel and Fund counsel. |
2. | Fund’s transfer agent. |
3. | Fund’s Custodian. |
4. | Fund’s Administrator, if applicable. |
5. | Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. |
6. | Fund’s accounting services provider. |
7. | Independent rating agencies — Morningstar, Inc., Lipper Inc., S&P, Moody’s, Fitch. |
8. | Information aggregators — Markit on Demand, Thomson Financial and Bloomberg, eVestments Alliance, Informa/PSN Investment Solutions, Crane Data and iMoneyNet. |
9. | Sponsors of 401(k) plans that include BlackRock-advised funds — E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company, Inc. |
10. | Sponsors and consultants for pension and retirement plans that invest in BlackRock-advised funds — Rocaton Investment Advisors, LLC, Mercer Investment Consulting, Callan Associates, Brockhouse & Cooper, Cambridge Associates, Morningstar/Investorforce, Russell Investments (Mellon Analytical Solutions), Wilshire Associates and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
11. | Pricing Vendors — Reuters Pricing Service, Bloomberg, FT Interactive Data (FT IDC), ITG, Telekurs Financial, FactSet Research Systems, Inc., JP Morgan Pricing Direct (formerly Bear Stearns Pricing Service), Standard and Poor’s Security Evaluations Service, Lehman Index Pricing, Bank of America High Yield Index, Loan Pricing Corporation (LPC), LoanX, Super Derivatives, IBoxx Index, Barclays Euro Gov’t Inflation-Linked Bond Index, JPMorgan Emerging & Developed Market Index, Reuters/WM Company, Nomura BPI Index, Japan Securities Dealers Association, Valuation Research Corporation and Murray, Devine & Co., Inc. |
12. | Portfolio Compliance Consultants — Oracle/i-Flex Solutions, Inc. |
13. | Third-party feeder funds — Alight Money Market Fund, Alight Series Trust, Alight Financial Solutions LLC, Homestead, Inc., Transamerica, State Farm Mutual Fund and Sterling Capital Funds and their respective boards, sponsors, administrators and other service providers. |
14. | Affiliated feeder funds —Treasury Money Market Fund (Cayman) and its board, sponsor, administrator and other service providers. |
15. | Other — Investment Company Institute, Mizuho Asset Management Co., Ltd., Nationwide Fund Advisors and State Street Bank and Trust Company. |
• | If participants elect to have their contributions invested in the Fund, the contributions will be invested automatically on the business day following the date they are received in the account. There will be no minimum initial or subsequent purchase requirement pursuant to these types of plans. The amount that may be contributed to a Plan in any one year is subject to certain limitations under the Code; however, assets already in a Plan account may be invested without regard to such limitations on contributions. Cash balances of less than $1.00 will not be invested. |
• | Participants in Custodial Plans who opened their accounts prior to December 6, 1999 had two options concerning cash balances that may arise in their accounts. First, participants could have elected to have such balances automatically invested on a daily basis in shares of the Fund or, in some cases, in another money market mutual fund advised by the Manager. Second, participants (except for RSAs) could have elected to have such balances deposited in an FDIC-insured money market account with one or more commercial banks. After December 6, 1999, certain Custodial Plan accounts no longer have the first option for cash balances. |
• | Participants who have elected to have cash balances automatically invested in the Fund will have such funds invested as follows: cash balances arising from the sale of securities held in the Plan account that do not settle on the day of the transaction (such as most common and preferred stock transactions) will be invested in shares of the Fund on the business day following the day that the proceeds are received in the Plan account. Proceeds giving rise to cash balances from the sale of securities held in the Plan account settling on a same day basis and from principal repayments on debt securities held in the account will be invested in shares of the Fund on the next business day following receipt. Cash balances arising from dividends or interest payments on securities held in the Plan account or from a contribution to the Plan are invested in shares of the Fund on the business day following the date the payment is received in the Plan account. |
Aaa | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
Aa | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
A | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
Baa | Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
Ba | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
B | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
Caa | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
Ca | Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
C | Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |
P-1 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
P-2 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
P-3 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. |
NP | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. |
MIG 1 | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. |
MIG 2 | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. |
MIG 3 | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. |
SG | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. |
VMIG 1 | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 2 | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 3 | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
SG | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
• | Likelihood of payment—capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; |
• | Nature of and provisions of the obligation, and the promise we impute; |
• | Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights. |
AAA | An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. |
AA | An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. |
A | An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. |
BBB | An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
BB;
B;
CCC; CC; and C |
Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. |
BB | An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
B | An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
CCC | An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
CC | An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. |
C | An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher. |
D | An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
NR | This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. |
A-1 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. |
A-2 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. |
A-3 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
B | A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. |
C | A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
D | A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
• | Amortization schedule—the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and |
• | Source of payment—the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note. |
S&P’s municipal short-term note rating symbols are as follows: |
SP-1 | Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. |
SP-2 | Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. |
SP-3 | Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. |
AAA | Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. |
AA | Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. |
A | High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. |
BBB | Good credit quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. |
BB | Speculative. ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. |
B | Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present. |
CCC | Substantial credit risk. ‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. |
CC | Very high levels of credit risk. ‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk. |
C | Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. ‘C’ indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk. |
F1 | Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. |
F2 | Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. |
F3 | Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. |
B | Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. |
C | High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. |
RD | Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only. |
D | Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation. |
1 | iShares MSCI Peru ETF and the iShares Sustainable ETFs, as defined in Appendix A of the Proxy Voting Policy for iShares Sustainable ETFs have separate Fund Proxy Voting Policies. |
Page | |
|
B-5 |
|
B-5 |
|
B-5 |
|
B-6 |
|
B-7 |
|
B-7 |
|
B-8 |
|
B-8 |
|
B-9 |
|
B-9 |
|
B-9 |
|
B-10 |
|
B-10 |
|
B-11 |
|
B-12 |
• | Boards and directors |
• | Auditors and audit-related issues |
• | Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special transactions |
• | Compensation and benefits |
• | Environmental and social issues |
• | General corporate governance matters and shareholder protections |
• | establishing an appropriate corporate governance structure |
• | supporting and overseeing management in setting long-term strategic goals, applicable measures of value-creation and milestones that will demonstrate progress, and steps taken if any obstacles are anticipated or incurred |
• | ensuring the integrity of financial statements |
• | making independent decisions regarding mergers, acquisitions and disposals |
• | establishing appropriate executive compensation structures |
• | addressing business issues, including environmental and social issues, when they have the potential to materially impact company reputation and performance |
• | current or former employment at the company or a subsidiary within the past several years |
• | being, or representing, a shareholder with a substantial shareholding in the company |
• | interlocking directorships |
• | having any other interest, business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the director’s ability to act in the best interests of the company |
• | BlackRock clients who may be issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions |
• | BlackRock business partners or third parties who may be issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions |
• | BlackRock employees who may sit on the boards of public companies held in Funds managed by BlackRock |
• | Significant BlackRock, Inc. investors who may be issuers of securities held in Funds managed by BlackRock |
• | Securities of BlackRock, Inc. or BlackRock investment funds held in Funds managed by BlackRock |
• | BlackRock, Inc. board members who serve as senior executives of public companies held in Funds managed by BlackRock |
• | Adopted the Guidelines which are designed to protect and enhance the economic value of the companies in which BlackRock invests on behalf of clients. |
• | Established a reporting structure that separates BIS from employees with sales, vendor management or business partnership roles. In addition, BlackRock seeks to ensure that all engagements with corporate issuers, dissident shareholders or shareholder proponents are managed consistently and without regard to BlackRock’s relationship with such parties. Clients or business partners are not given special treatment or differentiated access to BIS. BIS prioritizes engagements based on factors including but not limited to our need for additional information to make a voting decision or our view on the likelihood that an engagement could lead to positive outcome(s) over time for the economic value of the company. Within the normal course of business, BIS may engage directly with BlackRock clients, business partners and/or third parties, and/or with employees with sales, vendor management or business partnership roles, in discussions regarding our approach to stewardship, general corporate governance matters, client reporting needs, and/or to otherwise ensure that proxy-related client service levels are met. |
• | Determined to engage, in certain instances, an independent fiduciary to vote proxies as a further safeguard to avoid potential conflicts of interest, to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements, or as may be otherwise required by applicable law. In such circumstances, the independent fiduciary provides BlackRock’s proxy voting agent with instructions, in accordance with the Guidelines, as to how to vote such proxies, and BlackRock’s proxy voting agent votes the proxy in accordance with the independent fiduciary’s determination. BlackRock uses an independent fiduciary to vote proxies of (i) any company that is affiliated with BlackRock, Inc., (ii) any public company that includes BlackRock employees on its board of directors, (iii) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., (iv) any public company of which a BlackRock, Inc. board member serves as a senior executive, and (v) companies when legal or regulatory requirements compel BlackRock to use an independent fiduciary. In selecting an independent fiduciary, we assess several characteristics, including but not limited to: independence, an ability to analyze proxy issues and vote in the best economic interest of our clients, reputation for reliability and integrity, and operational capacity to accurately deliver the assigned votes in a timely manner. We may engage more than one independent fiduciary, in part in order to mitigate potential or perceived conflicts of interest at an independent fiduciary. The Global Committee appoints and reviews the performance of the independent fiduciar(ies), generally on an annual basis. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
1 | Articles of Incorporation | |
(a) | Declaration of Trust of Registrant dated December 22, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (1)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-26305) (the “Registration Statement”) filed on January 27, 1998. | |
(b) | Amendment No. 1 to Declaration of Trust dated May 4, 1989 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (1)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 27, 1998. | |
(c) | Amendment No. 2 to the Declaration of Trust dated December 23, 1993 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (1)(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 27, 1998. | |
(d) | Amendment No. 3 to the Declaration of Trust dated January 5, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 18, 1996. | |
(e) | Amendment No. 4 to the Declaration of Trust dated December 23, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (1)(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 27, 1998. | |
(f) | Amended and Restated Certificate of Classification of Shares dated July 23, 2019 is filed herewith. | |
2 | By-laws | |
(a) | Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of Registrant, effective December 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 24, 2009. | |
3 | Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders | |
(a) | Sections V, VIII and IX of Registrant’s Declaration of Trust dated December 22, 1988 are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (1)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 27, 1998; Article II of Registrant’s Code of Regulations is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 24, 2009. | |
4 | Investment Advisory Contracts. | |
(a) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC relating to non-index funds is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 13, 2006. | |
(b) | Form of Addendum No. 6 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Commodity Strategies Fund and BlackRock Advantage Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Emerging Markets Long/Short Equity Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 186 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 29, 2011. | |
(c) | Form of Addendum No. 7 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Short Obligations Fund, BlackRock Global Long/Short Equity Fund, BlackRock Total Factor Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Strategic Risk Allocation Fund) and BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 259 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 21, 2012. | |
(d) | Form of Addendum No. 8 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Core Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Disciplined Small Cap Core Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 282 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 13, 2013. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(e) | Form of Addendum No. 9 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Total Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Emerging Market Allocation Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2013. | |
(f) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International, Ltd. with respect to BlackRock International Dividend Fund (f/k/a BlackRock International Opportunities Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 13, 2006. | |
(g) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Commodity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(h) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 28, 2011. | |
(h) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Total Factor Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Strategic Risk Allocation Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 259 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 21, 2012. | |
(i) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited with respect to BlackRock Tactical Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Managed Volatility Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 269 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 28, 2013. | |
(j) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Total Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Emerging Market Allocation Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2013. | |
(k) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited with respect to BlackRock Total Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Emerging Market Allocation Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2013. | |
(l) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited with respect to BlackRock Total Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Emerging Market Allocation Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2013 | |
(m) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 450 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 29, 2015. | |
(n) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited with respect to BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 450 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 29, 2015. | |
(o) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to iShares Russell Mid-Cap Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Midcap Index Fund) and iShares MSCI Developed World Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock MSCI World Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 454 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 13, 2015. | |
(p) | Appendix A to Form of Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to iShares Russell Mid-Cap Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Midcap Index Fund) and iShares MSCI Developed World Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock MSCI World Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 465 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 8, 2015. | |
(q) | Form of Addendum No. 1 with respect to iShares Developed Real Estate Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Developed Real Estate Index Fund) to Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 473 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(r) | Form of Addendum No. 2 with respect to iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Small/Mid Cap Index Fund) to Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 474 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015. | |
(s) | Form of Addendum No. 3 with respect to iShares Total U.S. Stock Market Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Total Stock Market Index Fund) to Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 475 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015. | |
(t) | Form of Addendum No. 13 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Impact U.S. Equity Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 486 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 5, 2015. | |
(u) | Form of Addendum No. 5 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Mid-Cap Growth Equity Portfolio, BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Small Cap Growth Equity Portfolio), BlackRock Tactical Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Managed Volatility Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock Asset Allocation Portfolio)), BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio, BlackRock Technology Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Science & Technology Opportunities Portfolio), BlackRock Energy & Resources Portfolio, BlackRock All-Cap Energy & Resources Portfolio, BlackRock High Equity Income Fund (f/k/a BlackRock U.S. Opportunities Portfolio), BlackRock Advantage International Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Global Opportunities Portfolio), BlackRock International Dividend Fund (f/k/a BlackRock International Opportunities Portfolio), BlackRock Exchange Portfolio and BlackRock Money Market Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 491 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 24, 2015. | |
(v) | Form of Amendment to Addendum No. 5 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock High Equity Income Fund (f/k/a BlackRock U.S. Opportunities Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 491 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 24, 2015. | |
(w) | Form of Addendum No. 4 with respect to iShares Short-Term TIPS Bond Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund) to Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 537 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 16, 2016. | |
(x) | Form of Addendum No. 14 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC, with respect to BlackRock Emerging Markets Equity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 545 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 22, 2016. | |
(y) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Emerging Markets Equity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 545 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 22, 2016. | |
(z) | Form of Addendum No. 5 with respect to iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Multifactor USA Index Fund), iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Multifactor International Index Fund), iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Min Vol USA Index Fund) and iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Min Vol EAFE Index Fund) to Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 590 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 12, 2016. | |
(aa) | Form of Amendment to Addendum No. 6 to Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Commodity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 620 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 22, 2016. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(bb) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Global Long/Short Equity Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 620 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 22, 2016. | |
(cc) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Fund Advisors is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 649 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 20, 2016. | |
(dd) | Form of Amendment No. 2 to Addendum No. 5 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Small Cap Growth Equity Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 663 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 27, 2017. | |
(ee) | Form of Amendment to Addendum No. 9 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Total Emerging Markets Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 851 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 27, 2018. | |
(ff) | Form of Amendment to Addendum No. 5 to the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain index funds between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Multifactor USA Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 757 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 21, 2017. | |
(gg) | Form of Amendment No. 3 to Addendum No. 5 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock High Equity Income Fund, BlackRock Advantage Large Cap Growth Fund, BlackRock Advantage International Fund and BlackRock International Dividend Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 757 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 21, 2017. | |
(hh) | Form of Amendment No. 2 to Addendum No. 6 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Advantage Emerging Markets Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 757 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 21, 2017. | |
(ii) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock Fund Advisors with respect to iShares Developed Real Estate Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Developed Real Estate Index Fund), iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Min Vol EAFE Index Fund), iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Min Vol USA Index Fund), iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Multifactor International Index Fund), iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Multifactor USA Index Fund), iShares MSCI Developed World Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock MSCI World Index Fund), iShares Russell Mid-Cap Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Midcap Index Fund), iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Small/Mid Cap Index Fund), iShares Short-Term TIPS Bond Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund) and iShares Total U.S. Stock Market Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Total Stock Market Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 757 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 21, 2017. | |
(jj) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock International Dividend Fund (f/k/a BlackRock International Opportunities Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 808 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 25, 2018. | |
(kk) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock All-Cap Energy & Resources Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 808 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 25, 2018. | |
(ll) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Energy & Resources Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 808 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 25, 2018. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(mm) | Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited with respect to BlackRock Tactical Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Managed Volatility Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 808 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 25, 2018. | |
(nn) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited with respect to BlackRock Tactical Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Managed Volatility Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 808 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 25, 2018. | |
(oo) | Form of Amendment No. 4 to Addendum No. 5 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Mid-Cap Growth Equity Portfolio and BlackRock Technology Opportunities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 851 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 27, 2018. | |
(pp) | Form of Amendment No. 3 to Addendum No. 6 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Commodity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 851 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 27, 2018. | |
(qq) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited with respect to BlackRock Emerging Markets Equity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 852 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 27, 2018. | |
(rr) | Form of Addendum No.1 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Fund Advisors with respect to iShares Municipal Bond Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 865 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2018. | |
(ss) | Form of Addendum No. 16 to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock China A Opportunities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 920 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(tt) | Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund is incorporated by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 945 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 8, 2019. | |
5 | Underwriting Contracts | |
(a) | Form of Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Fund, Inc. (File No. 2-60836), filed on July 26, 2019. | |
6 | Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts | |
(a) | None | |
7 | Custodian Agreements | |
(a) | Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 10, 2004 between BlackRock Funds and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 7(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 3, 2004. | |
(b) | Custody Agreement dated October 12, 2011 between BlackRock Funds and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 7(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 387 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 29, 2014. | |
(c) | Form of Custody Agreement (U.S. Dollar Only) between BlackRock Funds and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 728 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(d) | Form of Master Global Custody Agreement between BlackRock Funds and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 728 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 28, 2017. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(e) | Master Custodian Agreement dated December 31, 2018 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 7(g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 943 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 28, 2019. | |
8 | Other Material Contracts | |
(a) | Form of Administration Agreement dated January 1, 2015 between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 148 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds II (File No. 333-142592), filed on January 28, 2015. | |
(b) | Form of Administration Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC with respect to BlackRock Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 945 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 8, 2019. | |
(c) | Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement dated June 25, 2010 between Registrant and BNY Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc. (File No. 33-47875), filed on January 28, 2013. | |
(d) | Administration and Fund Accounting Services Agreement dated December 31, 2018 between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(k) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Managed Account Series (File No. 333-124463), filed on February 28, 2019. | |
(e) | Form of Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Series Fund, Inc. (File No. 2-69062), filed on April 18, 2014. | |
(f) | Share Acquisition Agreement dated April 29, 1998 by and among Registrant and PNC Bank, National Association and PNC Bank, Delaware, respectively, each as trustee for certain of the common trust funds listed therein is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9(l) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 29, 1998. | |
(g) | Form of Eighth Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement by and between Registrant, BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock Fund Advisors and BlackRock Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(f) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 736 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2017. | |
(h) | Form of Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Administrative Services Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC, dated July 1, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(k) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 305 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds III (File No. 33-54126), filed on July 1, 2019. | |
(i) | Form of Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Registrant, a syndicate of banks and certain other parties is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 947 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 29, 2019. | |
(j) | Form of Fifth Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 923 of Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 25, 2019. | |
(k) | Form of Master Fund Services Agreement between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 728 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 28, 2017. | |
(l) | Form of Fourth Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(l) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 923 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 25, 2019. | |
9 | Legal Opinion | |
(a) | Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is filed herewith. | |
10 | Other Opinions |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(a) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith. | |
11 | Omitted Financial Statements | |
(a) | None | |
12 | Initial Capital Agreements | |
(a) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Registrant’s distributor relating to BlackRock Advantage Large Cap Growth Fund, BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund, BlackRock High Equity Income Fund, BlackRock International Dividend Fund, BlackRock Mid-Cap Growth Equity Portfolio, BlackRock Money Market Portfolio and BlackRock Tactical Opportunities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (13)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 13, 1998. | |
(b) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Registrant’s distributor relating to BlackRock Technology Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Science & Technology Opportunities Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock Global Science & Technology Portfolio)) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12(e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 10, 2000. | |
(c) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Distributors, Inc. relating to BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock Health Sciences Portfolio), BlackRock Energy & Resources Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock Global Resources Portfolio) and BlackRock Exchange Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12(t) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 3, 2004. | |
(d) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Distributors, Inc. relating to BlackRock All-Cap Energy & Resources Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock All-Cap Global Resources Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12(u) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 87 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 19, 2004. | |
(e) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Distributors, Inc. relating to BlackRock Advantage International Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Global Opportunities Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12(v) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 27, 2006. | |
(f) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Distributors, Inc. relating to BlackRock Tactical Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Managed Volatility Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock Asset Allocation Portfolio)), BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Small Cap Growth Equity Portfolio), BlackRock Mid-Cap Growth Equity Portfolio, BlackRock International Dividend Fund (f/k/a BlackRock International Opportunities Portfolio), BlackRock High Equity Income Fund (f/k/a BlackRock U.S. Opportunities Portfolio), BlackRock Technology Opportunities Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Science & Technology Opportunities Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock Global Science & Technology Portfolio)), BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio, BlackRock Energy & Resources Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock Global Resources Portfolio), BlackRock All-Cap Energy & Resources Portfolio (f/k/a BlackRock All-Cap Global Resources Portfolio) and BlackRock Advantage International Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Global Opportunities Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12(x) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 19, 2006. | |
(g) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Investments, LLC relating to BlackRock Commodity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 29, 2011. | |
(h) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Investments, LLC relating to BlackRock Advantage Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Emerging Markets Long/Short Equity Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 188 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 6, 2011. | |
(i) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Investments, LLC relating to BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 298 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2013. | |
(j) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Investments, LLC relating to BlackRock Short Obligations Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 2, 2012. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(k) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to BlackRock Global Long/Short Equity Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 257 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 19, 2012. | |
(l) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to BlackRock Total Factor Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Strategic Risk Allocation Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 259 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 21, 2012. | |
(m) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Core Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Disciplined Small Cap Core Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 282 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 13, 2013. | |
(n) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to BlackRock Total Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Emerging Market Allocation Portfolio) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 16, 2013. | |
(o) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Russell Mid-Cap Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Midcap Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 454 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 13, 2015. | |
(p) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares MSCI Developed World Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock MSCI World Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 459 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 29, 2015. | |
(q) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Developed Real Estate Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Developed Real Estate Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 473 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015. | |
(r) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Small/Mid Cap Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 474 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015. | |
(s) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Total U.S. Stock Market Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Total Stock Market Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 475 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015. | |
(t) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to BlackRock Impact U.S. Equity Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 486 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 5, 2015. | |
(u) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Short-Term TIPS Bond Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 537 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 16, 2016. | |
(v) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to BlackRock Emerging Markets Equity Strategies Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 545 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 22, 2016. | |
(w) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Multifactor USA Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 590 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 12, 2016. | |
(x) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Multifactor International Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 590 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 12, 2016. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
(y) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Min Vol USA Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 590 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 12, 2016. | |
(z) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. relating to iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index Fund (f/k/a BlackRock Min Vol EAFE Index Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 590 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 12, 2016. | |
(aa) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. relating to iShares Municipal Bond Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 894 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 19, 2018. | |
(bb) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. relating to iShares Municipal Bond Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 894 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 19, 2018. | |
(cc) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. relating to BlackRock China A Opportunities Fund is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 920 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 21, 2018. | |
(dd) | Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. relating to BlackRock Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund is incorporated by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 945 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 8, 2019. | |
13 | Rule 12b-1 Plan. | |
(a) | Form of Distribution and Service Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 13(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 28, 2009. | |
14 | Rule 18f-3 Plan. | |
(a) | Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Operation of a Multi-Class Distribution System is filed herewith. | |
15 | Reserved | |
16 | Codes of Ethics. | |
(a) | Code of Ethics of Registrant, BlackRock Investments, LLC, BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock Fund Advisors, BlackRock International Limited, BlackRock (Singapore) Limited and BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 956 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 29, 2019. | |
99 | Power of Attorney. | |
(a) | Power of Attorney, is incorporated herein by reference to an Exhibit of Post-Effective Amendment No. 922 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 22, 2019. | |
Name | Position(s) and Office(s) with BRIL |
Position(s)
and
Office(s) with Registrant |
Abigail Reynolds | Chairman and Member, Board of Managers, and Chief Executive Officer | None |
Christopher J. Meade | Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Senior Managing Director | None |
Lauren Bradley | Chief Financial Officer and Vice President | None |
Gregory Rosta | Chief Compliance Officer and Director | None |
Jon Maro | Chief Operating Officer and Director | None |
Anne Ackerley | Member, Board of Managers, and Managing Director | None |
Blair Alleman | Managing Director | None |
Michael Bishopp | Managing Director | None |
Thomas Callahan | Member, Board of Managers, and Managing Director | Vice President |
Samara Cohen | Managing Director | None |
John Diorio | Managing Director | None |
Lisa Hill | Managing Director | None |
Brendan Kyne | Managing Director | None |
Paul Lohrey | Managing Director | None |
Martin Small | Member, Board of Managers, and Managing Director | None |
Jonathan Steel | Managing Director | None |
Katrina Gil | Director | None |
Chris Nugent | Director | None |
Andrew Dickson | Director and Secretary | None |
Terri Slane | Director and Assistant Secretary | None |
Lourdes Sanchez | Vice President | None |
Lita Midwinter | Anti-Money Laundering Officer | None |
Zach Buchwald | Member, Board of Managers | None |
Gerald Pucci | Member, Board of Managers | None |
Philip Vasan | Member, Board of Managers | None |
BLACKROCK
FUNDS
SM
(Registrant)
on behalf of BlackRock Money Market Portfolio |
|
By: | /s/ John M. Perlowski |
(John
M. Perlowski,
President and Chief Executive Officer) |
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/
John M. Perlowski
(John M. Perlowski) |
Trustee,
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
July 29, 2019 | ||
/s/
Neal J. Andrews
(Neal J. Andrews) |
Chief
Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer) |
July 29, 2019 | ||
Bruce
R. Bond*
(Bruce R. Bond) |
Trustee | |||
Susan
J. Carter*
(Susan J. Carter) |
Trustee | |||
Collette
Chilton*
(Collette Chilton) |
Trustee | |||
Neil
A. Cotty*
(Neil A. Cotty) |
Trustee | |||
Lena
G. Goldberg*
(Lena G. Goldberg) |
Trustee | |||
Robert
M. Hernandez*
(Robert M. Hernandez) |
Trustee | |||
Henry
R. Keizer*
(Henry R. Keizer) |
Trustee | |||
Cynthia
A. Montgomery*
(Cynthia A. Montgomery) |
Trustee | |||
Donald
C. Opatrny*
(Donald C. Opatrny) |
Trustee | |||
Joseph
P. Platt*
(Joseph P. Platt) |
Trustee | |||
Mark
Stalnecker*
(Mark Stalnecker) |
Trustee |
Signature | Title | Date | ||
Kenneth
L. Urish*
(Kenneth L. Urish) |
Trustee | |||
Claire
A. Walton*
(Claire A. Walton) |
Trustee | |||
Robert
Fairbairn*
(Robert Fairbairn) |
Trustee | |||
*By:
/s/ Benjamin
Archibald
(Benjamin Archibald, Attorney-In-Fact) |
July 29, 2019 |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
1(f) | — | Amended and Restated Certificate of Classification of Shares dated July 23, 2019. |
9(a) | — | Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. |
10(a) | — | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
14(a) | — | Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Operation of a Multi-Class Distribution System. |
Exhibit 1(f)
BLACKROCK FUNDS SM
(A Massachusetts Business Trust)
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF CLASSIFICATION OF SHARES
The undersigned, Assistant Secretary of BlackRock Funds SM (the Trust), does hereby certify to the following:
WHEREAS, the Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated the 22nd day of December, 1988, as amended (the Declaration), provides in Section 5.1 that (a) the shares of beneficial interest in the Trust shall be of one class, par value $0.001 (each, a Share and collectively, the Shares), provided that, subject to the terms of the Declaration and the requirements of applicable law, the Trustees of the Trust (the Trustees) have the power to classify or reclassify any unissued Shares into any number of additional classes of Shares, (b) the Trustees may further classify or reclassify any class of Shares into one or more series of such class, (c) the Trustees shall give each class of Shares an alphabetical designation and may give any class of Shares such supplementary designation as the Trustees may deem appropriate and (d) more than one class of Shares may have the same alphabetical designation.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted to the Trustees in Section 5.1 of the Declaration, the Trustees have, from time to time, divided the Shares into several classes, each with an alphabetical designation and a supplementary designation (each, a Portfolio and collectively, the Portfolios), and have divided each of such Portfolios into one or more series of such Portfolios, having the same alphabetical designation and having a supplementary designation (each, a Class and collectively, the Classes), each as determined by the Trustees, and such Portfolios and Classes in effect as of January 3, 2019 were included in an Amended and Restated Certificate of Classification of Shares dated as of that date;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted to the Trustees in Section 5.1 of the Declaration, at a meeting of the Trustees held on November 28, 2018, the Trustees by resolution approved the liquidation and subsequent termination of six Portfolios of the Trust with the alphabetical designations ZZZ, FFFFF, GGGGG, HHHHH, IIIII and QQQQ and the supplementary designations of BlackRock Emerging Markets Dividend Fund, iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index Fund, iShares Edge MSCI USA Quality Factor Index Fund, iShares Edge MSCI USA Size Factor Index Fund, iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor Index Fund, and iShares MSCI Asia ex Japan Index Fund, respectively, and each such Portfolio, other than BlackRock Emerging Markets Dividend Fund, was liquidated on or about January 29, 2019 and BlackRock Emerging Markets Dividend Fund was liquidated on or about February 15, 2019;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted to the Trustees in Section 5.1 of the Declaration, at a meeting of the Trustees held on February 20, 2019, the Trustees by resolution approved the establishment and designation of a new Portfolio of the Trust with the alphabetical designation MMMMM and the supplementary designation of BlackRock Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund, and approved the further classification of the Shares of such Portfolio into three separate Classes of Shares with the same alphabetical designation, MMMMM-2, MMMMM-3, and MMMMM-21, with the supplemental designations of Investor A Shares, Institutional Shares and Direct Shares, respectively, effective as of February 20, 2019;
WHEREAS, the prior Certificate contained scriveners errors with respect to the designation of the Direct Shares of BlackRock Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund and the supplemental designation of Investor P Shares of iShares Municipal Bond Index Fund;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority granted to the Trustees in Section 5.1 of the Declaration, at a meeting of the Trustees held on May 14-15, 2019, the Trustees by resolution approved the establishment and designation of a new class of BlackRock Money Market Portfolio with the alphabetical designation A-22 and the supplementary designation of Premier Shares, effective as of May 15, 2019;
NOW THEREFORE, the undersigned Assistant Secretary of the Trust does hereby further certify that following the actions and corrections referenced above, the Trusts Certificate of Classification of Shares is amended and restated in its entirety as of this 23 rd day of July, 2019, as follows:
1. The following Portfolios and Classes of such Portfolios have heretofore been established and designated by the Trustees in accordance with the Declaration and remain in effect on the date hereof:
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation |
Portfolio:
Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation of Classes with the Same Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio |
|||
BlackRock Advantage Emerging Markets Fund |
DDDD | Investor A | DDDD-2 | |||
Investor C | DDDD-5 | |||||
Institutional | DDDD-3 | |||||
Class K | DDDD-18 | |||||
BlackRock Advantage International Fund |
III | Investor A | III-2 | |||
Investor C | III-5 | |||||
Institutional | III-3 | |||||
Class K | III-18 | |||||
Class R | III-13 | |||||
Service | III-1 | |||||
BlackRock Advantage Large Cap Growth Fund |
DD | Investor A | DD-2 | |||
Investor C | DD-5 | |||||
Institutional | DD-3 | |||||
Class K | DD-18 | |||||
Class R | DD-13 | |||||
Service | DD-1 |
2
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation |
Portfolio:
Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation of Classes with the Same Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio |
|||
BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Core Fund |
LLLL | Investor A | LLLL-2 | |||
Investor C | LLLL-5 | |||||
Institutional | LLLL-3 | |||||
Class K | LLLL-18 | |||||
BlackRock Advantage Small Cap Growth Fund |
T | Investor A | T-2 | |||
Investor C | T-5 | |||||
Institutional | T-3 | |||||
Class K | T-18 | |||||
Class R | T-13 | |||||
Service | T-1 | |||||
BlackRock All-Cap Energy & Resources Portfolio |
HHH | Investor A | HHH-2 | |||
Investor C | HHH-5 | |||||
Institutional | HHH-3 | |||||
Class R | HHH-13 | |||||
Service | HHH-1 | |||||
BlackRock China A Opportunities Fund |
LLLLL | Institutional | LLLLL-3 | |||
Class K | LLLLL-18 | |||||
BlackRock Commodity Strategies Fund |
CCCC | Investor A | CCCC-2 | |||
Investor C | CCCC-5 | |||||
Institutional | CCCC-3 | |||||
Class K | CCCC-18 | |||||
BlackRock Emerging Markets Equity Strategies Fund |
YYYY | Investor A | YYYY-2 | |||
Investor C | YYYY-5 | |||||
Institutional | YYYY-3 | |||||
Class K | YYYY-18 | |||||
BlackRock Energy & Resources Portfolio |
GGG | Investor A | GGG-2 | |||
Investor C | GGG-5 | |||||
Institutional | GGG-3 | |||||
Class R | GGG-13 | |||||
Service | GGG-1 | |||||
BlackRock Exchange Portfolio |
AAA | BlackRock | AAA-6 |
3
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation |
Portfolio:
Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation of Classes with the Same Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio |
|||
BlackRock Global Long/Short Equity Fund |
JJJJ | Investor A | JJJJ-2 | |||
Investor C |
JJJJ-5 |
|||||
Institutional |
JJJJ-3 |
|||||
Class K |
JJJJ-18 |
|||||
BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio |
FFF |
Investor A |
FFF-2 |
|||
Investor C |
FFF-5 |
|||||
Institutional |
FFF-3 |
|||||
Class K |
FFF-18 |
|||||
Class R |
FFF-13 |
|||||
Service |
FFF-1 |
|||||
BlackRock High Equity Income Fund |
II |
Investor A |
II-2 |
|||
Investor C |
II-5 |
|||||
Institutional |
II-3 |
|||||
Class R |
II-13 |
|||||
Service |
II-1 |
|||||
BlackRock Impact U.S. Equity Fund |
WWWW |
Investor A |
WWWW-2 |
|||
Investor C |
WWWW-5 |
|||||
Institutional |
WWWW-3 |
|||||
Class K |
WWWW-18 |
|||||
BlackRock International Dividend Fund |
HH |
Investor A |
HH-2 |
|||
Investor C |
HH-5 |
|||||
Institutional |
HH-3 |
|||||
Class K |
HH-18 |
|||||
Class R |
HH-13 |
|||||
Service |
HH-1 |
|||||
BlackRock Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund |
MMMMM |
Investor A |
MMMMM-2 |
|||
Institutional |
MMMMM-3 |
|||||
Direct |
MMMMM-21 |
|||||
BlackRock Mid-Cap Growth Equity Portfolio |
EE |
Investor A |
EE-2 |
|||
Investor C |
EE-5 |
|||||
Institutional |
EE-3 |
|||||
Class K |
EE-18 |
|||||
Class R |
EE-13 |
|||||
Service |
EE-1 |
4
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation |
Portfolio:
Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation of Classes with the Same Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of
the
Portfolio |
|||
BlackRock Money Market Portfolio |
A | Investor A | A-2 | |||
Investor C | A-5 | |||||
Institutional | A-3 | |||||
Service | A-1 | |||||
Premier | A-22 | |||||
|
||||||
BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund |
HHHH | Investor A | HHHH-2 | |||
Investor C | HHHH-5 | |||||
Institutional | HHHH-3 | |||||
|
||||||
BlackRock Short Obligations Fund |
FFFF | Investor A | FFFF-2 | |||
Institutional | FFFF-3 | |||||
Class K | FFFF-18 | |||||
|
||||||
BlackRock Tactical Opportunities Fund |
E | Investor A | E-2 | |||
Investor C | E-5 | |||||
Institutional | E-3 | |||||
Class K | E-18 | |||||
Class R | E-13 | |||||
Service | E-1 | |||||
|
||||||
BlackRock Technology Opportunities Fund |
OO | Investor A | OO-2 | |||
Investor C | OO-5 | |||||
Institutional | OO-3 | |||||
Class R | OO-13 | |||||
Service | OO-1 | |||||
|
||||||
BlackRock Total Emerging Markets Fund |
MMMM | Investor A | MMMM-2 | |||
Investor C | MMMM-5 | |||||
Institutional | MMMM-3 | |||||
|
||||||
BlackRock Total Factor Fund |
KKKK | Investor A | KKKK-2 | |||
Investor C | KKKK-5 | |||||
Institutional | KKKK-3 | |||||
Class K | KKKK-18 | |||||
|
||||||
iShares Developed Real Estate Index Fund |
TTTT | Investor A | TTTT-2 | |||
Institutional | TTTT-3 | |||||
Class K | TTTT-18 | |||||
|
||||||
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index Fund |
DDDDD | Institutional | DDDDD-3 | |||
Class K | DDDDD-18 |
5
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation |
Portfolio:
Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of
the
Portfolio: Supplementary Designation of Classes with the Same Alphabetical Designation |
Classes of the
Portfolio |
|||
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Index Fund |
CCCCC |
Institutional |
CCCCC-3 |
|||
Class K |
CCCCC-18 |
|||||
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Index Fund |
BBBBB |
Institutional |
BBBBB-3 |
|||
Class K |
BBBBB-18 |
|||||
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index Fund |
AAAAA |
Institutional |
AAAAA-3 |
|||
Class K |
AAAAA-18 |
|||||
iShares MSCI Developed World Index Fund |
RRRR |
Institutional |
RRRR-3 |
|||
Class K |
RRRR-18 |
|||||
iShares Municipal Bond Index Fund |
KKKKK |
Investor A |
KKKKK-2 |
|||
Institutional |
KKKKK-3 |
|||||
Class K |
KKKKK-18 |
|||||
Investor P |
KKKKK-20 |
|||||
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Index Fund |
SSSS |
Investor A |
SSSS-2 |
|||
Institutional |
SSSS-3 |
|||||
Class K |
SSSS-18 |
|||||
iShares Russell Small/Mid-Cap Index Fund |
UUUU |
Investor A |
UUUU-2 |
|||
Institutional |
UUUU-3 |
|||||
Class K |
UUUU-18 |
|||||
iShares Short-Term TIPS Bond Index Fund |
XXXX |
Investor A |
XXXX-2 |
|||
Institutional |
XXXX-3 |
|||||
Class K |
XXXX-18 |
|||||
iShares Total U.S. Stock Market Index Fund |
VVVV |
Investor A |
VVVV-2 |
|||
Institutional |
VVVV-3 |
|||||
Class K |
VVVV-18 |
2. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares of beneficial interest of each such Portfolio and Class.
6
3. All consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a Class of a Portfolio shall be invested and reinvested with the consideration received by the Trust for the issue and sale of all other Classes of that Portfolio, together with all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, including: (i) any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation thereof, (ii) any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be, and (iii) any general assets of the Trust allocated to Shares of that Portfolio by the Trustees in accordance with the Declaration; and each Class of the Portfolio shall share on the basis of relative net asset values (or on such other basis established by the Trustees or officers of the Trust) with such other Classes of Shares of such Portfolio in such consideration and other assets, income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation thereof, and any assets derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form.
4. In determining the income attributable to each Portfolio: any general expenses and liabilities of the Trust allocated by the Trustees to the Portfolios of the Trust shall be allocated among all Portfolios on the basis of relative net asset values (or on such other basis established by the Trustees or officers of the Trust), and any expenses and liabilities of the Trust allocated by the Trustees to a Portfolio shall be allocated among the Classes of such Portfolio on the basis of relative net asset values (or on such other basis established by the Trustees or officers of the Trust), except that to the extent permitted by rule or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Shares of a Class shall bear all: (1) expenses and liabilities relating to Shares of that Class payable under the Trusts Distribution and Service Plan with respect to those Shares and (2) other expenses and liabilities directly attributable to such Shares of a Class which the Trustees determine should be borne solely by such Shares.
5. Shares shall (1) have all the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications, terms and conditions of redemption and such further terms and conditions as determined by the Trustees and set forth in the Trusts Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information with respect to such Shares and (2) be subject to the terms of the Declaration, as the same may be amended from time to time and shall have the same voting powers, provided that: (i) when expressly required by law, or when otherwise permitted by the Trustees acting in their sole discretion, Shares shall be voted by individual Portfolio and/or Class; and (ii) only Shares of the respective Portfolio or Portfolios or Class or Classes, as the case may be, affected by a matter shall be entitled to vote on such matter, and provided further that without affecting any provisions in the Declaration, Shares of each Portfolio shall be subject to the express right of the Trust to redeem Shares of such Portfolio or Class of such Portfolio at any time if the Trustees determine in their sole discretion and by majority vote that failure to so redeem may have adverse consequences to the holders of the Shares of such Portfolio or Class of such Portfolio, and upon such redemption the holders of the Shares so redeemed shall have no further right with respect thereto other than to receive payment of the redemption price; and
6. Each Share of each Portfolio issued for the purchase price established in its Prospectus will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
(signature page follows)
7
WITNESS my hand as of this 23rd day of July, 2019
/s/ Janey Ahn |
Janey Ahn, Assistant Secretary |
The Declaration establishing the Trust, a copy of which, together with all amendments thereto is on file in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that the name of the Trust, BlackRock Funds SM , refers to the Trustees under the Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of BlackRock Funds SM shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise in connection with the affairs of said Trust but the Trust Property only shall be liable.
8
Exhibit 9(a)
July 29, 2019
BlackRock Funds SM
55 East 52nd Street
New York, New York 10055
Re: |
BlackRock Money Market Portfolio |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Massachusetts counsel to BlackRock Funds SM (the Trust) on behalf of its series, BlackRock Money Market Portfolio (the Fund), in connection with the Trusts Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about July 29, 2019 (as proposed to be amended, the Registration Statement), with respect to the Funds Premier Shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share (the Shares).
In connection with the furnishing of this opinion, we have examined the following documents:
(a) a certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as to the existence of the Trust;
(b) a copy as filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on December 22, 1988, of the Trusts Declaration of Trust dated December 22, 1988, as amended through Amendment No. 4 thereof effective as of January 31, 1998 (the Declaration);
(c) a copy, as filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on July 23, 2019, of the Trusts Amended and Restated Certificate of Classification of Shares designating the shares with the designation A-22, representing interests in the Premier Shares of the Fund (the Designation);
(d) a certificate executed by the Assistant Secretary of the Trust, certifying as to the Trusts Declaration, Designation, Code of Regulations, and the resolutions adopted by the Trustees of the Trust at a meeting held on May 14-15, 2019 (the Resolutions); and
(e) a draft received on July 25, 2019 of the Registration Statement.
In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity to the originals of all of the documents reviewed by us as copies, the
BlackRock Funds SM
July 29, 2019
Page 2
authenticity and completeness of all original documents reviewed by us in original or copy form and the legal competence of each individual executing any document. We have also assumed that the Registration Statement, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will be in substantially the form of the draft referred to in paragraph (e) above. We have further assumed that the Trusts Declaration, Designation, Code of Regulations and the Resolutions will not have been amended, modified or withdrawn with respect to matters relating to the Shares and will be in full force and effect on the date of the issuance of such Shares.
This opinion is based entirely on our review of the documents listed above and such investigation of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate. We have made no other review or investigation of any kind whatsoever, and we have assumed, without independent inquiry, the accuracy of the information set forth in such documents.
As to any opinion below relating to the existence of the Trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, our opinion relies entirely upon and is limited by the certificate of public officials referred to in subparagraph (a) above.
This opinion is limited solely to the internal substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as applied by courts located in Massachusetts (other than Massachusetts securities laws, as to which we express no opinion), to the extent that the same may apply to or govern the transactions referred to herein. No opinion is given herein as to the choice of law, which any tribunal may apply to such transaction. In addition, to the extent that the Trusts Declaration, Designation or Code of Regulations refer to, incorporate or require compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or any other law or regulation applicable to the Trust, except for the internal substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as aforesaid, we have assumed compliance by the Trust with such Act and such other laws and regulations.
We understand that all of the foregoing assumptions and limitations are acceptable to you.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, please be advised that it is our opinion that:
1. The Trust has been formed and is existing under the Trusts Declaration of Trust and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a Massachusetts business trust.
2. The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the Resolutions and for the consideration described in the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, except that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of the Trust may under certain circumstances be held personally liable for its obligations.
BlackRock Funds SM
July 29, 2019
Page 3
This opinion is given as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update this opinion to reflect any changes in law or any other facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In rendering this opinion and giving this consent, we do not concede that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Very truly yours, |
/s/ Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP |
MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP |
Exhibit 10(a)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 960 to Registration Statement No. 33-26305 on Form N-1A of our report dated May 21, 2019, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of BlackRock Money Market Portfolio of BlackRock Funds SM (the Fund), appearing in the Annual Report on Form N-CSR of the Fund for the year ended March 31, 2019, and to the references to us under the headings Financial Highlights and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Prospectuses and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Financial Statements in the Statement of Additional Information, which are part of such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
July 26, 2019
Exhibit 14(a)
BLACKROCK FUNDS SM
(the Fund)
AMENDED AND RESTATED PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 18f-3 FOR OPERATION
OF
A MULTI-CLASS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
I. INTRODUCTION
On February 23, 1995, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) promulgated Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), which permits the creation and operation of a multi-class distribution system without the need to obtain an exemptive order under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-3, which became effective on April 3, 1995, requires an investment company to file with the Commission a written plan specifying all of the differences among the classes, including the various services offered to shareholders, the different distribution arrangements for each class, the methods for allocating expenses relating to those differences and any conversion features or exchange privileges. Previously, the Fund operated a multi-class distribution system pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Commission on August 9, 1994. On September 29, 1995, the Board of Trustees of the Fund authorized the Fund to operate its current multi-class distribution system in compliance with Rule 18f-3. This Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 became effective on October 6, 1995 when it was filed with the Commission, was amended and restated as of February 13, 1997, May 1, 1998, August 11, 1999, June 21, 2004, September 10, 2004, May 16, 2006, September 21, 2012, September 1, 2015, February 23, 2017, June 29, 2017, September 27, 2017, May 17, 2018, November 8, 2018, November 29, 2018, February 20, 2019 and is hereby amended and restated as of May 15, 2019.
II. ATTRIBUTES OF CLASSES
A. Generally
Each investment portfolio of the Fund (each, a Portfolio and collectively, the Portfolios) may offer ten classes of shares: Investor A Shares; Investor C Shares; Investor P Shares; Service Shares; Institutional Shares; Direct Shares; Premier Shares; BlackRock Shares; Class R Shares; and Class K Shares.
In general, shares of each class shall be identical except for different expense variables (which will result in different yields or total returns for each class), certain related rights and certain shareholder services. More particularly, Investor A Shares, Investor C Shares, Investor P Shares, Service Shares, Institutional Shares, Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares, Class R Shares and Class K Shares of each Portfolio shall represent equal pro rata interests in the assets of the particular Portfolio, and shall be identical in all respects, except for: (a) the impact of (i) distribution and shareholder servicing expenses under the Funds Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan assessed to each particular share class; (ii) transfer agency and certain administration expenses assessed from time to time to particular share classes; and (iii) any other expenses identified from time to time that should be properly allocated to each particular share class so long as any changes in expense allocations are reviewed and approved by a vote of the Funds Board of Trustees, including a majority of the non-interested trustees; (b) the fact that each class shall vote separately on any matter submitted to shareholders that pertains to (i) the Funds Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan applicable to such class and (ii) the class expenses borne by such class; (c) the exchange privileges and/or conversion features of each class of shares; (d) the sales charge(s) applicable to certain classes of shares; (e) the designation of each class of shares of a Portfolio; and (f) the different shareholder services relating to each class of shares.
B. Sales Charges; Distribution Arrangements; Other Expenses
Investor A Shares
Investor A Shares shall be available for purchase through securities brokers, dealers or financial institutions or through the Funds transfer agent, subject to restrictions described in the applicable prospectus.
Investor A Shares of the Funds non-index fund equity portfolios and bond portfolios (the Non-Index Equity and Bond Portfolios) generally shall be subject to a front-end sales charge at the rates (and subject to the reductions and exemptions) described in the applicable prospectus. When the aggregate offering price of Investor A Shares of the Non-Index Equity and Bond Portfolios purchased by an investor qualifies the investor to purchase such shares without paying a front-end sales charge, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed at the rates (and subject to the reductions and exemptions) described in the prospectus. Investor A Shares of the Funds money market portfolios, BlackRock Short Obligations Fund and index funds (the Index Funds and Money Market Portfolios), if any, shall not be subject to a sales charge.
Investor A Shares of a Portfolio shall bear the expense of distribution and shareholder servicing fees described in the prospectus, if any.
Distribution fees shall be payable to the Funds distributor and/or to BlackRock Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (collectively, BlackRock) primarily: (i) to compensate the distributor for distribution and sales support services and to reimburse the distributor for related expenses, including payments to brokers, dealers, other financial institutions or other industry professionals (collectively, Selling Agents) for sales support services; and (ii) to compensate BlackRock for sales support services and to reimburse BlackRock for related expenses, including payments to Selling Agents for sales support services. The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to Investor A Shares out of its past profits or any additional sources (other than distribution fees) which are available to it.
Shareholder servicing fees shall be payable to brokers, dealers, other financial institutions or other industry professionals (including BlackRock) (collectively, Service Agents) for general shareholder liaison services.
Investor C Shares
Investor C Shares shall be available for purchase through securities brokers, dealers or financial institutions or through the Funds transfer agent, subject to restrictions described in the applicable prospectus. Investor C Shares of the Non-Index Equity and Bond Portfolios generally shall be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge at the rates (and subject to the reductions and exemptions) described in the applicable prospectus.
Investor C Shares of a Portfolio shall bear the expense of distribution and shareholder servicing fees described in the prospectus, if any.
Distribution fees shall be payable to the Funds distributor and/or to BlackRock primarily: (i) to compensate the distributor for distribution and sales support services and to reimburse the distributor for related expenses, including payments to Selling Agents for sales support services; and (ii) to compensate BlackRock for sales support services and to reimburse BlackRock for related expenses, including payments to Selling Agents for sales support services. The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to Investor C Shares out of its past profits or any additional sources (other than distribution fees) which are available to it.
Shareholder servicing fees shall be payable to Service Agents for general shareholder liaison services.
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Investor P Shares
Investor P Shares shall be available for purchase only through registered representatives of an insurance companys broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the Funds distributor to offer such shares, subject to restrictions described in the applicable prospectus.
Investor P Shares of the Funds Portfolios generally shall be subject to a front-end sales charge at the rates (and subject to the reductions and exemptions) described in the applicable prospectus. When the aggregate offering price of Investor P Shares of the Portfolios purchased by an investor qualifies the investor to purchase such shares without paying a front-end sales charge, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed at the rates (and subject to the reductions and exemptions) described in the prospectus.
Investor P Shares of a Portfolio shall bear the expense of distribution and shareholder servicing fees described in the prospectus, if any.
Distribution fees shall be payable to the Funds distributor and/or to BlackRock primarily: (i) to compensate the distributor for distribution and sales support services and to reimburse the distributor for related expenses, including payments to Selling Agents for sales support services; and (ii) to compensate BlackRock for sales support services and to reimburse BlackRock for related expenses, including payments to Selling Agents for sales support services. The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to Investor P Shares out of its past profits or any additional sources (other than distribution fees) which are available to it.
Shareholder servicing fees shall be payable to Service Agents for general shareholder liaison services.
Service Shares
Service Shares shall be available for purchase by institutions which act on behalf of their customers maintaining accounts with such institutions and which provide their customers with certain shareholder services, subject to restrictions described in the applicable prospectus. Service Shares shall also be available to investors acquiring Service Shares in connection with certain business combinations (Direct Service Investors) and investors that participate in certain asset allocation programs described in the prospectus. Service Shares of a Portfolio shall not be subject to a sales charge.
Service Shares of a Portfolio shall bear the expense of shareholder servicing fees described in the prospectus, if any.
Shareholder servicing fees shall be payable to Service Agents for general shareholder liaison services.
The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to Service Shares out of its past profits or any sources which are available to it.
Institutional Shares
Institutional Shares shall be available from the distributor for purchase by institutional investors, individuals and others meeting certain minimum investment and other requirements described in the applicable prospectus. Institutional Shares shall also be available for purchase through financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction-based sales commission outside of a Portfolio. Institutional Shares shall not be subject to a sales charge or a separate fee payable pursuant to any distribution plan or shareholder servicing plan.
The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to Institutional Shares out of its past profits or any sources which are available to it.
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Direct Shares
Direct Shares shall be available from the distributor for purchase by institutional investors, individuals and others meeting certain minimum investment and other requirements described in the applicable prospectus. Direct Shares shall not be subject to a sales charge or a separate fee payable pursuant to any distribution plan or shareholder servicing plan.
Premier Shares
Premier Shares shall be available for purchase by or through institutions which act on behalf of their customers maintaining accounts with such institutions and meeting certain minimum investment and other requirements described in the applicable prospectus. Premier Shares shall also be available for purchase through financial intermediaries that have entered into an agreement with the distributor to offer such shares on a platform that charges a transaction-based sales commission outside of a Portfolio. Only purchase and redemption orders for Premier Shares submitted through the NSCC Fund/SERV trading platform will be accepted by the relevant Portfolio (except in the event that the NSCC Fund/SERV trading platform is restricted or suspended due to service interruptions or otherwise). Premier Shares shall not be subject to a sales charge or a separate fee payable pursuant to any distribution plan or shareholder servicing plan.
The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to Premier Shares out of its past profits or any sources which are available to it.
BlackRock Shares
BlackRock Shares shall be available from the distributor for purchase by institutional investors, individuals, registered investment advisers and others meeting certain minimum investment and other requirements described in the applicable prospectus. BlackRock Shares shall not be subject to a sales charge or a separate fee payable pursuant to any distribution plan.
BlackRock Shares of a Portfolio shall bear the expense of shareholder servicing fees described in the prospectus, if any.
Shareholder servicing fees shall be payable to Service Agents for general shareholder liaison services.
The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to BlackRock Shares out of its past profits or any sources which are available to it.
Class R Shares
Class R Shares shall be available for purchase only through certain retirement plans, subject to restrictions described in the applicable prospectus. Class R Shares of a Portfolio shall not be subject to a sales charge.
Class R Shares of a Portfolio shall bear the expense of distribution and shareholder servicing fees described in the prospectus, if any.
Distribution fees shall be payable to the Funds distributor and/or to BlackRock primarily: (i) to compensate the distributor for distribution and sales support services and to reimburse the distributor for related expenses, including payments to Selling Agents for sales support services; and (ii) to compensate BlackRock for sales support services and to reimburse BlackRock for related expenses, including payments to Selling Agents for sales support services. The Funds distributor, BlackRock and other parties may each make payments without limitation as to amount in connection with distribution or sales support activities relating to Class R Shares out of its past profits or any additional sources (other than distribution fees) which are available to it.
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Shareholder servicing fees shall be payable to Service Agents for general shareholder liaison services.
Class K Shares
Class K Shares shall be available only to (i) certain employee benefit plans, such as health savings accounts, and certain employer-sponsored retirement plans (not including SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and SARSEPs), (ii) collective trust funds, investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles, each of which may purchase shares of a Portfolio through a financial professional or selected securities dealer, broker, investment adviser, service provider or industry professional (including BlackRock and its affiliates) (each, a Financial Intermediary) that has entered into an agreement with the Funds distributor to purchase such shares, (iii) Institutional Investors, which include, but are not limited to, endowments, foundations, family offices, banks and bank trusts, local, city, and state governmental institutions, corporations and insurance company separate accounts, each of which may purchase shares of a Portfolio through a Financial Intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Funds distributor to purchase such shares, (iv) fee-based advisory platforms of a Financial Intermediary that (a) has specifically acknowledged in a written agreement with the Funds distributor and/or its affiliate(s) that the Financial Intermediary shall offer such shares to fee-based advisory clients through an omnibus account held at a Portfolio or (b) transacts in a Portfolios shares through another intermediary that has executed such an agreement and (v) any other investors who met the eligibility criteria for BlackRock Shares or Class K Shares prior to August 15, 2016 and have continually held Class K Shares of the Portfolio in the same account since August 15, 2016.
Class K Shares of a Portfolio are also available to employees, officers and directors/trustees of BlackRock, Inc. and of mutual funds sponsored and advised by BlackRock and immediate family members of such persons, if they open an account directly with BlackRock. Class K Shares are not subject to sales charges or distribution fees.
Other Class-Specific Expenses
In addition to the class-specific expenses mentioned above, each class of shares shall bear the transfer agency expenses and class-specific administration expenses payable to the transfer agent and administrators for such share class under agreements approved by the Funds Board of Trustees from time to time.
C. Exchange Privileges
Investor A Shares
A holder of Investor A Shares in a Portfolio generally shall be permitted to exchange such shares for Investor A Shares of any other Portfolio of the family of funds advised by BlackRock or its affiliates (each such fund, a BlackRock Fund) at the net asset value of such shares next determined after the transfer agents receipt of a request for an exchange, plus any applicable sales charge, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus.
Investor C Shares
A holder of Investor C Shares of a Portfolio generally shall be permitted to exchange such shares for Investor C Shares of any other Portfolio of the BlackRock Fund family at the net asset value of such shares next determined after the transfer agents receipt of a request for an exchange, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus.
Investor P Shares
A holder of Investor P Shares in a Portfolio generally shall be permitted to exchange such shares for Investor P Shares of any other BlackRock Fund, to the extent such shares are offered by the holders financial intermediary, at the net asset value of such shares next determined after the transfer agents receipt of a request for an exchange, plus any applicable sales charge, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus.
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Service Shares
Unless a holder is a Direct Service Investor, a holder of Service Shares in a Portfolio generally shall be permitted to exchange such shares for Service Shares of any other Portfolio of the BlackRock Fund family at the net asset value of such shares next determined after the transfer agents receipt of a request for an exchange, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus. To the extent permitted from time to time by the Fund, at the election of Direct Service Investors, Service Shares of a Portfolio may be exchanged for Investor A Shares of the same Portfolio on the basis of the net asset values of each class of shares next determined after the transfer agents receipt of an exchange request, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus. Except as stated above, Direct Service Investors shall have no exchange privileges.
Institutional Shares
A holder of Institutional Shares in a Portfolio generally shall be permitted to exchange such shares for Institutional Shares of any other Portfolio of the BlackRock Fund family at the net asset value of such shares next determined after the transfer agents receipt of a request for an exchange, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus.
Class K Shares
A holder of Class K Shares in a Portfolio generally shall be permitted to exchange his shares for Class K Shares of any other Portfolio of the BlackRock Fund family at the net asset value of such shares next determined after the transfer agents receipt of a request for an exchange, subject to the restrictions described in the prospectus.
Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares and Class R Shares
The Fund shall not offer Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares or Class R Shares with an exchange privilege.
D. Conversion Features
Investor A Shares, Investor P Shares, Service Shares, Institutional Shares, Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares, Class R Shares and Class K Shares
The Fund shall not offer Investor A Shares, Investor P Shares, Service Shares, Institutional Shares, Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares, Class R Shares or Class K Shares with a conversion feature.
Investor C Shares
Approximately ten years after purchase, Investor C Shares of a Portfolio will convert automatically into Investor A Shares of such Portfolio on the basis of the relative net asset value of the shares of the two applicable classes on the conversion date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. It is the Financial Intermediarys responsibility to ensure that the shareholder is credited with the proper holding period. As of November 8, 2018 (the Effective Date), certain Financial Intermediaries, including group retirement recordkeeping platforms, may not have been tracking such holding periods and therefore may not be able to process such conversions. In such instances, Investor C Shares held as of the Effective Date will automatically convert to Investor A Shares approximately ten years after the Effective Date. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends on Investor C Shares will also convert automatically to Investor A Shares.
E. Shareholder Services
1. Systematic Withdrawal Program
The Fund shall offer a systematic withdrawal program, subject to the restrictions described in the prospectus, whereby, in general: (i) investors may arrange to have Investor A Shares, Investor C Shares or Investor P Shares redeemed automatically; and (ii) Direct Service Investors may arrange to have Service Shares redeemed automatically.
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The Fund shall not offer a systematic withdrawal program to investors in Institutional Shares, Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares, Class R Shares or Class K Shares or to investors in Service Shares who are not Direct Service Investors.
2. Automatic Investing Program
The Fund shall offer an automatic investing program, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus, whereby, in general: (i) an investor may arrange to have Investor A Shares, Investor C Shares or Investor P Shares purchased automatically by authorizing the Funds transfer agent to withdraw funds from the investors bank account; and (ii) a Direct Service Investor may arrange to have Service Shares purchased automatically by authorizing the Funds transfer agent to withdraw funds from the Direct Service Investors bank account.
The Fund shall not offer the automatic investing program to investors in Institutional Shares, Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares, Class R Shares or Class K Shares or to investors in Service Shares who are not Direct Service Investors.
3. Systematic Exchange Program
The Fund shall offer a systematic exchange program, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus, whereby, in general, an investor may arrange to have Investor A Shares, Investor C Shares or Investor P Shares exchanged automatically from one Portfolio to up to four other Portfolios.
The Fund shall not offer the systematic exchange program to investors in Service Shares, Institutional Shares, Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares, Class R Shares or Class K Shares.
4. Dividend Allocation Plan
The Fund shall offer a dividend allocation plan, subject to the restrictions described in the applicable prospectus, whereby, in general, an investor may arrange to have dividends and distributions on such Investor A Shares, Investor C Shares or Investor P Shares of one Portfolio automatically invested in another Portfolio.
The Fund shall not offer the dividend allocation plan to investors in Service Shares, Institutional Shares, Direct Shares, Premier Shares, BlackRock Shares, Class R Shares or Class K Shares.
F. Methodology for Allocating Expenses Among Classes
Class-specific expenses of a Portfolio shall be allocated to the specific class of shares of that Portfolio. Non-class-specific expenses of a Portfolio shall be allocated in accordance with Rule 18f-3(c).
G. Voting Rights
Each class of shares has exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its account maintenance/service fees or ongoing distribution fees, as may be applicable, except that Investor C shareholders may vote on certain changes to the ongoing fees paid by Investor A Shares. Each class of shares shall have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one class of shares differ from the interests of any other class of shares.
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