As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2019
File Nos. 333-92935 and 811-09729
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
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THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,179
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and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
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THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
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Amendment No. 2,179
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(Check appropriate box or boxes)
iShares Trust
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o State
Street Bank and Trust Company
1 Lincoln Street
Mail Stop SUM0703
Boston, MA 02111
(Address
of Principal Executive Office)(Zip Code)
Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code: (415) 670-2000
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With
Copies to:
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MARGERY K. NEALE, ESQ.
WILLKIE FARR &
GALLAGHER LLP
787 SEVENTH
AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10019-6099
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DEEPA DAMRE, ESQ.
BLACKROCK FUND
ADVISORS
400 HOWARD
STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
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It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
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Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
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On September 16, 2019 pursuant to paragraph (b)
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
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On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
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If appropriate, check the following box:
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This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
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September
16, 2019
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2019
Prospectus
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iShares Trust
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iShares iBonds Dec 2029
Term Corporate ETF* | IBDU | NYSE ARCA
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Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted
by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from your
financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive
shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you hold accounts through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary to enroll in electronic delivery. Please
note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service.
You may elect to receive all future reports
in paper free of charge. If you hold accounts through a financial intermediary, you can follow the instructions included with this disclosure, if applicable, or contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies
of your shareholder reports. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with your financial intermediary.
The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the
adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
*The iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF may also
conduct business as the iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF.
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BLOOMBERG® is a trademark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, “Bloomberg”). BARCLAYS® is a trademark of Barclays Bank PLC (collectively with its affiliates, “Barclays”), used under license. “Bloomberg Barclays December
2029 Maturity Corporate Index” is a trademark of Bloomberg and its licensors and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by BlackRock Fund Advisors or its affiliates. iShares®, iBonds® and BlackRock® are registered trademarks of BlackRock Fund Advisors and its affiliates. This Fund is covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 8,438,100 and 8,655,770.
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
iSHARES®
iBONDS® DEC 2029 TERM CORPORATE ETF
Ticker:
IBDU
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Stock Exchange: NYSE Arca
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Investment Objective
The iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF (the
“Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. dollar-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds maturing in 2029.
Fees and Expenses
The following table describes the
fees and expenses that you will incur if you own shares of the Fund. The investment advisory agreement between iShares Trust (the “Trust”) and BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”)
provides that BFA will pay all operating expenses of the Fund, except the management fees, interest expenses, taxes, expenses incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio securities and the execution of portfolio
transactions, including brokerage commissions, distribution fees or expenses, litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses. The Fund may incur “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.” Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses reflect the Fund's pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred by investing in other investment companies. The impact of Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses is included in the total returns of the Fund. Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses are not included in the calculation of the ratio of expenses to average net assets shown in the Financial Highlights section of the Fund's prospectus (the “Prospectus”).
You may also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions
and other charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in the Example that follows:
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investments)
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Management
Fees
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Distribution
and
Service (12b-1)
Fees
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Other
Expenses1
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Acquired
Fund Fees
and Expenses2
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Total
Annual
Fund
Operating
Expenses
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Fee
Waiver2
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Total
Annual
Fund
Operating
Expenses
After
Fee Waiver
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0.10%
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None
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0.00%
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0.00%
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0.10%
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(0.00)%
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0.10%
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1
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The amount rounded to
0.00%.
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2
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BFA has contractually
agreed to waive a portion of its management fees in an amount equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates through the termination date of the Fund, on
or about December 15, 2029. The contractual waiver may be terminated prior to the Fund's termination only upon the written agreement of the Trust and BFA.
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Example. This Example is
intended to help you compare the cost of owning shares of the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those
periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would
be:
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may pay
transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in
a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund seeks to meet its investment objective generally by
investing in component securities of the Bloomberg Barclays December 2029 Maturity Corporate Index (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund may also invest in other exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), U.S. government securities,
short-term paper, cash and cash equivalents, including shares of money market funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
The Fund is a term fund that will terminate on or about
December 15, 2029, at which time it will distribute its remaining net assets to shareholders pursuant to a plan of liquidation. The Fund does not seek to return any predetermined amount at maturity or in periodic distributions. The Underlying
Index is composed of U.S. dollar-denominated,
taxable, investment-grade (as determined by Bloomberg Index Services Limited (the “Index Provider” or “Bloomberg”)) corporate bonds scheduled to mature after December 31, 2028 and before December 16, 2029. As of July 26,
2019, a significant portion of the Underlying Index is represented by securities of companies in the consumer staples, financials, industrials and utilities industries or sectors. The components of the Underlying Index are likely to change over
time.
The Underlying Index consists of U.S.
dollar-denominated, investment-grade securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporate issuers that have $300 million or more of outstanding face value at the time of inclusion. The non-U.S. corporate issuers included in the Underlying Index consist
primarily of corporate bonds issued by companies domiciled in developed countries. The Fund will invest in non-U.S. issuers to the extent necessary for it to track the Underlying Index. Each bond included in the Underlying Index must be registered
with the SEC, have been exempt from registration at issuance, or have been offered pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), with registration
rights. Further, the securities in the Underlying Index must be denominated in
U.S. dollars and have a fixed-rate, although they can carry a coupon that steps-up according to a predetermined schedule. In addition, to be included in the Underlying Index, securities that are rated by all three of the rating agencies named below
must be rated “investment-grade” by at least two of the three rating agencies, which is defined as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or BBB- or higher by S&P Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Inc. When ratings
from only two of the three rating agencies are available, the lower rating is used to determine eligibility. Securities with a rating from only one of the three ratings agencies must be rated investment-grade in order to be included in the
Underlying Index.
The Underlying Index is constructed with the
following methodology. The parent index, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Index (the “Parent Index”), representing U.S. dollar-denominated, taxable, investment-grade corporate bonds, is stripped of securities maturing outside of the
maturity range described above. During the final two years of the Underlying Index, bonds that mature in 2029, but had not been eligible for inclusion in the Parent Index due to being within one year of maturity, will be eligible for inclusion in
the Underlying Index until such bonds reach maturity. Securities are then market-cap weighted within the Underlying Index, with a 3% cap on any one issuer, and a pro rata distribution of any excess weight
across the remaining issuers in the Underlying Index. The securities in the Underlying Index are updated on the last calendar day of each month until six months prior
to maturity. The last rebalance date will be on June 30, 2029. During this
final six month period, the Underlying Index will no longer be updated or rebalanced, except to remove securities which are downgraded to below investment-grade per the eligibility criteria described above. Additionally, during this period, existing
bond weights will be allowed to float based on changes in market value.
When a bond that is included in the Underlying Index matures in
the last months of the Fund's operation, its maturity value will be represented in the Underlying Index by cash throughout the remaining life of the Underlying Index. As the Fund approaches its termination date, its holdings of money market or
similar funds may increase, causing the Fund to incur the fees and expenses of these funds. By December 15, 2029, the Underlying Index value will be represented almost entirely by cash as no securities will remain in the Underlying Index.
The Fund is a series of the iShares iBonds fixed maturity
series of bond ETFs sponsored by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). The iShares iBonds fixed maturity series do not invest in U.S. savings bonds or other U.S. government bonds (except to the extent the funds hold cash equivalent instruments
consistent with their investment objectives) and are not designed to provide protection against inflation.
BFA uses a “passive” or indexing approach to try to
achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not try to “beat” the index it tracks and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear overvalued.
Indexing may eliminate the chance that the Fund will
substantially outperform
the Underlying Index but also may reduce some of the risks of active
management, such as poor security selection. Indexing seeks to achieve lower costs and better after-tax performance by aiming to keep portfolio turnover low in comparison to actively managed investment companies.
BFA uses a representative sampling indexing strategy to manage
the Fund. “Representative sampling” is an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of an applicable underlying index. The securities
selected are expected to have, in the aggregate, investment characteristics (based on factors such as market capitalization and industry weightings), fundamental characteristics (such as return variability, duration, maturity, credit ratings and
yield) and liquidity measures similar to those of an applicable underlying index. The Fund may or may not hold all of the securities in the Underlying Index.
The Fund generally will invest at least 90% of its assets in
the component securities of the Underlying Index, except during the last months of the Fund’s operations, as described below, and may invest up to 10% of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents,
including shares of money market funds advised by BFA or its affiliates (“BlackRock Cash Funds”), as well as in securities not included in the Underlying Index, but which BFA believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. From
time to time when conditions warrant, however, the Fund may invest at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of the Underlying Index and may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of BlackRock Cash Funds, as well as in securities not included in the Underlying Index, but which BFA believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index.
The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the
Underlying Index before fees and expenses of the Fund. In the last months of operation, as the bonds held by the Fund mature, the proceeds will not be reinvested by the Fund in bonds but instead will be held in cash and cash equivalents. By December
15, 2029, the Underlying Index is expected to consist almost entirely of cash acquired in this manner. On or around this date, the Fund will wind up and terminate, and its net assets will be distributed to then-current shareholders pursuant to a
plan of liquidation. The Fund should not be confused with a target date fund, which has assets that are managed according to a particular investment strategy that convert fund assets to conservative investments over time.
The Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third of
the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of any collateral received).
The Underlying Index is sponsored by Bloomberg, which is
independent of the Fund and BFA. The Index Provider determines the composition and relative weightings of the securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Underlying Index.
Industry Concentration Policy.
The Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., hold 25% or more of its total assets) in a particular industry or group
of industries to approximately the same extent that the Underlying Index is
concentrated. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, and securities of state or municipal governments and
their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry.
Summary of Principal Risks
As with any investment, you could lose all or part of your
investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance could trail that of other investments. The Fund is subject to certain risks, including the principal risks noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value per share
(“NAV”), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Asset Class Risk. Securities and other assets in the Underlying Index or in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset
classes.
Assets Under Management (AUM) Risk. From time to time, an Authorized Participant (as defined in the Creations and Redemptions section of this Prospectus), a third-party investor, the Fund’s adviser or an affiliate of the Fund’s adviser, or a fund may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a specific period
of time to allow the Fund to achieve size or scale. There can be no assurance that any such entity would not redeem its investment or that the size of
the Fund would be maintained at
such levels, which could negatively impact the Fund.
Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. Only an Authorized Participant (as defined in the Shareholder Information section of the Prospectus)
may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and none of those Authorized Participants is obligated to engage in creation and/or redemption transactions. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as
Authorized Participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the
business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units (as defined in the
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares section of the Prospectus), Fund shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly
face trading halts or delisting.
Call Risk. During periods of falling interest rates, an issuer of a callable bond held by the Fund may “call” or repay the security before its stated maturity,
and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in securities with lower yields, which would result in a decline in the Fund's income, or in securities with greater risks or with other less favorable features.
Concentration Risk. The Fund may be susceptible to an increased risk of loss, including losses due to adverse events that affect the Fund’s investments more than the market as a whole, to the extent that the Fund's
investments are concentrated in the securities of a particular issuer or issuers, country,
group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or
asset class.
Consumer Staples Sector Risk. The consumer staples sector may be affected by, among other things, marketing campaigns, changes in consumer demands, government regulations and changes in commodity prices.
Credit Risk. Debt issuers and other counterparties may be unable or unwilling to make timely interest and/or principal payments when due or otherwise honor their obligations. Changes in an issuer’s credit
rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on an issuer's or counterparty's financial condition
and on the terms of an obligation.
Cybersecurity Risk. Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, distributor, the Index Provider and other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions,
negatively impact the Fund’s business operations and/or potentially result 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 cybersecurity plans and systems of the Fund’s Index Provider
and other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Declining Yield Risk. During the twelve months prior to the Fund’s planned termination date, the Fund’s yield will generally tend to move toward prevailing money market rates and may be lower than the yields of
the bonds previously held by the Fund and lower than prevailing yields for bonds in the market.
Financials Sector Risk. Performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, changes in government regulations, economic conditions, and interest rates, credit
rating downgrades, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. The extent to which the Fund may invest in a company that engages in securities-related activities or banking is limited by applicable law. The impact of changes in capital requirements
and recent or future regulation of any individual financial company, or of the financials sector as a whole, cannot be predicted. In recent years, cyber-attacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this
sector and have caused significant losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Fluctuation of Yield and Liquidation Amount Risk. The Fund, unlike a direct investment in a bond that has a level coupon payment and a fixed payment at maturity, will make distributions of income that vary over
time. It is expected that an investment in the Fund, if held through maturity, will produce aggregate returns comparable to a direct investment in a group of bonds of similar credit quality and maturity. Unlike a direct investment in
bonds, the breakdown of returns between Fund distributions and liquidation
proceeds are not predictable at the time of your investment. For example, at times during the Fund's existence it may make distributions at a greater (or lesser) rate than the coupon payments received on the Fund's portfolio, which would result in
the Fund returning a lesser (or greater) amount on liquidation than would otherwise be the case. The rate of Fund distribution payments may adversely affect the tax characterization of your returns from an investment in the Fund relative to a direct
investment in bonds. If the amount you receive as liquidation proceeds upon the Fund's termination is higher or lower than your cost basis, you may experience a gain or loss for tax purposes.
Income Risk.
The Fund's income may decline if interest rates fall. This decline in income can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding bonds as bonds in its portfolio mature, are near
maturity or are called, bonds in the Underlying Index are substituted, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional bonds. As the Fund does not seek to return any predetermined amount at maturity or in periodic distributions, the amount of
income generated by the Fund may vary during its term. In addition, the Fund's income is expected to decline in the months leading up to its maturity date because its portfolio will increasingly consist of cash and cash equivalents.
Index-Related Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment results will have a high degree of correlation to those of the Underlying Index or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Market
disruptions and regulatory restrictions
could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to adjust its
exposure to the required levels in order to track the Underlying Index. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Underlying Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and
corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.
Industrials Sector Risk. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in the supply of and demand for products and services, product obsolescence, claims for environmental damage or product
liability and changes in general economic conditions, among other factors.
Interest Rate Risk. An increase in interest rates may cause the value of securities held by the Fund to decline, may lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and may adversely affect the liquidity of
certain fixed-income investments. The historically low interest rate environment, together with recent modest rate increases, heightens the risks associated with rising interest rates.
Issuer Risk. The performance of the Fund depends on the performance of individual securities to which the Fund has exposure. The Fund may be adversely affected if an issuer of underlying securities held by the Fund
is unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due. Changes to the financial condition or credit rating of an issuer of those securities may cause the value of the securities to decline.
Management Risk. As the Fund will not fully replicate the Underlying Index, it is subject to the risk that BFA's investment strategy may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk. The Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns.
Market Trading Risk. The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares, losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and disruptions in
the creation/redemption process. ANY OF THESE FACTORS, AMONG OTHERS, MAY LEAD TO THE FUND'S SHARES TRADING AT A PREMIUM OR DISCOUNT TO NAV.
Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund may invest a large percentage of its assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers. As a result, the Fund's performance may depend on the performance of a small
number of issuers.
Operational Risk. The Fund is exposed to operational risks arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors,
errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund and BFA seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However,
these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address significant operational risks.
Passive Investment Risk. The Fund is not actively managed, and BFA generally
does not attempt to take defensive positions under any market conditions,
including declining markets.
Privately-Issued Securities
Risk. The Fund may invest in privately-issued securities, including those that are normally purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S promulgated under the 1933 Act. Privately-issued
securities are securities that have not been registered under the 1933 Act and as a result may be subject to legal restrictions on resale. Privately-issued securities are generally not traded on established markets. As a result of the absence of a
public trading market, privately issued securities may be deemed to be illiquid investments, may be more difficult to value than publicly traded securities and may be subject to wide fluctuations in value. Delay or difficulty in selling such
securities may result in a loss to the Fund.
Reinvestment Risk. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in short-term fixed-income instruments and, as a result, may be adversely affected if interest rates fall because it may have to invest in lower-yielding
instruments as bonds in the Fund's portfolio mature.
Reliance on Trading Partners
Risk. The Fund invests in countries or regions whose economies are heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any reduction in this trading may have
an adverse impact on the Fund's investments.
Risk of
Investing in the U.S. Certain changes in the U.S. economy, such as when the U.S. economy weakens or when its financial markets decline, may have an adverse
effect on the securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the risk that the Fund may lose money because the borrower of the loaned securities fails to return the securities in a timely
manner or at all. The Fund could also lose money in the event of a decline in the value of collateral provided for loaned securities or a decline in the value of any investments made with cash collateral. These events could also trigger adverse tax
consequences for the Fund.
Small Fund Risk. When the Fund’s size is small, the Fund may experience low trading volume and wide bid/ask spreads. In addition, the Fund may face the risk of being delisted if the Fund does not meet certain
conditions of the listing exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs for the Fund and negative tax consequences for its shareholders.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund may be subject to tracking error, which is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Underlying Index. Tracking error may occur because of differences between the
securities and other instruments held in the Fund’s portfolio and those included in the Underlying Index, pricing differences (including, as applicable, differences between a security’s price at the local market close and the Fund's
valuation of a security at the time of calculation of the Fund's NAV), transaction costs incurred by the Fund, the Fund’s holding of uninvested cash, differences in timing of the accrual of or the valuation of distributions, the requirements
to maintain pass-through tax treatment, portfolio transactions carried out to minimize the distribution
of capital gains to shareholders, changes to the Underlying Index or the costs
to the Fund of complying with various new or existing regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees
and expenses, while the Underlying Index does not. BFA EXPECTS THAT THE FUND MAY EXPERIENCE HIGHER TRACKING ERROR THAN IS TYPICAL FOR SIMILAR INDEX ETFs.
Utilities Sector Risk. The utilities sector is subject to significant government regulation and oversight. Deregulation, however, may subject utility companies to greater competition and may reduce their profitability.
Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected due to increases in fuel and operating costs, rising costs of financing capital construction and the cost of complying with U.S. federal and state regulations, among other
factors.
Valuation Risk. Because the bond market may be open on days or during time periods when the Fund does not price its shares, the value of the securities or other assets in the Fund’s portfolio may change on days
or during time periods when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund’s shares.
Performance Information
As of the date of the Prospectus, the Fund has been in
operation for less than one full calendar year and therefore does not report its performance information.
Management
Investment Adviser. BlackRock
Fund Advisors.
Portfolio Managers. James Mauro and Scott Radell (the “Portfolio Managers”) are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Each Portfolio Manager supervises a portfolio management team. Mr. Mauro and Mr.
Radell have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since inception.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The Fund is an ETF. Individual shares of the
Fund are listed on a national securities exchange. Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer. The price of Fund shares is based on market price, and because ETF shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV,
shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). The Fund will only issue or redeem shares that have been aggregated into blocks of 50,000 shares or multiples thereof (“Creation Units”) to
Authorized Participants who have entered into agreements with the Fund's distributor. The Fund generally will issue or redeem Creation Units in return for a designated portfolio of securities (and an amount of cash) that the Fund specifies each
day.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxable to
you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account (“IRA”), in which case, your distributions generally will be taxed when
withdrawn.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial
Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the
Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), BFA or other related companies may pay the intermediary for marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of
technology platforms and reporting systems or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the
Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
More Information About the Fund
This Prospectus contains important information about investing
in the Fund. Please read this Prospectus carefully before you make any investment decisions. Additional information regarding the Fund is available at www.iShares.com.
BFA is the investment adviser to the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). The market price for a share of the Fund may be different from the Fund’s most recent NAV.
ETFs are funds that trade like other publicly-traded
securities. The Fund is designed to track an index. Similar to shares of an index mutual fund, each share of the Fund represents an ownership interest in an underlying portfolio of securities and other instruments intended to track a market index.
Unlike shares of a mutual fund, which can be bought and redeemed from the issuing fund by all shareholders at a price based on NAV, shares of the Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund at NAV solely by Authorized Participants and
only in Creation Unit increments. Also unlike shares of a mutual fund, shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange and trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day.
The Fund will wind up and terminate on or about December 15,
2029. Upon its termination, the Fund will distribute substantially all of its net assets, after making appropriate provision for any liabilities of the Fund, to then-current shareholders pursuant to a plan of liquidation. In the final months of the
Fund's operations, as the bonds it holds mature, its portfolio will transition to cash and cash equivalents. As the Fund approaches its termination date, its holdings of money market or similar funds may increase, causing the Fund to incur the fees
and expenses of these funds. By December 15, 2029, the Underlying Index value will be represented almost entirely by cash as no securities will remain in the Underlying Index. In accordance with the Trust's current Agreement and Declaration of
Trust, the Fund will terminate on or about the date noted above, as approved by a majority of the Trust's Board of Trustees (the “Board”), without requiring additional approval by Fund shareholders. The Board may extend the termination
date if a majority of the Board determines the extension to be in the best interest of the Fund.
The Fund invests in a particular segment of
the securities markets and seeks to track the performance of a securities index that is not representative of the market as a whole. The Fund is designed to be used as part of broader asset allocation strategies. Accordingly, an investment in the
Fund should not constitute a complete investment program.
An index is a financial calculation, based on a grouping of
financial instruments, and is not an investment product, while the Fund is an actual investment portfolio. The performance of the Fund and the Underlying Index may vary for a number of reasons, including transaction costs, non-U.S. currency
valuations, asset valuations, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs), timing variances and differences between the Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from the Fund's use of
representative sampling or from legal restrictions (such as diversification
requirements) that apply to the Fund but not to the Underlying Index. From time to time, the Index Provider may make changes to the methodology or other adjustments to the Underlying Index. Unless otherwise determined by BFA, any such change or
adjustment will be reflected in the calculation of the Underlying Index performance on a going-forward basis after the effective date of such change or adjustment. Therefore, the Underlying Index performance shown for periods prior to the effective
date of any such change or adjustment will generally not be recalculated or restated to reflect such change or adjustment.
“Tracking error” is the
divergence of the Fund's performance from that of the Underlying Index. BFA expects that, over time, the Fund’s tracking error will not exceed 5%. Because the Fund uses a representative sampling indexing strategy, it can be expected to have a
larger tracking error than if it used a replication indexing strategy. “Replication” is an indexing strategy in which a fund invests in substantially all of the securities in its underlying index in approximately the same proportions as
in the underlying index.
Under continuous
listing standards adopted by the Fund's listing exchange, the Fund is required to confirm on an ongoing basis that the components of the Underlying Index satisfy the applicable listing requirements. In the event that the Underlying Index does not
comply with the applicable listing requirements, the Fund is required to rectify such non-compliance by requesting that the Index Provider modify the Underlying Index, adopting a new underlying index, or obtaining relief from the SEC. Failure to
rectify such non-compliance may result in the Fund being delisted by the listing exchange.
An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and it is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency, BFA or any of its affiliates.
The Fund's investment objective and the Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
A Further
Discussion of Principal Risks
The Fund is subject to various risks,
including the principal risks noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund’s NAV, trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective. You could lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the
Fund could underperform other investments. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Asset Class Risk. The
securities and other assets in the Underlying Index or in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to other securities or indexes that track other countries, groups of countries, regions, industries, groups of industries,
markets, asset classes or sectors. Various types of securities, currencies and indexes may experience cycles of outperformance and underperformance in comparison to the general financial markets depending upon a number of factors including,
among other things, inflation, interest rates, productivity, global demand for local products or
resources, and regulation and governmental controls. This may cause the Fund
to underperform other investment vehicles that invest in different asset classes.
Assets Under Management (AUM) Risk. From time to time, an Authorized Participant, a third-party investor, the Fund’s adviser or an affiliate of the Fund’s adviser, or a fund may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a specific period
of time to allow the Fund to achieve size or scale. There can be no assurance that any such entity would not redeem its investment or that the size of the Fund would be maintained at such levels, which could
negatively impact the Fund.
Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and none of those Authorized Participants is obligated to engage in creation and/or redemption transactions. The
Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as Authorized Participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants).
To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, Fund
shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting. Authorized Participant concentration risk may be heightened because ETFs, such as the Fund, that invest in securities issued by non-U.S.
issuers or other securities or instruments that are less widely traded often involve greater settlement and operational issues and capital costs for Authorized Participants, which may limit the availability of Authorized Participants.
Call Risk. During
periods of falling interest rates, an issuer of a callable bond held by the Fund may “call” or repay the security before its stated maturity, and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in securities with lower yields, which would
result in a decline in the Fund’s income, or in securities with greater risks or with other less favorable features.
Concentration Risk. The Fund
may be susceptible to an increased risk of loss, including losses due to adverse events that affect the Fund’s investments more than the market as a whole, to the extent that the Fund's investments are concentrated in the securities of a
particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. The Fund may be more adversely affected by the underperformance of those securities, may experience increased price
volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting those securities than a fund that does not concentrate its investments.
Consumer Staples Sector Risk.
Companies in the consumer staples sector may be affected by the regulation of various product components and production methods, marketing campaigns and changes in the global economy, consumer spending and consumer demand. Tobacco companies, in
particular, may be adversely affected by new laws, regulations and litigation. Companies in the consumer staples sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced by unpredictable factors. These
companies may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability.
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the
risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt instrument or the counterparty to a derivatives contract, repurchase agreement or loan of portfolio securities will be unable or unwilling to make its timely interest and/or principal payments when due or
otherwise honor its obligations. There are varying degrees of credit risk, depending on an issuer’s or counterparty’s financial condition and on the terms of an obligation, which may be reflected in the issuer’s or
counterparty’s credit rating. There is the chance that the Fund’s portfolio holdings will have their credit ratings downgraded or will default (i.e., fail to make scheduled interest or principal payments), or that the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may worsen, potentially reducing the Fund’s income level or share
price.
Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund, Authorized Participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange are susceptible to operational, information
security and related “cyber” risks both directly and through their service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse
consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such portfolio companies to lose value. Unlike many other types of risks faced by the Fund, these risks typically are not covered by insurance. In general, cyber incidents
can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in
a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network
services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with
nation-state backing.
Cybersecurity failures by or
breaches of the systems of the Fund’s adviser, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, Authorized
Participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV,
disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable
privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership
of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has
established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyberattacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified and
that prevention and
remediation efforts will not be successful or
that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, the Index Provider, market makers or Authorized
Participants. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Declining Yield Risk. During
the twelve months prior to the Fund's planned termination date, the bonds held by the Fund will mature and the Fund’s portfolio will convert to cash or cash equivalents. During these final twelve months, the Fund’s yield will generally
tend to move toward prevailing money market rates, and may be lower than the yields of the bonds previously held by the Fund and lower than prevailing yields for bonds in the market.
Financials Sector Risk. Companies in the financials sector of an economy are subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention, which may adversely affect the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge, the amount
of capital they must maintain and, potentially, their size. The extent to which the Fund may invest in a company that engages in securities-related activities or banking is limited by applicable law. Governmental regulation may change frequently and
may have significant adverse consequences for companies in the financials sector, including effects not intended by such regulation. Recently enacted legislation in the U.S. has relaxed capital requirements and other regulatory burdens on certain
U.S. banks. While the effect of the legislation may benefit certain companies in the financials sector, increased risk taking by affected banks may also result in greater overall risk in the U.S. and global financials sector. The impact of changes
in capital requirements, or recent or future regulation in various countries, on any individual financial company or on the financials sector as a whole cannot be predicted. Certain risks may impact the value of investments in the financials sector
more severely than those of investments outside this sector, including the risks associated with companies that operate with substantial financial leverage. Companies in the financials sector may also be adversely affected by increases in interest
rates and loan losses, decreases in the availability of money or asset valuations, credit rating downgrades and adverse conditions in other related markets. Insurance companies, in particular, may be subject to severe price competition and/or rate
regulation, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. The financials sector is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates. The financials sector is also a target for cyber-attacks, and may experience technology
malfunctions and disruptions. In recent years, cyber-attacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have reportedly caused losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact the
Fund.
Fluctuation of Yield and Liquidation
Amount Risk. The Fund, unlike a direct investment in a bond that has a level coupon payment and a fixed payment at maturity, will make distributions of income that vary over time. It is expected that an investment
in the Fund, if held through maturity, will produce aggregate returns comparable to a direct investment in a group of bonds of similar credit quality and maturity to those held by the Fund, but unlike a direct investment in bonds, the breakdown of
returns between Fund distributions and liquidation proceeds will not be predictable at the time
of your investment. The Fund may make distributions at a greater (or lesser)
rate than the coupon payments received on the Fund's portfolio, which would result in the Fund returning a lesser (or greater) amount on liquidation than would otherwise be the case. The breakdown between Fund distribution payments and the amount of
liquidation proceeds may adversely affect the tax characterization of your returns from an investment in the Fund relative to a direct investment in bonds. If the amount you receive as liquidation proceeds upon the Fund's termination is higher or
lower than your cost basis, you may experience a gain or loss for tax purposes. In addition, the yield on your investment (i.e., the return on your purchase price) may be lower (or higher) than the Fund's
published yields, which are based on the Fund's NAV.
Income
Risk. The Fund’s income may decline if interest rates fall. This decline in income can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding instruments, as bonds in its portfolio mature, are near
maturity or are called, bonds in the Underlying Index are substituted, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional bonds. The Index Provider’s substitution of bonds in the Underlying Index may occur, for example, when the time to
maturity for the bond no longer matches the Underlying Index’s stated maturity guidelines. As the Fund does not seek to return any predetermined amount at maturity or in periodic distributions, the amount of income generated by the Fund may
vary during its term. In addition, the Fund's income is expected to decline in the months leading up to its maturity date because it will increasingly hold primarily cash and cash equivalents.
Index-Related Risk. The Fund seeks to achieve a return that corresponds generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Underlying Index as published by the Index Provider. There is no assurance that the
Index Provider or any agents that may act on its behalf will compile the Underlying Index accurately, or that the Underlying Index will be determined, composed or calculated accurately. While the Index Provider provides descriptions of what the
Underlying Index is designed to achieve, neither the Index Provider nor its agents provide any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the quality, accuracy or completeness of the Underlying Index or its related data, and they do not
guarantee that the Underlying Index will be in line with the Index Provider’s methodology. BFA’s mandate as described in this Prospectus is to manage the Fund consistently with the Underlying Index provided by the Index Provider to BFA.
BFA does not provide any warranty or guarantee against the Index Provider’s or any agent’s errors. Errors in respect of the quality, accuracy and completeness of the data used to compile the Underlying Index may occur from time to time
and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, particularly where the indices are less commonly used as benchmarks by funds or managers. Such errors may negatively or positively impact the Fund and its
shareholders. For example, during a period where the Underlying Index contains incorrect constituents, the Fund would have market exposure to such constituents and would be underexposed to the Underlying Index’s other constituents.
Shareholders should understand that any gains from Index Provider errors will be kept by the Fund and its shareholders and any losses or costs resulting from Index Provider errors will be borne by the Fund and its shareholders.
Apart from scheduled rebalances, the Index
Provider or its agents may carry out additional ad hoc rebalances to the Underlying Index in order, for example, to correct an error in the selection of index constituents. When the Underlying Index is rebalanced and the Fund in turn rebalances its
portfolio to attempt to increase the correlation between the Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio rebalancing will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders.
Therefore, errors and additional ad hoc rebalances carried out by the Index Provider or its agents to the Underlying Index may increase the costs to and the tracking error risk of the Fund.
Industrials Sector Risk. The
value of securities issued by companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by supply and demand changes related to their specific products or services and industrials sector products in general. The products of manufacturing
companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Global events, trade disputes and changes in government regulations, economic conditions and
exchange rates may adversely affect the performance of companies in the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by liability for environmental damage and product liability claims. The industrials sector may
also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced by unpredictable factors. Companies in the industrials sector, particularly aerospace and defense companies, may also be adversely affected by government
spending policies because companies in this sector tend to rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services.
Interest Rate Risk. As interest
rates rise, the value of a fixed-income security held by the Fund is likely to decrease. A measure investors commonly use to determine this sensitivity is called duration. Generally, the longer the duration of a particular fixed-income security, the
greater its price sensitivity to interest rates. Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, usually making their prices more volatile than those of securities with shorter durations. To the extent the Fund
invests a substantial portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer duration, rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline significantly, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund. An
increase in interest rates may lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and adversely affect certain fixed-income investments. In addition, decreases in fixed-income dealer market-making capacity may lead to lower trading volume,
heightened volatility, wider bid-ask spreads, and less transparent pricing in certain fixed-income markets.
The historically low interest rate environment in recent years
was created in part by the world’s major central banks keeping their overnight policy interest rates at, near or below zero percent and implementing monetary policy facilities, such as asset purchase programs, to anchor longer-term interest
rates below historical levels. Certain central banks have since increased their short-term policy rates and begun phasing out, or “tapering,” facilities and may continue to do so in the future. The timing, magnitude, and effect of such
policy changes on various markets is uncertain, and changes in monetary policy may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments.
Issuer Risk. The performance of
the Fund depends on the performance of individual securities to which the Fund has exposure. The Fund may be adversely affected if an issuer of underlying securities held by the Fund is unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due.
Any issuer of these securities may perform poorly, causing the value of its securities to decline. Poor performance may be caused by poor management decisions, competitive pressures, changes in technology, expiration of patent protection,
disruptions in supply, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent disclosures, credit deterioration of the issuer or other factors. An issuer may also be subject to risks associated with the countries, states and regions in
which the issuer resides, invests, sells products, or otherwise conducts operations.
Management Risk. Because BFA
uses a representative sampling indexing strategy, the Fund will not fully replicate the Underlying Index and may hold securities not included in the Underlying Index. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that BFA’s investment strategy,
the implementation of which is subject to a number of constraints, may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk. The Fund could
lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments and may be influenced by
price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss the Fund may suffer through holding financial instruments in the face of market movements or uncertainty. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to
changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market,
industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Fixed-income securities with short-term maturities are generally less sensitive to such changes than are
fixed-income securities with longer-term maturities. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.
Market Trading Risk
Absence of Active Market.
Although shares of the Fund are listed for trading on one or more stock exchanges, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained by market makers or Authorized Participants.
Risk of Secondary Listings.
The Fund's shares may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges other than the U.S. stock exchange where the Fund's primary listing is maintained, and may otherwise be made available to non-U.S.
investors through funds or structured investment vehicles similar to depositary receipts. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s shares will continue to trade on any such stock exchange or in any market or that the Fund’s shares will
continue to meet the requirements for listing or trading on any exchange or in any market. The Fund's shares may be less actively traded in certain markets than in others, and investors are subject to the execution and settlement risks and market
standards of the market where they or their broker direct their trades for execution. Certain information available to
investors who trade Fund shares on a U.S. stock exchange during regular U.S.
market hours may not be available to investors who trade in other markets, which may result in secondary market prices in such markets being less efficient.
Secondary Market Trading Risk.
Shares of the Fund may trade in the secondary market at times when the Fund does not accept orders to purchase or redeem shares. At such times, shares may trade in the secondary market with more significant premiums or discounts than might be
experienced at times when the Fund accepts purchase and redemption orders.
Secondary market trading in Fund shares may be halted by a
stock exchange because of market conditions or for other reasons. In addition, trading in Fund shares on a stock exchange or in any market may be subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to “circuit
breaker” rules on the stock exchange or market.
Shares of the Fund, similar to shares of other issuers listed
on a stock exchange, may be sold short and are therefore subject to the risk of increased volatility and price decreases associated with being sold short.
Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. Shares of the Fund trade on stock exchanges at prices at, above or below the Fund’s most recent NAV. The NAV of the Fund is calculated at the end of each business day and fluctuates with changes in the market value
of the Fund’s holdings. The trading price of the Fund's shares fluctuates continuously throughout trading hours based on both market supply of and demand for Fund shares and the underlying value of the Fund's portfolio holdings or NAV. As
a result, the trading prices of the Fund’s shares may deviate significantly from NAV during periods of market volatility, including during periods of significant redemption requests or other unusual market conditions. ANY OF THESE FACTORS, AMONG OTHERS, MAY LEAD TO THE FUND'S SHARES TRADING AT A PREMIUM OR DISCOUNT TO NAV. However, because shares can be created and redeemed in
Creation Units at NAV, BFA believes that large discounts or premiums to the NAV of the Fund are not likely to be sustained over the long term (unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and
sometimes at premiums to, their NAVs). While the creation/redemption feature is designed to make it more likely that the Fund’s shares normally will trade on stock exchanges at prices close to the Fund’s next calculated NAV, exchange
prices are not expected to correlate exactly with the Fund's NAV due to timing reasons, supply and demand imbalances and other factors. In addition, disruptions to creations and redemptions, including disruptions at market makers, Authorized
Participants, or other market participants, and during periods of significant market volatility, may result in trading prices for shares of the Fund that differ significantly from its NAV. Authorized Participants may be less willing to create or
redeem Fund shares if there is a lack of an active market for such shares or its underlying investments, which may contribute to the Fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Costs of Buying or Selling Fund Shares. Buying or selling Fund shares on an exchange involves two types of costs that apply to all securities transactions. When buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker, you will likely incur a brokerage commission
and other charges. In addition, you may incur the cost of the “spread”;
that is, the difference between what investors are willing to pay for Fund
shares (the “bid” price) and the price at which they are willing to sell Fund shares (the “ask” price). The spread, which varies over time for shares of the Fund based on trading volume and market liquidity, is generally
narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, increased market volatility may cause wider spreads. There may also be regulatory and other charges
that are incurred as a result of trading activity. Because of the costs inherent in buying or selling Fund shares, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment results and an investment in Fund shares may not be advisable for investors
who anticipate regularly making small investments through a brokerage account.
Non-Diversification Risk. The
Fund is classified as “non-diversified.” This means that the Fund may invest a large percentage of its assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to the risks
associated with these particular issuers or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers.
Operational Risk. The Fund is
exposed to operational risks arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate
processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund and BFA seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address significant
operational risks.
Passive Investment Risk. The Fund is not actively managed and may be affected by a general decline in market segments related to the Underlying Index. The Fund invests in securities included in, or representative of, the Underlying Index,
regardless of their investment merits. BFA generally does not attempt to invest the Fund's assets in defensive positions under any market conditions, including declining markets.
Privately-Issued Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in privately-issued securities, including those that are normally purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S under the 1933 Act. Privately-issued securities typically may be resold only to
qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction, or to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met for an exemption from
registration. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may find it more
difficult to sell such securities when it may be advisable to do so or it may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held and traded. At times, it also may be more difficult to determine the
fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV due to the absence of an active trading market. There can be no assurance that a privately-issued security that is deemed to be liquid when purchased will continue to be
liquid for as long as it is held by the Fund, and its value may decline as a result.
Reinvestment Risk. The Fund may
invest a portion of its assets in short-term fixed-income instruments and as a result, may be adversely affected when interest rates fall because it may have to invest in lower yielding bonds as bonds in the Fund's portfolio mature. This may
cause the Fund's income to decline, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund. This risk is typically greater with respect to short-term bond funds and lower for long-term bond funds.
Reliance on Trading Partners Risk. The economies of many countries or regions in which the Fund invests are highly dependent on trade with certain key trading partners. Reduction in spending on products and services by these key trading partners,
institution of tariffs or other trade barriers or a slowdown in the economies of key trading partners may adversely affect the performance of any company in which the Fund invests and may have a material adverse effect on the Fund's
performance.
Risk of Investing in the U.S. A decrease in imports or exports, changes in trade regulations and/or an economic recession in the U.S. may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. economy and the securities listed on U.S. exchanges. Proposed and
adopted policy and legislative changes in the U.S. are changing many aspects of financial and other regulation and may have a significant effect on the U.S. markets generally, as well as on the value of certain securities. In addition, a continued
rise in the U.S. public debt level or the imposition of U.S. austerity measures may adversely affect U.S. economic growth and the securities to which the Fund has exposure.
The U.S. has developed increasingly strained relations with a
number of foreign countries. If relations with certain countries continue to worsen, it could adversely affect U.S. issuers as well as non-U.S. issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade. The U.S. has also experienced increased internal unrest and
discord. If this trend were to continue, it may have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy and many of the issuers in which the Fund invests.
Securities Lending Risk. The
Fund may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the risk that the Fund may lose money because the borrower of the loaned securities fails to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. The Fund could also lose money in the
event of a decline in the value of collateral provided for loaned securities or a decline in the value of any investments made with cash collateral. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. BlackRock Institutional Trust
Company, N.A. (“BTC”), the Fund's securities lending agent, will take into account the tax impact to shareholders of substitute payments for dividends when managing the Fund's securities lending program.
Small Fund Risk. When the Fund’s size is small, the Fund may experience low trading volume and wide bid/ask spreads. In addition, the Fund may face the risk of being delisted if the Fund does not meet certain conditions of the
listing exchange. If the Fund were to be required to delist from the listing exchange, the value of the Fund may rapidly decline and performance may be negatively impacted. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated
transaction costs for the Fund and negative tax consequences for its shareholders.
Tracking Error Risk. The Fund
may be subject to tracking error, which is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Underlying Index. Tracking error
may occur because of differences between the
securities and other instruments held in the Fund’s portfolio and those included in the Underlying Index, pricing differences (including, as applicable, differences between a security’s price at the local market close and the Fund's
valuation of a security at the time of calculation of the Fund's NAV), transaction costs incurred by the Fund, the Fund’s holding of uninvested cash, differences in timing of the accrual of or the valuation of distributions, the requirements
to maintain pass-through tax treatment, portfolio transactions carried out to minimize the distribution of capital gains to shareholders, changes to the Underlying Index or the costs to the Fund of complying with various new or existing regulatory
requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Underlying Index does not. BFA EXPECTS THAT THE FUND MAY EXPERIENCE HIGHER TRACKING ERROR THAN IS TYPICAL FOR SIMILAR INDEX ETFs.
Utilities Sector Risk.
Deregulation may subject utility companies to greater competition and may adversely affect their profitability. As deregulation allows utility companies to diversify outside of their original geographic regions and their traditional lines of
business, utility companies may engage in riskier ventures. In addition, deregulation may eliminate restrictions on the profits of certain utility companies, but may also subject these companies to greater risk of loss. Companies in the utilities
industry may have difficulty obtaining an adequate return on invested capital, raising capital, or financing large construction projects during periods of inflation or unsettled capital markets; face restrictions on operations and increased cost and
delays attributable to environmental considerations and regulation; find that existing plants, equipment or products have been rendered obsolete by technological innovations; or be subject to increased costs because of the scarcity of certain fuels
or the effects of man-made or natural disasters. Existing and future regulations or legislation may make it difficult for utility companies to operate profitably. Government regulators monitor and control utility revenues and costs, and therefore
may limit utility profits. There is no assurance that regulatory authorities will grant rate increases in the future or that such increases will be adequate to permit the payment of coupon payments on bonds issued by or in respect to such companies.
Energy conservation and changes in climate policy may also have a significant adverse impact on the revenues and expenses of utility companies.
Valuation Risk. Because the
bond market may be open on days or during time periods when the Fund does not price its shares, the value of the securities or other assets in the Fund’s portfolio may change on days or during time periods when shareholders will not be able to
purchase or sell the Fund’s shares.
A
Further Discussion of Other Risks
The Fund may also be
subject to certain other risks associated with its investments and investment strategies. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.
Capital Goods Industry Risk.
Companies in the capital goods industry may be affected by fluctuations in the business cycle and by other factors affecting
manufacturing demands. The capital goods industry depends heavily on corporate
spending. Companies in the capital goods industry may perform well during times of economic expansion, but as economic conditions worsen, the demand for capital goods may decrease. Many capital goods are sold internationally, and companies in this
industry may be affected by market conditions in other countries and regions.
Close-out Risk for Qualified Financial Contracts. Regulations adopted by global prudential regulators that are now in effect require counterparties that are part of U.S. or foreign global systemically important banking organizations to include contractual restrictions
on close-out and cross-default in agreements relating to qualified financial contracts. Qualified financial contracts include agreements relating to swaps, currency forwards and other derivatives as well as repurchase agreements and securities
lending agreements. The restrictions prevent the Fund from closing out a qualified financial contract during a specified time period if the counterparty is subject to resolution proceedings and prohibit the Fund from exercising default rights due to
a receivership or similar proceeding of an affiliate of the counterparty. These requirements may increase credit risk and other risks to the Fund.
Communication Services Sector Risk. The communication services sector consists of both companies in the telecommunication services industry as well as those in the media and entertainment industry. Examples of companies in the telecommunication services
industry group include providers of fiber-optic, fixed-line, cellular and wireless telecommunications networks. Companies in the media and entertainment industry group encompass a variety of services and products including television broadcasting,
gaming products, social media, networking platforms, online classifieds, online review websites and Internet search engines.
The communication services sector of a country’s economy
is often subject to extensive government regulation. The costs of complying with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive required regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business
of communications companies. Government actions around the world, specifically in the area of pre-marketing clearance of products and prices, can be arbitrary and unpredictable. Companies in the communication services sector may encounter distressed
cash flows due to the need to commit substantial capital to meet increasing competition, particularly in developing new products and services using new technology. Technological innovations may make the products and services of certain
communications companies obsolete.
The domestic
telecommunications market is characterized by increasing competition and regulation by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and various state regulatory authorities. Telecommunications providers are generally required to obtain franchises or
licenses in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing and franchise rights in the telecommunications sector are limited, which may provide an advantage to certain participants. Limited availability of such rights, high barriers to
market entry and regulatory oversight, among other factors, have led to consolidation of companies within the sector, which could lead to further regulation or other negative effects in the future.
Companies in the media and entertainment industries can be
significantly affected by several factors, including competition, particularly in formulation of products and services using new technologies, cyclicality of revenues and earnings, a potential decrease in the discretionary income of targeted
individuals, changing consumer tastes and interests, and the potential increase in state and federal government regulation. Companies in the media and entertainment industries may become obsolete quickly. Advertising spending can be an important
revenue source for media and entertainment companies. During economic downturns advertising spending typically decreases and, as a result, media and entertainment companies tend to generate less revenue.
Consumer Cyclical Industry
Risk. The success of consumer cyclical companies is tied closely to the performance of domestic and international economies, exchange rates, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence, changes in demographics
and preferences. Companies in the consumer cyclical industry sector depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending, and may be strongly affected by social trends and marketing campaigns. These companies may be subject to severe
competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability.
Electric Utilities Sector Risk.
The electric utility industry consists of companies that are engaged principally in the generation, transmission and sale of electric energy, although many also provide other energy-related services. In the past, electric utility companies, in
general, have been favorably affected by lower fuel and financing costs and the full or near completion of major construction programs. In addition, many of these companies have generated cash flows in excess of current operating expenses and
construction expenditures, permitting some degree of diversification into unregulated businesses. Some electric utilities have also taken advantage of the right to sell power outside of their traditional geographic areas. Electric utility companies
have historically been subject to the risks associated with increases in fuel and other operating costs, high interest costs on borrowings needed for capital construction programs, costs associated with compliance with environmental and safety
regulations and changes in the regulatory climate. As interest rates declined, many utilities refinanced high cost debt and in doing so improved their fixed charges coverage. Regulators, however, lowered allowed rates of return as interest rates
declined and thereby caused the benefits of the rate declines to be shared wholly or in part with customers. In a period of rising interest rates, the allowed rates of return may not keep pace with the utilities’ increased costs. The
construction and operation of nuclear power facilities are subject to strict scrutiny by, and evolving regulations of, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state agencies which have comparable jurisdiction. Strict scrutiny might result in higher
operating costs and higher capital expenditures, with the risk that the regulators may disallow inclusion of these costs in rate authorizations or the risk that a company may not be permitted to operate or complete construction of a facility. In
addition, operators of nuclear power plants may be subject to significant costs for disposal of nuclear fuel and for decommissioning such plants.
The rating agencies look closely at the business profile of
utilities. Ratings for companies are expected to be impacted to a greater extent in the future by the division
of their asset base. Electric utility companies that focus more on the
generation of electricity may be assigned less favorable ratings as this business is expected to be competitive and the least regulated. On the other hand, companies that focus on transmission and distribution, which is expected to be the least
competitive and the more regulated part of the business, may see higher ratings given the greater predictability of cash flow.
A number of states are considering or have enacted deregulation
proposals. The introduction of competition into the industry as a result of such deregulation has at times resulted in lower revenue, lower credit ratings, increased default risk, and lower electric utility security prices. Such increased
competition may also cause long-term contracts, which electric utilities previously entered into to buy power, to become “stranded assets” which have no economic value. Any loss associated with such contracts must be absorbed by
ratepayers and investors. In addition, some electric utilities have acquired electric utilities overseas to diversify, enhance earnings and gain experience in operating in a deregulated environment. In some instances, such acquisitions have involved
significant borrowings, which have burdened the acquirer’s balance sheet. There is no assurance that current deregulation proposals will be adopted. However, deregulation in any form could significantly impact the electric utilities
industry.
Energy Sector Risk. The success of companies in the energy sector may be cyclical and highly dependent on energy prices. The market value of securities issued by companies in the energy sector may
decline for the following reasons, among others: changes in the levels and volatility of global energy prices, energy supply and demand, and capital expenditures on exploration and production of energy sources; exchange rates, interest rates,
economic conditions, and tax treatment; and energy conservation efforts, increased competition and technological advances. Companies in this sector may be subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase
the cost of doing business and limit the earnings of these companies. A significant portion of the revenues of these companies may depend on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. As a result,
governmental budget constraints may have a material adverse effect on the stock prices of companies in this sector. Energy companies may also operate in, or engage in, transactions involving countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a
history of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse policies. Energy companies also face a significant risk of liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental problems, equipment
malfunctions or mishandling of materials and a risk of loss from terrorism, political strife or natural disasters. Any such event could have serious consequences for the general population of the affected area and could have an adverse impact on the
Fund’s portfolio and the performance of the Fund. Energy companies can be significantly affected by the supply of, and demand for, specific products (e.g., oil and natural gas) and services, exploration and production spending, government subsidization, world events and general economic conditions. Energy companies may have relatively high levels of debt and may be more
likely than other companies to restructure their businesses if there are downturns in energy markets or in the global economy.
European Economic Risk. The
European Union (the “EU”) requires compliance by member states with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, interest rates and debt levels, as well as fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect every country
in Europe, including those countries that are not members of the EU. Changes in imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of certain EU countries), the
default or threat of default by an EU member state on its sovereign debt and/or an economic recession in an EU member state may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of EU member states and their trading partners. The European financial
markets have historically experienced volatility and adverse trends in years past due to concerns about economic downturns or rising government debt levels in several European countries, including, but not limited to, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries.
Responses to financial problems by European
governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest, may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have other unintended consequences. Further
defaults or restructurings by governments and other entities of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or
withdraw from the EU. In a referendum held on June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”) resolved to leave the EU (“Brexit”). The referendum has introduced significant uncertainties and instability in the financial
markets as the U.K. negotiates its exit from the EU. The outcome of negotiations remains uncertain. U.K. businesses are increasingly preparing for a disorderly Brexit, and the consequences for European and U.K. businesses could be severe. The Fund
will face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory,
economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit has also led to legal uncertainty and could lead to politically divergent national laws and
regulations as a new relationship between the U.K. and EU is defined and the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit could adversely affect any of the companies to which the Fund has exposure and any
other assets in which the Fund invests. The political, economic and legal consequences of Brexit are not yet known. In the short term, financial markets may experience heightened volatility, particularly those in the U.K. and Europe, but possibly
worldwide. The U.K. may be less stable than it has been in recent years, and investments in the U.K. may be difficult to value, or subject to greater or more frequent rises and falls in value. In the longer term, there is likely to be a period of
significant political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty as the U.K. seeks to negotiate its long-term exit from the EU and the terms of its future trading relationships.
Secessionist movements, such as the Catalan movement in Spain
and the independence movement in Scotland, as well as governmental or other responses to
such movements, may also create instability and uncertainty in the region. In
addition, the national politics of countries in the EU have been unpredictable and subject to influence by varying political groups and ideologies. The governments of EU countries may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and
political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe also could impact financial markets. The impact of these
events is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments.
Illiquid Investments Risk. The Fund may invest up to an aggregate amount of 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market
conditions in seven calendar days or less without significantly changing the market value of the investment. To the extent the Fund holds illiquid investments, the illiquid investments may reduce the returns of the Fund because the Fund may be
unable to transact at advantageous times or prices. An investment may be illiquid due to, among other things, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in securities or instruments or the lack of an active
market for such securities or instruments. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or instruments with substantial market and/or credit risk, the Fund will tend to have increased exposure to the risks associated with illiquid investments.
Liquid investments may become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. There can be no assurance that a security or instrument that is deemed to be liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid for as
long as it is held by the Fund, and any security or instrument held by the Fund may be deemed an illiquid investment pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. Illiquid investments may be harder to value, especially in changing
markets. Although the Fund primarily seeks to redeem shares of the Fund on an in-kind basis, if the Fund is forced to sell underlying investments at reduced prices or under unfavorable conditions to meet redemption requests or for other cash needs,
the Fund may suffer a loss. This may be magnified in a rising interest rate environment or other circumstances where redemptions from the Fund may be greater than normal. Other market participants may be attempting to liquidate holdings at the same
time as the Fund, causing increased supply of the Fund’s underlying investments in the market and contributing to illiquid investments risk and downward pricing pressure. During periods of market volatility, liquidity in the market for the
Fund’s shares may be impacted by the liquidity in the market for the underlying securities or instruments held by the Fund, which could lead to the Fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to the Fund’s NAV.
Insurance Industry Risk. The
insurance industry is subject to extensive government regulation in some countries and can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, price and market competition, the imposition of premium rate caps or
other changes in government regulation or tax law. Certain segments of the insurance industry can be significantly affected by mortality and morbidity rates, environmental clean-up costs and catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes and
terrorist acts.
Non-U.S. Issuers Risk. The Fund
may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated bonds of non-U.S. corporations. Securities issued by non-U.S. issuers have different risks from securities issued by U.S. issuers. These risks include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in non-U.S. countries, uncertainties of transnational
litigation, and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital, including the possible seizure or nationalization of the securities issued by non-U.S. issuers held by the Fund. Non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less governmental
regulation than U.S. issuers. Moreover, individual non-U.S. economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency
and balance of payment positions. Unfavorable political, economic or governmental developments in non-U.S. countries could affect the payment of a security’s principal and interest. Securities issued by non-U.S. issuers may also be less liquid
than, and more difficult to value than, securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, the value of these securities may fluctuate due to changes in the exchange rate of the issuer’s local currency against the U.S. dollar.
Real Estate Investment Risk.
The Fund may invest in companies that invest in real estate (“Real Estate Companies”), such as real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which expose investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks
that relate specifically to the way in which Real Estate Companies are organized and operated. Real estate is highly sensitive to general and local economic conditions and developments and is characterized by intense competition and periodic
overbuilding. Many Real Estate Companies, including REITs, utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and the risk normally associated with debt financing, and could potentially increase the Fund’s
losses. Rising interest rates could result in higher costs of capital for Real Estate Companies, which could negatively affect a Real Estate Company's ability to meet its payment obligations or its financing activity and could decrease the market
prices for REITs and for properties held by such REITs. In addition, to the extent a Real Estate Company has its own expenses, the Fund (and indirectly, its shareholders) will bear its proportionate share of such expenses.
Concentration Risk. Real
Estate Companies may own a limited number of properties and concentrate their investments in a particular geographic region, industry or property type. Economic downturns affecting a particular region, industry or property type may lead to a high
volume of defaults within a short period.
Equity
REITs Risk. Certain REITs may make direct investments in real estate. These REITs are often referred to as “Equity REITs.” Equity REITs invest primarily in real properties and may earn rental income from
leasing those properties. Equity REITs may also realize gains or losses from the sale of properties. Equity REITs will be affected by conditions in the real estate rental market and by changes in the value of the properties they own. A decline in
rental income may occur because of extended vacancies, limitations on rents, the failure to collect rents, increased competition from other properties or poor management. Equity REITs also can be affected by rising interest rates. Rising interest
rates may cause investors to demand a high annual yield
from future distributions that, in turn, could decrease the market prices for
such REITs and for the properties held by such REITs. In addition, rising interest rates also increase the costs of obtaining financing for real estate projects. Because many real estate projects are dependent upon receiving financing, this could
cause the value of the Equity REITs in which the Fund invests to decline.
Interest Rate Risk. Rising
interest rates could result in higher costs of capital for Real Estate Companies, which could negatively affect a Real Estate Company’s ability to meet its payment obligations. Declining interest rates could result in increased prepayment on
loans and require redeployment of capital in less desirable investments.
Leverage Risk. Real Estate
Companies may use leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and the risks normally associated with debt financing and could adversely affect a Real Estate Company’s operations and market value in periods of
rising interest rates. Financial covenants related to a Real Estate Company’s leveraging may affect the ability of the Real Estate Company to operate effectively. In addition, investments may be subject to defaults by borrowers and tenants.
Leveraging may also increase repayment risk.
Illiquidity Risk. Investing in
Real Estate Companies may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small-capitalization companies. Real Estate Company securities may be volatile. There may be less trading in Real Estate Company shares, which means that purchase
and sale transactions in those shares could have a magnified impact on share price, resulting in abrupt or erratic price fluctuations. In addition, real estate is relatively illiquid and, therefore, a Real Estate Company may have a limited ability
to vary or liquidate its investments in properties in response to changes in economic or other conditions.
Loan Foreclosure Risk. Real
Estate Companies may foreclose on loans that the Real Estate Company originated and/or acquired. Foreclosure may generate negative publicity for the underlying property that affects its market value. In addition to the length and expense of such
proceedings, the validity of the terms of the applicable loan may not be recognized in foreclosure proceedings.
Operational Risk. Real Estate
Companies are dependent upon management skills and may have limited financial resources. Real Estate Companies are generally not diversified and may be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition,
transactions between Real Estate Companies and their affiliates may be subject to conflicts of interest, which may adversely affect a Real Estate Company’s shareholders. A Real Estate Company may also have joint ventures in certain of its
properties and, consequently, its ability to control decisions relating to such properties may be limited.
Property Risk. Real Estate
Companies may be subject to risks relating to functional obsolescence or reduced desirability of properties; extended vacancies due to economic conditions and tenant bankruptcies; property damage due to events such as earthquakes, hurricanes,
tornadoes, rodent, insect or disease infestations and terrorist acts; eminent domain seizures; and casualty or condemnation losses. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as
population shifts, changing tastes and values, increasing vacancies or
declining rents resulting from legal, cultural, technological, global or local economic developments and changes in tax law.
Regulatory Risk. Real estate
income and values may be adversely affected by applicable domestic and foreign laws (including tax laws). Government actions, such as tax increases, zoning law changes, reduced funding for schools, parks, garbage collection and other public services
or environmental regulations also may have a major impact on real estate income and values.
Repayment Risk. The prices of
Real Estate Company securities may drop because of the failure of borrowers to repay their loans, poor management, or the inability to obtain financing either on favorable terms or at all. If the properties in which Real Estate Companies invest do
not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including, where applicable, debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements, third-party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability of the Real
Estate Companies to make payments of interest and principal on their loans will be adversely affected.
U.S. Tax Risk. Certain U.S.
Real Estate Companies are subject to special U.S. federal tax requirements. A REIT that fails to comply with such tax requirements may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation, which may affect the value of the REIT and the characterization of the
REIT's distributions. The U.S. federal tax requirement that a REIT distributes substantially all of its net income to its shareholders may result in the REIT having insufficient capital for future expenditures. A REIT that successfully maintains its
qualification may still become subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes, including excise, penalty, franchise, payroll, mortgage recording, and transfer taxes, both directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries.
Risk of Investing in Developed Countries. Investment in developed country issuers may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with developed countries. Developed
countries generally tend to rely on services sectors (e.g., the financial services sector) as the primary means of economic growth. A prolonged
slowdown in one or more services sectors is likely to have a negative impact on economies of certain developed countries, although economies of individual developed countries can be impacted by slowdowns in other sectors. In the past, certain
developed countries have been targets of terrorism, and some geographic areas in which the Fund invests have experienced strained international relations due to territorial disputes, historical animosities, defense concerns and other security
concerns. These situations may cause uncertainty in the financial markets in these countries or geographic areas and may adversely affect the performance of the issuers to which the Fund has exposure. Heavy regulation of certain markets, including
labor and product markets, may have an adverse effect on certain issuers. Such regulations may negatively affect economic growth or cause prolonged periods of recession. Many developed countries are heavily indebted and face rising healthcare and
retirement expenses. In addition, price fluctuations of certain commodities and regulations impacting the import of commodities may negatively affect developed country economies.
Technology Sector Risk. Technology companies, including information technology companies, face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on a company’s profit margins. Technology
companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of technology companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments, frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in
growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the technology sector are heavily dependent on patent and other intellectual property rights. A technology company’s loss or impairment of these rights may
adversely affect the company’s profitability. The technology sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors.
Threshold/Underinvestment Risk.
If certain aggregate and/or fund-level ownership thresholds are reached through transactions undertaken by BFA, its affiliates or the Fund, or as a result of third-party transactions or actions by an issuer or regulator, the ability of BFA and its
affiliates on behalf of clients (including the Fund) to purchase or dispose of investments, or exercise rights or undertake business transactions, may be restricted by regulation or otherwise impaired. The capacity of the Fund to make investments in
certain securities may be affected by the relevant threshold limits, and such limitations may have adverse effects on the liquidity and performance of the Fund’s portfolio holdings compared to the performance of the Underlying Index. This
may increase the risk of the Fund being underinvested to the Underlying Index and increase the risk of tracking error.
For example, in certain circumstances where the Fund invests in
securities issued by companies that operate in certain regulated industries or in certain emerging or international markets, or is subject to corporate or regulatory ownership restrictions, or invests in certain futures or other derivative
transactions, there may be limits on the aggregate and/or fund-level amount invested or voted by BFA and its affiliates for their proprietary accounts and for client accounts (including the Fund) that may not be exceeded without the grant of a
license or other regulatory or corporate consent or, if exceeded, may cause BFA and its affiliates, the Fund or other client accounts to suffer disadvantages or business restrictions.
Portfolio Holdings Information
A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with
respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The top holdings of the Fund can be found at www.iShares.com. Fund fact sheets provide information
regarding the Fund's top holdings and may be requested by calling 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737).
Management
Investment Adviser. As
investment adviser, BFA has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of the Fund. BFA provides an investment program for the Fund and manages the investment of the Fund’s assets. In managing the Fund, BFA may draw
upon the research and expertise of its asset management
affiliates with respect to certain portfolio securities. In seeking to achieve
the Fund's investment objective, BFA uses teams of portfolio managers, investment strategists and other investment specialists. This team approach brings together many disciplines and leverages BFA’s extensive resources.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between BFA and
the Trust (entered into on behalf of the Fund), BFA is responsible for substantially all expenses of the Fund, except the management fees, interest expenses, taxes, expenses incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio
securities and the execution of portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions, distribution fees or expenses, litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses (as determined by a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested
persons” of the Trust).
For its investment advisory services to the
Fund, BFA will be paid a management fee from the Fund based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, at the annual rate of 0.10%. BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees in an amount equal to the
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates through the termination date of the Fund. The contractual waiver may be terminated prior to the Fund's termination only
upon the written agreement of the Trust and BFA. In addition, BFA may from time to time voluntarily waive and/or reimburse fees or expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any).
Any such voluntary waiver or reimbursement may be eliminated by BFA at any time.
BFA is located at 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.
It is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock. As of June 30, 2019, BFA and its affiliates provided investment advisory services for assets in excess of $6.84 trillion. BFA and its affiliates trade and invest for their own accounts in the
actual securities and types of securities in which the Fund may also invest, which may affect the price of such securities.
A discussion regarding the basis for the approval by the Board
of the Investment Advisory Agreement with BFA will be available in the Fund's annual report for the period ending October 31, 2019.
Portfolio Managers. James Mauro
and Scott Radell are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Each Portfolio Manager is responsible for various functions related to portfolio management, including, but not limited to, investing cash inflows, coordinating
with members of his portfolio management team to focus on certain asset classes, implementing investment strategy, researching and reviewing investment strategy and overseeing members of his portfolio management team that have more limited
responsibilities.
James Mauro has been employed by
BFA or its affiliates as a portfolio manager since 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Mauro was a Vice President at State Street Global Advisors. Mr. Mauro has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception.
Scott Radell has been employed by BFA or its affiliates as a
portfolio manager since 2004. Mr. Radell was a credit strategist from 2003 to 2004 and became a portfolio manager at Barclays Global Fund Advisors in 2004. Mr. Radell has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception.
The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the
Portfolio Managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers' ownership (if any) of shares in the Fund.
Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent. State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) is the administrator, custodian and transfer agent for the Fund.
Conflicts of Interest. The investment activities of BFA and its affiliates (including BlackRock and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Affiliates”)), The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (which, through a subsidiary, has a
significant economic interest in BlackRock) and its subsidiaries (each with The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., an “Entity” and collectively, the “Entities”), and their respective
directors, officers or employees, in the management of, or their interest in, their own accounts and other accounts they manage, may present conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Fund and its shareholders. BFA, its Affiliates and the
Entities provide investment management services to other funds and discretionary managed accounts that may follow investment programs similar to that of the Fund. BFA, its Affiliates and the Entities are involved worldwide with a broad spectrum of
financial services and asset management activities and may engage in the ordinary course of business in activities in which their interests or the interests of their clients may conflict with those of the Fund. BFA or one or more Affiliates or
Entities act, or may act, as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor, financier, underwriter, adviser, market maker, trader, prime broker, lender, index provider,
agent and/or principal, and have other direct and indirect interests in securities, currencies, commodities, derivatives and other instruments in which the Fund may directly or indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Fund will have multiple
business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or obtain services from, entities for which an Affiliate or an Entity performs or seeks to perform investment banking or other
services. Specifically, the Fund may invest in securities of, or engage in other transactions with, companies with which an Affiliate or an Entity has developed or is trying to develop investment banking relationships or in which an Affiliate or an
Entity has significant debt or equity investments or other interests. The Fund may also invest in issuances (such as structured notes) by entities for which an Affiliate or an Entity provides and is compensated for cash management services relating
to the proceeds from the sale of such issuances. The Fund also may invest in securities of, or engage in other transactions with, companies for which an Affiliate or an Entity provides or may in the future provide research coverage. An Affiliate or
an Entity may have business relationships with, and purchase or distribute or sell services or products from or to, distributors, consultants or others who recommend the Fund or who engage in transactions with or for the Fund, and may receive
compensation for such services. The Fund may also make brokerage and other payments to Entities in connection with the Fund's portfolio investment transactions. BFA or one or more Affiliates or Entities may engage in proprietary trading and advise
accounts and funds that have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund and/or that engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and other instruments as the Fund. This may include transactions in
securities issued by other
open-end and closed-end investment companies (which may include investment
companies that are affiliated with the Fund and BFA, to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)). The trading activities of BFA and these Affiliates or Entities are carried out without
reference to positions held directly or indirectly by the Fund and may result in BFA or an Affiliate or an Entity having positions in certain securities that are senior or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities
that are owned by the Fund.
Neither BlackRock nor any
Affiliate is under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result, an Affiliate may compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities. The results of the Fund's investment activities,
therefore, may differ from those of an Affiliate and of other accounts managed by an Affiliate, and it is possible that the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which one or more Affiliates and other accounts achieve profits on their trading
for proprietary or other accounts. The opposite result is also possible.
In addition, the Fund may, from time to time, enter into
transactions in which BFA or an Affiliate or an Entity or its or their directors, officers or employees or other clients have an adverse interest. Furthermore, transactions undertaken by clients advised or managed by BFA, its Affiliates or
Entities may adversely impact the Fund. Transactions by one or more clients or by BFA, its Affiliates or Entities or their directors, officers or employees, may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or
investment strategies of the Fund.
The Fund's activities
may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to BFA, one or more Affiliates or Entities and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions.
Under a securities lending program approved
by the Board, the Fund has retained BTC, an Affiliate of BFA, to serve as the securities lending agent for the Fund to the extent that the Fund participates in the securities lending program. For these services, the securities lending agent will
receive a fee from the Fund, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Fund’s investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In addition, one or more Affiliates or Entities may be among the entities to which
the Fund may lend its portfolio securities under the securities lending program.
The activities of BFA, its Affiliates and Entities and their
respective directors, officers or employees, may give rise to other conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Fund and its shareholders. BFA has adopted policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts of interest. See
the SAI for further information.
Shareholder
Information
Additional shareholder information, including
how to buy and sell shares of the Fund, is available free of charge by calling toll-free: 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737) or visiting our website at www.iShares.com.
Buying and Selling Shares.
Shares of the Fund may be acquired or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof, as discussed in the Creations and Redemptions section of this Prospectus. Only an Authorized Participant (as defined
in the Creations and Redemptions
section below) may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. Once created, shares of the Fund generally trade in the secondary market in amounts less than a Creation Unit.
Shares of the Fund are listed on a national
securities exchange for trading during the trading day. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like shares of other publicly-traded companies. The Trust does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the Fund purchased on an
exchange or otherwise in the secondary market. The Fund's shares trade under the ticker symbol “IBDU.”
Buying or selling Fund shares on an exchange or other secondary
market involves two types of costs that may apply to all securities transactions. When buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker, you may incur a brokerage commission and other charges. The commission is frequently a fixed amount and may
be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell small amounts of shares. In addition, you may incur the cost of the “spread,” that is, any difference between the bid price and the ask price. The spread varies over
time for shares of the Fund based on the Fund’s trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund has high trading volume and market liquidity, and higher if the Fund has little trading volume and market liquidity (which
is often the case for funds that are newly launched or small in size). The Fund's spread may also be impacted by the liquidity or illiquidity of the underlying securities held by the Fund, particularly for newly launched or smaller funds or in
instances of significant volatility of the underlying securities.
The Board has adopted a policy of not monitoring for frequent
purchases and redemptions of Fund shares (“frequent trading”) that appear to attempt to take advantage of a potential arbitrage opportunity presented by a lag between a change in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities after
the close of the primary markets for the Fund’s portfolio securities and the reflection of that change in the Fund’s NAV (“market timing”), because the Fund sells and redeems its shares directly through transactions that are
in-kind and/or for cash, subject to the conditions described below under Creations and Redemptions. The Board has not adopted a policy of monitoring for other frequent trading activity because shares of the
Fund are listed for trading on a national securities exchange.
The national securities exchange on which the
Fund's shares are listed is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays (or the days on which they are observed): New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Fund’s primary listing exchange is NYSE Arca.
Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by
investment companies, including foreign investment companies, in the securities of other investment companies. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain
terms and conditions set forth in SEC rules or in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust. In order for a registered investment company to invest in shares of the Fund beyond the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) pursuant to the exemptive relief
obtained by the Trust, the registered investment company must enter into an agreement with the Trust. Foreign
investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund only up to the limits
set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to any applicable SEC no-action relief.
Book Entry. Shares of the Fund
are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of, and holds legal title to, all outstanding shares of the Fund.
Investors owning shares of the Fund are beneficial owners as
shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for shares of the Fund. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that
directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a
registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book-entry
or “street name” form.
Share Prices. The trading prices of the Fund’s shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Fund’s daily NAV and are affected by market forces such as the supply of and demand for ETF shares and underlying
securities held by the Fund, economic conditions and other factors. Information regarding the intraday value of shares of the Fund, also known as the “indicative optimized portfolio value” (“IOPV”), is disseminated every 15
seconds throughout each trading day by the national securities exchange on which the Fund's shares are listed or by market data vendors or other information providers. The IOPV is based on the current market value of the securities or other assets
and/or cash required to be deposited in exchange for a Creation Unit. The IOPV does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of the current portfolio of securities or other assets held by the Fund at a particular point in time or the best
possible valuation of the current portfolio. Therefore, the IOPV should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the Fund's NAV, which is computed only once a day. The IOPV is generally determined by using both current market quotations
and price quotations obtained from broker-dealers and other market intermediaries that may trade in the portfolio securities or other assets held by the Fund. The quotations of certain Fund holdings may not be updated during U.S. trading hours if
such holdings do not trade in the U.S. The Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the IOPV and makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy.
Determination of Net Asset Value. The NAV of the Fund normally is determined once daily Monday through Friday, generally as of the regularly scheduled close of business of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time) on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, based on prices at the time of closing, provided that (i) any Fund assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more data service providers and (ii) U.S. fixed-income assets may be valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments in a particular market or exchange. The
NAV of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less
total liabilities) by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund,
generally rounded to the nearest cent.
The value of the
securities and other assets and liabilities held by the Fund are determined pursuant to valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board.
The Fund values fixed-income portfolio securities using last
available bid prices or current market quotations provided by dealers or prices (including evaluated prices) supplied by the Fund's approved independent third-party pricing services, each in accordance with valuation policies and procedures approved
by the Board. Pricing services may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round
lot size, but the Fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller odd lot sizes. Odd lots often trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. An amortized cost method of valuation may be used with respect to debt obligations with
sixty days or less remaining to maturity unless BFA determines in good faith that such method does not represent fair value.
Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities, U.S. government
securities, money market instruments and certain fixed-income securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the NAV of the Fund are
determined as of such times.
When market quotations are
not readily available or are believed by BFA to be unreliable, the Fund’s investments are valued at fair value. Fair value determinations are made by BFA in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Board. BFA may conclude that a
market quotation is not readily available or is unreliable if a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source due to its lack of trading or other reasons, if a market quotation differs significantly from recent price quotations
or otherwise no longer appears to reflect fair value, where the security or other asset or liability is thinly traded, when there is a significant event subsequent to the most recent market quotation, or if the trading market on which a security is
listed is suspended or closed and no appropriate alternative trading market is available. A “significant event” is deemed to occur if BFA determines, in its reasonable business judgment prior to or at the time of pricing the Fund’s
assets or liabilities, that the event is likely to cause a material change to the closing market price of one or more assets or liabilities held by the Fund. Non-U.S. securities whose values are affected by volatility that occurs in the local
markets or in related or highly correlated assets (e.g., American Depositary Receipts, Global Depositary Receipts or substantially identical ETFs) on a trading day after the close of non-U.S. securities markets may be fair valued.
Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value
of an asset or liability. The fair value of an asset or liability held by the Fund is the amount the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset or the cost to extinguish that liability in an arm’s-length
transaction. Valuing the Fund’s investments using fair value pricing will result in prices that may differ from current market valuations and that may not be the prices at which those investments could have been sold during the period in which
the particular fair values were used. Use of fair value prices and certain current market valuations could result in a difference between the
prices used to calculate the Fund’s NAV and the prices used by the
Underlying Index, which, in turn, could result in a difference between the Fund’s performance and the performance of the Underlying Index.
Dividends and Distributions
General Policies. Dividends
from net investment income, if any, generally are declared and paid at least once a year by the Fund. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make distributions on a more
frequent basis for the Fund. The Trust reserves the right to declare special distributions if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve its status as a regulated investment company or to avoid imposition of
income or excise taxes on undistributed income or realized gains.
Dividends and other distributions on shares of the Fund are
distributed on a pro rata basis to beneficial owners of such shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners then of record with proceeds received
from the Fund.
Dividend Reinvestment Service. No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Trust. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Fund for reinvestment of their dividend
distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If
this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.
Taxes. As with any investment,
you should consider how your investment in shares of the Fund will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information, based on current law. There is no guarantee that shares of the Fund will receive certain
regulatory or accounting treatment. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares of the Fund.
Unless your investment in Fund shares is made through a
tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA, in which case your distributions generally will be taxable when withdrawn, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when the Fund makes distributions or you sell Fund
shares.
Taxes on Distributions. Distributions from the Fund’s net investment income, including distributions of income from securities lending and distributions out of the Fund's net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as
ordinary income. The Fund's distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the shares. Long-term capital gains are
eligible for taxation at a maximum rate of 15% or 20% for non-corporate shareholders, depending on whether their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Distributions from the Fund are subject to a 3.8% U.S. federal Medicare contribution tax on
“net investment income,” for individuals with incomes exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) and of estates and trusts. In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax for the
year when they are paid. Certain distributions paid in January, however, may
be treated as paid on December 31 of the prior year.
You
may lose the ability to use foreign tax credits passed through by the Fund if your Fund shares are loaned out pursuant to a securities lending agreement.
If the Fund's distributions exceed current and accumulated
earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made in the taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s minimum distribution requirements, but not in excess of
the Fund’s earnings and profits, will be taxable to shareholders and will not constitute nontaxable returns of capital. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce the shareholder's cost basis and will result
in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold. Once a shareholder's cost basis is reduced to zero, further distributions will be treated as capital gain, if the shareholder holds
shares of the Fund as capital assets.
Dividends, interest
and capital gains earned by the Fund with respect to securities issued by non-U.S. issuers may give rise to withholding, capital gains and other taxes imposed by non-U.S. countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the total assets of the Fund at the close of a year consists of non-U.S. stocks or securities (generally, for this purpose, depositary receipts, no matter where traded, of non-U.S. companies are treated
as “non-U.S.”), generally the Fund may “pass through” to you certain non-U.S. income taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund. This means that you would be considered to have received as an additional dividend
your share of such non-U.S. taxes, but you may be entitled to either a corresponding tax deduction in calculating your taxable income, or, subject to certain limitations, a credit in calculating your U.S. federal income tax.
For purposes of foreign tax credits for U.S. shareholders of
the Fund, foreign capital gains taxes may not produce associated foreign source income, limiting the availability of such credits for U.S. persons.
If you are neither a resident nor a citizen of the U.S. or if
you are a non-U.S. entity (other than a pass-through entity to the extent owned by U.S. persons), the Fund’s ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S.
federal withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies provided that withholding tax will generally not apply to any gain or income realized by a non-U.S. shareholder in respect of any distributions of long-term capital gains or upon the sale
or other disposition of shares of the Fund.
Separately, a
30% withholding tax is currently imposed on U.S.-source dividends, interest and other income items paid to (i) foreign financial institutions, including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the U.S. Internal
Revenue Service (“IRS”) information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain other foreign entities, unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid
withholding, foreign financial institutions will need to (i) enter into agreements with the IRS that state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, addresses and taxpayer
identification numbers of direct and indirect U.S. account holders; comply
with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts; report to the IRS certain information with respect to U.S. accounts maintained, agree to withhold tax on certain payments made to non-compliant foreign financial
institutions or to account holders who fail to provide the required information; and determine certain other information concerning their account holders, or (ii) in the event that an applicable intergovernmental agreement and implementing
legislation are adopted, provide local revenue authorities with similar account holder information. Other foreign entities may need to report the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner or provide
certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply.
If you are a resident or a citizen of the U.S., by law, backup
withholding at a 24% rate will apply to your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number and made other required certifications.
Taxes When Shares are Sold.
Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares is generally treated as a long-term gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares held for one
year or less is generally treated as short-term gain or loss, except that any capital loss on the sale of shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to
such shares. Any such capital gains, including from sales of Fund shares or from capital gain dividends, are included in “net investment income” for purposes of the 3.8% U.S. federal Medicare contribution tax mentioned
above.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of
the consequences under current U.S. federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. You may also be subject to state and local taxation on Fund distributions and sales of shares. Consult your personal
tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in shares of the Fund under all applicable tax laws.
Creations and Redemptions. Prior to trading in the secondary market, shares of the Fund are “created” at NAV by market makers, large investors and institutions only in block-size Creation Units of 50,000 shares or multiples thereof.
Each “creator” or authorized participant (an “Authorized Participant”) has entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor, BlackRock Investments, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of BFA.
A creation transaction, which is subject to acceptance
by the Distributor and the Fund, generally takes place when an Authorized Participant deposits into the Fund a designated portfolio of securities (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted) and a specified amount of
cash approximating the holdings of the Fund in exchange for a specified number of Creation Units. To the extent practicable, the composition of such portfolio generally corresponds pro rata to the holdings of
the Fund. However, creation baskets will generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the Fund. The Fund may, in certain circumstances, offer Creation Units partially or solely for cash.
Similarly, shares can be redeemed only in Creation Units,
generally for a designated portfolio of securities (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted) held by the Fund and a specified amount of cash. Except when aggregated in Creation
Units, shares are not redeemable by the Fund.
The
prices at which creations and redemptions occur are based on the next calculation of NAV after a creation or redemption order is received in an acceptable form under the authorized participant agreement.
Only an Authorized Participant may create or redeem Creation
Units with the Fund. Authorized Participants may create or redeem Creation Units for their own accounts or for customers, including, without limitation, affiliates of the Fund.
In the event of a system failure or other interruption,
including disruptions at market makers or Authorized Participants, orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units either may not be executed according to the Fund's instructions or may not be executed at all, or the Fund may not be able to place or
change orders.
To the extent the Fund engages in in-kind
transactions, the Fund intends to comply with the U.S. federal securities laws in accepting securities for deposit and satisfying redemptions with redemption securities by, among other means, assuring that any securities accepted for deposit and any
securities used to satisfy redemption requests will be sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is
defined in Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, will not be able to receive restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
Creations and redemptions must be made through a firm that is
either a member of the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or a DTC participant that has executed an agreement with the Distributor with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Unit aggregations.
Information about the procedures regarding creation and redemption of Creation Units (including the cut-off times for receipt of creation and redemption orders) is included in the Fund's SAI.
Because new shares may be created and issued on an ongoing
basis, at any point during the life of the Fund a “distribution,” as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may be occurring. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the
circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner that could render them statutory underwriters subject to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act. Any determination of whether one is an
underwriter must take into account all the relevant facts and circumstances of each particular case.
Broker-dealers should also note that dealers who are not
“underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary transactions), and thus dealing with shares that are part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the
1933 Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the 1933 Act is
available only with respect to transactions on a national securities exchange.
Costs Associated with Creations and Redemptions. Authorized Participants are charged standard creation and redemption transaction fees to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units. The standard creation
and redemption transaction fees are set forth in the table below. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number
of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Similarly, the standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit, and
is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by the Authorized Participant on the applicable business day. Creations and redemptions for cash (when cash creations and redemptions (in whole or in part) are available or specified)
are also subject to an additional charge (up to the maximum amounts shown in the table below). This charge is intended to compensate for brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, price movement and other costs and expenses related to cash
transactions (which may, in certain instances, be based on a good faith estimate of transaction costs). Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to acquire or dispose of Fund shares may pay fees for such
services.
The following table shows, as of September
16, 2019, the approximate value of one Creation Unit, standard fees and maximum additional charges for creations and redemptions (as described above and in the Fund's SAI):
Approximate
Value of a
Creation Unit
|
|
Creation
Unit Size
|
|
Standard
Creation/
Redemption
Transaction Fee
|
|
Maximum
Additional
Charge for
Creations*
|
|
Maximum
Additional
Charge for
Redemptions*
|
$1,250,000
|
|
50,000
|
|
$350
|
|
3.0%
|
|
2.0%
|
*
|
As a percentage of the net
asset value per Creation Unit, inclusive, in the case of redemptions, of the standard redemption transaction fee.
|
Householding. Householding is
an option available to certain Fund investors. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same
address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Please contact your broker-dealer if you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, or if you are
currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status.
Distribution
The Distributor or its agent distributes Creation Units for the
Fund on an agency basis. The Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in shares of the Fund. The Distributor has no role in determining the policies of the Fund or the securities that are purchased or sold by the Fund. The
Distributor’s principal address is 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540.
BFA or its affiliates make payments to broker-dealers,
registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (together, “intermediaries”) related to marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and
reporting systems, data provision services, or their making shares of the Fund and certain other iShares funds available to their customers generally and in certain investment programs. Such payments, which may be significant to the intermediary,
are not made by the Fund. Rather, such payments are made by BFA or its affiliates from their own resources, which come directly or indirectly in part from fees paid by the iShares funds complex. Payments of this type are sometimes referred to as
revenue-sharing payments. A financial intermediary may make decisions about which investment options it recommends or makes available, or the level of services provided, to its customers based on the payments or other financial incentives it is
eligible to receive. Therefore, such payments or other financial incentives offered or made to an intermediary create conflicts of interest between the intermediary and its customers and may cause the intermediary to recommend the Fund or other
iShares funds over another investment. More information regarding these payments is contained in the Fund's SAI. Please contact your salesperson or other investment professional for more information regarding any such
payments his or her firm may receive from BFA or its affiliates.
Financial Highlights
Financial highlights for the Fund are not available because, as
of the effective date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not commenced operations and therefore has no financial highlights to report.
Index Provider
The Underlying Index is maintained by Bloomberg. Bloomberg is
not affiliated with the Trust, BFA, State Street, the Distributor or any of their respective affiliates.
BFA or its affiliates have entered into a license agreement
with the Index Provider to use the Underlying Index.
Disclaimers
BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. BARCLAYS® is a trademark and service mark of Barclays Bank PLC, used under license. Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index
Services Limited (“BISL”) (collectively, “Bloomberg”), or Bloomberg’s licensors own all proprietary rights in the Underlying Index.
Neither Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays Capital Inc., nor any
affiliate (collectively, “Barclays”) nor Bloomberg is the issuer or producer of the Fund and neither Bloomberg nor Barclays has any responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in the Fund. The Underlying Index is licensed for
use by BFA or its affiliates as the issuer of the Fund (the “Issuer”). The only relationship of Bloomberg and Barclays with the Issuer in respect of the Underlying Index is the licensing of the Underlying Index, which is determined,
composed and calculated by BISL, or any successor thereto, without regard to the Issuer or the Fund or the owners of the Fund.
Additionally, BFA or its affiliates of the Fund may for itself
execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Underlying Index in connection with the Fund. Investors acquire the Fund from BFA or its affiliates and investors neither acquire any interest in the Underlying Index nor enter into any
relationship of any kind whatsoever with Bloomberg or Barclays upon making an investment in the Fund. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Bloomberg or Barclays. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays makes any representation or
warranty, express or implied, regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund or the advisability of investing in securities generally or the ability of the Underlying Index to track corresponding or relative market performance. Neither
Bloomberg nor Barclays has passed on the legality or suitability of the Fund with respect to any person or entity. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays is responsible for or has participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities
of the Fund to be issued. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays has any obligation to take the needs of the Issuer or the owners of the Fund or any other third party into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Underlying Index. Neither
Bloomberg nor Barclays has any obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.
The licensing agreement between Bloomberg and Barclays is solely
for the benefit of Bloomberg and Barclays and not for the benefit of the owners of the Fund, investors or other third parties. In addition, the licensing agreement
between BFA and Bloomberg is solely for the benefit of BFA and Bloomberg and not
for the benefit of the owners of the Fund, investors or other third parties.
NEITHER BLOOMBERG NOR BARCLAYS SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO THE
ISSUER, INVESTORS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX. NEITHER BLOOMBERG NOR BARCLAYS MAKES ANY
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ISSUER, THE INVESTORS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NEITHER BLOOMBERG NOR BARCLAYS MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND EACH HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. BLOOMBERG RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE METHODS OF
CALCULATION OR PUBLICATION, OR TO CEASE THE CALCULATION OR PUBLICATION OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX, AND NEITHER BLOOMBERG NOR BARCLAYS SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY MISCALCULATION OF OR ANY INCORRECT, DELAYED OR INTERRUPTED PUBLICATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY OF
THE UNDERLYING INDEXES. NEITHER BLOOMBERG NOR BARCLAYS SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOST PROFITS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, RESULTING
FROM THE USE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
None of the information supplied by Bloomberg or Barclays and
used in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of both Bloomberg and Barclays Capital, the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England No. 1026167,
registered office 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP.
Shares of the Fund are not sponsored, endorsed
or promoted by NYSE Arca. NYSE Arca makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of shares of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the ability of the Fund to track the total return performance of the Underlying
Index or the ability of the Underlying Index to track stock market performance. NYSE Arca is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of the compilation or the calculation of the Underlying Index, nor in the determination
of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of shares of the Fund to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. NYSE Arca has no obligation or liability to owners of shares of the Fund in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the shares of the Fund.
NYSE Arca does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness
of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. NYSE Arca makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust on behalf of the
Fund as licensee, licensee’s customers and counterparties, owners of
shares of the Fund, or any other person or entity from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use.
NYSE Arca makes no express or implied
warranties and hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall NYSE Arca
have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
The past performance of the Underlying Index is not a guide to
future performance. BFA and its affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the Underlying Index or any data included therein and BFA and its affiliates shall have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein.
BFA and its affiliates make no warranty, express or implied, to the owners of shares of the Fund or to any other person or entity, as to results to be obtained by the Fund from the use of the Underlying Index or any data included therein. Without
limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall BFA or its affiliates have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such
damages.
Want to know more?
iShares.com
| 1-800-474-2737
Copies of the Prospectus, SAI and other information can be
found on our website at www.iShares.com. For more information about the Fund, you may request a copy of the SAI. The SAI provides detailed information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This means that the SAI, for
legal purposes, is a part of this Prospectus.
If you have
any questions about the Trust or shares of the Fund or you wish to obtain the SAI free of charge, please:
Call:
|
1-800-iShares
or 1-800-474-2737 (toll free)
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
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Email:
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iSharesETFs@blackrock.com
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Write:
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c/o
BlackRock Investments, LLC
1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540
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Reports and other information about the Fund are available on
the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representations about the Fund and its shares not contained in this Prospectus and you should not rely on any other information. Read and keep this Prospectus for future reference.
©2019 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. iSHARES®,
iBONDS® and BLACKROCK® are registered trademarks of BFA and its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their
respective owners.
Investment Company Act File No.:
811-09729
iShares® Trust
Statement of Additional Information
Dated September 16, 2019
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)
is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus (the “Prospectus”) for the following series of iShares Trust (the “Trust”):
Fund
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Ticker
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Listing
Exchange
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iShares
iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF1 (the “Fund”)
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IBDU
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NYSE
Arca
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1
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The iShares iBonds Dec 2029
Term Corporate ETF may also conduct business as the iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF.
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The Prospectus for the Fund is dated
September 16, 2019, as amended and supplemented from time to time. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by
writing to the Trust’s distributor, BlackRock Investments, LLC (the “Distributor” or “BRIL”), 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, calling 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737) or visiting www.iShares.com. The Fund's Prospectus is incorporated by reference into this SAI.
References to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the “Investment Company Act” or the “1940 Act”), or other applicable law, will include any rules promulgated thereunder and any guidance, interpretations or modifications by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”), SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, including court interpretations, and exemptive, no action or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
iShares® , iBonds® and BlackRock® are registered trademarks of BlackRock Fund Advisors and its affiliates.
General Description of the Trust and the Fund
The Trust currently consists of more than
280 investment series or portfolios. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on December 16, 1999 and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios. The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered with the SEC
under the 1940 Act. The offering of the Trust’s shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). This SAI relates solely to the Fund.
The Fund is managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors
(“BFA”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., and generally seeks to track the investment results of the specific benchmark index identified in the Fund's Prospectus (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund is a
term fund that will terminate on or about December 15, 2029, at which time it will distribute its remaining net assets to shareholders pursuant to a plan of liquidation.
The Fund offers and issues shares at their
net asset value per share (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of shares (each, a “Creation Unit”), generally in exchange for a designated portfolio of securities (including any portion of such securities for
which cash may be substituted) included in its Underlying Index (the “Deposit Securities”), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the “Cash Component”). Shares of the Fund are listed and trade on NYSE Arca,
Inc. (“NYSE Arca”), a national securities exchange. Shares of the Fund are traded in the secondary market and elsewhere at market prices that may be at, above or below the Fund's NAV. Shares are redeemable only in Creation Units by
Authorized Participants (as defined in the Portfolio Holdings Information section of this SAI), and, generally, in exchange for portfolio securities and a Cash Amount (as defined in the Redemption of Creation Units section of this SAI). Creation Units typically are a specified number of shares, generally 50,000 or multiples thereof.
The Trust reserves the right to permit or require that
creations and redemptions of shares are effected fully or partially in cash and reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of cash. Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities, subject
to various conditions, including a requirement that the Authorized Participant maintain with the Trust a cash deposit equal to at least 105% and up to 122%, which percentage BFA may change from time to time, of the market value of the omitted
Deposit Securities. The Trust may use such cash deposit at any time to purchase Deposit Securities. See the Creation and Redemption of Creation Units section of this SAI. Transaction fees and other costs
associated with creations or redemptions that include a cash portion may be higher than the transaction fees and other costs associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. In all cases, conditions with respect to creations and redemptions of
shares and fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of SEC rules and regulations applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities.
Exchange Listing and Trading
A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters
associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Shareholder Information section of the Fund's Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, that section of
the Prospectus.
Shares of the Fund are listed for
trading, and trade throughout the day, on the Listing Exchange and in other secondary markets. Shares of the Fund may also be listed on certain non-U.S. exchanges. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Listing Exchange necessary to
maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Listing Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if, among other things: (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the
commencement of trading of Fund shares, there are fewer than 50 record and/or beneficial owners of shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days, (ii) the value of the Underlying Index on which the Fund is based is no longer calculated
or available, or (iii) any other event shall occur or condition shall exist that, in the opinion of the Listing Exchange, makes further dealings on the Listing Exchange inadvisable. The Listing Exchange will also remove shares of the Fund from
listing and trading upon termination of the Fund or in the event the Fund does not comply with the continuous listing standards of the Listing Exchange, as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.
As in the case of other publicly-traded securities, when you
buy or sell shares of the Fund through a broker, you may incur a brokerage commission determined by that broker, as well as other charges.
In order to provide additional information regarding the
indicative value of shares of the Fund, the Listing Exchange or a market data vendor disseminates information every 15 seconds through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association, or through other widely disseminated means, an updated
indicative optimized portfolio value (“IOPV”) for the Fund as calculated by an information provider or market data vendor. The Trust is not involved in or responsible for any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IOPV and
makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the IOPV.
An IOPV has a fixed-income securities component and a cash
component. The fixed-income securities values included in an IOPV are the values of the Deposit Securities for the Fund. While the IOPV reflects the current value of the Deposit Securities required to be deposited in connection with the purchase of
a Creation Unit, it does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of the current portfolio of securities held by the Fund at a particular point in time because the current portfolio of the Fund may include securities that are not a part of
the current Deposit Securities. Therefore, the Fund’s IOPV disseminated during the Listing Exchange trading hours should not be viewed as a real-time update of the Fund’s NAV, which is calculated only once a day.
The cash component included in an IOPV consists of estimated
accrued interest, dividends and other income, less expenses. If applicable, each IOPV also reflects changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the applicable currency.
The Trust reserves the right to adjust the share prices of the
Fund in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund or an investor's equity interest in
the Fund.
Investment Strategies and Risks
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily
in both fixed-income securities that comprise the Underlying Index and in investments that provide substantially similar exposure to securities in the Underlying Index. The Fund operates as an index fund and is not actively managed. Adverse
performance of a security in the Fund’s portfolio will ordinarily not result in the elimination of the security from the Fund’s portfolio.
The Fund engages in representative sampling, which is
investing in a sample of securities selected by BFA to have a collective investment profile similar to that of the Fund's Underlying Index. Securities selected have aggregate investment characteristics (based on market capitalization and industry
weightings), fundamental characteristics (such as yield, credit rating, maturity and duration) and liquidity measures similar to those of the Fund’s Underlying Index. A fund that uses representative sampling generally does not hold all of the
securities that are in its underlying index.
Although
the Fund does not seek leveraged returns, certain instruments used by the Fund may have a leveraging effect as described below.
The Fund generally will invest at least 90% of its assets in
the component securities of the Underlying Index, except during the last months of the Fund’s operations, as described below, and may invest up to 10% of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents,
including shares of BlackRock Cash Funds, as well as in securities not included in the Underlying Index, but which BFA believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. From time to time when conditions warrant, however, the Fund may invest at
least 80% of its assets in the component securities of the Underlying Index and may invest up to 20% of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents, including shares of BlackRock Cash Funds, as well as in
securities not included in the Underlying Index, but which BFA believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index. The Fund seeks to track the investment results of its Underlying Index before fees and expenses of the Fund.
In the last months of the Fund's operation, as the bonds held
by the Fund mature, the proceeds will not be reinvested by the Fund in bonds but instead will be held in cash and cash equivalents. By December 15, 2029, the Underlying Index is expected to consist almost entirely of cash earned in this manner.
Around the same time, the Fund will wind up and terminate, and its net assets will be distributed to then-current shareholders pursuant to a plan of liquidation.
Bonds. The Fund invests
a substantial portion of its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated bonds. A bond is an interest-bearing security issued by a U.S. or non-U.S. company, or U.S. or non-U.S. governmental unit. The issuer of a bond has a contractual obligation to pay
interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the bond’s face value) periodically or on a specified maturity date. Bonds generally are used by corporations and governments to borrow money from investors.
An issuer may have the right to redeem or “call” a
bond before maturity, in which case the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower market rates. Similarly, the Fund may have to reinvest interest income or payments received when bonds mature, sometimes at lower market rates. Most bonds
bear interest income at a “coupon” rate that is fixed for the life of the bond. The value of a fixed-rate bond usually rises when market interest rates fall, and falls when market interest rates rise. Accordingly, a fixed-rate
bond’s yield (income as a percent of the bond’s current value) may differ from its coupon rate as its value rises or falls. When an investor purchases a fixed-rate bond at a price that is greater than its face value, the investor is
purchasing the bond at a premium. Conversely, when an investor purchases a fixed-rate bond at a price that is less than its face value, the investor is purchasing the bond at a discount. Fixed-rate bonds that are purchased at a discount pay less
current income than securities with comparable yields that are purchased at face value, with the result that prices for such fixed-rate securities can be more volatile than prices for such securities that are purchased at face value. Other types of
bonds bear interest at an interest rate that is adjusted periodically. Interest rates on “floating rate” or “variable rate” bonds may be higher or lower than current market rates for fixed-rate bonds of comparable quality
with similar final maturities. Because of their adjustable interest rates, the value of “floating rate” or “variable rate” bonds fluctuates much less in response to market interest rate movements than the value of fixed-rate
bonds, but their value may decline if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. The Fund may treat some of these bonds as having a shorter maturity for purposes of calculating the weighted average
maturity of its investment portfolio. Generally, prices of higher quality issues tend to fluctuate less with changes in market interest rates than prices of lower quality issues and prices of longer maturity issues tend to fluctuate more than prices
of shorter maturity issues. Bonds may be senior or subordinated obligations. Senior obligations generally have the first claim on a corporation’s earnings and assets and, in the event of liquidation, are paid before subordinated obligations.
Bonds may be unsecured (backed only by the issuer’s general creditworthiness) or secured (backed by specified collateral).
Borrowing. The Fund may
borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet payments due from redemptions or to facilitate the settlement of securities or other transactions.
The purchase of securities while borrowings are outstanding
may have the effect of leveraging the Fund. The incurrence of leverage increases the Fund’s exposure to risk, and borrowed funds are subject to interest costs that will reduce net income. Purchasing securities while borrowings are outstanding
creates special risks, such as the potential for greater volatility in the net asset value of Fund shares and in the yield on the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the interest expenses from borrowings may exceed the income generated by the
Fund’s portfolio and, therefore, the amount available (if any) for distribution to shareholders as dividends may be reduced. BFA may determine to maintain outstanding borrowings if it expects that the benefits to the Fund’s shareholders
will outweigh the current reduced return.
Certain types
of borrowings by the Fund must be made from a bank or may result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage, portfolio composition requirements and other matters. It is not anticipated that observance of
such covenants would impede BFA’s management of the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. However, a breach of any such covenants not cured within the specified cure period may result in
acceleration of outstanding indebtedness and require the Fund to dispose of portfolio investments at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
Corporate Bonds. The
Fund will invest in investment-grade corporate bonds. The investment return of corporate bonds reflects interest earned on the security and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by changes
in the market rate of interest, the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation’s performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. There is a risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their
obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument.
Diversification Status.
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified.” A non-diversified fund is a fund that is not limited by the 1940 Act with regard to the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. The
securities of a particular issuer (or securities of issuers in particular industries) may constitute a significant percentage of the underlying index of such a fund and, consequently, the fund’s investment portfolio. This may adversely affect
the fund’s performance or subject the fund’s shares to greater price volatility than that experienced by more diversified investment companies.
The Fund intends to maintain the required level of
diversification and otherwise conduct its operations so as to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) for purposes of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and to relieve
the Fund of any liability for U.S. federal income tax to the extent that its earnings are distributed to shareholders, provided that the Fund satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. Compliance with the
diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may limit the
investment flexibility of the Fund and may make it less likely that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
Lending Portfolio Securities.
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to certain borrowers that BFA determines to be creditworthy, including borrowers affiliated with BFA. The borrowers provide collateral that is maintained in an amount at least equal to the current market
value of the securities loaned. No securities loan shall be made on behalf of the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate value of all securities loaned by the Fund exceeds one-third of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of the
collateral received). The Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities loaned. The Fund receives, by way of substitute payment, the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned
securities that it would have received if the securities were not on loan.
With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the
borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. The Fund is typically compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of
collateral other than cash, the Fund is typically compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in certain short-term instruments either directly
on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or money market funds, including those affiliated with BFA; such investments are subject to investment risk.
The Fund conducts its securities lending pursuant to an
exemptive order from the SEC permitting it to lend portfolio securities to borrowers affiliated with the Fund and to retain an affiliate of the Fund to act as securities lending agent. To the extent that the Fund engages in securities lending,
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”) acts as securities lending agent for the Fund, subject to the overall supervision of BFA. BTC administers the lending program in accordance with guidelines approved by the Trust's Board
of Trustees (the “Board,” the trustees of which are the “Trustees”).
Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks,
including operational risk (i.e., the risk of losses resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process), “gap” risk (i.e., the risk of a
mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), and credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. If a securities lending counterparty were to default, the Fund would be subject to the
risk of a possible delay in receiving collateral or in recovering the loaned securities, or to a possible loss of rights in the collateral. In the event a borrower does not return the Fund’s securities as agreed, the Fund may experience losses
if the proceeds received from liquidating the collateral do not at least equal the value of the loaned security at the time the collateral is liquidated, plus the transaction costs incurred in purchasing replacement securities. This event could
trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. The Fund could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan. Substitute payments received by the Fund representing dividends paid on securities
loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income. BTC will take into account the tax effects on shareholders caused by this difference in connection with the Fund’s securities lending program. Substitute payments
received on tax-exempt securities loaned out will not be tax-exempt income.
Liquidity Risk Management. Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act (the “Liquidity Rule”) requires open-end funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) such as the Fund, to establish a liquidity risk
management program (the “Liquidity Program”) and enhance disclosures regarding fund liquidity. As required by the Liquidity Rule, the Fund has implemented a Liquidity Program, and the Board, including a majority of the Independent
Trustees of the Fund, has appointed BFA as the administrator of the Liquidity Program. Under the Liquidity Program, BFA assesses, manages, and periodically reviews the Fund’s liquidity risk and classifies each investment held by the Fund as a
“highly liquid investment,” “moderately liquid investment,” “less liquid investment” or “illiquid investment.” The
Liquidity Rule defines “liquidity risk” as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interest in the Fund. The liquidity of the
Fund's portfolio investments is determined based on relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations under the Liquidity Program. There are exclusions from certain portions of the liquidity risk management program requirements for
“in-kind” ETFs, as defined in the Liquidity Rule. To the extent that an investment is deemed to be an illiquid investment or a less liquid investment, the Fund can expect to be exposed to greater liquidity risk.
Non-U.S. Securities. The
Fund may invest in certain obligations or securities of non-U.S. issuers. An issuer of a security may be deemed to be located in a particular country if: (i) the principal trading market for the security is in such country, (ii) the issuer is
organized under the laws of such country, (iii) the issuer derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from such country or has at least 50% of its assets situated in such country or, (iv) the issuer is the government of the particular
country.
Privately-Issued Securities.
The Fund may invest in privately-issued securities, including those that may be resold only in accordance with Rule 144A or Regulation S under the 1933 Act (“Restricted Securities”). Restricted Securities are not publicly-traded
and are subject to a variety of restrictions, which limit a purchaser's ability to acquire or resell such securities. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for specific Restricted Securities may vary. Delay or difficulty in selling such
securities may result in a loss to the Fund.
Ratings. An
investment-grade rating generally means the security or issuer is rated investment-grade by one or more of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), S&P Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”), or
another credit rating agency designated as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization by the SEC, or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by BFA. Generally, bonds rated Baa3 or above by Moody’s or BBB- or above by
S&P Global Ratings and Fitch are considered “investment-grade” securities, bonds rated Baa are considered medium grade obligations subject to moderate credit risk and may possess certain speculative characteristics, while bonds rated
BBB are regarded as having adequate capacity to meet financial commitments.
Subsequent to purchase by the Fund, a rated security may cease
to be rated or its rating may be reduced below an investment-grade rating. Bonds rated lower than Baa3 by Moody’s or BBB- by S&P Global Ratings or Fitch are generally considered below investment-grade quality and are obligations of issuers
that are generally considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal according to the terms of the obligation and, therefore, carry greater investment risk, including the possibility
of issuer default and bankruptcy and increased market price volatility. Such lower-rated securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are subject to a substantial degree of credit risk. Please see Appendix B of this SAI for a
description of each rating category of Moody's, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch and BFA's treatment of investments that are not rated by any of the rating agencies.
Regulation Regarding Derivatives. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) subjects advisers to registered investment companies to regulation by the CFTC if a fund that is advised by the adviser either (i) invests, directly or
indirectly, more than a prescribed level of its liquidation value in CFTC-regulated futures, options and swaps (“CFTC Derivatives”), or (ii) markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. The CFTC also subjects
advisers to registered investment companies to regulation by the CFTC if the registered investment company invests in one or more commodity pools. To the extent the Fund uses CFTC Derivatives, it intends to do so below such prescribed levels and
intends not to market itself as a “commodity pool” or a vehicle for trading such instruments.
BFA has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term
“commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the CEA with respect to the Fund. BFA is not, therefore, subject to registration or regulation as a “commodity pool
operator” under the CEA with respect to the Fund.
Derivative contracts, including, without limitation, swaps,
currency forwards, and non-deliverable forwards, are subject to regulation under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) in the U.S. and under comparable regimes in Europe, Asia and other non-U.S.
jurisdictions. Swaps, non-deliverable forwards and certain other derivatives traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are subject to variation margin requirements, and initial margining requirements will be phased in through 2020.
Implementation of the margining and other provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act regarding clearing, mandatory trading, reporting and documentation of swaps and other derivatives have impacted and may continue to impact the costs to the Fund of trading
these instruments and, as a result, may affect returns to investors in the Fund.
As a result of regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act, the
Fund is required to maintain an amount of liquid assets, accrued on a daily basis, having an aggregate value at least equal to the value of the Fund's obligations under the applicable derivatives contract. To the extent that derivatives contracts
are settled on a physical basis, the Fund will generally be required to maintain an amount of liquid assets equal to the notional value of the contract. On the other hand, in connection with derivatives contracts that are performed on a net basis,
the Fund will generally be required to maintain liquid assets, accrued daily, equal only to the accrued excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over those of its counterparty under the contract. Accordingly, reliance by the Fund on
physically-settled derivatives contracts may adversely impact investors by requiring the Fund to set aside a greater amount of liquid assets than would generally be required if the Fund were relying on cash-settled derivatives contracts.
Repurchase Agreements. A
repurchase agreement is an instrument under which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a security and the seller agrees, at the time of the sale,
to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed-upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the purchaser’s holding period. Repurchase agreements may be construed to be
collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the securities
transferred to the purchaser. If a repurchase agreement is construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities will not be considered to be owned by the Fund but only to constitute collateral for the seller’s obligation to pay the
repurchase price, and, in the event of a default by the seller, the Fund may suffer time delays and incur costs or losses in connection with the disposition of the collateral.
In any repurchase transaction, the collateral for a repurchase
agreement may include: (i) cash items; (ii) obligations issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities; or (iii) obligations that, at the time the repurchase agreement is entered into, are determined to (A) have exceptionally
strong capacity to meet their financial obligations and (B) are sufficiently liquid such that they can be sold at approximately their carrying value in the ordinary course of business within seven days.
Repurchase agreements pose certain risks for the Fund, should
it decide to utilize them. Such risks are not unique to the Fund, but are inherent in repurchase agreements. The Fund seeks to minimize such risks, but because of the inherent legal uncertainties involved in repurchase agreements, such risks cannot
be eliminated. Lower quality collateral and collateral with a longer maturity may be subject to greater price fluctuations than higher quality collateral and collateral with a shorter maturity. If the repurchase agreement counterparty were to
default, lower quality collateral may be more difficult to liquidate than higher quality collateral. Should the counterparty default and the amount of collateral not be sufficient to cover the counterparty’s repurchase obligation, the Fund
would likely retain the status of an unsecured creditor of the counterparty (i.e., the position the Fund would normally be in if it were to hold, pursuant to its investment policies, other unsecured debt
securities of the defaulting counterparty) with respect to the amount of the shortfall. As an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the transaction.
Securities of Investment Companies. The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies (including money market funds) to the extent permitted by law, regulation, exemptive order or SEC staff guidance. Under the 1940 Act, a
fund’s investment in investment companies is limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (i) 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment
company, and (iii) 10% of the fund’s total assets with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. To the extent allowed by law or regulation, the Fund intends from time to time to invest its assets in securities of investment companies,
including, but not limited to, money market funds, including those advised by BFA or otherwise affiliated with BFA, in excess of the limits discussed above. Other investment companies in which the Fund invests can be expected to incur fees and
expenses for operations, such as investment advisory and administration fees, which would be in addition to those incurred by the Fund. Pursuant to guidance issued by the SEC staff, fees and expenses of money market funds used for cash collateral
received in connection with loans of securities are not treated as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, which reflect the Fund’s pro rata share of
the fees and expenses incurred by investing in other investment companies (as disclosed in the Prospectus, as applicable).
Short-Term Instruments and Temporary Investments. The Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that
may include, but are not limited to: (i) shares of money market funds (including those advised by BFA or otherwise affiliated with BFA); (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including
government-sponsored enterprises); (iii) negotiable certificates of deposit (“CDs”), bankers’ acceptances, fixed-time deposits and other obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. banks (including non-U.S. branches) and similar institutions;
(iv) commercial paper rated, at the date of purchase, “Prime-1” by Moody's, “F-1” by Fitch, or “A-1” by S&P Global Ratings, or if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by BFA; (v) non-convertible
corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that have been
determined to present minimal credit risks, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; (vi) repurchase agreements; and (vii) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of non-U.S. banks (including U.S.
branches) that, in the opinion of BFA, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks that may be purchased by the Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or forward-settled basis. Time deposits are non-negotiable
deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international
transactions.
U.S.-Registered and Restricted
Securities of Non-U.S. Issuers. The Fund may invest in U.S.-registered, U.S. dollar-denominated bonds of non-U.S. corporate issuers. The Fund may invest in Restricted Securities issued by non-U.S. issuers.
Investing in U.S.-registered, U.S. dollar-denominated bonds or Restricted Securities issued by non-U.S. issuers involves some risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These include differences in
accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards; the possibility of expropriation
or confiscatory taxation; adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations; political instability, which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries; and potential restrictions of the flow of international capital. Non-U.S.
issuers may be subject to less governmental regulation than U.S. issuers. In addition, the risk that the issuer may fail to meet its obligations on these securities may be affected by fluctuations in non-U.S. currency exchange rates between the
issuer's local currency and the U.S. dollar. Moreover, individual non-U.S. economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product (“GDP”), rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.
Future Developments. The
Board may, in the future, authorize the Fund to invest in securities contracts and investments other than those listed in this SAI and in the Prospectus, provided they are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and do not violate any
investment restrictions or policies.
General
Considerations and Risks
A discussion of some of the
principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Fund's Prospectus. An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with
changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of bonds in general, and other factors that affect the market. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk
factor.
Borrowing Risk.
Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of Fund shares and in the return on the Fund’s portfolio. Borrowing will cause the Fund to incur interest expense and other fees. The costs of borrowing may reduce the Fund’s
return. Borrowing may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations.
Call Risk. During
periods of falling interest rates, an issuer of a callable bond held by the Fund may “call” or repay the security before its stated maturity, and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in securities with lower yields, which would
result in a decline in the Fund's income, or in securities with greater risks or with other less favorable features.
Custody Risk. Custody
risk refers to the risks inherent in the process of clearing and settling trades and to the holding of securities, cash and other assets by local banks, agents and depositories. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in less developed markets make
trades harder to complete and settle, and governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. Local agents are held only to the standards of care of
their local markets, and thus may be subject to limited or no government oversight. Communications between the U.S. and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates. In
general, the less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the likelihood of custody problems. Practices in relation to the settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed
markets, in part because of the use of brokers and counterparties that are often less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence or undue influence being exerted
by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being lost. In addition, the laws of certain countries may put limits on the Fund’s ability
to recover its assets if a foreign bank or depository or issuer of a security or an agent of any of the foregoing goes bankrupt. The Fund would absorb any loss resulting from such custody problems and may have no successful claim for
compensation.
Illiquid Investments Risk. The Fund may invest up to an aggregate amount of 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current
market conditions in seven calendar days or less without significantly changing the market value of the investment. The liquidity of an investment will be determined based on relevant market, trading and investment specific considerations as set out
in the Liquidity Program as required by the Liquidity Rule. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount to comparable, more liquid investments and the Fund may not be able to dispose of illiquid investments in a timely fashion or at their expected
prices. If illiquid investments exceed 15% of the Fund’s net assets, the Liquidity Rule and the Liquidity Program will require that certain remedial actions be taken.
Interest Rate Risk. As
interest rates rise, the value of a fixed-income security held by the Fund is likely to decrease. Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, usually making their prices more volatile than those of securities
with shorter durations. To the extent the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer-term duration, which is expected to occur to a greater degree earlier in the life of the Fund, rising interest rates
may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline significantly, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund. An increase in interest rates may lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and adversely affect the
liquidity of certain fixed-income investments. In addition, decreases in fixed-income dealer market-making capacity may also potentially lead to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity in the fixed-income markets.
The historically low interest rate environment in recent years
was created in part by the U.S. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Fed”) and certain foreign central banks keeping the federal funds and equivalent foreign rates at or near zero percent. The Fed recently raised its
benchmark interest rate several times as the U.S. labor market strengthened and economic activity accelerated. The Fed indicated that it expects some further gradual increases in the target range for the federal funds rate will be consistent with
sustained expansion of economic activity, strong labor market conditions, and inflation near the Fed’s objective over the medium term.
Issuer Insolvency Risk.
The Fund's potential exposure to financially or operationally troubled issuers involves a high degree of credit and market risk, which may be heightened during an economic downturn or recession. Should an issuer of securities held by the Fund
become involved in a bankruptcy proceeding, reorganization or financial restructuring, a wide variety of considerations make an evaluation of the outcome of the Fund’s exposure to the issuer uncertain.
During the period of a bankruptcy proceeding, reorganization
or financial restructuring, it is unlikely that the Fund will receive any interest payments on the securities of the issuer. The Fund will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether the reorganization or restructuring will be completed, and
the Fund may bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect and recover its investment. The Fund will also be subject to significant uncertainty as to when and in what manner and for what value the obligations evidenced by the securities of the
issuer held by the Fund will eventually be satisfied. Even if a plan of reorganization or restructuring is adopted with respect to the securities of the issuer held by the Fund, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received
by the Fund in connection with such plan of reorganization or restructuring will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated or no value. The Fund may be unable to enforce its claims or rights in any collateral or may
have its claims or security interest in any collateral challenged, disallowed or subordinated to the claims or security interests of other creditors. In addition, amendments to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other relevant laws could alter the expected
outcome or introduce greater uncertainty regarding the outcome of the Fund’s securities holdings in the issuer. In a bankruptcy proceeding, a reorganization or restructuring, the securities of the issuer held by the Fund could be
re-characterized or the Fund may receive different securities or other assets, including equity securities. These types of equity securities include, but are not limited to: common stock; preferred stock (including convertible preferred stock);
bonds, notes and debentures convertible into common or preferred stock; stock purchase warrants and rights; equity interests in trusts; and depositary receipts. The value of equity securities received by the Fund could decline if the financial
condition of the issuer deteriorates or if overall market and economic conditions, or conditions within the issuer’s region or industry, deteriorate. Equity securities received by the Fund through a bankruptcy proceeding, reorganization or
restructuring of an issuer would not be component securities of the Fund’s Underlying Index, which could subject the Fund to additional tracking error risk.
To the extent that the Fund receives other assets in
connection with a bankruptcy proceeding, reorganization or financial restructuring, the Fund may also be subject to additional risks associated with the assets received. One example of assets that the Fund could receive is an interest in one or more
loans made to the issuer as part of a workout agreed to by a consortium of lienholders and creditors of the issuer. The Fund may receive such interests in loans to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
Securities or other assets received in a reorganization or
restructuring typically entail a higher degree of risk than investments in securities of issuers that have not undergone a reorganization or restructuring and may be subject to heavy selling or downward pricing pressure after completion of the
reorganization or restructuring. The post-reorganization/restructuring assets and securities may also be illiquid and difficult to sell or value. If the Fund participates in negotiations with respect to a plan of reorganization or restructuring with
respect to securities of the issuer held by the Fund, the Fund also may be restricted from disposing such securities for a period of time. If the Fund becomes involved in such proceedings, the Fund may have more active participation in the affairs
of the issuer than that assumed generally by an investor.
Operational Risk. BFA
and the Fund's other service providers may experience disruptions or operating errors such as processing errors or human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, or systems or technology failures, that could negatively impact the
Fund. While service providers are required to have appropriate operational risk management policies and procedures, their methods of operational risk management may differ from the Fund’s in the setting of priorities, the personnel and
resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. BFA, through its monitoring and oversight of service providers, seeks to ensure that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to
disruptions and operating errors. However, it is not possible for BFA or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate
their occurrence or effects.
Risk of Investing in
Non-U.S. Debt Securities. The Fund may invest in non-U.S. debt securities as determined by the respective index provider. An investment in a fund involves risks associated with investing in a portfolio of
debt securities traded on foreign exchanges and OTC in the respective countries covered by a fund. These risks typically include market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and
perceived trends in bond prices. Investing in a fund whose portfolio contains securities of non-U.S. issuers involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include
securities markets that may lack sufficient liquidity or may be less efficient; generally greater price volatility; less publicly available information about issuers; the imposition of withholding or other taxes; the imposition of restrictions on
the expatriation of funds or other assets of a fund; higher transaction and custody costs; delays and risks attendant in settlement procedures; difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations; lower liquidity and significantly smaller market
capitalization of most non-U.S. securities markets; different accounting and disclosure standards; lower levels of regulation of the securities markets; more substantial government interference with the economy; higher rates of inflation; greater
social, economic, and political uncertainty; the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets; and different bankruptcy and insolvency regimes which may stay or prevent recovery in the event of an issuer’s default.
Valuation Risk. In
certain circumstances, the Fund’s securities may be valued using techniques other than market quotations. The value established for a security may be different from what would be produced through the use of another methodology or if the value
had been priced using market quotations. Securities that are valued using methods other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their value from one day to the next than would
be the case if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell a security for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund could incur a loss if a security is sold for less than
its established value.
Risk of Investing in Asia. Investments in securities of issuers in certain Asian countries involve risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in other regions. Such heightened risks include, among others,
expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, piracy of intellectual property, data and other security breaches (especially of data stored electronically), political instability, including authoritarian and/or military
involvement in governmental decision-making, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socio-economic unrest. Certain Asian economies have experienced rapid rates of economic growth and industrialization in recent
years, and there is no assurance that these rates of economic growth and industrialization will be maintained.
Certain Asian countries have democracies with relatively short
histories, which may increase the risk of political instability. These countries have faced political and military unrest, and further unrest could present a risk to their local economies and securities markets. Indonesia and the Philippines have
each experienced violence and terrorism, which has negatively impacted their economies. North Korea and South Korea each have substantial military capabilities, and historical tensions between the two countries present the risk of war. Escalated
tensions involving the two countries and any outbreak of hostilities between the two countries, or even the threat of an outbreak of hostilities, could have a severe adverse effect on the entire Asian region. Certain Asian countries have also
developed increasingly strained relationships with the U.S., and if these relations were to worsen, they could adversely affect Asian issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade. Political, religious, and border disputes persist in India. India has
recently experienced and may continue to experience civil unrest and hostilities with certain of its neighboring countries. Increased political and social unrest in these geographic areas could adversely affect the performance of investments in this
region.
Certain governments in this region administer
prices on several basic goods, including fuel and electricity, within their respective countries. Certain governments may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector in their respective countries and may own or control
many companies. Future government actions could have a significant effect on
the economic conditions in this region, which in turn could have a negative
impact on private sector companies. There is also the possibility of diplomatic developments adversely affecting investments in the region.
Corruption and the perceived lack of a rule of law in dealings
with international companies in certain Asian countries may discourage foreign investment and could negatively impact the long-term growth of certain economies in this region. In addition, certain countries in the region are experiencing high
unemployment and corruption, and have fragile banking sectors.
Some economies in this region are dependent on a range of
commodities, including oil, natural gas and coal. Accordingly, they are strongly affected by international commodity prices and particularly vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products. The market for securities in this region
may also be directly influenced by the flow of international capital, and by the economic and market conditions of neighboring countries. Adverse economic conditions or developments in neighboring countries may increase investors' perception of the
risk of investing in the region as a whole, which may adversely impact the market value of the securities issued by companies in the region.
Risk of Investing in Central and South America. The economies of certain Central and South American countries have experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations, government defaults, high unemployment rates and political
instability which can adversely affect underlying issuers. In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant percentage of the region's exports and many economies in this region are particularly sensitive to
fluctuations in commodity prices. Adverse economic events in one country may have a significant adverse effect on other countries of this region.
The governments of certain countries in Central and South
America may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector and may own or control many companies. Future government actions could have a significant effect on the economic conditions in such countries, which could have a
negative impact on the securities in which the Fund invests. Diplomatic developments may also adversely affect investments in certain countries in Central and South America. Some countries in Central and South America may be affected by public
corruption and crime, including organized crime.
Certain
countries in Central and South America may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, have been and may continue to be negatively affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values
and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These countries also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. In addition,
certain issuers located in countries in Central and South America in which the Fund invests may be the subject of sanctions (for example, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on certain Venezuelan individuals, corporate entities and the Venezuelan
government) or have dealings with countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. An issuer may sustain damage
to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer that has dealings with such countries. The Fund may be adversely affected if it invests in such issuers.
Risk of Investing in Developed Countries. Many countries with developed markets have recently experienced significant economic pressures. These countries generally tend to rely on the services sectors (e.g., the financial services sector) as the primary source of economic growth and may be susceptible to the risks of individual service sectors. For example,
companies in the financial services sector are subject to governmental regulation and, recently, government intervention, which may adversely affect the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and amount of capital they must maintain.
Recent dislocations in the financial sector and perceived or actual governmental influence over certain financial companies may lead to credit rating downgrades and, as a result, impact, among other things, revenue growth for such companies. If
financial companies experience a prolonged decline in revenue growth, certain developed countries that rely heavily on financial companies as an economic driver may experience a correlative slowdown. Recently, new concerns have emerged with respect
to the economic health of certain developed countries. These concerns primarily stem from heavy indebtedness of many developed countries and their perceived inability to continue to service high debt loads without simultaneously implementing
stringent austerity measures. Such concerns have led to tremendous downward pressure on the economies of these countries. As a result, it is possible that interest rates on debt of certain developed countries may rise to levels that make it
difficult for such countries to service such debt. Spending on health care and retirement pensions in most developed countries has risen dramatically over the last few years. Medical innovation, extended life expectancy and higher public
expectations are likely to continue the increase in health care and pension costs. Any increase in health care and pension costs will likely have a negative impact on the economic growth of many developed countries. Certain developed
countries
rely on imports of certain key items, such as crude oil, natural gas, and
other commodities. As a result, an increase in demand for, or price fluctuations of, certain commodities may negatively affect developed country economies. Developed market countries generally are dependent on the economies of certain key trading
partners. Changes in any one economy may cause an adverse impact on several developed countries. In addition, heavy regulation of, among others, labor and product markets may have an adverse effect on certain issuers. Such regulations may negatively
affect economic growth or cause prolonged periods of recession. Such risks, among others, may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Markets. Investments in emerging market countries may be subject to greater risks than investments in developed countries. These risks include: (i) less social, political, and economic stability; (ii) greater illiquidity
and price volatility due to smaller or limited local capital markets for such securities, or low or non-existent trading volumes; (iii) custodians, clearinghouses, foreign exchanges and broker-dealers may be subject to less scrutiny and regulation
by local authorities; (iv) local governments may decide to seize or confiscate securities held by foreign investors and/or local governments may decide to suspend or limit an issuer's ability to make dividend or interest payments; (v) local
governments may limit or entirely restrict repatriation of invested capital, profits, and dividends; (vi) capital gains may be subject to local taxation, including on a retroactive basis; (vii) issuers facing restrictions on dollar payments imposed
by local governments may attempt to make dividend or interest payments to foreign investors in the local currency; (viii) investors may experience difficulty in enforcing legal claims related to the securities and/or local judges may favor the
interests of the issuer over those of foreign investors; (ix) bankruptcy judgments may only be permitted to be paid in the local currency; (x) limited public information regarding the issuer may result in greater difficulty in determining market
valuations of the securities; and (xi) lack of financial reporting on a regular basis, substandard disclosure and differences in accounting standards may make it difficult to ascertain the financial health of an issuer.
Emerging market securities markets are typically marked by a
high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. In addition,
brokerage and other costs associated with transactions in emerging market securities can be higher, sometimes significantly, than similar costs incurred in securities markets in developed countries. Although some emerging markets have become more
established and tend to issue securities of higher credit quality, the markets for securities in other emerging market countries are in the earliest stages of their development, and these countries issue securities across the credit spectrum. Even
the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging market countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in
the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example,
prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced
liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging market country securities may also affect the Fund's ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or
in order to meet redemption requests.
Many emerging
market countries suffer from uncertainty and corruption in their legal frameworks. Legislation may be difficult to interpret and laws may be too new to provide any precedential value. Laws regarding foreign investment and private property may be
weak or non-existent. Sudden changes in governments may result in policies which are less favorable to investors such as policies designed to expropriate or nationalize “sovereign” assets. Certain emerging market countries in the past
have expropriated large amounts of private property, in many cases with little or no compensation, and there can be no assurance that such expropriation will not occur in the future.
Investment in the securities markets of certain emerging
market countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund's investment in certain emerging market countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging market countries require
governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer's outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms
(including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals.
Many emerging market countries lack the social, political, and
economic stability characteristic of the U.S. Political instability among emerging market countries can be common and may be caused by an uneven distribution of wealth, social unrest, labor strikes, civil wars, and religious oppression. Economic
instability in emerging market countries may take the form of: (i) high interest rates; (ii) high levels of inflation, including hyperinflation; (iii) high levels of unemployment or
underemployment; (iv) changes in government economic and tax policies,
including confiscatory taxation; and (v) imposition of trade barriers.
A Fund's income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign
securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the emerging market countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax
rates.
Emerging markets also have different clearance
and settlement procedures, and in certain of these emerging markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
In the past, certain governments in emerging market countries
have become overly reliant on the international capital markets and other forms of foreign credit to finance large public spending programs, which in the past have caused huge budget deficits. Often, interest payments have become too overwhelming
for a government to meet, representing a large percentage of total gross domestic product. These foreign obligations have become the subject of political debate and served as fuel for political parties of the opposition, which pressure the
government not to make payments to foreign creditors, but instead to use these funds for, among other things, social programs. Either due to an inability to pay or submission to political pressure, foreign governments have been forced to seek a
restructuring of their loan and/or bond obligations, have declared a temporary suspension of interest payments or have defaulted. These events have adversely affected the values of securities issued by foreign governments and corporations domiciled
in those countries and have negatively affected not only their cost of borrowing, but their ability to borrow in the future as well.
Risk of Investing in Europe. Investing in European countries may expose the Fund to the economic and political risks associated with Europe in general and the specific European countries in which it invests. The economies and markets of
European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one European country can have an adverse impact on other European countries. The Fund makes investments in securities of issuers that are domiciled in, or have
significant operations in, member states of the EU. A number of countries within the EU are also members of the Economic and Monetary Union (the “EMU”) (the “eurozone”) and have adopted the euro as their currency. Eurozone
membership requires member states to comply with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, interest rates, debt levels and fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect every country in Europe. Changes in import or export
tariffs, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro and other currencies of certain EU countries which are not in the eurozone, the default or threat of default by an EU member state on its sovereign
debt, and/or an economic recession in an EU member state may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of EU member states and their trading partners. Although certain European countries are not in the eurozone, many of these countries are
obliged to meet the criteria for joining the eurozone. Consequently, these countries must comply with many of the restrictions noted above. The European financial markets have experienced volatility and adverse trends in years past due to concerns
about economic downturns, rising government debt levels and the possible default of government debt in several European countries, including, but not limited to, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine. In order to
prevent further economic deterioration, certain countries, without prior warning, can institute “capital controls.” Countries may use these controls to restrict volatile movements of capital entering and exiting their country. Such
controls may negatively affect the Fund’s investments. A default or debt restructuring by any European country would adversely impact holders of that country’s debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country’s
creditworthiness, which may be located in countries other than those listed above. In addition, the credit ratings of certain European countries were downgraded in the past. These events have adversely affected the value and exchange rate of the
euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the euro and non-EU member states. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others,
including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and
other entities of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The impact of these
actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and could adversely impact the value of the Fund’s investments in the region. In a referendum held on June 23, 2016, the U.K.
resolved to leave the EU (“Brexit”). The referendum has introduced significant uncertainties and instability in the financial markets as the U.K. negotiates its exit from the EU. The outcome of negotiations remains uncertain. U.K.
businesses are increasingly preparing for a disorderly Brexit, and the consequences for European and U.K. businesses could be severe. The Fund will face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit,
including with respect to volatility in
exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit
could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit has also led to legal
uncertainty and could lead to politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the U.K. and EU is defined and the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit could adversely
affect any of the companies to which the Fund has exposure and any other assets in which the Fund invests. The political, economic and legal consequences of Brexit are not yet known. In the short term, financial markets may experience heightened
volatility, particularly those in the U.K. and Europe, but possibly worldwide. The U.K. may be less stable than it has been in recent years, and investments in the U.K. may be difficult to value, or subject to greater or more frequent rises and
falls in value. In the longer term, there is likely to be a period of significant political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty as the U.K. seeks to negotiate its long-term exit from the EU and the terms of its future trading relationships.
Certain European countries have also developed
increasingly strained relationships with the U.S., and if these relations were to worsen, they could adversely affect European issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade. Secessionist movements, such as the Catalan movement in Spain and the
independence movement in Scotland, as well as governmental or other responses to such movements, may also create instability and uncertainty in the region. In addition, the national politics of countries in the EU have been unpredictable and subject
to influence by varying political groups and ideologies. The governments of EU countries may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in
sudden and significant investment losses. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe also could impact financial markets. The impact of these events is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and could adversely affect
the value and liquidity of a Fund's investments.
Risk of
Investing in North America. A decrease in imports or exports, changes in trade regulations or an economic recession in any North American country can have a significant economic effect on the entire North
American region and on some or all of the North American countries in which the Fund invests.
The U.S. is Canada's and Mexico's largest trading and
investment partner. The Canadian and Mexican economies are significantly affected by developments in the U.S. economy. Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) in 1994 among Canada, the U.S. and
Mexico, total merchandise trade among the three countries has increased. However, political developments in the U.S., including renegotiation of NAFTA and imposition of tariffs by the U.S., may have implications for the trade arrangements among the
U.S., Mexico and Canada, which could negatively affect the value of securities held by the Fund. Policy and legislative changes in one country may have a significant effect on North American markets generally, as well as on the value of certain
securities held by the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the
Capital Goods Industry. Companies in the capital goods industry may be affected by fluctuations in the business cycle and by other factors affecting manufacturing demands. Companies in the capital goods
industry depend heavily on corporate spending. Companies in the capital goods industry may perform well during times of economic expansion, and as economic conditions worsen, the demand for capital goods may decrease due to weakening demand,
worsening business cash flows, tighter credit controls and deteriorating profitability. During times of economic volatility, corporate spending may fall and adversely affect the capital goods industry. This industry may also be affected by changes
in interest rates, corporate tax rates and other government policies. Many capital goods are sold internationally and such companies are subject to market conditions in other countries and regions.
Risk of Investing in the Communication Services Sector. The communication services sector consists of both companies in the telecommunication services industry as well as those in the media and entertainment industry. Examples of companies in the telecommunication
services industry group include providers of fiber-optic, fixed-line, cellular and wireless telecommunications networks. Companies in the media and entertainment industry group encompass a variety of services and products including television
broadcasting, gaming products, social media, networking platforms, online classifieds, online review websites and Internet search engines.
The communication services sector of a country’s economy
is often subject to extensive government regulation. The costs of complying with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive required regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business
of communications companies. Government actions around the world, specifically in the area of pre-marketing clearance of products and prices, can be arbitrary and unpredictable. Companies in the communication services sector may encounter distressed
cash flows due to the need to commit
substantial capital to meet increasing competition, particularly in
developing new products and services using new technology. Technological innovations may make the products and services of certain communications companies obsolete.
The domestic telecommunications market is characterized by
increasing competition and regulation by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and various state regulatory authorities. Telecommunications providers are generally required to obtain franchises or licenses in order to provide services in a
given location. Licensing and franchise rights in the telecommunications sector are limited, which may provide an advantage to certain participants. Limited availability of such rights, high barriers to market entry and regulatory oversight, among
other factors, have led to consolidation of companies within the sector, which could lead to further regulation or other negative effects in the future.
Companies in the media and entertainment industries can be
significantly affected by several factors, including competition, particularly in formulation products and services using new technologies, cyclicality of revenues and earnings, a potential decrease in the discretionary income of targeted
individuals, changing consumer tastes and interests, and the potential increase in state and federal government regulation. Companies in the media and entertainment industries may become obsolete quickly. Advertising spending can be an important
revenue source for media and entertainment companies. During economic downturns advertising spending typically decreases and, as a result, media and entertainment companies tend to generate less revenue.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Cyclical Industry. The Fund may invest in consumer cyclical companies, which rely heavily on business cycles and economic conditions. Consumer cyclical companies include automotive manufacturers, retail companies, and
housing-related companies. The consumer cyclical industry can be significantly affected by several factors, including, without limitation, the performance of domestic and international economies, exchange rates, changing consumer tastes and trends,
marketing campaigns, cyclical revenue generation, consumer confidence, commodity price volatility, labor relations, interest rates, import and export controls, intense competition, technological developments and government regulation.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector. Companies in the consumer staples sector may be adversely affected by changes in the global economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, and production spending. Companies in the
consumer staples sector may also be affected by changes in global economic, environmental and political events, economic conditions, the depletion of resources, and government regulation. For instance, government regulations may affect the
permissibility of using various food additives and production methods of companies that make food products, which could affect company profitability. In addition, tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the adoption of proposed legislation
and/or by litigation. Companies in the consumer staples sector also may be subject to risks pertaining to the supply of, demand for and prices of raw materials. The prices of raw materials fluctuate in response to a number of factors, including,
without limitation, changes in government agricultural support programs, exchange rates, import and export controls, changes in international agricultural and trading policies, and seasonal and weather conditions. Companies in the consumer staples
sector may be subject to severe competition, which may also have an adverse impact on their profitability.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Companies in the energy sector are strongly affected by the levels and volatility of global energy prices, energy supply and demand, government regulations and policies, energy production and conservation efforts,
technological change, development of alternative energy sources, and other factors that they cannot control. These companies may also lack resources and have limited business lines. Energy companies may have relatively high levels of debt and may be
more likely to restructure their businesses if there are downturns in certain energy markets or in the global economy. If an energy company in the Fund's portfolio becomes distressed, the Fund could lose all or a substantial portion of its
investment.
The energy sector is cyclical and is
highly dependent on commodity prices; prices and supplies of energy may fluctuate significantly over short and long periods of time due to, among other things, national and international political changes, Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries (“OPEC”) policies, changes in relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations, the regulatory environment, taxation policies, and the economy of the key energy-consuming countries. Commodity prices
have recently been subject to increased volatility and declines, which may negatively affect companies in which the Fund invests.
Companies in the energy sector may be adversely affected by
terrorism, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Companies in the energy sector are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims. Disruptions in the oil
industry or shifts in fuel consumption may significantly impact
companies in this sector. Significant oil and gas deposits are located in
emerging markets countries where corruption and security may raise significant risks, in addition to the other risks of investing in emerging markets. Additionally, the Middle East, where many companies in the energy sector may operate, has
historically and recently experienced widespread social unrest.
Companies in the energy sector may also be adversely affected
by changes in exchange rates, interest rates, economic conditions, tax treatment, government regulation and intervention, negative perception, efforts at energy conservation and world events in the regions in which the companies operate (e.g., expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of capital, military coups, social unrest, violence or labor
unrest). Because a significant portion of revenues of companies in this sector is derived from a relatively small number of customers that are largely composed of governmental entities and utilities, governmental budget constraints may have a
significant impact on the stock prices of companies in this sector. The energy sector is highly regulated. Entities operating in the energy sector are subject to significant regulation of nearly every aspect of their operations by governmental
agencies. Such regulation can change rapidly or over time in both scope and intensity. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may materially adversely affect
the financial performance of companies in the energy sector.
Risk of Investing in the Financials Sector. Companies in the financials sector include regional and money center banks, securities brokerage firms, asset management companies, savings banks and thrift institutions, specialty finance companies (e.g., credit card, mortgage providers), insurance and insurance brokerage firms, consumer finance firms, financial conglomerates and foreign banking and
financial companies.
Most financial companies are
subject to extensive governmental regulation, which limits their activities and may affect their ability to earn a profit from a given line of business. Government regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for
companies in the financials sector, including effects not intended by the regulation. Direct governmental intervention in the operations of financial companies and financial markets may materially and adversely affect the companies in which the Fund
invests, including legislation in many countries that may increase government regulation, repatriation and other intervention. The impact of governmental intervention and legislative changes on any individual financial company or on the financials
sector as a whole cannot be predicted. The valuation of financial companies has been and continues to be subject to unprecedented volatility and may be influenced by unpredictable factors, including interest rate risk and sovereign debt default.
Certain financial businesses are subject to intense competitive pressures, including market share and price competition. Financial companies in foreign countries are subject to market specific and general regulatory and interest rate concerns. In
particular, government regulation in certain foreign countries may include taxes and controls on interest rates, credit availability, minimum capital requirements, bans on short sales, limits on prices and restrictions on currency transfers. In
addition, companies in the financials sector may be the targets of hacking and potential theft of proprietary or customer information or disruptions in service, which could have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
The profitability of banks, savings and loan associations and
financial companies is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change; for instance, when interest rates go up, the value of securities issued by many types of companies in
the financials sector generally goes down. In other words, financial companies may be adversely affected in certain market cycles, including, without limitation, during periods of rising interest rates, which may restrict the availability and
increase the cost of capital, and during periods of declining economic conditions, which may cause, among other things, credit losses due to financial difficulties of borrowers.
In addition, general economic conditions are important to the
operations of these companies, and financial difficulties of borrowers may have an adverse effect on the profitability of financial companies. Financial companies can be highly dependent upon access to capital markets, and any impediments to such
access, such as adverse overall economic conditions or a negative perception in the capital markets of a financial company’s financial condition or prospects, could adversely affect its business. Deterioration of credit markets can have an
adverse impact on a broad range of financial markets, causing certain financial companies to incur large losses. In these conditions, companies in the financials sector may experience significant declines in the valuation of their assets, take
actions to raise capital and even cease operations. Some financial companies may also be required to accept or borrow significant amounts of capital from government sources and may face future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or
increased government intervention. In addition, there is no guarantee that governments will provide any such relief in the future. These actions may cause the securities of many companies in the financials sector to decline in value.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. The value of securities issued by companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by supply of and demand for both their specific products or services and for industrials sector products in general.
The products of manufacturing companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Government regulations, trade disputes, world events and economic conditions may affect the performance of
companies in the industrials sector. Aerospace and defense companies, a component of the industrials sector, can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely, to a significant
extent, on government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies, which are typically under
pressure from efforts to control government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the industrials sector, are cyclical and can be significantly affected by economic changes, fuel prices, labor relations and insurance costs. Transportation
companies in certain countries may also be subject to significant government regulation and oversight, which may adversely affect their businesses. For example, commodity price declines and unit volume reductions resulting from an over-supply of
materials used in the industrials sector can adversely affect the sector. Furthermore, companies in the industrials sector may be subject to liability for environmental damage, product liability claims, depletion of resources, and mandated
expenditures for safety and pollution control.
Risk of Investing in the Insurance Industry. The insurance industry is subject to extensive government regulation in some countries and can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, price and marketing competition,
the imposition of premium rate caps or other changes in government regulation or tax law. Different segments of the insurance industry can be significantly affected by changes in mortality and morbidity rates, environmental clean-up costs and
catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorist acts.
Risk of Investing in the Real Estate Industry. Companies in the real estate industry include companies that invest in real estate, such as real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), real estate holding and operating companies or real estate
development companies (collectively, “Real Estate Companies”). Investing in Real Estate Companies exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which Real Estate
Companies are organized and operated. The real estate industry is highly sensitive to general and local economic conditions and developments, and characterized by intense competition and periodic overbuilding. Investing in Real Estate Companies
involves various risks. Some risks that are specific to Real Estate Companies are discussed in greater detail below.
Interest Rate Risk. Rising
interest rates could result in higher costs of capital for Real Estate Companies, which could negatively impact a Real Estate Company’s ability to meet its payment obligations. Declining interest rates could result in increased prepayment on
loans and require redeployment of capital in less desirable investments.
Leverage Risk. Real Estate
Companies may use leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a Real Estate Company’s operations and market value in periods of rising interest rates. Real Estate Companies are also
exposed to the risks normally associated with debt financing. Financial covenants related to a Real Estate Company’s leverage may affect the ability of the Real Estate Company to operate effectively. In addition, real property may be subject
to the quality of credit extended and defaults by borrowers and tenants. If the properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including, where applicable, debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements,
third-party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability of a Real Estate Company to make payments of any interest and principal on its debt securities will be adversely affected.
Loan Foreclosure Risk. Real
Estate Companies may foreclose on loans that the Real Estate Company originated and/or acquired. Foreclosure may generate negative publicity for the underlying property that affects its market value. In addition to the length and expense of such
proceedings, the validity of the terms of the applicable loan may not be recognized in foreclosure proceedings. Claims and defenses asserted by borrowers or other lenders may interfere with the enforcement of rights by a Real Estate Company.
Parallel proceedings, such as bankruptcy, may also delay resolution and limit the amount of recovery on a foreclosed loan by a Real Estate Company even where the property underlying the loan is liquidated.
Property Risk. Real Estate
Companies may be subject to risks relating to functional obsolescence or reduced desirability of properties; extended vacancies due to economic conditions and tenant bankruptcies; catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorist
acts; and casualty or condemnation losses. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values, or increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from legal,
cultural, technological, global or local economic developments.
Distressed Investment Risk.
Real Estate Companies may invest in distressed, defaulted or out-of-favor bank loans. Identification and implementation by a Real Estate Company of loan modification and restructure programs involves a high degree of uncertainty. Even successful
implementation may still require adverse compromises and may not prevent bankruptcy. Real Estate Companies may also invest in other debt instruments that may become non-performing, including the securities of companies with higher credit and market
risk due to financial or operational difficulties. Higher risk securities may be less liquid and more volatile than the securities of companies not in distress.
Underlying Investment Risk.
Real Estate Companies make investments in a variety of debt and equity instruments with varying risk profiles. For instance, Real Estate Companies may invest in debt instruments secured by commercial property that have higher risks of delinquency
and foreclosure than loans on single family homes due to a variety of factors associated with commercial property, including the tie between income available to service debt and productive use of the property. Real Estate Companies may also invest
in debt instruments and preferred equity that are junior in an issuer’s capital structure and that involve privately negotiated structures. Subordinated debt investments, such as B-Notes and mezzanine loans, involve a greater credit risk of
default due to the need to service more senior debt of the issuer. Similarly, preferred equity investments involve a greater risk of loss than conventional debt financing due to their non-collateralized nature and subordinated ranking. Investments
in commercial mortgage-backed securities may also be junior in priority in the event of bankruptcy or similar proceedings. Investments in senior loans may be effectively subordinated if the senior loan is pledged as collateral. The ability of a
holder of junior claims to proceed against a defaulting issuer is circumscribed by the terms of the particular contractual arrangement, which vary considerably from transaction to transaction.
Management Risk. Real Estate
Companies are dependent upon management skills and may have limited financial resources. Real Estate Companies are generally not diversified and may be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and voluntary liquidation. In
addition, transactions between Real Estate Companies and their affiliates may be subject to conflicts of interest, which may adversely affect a Real Estate Company’s shareholders. A Real Estate Company may also have joint venture investments
in certain of its properties, and, consequently, its ability to control decisions relating to such properties may be limited.
Illiquidity Risk. Investing in Real Estate Companies may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small-capitalization companies. Real Estate Company securities, like the securities of small-capitalization companies,
may be more volatile than, and perform differently from, shares of large-capitalization companies. There may be less trading in Real Estate Company shares, which means that buy and sell transactions in those shares could have a magnified impact on
share price, resulting in abrupt or erratic price fluctuations. In addition, real estate is relatively illiquid, and, therefore, a Real Estate Company may have a limited ability to vary or liquidate properties in response to changes in economic or
other conditions.
Concentration Risk. Real Estate Companies may own a limited number of properties and concentrate their investments in a particular geographic region or property type. Economic downturns affecting a particular region, industry or property
type may lead to a high volume of defaults within a short period.
U.S. Tax Risk. Certain U.S. Real Estate Companies are subject to special U.S. federal tax requirements. A REIT that fails to comply with such tax requirements may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation, which may affect the value
of the REIT and the characterization of the REIT’s distributions. The U.S. federal tax requirement that a REIT distribute substantially all of its net income to its shareholders may result in a REIT having insufficient capital for future
expenditures. A REIT that successfully maintains its qualification may still become subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes, including excise, penalty, franchise, payroll, mortgage recording, and transfer taxes, both directly and indirectly
through its subsidiaries. Because REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the calendar year-end, the Fund may at times need to request permission to extend the deadline for issuing your tax reporting statement or supplement
the information otherwise provided to you.
Regulatory Risk. Real estate
income and values may be adversely affected by such factors as applicable domestic and foreign laws (including tax laws). Government actions, such as tax increases, zoning law changes or environmental regulations, also may have a major impact on
real estate income and values. In addition, quarterly compliance with regulations limiting the proportion of asset types held by a U.S. REIT may force certain Real Estate Companies to liquidate or restructure otherwise attractive investments. Some
countries may not recognize REITs or comparable structures as a viable form of real estate funds.
Risk of Investing in the Technology Sector. Technology companies are characterized by periodic new product introductions, innovations and evolving industry standards, and, as a result, face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which
may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Companies in the technology sector are often smaller and less experienced companies and may be subject to greater risks than larger companies; these risks may be heightened for technology companies in
foreign markets. Technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product
introduction, changes in consumer and business purchasing patterns, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. In addition, a rising interest rate environment tends to negatively affect companies
in the technology sector because, in such an environment, those companies with high market valuations may appear less attractive to investors, which may cause sharp decreases in the companies’ market prices. Companies in the technology sector
are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. The technology sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in
commodity prices, which may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors. Finally, while all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain companies in the technology sector may be particular targets of hacking and
potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in service, which could have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
Risk of Investing in the Transportation Infrastructure Industry. Issuers in the transportation infrastructure industry can be significantly affected by economic changes, fuel prices, labor relations, technology developments, exchange rates, industry competition, insurance costs
and deteriorating public infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, rails, ports and airports. Transportation companies in certain countries may also be subject to significant government regulation and oversight, which may adversely affect their
businesses. Other risk factors that may affect the transportation infrastructure industry include the risk of increases in fuel and other operating costs and the effects of regulatory changes or other government decisions. Companies in the
transportation infrastructure industry may be adversely affected by adverse weather, acts of terrorism or catastrophic events, such as air accidents, train crashes or tunnel fires. Companies in the transportation infrastructure industry may also be
subject to the risk of widespread disruption of technology systems and increasing equipment and operational costs.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. The utilities sector may be adversely affected by changing commodity prices, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, increased tariffs, changes in tax laws, interest rate fluctuations and
changes in the cost of providing specific utility services. The utilities industry is also subject to potential terrorist attacks, natural disasters and severe weather conditions, as well as regulatory and operational burdens associated with the
operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities. Government regulators monitor and control utility revenues and costs, and therefore may limit utility profits. In certain countries, regulatory authorities may also restrict a company’s access
to new markets, thereby diminishing the company’s long-term prospects.
There are substantial differences among the regulatory
practices and policies of various jurisdictions, and any regulatory agency may make major shifts in policy from time to time. There is no assurance that regulatory authorities will, in the future, grant rate increases. Additionally, existing and
possible future regulatory legislation may make it even more difficult for utilities to obtain adequate relief. Certain of the issuers of securities held in the Fund's portfolio may own or operate nuclear generating facilities. Governmental
authorities may from time to time review existing policies and impose additional requirements governing the licensing, construction and operation of nuclear power plants. Prolonged changes in climate conditions can also have a significant impact on
both the revenues of an electric and gas utility as well as the expenses of a utility, particularly a hydro-based electric utility.
The rates that traditional regulated utility companies may
charge their customers generally are subject to review and limitation by governmental regulatory commissions. Rate changes may occur only after a prolonged approval period or may not occur at all, which could adversely affect utility companies when
costs are rising. The value of regulated utility debt securities (and, to a lesser extent, equity securities) tends to have an inverse relationship to the movement of interest rates. Certain utility companies have experienced full or partial
deregulation in recent years. These utility companies are frequently more similar to industrial companies in that they are subject to greater competition and have been permitted by regulators to diversify outside of their original geographic regions
and their traditional lines of business. As a result, some companies may be forced to defend their core business and may be less profitable. Deregulation may also permit a utility company to expand outside of its traditional lines of business and
engage in riskier ventures.
Proxy Voting Policy
For the Fund, the Board has
delegated the voting of proxies for the Fund’s securities to BFA pursuant to the Fund's Proxy Voting Policy (the “iShares ETFs Proxy Voting Policy”), and BFA has adopted policies and procedures (the “BlackRock Proxy
Voting Policies”) governing proxy voting by accounts managed by BFA, including the Fund.
Under the BlackRock Proxy Voting Policies, BFA will vote
proxies related to Fund securities in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. From time to time, a vote may present a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of BFA, or any affiliated
person of the Fund or BFA, on the other. BFA maintains policies and procedures that are designed to prevent undue influence on BFA’s proxy voting activity that might stem from any relationship between the issuer of a proxy (or any dissident
shareholder) and BFA, BFA’s affiliates, the Fund or the Fund’s affiliates. Most conflicts are managed through a structural separation of BFA’s Corporate Governance Group from BFA’s employees with sales and client
responsibilities. In addition, BFA maintains procedures to ensure that all engagements with corporate issuers or dissident shareholders are managed consistently and without regard to BFA’s relationship with the issuer of the proxy or the
dissident shareholder. In certain instances, BFA may determine to engage an independent fiduciary to vote proxies as a further safeguard to avoid potential conflicts of interest or as otherwise required by applicable law.
Copies of the iShares ETFs Proxy Voting Policy and the
BlackRock Proxy Voting Policies are attached as Appendices A1 and A2, respectively.
Information with respect to how proxies
relating to the Fund's portfolio securities were voted during the 12-month period ended June 30 will be available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737) or through the Fund's website at www.iShares.com; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Holdings Information
The Board has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of the
Fund's portfolio holdings information that requires that such information be disclosed in a manner that: (i) is consistent with applicable legal requirements and in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders; (ii) does not put the interests
of BFA, the Distributor or any affiliated person of BFA or the Distributor, above those of Fund shareholders; (iii) does not advantage any current or prospective Fund shareholders over any other current or prospective Fund shareholders, except to
the extent that certain Entities (as described below) may receive portfolio holdings information not available to other current or prospective Fund shareholders in connection with the dissemination of information necessary for transactions in
Creation Units, as discussed below, and certain information may be provided to personnel of BFA and its affiliates who manage funds that invest a significant percentage of their assets in shares of the Fund for the purpose of facilitating risk
management and hedging activities; and (iv) does not provide selective access to portfolio holdings information except pursuant to the procedures outlined below and to the extent appropriate confidentiality arrangements limiting the use of such
information are in effect. The “Entities” referred to in sub-section (iii) above are generally limited to National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) members, subscribers to various fee-based subscription services,
large institutional investors (known as “Authorized Participants”) that have been authorized by the Distributor to purchase and redeem large blocks of shares pursuant to legal requirements and market makers and other institutional market
participants and entities that provide information or transactional services.
Each business day, the Fund's portfolio holdings information
will be provided to the Distributor or other agent for dissemination through the facilities of the NSCC and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based subscription services, including market
makers and Authorized Participants, and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Fund in the secondary market or evaluating such
potential transactions. This information typically reflects the Fund’s anticipated holdings on the following business day.
Daily access to information concerning the Fund's portfolio
holdings is permitted: (i) to certain personnel of those service providers that are involved in portfolio management and providing administrative, operational, risk management, or other support to portfolio management; and (ii) to other personnel of
the Fund's investment adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates, and the administrator, custodian and fund accountant who deal directly with, or assist in, functions related to investment management, distribution, administration, custody,
securities lending and fund accounting, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with federal securities laws and regulations thereunder. In
addition, the Fund discloses its portfolio
holdings daily at www.iShares.com. More information about this disclosure is available at www.iShares.com.
Portfolio holdings information made available in connection
with the creation/redemption process may be provided to other entities that provide services to the Fund in the ordinary course of business after it has been disseminated to the NSCC. From time to time, information concerning portfolio holdings
other than portfolio holdings information made available in connection with the creation/redemption process, as discussed above, may be provided to other entities that provide services to the Fund, including rating or ranking organizations, in the
ordinary course of business, no earlier than one business day following the date of the information.
The Fund will disclose its complete portfolio holdings
schedule in public filings with the SEC within 70 days of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters and within 60 days of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters and will provide such information to shareholders as required by federal
securities laws and regulations thereunder. The Fund may, however, voluntarily disclose all or part of its portfolio holdings other than in connection with the creation/redemption process, as discussed above, in advance of required filings with the
SEC, provided that such information is made generally available to all shareholders and other interested parties in a manner that is consistent with the above policy for disclosure of portfolio holdings information. Such information may be made
available through a publicly available website or other means that make the information available to all likely interested parties contemporaneously.
The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate may
authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information pursuant to the above policy and procedures, subject to restrictions on selective disclosure imposed by applicable law.
The Board reviews the policy and procedures for disclosure of
portfolio holdings information at least annually.
Construction and Maintenance of the Underlying Index
A description of the Fund's Underlying Index is provided
below.
With respect to certain underlying indexes of the
iShares funds, BFA or its affiliates have held discussions with the applicable index provider regarding their business interest in licensing an index to track a particular market segment and conveyed investment concepts and strategies that could be
considered for the index. The index provider designed and constituted such indices using concepts conveyed by BFA or its affiliates. For certain of these indices, the relevant fund may be the first or sole user of the underlying index. In its sole
discretion, the index provider determines the composition of the securities and other instruments in such underlying index, the rebalance protocols of the underlying index, the weightings of the securities and other instruments in the underlying
index, and any updates to the methodology. From time to time, BFA or its affiliates may also provide input relating to possible methodology changes of such underlying index pursuant to the index provider’s consultation process or pursuant to
other communications with the index provider.
The
Bloomberg Barclays Index
The Bloomberg Barclays Index is
maintained by Bloomberg Index Services Limited, which is not affiliated with BFA. BFA will have no role in maintaining the Underlying Index.
Bloomberg Barclays December 2029 Maturity Corporate Index
Number of Components: approximately 227
Index Description. The iShares
iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF is a term fund that will terminate on or about December 15, 2029, at which time it will distribute its remaining net assets to shareholders pursuant to a plan of liquidation. The Underlying Index is composed of
U.S. dollar-denominated, taxable, investment-grade corporate bonds scheduled to mature after December 31, 2028 and before December 16, 2029.
The Underlying Index consists of U.S.
dollar-denominated, investment-grade securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporate issuers that have $300 million or more of outstanding face value at the time of inclusion. The non-U.S. corporate issuers
included in the Underlying Index consist primarily of companies domiciled in
developed countries. The Fund will invest in non-U.S. issuers to the extent necessary for it to track the Underlying Index. Each bond included in the Underlying Index must be registered with the SEC, have been exempt from registration at issuance,
or have been offered pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act with registration rights. Further, the securities in the Underlying Index must be denominated in U.S. dollars and have a fixed-rate, although they can carry a coupon that steps-up or
changes according to a predetermined schedule. In addition, to be included in the Underlying Index, securities that are rated by all three of the rating agencies named below must be rated “investment-grade” by at least two of the three
rating agencies, which is defined as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s or BBB- or higher by S&P Global Ratings or Fitch. When ratings from only two of the three rating agencies are available, the lower rating is used to determine eligibility.
Securities with a rating from only one of the three ratings agencies must be rated investment-grade in order to be included in the Underlying Index.
The Underlying Index is constructed with the
following methodology. The parent index, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Index, representing U.S. dollar-denominated, taxable, investment-grade corporate bonds, is stripped of securities maturing outside of the maturity range described above.
During the final two years of the Underlying Index, bonds that mature in 2029, but had not been eligible for inclusion in the parent index due to being within one year of maturity, will be eligible for inclusion in the Underlying Index until such
bonds reach maturity. Securities are then market-cap weighted within the Underlying Index, with a 3% cap on any one issuer, and a pro rata distribution of any excess weight across the remaining issuers in the
Underlying Index. The securities in the Underlying Index are updated on the last calendar day of each month until six months prior to maturity. The last rebalance date will be on June 30, 2029. During this final six month period, the Underlying
Index will no longer be updated or rebalanced, except to remove securities which are downgraded to below investment-grade per the eligibility criteria described above. Additionally, during this period, existing bond weights will be allowed to float
based on changes in market value.
When a bond
that is included in the Underlying Index matures in the last months of the Fund's operation, its maturity value will be represented in the Underlying Index by cash throughout the remaining life of the Underlying Index. As the Fund approaches its
termination date, its holdings of money market or similar funds may increase, causing the Fund to incur the fees and expenses of these funds. By December 15, 2029, the Underlying Index value will be represented almost entirely by cash as no
securities will remain in the Underlying Index.
Investment Policies
The Board has adopted as fundamental policies the following
numbered investment policies, which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities. A vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund is defined in the
Investment Company Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more
than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Fund has also adopted certain non-fundamental investment policies, including its investment objective. Non-fundamental investment policies may be changed by the Board without shareholder
approval. Therefore, the Fund may change its investment objective and its Underlying Index without shareholder approval.
Fundamental Investment Policies
The Fund may not:
1.
|
Concentrate its investments
in a particular industry, as that term is used in the Investment Company Act, except that the Fund will concentrate to approximately the same extent that its Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of a particular industry or group of
industries.
|
2.
|
Borrow money, except as
permitted under the Investment Company Act.
|
3.
|
Issue senior securities to
the extent such issuance would violate the Investment Company Act.
|
4.
|
Purchase or hold real
estate, except the Fund may purchase and hold securities or other instruments that are secured by, or linked to, real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate investment trusts, mortgage-related securities and securities of issuers
engaged in the real estate business, and the Fund may purchase and hold real estate as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments.
|
5.
|
Underwrite securities
issued by others, except to the extent that the sale of portfolio securities by the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriting or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.
|
6.
|
Purchase or sell commodities
or commodity contracts, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act.
|
7.
|
Make
loans to the extent prohibited by the Investment Company Act.
|
Notations Regarding the Fund's Fundamental Investment
Policies
The following notations are not considered to
be part of the Fund’s fundamental investment policies and are subject to change without shareholder approval.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to
concentration set forth in (1) above, the Investment Company Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one
or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted
to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities
of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities
will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. Finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their
activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents. Each foreign government will be considered to be a member of a separate industry. With respect to the Fund's industry classifications, the Fund currently utilizes any one
or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to the Fund as to how to
classify issuers within or among industries.
With
respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (2) above, the Investment Company Act permits the Fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to
borrow up to 5% of the Fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. (The Fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed.) To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the Investment Company Act requires
the Fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the Fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other
than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as “leveraging.” Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be
considered to be borrowings or involve leverage and thus are subject to the Investment Company Act restrictions. In accordance with SEC staff guidance and interpretations, when the Fund engages in such transactions, the Fund instead of maintaining
asset coverage of at least 300%, may segregate or earmark liquid assets, or enter into an offsetting position, in an amount at least equal to the Fund’s exposure, on a mark-to-market basis, to the transaction (as calculated pursuant to
requirements of the SEC). The policy in (2) above will be interpreted to permit the Fund to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing or to involve leverage to the extent permitted by the Investment Company
Act and to permit the Fund to segregate or earmark liquid assets or enter into offsetting positions in accordance with the Investment Company Act. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with
respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to
underwriting set forth in (5) above, the Investment Company Act does not prohibit the Fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, in the case of diversified funds, the Investment
Company Act permits the Fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the Fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the
Fund’s investments in issuers where the Fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities
may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause the Fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (5) above will
be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the Fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act or is otherwise engaged
in the underwriting business to the extent permitted by applicable law.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set
forth in (7) above, the Investment Company Act does not prohibit the Fund from making loans (including lending its securities); however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets
(including lending its securities), except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative
instruments (as applicable), as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans.
Non-Fundamental Investment Policies
The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental policy not to make
short sales of securities or maintain a short position, except to the extent permitted by the Fund's Prospectus and SAI, as amended from time to time, and applicable law.
The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy in
accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in the component securities in the Fund's Underlying Index.
The Fund also has adopted a policy to provide its shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of any change in such policy. If, subsequent to an investment, the 80% requirement is no longer met, the Fund’s future investments
will be made in a manner that will bring the Fund into compliance with this policy.
The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental policy not to purchase
securities of other investment companies, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. As a matter of policy, however, the Fund will not purchase shares of any registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust, in
reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) (the “fund of funds” provisions) of the 1940 Act, at any time the Fund has knowledge that its shares are purchased by another investment company investor in reliance on the provisions of
subparagraph (G) of Section 12(d)(1).
Unless otherwise
indicated, all limitations under the Fund's fundamental or non-fundamental investment policies apply only at the time that a transaction is undertaken. Any change in the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in certain securities or other
instruments resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in the Fund’s total assets will not require the Fund to dispose of an investment until BFA determines that it is practicable to sell or close out the investment without undue
market or tax consequences.
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may
raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and
other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner that could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the
prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed
a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells such shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of new shares with an active
selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the
broker-dealer or its client in the particular case and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not
“underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, generally are required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of
the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to shares of the Fund are reminded that, pursuant to Rule 153 under the 1933
Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Listing Exchange generally is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the Listing Exchange upon
request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is available only with respect to transactions on an exchange.
Management
Trustees and Officers.
The Board has responsibility for the overall management and operations of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by BFA and other service providers. Each Trustee serves until he or she resigns, is removed, dies,
retires or becomes incapacitated. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, resignation or removal. Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Trust are referred to as independent trustees (“Independent Trustees”).
The registered investment companies advised
by BFA or its affiliates (the “BlackRock-advised Funds”) are organized into one complex of open-end equity, multi-asset, index and money market funds (the “BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex”), one complex of closed-end funds and
open-end non-index fixed-income funds (the “BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex”) and one complex of ETFs (“Exchange-Traded Fund Complex”) (each, a “BlackRock Fund Complex”). The Fund is included in the BlackRock Fund
Complex referred to as the Exchange-Traded Fund Complex. Each Trustee also serves as a Director of iShares, Inc. and a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust and, as a result, oversees all of the funds within the Exchange-Traded Fund Complex, which
consists of 355 funds as of September 16, 2019. With the exception of Robert S. Kapito, Salim Ramji, Charles Park, Martin Small and Neal Andrews, the address of each Trustee and officer is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
94105. The address of Mr. Kapito, Mr. Ramji, Mr. Park, Mr. Small and Mr. Andrews is c/o BlackRock, Inc., Park Avenue Plaza, 55 East 52nd Street, New
York, NY 10055. The Board has designated Cecilia H. Herbert as its Independent Board Chair. Additional information about the Fund's Trustees and officers may be found in this SAI, which is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free
1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737).
Interested
Trustees
Name
(Age)
|
|
Position
|
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
|
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee
|
Robert
S. Kapito1
(62)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2009).
|
|
President,
BlackRock, Inc. (since 2006); Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. and Head of BlackRock’s Portfolio Management Group (since its formation in 1998) and BlackRock, Inc.’s predecessor entities (since 1988); Trustee, University of Pennsylvania
(since 2009); President of Board of Directors, Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund (since 2002).
|
|
Director
of BlackRock, Inc. (since 2006); Director of iShares, Inc. (since 2009); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2011).
|
Salim
Ramji2
(49)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2019).
|
|
Senior
Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (since 2014); Global Head of BlackRock’s ETF and Index Investments Business (since 2019); Head of BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory Business (2015-2019); Global Head of Corporate Strategy, BlackRock,
Inc. (2014-2015); Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company (2010-2014).
|
|
Director
of iShares, Inc. (since 2019); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2019)
|
1
|
Robert S. Kapito is deemed to
be an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust due to his affiliations with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates.
|
2
|
Salim
Ramji is deemed to be an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust due to his affiliations with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates.
|
Independent Trustees
Name
(Age)
|
|
Position
|
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
|
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee
|
Cecilia
H. Herbert
(70)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2005); Independent Board Chair
(since 2016).
|
|
Chair
of the Finance Committee (since 2019) and Trustee and Member of the Finance, Technology and Quality Committees of Stanford Health Care (since 2016); Member of the Audit Committee (since 2018) and Trustee and Member of the Investment Committee,
WNET, a New York public media company (since 2011); Chair (1994-2005) and Member (since 1992) of the Investment Committee, Archdiocese of San Francisco; Trustee of Forward Funds (14 portfolios) (2009-2018); Trustee of Salient MF Trust (4 portfolios)
(2015-2018); Director (1998-2013) and President (2007-2011) of the Board of Directors, Catholic Charities CYO; Trustee (2002-2011) and Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee (2006-2010) of the Thacher
School.
|
|
Director
of iShares, Inc. (since 2005); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2011); Independent Board Chair of iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2016); Trustee of Thrivent Church Loan and Income Fund (since 2019).
|
Jane
D. Carlin
(63)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2015); Risk Committee Chair (since 2016).
|
|
Consultant
(since 2012); Member of the Audit Committee (2012-2018), Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2017-2018) and Director of PHH Corporation (mortgage solutions) (2012-2018); Managing Director and Global Head of Financial Holding Company
Governance & Assurance and the Global Head of Operational Risk Management of Morgan Stanley (2006-2012).
|
|
Director of
iShares, Inc. (since 2015); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2015); Member of the Audit Committee (since 2016) and Director of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (since 2016).
|
Richard
L. Fagnani
(64)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2017); Audit Committee Chair (since 2019).
|
|
Partner,
KPMG LLP (2002-2016).
|
|
Director of
iShares, Inc. (since 2017); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2017).
|
John
E. Kerrigan
(64)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2005); Nominating and Governance and Equity Plus Committee Chairs
(since 2019).
|
|
Chief
Investment Officer, Santa Clara University (since 2002).
|
|
Director
of iShares, Inc. (since 2005); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2011).
|
Name
(Age)
|
|
Position
|
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
|
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee
|
Drew
E. Lawton
(60)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2017); 15(c) Committee Chair (since 2017).
|
|
Senior
Managing Director of New York Life Insurance Company (2010-2015).
|
|
Director
of iShares, Inc. (since 2017); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2017).
|
John
E. Martinez
(58)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2003);
Securities Lending Committee Chair
(since 2019).
|
|
Director
of Real Estate Equity Exchange, Inc. (since 2005); Director of Cloudera Foundation (since 2017); and Director of Reading Partners (2012-2016).
|
|
Director of
iShares, Inc. (since 2003); Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2011).
|
Madhav
V. Rajan
(55)
|
|
Trustee
(since 2011); Fixed Income Plus Committee Chair (since 2019).
|
|
Dean,
and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting, University of Chicago Booth School of Business (since 2017); Robert K. Jaedicke Professor of Accounting, Stanford University Graduate School of Business (2001-2017); Professor of Law (by courtesy),
Stanford Law School (2005-2017); Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Head of MBA Program, Stanford University Graduate School of Business (2010-2016).
|
|
Director
of iShares, Inc. (since 2011);
Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust (since 2011).
|
Officers
Name
(Age)
|
|
Position
|
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
|
Martin
Small
(44)
|
|
President
(since 2016).
|
|
Managing
Director, BlackRock, Inc. (since 2010); Head of BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory Business (since 2019); Head of U.S. iShares (2015-2019); Co-Head of the U.S. Financial Markets Advisory Group, BlackRock, Inc. (2008-2014).
|
Neal
Andrews
(53)
|
|
Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
(since 2019).
|
|
Managing Director
of BlackRock, Inc. (since 2006); Senior Vice President and Line of Business Head of Fund Accounting and Administration at PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (1992-2006).
|
Charles
Park
(52)
|
|
Chief
Compliance Officer (since 2006).
|
|
Chief
Compliance Officer of BlackRock Advisors, LLC and the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Equity-Bond Complex, the Equity-Liquidity Complex and the Closed-End Complex (since 2014); Chief Compliance Officer of BFA (since 2006).
|
Name
(Age)
|
|
Position
|
|
Principal
Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
|
Deepa
Damre
(44)
|
|
Secretary
(since 2019).
|
|
Managing
Director, BlackRock, Inc. (since 2014); Director, BlackRock, Inc. (2009-2013).
|
Scott
Radell
(50)
|
|
Executive
Vice President
(since 2012).
|
|
Managing Director,
BlackRock, Inc. (since 2009); Head of Portfolio Solutions, BlackRock, Inc. (since 2009).
|
Alan
Mason
(58)
|
|
Executive
Vice President
(since 2016).
|
|
Managing
Director, BlackRock, Inc. (since 2009).
|
The Board has concluded that, based on each Trustee’s
experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, each Trustee should serve as a Trustee of the Board. Among the attributes common to all Trustees are their ability to review
critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Fund's investment adviser, other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective
business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees. A Trustee’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained through the Trustee’s educational background or professional training; business,
consulting, public service or academic positions; experience from service as a Board member of the Fund and the other funds in the Trust (and any predecessor funds), other investment funds, public companies, or non-profit entities or other
organizations; and/or other life experiences. Also, set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve (or continue to
serve) as a Trustee.
Robert S. Kapito has been a Trustee
of the Trust since 2009. Mr. Kapito has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. since 2009, a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2011 and a Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006. Mr. Kapito served as a Director of iShares MSCI Russia Capped
ETF, Inc. from 2010 to 2015. In addition, he has over 20 years of experience as part of BlackRock, Inc. and BlackRock’s predecessor entities. Mr. Kapito serves as President of BlackRock, Inc., and is a member of the Global Executive Committee
and Chairman of the Global Operating Committee. He is responsible for day-to-day oversight of BlackRock's key operating units, including Investment Strategies, Client Businesses, Technology & Operations, and Risk & Quantitative Analysis.
Prior to assuming his current responsibilities in 2007, Mr. Kapito served as Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. and Head of BlackRock's Portfolio Management Group. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing all portfolio management within
BlackRock, including the Fixed Income, Equity, Liquidity, and Alternative Investment Groups. Mr. Kapito serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors. He
has also been President of the Board of Directors for the Hope & Heroes Children's Cancer Fund since 2002. Mr. Kapito earned a BS degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1979, and an MBA degree from
Harvard Business School in 1983.
Salim Ramji has been a
Trustee of the Trust since 2019. Mr. Ramji has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. and a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2019. Mr. Ramji is the Global Head of BlackRock’s ETF and Index Investments business. In addition, he is a
member of BlackRock’s Global Executive Committee. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities in 2019, Mr. Ramji was Head of BlackRock's U.S. Wealth Advisory business, where he was responsible for leading BlackRock's relationships with
wealth management firms and platforms, for distributing BlackRock's alpha-seeking and iShares investment capabilities and for the adoption of BlackRock's portfolio construction and digital wealth technologies to financial advisors. Mr. Ramji joined
BlackRock in 2014, serving initially as the Global Head of Corporate Strategy. Prior to BlackRock, Mr. Ramji was a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led the Asset and Wealth Management practice areas. He started his career as a
corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions lawyer at Clifford Chance LLP in London and Hong Kong. He has served as a Trustee of Graham Windham, a New York-based child care agency, since 2007. Mr. Ramji earned a bachelor's degree in economics and
politics from University of Toronto, a law degree, from Cambridge University and is a CFA charter holder.
Cecilia H. Herbert has been a Trustee of the Trust since 2005
and Chair of the Trust's Board since 2016. Ms. Herbert has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. since 2005, a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2011, and Chair of each Board since 2016. Ms. Herbert served as a Director of iShares MSCI
Russia Capped ETF, Inc. from 2010 to 2015. In addition, Ms. Herbert
served as Trustee of the Forward Funds from 2009 to 2018 and Trustee of
Salient Funds from 2015 to 2018. She has served since 1992 on the Investment Council of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and was Chair from 1994 to 2005. She has served as a member of the Finance, Technology and Quality Committees and Trustee of
Stanford Health Care since 2016 and became Chair of the Finance Committee of Stanford Health Care in 2019. She has served as an Audit Committee member (since 2018) and a Trustee of WNET, New York’s public media station, since 2011. She became
a member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Forum in 2018 and joined the board of Thrivent Church Loan and Income Fund in 2019. She was President of the Board of Catholic Charities CYO, the largest social services agency in the
San Francisco Bay Area, from 2007 to 2011 and a member of that board from 1992 to 2013. She previously served as Trustee of the Pacific Select Funds from 2004 to 2005 and Trustee of the Montgomery Funds from 1992 to 2003. She worked from 1973 to
1990 at J.P. Morgan/Morgan Guaranty Trust doing international corporate finance and corporate lending, retiring as Managing Director and Head of the West Coast Office. Ms. Herbert has been on numerous non-profit boards, chairing investment and
finance committees. She holds a double major in economics and communications from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Jane D. Carlin has been a Trustee of the Trust since 2015 and
Chair of the Risk Committee since 2016. Ms. Carlin has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. and a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2015, and Chair of the Risk Committee of each Board since 2016. Ms. Carlin has served as a consultant
since 2012 and formerly served as Managing Director and Global Head of Financial Holding Company Governance & Assurance and the Global Head of Operational Risk Management of Morgan Stanley from 2006 to 2012. In addition, Ms. Carlin served as
Managing Director and Global Head of the Bank Operational Risk Oversight Department of Credit Suisse Group from 2003 to 2006. Prior to that, Ms. Carlin served as Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Morgan Stanley. Ms. Carlin has over 30
years of experience in the financial sector and has served in a number of legal, regulatory, and risk management positions. Ms. Carlin has served as a member of the Audit Committee and as a Director of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., each since
2016. Ms. Carlin served as a member of the Audit Committee from 2012 to 2018, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee from 2017 to 2018 and as an Independent Director on the Board of PHH Corporation from 2012 to 2018. She previously served
as a Director on the Boards of Astoria Financial Corporation and Astoria Bank. Ms. Carlin was appointed by the United States Treasury to the Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security,
where she served as Chairperson from 2010 to 2012 and Vice Chair and Chair of the Cyber Security Committee from 2009 to 2010. Ms. Carlin has a BA degree in political science from State University of New York at Stony Brook and a JD degree from
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Richard L. Fagnani
has been a Trustee of the Trust since 2017 and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Trust since 2019. Mr. Fagnani has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. and a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2017, and Chair of the Audit Committee of
each Board since 2019. Mr. Fagnani served as an Advisory Board Member of the Trust, iShares U.S. ETF Trust and iShares, Inc. from April 2017 to June 2017. Mr. Fagnani served as a Senior Audit Partner at KPMG LLP from 2002 to 2016, most recently as
the U.S. asset management audit practice leader responsible for setting strategic direction and execution of the operating plan for the asset management audit practice. In addition, from 1977 to 2002, Mr. Fagnani served as an Audit Partner at
Andersen LLP, where he developed and managed the asset management audit practice. Mr. Fagnani served as a Trustee on the Board of the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia from 2009 to 2014 and as a member of the School of Business Advisory Board at
LaSalle University from 2006 to 2014. Mr. Fagnani has a BS degree in Accounting from LaSalle University.
John E. Kerrigan has been a Trustee of the Trust since 2005
and Chair of the Equity Plus and Nominating and Governance Committees of the Trust since 2019. Mr. Kerrigan has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. since 2005, a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2011, and Chair of the Equity Plus and
Nominating and Governance Committees of each Board since 2019. Mr. Kerrigan served as a Director of iShares MSCI Russia Capped ETF, Inc. from 2010 to 2015. Mr. Kerrigan has served as Chief Investment Officer of Santa Clara University since 2002. Mr.
Kerrigan was formerly a Managing Director at Merrill Lynch & Co., including the following responsibilities: Managing Director, Institutional Client Division, Western United States. Mr. Kerrigan has been a Director, since 1999, of The BASIC Fund
(Bay Area Scholarships for Inner City Children). Mr. Kerrigan has a BA degree from Boston College and is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charterholder.
Drew E. Lawton has been a Trustee of the Trust since 2017 and
Chair of the 15(c) Committee of the Trust since 2017. Mr. Lawton has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc., a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust, and Chair of the 15(c) Committee of each Board since 2017. Mr. Lawton also served as an Advisory
Board Member of the Trust, iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Trust from 2016 to 2017. Mr. Lawton served as Director of Principal Funds, Inc., Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. and Principal Exchange-Traded Funds from March 2016 to October
2016. Mr. Lawton served in various capacities at New York Life
Insurance Company from 2010 to 2015, most recently as a Senior Managing
Director and Chief Executive Officer of New York Life Investment Management. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Lawton was the President of Fridson Investment Advisors, LLC. Mr. Lawton previously held multiple roles at Fidelity Investments from 1997 to 2008.
Mr. Lawton has a BA degree in Administrative Science from Yale University and an MBA from University of North Texas.
John E. Martinez has been a Trustee of the Trust since 2003
and Chair of the Securities Lending Committee of the Trust since 2019. Mr. Martinez has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. since 2003, a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2011, and Chair of the Securities Lending Committee of each
Board since 2019. Mr. Martinez served as a Director of iShares MSCI Russia Capped ETF, Inc. from 2010 to 2015. Mr. Martinez is a Director of Real Estate Equity Exchange, Inc., providing governance oversight and consulting services to this privately
held firm that develops products and strategies for homeowners in managing the equity in their homes. Mr. Martinez currently serves as a Board member for the Cloudera Foundation, whose mission is to apply Cloudera’s data science expertise and
discipline to solve global social problems. Mr. Martinez previously served as Director of Barclays Global Investors (“BGI”) UK Holdings, where he provided governance oversight representing BGI’s shareholders (Barclays PLC, BGI
management shareholders) through oversight of BGI’s worldwide activities. Mr. Martinez also previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Global Index and Markets Group of BGI, Chairman of Barclays Global Investor Services and Chief
Executive Officer of the Capital Markets Group of BGI. From 2003 to 2012, he was a Director and Executive Committee Member for Larkin Street Youth Services, providing governance oversight and strategy development to an agency that provides emergency
and transitional housing, healthcare, education, job and life skills training to homeless youth. He now serves on the Larkin Street Honorary Board. From 2012 to 2016, Mr. Martinez served as a Director for Reading Partners, an organization committed
to making all children literate through one-on-one tutoring of students in grades K-4 who are not yet reading at grade level. Mr. Martinez has an AB degree in economics from The University of California, Berkeley and holds an MBA degree in finance
and statistics from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Madhav V. Rajan has been a Trustee of the Trust since 2011 and
Chair of the Fixed Income Plus Committee of the Trust since 2019. Mr. Rajan has also served as a Director of iShares, Inc. and a Trustee of iShares U.S. ETF Trust since 2011, and Chair of the Fixed Income Plus Committee of each Board since 2019. Mr.
Rajan served as a Director of iShares MSCI Russia Capped ETF, Inc. from 2011 to 2015. Mr. Rajan is the Dean and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. From 2001 to 2017, Mr. Rajan was the
Robert K. Jaedicke Professor of Accounting at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. In April 2017, he received the school’s Robert T. Davis Award for Lifetime Achievement and Service. He has taught accounting for over 25 years
to undergraduate, MBA and law students, as well as to senior executives. From 2010 to 2016, Mr. Rajan served as the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and head of the MBA Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Mr.
Rajan served as editor of “The Accounting Review” from 2002 to 2008 and is co-author of “Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis,” a leading cost accounting textbook. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Rajan served on the Board of
Directors of Cavium Inc., a semiconductor company. Mr. Rajan holds MS and PhD degrees in Accounting from Carnegie Mellon University.
Board –
Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with
the Board. The Board has engaged BFA to manage the Fund on a day-to-day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing BFA and other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable
provisions of state and other laws and the Trust’s charter. The Board is currently composed of nine members, seven of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board currently conducts regular in person meetings four times a year. In addition, the
Board frequently holds special in person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees meet regularly outside the presence of
management, in executive session or with other service providers to the Trust.
The Board has appointed an Independent Trustee to serve in the
role of Board Chair. The Board Chair’s role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with service providers, officers, attorneys, and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Board Chair may also perform such
other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board has established seven standing Committees: a Nominating and Governance Committee, an Audit Committee, a 15(c) Committee, a Securities Lending Committee, a Risk Committee,
an Equity Plus Committee and a Fixed Income Plus Committee to assist the Board in the oversight and direction of the business and affairs of the Fund, and from time to time the Board may establish ad hoc committees or informal working groups to
review and address the policies and practices of the Fund with respect to certain specified matters. The Chair of each standing Committee is an Independent Trustee. The
role of the Chair of each Committee is to preside at all meetings of the
Committee and to act as a liaison with service providers, officers, attorneys and other Trustees between meetings. Each standing Committee meets regularly to conduct the oversight functions delegated to the Committee by the Board and reports its
finding to the Board. The Board and each standing Committee conduct annual assessments of their oversight function and structure. The Board has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to
exercise independent judgment over management and it allocates areas of responsibility among committees of Independent Trustees and the full Board to enhance effective oversight.
Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Fund is the
responsibility of BFA or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), subject to the supervision of BFA. The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational, reputational, counterparty and
valuation risks, among others. While there are a number of risk management functions performed by BFA and other service providers, as applicable, it is not possible to identify and eliminate all of the risks applicable to the Fund. The Trustees have
an oversight role in this area, satisfying themselves that risk management processes and controls are in place and operating effectively. Risk oversight forms part of the Board’s general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of
various Board and committee activities. In some cases, risk management issues are specifically addressed in presentations and discussions. For example, BFA has an independent dedicated Risk and Quantitative Analysis Group (“RQA”) that
assists BFA in managing fiduciary and corporate risks, including investment, operational, counterparty credit and enterprise risk. Representatives of RQA meet with the Board to discuss their analysis and methodologies, as well as specific risk
topics such as operational and counterparty risks relating to the Fund. The Board, directly or through a committee, also reviews reports from, among others, management and the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust, as
appropriate, regarding risks faced by the Fund and management’s risk functions. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer who oversees the implementation and testing of the Trust's compliance program, including assessments by
independent third parties, and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Trust and its principal service providers. In testing and maintaining the compliance program, the Chief Compliance Officer (and his or her delegates) assesses
key compliance risks affecting the Fund, and addresses them in periodic reports to the Board. In addition, the Audit Committee meets with both the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm and BFA’s internal audit group to review
risk controls in place that support the Fund as well as test results. Board oversight of risk is also performed as needed between meetings through communications between BFA and the Board. The Independent Trustees have engaged independent legal
counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities. From time to time, the Board may modify the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make it a guarantor of the Fund's investment
performance or other activities.
Committees of the Board of Trustees. The members of the Audit Committee are Richard L. Fagnani (Chair), John E. Kerrigan and Madhav V. Rajan, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. The purposes of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board (i) in
its oversight of the Trust's accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and related controls and procedures maintained by or on behalf of the Trust; (ii) in its oversight of the Trust's financial statements and the independent audit
thereof; (iii) in selecting, evaluating and, where deemed appropriate, replacing the independent accountants (or nominating the independent accountants to be proposed for shareholder approval in any proxy statement); (iv) in evaluating the
independence of the independent accountants; (v) in complying with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Trust's accounting and financial reporting, internal controls, compliance controls and independent audits; and (vi) to assume
such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the Board. The Audit Committee met seven times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
The members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are
John E. Kerrigan (Chair), Madhav V. Rajan and Drew E. Lawton, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. The Nominating and Governance Committee nominates individuals for Independent Trustee membership on the Board and recommends appointments to the
Advisory Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee functions include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) reviewing the qualifications of any person properly identified or nominated to serve as an Independent Trustee; (ii) recommending
to the Board and current Independent Trustees the nominee(s) for appointment as an Independent Trustee by the Board and current Independent Trustees and/or for election as Independent Trustees by shareholders to fill any vacancy for a position of
Independent Trustee(s) on the Board; (iii) recommending to the Board and current Independent Trustees the size and composition of the Board and Board committees and whether they comply with applicable laws and regulations; (iv) recommending a
current Independent Trustee to the Board and current Independent Trustees to serve as Board Chair; (v) periodic review of the Board's retirement policy; and (vi) recommending an appropriate level of compensation for the Independent Trustees for
their services as Trustees, members or chairpersons of committees of the Board, Board Chair and any other positions as the Nominating and Governance Committee considers appropriate. The Nominating and Governance Committee does not
consider Board nominations recommended by
shareholders (acting solely in their capacity as a shareholder and not in any other capacity). The Nominating and Governance Committee met one time during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
Each Independent Trustee serves on the 15(c) Committee. The
Chair of the 15(c) Committee is Drew E. Lawton. The principal responsibilities of the 15(c) Committee are to support, oversee and organize on behalf of the Board the process for the annual review and renewal of the Trust's advisory and sub-advisory
agreements. These responsibilities include: (i) meeting with BlackRock, Inc. in advance of the Board meeting at which the Trust's advisory and sub-advisory agreements are to be considered to discuss generally the process for providing requested
information to the Board and the format in which information will be provided; and (ii) considering and discussing with BlackRock, Inc. such other matters and information as may be necessary and appropriate for the Board to evaluate the investment
advisory and sub-advisory agreements of the Trust. The 15(c) Committee met one time during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
The members of the Securities Lending Committee are John E.
Martinez (Chair), Jane D. Carlin and Drew E. Lawton, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. The principal responsibilities of the Securities Lending Committee are to support, oversee and organize on behalf of the Board the process for oversight of
the Trust's securities lending activities. These responsibilities include: (i) requesting that certain information be provided to the Committee for its review and consideration prior to such information being provided to the Board; (ii) considering
and discussing with BlackRock, Inc. such other matters and information as may be necessary and appropriate for the Board to oversee the Trust's securities lending activities and make required findings and approvals; and (iii) providing a
recommendation to the Board regarding the annual approval of the Trust's Securities Lending Guidelines and the required findings with respect to, and annual approval of, the Trust's agreement with the securities lending agent. The Securities Lending
Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
The members of the Equity Plus Committee are John E. Kerrigan
(Chair), John E. Martinez and Drew E. Lawton, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. The principal responsibilities of the Equity Plus Committee are to support, oversee and organize on behalf of the Board the process for oversight of Trust
performance and related matters for equity funds. These responsibilities include: (i) reviewing quarterly reports regarding Trust performance, secondary market trading and changes in net assets to identify any matters that should be brought to the
attention of the Board; and (ii) considering any performance or investment related matters as may be delegated to the Committee by the Board from time to time and providing a report or recommendation to the Board as appropriate. The Equity Plus
Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
The members of the Fixed Income Plus Committee are Madhav V.
Rajan (Chair), Jane D. Carlin and Richard L. Fagnani, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. The principal responsibilities of the Fixed Income Plus Committee are to support, oversee and organize on behalf of the Board the process for oversight of
Trust performance and related matters for fixed-income or multi-asset funds. These responsibilities include: (i) reviewing quarterly reports regarding Trust performance, secondary market trading and changes in net assets to identify any matters that
should be brought to the attention of the Board; and (ii) considering any performance or investment related matters as may be delegated to the Committee by the Board from time to time and providing a report or recommendation to the Board as
appropriate. The Fixed Income Plus Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
The members of the Risk Committee are Jane D. Carlin (Chair),
Richard L. Fagnani and John E. Martinez, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. The principal responsibility of the Risk Committee is to consider and organize on behalf of the Board risk related matters of the Fund so the Board may most effectively
structure itself to oversee them. The Risk Committee commenced on January 1, 2016. The Risk Committee met seven times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
As the Chair of the Board, Cecilia H. Herbert may serve as an
ex-officio member of each Committee.
The following table
sets forth, as of December 31, 2018, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Fund and in other registered investment companies overseen by the Trustee within the same family of investment companies as the
Trust. If a fund is not listed below, the Trustee did not own any securities in that fund as of the date indicated above:
Name
|
|
Fund
|
|
Dollar
Range of Equity
Securities in Named Fund
|
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in all
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by
Trustee
in Family of
Investment Companies
|
Robert
S. Kapito
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salim
Ramji1
|
|
iShares
Commodities Select Strategy ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P 500 ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Expanded Tech Sector ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
North American Natural Resources ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
TIPS Bond ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cecilia
H. Herbert
|
|
iShares
California Muni Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
China Large-Cap ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core High Dividend ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P 500 ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P U.S. Value ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
International Select Dividend ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI Japan ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
National Muni Bond ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Preferred and Income Securities ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jane
D. Carlin
|
|
iShares
1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Global Tech ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fund
|
|
Dollar
Range of Equity
Securities in Named Fund
|
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in all
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by
Trustee
in Family of
Investment Companies
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI ACWI ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard
L. Fagnani
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Edge MSCI Min Vol Global ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Small-Cap ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
PHLX Semiconductor ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
U.S. Consumer Services ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
U.S. Financials ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John
E. Kerrigan
|
|
iShares
MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drew
E. Lawton
|
|
iShares
0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
Core Dividend Growth ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Exponential Technologies ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI Frontier 100 ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF
|
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Short Maturity Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John
E. Martinez
|
|
iShares
Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Global Consumer Staples ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fund
|
|
Dollar
Range of Equity
Securities in Named Fund
|
|
Aggregate
Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in all
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by
Trustee
in Family of
Investment Companies
|
|
|
iShares
MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Russell 1000 ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Russell 1000 Value ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Russell 2000 ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Short Maturity Bond ETF
|
|
$1-$10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Madhav
V. Rajan
|
|
iShares
Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
iShares
Core Dividend Growth ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core High Dividend ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Core S&P 500 ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Mortgage Real Estate ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Russell 2000 ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Select Dividend ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Short Maturity Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
|
|
iShares
Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF
|
|
Over
$100,000
|
|
|
1
|
Appointed to serve as an
Interested Trustee effective June 19, 2019.
|
As of December 31, 2018, none of the Independent Trustees or
their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of BFA (the Fund's investment adviser), the Distributor or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with BFA or the Distributor.
Remuneration of Trustees and Advisory Board Members. Effective January 1, 2019, each current Independent Trustee is paid an annual retainer of $375,000 for his or her services as a Board member to the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Exchange-Traded Fund Complex,
together with out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with the Board’s policy on travel and other business expenses relating to attendance at meetings. The annual retainer for services as an Advisory Board Member is the same as the annual
retainer for services as a Board member. The Independent Chair of the Board is paid an additional annual retainer of $80,000. The Chair of each of the Equity Plus Committee, Fixed Income Plus Committee, Securities Lending Committee, Risk
Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and 15(c) Committee is paid an additional annual retainer of $25,000. The Chair of the Audit Committee is paid an additional annual retainer of $40,000. Each Independent Trustee that served as a
director of subsidiaries of the Exchange-Traded Fund Complex is paid an additional annual retainer of $10,000 (plus an additional $1,765 paid annually to compensate for taxes due in the Republic of Mauritius in connection with such Trustee’s
service on the boards of certain Mauritius-based subsidiaries).
The table below sets forth the compensation
earned by each Independent Trustee and Interested Trustee for services to the Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 and the aggregate compensation paid to them for services to the Exchange-Traded Fund Complex for the calendar year ended
December 31, 2018.
Name
|
|
iShares
iBonds Dec
2029 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
Pension
or
Retirement Benefits
Accrued As Part
of Trust Expenses1
|
|
Estimated
Annual Benefits
Upon Retirement1
|
|
Total
Compensation
From the Fund
and Fund Complex2
|
Independent
Trustees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
iShares
iBonds Dec
2029 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
Pension
or
Retirement Benefits
Accrued As Part
of Trust Expenses1
|
|
Estimated
Annual Benefits
Upon Retirement1
|
|
Total
Compensation
From the Fund
and Fund Complex2
|
Jane
D. Carlin
|
|
$0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
$361,765
|
Richard
L. Fagnani
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
350,000
|
Cecilia
H. Herbert
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
405,000
|
Charles
A. Hurty3
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
376,765
|
John
E. Kerrigan
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
350,000
|
Drew
E. Lawton
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
350,000
|
John
E. Martinez
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
350,000
|
Madhav
V. Rajan
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interested
Trustees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert
S. Kapito
|
|
$0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
$0
|
Salim
Ramji4
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
0
|
Mark
K. Wiedman5
|
|
0
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
Not
Applicable
|
|
0
|
1
|
No Trustee or officer is
entitled to any pension or retirement benefits from the Trust.
|
2
|
Also includes compensation
for service on the Board of Trustees of iShares U.S. ETF Trust and the Board of Directors of iShares, Inc.
|
3
|
Served as an Independent
Trustee through December 31, 2018.
|
4
|
Appointed to serve as an
Interested Trustee effective June 19, 2019.
|
5
|
Served as
an Interested Trustee through June 19, 2019.
|
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities. Ownership information is not provided for the Fund, as it has not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.
Potential Conflicts of Interest. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”), through a subsidiary, has a significant economic interest in BlackRock, Inc., the parent of BFA, the Fund's investment adviser. Certain activities of
BFA, BlackRock, Inc. and the other subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc. (collectively referred to in this section as “BlackRock”) and PNC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to in this section as the “Entities”), and their
respective directors, officers and employees, with respect to the Fund and/or other accounts managed by BlackRock or Entities, may give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest such as those described below.
BlackRock is one of the world's largest asset management
firms. PNC is a diversified financial services organization spanning the retail, business and corporate markets. BlackRock, PNC and their respective subsidiaries and each of their respective directors, officers and employees, including, in the case
of BlackRock, the business units or entities and personnel who may be involved in the investment activities and business operations of the Fund, are engaged worldwide in businesses, including managing equities, fixed-income securities, cash and
alternative investments, and banking and other financial services, and have interests other than that of managing the Fund. These are considerations of which investors in the Fund should be aware, and which may cause conflicts of interest that could
disadvantage the Fund and its shareholders. These businesses and interests include potential multiple advisory, transactional, financial and other relationships with, or interests in, companies and interests in securities or other instruments that
may be purchased or sold by the Fund.
BlackRock and the Entities have proprietary
interests in, and may manage or advise with respect to, accounts or funds (including separate accounts and other funds and collective investment vehicles) that have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund and/or that engage in
transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Fund. BlackRock and the Entities are also major participants in the global currency, equities, swap and fixed income markets, in each case, for the accounts of clients
and, in some cases, on a proprietary basis. As such, BlackRock and the Entities are or may be actively engaged in transactions in the same securities, currencies, and instruments in which the Fund invests. Such activities could affect the prices and
availability of the securities, currencies, and instruments in which the Fund invests, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund's performance. Such transactions, particularly in respect of most proprietary accounts or client accounts, will be
executed independently of the Fund's transactions and thus at prices or rates that may be more or less favorable than those obtained by the Fund.
When BlackRock seeks to purchase or sell the
same assets for managed accounts, including the Fund, the assets actually purchased or sold may be allocated among the accounts on a basis determined in its good faith discretion to be equitable. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the
size or price of the assets purchased or sold for the Fund. In addition, transactions in investments by one or more other accounts managed by BlackRock or the Entities may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or
investment strategies of the Fund, particularly, but not limited to, with respect to small-capitalization, emerging market or less liquid strategies. This may occur with respect to BlackRock-advised accounts when investment decisions regarding the
Fund are based on research or other information that is also used to support decisions for other accounts. When BlackRock implements a portfolio decision or strategy on behalf of another account ahead of, or contemporaneously with, similar decisions
or strategies for the Fund, market impact, liquidity constraints, or other factors could result in the Fund receiving less favorable trading results and the costs of implementing such decisions or strategies could be increased or the Fund could
otherwise be disadvantaged. BlackRock may, in certain cases, elect to implement internal policies and procedures designed to limit such consequences, which may cause the Fund to be unable to engage in certain activities, including purchasing or
disposing of securities, when it might otherwise be desirable for it to do so.
Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding
the Fund may benefit other accounts managed by BlackRock. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position by the Fund may impair the price of the same security sold short by (and therefore benefit) BlackRock or its
other accounts or funds, and the purchase of a security or covering of a short position in a security by the Fund may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) BlackRock or its other accounts or funds. In addition, to
the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may invest its assets in other funds advised by BlackRock, including funds that are managed by one or more of the same portfolio managers, which could result in conflicts of interest relating to asset
allocation, timing of Fund purchases and redemptions, and increased remuneration and profitability for BlackRock, and/or its personnel, including portfolio managers.
In certain circumstances, BlackRock, on behalf of the Fund,
may seek to buy from or sell securities to another fund or account advised by BlackRock. BlackRock may (but is not required to) effect purchases and sales between BlackRock clients (“cross trades”), including the Fund, if BlackRock
believes such transactions are appropriate based on each party's investment objectives and guidelines, subject to applicable law and regulation. There may be potential conflicts of interest or regulatory issues relating to these transactions which
could limit BlackRock’s decision to engage in these transactions for the Fund. BlackRock may have a potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities to the parties in such transactions. On any occasion when the Fund
participates in a cross trade, BlackRock will comply with procedures adopted under applicable rules and SEC guidance.
BlackRock and the Entities and their respective clients may
pursue or enforce rights with respect to an issuer in which the Fund has invested, and those activities may have an adverse effect on the Fund. As a result, prices, availability, liquidity and terms of the Fund's investments may be negatively
impacted by the activities of BlackRock or the Entities or their respective clients, and transactions for the Fund may be impaired or effected at prices or terms that may be less favorable than would otherwise have been the case.
The results of the Fund’s investment activities may
differ significantly from the results achieved by BlackRock for its proprietary accounts or other accounts (including investment companies or collective investment vehicles) which it manages or advises. It is possible that one or more accounts
managed or advised by BlackRock and such other accounts will achieve investment results that are substantially more or less favorable than the results achieved by the Fund. Moreover, it is possible that the Fund will sustain losses during periods in
which one or more proprietary or other accounts managed or advised by BlackRock achieve significant profits. The opposite result is also possible.
From time to time, the Fund may be restricted from purchasing
or selling securities, or from engaging in other investment activities because of regulatory, legal or contractual requirements applicable to BlackRock or one or more Entities or other accounts managed or advised by BlackRock or an Entity for
clients worldwide, and/or the internal policies of BlackRock and the Entities designed to comply with such requirements. As a result, there may be periods, for example, when BlackRock will not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions in
certain securities or instruments with respect to which BlackRock and/or one or more Entities are performing services or when position limits have been reached. For example, the investment activities of BlackRock or one or more Entities for their
proprietary accounts and accounts under their management may limit the investment opportunities for the Fund in certain emerging and other markets in which limitations are imposed upon the amount of investment, in the aggregate or in individual
issuers, by affiliated foreign investors.
In connection with its management of the Fund, BlackRock may
have access to certain fundamental analysis and proprietary technical models developed by BlackRock. BlackRock will not be under any obligation, however, to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund in accordance with such analysis and models. In
addition, BlackRock will not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of
the Fund and it is not anticipated that BlackRock will have access to such information for the purpose of managing the Fund. The proprietary activities or portfolio strategies of BlackRock, or the activities or strategies used for accounts managed
by BlackRock or other client accounts could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed by BlackRock in managing the Fund.
The Fund may be included in investment models developed by
BlackRock for use by clients and financial advisors. To the extent clients invest in these investment models and increase the assets under management of the Fund, the investment management fee amounts paid by the Fund to BlackRock may also increase.
The price, availability and liquidity of the Fund may be impacted by purchases and redemptions of the Fund by model-driven investment portfolios.
In addition, certain principals and certain employees of the
Fund’s investment adviser are also principals or employees of other business units or entities within BlackRock. As a result, these principals and employees may have obligations to such other business units or entities or their clients and
such obligations to other business units or entities or their clients may be a consideration of which investors in the Fund should be aware.
BlackRock may enter into transactions and invest in
securities, instruments and currencies on behalf of the Fund in which clients of BlackRock or an Entity, or, to the extent permitted by the SEC and applicable law, BlackRock or an Entity, serves as the counterparty, principal or issuer. In such
cases, such party's interests in the transaction will be adverse to the interests of the Fund, and such party may have no incentive to assure that the Fund obtains the best possible prices or terms in connection with the transactions. In addition,
the purchase, holding and sale of such investments by the Fund may enhance the profitability of BlackRock or an Entity.
BlackRock or one or more Entities may also create, write or
issue derivatives for their clients, the underlying securities, currencies or instruments in which the Fund may invest or which may be based on the performance of the Fund. BlackRock has entered into an arrangement with Markit Indices Limited, the
index provider for underlying fixed-income indexes used by certain iShares funds, related to derivative fixed-income products that are based on such iShares funds. BlackRock will receive certain payments for licensing intellectual property belonging
to BlackRock and for facilitating the provision of data in connection with such derivative products, which may include payments based on the trading volumes of, or revenues generated by, the derivative products. Other funds and accounts managed by
BlackRock may from time to time transact in such derivative products, which could contribute to the viability of such derivative products by making them more appealing to funds and accounts managed by third parties, and in turn lead to increased
payments to BlackRock. Trading activity in such derivative products could also potentially lead to increased purchase activity with respect to these iShares funds and increased assets under management for BlackRock.
The Fund may, subject to applicable law, purchase investments
that are the subject of an underwriting or other distribution by BlackRock or one or more Entities and may also enter into transactions with other clients of BlackRock or an Entity where such other clients have interests adverse to those of the
Fund.
At times, these activities may cause business
units or entities within BlackRock or an Entity to give advice to clients that may cause these clients to take actions adverse to the interests of the Fund. To the extent such transactions are permitted, the Fund will deal with BlackRock and/or
Entities on an arm’s-length basis.
To the extent
authorized by applicable law, BlackRock or one or more Entities may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or adviser or in other commercial capacities for the Fund. It is anticipated that the commissions, mark-ups, mark-downs, financial advisory
fees, underwriting and placement fees, sales fees, financing and commitment fees, brokerage fees, other fees, compensation or profits, rates, terms and conditions charged by BlackRock or an Entity will be in its view commercially reasonable,
although BlackRock and each Entity, including its sales personnel, will have an interest in obtaining fees and other amounts that are favorable to BlackRock or the Entity and such sales personnel, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund. Index
based funds also may use an index provider that is affiliated with another service provider of the Fund or BlackRock that acts as a broker, dealer, agent, lender or in other commercial capacities for the Fund or BlackRock.
Subject to applicable law, BlackRock and the Entities (and
their personnel and other distributors) will be entitled to retain fees and other amounts that they receive in connection with their service to the Fund as broker, dealer, agent, lender, adviser or in
other commercial capacities. No accounting to the Fund or its shareholders
will be required, and no fees or other compensation payable by the Fund or its shareholders will be reduced by reason of receipt by BlackRock or an Entity of any such fees or other amounts.
When BlackRock or an Entity acts as broker, dealer, agent,
adviser or in other commercial capacities in relation to the Fund, BlackRock or the Entity may take commercial steps in its own interests, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund. The Fund will be required to establish business relationships
with its counterparties based on the Fund's own credit standing. BlackRock will not have any obligation to allow its credit to be used in connection with the Fund's establishment of its business relationships, nor is it expected that the Fund's
counterparties will rely on the credit of BlackRock in evaluating the Fund's creditworthiness.
BTC, an affiliate of BFA pursuant to SEC exemptive relief,
acts as securities lending agent to, and receives a share of securities lending revenues from, the Fund. BlackRock will also receive compensation for managing the reinvestment of the cash collateral from securities lending. There are potential
conflicts of interests in managing a securities lending program, including but not limited to: (i) BlackRock as securities lending agent may have an incentive to increase or decrease the amount of securities on loan or to lend particular securities
in order to generate additional risk-adjusted revenue for BlackRock and its affiliates; and (ii) BlackRock as securities lending agent may have an incentive to allocate loans to clients that would provide more revenue to BlackRock. As described
further below, BlackRock seeks to mitigate this conflict by providing its securities lending clients with equal lending opportunities over time in order to approximate pro rata allocation.
As part of its securities lending program, BlackRock
indemnifies certain clients and/or funds against a shortfall in collateral in the event of borrower default. BlackRock’s RQA calculates, on a regular basis, BlackRock’s potential dollar exposure to the risk of collateral shortfall upon
counterparty default (“shortfall risk”) under the securities lending program for both indemnified and non-indemnified clients. On a periodic basis, RQA also determines the maximum amount of potential indemnified shortfall risk arising
from securities lending activities (“indemnification exposure limit”) and the maximum amount of counterparty-specific credit exposure (“credit limits”) BlackRock is willing to assume as well as the program’s operational
complexity. RQA oversees the risk model that calculates projected shortfall values using loan-level factors such as loan and collateral type and market value as well as specific borrower counterparty credit characteristics. When necessary, RQA may
further adjust other securities lending program attributes by restricting eligible collateral or reducing counterparty credit limits. As a result, the management of the indemnification exposure limit may affect the amount of securities lending
activity BlackRock may conduct at any given point in time and impact indemnified and non-indemnified clients by reducing the volume of lending opportunities for certain loans (including by asset type, collateral type and/or revenue profile).
BlackRock uses a predetermined systematic process in order to
approximate pro rata allocation over time. In order to allocate a loan to a portfolio: (i) BlackRock as a whole must have sufficient lending capacity pursuant to the various program limits (i.e.,
indemnification exposure limit and counterparty credit limits); (ii) the lending portfolio must hold the asset at the time a loan opportunity arrives; and (iii) the lending portfolio must also have enough inventory, either on its own or when
aggregated with other portfolios into one single market delivery, to satisfy the loan request. In doing so, BlackRock seeks to provide equal lending opportunities for all portfolios, independent of whether BlackRock indemnifies the portfolio. Equal
opportunities for lending portfolios does not guarantee equal outcomes. Specifically, short and long-term outcomes for individual clients may vary due to asset mix, asset/liability spreads on different securities, and the overall limits imposed by
the firm.
Purchases and sales of securities and other
assets for the Fund may be bunched or aggregated with orders for other BlackRock client accounts, including with accounts that pay different transaction costs solely due to the fact that they have different research payment arrangements. BlackRock,
however, is not required to bunch or aggregate orders if portfolio management decisions for different accounts are made separately, or if they determine that bunching or aggregating is not practicable or required, or in cases involving client
direction.
Prevailing trading activity frequently may
make impossible the receipt of the same price or execution on the entire volume of securities purchased or sold. When this occurs, the various prices may be averaged, and the Fund will be charged or credited with the average price. Thus, the effect
of the aggregation may operate on some occasions to the disadvantage of the Fund. In addition, under certain circumstances, the Fund will not be charged the same commission or commission equivalent rates in connection with a bunched or aggregated
order.
Subject to applicable law, BlackRock may select
brokers (including, without limitation, certain Entities) that furnish BlackRock, the Fund, other BlackRock client accounts or personnel, directly or through correspondent relationships, with
research or other appropriate services which provide, in BlackRock's view,
appropriate assistance to BlackRock in the investment decision-making process (including with respect to futures, fixed-price offerings and OTC transactions). Such research or other services may include, to the extent permitted by law, research
reports on companies, industries and securities; economic and financial data; financial publications; proxy analysis; trade industry seminars; computer data bases; research-oriented software and other services and products. Research or other
services obtained in this manner may be used in servicing any or all of the Fund and other BlackRock client accounts, including in connection with BlackRock client accounts other than those that pay commissions to the broker relating to the research
or other service arrangements. Such products and services may disproportionately benefit other BlackRock client accounts relative to the Fund based on the amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund and such other BlackRock client accounts. For
example, research or other services that are paid for through one client's commissions may not be used in managing that client's account. In addition, other BlackRock client accounts may receive the benefit, including disproportionate benefits, of
economies of scale or price discounts in connection with products and services that may be provided to the Fund and to such other BlackRock client accounts. To the extent that BlackRock uses soft dollars, it will not have to pay for those products
and services itself.
BlackRock does not currently enter
into arrangements to use the Fund's assets for, or participate in, soft dollars, although BlackRock may receive research that is bundled with the trade execution, clearing, and/or settlement services provided by a particular broker-dealer. To the
extent that BlackRock receives research on this basis, many of the same conflicts related to traditional soft dollars may exist. For example, the research effectively will be paid by client commissions that also will be used to pay for the
execution, clearing, and settlement services provided by the broker-dealer and will not be paid by BlackRock. BlackRock, unless prohibited by applicable law, may endeavor to execute trades through brokers who, pursuant to such arrangements, provide
research or other services in order to ensure the continued receipt of research or other services BlackRock believes are useful in its investment decision-making process. BlackRock may from time to time choose not to engage in the above described
arrangements to varying degrees. BlackRock, unless prohibited by applicable law, may also enter into commission sharing arrangements under which BlackRock may execute transactions through a broker-dealer, including, where permitted, an Entity, and
request that the broker-dealer allocate a portion of the commissions or commission credits to another firm that provides research to BlackRock. To the extent that BlackRock engages in commission sharing arrangements, many of the same conflicts
related to traditional soft dollars may exist.
BlackRock
may utilize certain electronic crossing networks (“ECNs”) (including, without limitation, ECNs in which BlackRock or an Entity has an investment or other interest, to the extent permitted by applicable law) in executing
client securities transactions for certain types of securities. These ECNs may charge fees for their services, including access fees and transaction fees. The transaction fees, which are similar to commissions or markups/markdowns, will
generally be charged to clients and, like commissions and markups/markdowns, would generally be included in the cost of the securities purchased. Access fees may be paid by BlackRock even though incurred in connection with executing transactions on
behalf of clients, including the Fund. In certain circumstances, ECNs may offer volume discounts that will reduce the access fees typically paid by BlackRock. BlackRock will only utilize ECNs consistent with its obligation to seek to obtain best
execution in client transactions.
BlackRock has adopted
policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that it makes on behalf of advisory clients, including the Fund, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with BlackRock's
fiduciary obligations to its clients. Nevertheless, notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions of BlackRock may have the effect of favoring the interests of other clients or businesses of other divisions
or units of BlackRock and/or an Entity, provided that BlackRock believes such voting decisions to be in accordance with its fiduciary obligations. For a more detailed discussion of these policies and procedures, see the Proxy Voting Policy section of this SAI.
It is also possible that, from time to time, BlackRock or an
Entity may, subject to compliance with applicable law, purchase and hold shares of the Fund. Increasing the Fund’s assets may enhance liquidity, investment flexibility and diversification and may contribute to economies of scale that tend to
reduce the Fund's expense ratio. BlackRock and the Entities reserve the right, subject to compliance with applicable law, to sell into the market or redeem in Creation Units through an Authorized Participant at any time some or all of the shares of
the Fund acquired for their own accounts. A large sale or redemption of shares of the Fund by BlackRock or an Entity could significantly reduce the asset size of the Fund, which might have an adverse effect on the Fund's liquidity, investment
flexibility, portfolio diversification, expense ratio or ability to comply with the listing requirements for the Fund. BlackRock seeks to consider the effect of redemptions on the Fund and other shareholders in deciding whether to redeem its shares
but is not obligated to do so and may elect not to do so.
It is possible that the Fund may invest in securities of, or
engage in transactions with, companies with which an Entity has developed or is trying to develop investment banking relationships as well as securities of entities in which BlackRock or an Entity has significant debt or equity investments or other
interests or in which an Entity makes a market. The Fund may also invest in issuances (such as structured notes) by entities for which BlackRock provides and is compensated for cash management services relating to the proceeds from the sale of such
issuances. The Fund also may invest in securities of, or engage in transactions with, companies to which an Entity provides or may in the future provide research coverage. Such investments or transactions could cause conflicts between the interests
of the Fund and the interests of BlackRock, other clients of BlackRock or an Entity. In making investment decisions for the Fund, BlackRock is not permitted to obtain or use material non-public information acquired by any unit of BlackRock in the
course of these activities. In addition, from time to time, the activities of BlackRock or an Entity may limit the Fund's flexibility in purchases and sales of securities. When an Entity is engaged in an underwriting or other distribution of
securities of an entity, BlackRock may be prohibited from purchasing or recommending the purchase of certain securities of that entity for the Fund. As indicated below, BlackRock or an Entity may engage in transactions with companies in which
BlackRock-advised funds or other clients of BlackRock or of an Entity have an investment.
BlackRock and Chubb Limited (“Chubb”), a public
company whose securities are held by BlackRock-advised funds and other accounts, partially funded the creation of a re-insurance company (“Re Co”) pursuant to which each has approximately a 9.9% ownership interest and each has
representation on the board of directors. Certain employees and executives of BlackRock have a less than ½ of 1% ownership interest in Re Co. BlackRock manages the investment portfolio of Re Co, which is held in a wholly-owned subsidiary. Re Co
participates as a reinsurer with reinsurance contracts underwritten by subsidiaries of Chubb. An independent director of certain BlackRock-advised funds also serves as an independent director of Chubb and has no interest or involvement in the Re Co
transaction.
BlackRock and the Entities, their personnel
and other financial service providers may have interests in promoting sales of the Fund. With respect to BlackRock and the Entities and their personnel, the remuneration and profitability relating to services to and sales of the Fund or other
products may be greater than remuneration and profitability relating to services to and sales of certain funds or other products that might be provided or offered. BlackRock and the Entities and their sales personnel may directly or indirectly
receive a portion of the fees and commissions charged to the Fund or its shareholders. BlackRock and its advisory or other personnel may also benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. Fees and commissions may also be higher than for
other products or services, and the remuneration and profitability to BlackRock or the Entities and such personnel resulting from transactions on behalf of or management of the Fund may be greater than the remuneration and profitability resulting
from other funds or products.
Third parties, including
service providers to BlackRock or the Fund, may sponsor events (including, but not limited to, marketing and promotional activities and presentations, educational training programs and conferences) for registered representatives, other professionals
and individual investors. There is a potential conflict of interest as such sponsorships may defray the costs of such activities to BlackRock, and may provide an incentive to BlackRock to retain such third parties to provide services to the
Fund.
BlackRock may provide valuation assistance to
certain clients with respect to certain securities or other investments and the valuation recommendations made for such clients' accounts may differ from the valuations for the same securities or investments assigned by the Fund's pricing vendors,
especially if such valuations are based on broker-dealer quotes or other data sources unavailable to the Fund's pricing vendors. While BlackRock will generally communicate its valuation information or determinations to the Fund's pricing vendors
and/or fund accountants, there may be instances where the Fund's pricing vendors or fund accountants assign a different valuation to a security or other investment than the valuation for such security or investment determined or recommended by
BlackRock.
As disclosed in more detail in the Determination of Net Asset Value section of the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, when market quotations are not readily available or are believed by BlackRock to be unreliable, the Fund’s investments are
valued at fair value by BlackRock in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. When determining “fair value price,” BlackRock seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of
that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. The price generally may not be determined based on what the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for selling an asset or liability at a later time or if it holds the asset or liability
to maturity. While fair value determinations will be based upon all available factors that BlackRock deems relevant at the time of the determination, and may be based on analytical values determined by BlackRock using proprietary or third-party
valuation models, fair value represents only a good faith approximation of the value of an asset or liability. The fair value of one or more assets or
liabilities may not, in retrospect, be the price at which those assets or
liabilities could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair values were used in determining the Fund’s net asset value. As a result, the Fund’s sale or redemption of its shares at net asset value, at a time when a
holding or holdings are valued by BlackRock (pursuant to Board-adopted procedures) at fair value, may have the effect of diluting or increasing the economic interest of existing shareholders and may affect the amount of revenue received by BlackRock
with respect to services for which it receives an asset-based fee.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may invest
all or some of its short-term cash investments in any money market fund or similarly-managed private fund advised or managed by BlackRock. In connection with any such investments, the Fund, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, may pay its share
of expenses of a money market fund or other similarly-managed private fund in which it invests, which may result in the Fund bearing some additional expenses.
BlackRock and its directors, officers and employees, may buy
and sell securities or other investments for their own accounts and may have conflicts of interest with respect to investments made on behalf of the Fund. As a result of differing trading and investment strategies or constraints, positions may be
taken by directors, officers and employees that are the same, different from or made at different times than positions taken for the Fund. To lessen the possibility that the Fund will be adversely affected by this personal trading, the Fund, BFA and
BlackRock have each adopted a code of ethics in compliance with Section 17(j) of the 1940 Act that restricts securities trading in the personal accounts of investment professionals and others who normally come into possession of information
regarding the Fund's portfolio transactions. Each code of ethics is available by contacting BlackRock or by accessing the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by
e-mail at publicinfo@sec.gov.
BlackRock will not
purchase securities or other property from, or sell securities or other property to, the Fund, except that the Fund may in accordance with rules or guidance adopted under the 1940 Act engage in transactions with accounts that are affiliated with the
Fund as a result of common officers, directors, or investment advisers or pursuant to exemptive orders granted to the Fund and/or BlackRock by the SEC. These transactions would be effected in circumstances in which BlackRock determined that it would
be appropriate for the Fund to purchase and another client of BlackRock to sell, or the Fund to sell and another client of BlackRock to purchase, the same security or instrument on the same day. From time to time, the activities of the Fund may be
restricted because of regulatory requirements applicable to BlackRock and/or BlackRock's internal policies designed to comply with, limit the applicability of, or otherwise relate to such requirements. A client not advised by BlackRock would not be
subject to some of those considerations. There may be periods when BlackRock may not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions, or may otherwise restrict or limit their advice in certain securities or instruments issued by or related to
companies for which BlackRock or an Entity is performing investment banking, market making, advisory or other services or has proprietary positions. For example, when BlackRock is engaged to provide advisory or risk management services for a
company, BlackRock may be prohibited from or limited in purchasing or selling securities of that company on behalf of the Fund, particularly where such services result in BlackRock obtaining material non-public information about the company (e.g., in connection with participation in a creditors’ committee). Similar situations could arise if personnel of BlackRock serve as directors of companies the securities of which the Fund wishes to purchase
or sell. However, if permitted by applicable law, and where consistent with BlackRock’s policies and procedures (including the necessary implementation of appropriate information barriers), the Fund may purchase securities or instruments that
are issued by such companies, are the subject of an underwriting, distribution or advisory assignment by an Entity, or are the subject of an advisory or risk management assignment by BlackRock, or where personnel of BlackRock are directors or
officers of the issuer.
The investment activities of
BlackRock for their proprietary accounts and for client accounts may also limit the investment strategies and rights of the Fund. For example, in certain circumstances where the Fund invests in securities issued by companies that operate in certain
regulated industries or in certain emerging or international markets, or is subject to corporate or regulatory ownership restrictions, or invests in certain futures or other derivative transactions, there may be limits on the aggregate amount
invested by BlackRock for their proprietary accounts and for client accounts (including the Fund) that may not be exceeded without the grant of a license or other regulatory or corporate consent or, if exceeded, may cause BlackRock, the Fund or
other client accounts to suffer disadvantages or business restrictions.
If certain aggregate ownership thresholds are reached either
through the actions of BlackRock or the Fund or as a result of third-party transactions, the ability of BlackRock, on behalf of clients (including the Fund), to purchase or dispose of investments, or exercise rights or undertake business
transactions, may be restricted by regulation or otherwise impaired. As a result, BlackRock, on behalf of its clients (including the Fund), may limit purchases, sell existing investments, or otherwise restrict, forgo or limit the exercise of rights
(including transferring, outsourcing or limiting voting rights or forgoing the right
to receive dividends) when BlackRock, in its sole discretion, deems it
appropriate in light of potential regulatory or other restrictions on ownership or other consequences resulting from reaching investment thresholds.
In those circumstances where ownership thresholds or
limitations must be observed, BlackRock seeks to allocate limited investment opportunities equitably among clients (including the Fund), taking into consideration benchmark weight and investment strategy. BlackRock has adopted certain controls
designed to prevent the occurrence of a breach of any applicable ownership threshold or limits, including, for example, when ownership in certain securities nears an applicable threshold, BlackRock may remove such securities from the list of Deposit
Securities to be delivered to the Fund in connection with purchases of Creation Units of such Fund and may limit purchases in such securities to the issuer's weighting in the applicable benchmark used by BlackRock to manage such Fund. If client
(including Fund) holdings of an issuer exceed an applicable threshold and BlackRock is unable to obtain relief to enable the continued holding of such investments, it may be necessary to sell down these positions to meet the applicable limitations.
In these cases, benchmark overweight positions will be sold prior to benchmark positions being reduced to meet applicable limitations.
In addition to the foregoing, other ownership thresholds may
trigger reporting requirements to governmental and regulatory authorities, and such reports may entail the disclosure of the identity of a client or BlackRock’s intended strategy with respect to such security or asset.
BlackRock may not serve as an Authorized Participant in the
creation and redemption of iShares ETFs.
BlackRock may
maintain securities indices. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the Fund may seek to license and use such indices as part of its investment strategy. Index based funds that seek to track the performance of securities indices also may use
the name of the index or index provider in the fund name. Index providers, including BlackRock (to the extent permitted by applicable law), may be paid licensing fees for use of their index or index name. BlackRock may benefit from the Fund using
BlackRock indices by creating increasing acceptance in the marketplace for such indices. BlackRock is not obligated to license its indices to any Fund and the Fund is under no obligation to use BlackRock indices. Any Fund that enters into a license
for a BlackRock index cannot be assured that the terms of any index licensing agreement with BlackRock will be as favorable as those terms offered to other licensees.
The custody arrangement described in “Investment
Advisory, Administrative and Distribution Services” may lead to potential conflicts of interest with BlackRock where BlackRock has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse ordinary operating expenses in order to cap expenses of the Fund (or where
BlackRock charges a unitary management fee). This is because the custody arrangements with the Fund's custodian may have the effect of reducing custody fees when the Fund leaves cash balances uninvested. This could be viewed as having the potential
to provide BlackRock an incentive to keep high positive cash balances for the Fund in order to offset fund custody fees that BlackRock might otherwise reimburse or pay. However, BlackRock’s portfolio managers do not intentionally keep
uninvested balances high, but rather make investment decisions that they anticipate will be beneficial to fund performance. For funds without a unitary management fee, when a fund’s actual operating expense ratio exceeds a stated cap, a
reduction in custody fees reduces the amount of waivers and/or reimbursements BlackRock would be required to make to the fund.
BlackRock may enter into contractual arrangements with
third-party service providers to the Fund (e.g., custodians, administrators and index providers) pursuant to which BlackRock receives fee discounts or concessions in recognition of BlackRock’s overall
relationship with such service providers. To the extent that BlackRock is responsible for paying these service providers out of its management fee, the benefits of any such fee discounts or concessions may accrue, in whole or in part, to
BlackRock.
BlackRock owns or has an ownership interest
in certain trading, portfolio management, operations and/or information systems used by Fund service providers. These systems are, or will be, used by the Fund service provider in connection with the provision of services to accounts managed by
BlackRock and funds managed and sponsored by BlackRock, including the Fund, that engage the service provider (typically the custodian). The Fund’s service provider remunerates BlackRock for the use of the systems. The Fund service
provider’s payments to BlackRock for the use of these systems may enhance the profitability of BlackRock.
BlackRock has entered into an arrangement with
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (“ICE”) to be one of ICE’s development partners in connection with ICE’s intention to launch a new open-architecture, centralized industry platform to facilitate creation and redemption orders
for ETFs (the “ICE Platform”). As a development partner, BlackRock has licensed certain of its intellectual property to ICE. Once the ICE Platform is launched, BlackRock intends to use the ICE Platform to facilitate
creations and redemptions in the Fund and certain other services provided by
the ICE Platform. BlackRock may have an incentive to promote the broad adoption of the ICE Platform by the ETF marketplace because BlackRock will earn a fee, based on the total revenues earned by the ICE Platform, for licensing BlackRock’s
intellectual property to ICE and for BlackRock’s role as development partner. ICE Data Services, the underlying index provider for certain BFA managed funds, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ICE.
BlackRock’s receipt of fees from a service provider in
connection with the use of systems provided by BlackRock may create an incentive for BlackRock to recommend that the Fund enter into or renew an arrangement with the service provider.
The Fund from time to time may purchase in the secondary
market (i) certain mortgage pass-through securities packaged and master serviced by PNC Mortgage Securities Corp. (“PNC Mortgage”) or Midland Loan Services, Inc. (“Midland”), or (ii) mortgage-related securities containing
loans or mortgages originated by PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”) or its affiliates. It is possible that under some circumstances, PNC Mortgage, Midland or other affiliates could have interests that are in conflict with the
holders of these mortgage-backed securities, and such holders could have rights against PNC Mortgage, Midland or their affiliates. For example, if PNC Mortgage, Midland or their affiliates engaged in negligence or willful misconduct in carrying out
its duties as a master servicer, then any holder of the mortgage-backed security could seek recourse against PNC Mortgage, Midland or their affiliates, as applicable. Also, as a master servicer, PNC Mortgage, Midland or their affiliates may make
certain representations and warranties regarding the quality of the mortgages and properties underlying a mortgage-backed security. If one or more of those representations or warranties is false, then the holders of the mortgage backed securities
could trigger an obligation of PNC Mortgage, Midland or their affiliates, as applicable, to repurchase the mortgages from the issuing trust. Finally, PNC Mortgage, Midland or their affiliates may own securities that are subordinate to the senior
mortgage-backed securities owned by the Fund.
Present
and future activities of BlackRock (including BFA) and the Entities and their respective directors, officers and employees, in addition to those described in this section, may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.
Legal Proceedings. On
June 16, 2016, investors (the “Plaintiffs”) in certain iShares funds (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF, iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF, iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF,
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF, iShares Select Dividend ETF, iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF, iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF, iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) filed a putative class
action lawsuit against the Trust, BlackRock, Inc. and certain of its advisory affiliates, and certain directors/trustees and officers of the Trust (collectively, “Defendants”) in California State Court. The lawsuit alleges the Defendants
violated federal securities laws by failing to adequately disclose in the prospectuses issued by the funds noted above the risks of using stop-loss orders in the event of a “flash crash,” such as the one that occurred on May 6, 2010. On
September 18, 2017, the court issued a Statement of Decision holding that the Plaintiffs lack standing to assert their claims. On October 11, 2017, the court entered final judgment dismissing all of Plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice.
Plaintiffs have appealed the court’s decision.
Investment Advisory, Administrative and Distribution
Services
Investment Adviser. BFA serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and BFA. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock, Inc. and
is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Under the investment advisory agreement, BFA, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies of the Fund,
manages and administers the Trust and the investment of the Fund’s assets. BFA is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the investment portfolio of the Fund.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, BFA may, from
time to time, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, appoint one or more sub-advisers, including, without limitation, affiliates of BFA, to perform investment advisory or other services with respect to the Fund. In
addition, BFA may delegate certain of its investment advisory functions under the investment advisory agreement to one or more of its affiliates to the extent permitted by applicable law. BFA may terminate any or all sub-advisers or such delegation
arrangements in its sole discretion upon appropriate notice at any time to the extent permitted by applicable law.
BFA is responsible, under the investment advisory agreement,
for substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. BFA is not responsible for, and the Fund will bear, the management fees, interest expenses, taxes,
expenses incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio securities and the execution of portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions, distribution fees or expenses, litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses
(as determined by a majority of the Independent Trustees).
For its investment advisory services to the
Fund, BFA will be paid a management fee by the Fund, based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, at an annual rate of 0.10%. BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees in an amount equal to the
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its Affiliates through the termination date of the Fund, on or about December 15, 2029. The contractual waiver may be terminated prior
to the Fund's termination only upon written agreement of the Trust and BFA.
The investment advisory agreement with respect to the Fund
continues in effect for two years from its effective date, and thereafter is subject to annual approval by (i) the Board, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, provided that in
either event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The investment advisory agreement with respect to the Fund is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days’ notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act). The investment advisory agreement is also terminable upon 60
days’ notice by BFA and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Portfolio Managers. As of August 30, 2019, the individuals named as Portfolio Managers in the Fund's Prospectus were also primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of other iShares funds and certain other types of
portfolios and/or accounts as follows:
James
Mauro
|
|
|
|
|
Types
of Accounts
|
|
Number
|
|
Total
Assets
|
Registered
Investment Companies
|
|
91
|
|
$
736,000,000
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
32
|
|
5,753,000,000
|
Other
Accounts
|
|
27
|
|
11,649,000,000
|
Scott
Radell
|
|
|
|
|
Types
of Accounts
|
|
Number
|
|
Total
Assets
|
Registered
Investment Companies
|
|
105
|
|
$
3,732,000,000
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
11
|
|
15,781,000,000
|
Other
Accounts
|
|
11
|
|
5,633,000,000
|
Each of the portfolios or
accounts for which the Portfolio Managers are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management seeks to track the rate of return, risk profile and other characteristics of independent third-party indexes by either replicating the same combination
of securities and other financial instruments that compose those indexes or through a representative sampling of the securities and other financial instruments that compose those indexes based on objective criteria and data. Pursuant to BFA policy,
investment opportunities are allocated equitably among the Fund and other portfolios and accounts. For example, under certain circumstances, an investment opportunity may be restricted due to limited supply in the market, legal constraints or other
factors, in which event the investment opportunity will be allocated equitably among those portfolios and accounts, including the Fund, seeking such investment opportunity. As a consequence, from time to time the Fund may receive a smaller
allocation of an investment opportunity than it would have if the Portfolio Managers and BFA and its affiliates did not manage other portfolios or accounts.
Like the Fund, the other portfolios or accounts for which the
Portfolio Managers are primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management generally pay an asset-based fee to BFA or its affiliates, as applicable, for its advisory services. One or more of those other portfolios or accounts, however, may
pay BFA or its affiliates a performance-based fee in lieu of, or in addition to, an asset-based fee for its advisory services. A portfolio or account with a performance-based fee would pay BFA
or its affiliates a portion of that portfolio's or account's gains, or would
pay BFA or its affiliates more for its services than would otherwise be the case if BFA or its affiliates meets or exceeds specified performance targets. Performance-based fee arrangements could present an incentive for BFA or its affiliates to
devote greater resources, and allocate more investment opportunities, to the portfolios or accounts that have those fee arrangements, relative to other portfolios or accounts, in order to earn larger fees. Although BFA and its affiliates have an
obligation to allocate resources and opportunities equitably among portfolios and accounts and intends to do so, shareholders of the Fund should be aware that, as with any group of portfolios and accounts managed by an investment adviser and/or its
affiliates pursuant to varying fee arrangements, including performance-based fee arrangements, there is the potential for a conflict-of-interest, which may result in the Portfolio Managers' favoring those portfolios or accounts with
performance-based fee arrangements.
The tables below show, for each Portfolio
Manager, the number of portfolios or accounts of the types set forth in the above tables and the aggregate of total assets in those portfolios or accounts with respect to which the investment management fees are based on the performance of those
portfolios or accounts as of August 30, 2019:
James
Mauro
|
|
|
|
|
Types
of Accounts
|
|
Number
of Other
Accounts with
Performance
Fees Managed by Portfolio Manager
|
|
Aggregate
of Total Assets
|
Registered
Investment Companies
|
|
0
|
|
N/A
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
0
|
|
N/A
|
Other
Accounts
|
|
0
|
|
N/A
|
Scott
Radell
|
|
|
|
|
Types
of Accounts
|
|
Number
of Other
Accounts with
Performance
Fees Managed by Portfolio Manager
|
|
Aggregate
of Total Assets
|
Registered
Investment Companies
|
|
0
|
|
N/A
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
|
0
|
|
N/A
|
Other
Accounts
|
|
0
|
|
N/A
|
Portfolio Manager
Compensation Overview
The discussion below describes the Portfolio
Managers' compensation as of September 16, 2019.
BlackRock, Inc.'s financial arrangements with its portfolio
managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of
factors. The principal components of compensation include a base salary, a performance-based discretionary bonus, participation in various benefits programs and one or more of the incentive compensation programs established by BlackRock, Inc.
Base compensation. Generally,
portfolio managers receive base compensation based on their position with the firm.
Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is a function of several components: the performance of BlackRock, Inc., the performance of the portfolio manager’s group within BlackRock, Inc., the investment performance,
including risk-adjusted returns, of the firm’s assets under management or supervision by that portfolio manager relative to predetermined benchmarks, and the individual’s performance and contribution to the overall performance of these
portfolios and BlackRock, Inc. Performance is generally assessed over trailing 1-, 3- and 5-year periods relative to benchmarks plus an alpha target as well as against peer groups. In most cases, benchmarks are the same as the benchmark or
benchmarks against which the performance of the Fund or other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are measured. Among other things, BlackRock, Inc.’s Chief Investment Officers make a subjective determination with respect to each
portfolio manager’s compensation based on the performance of the Fund and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager relative to the various benchmarks. With respect to these portfolio managers in relation to these portfolios, the
benchmarks for the Fund and other accounts are: a combination of S& P 500 Index, FTSE World ex-US Index, ICE BofAML Current 5-Year U.S. Treasury Index and FTSE Non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index.
Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a combination of cash, deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards, and/or deferred cash awards that notionally track the return of certain
BlackRock, Inc. investment products.
Portfolio
managers receive their annual discretionary incentive compensation in the form of cash. Portfolio managers whose total compensation is above a specified threshold also receive deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards annually as part of their
discretionary incentive compensation. Paying a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in the form of deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given year “at risk” based on BlackRock,
Inc.’s ability to sustain and improve its performance over future periods. In some cases, additional deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock may be granted to certain key employees as part of a long-term incentive award to aid in retention, align
interests with long-term shareholders and motivate performance. Deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that vest pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan and, once
vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. The portfolio managers of the Fund have deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards.
For certain portfolio managers, a portion of the discretionary
incentive compensation is also distributed in the form of deferred cash awards that notionally track the returns of select BlackRock, Inc. investment products they manage, which provides direct alignment of portfolio manager discretionary incentive
compensation with investment product results. Deferred cash awards vest ratably over a number of years and, once vested, settle in the form of cash. Only portfolio managers who manage specified products and whose total compensation is above a
specified threshold are eligible to participate in the deferred cash award program.
Other Compensation Benefits.
In addition to base salary and discretionary incentive compensation, portfolio managers may be eligible to receive or participate in one or more of the following:
Incentive Savings Plans
— BlackRock, Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock, Inc. employees are eligible to participate, including a 401(k) plan, the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan (“RSP”), and the BlackRock Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The employer contribution components of the RSP include a company match equal to 50% of the first 8% of eligible pay contributed to the plan capped at $5,000 per year, and a company retirement contribution
equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation up to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) limit ($280,000 for 2019). The RSP offers a range of investment options, including registered investment companies and collective investment funds
managed by the firm. BlackRock, Inc. contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, absent participant investment direction, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest
to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock, Inc. common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the
purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the Purchase Date. All of the portfolio managers of the Fund are eligible to participate in these plans.
As of September 16, 2019, the Portfolio
Managers did not beneficially own shares of the Fund.
Codes of Ethics. The
Trust, BFA and the Distributor have adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. The codes of ethics permit personnel subject to the codes of ethics to invest in securities, subject to certain limitations, including securities
that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The codes of ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.
Anti-Money Laundering Requirements. The Fund is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act (the “Patriot Act”). The Patriot Act is intended to prevent the use of the U.S. financial system in furtherance of money laundering, terrorism or other
illicit activities. Pursuant to requirements under the Patriot Act, the Fund may request information from Authorized Participants to enable it to form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of its Authorized Participants. This
information will be used to verify the identity of Authorized Participants or, in some cases, the status of financial professionals; it will be used only for compliance with the requirements of the Patriot Act.
The Fund reserves the right to reject purchase orders from
persons who have not submitted information sufficient to allow the Fund to verify their identity. The Fund also reserves the right to redeem any amounts in the Fund from persons whose identity it is unable to verify on a timely basis. It is the
Fund's policy to cooperate fully with appropriate regulators in any investigations conducted with respect to potential money laundering, terrorism or other illicit activities.
Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent. State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) serves as administrator, custodian and transfer agent for the Fund under the Master Services Agreement and related Service Schedule (the
“Service Module”). State Street’s principal address is 1 Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111. Pursuant to the Service Module for Fund Administration and Accounting Services with the Trust, State Street provides necessary
administrative, legal, tax and accounting and financial reporting services for the maintenance and operations of the Trust and the Fund. In addition, State Street makes available the office space, equipment, personnel and facilities required to
provide such services. Pursuant to the Service Module for Custodial Services with the Trust, State Street maintains, in separate accounts, cash, securities and other assets of the Trust and the Fund, keeps all necessary accounts and records and
provides other services. State Street is required, upon the order of the Trust, to deliver securities held by State Street and to make payments for securities purchased by the Trust for the Fund. State Street is authorized to appoint certain foreign
custodians or foreign custody managers for Fund investments outside the U.S. Pursuant to the Service Module for Transfer Agency Services with the Trust, State Street acts as a transfer agent for the Fund’s authorized and issued shares of
beneficial interest, and as dividend disbursing agent of the Trust. As compensation for these services, State Street receives certain out-of-pocket costs, transaction fees and asset-based fees which are accrued daily and paid monthly by BFA from its
management fee.
Distributor. The Distributor's principal address is 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Fund through the Distributor or its agent only in Creation Units, as described
in the Prospectus and below in the Creation and Redemption of Creation Units section of this SAI. Fund shares in amounts less than Creation Units are
generally not distributed by the Distributor or its agent. The Distributor or its agent will arrange for the delivery of the Prospectus and, upon request, this SAI to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed
with it or its agents and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it or its agents. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and a member of the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). The Distributor is also licensed as a broker-dealer in all 50 U.S. states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.
The Distribution Agreement for the Fund provides that it may
be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on at least 60 days' prior written notice to the other party following (i) the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities
dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of Fund shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants (as described below), Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) participants
and/or investor services organizations.
BFA or its
affiliates may, from time to time and from its own resources, pay, defray or absorb costs relating to distribution, including payments out of its own resources to the Distributor, or to otherwise promote the sale of shares.
Securities Lending. To
the extent that the Fund engages in securities lending, the Fund conducts its securities lending pursuant to SEC exemptive relief, and BTC acts as securities lending agent for the Fund, subject to the overall supervision of BFA, pursuant to a
written agreement (the “Securities Lending Agency Agreement”).
The Fund retains a portion of the securities lending income
and remits the remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent. Securities lending income is generally equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (and excludes collateral
investment fees as defined below), and any fees or other payments to and from borrowers of securities. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. The Fund is responsible for fees in
connection with the investment of cash collateral received for securities on loan in a money market fund managed by BFA (the “collateral investment fees”); however, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it
receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees the Fund bears to an annual rate of 0.04%. Such money market fund shares will not be subject to a sales load, redemption fee, distribution fee or service fee.
Pursuant to the Securities Lending Agency Agreement:
Effective January 1, 2019, (i) the iShares fixed-income funds,
such as the Fund, retain 82% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and (ii) this amount can never be less than 70% of the sum of securities lending income plus collateral investment fees.
Under the securities lending program, the Fund is categorized
into one of several specific asset classes. The determination of the Fund’s asset class category (fixed-income, domestic equity, international equity or fund-of-funds), each of which may be subject to a different fee arrangement, is based on a
methodology agreed to by the Trust and BTC.
In addition,
commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income (which includes, for this purpose, collateral investment fees) earned across the Exchange-Traded Fund Complex (as defined under “Management—Trustees and Officers”) in a calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each applicable fixed-income fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will
receive for the remainder of that calendar year securities lending income as follows:
(i) 85% of securities lending income (which excludes
collateral investment fees) and (ii) this amount can never be less than 70% of the sum of securities lending income plus collateral investment fees.
Because the Fund is newly launched, no
services have been provided by BTC as the Fund’s securities lending agent, and the Fund had no income and fees/compensation related to its securities lending activities for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
Payments by BFA and its Affiliates. BFA and/or its affiliates (“BFA Entities”) may pay certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) for certain activities
related to the Fund, other iShares funds or exchange-traded products in general. BFA Entities make these payments from their own assets and not from the assets of the Fund. Although a portion of BFA Entities’ revenue comes directly or
indirectly in part from fees paid by the Fund, other iShares funds or exchange-traded products, these payments do not increase the price paid by investors for the purchase of shares of, or the cost of owning, the Fund, other iShares funds or
exchange-traded products. BFA Entities make payments for Intermediaries’ participation in activities that are designed to make registered representatives, other professionals and individual investors more knowledgeable about exchange-traded
products, including the Fund and other iShares funds, or for other activities, such as participation in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems
(“Education Costs”). BFA Entities also make payments to Intermediaries for certain printing, publishing and mailing costs or materials relating to the Fund, other iShares funds or exchange-traded products (“Publishing
Costs”). In addition, BFA Entities make payments to Intermediaries that make shares of the Fund, other iShares funds or exchange-traded products available to their clients, develop new products that feature iShares or otherwise promote the
Fund, other iShares funds and exchange-traded products. BFA Entities may also reimburse expenses or make payments from their own assets to Intermediaries or other persons in consideration of services or other activities that the BFA Entities believe
may benefit the iShares business or facilitate investment in the Fund, other iShares funds or exchange-traded products. Payments of the type described above are sometimes referred to as revenue-sharing payments.
Payments to an Intermediary may be significant to the
Intermediary, and amounts that Intermediaries pay to your salesperson or other investment professional may also be significant for your salesperson or other investment professional. Because an Intermediary may make decisions about which investment
options it will recommend or make available to its clients or what services to provide for various products based on payments it receives or is eligible to receive, such payments may create conflicts of interest between the Intermediary and its
clients and these financial incentives may cause the Intermediary to recommend the Fund, other iShares funds or exchange-traded products over other investments. The same conflicts of interest and financial incentives exist with respect to your
salesperson or other investment professional if he or she receives similar payments from his or her Intermediary firm.
In addition to the payments described above,
BFA Entities have developed proprietary tools, calculators and related interactive or digital content that is made available through the www.BlackRock.com website at no additional cost to Intermediaries. BlackRock may configure these tools and
calculators and localize the content for Intermediaries as part of its customary digital marketing support and promotion of the Fund, other iShares funds, exchange-traded products and BlackRock mutual funds.
As of March 1, 2013, BFA Entities have contractual
arrangements to make payments (in addition to payments for Education Costs or Publishing Costs) to one Intermediary, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (“FBS”). Effective June 4, 2016, this relationship was expanded to include National
Financial Services, LLC (“NFS”), an affiliate of FBS. Pursuant to this special, long-term and significant arrangement (the “Marketing Program”), FBS, NFS and certain of their affiliates (collectively “Fidelity”)
have agreed, among other things, to actively promote iShares funds to customers, investment professionals and other intermediaries and in advertising campaigns as the preferred exchange-traded product, to offer certain iShares funds in
certain Fidelity platforms and investment programs, in some cases at a waived
or reduced commission rate or ticket charge, and to provide marketing data to BFA Entities. BFA Entities have agreed to facilitate the Marketing Program by, among other things, making certain payments to FBS and NFS for marketing and implementing
certain brokerage and investment programs. Upon termination of the arrangement, the BFA Entities will make additional payments to FBS and/or NFS based upon a number of criteria, including the overall success of the Marketing Program and the level of
services provided by FBS and NFS during the wind-down period.
In addition, BFA Entities may enter into
other contractual arrangements with Intermediaries and certain other third parties that the BFA Entities believe may benefit the iShares business or facilitate investment in iShares funds. Such agreements may include payments by BFA Entities to such
Intermediaries and third parties for data collection and provision, technology support, platform enhancement, or co-marketing and cross-promotional efforts. Payments made pursuant to such arrangements may vary in any year and may be different for
different Intermediaries and third parties. In certain cases, the payments described in the preceding sentence may be subject to certain minimum payment levels. Such payments will not be asset- or revenue-based. As of the date of this SAI, the
Intermediaries and other third parties receiving such contractual payments include: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Commonwealth Equity Services, Inc., Dorsey Wright and Associates, LLC, Envestnet Asset Management, Inc., E*Trade Securities LLC, FDx
Advisors, Inc., LPL Financial LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Orion Advisors Services, LLC, Pershing LLC, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., TD Ameritrade, Inc. and UBS Financial
Services Inc. Any additions, modifications, or deletions to Intermediaries and other third parties listed above that have occurred since the date of this SAI are not included in the list.
Further, BFA Entities make Education Costs and Publishing
Costs payments to other Intermediaries that are not listed above. BFA Entities may determine to make such payments based on any number of metrics. For example, BFA Entities may make payments at year-end or other intervals in a fixed amount, an
amount based upon an Intermediary’s services at defined levels or an amount based on the Intermediary’s net sales of one or more iShares funds in a year or other period, any of which arrangements may include an agreed-upon minimum or
maximum payment, or any combination of the foregoing. As of the date of this SAI, BFA anticipates that the payments paid by BFA Entities in connection with the Fund, iShares funds and exchange-traded products in general will be immaterial to BFA
Entities in the aggregate for the next year. Please contact your salesperson or other investment professional for more information regarding any such payments or financial incentives his or her Intermediary firm may
receive. Any payments made, or financial incentives offered, by the BFA Entities to an Intermediary may create the incentive for the Intermediary to encourage customers to buy shares of the Fund, other iShares funds or other exchange-traded
products.
The Fund may participate in certain
market maker incentive programs of a national securities exchange in which an affiliate of the Fund would pay a fee to the exchange used for the purpose of incentivizing one or more market makers in the securities of the Fund to enhance the
liquidity and quality of the secondary market of securities of the Fund. The fee would then be credited by the exchange to one or more market makers that meet or exceed liquidity and market quality standards with respect to the securities of the
Fund. Each market maker incentive program is subject to approval from the SEC. Any such fee payments made to an exchange will be made by an affiliate of the Fund solely for the benefit of the Fund and will not be paid from any Fund assets. Other
funds managed by BFA may also participate in such programs.
Determination of Net Asset Value
Valuation of Shares. The NAV
for the Fund is generally calculated as of the close of business on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open. Valuation of securities held by the Fund is as follows:
Equity Investments. Equity
securities traded on a recognized securities exchange (e.g., NYSE), on separate trading boards of a securities exchange or through a market system
that provides contemporaneous transaction pricing information (each, an “Exchange”) are valued using information obtained via independent pricing services, generally at the closing price on the Exchange on which the security is primarily
traded, or if an Exchange closing price is not available, the last traded price on that Exchange prior to the time as of which the Fund’s assets or liabilities are valued. However, under certain circumstances, other means of determining
current market value may be used. If an equity security is traded on more than one Exchange, the current market value of the security where it is primarily traded generally will be used. In the event that there are no sales involving an equity
security held by the Fund on a day on which the Fund values such security, the prior day’s price will be used, unless, in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board (the “Valuation Procedures”),
BlackRock
determines in good faith that such prior day’s price no longer reflects
the fair value of the security, in which case such asset would be treated as a Fair Value Asset (as defined below).
Fixed-Income Investments.
Fixed-income securities for which market quotations are readily available are generally valued using such securities’ current market value. The Fund values fixed-income portfolio securities using the last
available bid prices or current market quotations provided by dealers or prices (including evaluated prices) supplied by the Fund’s approved independent third-party pricing services, each in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. The
pricing services may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values, including transaction data (e.g., recent representative bids and offers), credit quality information, perceived market movements, news, and other relevant information and by other methods, which may include consideration of: yields or prices of
securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; general market conditions; and/or other factors and assumptions. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly
transactions of an institutional round lot size, but the Fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. The amortized cost method of valuation may be used
with respect to debt obligations with sixty days or less remaining to maturity unless BlackRock determines in good faith that such method does not represent fair value. Loan participation notes are generally valued at the mean of the last available
bid prices from one or more brokers or dealers as obtained from independent third-party pricing services. Certain fixed-income investments, including asset-backed and mortgage-related securities, may be valued based on valuation models that consider
the estimated cash flows of each tranche of the entity, establish a benchmark yield and develop an estimated tranche-specific spread to the benchmark yield based on the unique attributes of the tranche.
Options, Futures, Swaps and Other Derivatives. Exchange-traded equity options for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices as quoted on the Exchange or the board of trade on which such options are traded. In
the event that there is no mean price available for an exchange traded equity option held by the Fund on a day on which the Fund values such option, the last bid (long positions) or ask (short positions) price, if available, will be used as the
value of such option. If no such bid or ask price is available on a day on which the Fund values such option, the prior day’s price will be used, unless BlackRock determines in good faith that such prior day’s price no longer reflects
the fair value of the option, in which case such option will be treated as a Fair Value Asset (as defined below). OTC derivatives are valued using the last available bid prices or current market quotations provided by dealers or prices (including
evaluated prices) supplied by the Fund’s approved independent third-party pricing services, each in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. OTC derivatives may be valued using a mathematical model which may incorporate a number of market
data factors. Financial futures contracts and options thereon, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their settle price as of the close of such exchanges. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily based upon quotations
from market makers or by a pricing service in accordance with the Valuation Procedures.
Underlying Funds. Shares of
underlying ETFs will be valued at their most recent closing price on an Exchange. Shares of underlying money market funds will be valued at their NAV.
General Valuation Information.
The price the Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets
or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by the Fund, and the Fund could realize a
greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. The Fund’s ability to value its investment may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service
providers.
All cash, receivables and current
payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their fair value.
Prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services,
broker-dealers or market makers to value the Fund’s securities and other assets and liabilities are based on information available at the time the Fund values its assets and liabilities. In the event that a pricing service quotation is revised
or updated subsequent to the day on which the Fund valued such security or other asset or liability, the revised pricing service quotation generally will be applied prospectively. Such determination will be made considering pertinent facts and
circumstances surrounding the revision.
In the event
that application of the methods of valuation discussed above result in a price for a security which is deemed not to be representative of the fair market value of such security, the security will be valued by, under the direction of or in accordance
with a method approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. All other assets and liabilities (including securities for which market quotations are not readily available) held by the Fund (including restricted securities) are valued at fair
value
as determined in good faith by the Board or by BlackRock (its delegate)
pursuant to the Valuation Procedures. Any assets and liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency are converted into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more data service providers.
Certain of the securities acquired by the Fund may be traded
on foreign exchanges or OTC markets on days on which the Fund’s NAV is not calculated. In such cases, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may be significantly affected on days when Authorized Participants can neither purchase nor redeem shares
of the Fund.
Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities,
U.S. government securities, money market instruments and certain fixed-income securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the NAV of the
Fund are determined as of such times.
Use of fair value
prices and certain current market valuations could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate the Fund’s NAV and the prices used in the Underlying Index, which, in turn, could result in a difference between the Fund’s
performance and the performance of the Underlying Index.
Fair Value. When market
quotations are not readily available or are believed in good faith by BlackRock to be unreliable, the Fund’s investments are valued at fair value (“Fair Value Assets”). Fair Value Assets are valued by BlackRock in accordance with
the Valuation Procedures. BlackRock may reasonably conclude that a market quotation is not readily available or is unreliable if, among other things, a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source due to its complete lack of
trading, if BlackRock believes in good faith that a market quotation from a broker-dealer or other source is unreliable (e.g., where it varies
significantly from a recent trade, or no longer reflects the fair value of the security or other asset or liability subsequent to the most recent market quotation), or where the security or other asset or liability is only thinly traded or due to
the occurrence of a significant event subsequent to the most recent market quotation. For this purpose, a “significant event” is deemed to occur if BlackRock determines, in its reasonable business judgment, that an event has occurred
after the close of trading for an asset or liability but prior to or at the time of pricing the Fund’s assets or liabilities, and that the event is likely to cause a material change to the closing market price of the assets or liabilities held
by the Fund. Non-U.S. securities whose values are affected by volatility that occurs in the markets or in related or highly correlated assets (e.g.,
American Depositary Receipts, Global Depositary Receipts or ETFs that invest in components of the Underlying Index) on a trading day after the close of non-U.S. securities markets may be fair valued. On any day the NYSE is open and a foreign market
or the primary exchange on which a foreign asset or liability is traded is closed, such asset or liability will be valued using the prior day’s price, provided that BlackRock is not aware of any significant event or other information that
would cause such price to no longer reflect the fair value of the asset or liability, in which case such asset or liability would be treated as a Fair Value Asset.
BlackRock, with input from the BlackRock Investment Strategy
Group, will submit its recommendations regarding the valuation and/or valuation methodologies for Fair Value Assets to BlackRock’s Valuation Committee. The BlackRock Valuation Committee may accept, modify or reject any recommendations. In
addition, the Fund’s accounting agent periodically endeavors to confirm the prices it receives from all third-party pricing services, index providers and broker-dealers, and, with the assistance of BlackRock, to regularly evaluate the values
assigned to the securities and other assets and liabilities of the Fund. The pricing of all Fair Value Assets is subsequently reported to and, where appropriate, ratified by the Board.
When determining the price for a Fair Value Asset, the
BlackRock Valuation Committee (or BlackRock’s Pricing Group) will seek to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction on the date on
which the assets or liabilities are being valued, and does not seek to determine the price that the Fund might expect to receive for selling the asset, or the cost of extinguishing a liability, at a later time or if it holds the asset or liability
to maturity. Fair value determinations will be based upon all available factors that the BlackRock Valuation Committee (or BlackRock’s Pricing Group) deems relevant at the time of the determination, and may be based on analytical values
determined by BlackRock using proprietary or third-party valuation models.
Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value
of an asset or liability. When determining the fair value of an asset, one or more of a variety of fair valuation methodologies may be used (depending on certain factors, including the asset type). For example, the asset may be priced on the basis
of the original cost of the investment or, alternatively, using proprietary or third-party models (including models that rely upon direct portfolio management pricing inputs and which reflect the significance attributed to the various factors and
assumptions being considered). Prices of actual, executed or historical transactions in the relevant asset and/or liability (or related or comparable assets and/or liabilities) or, where
appropriate, an appraisal by a third-party experienced in the valuation of
similar assets and/or liabilities, may also be used as a basis for establishing the fair value of an asset or liability. The fair value of one or more assets or liabilities may not, in retrospect, be the price at which those assets or liabilities
could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair values were used in determining the Fund’s NAV. As a result, the Fund’s sale or redemption of its shares at NAV, at a time when a holding or holdings are valued at fair
value, may have the effect of diluting or increasing the economic interest of existing shareholders.
The Fund’s annual audited financial statements, which
are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), follow the requirements for valuation set forth in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards
Codification Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), which defines and establishes a framework for measuring fair value under US GAAP and expands financial statement disclosure requirements relating
to fair value measurements. Generally, ASC 820 and other accounting rules applicable to funds and various assets in which they invest are evolving. Such changes may adversely affect the Fund. For example, the evolution of rules governing the
determination of the fair market value of assets or liabilities to the extent such rules become more stringent would tend to increase the cost and/or reduce the availability of third-party determinations of fair market value. This may in turn
increase the costs associated with selling assets or affect their liquidity due to the Fund’s inability to obtain a third-party determination of fair market value.
Brokerage Transactions
Subject to policies established by the Board, BFA is primarily
responsible for the execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage. BFA does not execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but seeks to obtain the best net results for the Fund, taking into
account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While
BFA generally seeks reasonable trade execution costs, the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available, and payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and
execution in particular transactions. Subject to applicable legal requirements, BFA may select a broker based partly upon brokerage or research services provided to BFA and its clients, including the Fund. In return for such services, BFA may cause
the Fund to pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if BFA determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.
In selecting brokers or dealers to execute portfolio
transactions, BFA seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund and may take into account a variety of factors including: (i) the size, nature and character of the security or instrument being traded and the markets in
which it is purchased or sold; (ii) the desired timing of the transaction; (iii) BFA’s knowledge of the expected commission rates and spreads currently available; (iv) the activity existing and expected in the market for the particular
security or instrument, including any anticipated execution difficulties; (v) the full range of brokerage services provided; (vi) the broker’s or dealer’s capital; (vii) the quality of research and research services provided; (viii) the
reasonableness of the commission, dealer spread or its equivalent for the specific transaction; and (ix) BFA’s knowledge of any actual or apparent operational problems of a broker or dealer. Brokers may also be selected because of their
ability to handle special or difficult executions, such as may be involved in large block trades, thinly traded securities, or other circumstances.
Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act (“Section 28(e)”)
permits a U.S. investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in securities that exceeds the amount another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting
the same transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by that broker or dealer. This includes commissions paid on riskless principal transactions in securities under certain conditions.
From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of
securities in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the broker may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling securities, provide BFA with research services. FINRA has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of
arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the broker will provide research “credits” in these situations at a rate that is higher than that available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall
within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).
The Fund anticipates that brokerage transactions involving
foreign equity securities generally will be conducted primarily on the principal stock exchanges of the applicable country. Foreign equity securities may be held by the Fund in the form of depositary receipts, or other securities convertible into
foreign equity securities. Depositary receipts may be listed on stock exchanges, or traded in OTC markets in the U.S. or Europe, as the case may be. American Depositary Receipts, like other securities traded in the U.S., will be subject to
negotiated commission rates.
OTC issues, including most
fixed-income securities such as corporate debt and U.S. Government securities, are normally traded on a “net” basis without a stated commission, through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers. The Fund will primarily
engage in transactions with these dealers or deal directly with the issuer unless a better price or execution could be obtained by using a broker. Prices paid to a dealer with respect to both foreign and domestic securities will generally include a
“spread,” which is the difference between the prices at which the dealer is willing to purchase and sell the specific security at the time, and includes the dealer’s normal profit.
Under the 1940 Act, persons affiliated with the Fund and
persons who are affiliated with such affiliated persons are prohibited from dealing with the Fund as principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless a permissive order allowing such transactions is obtained from the SEC. Since transactions
in the OTC market usually involve transactions with the dealers acting as principal for their own accounts, the Fund will not deal with affiliated persons and affiliated persons of such affiliated persons in connection with such transactions. The
Fund will not purchase securities during the existence of any underwriting or selling group relating to such securities of which BFA, BRIL or any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) thereof is a member except pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Board in accordance with Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act.
Purchases of money market instruments by the Fund are made
from dealers, underwriters and issuers. The Fund does not currently expect to incur any brokerage commission expense on such transactions because money market instruments are generally traded on a “net” basis with dealers acting as
principal for their own accounts without a stated commission. The price of the security, however, usually includes a profit to the dealer.
BFA may, from time to time, effect trades on behalf of and for
the account of the Fund with brokers or dealers that are affiliated with BFA, in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act and SEC rules and regulations. Under these provisions, any commissions paid to affiliated brokers or dealers must be
reasonable and fair compared to the commissions charged by other brokers or dealers in comparable transactions.
Securities purchased in underwritten offerings include a fixed
amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter’s concession or discount. When securities are purchased or sold directly from or to an issuer, no commissions or discounts are paid.
Investment decisions for the Fund and for other investment
accounts managed by BFA and the other Affiliates are made independently of each other in light of differing conditions. A variety of factors will be considered in making investment allocations. These factors include: (i) investment objectives or
strategies for particular accounts, including sector, industry, country or region and capitalization weightings; (ii) tax considerations of an account; (iii) risk or investment concentration parameters for an account; (iv) supply or demand for a
security at a given price level; (v) size of available investment; (vi) cash availability and liquidity requirements for accounts; (vii) regulatory restrictions; (viii) minimum investment size of an account; (ix) relative size of account; and (x)
such other factors as may be approved by BlackRock’s general counsel. Moreover, investments may not be allocated to one client account over another based on any of the following considerations: (i) to favor one client account at the expense of
another; (ii) to generate higher fees paid by one client account over another or to produce greater performance compensation to BlackRock; (iii) to develop or enhance a relationship with a client or prospective client; (iv) to compensate a client
for past services or benefits rendered to BlackRock or to induce future services or benefits to be rendered to BlackRock; or (v) to manage or equalize investment performance among different client accounts. BFA and the other Affiliates may deal,
trade and invest for their own respective accounts in the types of securities in which the Fund may invest.
Initial public offerings (“IPOs”) of securities
may be over-subscribed and subsequently trade at a premium in the secondary market. When BFA is given an opportunity to invest in such an initial offering or “new” or “hot” issue, the supply of securities available for client
accounts is often less than the amount of securities the accounts would otherwise take. In order to allocate these investments fairly and equitably among client accounts over time, each portfolio manager or a member of his or her respective
investment team will indicate to BFA’s trading desk their level of interest in a particular offering with respect to eligible clients’ accounts for which that team is responsible. IPOs of U.S. equity securities will be identified as
eligible for
particular client accounts that are managed by portfolio teams who have
indicated interest in the offering based on market capitalization of the issuer of the security and the investment mandate of the client account and in the case of international equity securities, the country where the offering is taking place and
the investment mandate of the client account. Generally, shares received during the IPO will be allocated among participating client accounts within each investment mandate on a pro rata basis. This pro rata allocation may result in the Fund receiving less of a particular security than if pro-rating had not occurred. All allocations of securities will be subject, where relevant, to share minimums established
for accounts and compliance constraints. In situations where supply is too limited to be allocated among all accounts for which the investment is eligible, portfolio managers may rotate such investment opportunities among one or more accounts so
long as the rotation system provides for fair access for all client accounts over time. Other allocation methodologies that are considered by BFA to be fair and equitable to clients may be used as well.
Because different accounts may have
differing investment objectives and policies, BFA may buy and sell the same securities at the same time for different clients based on the particular investment objective, guidelines and strategies of those accounts. For example, BFA may decide that
it may be entirely appropriate for a growth fund to sell a security at the same time a value fund is buying that security. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of BFA or the other Affiliates during the same period
increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price. For example, sales of a security by BlackRock on behalf of one or more of its clients may decrease the market price
of such security, adversely impacting other BlackRock clients that still hold the security. If purchases or sales of securities arise for consideration at or about the same time that would involve the Fund or other clients or funds for which BFA or
another Affiliate act as investment manager, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all.
In certain instances, BFA may find it efficient for purposes
of seeking to obtain best execution, to aggregate or “bunch” certain contemporaneous purchases or sale orders of its advisory accounts and advisory accounts of affiliates. In general, all contemporaneous trades for client accounts under
management by the same portfolio manager or investment team will be bunched in a single order if the trader believes the bunched trade would provide each client with an opportunity to achieve a more favorable execution at a potentially lower
execution cost. The costs associated with a bunched order will be shared pro rata among the clients in the bunched order. Generally, if an order for a particular portfolio manager or management team is filled
at several different prices through multiple trades, all accounts participating in the order will receive the average price (except in the case of certain international markets where average pricing is not permitted). While in some cases this
practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as the Fund are concerned, in other cases it could be beneficial to the Fund. Transactions effected by BFA or the other Affiliates on behalf of more than one of
its clients during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, causing an adverse effect on price. The trader will give the bunched order to the broker-dealer that the trader has
identified as being able to provide the best execution of the order. Orders for purchase or sale of securities will be placed within a reasonable amount of time of the order receipt and bunched orders will be kept bunched only long enough to execute
the order.
The Fund's purchase and sale orders for
securities may be combined with those of other investment companies, clients or accounts that BlackRock manages or advises. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of the Fund and one or more other accounts managed or advised by BlackRock are
considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among the Fund and the other accounts in a manner deemed equitable to all by BlackRock. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or
volume of the security as far as the Fund is concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower transaction costs will be beneficial to the Fund. BlackRock may deal, trade
and invest for its own account in the types of securities in which the Fund may invest. BlackRock may, from time to time, effect trades on behalf of and for the account of the Fund with brokers or dealers that are affiliated with BFA, in conformity
with the 1940 Act and SEC rules and regulations. Under these provisions, any commissions paid to affiliated brokers or dealers must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions charged by other brokers or dealers in comparable transactions.
The Fund will not deal with affiliates in principal transactions unless permitted by applicable SEC rules or regulations, or by SEC exemptive order.
Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as
within a year. High turnover rates may result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses.
Additional Information Concerning the Trust
Shares.
The Trust currently consists of more than 280 separate investment series or portfolios called funds. The Trust issues shares of beneficial interests in the funds with no par value. The Board may designate additional iShares funds.
Each share issued by a fund has a pro rata interest in the assets of that fund. Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and
distributions declared by the Board with respect to the relevant fund, and in the net distributable assets of such fund on liquidation.
Each share has one vote with respect to matters upon which the
shareholder is entitled to vote. In any matter submitted to shareholders for a vote, each fund shall hold a separate vote, provided that shareholders of all affected funds will vote together when: (i) required by the 1940 Act, or (ii) the Trustees
determine that the matter affects the interests of more than one fund.
Under Delaware law, the Trust is not required to hold an
annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy of the Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. All shares (regardless of the fund) have noncumulative
voting rights in the election of members of the Board. Under Delaware law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders.
Following the creation of the initial Creation Unit(s) of
shares of a fund and immediately prior to the commencement of trading in such fund’s shares, a holder of shares may be a “control person” of the fund, as defined in Rule 0-1 under the 1940 Act. A fund cannot predict the length of
time for which one or more shareholders may remain a control person of the fund.
Shareholders may make inquiries by writing to iShares Trust,
c/o BlackRock Investments, LLC, 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540.
Absent an applicable exemption or other relief from the SEC or
its staff, beneficial owners of more than 5% of the shares of a fund may be subject to the reporting provisions of Section 13 of the 1934 Act and the SEC’s rules promulgated thereunder. In addition, absent an applicable exemption or other
relief from the SEC or its staff, officers and trustees of a fund and beneficial owners of 10% of the shares of a fund (“Insiders”) may be subject to the insider reporting, short-swing profit and short sale provisions of Section 16 of
the 1934 Act and the SEC’s rules promulgated thereunder. Beneficial owners and Insiders should consult with their own legal counsel concerning their obligations under Sections 13 and 16 of the 1934 Act and existing guidance provided by the SEC
staff.
In accordance with the Trust's current Agreement
and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”), the Board may, without shareholder approval (unless such shareholder approval is required by the Declaration of Trust or applicable law, including the 1940 Act), authorize certain
funds to merge, reorganize, consolidate, sell all or substantially all of their assets, or take other similar actions with, to or into another fund. The Trust or a fund may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board, subject to the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders of the Trust or such fund entitled to vote on termination; however, in certain circumstances described in the Declaration of Trust, only a majority vote of the Board is required. Although the shares
are not automatically redeemable upon the occurrence of any specific event, the Declaration of Trust provides that the Board will have the unrestricted power to alter the number of shares in a Creation Unit. Therefore, in the event of a termination
of the Trust or a fund, the Board, in its sole discretion, could determine to permit the shares to be redeemable in aggregations smaller than Creation Units or to be individually redeemable. In such circumstance, the Trust or a fund may make
redemptions in-kind, for cash or for a combination of cash or securities. Further, in the event of a termination of the Trust or a fund, the Trust or a fund might elect to pay cash redemptions to all shareholders, with an in-kind election for
shareholders owning in excess of a certain stated minimum amount.
By December 15, 2029, the Fund's holdings are expected to
consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Around the same time, the Fund will wind up and terminate. Upon the Fund's termination, it will distribute substantially all of its net assets, after making appropriate provision for any liabilities of
the Fund, to then-current shareholders pursuant to a plan of liquidation. In accordance with the Declaration of Trust, the Fund will terminate on or about the date above, as approved by a majority of the Board, without requiring additional
shareholder approval. The Board may extend the termination date if a majority of the Board determines the extension to be in the best interest of the Fund.
DTC as Securities Depository for Shares of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.
DTC was created in 1973 to enable electronic movement of
securities between its participants (“DTC Participants”), and NSCC was established in 1976 to provide a single settlement system for securities clearing and to serve as central counterparty for securities trades among DTC Participants.
In 1999, DTC and NSCC were consolidated within The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”) and became wholly-owned subsidiaries of DTCC. The common stock of DTCC is owned by the DTC Participants, but NYSE and FINRA, through
subsidiaries, hold preferred shares in DTCC that provide them with the right to elect one member each to the DTCC board of directors. Access to the DTC system is available to entities, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”).
Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC Participants,
Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as “Beneficial Owners”) is
shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC
Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of
such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability of certain investors to acquire beneficial interests in shares of the Fund.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications
to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the shares of the Fund
held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with
copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant,
directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be
made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares of the Trust. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants’ accounts with payments in amounts
proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of the Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC Participants will
be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC
Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants. DTC may
decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares of the Trust at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust
shall take action to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost.
Distribution of Shares.
In connection with the Fund's launch, the Fund will be seeded through the sale of one or more Creation Units by the Fund to one or more initial investors. Initial investors participating in the seeding may be Authorized Participants, a lead
market maker or other third party investor or an affiliate of the Fund or the Fund’s adviser. Each such initial investor may sell some or all of the shares underlying the Creation Unit(s) held by them pursuant to the registration statement for
the Fund (each, a “Selling Shareholder”), which shares have been registered to permit the resale from time to time after purchase. The Fund will not receive any of the proceeds from the resale by the Selling Shareholders of these
shares.
Selling Shareholders may sell shares
owned by them directly or through broker-dealers, in accordance with applicable law, on any national securities exchange on which the shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, through trading systems, in the OTC market or in transactions
other than on these exchanges or systems at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the
time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at
negotiated prices. These sales may be effected through brokerage transactions, privately negotiated trades, block sales, entry into options or other derivatives transactions or through any other means authorized by applicable law. Selling
Shareholders may redeem the shares held in Creation Unit size by them through an Authorized Participant.
Any Selling Shareholder and any broker-dealer or agents
participating in the distribution of shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the 1933 Act, in connection with such sales.
Any Selling Shareholder and any other person participating in
such distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Creation and Redemption of Creation Units
General.
The Trust issues and sells shares of the Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor or its agent, without a sales load, at a price based on the Fund's NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day
(as defined below), of an order received by the Distributor or its agent in proper form. On days when the Listing Exchange or the bond markets close earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to be placed earlier in the day. The following
table sets forth the number of shares of the Fund that constitute a Creation Unit for the Fund and the approximate value of such Creation Unit as of September 16, 2019:
Shares
Per
Creation Unit
|
|
Approximate
Value Per
Creation
Unit (U.S.$)
|
50,000
|
|
$1,250,000
|
In its discretion, the
Trust reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of the Fund’s shares that constitute a Creation Unit. The Board reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding of the Fund, and to make a
corresponding change in the number of shares constituting a Creation Unit, in the event that the per share price in the secondary market rises (or declines) to an amount that falls outside the range deemed desirable by the Board.
A “Business Day” with respect to the Fund is any
day on which the Listing Exchange on which the Fund is listed for trading is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the Listing Exchange observes the following holidays, as observed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Fund Deposit. The
consideration for purchase of Creation Units of the Fund generally consists of Deposit Securities and the Cash Component computed as described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit,”
which, when combined with the Fund's portfolio securities, is designed to generate performance that has a collective investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index. The Fund Deposit represents the minimum initial and subsequent
investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund.
The Cash Component is an amount equal to the difference
between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the “Deposit Amount,” which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities, and serves to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the
Deposit Amount. Payment of any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities are the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing the Creation Unit.
Consistent with the exemptive orders granted to the Fund by
the SEC, creation baskets will correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Fund's Underlying Index. As the planned termination date of the Fund approaches, and particularly as the bonds held by the Fund begin to mature, the Fund
expects to effect both creations and redemptions increasingly for cash.
BFA makes available through the NSCC on each Business Day
prior to the opening of business on the Listing Exchange, the list of names and the required number or par value of each Deposit Security and the amount of the Cash Component to be
included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information as of the end of
the previous Business Day for the Fund). Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, to purchases of Creation Units of shares of the Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit is made available.
The identity and number or par value of the Deposit Securities
change pursuant to changes in the composition of the Fund's portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by BFA with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. The composition of the
Deposit Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or composition of the component securities constituting the Underlying Index.
The Fund reserves the right to permit or require the
substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security that may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through DTC or the clearing
process (as discussed below) or that the Authorized Participant is not able to trade due to a trading restriction. The Fund also reserves the right to permit or require a “cash in lieu” amount in certain circumstances, including
circumstances in which the delivery of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant would be restricted under applicable securities or other local laws or in certain other situations.
Cash Purchase Method.
Although the Trust does not generally permit partial or full cash purchases of Creation Units of its funds, when partial or full cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the
same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a partial or full cash purchase, the Authorized Participant must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus
the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser.
Procedures for Creation of Creation Units. To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor and to create a Creation Unit of the Fund, an entity must be: (i) a “Participating Party,” i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the “Clearing Process”),
a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC, or (ii) a DTC Participant, and must have executed an agreement with the Distributor, with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (“Authorized Participant Agreement”)
(discussed below). A Participating Party or DTC Participant who has executed an Authorized Participant Agreement is referred to as an “Authorized Participant.” All shares of the Fund, however created, will be entered on the records of
DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.
Role of the Authorized Participant. Creation Units may be purchased only by or through a DTC Participant that has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Such Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of
such Authorized Participant Agreement and on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that such Authorized Participant will make available in advance of each purchase of shares an amount of cash
sufficient to pay the Cash Component, once the net asset value of a Creation Unit is next determined after receipt of the purchase order in proper form, together with the transaction fees described below. An Authorized Participant, acting on behalf
of an investor, may require the investor to enter into an agreement with such Authorized Participant with respect to certain matters, including payment of the Cash Component. Investors who are not Authorized Participants must make appropriate
arrangements with an Authorized Participant. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not be a DTC Participant or may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement and that orders to purchase Creation Units may have to be
placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant. As a result, purchase orders placed through an Authorized Participant may result in additional charges to such investor. The Trust does not expect to enter into an Authorized
Participant Agreement with more than a small number of DTC Participants. A list of current Authorized Participants may be obtained from the Distributor. The Distributor has adopted guidelines regarding Authorized Participants’ transactions in
Creation Units that are made available to all Authorized Participants. These guidelines set forth the processes and standards for Authorized Participants to transact with the Distributor and its agents in connection with creation and redemption
transactions. In addition, the Distributor may be appointed as the proxy of the Authorized Participant and may be granted a power of attorney under its Authorized Participant Agreement.
Placement of Creation Orders.
Fund Deposits must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S. government securities), through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) or through a central depository account, such as with Euroclear or DTC,
maintained by State Street or a sub-custodian (a “Central Depository Account”). Any portion of a Fund Deposit that may not be delivered through the Federal Reserve System or DTC must be delivered through a Central Depository Account. The
Fund Deposit transfers made through DTC must be ordered by the DTC Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the Fund
generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. Fund Deposit
transfers made through the Federal Reserve System must be deposited by the participant institution in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number or amount of Deposit Securities or cash through the Federal Reserve System to
the account of the Fund generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. Fund Deposit transfers made through a Central Depository Account must be completed pursuant to the requirements established by the custodian or sub-custodian
for such Central Depository Account generally before 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. The “Settlement Date” for all funds is generally the second business day after the Transmittal Date. All questions as to the number of
Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash
equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to State Street through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by State Street generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date.
If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities are not received by 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date, the creation order may be canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following
Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the second Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is
deemed received by the Distributor, provided that the relevant Fund Deposit has been received by the Fund prior to such time.
Purchase Orders. To
initiate an order for a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit to the Distributor or its agent an irrevocable order to purchase shares of the Fund, in proper form, generally before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day to
receive that day’s NAV. The Distributor or its agent will notify BFA and the custodian of such order. The custodian will then provide such information to any appropriate sub-custodian. Procedures and requirements governing the delivery of the
Fund Deposit are set forth in the procedures handbook for Authorized Participants and may change from time to time. Investors, other than Authorized Participants, are responsible for making arrangements for a creation request to be made through an
Authorized Participant. The Distributor or its agent will provide a list of current Authorized Participants upon request. Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper
submission of the purchase order to the Distributor or its agent by the Cutoff Time (as defined below) on such Business Day.
The Authorized Participant must also make available on or
before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the purchase order, together with
the applicable purchase transaction fees. Those placing orders should ascertain the deadline for cash transfers by contacting the operations department of the broker or depositary institution effectuating the transfer of the Cash Component. This
deadline is likely to be significantly earlier than the Cutoff Time of the Fund. Investors should be aware that an Authorized Participant may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in the particular form required by the
individual Authorized Participant.
The Authorized
Participant is responsible for any and all expenses and costs incurred by the Fund, including any applicable cash amounts, in connection with any purchase order.
Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders. An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable order to purchase shares of the Fund generally before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day in order to receive that day's NAV. Creation Orders must be
transmitted by an Authorized Participant in the form required by the Fund to the Distributor or its agent pursuant to procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other
communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or its agent or an Authorized Participant. The Fund's deadline specified above for the submission of purchase orders is referred to as the Fund's “Cutoff Time.” The
Distributor or its agent, in their discretion, may permit the submission of such orders and requests by or through an Authorized Participant at any time (including on days on which the Listing Exchange is not open for business) via communication
through the facilities of the Distributor's or its agent's proprietary website maintained for this purpose. Purchase orders and redemption requests, if accepted by the Trust, will be processed based on the NAV next determined after such acceptance
in accordance with the Fund's Cutoff Times as provided in the Authorized Participant Agreement and disclosed in this SAI.
Acceptance of Orders for Creation Units. Subject to the conditions that (i) an irrevocable purchase order has been submitted by the Authorized Participant (either on its own or another investor's behalf) and (ii) arrangements satisfactory to the Fund
are in place for payment of the Cash Component and any other cash amounts which may be due, the Fund will accept the order, subject to the Fund's right (and the right of the Distributor and BFA) to reject any order until acceptance, as set forth
below.
Once the Fund has accepted an order, upon
the next determination of the net asset value of the shares, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such net asset value. The Distributor or its agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to
the Authorized Participant that placed the order.
The
Fund reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor or its agent if (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the
currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the identity and number of shares specified, as described above; (iv) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences
to the Fund; (v) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (vi) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the discretion of the Fund or BFA, have an adverse effect on the Fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or
(vii) circumstances outside the control of the Fund, the Distributor or its agent and BFA make it impracticable to process purchase orders. The Distributor or its agent shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized
Participant acting on behalf of such purchaser of its rejection of such order. The Fund, State Street, the sub-custodian and the Distributor or its agent are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the
delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
Issuance of a Creation Unit.
Except as provided herein, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Fund of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the sub-custodian has confirmed to the
custodian that the securities included in the Fund Deposit (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant sub-custodian or sub-custodians, the Distributor or its agent and BFA shall be notified of such delivery and
the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. Creation Units are generally issued on a “T+2 basis” (i.e., two Business
Days after trade date). The Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2, including a shorter settlement period, if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable
law.
To the extent contemplated by an Authorized
Participant Agreement with the Distributor, the Fund will issue Creation Units to such Authorized Participant, notwithstanding the fact that the corresponding Fund Deposits have not been received in part or in whole, in reliance on the undertaking
of the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral having a value at least equal to 105% and up to
122%, which percentage BFA may change at any time, in its sole discretion, of the value of the missing Deposit Securities in accordance with the Fund's then-effective procedures. The Trust may use such cash deposit at any time to buy Deposit
Securities for the Fund. The only collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. dollars. Such cash collateral must be delivered no later than the time specified by the Fund or its custodian on the contractual settlement date. The cash
collateral posted by the Authorized Participant may be invested at the risk of the Authorized Participant, and income, if any, on invested cash collateral will be paid to that Authorized Participant. Information concerning the Fund's current
procedures for collateralization of missing Deposit Securities is available from the Distributor or its agent. The Authorized Participant Agreement will permit the Fund to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time and will subject the
Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such securities and the cash collateral including, without limitation, liability for related brokerage, borrowings and other charges.
In certain cases, Authorized Participants may create and
redeem Creation Units on the same trade date and in these instances, the Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the Authorized Participants that the creation and redemption transactions
are for separate beneficial owners. All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Fund
and the Fund's determination shall be final and binding.
Costs Associated with Creation Transactions. A standard creation transaction fee is imposed to offset the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance of Creation Units. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized
Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit, and is the same, regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable Business Day. If a purchase consists
solely or partially of cash, the Authorized Participant may also be required
to cover (up to the maximum amount shown below) certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, price movement and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction (which may, in certain instances, be
based on a good faith estimate of transaction costs). Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the Fund. Certain fees/costs associated with creation transactions may be waived in certain
circumstances. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to acquire Fund shares may be charged a fee for such services.
The following table sets forth the Fund's standard creation
transaction fees and maximum additional charge (as described above):
Standard
Creation
Transaction Fee
|
|
Maximum
Additional
Charge*
|
$350
|
|
3.0%
|
*
|
As a percentage of the net
asset value per Creation Unit.
|
Redemption of Creation Units.
Shares of the Fund may be redeemed by Authorized Participants only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Distributor or its agent and only on a Business Day. The Fund will
not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Units. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the secondary market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage
and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a Creation Unit that could be redeemed by an Authorized Participant. Beneficial owners also may sell shares in the secondary market.
The Fund generally redeems Creation Units for Fund Securities
(as defined below). Please see the Cash Redemption Method section below and the following discussion summarizing the in-kind method for further information on redeeming Creation Units of the Fund.
BFA makes available through the NSCC, prior to the opening of
business on the Listing Exchange on each Business Day, the designated portfolio of securities (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted) that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to
redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day (“Fund Securities”), and an amount of cash (the “Cash Amount,” as described below). Such Fund Securities and the corresponding Cash Amount (each
subject to possible amendment or correction) are applicable, in order to effect redemptions of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next announced composition of the Fund Securities and Cash Amount is made available. Fund Securities
received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities that are applicable to creations of Creation Units. Procedures and requirements governing redemption transactions are set forth in the handbook for Authorized Participants and may
change from time to time.
Unless cash redemptions are
available or specified for the Fund, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund Securities, plus the Cash Amount, which is an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the shares being redeemed, as next
determined after the receipt of a redemption request in proper form, and the value of Fund Securities, less a redemption transaction fee (as described below).
The Trust may, in its sole discretion, substitute a
“cash in lieu” amount to replace any Fund Security. The Trust also reserves the right to permit or require a “cash in lieu” amount in certain circumstances, including circumstances in which: (i) the delivery of a Fund
Security to the Authorized Participant would be restricted under applicable securities or other local laws; or (ii) the delivery of a Fund Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Fund Security by the Authorized
Participant due to restrictions under applicable securities or other local laws, or in certain other situations. The amount of cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the substituted security listed as a Fund Security. In the
event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the difference is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. The Fund generally
redeems Creation Units for Fund Securities, but the Fund reserves the right to utilize a cash option for redemption of Creation Units. The Fund may, in its sole discretion, provide such redeeming Authorized Participant a portfolio of securities that
differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities, but does not differ in NAV.
Cash Redemption Method.
Although the Trust does not generally permit partial or full cash redemptions of Creation Units of its funds, when partial or full cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the
same manner as in-kind redemptions thereof. In the case of partial or full cash redemption, the Authorized Participant receives the cash equivalent of the Fund Securities it would otherwise receive through an in-kind redemption, plus the same Cash
Amount to be paid to an in-kind redeemer.
Costs
Associated with Redemption Transactions. A standard redemption transaction fee is imposed to offset transfer and other transaction costs that may be incurred by the Fund. The standard redemption transaction
fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by an Authorized Participant on the applicable Business Day. If a
redemption consists solely or partially of cash, the Authorized Participant may also be required to cover (up to the maximum amount shown below) certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, price movement and other costs and expenses related
to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction (which may, in certain instances, be based on a good faith estimate of transaction costs). Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Fund
to their account on their order. Certain fees/costs associated with redemption transactions may be waived in certain circumstances. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to dispose of Fund shares may be charged a
fee for such services.
The following table sets
forth the Fund's standard redemption transaction fees and maximum additional charge (as described above):
Standard
Redemption
Transaction Fee
|
|
Maximum
Additional
Charge*
|
$350
|
|
2.0%
|
*
|
As a percentage of the net
asset value per Creation Unit, inclusive of the standard redemption transaction fee.
|
Placement of Redemption
Orders. Redemption requests for Creation Units of the Fund must be submitted to the Distributor or its agent by or through an Authorized Participant. An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable
request to redeem shares of the Fund generally before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day in order to receive that day's NAV. On days when the Listing Exchange closes earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to redeem Creation Units
to be placed earlier that day. Investors, other than Authorized Participants, are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant. The Distributor or its agent will provide a list of current
Authorized Participants upon request.
The
Authorized Participant must transmit the request for redemption in the form required by the Fund to the Distributor or its agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors should be aware that their
particular broker may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement and that, therefore, requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed an Authorized
Participant Agreement. At any time, only a limited number of broker-dealers will have an Authorized Participant Agreement in effect. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such
Authorized Participant. Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an Authorized Participant and transfer of the shares to the Fund's transfer agent; such investors
should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not Authorized Participants.
A redemption request is considered to be in “proper
form” if: (i) an Authorized Participant has transferred or caused to be transferred to the Fund's transfer agent the Creation Unit redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the Listing Exchange closing time on any
Business Day on which the redemption request is submitted; (ii) a request in form satisfactory to the Fund is received by the Distributor or its agent from the Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time
periods specified above; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement are properly followed.
Upon receiving a redemption request, the Distributor or its
agent shall notify the Fund and the Fund's transfer agent of such redemption request. The tender of an investor's shares for redemption and the distribution of the securities and/or cash included in the redemption payment made in respect of Creation
Units redeemed will be made through DTC and the relevant
Authorized Participant to the Beneficial Owner thereof as recorded on the
book-entry system of DTC or the DTC Participant through which such investor holds, as the case may be, or by such other means specified by the Authorized Participant submitting the redemption request.
A redeeming Authorized Participant, whether on its own account
or acting on behalf of a Beneficial Owner, must maintain appropriate security arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the portfolio securities are customarily traded, to which
account such portfolio securities will be delivered.
Deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Fund are generally
made within two Business Days (i.e., “T+2”). The Fund reserves the right to settle redemption transactions on a basis other than T+2 but by T+7, if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances
and compliant with applicable law. Delayed settlement may occur due to a number of different reasons, including, without limitation, settlement cycles for the underlying securities, unscheduled market closings, an effort to link distribution to
distribution record dates and ex-dates and newly announced holidays. For example, the redemption settlement process may be extended beyond T+2 because of the occurrence of a holiday in a non-U.S. market or in the U.S. bond market that is not a
holiday observed in the U.S. equity market.
To the
extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant's agreement with the Distributor or its agent, in the event an Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Unit to be
redeemed to the Fund, at or prior to 10:00 a.m., Eastern time on the Listing Exchange business day after the date of submission of such redemption request, the Distributor or its agent will accept the redemption request in reliance on the
undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible. Such undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash, in U.S. dollars in immediately
available funds, having a value at least equal to 105% and up to 122%, which percentage BFA may change at any time, in its sole discretion, of the value of the missing shares. Such cash collateral must be delivered no later than the time specified
by the Fund or its custodian on the day after the date of submission of such redemption request and shall be held by State Street and marked-to-market daily. The fees of State Street and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and
redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The cash collateral posted by the Authorized Participant may be invested at the risk of the Authorized Participant, and income, if any, on invested cash collateral
will be paid to that Authorized Participant. The Authorized Participant Agreement permits the Fund to acquire shares of the Fund at any time and subjects the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the aggregate of the cost to
the Fund of purchasing such shares, plus the value of the Cash Amount, and the value of the cash collateral together with liability for related brokerage and other charges.
Because the portfolio securities of the Fund may trade on
exchange(s) on days that the Listing Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Fund, shareholders may not be able to redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Listing Exchange on days when the
NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of
payment postponed with respect to the Fund: (i) for any period during which the Listing Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the Listing Exchange is suspended or
restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of the Fund's portfolio securities or determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other
circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
Taxation on
Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units. An Authorized Participant generally will recognize either gain or loss upon the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units. This gain or loss is calculated
by taking the market value of the Creation Units purchased over the Authorized Participant’s aggregate basis in the Deposit Securities exchanged therefor. However, the IRS may apply the wash sales rules to determine that any loss realized upon
the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units is not currently deductible. Authorized Participants should consult their own tax advisors.
Current U.S. federal income tax laws dictate that capital gain
or loss realized from the redemption of Creation Units will generally create long-term capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the Creation Units for more than one year, or short-term capital gain or loss if the Creation Units were
held for one year or less, if the Creation Units are held as capital assets.
Taxes
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal
income tax considerations regarding the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of the Fund. This summary does not address all of the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to the Fund or to all categories of
investors, some of which may be subject to special tax rules. Current and prospective shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the specific federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
The summary is based on the laws and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof in effect on the date of this SAI, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
Tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs
Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for individuals and corporations, generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
Most of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and, without further legislation, will not apply after 2025. The application of certain provisions of the Tax Act is uncertain, and the changes in the act may have indirect effects on the
Fund, its investments and its shareholders that cannot be predicted. In addition, legislative, regulatory or administrative changes could be enacted or promulgated at any time, either prospectively or with retroactive effect. Prospective investors
should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the Tax Act on their investment in the Fund.
Regulated Investment Company Qualifications. The Fund intends to qualify for and to elect treatment as a separate RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund must annually distribute at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income (which includes dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains) and meet several other requirements. Among such other requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of the Fund’s annual gross income
must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or non-U.S. currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly-traded partnerships
(i.e., partnerships that are traded on an established securities market or tradable on a secondary market, other than a partnership that derives at
least 90% of its income from interest, dividends, capital gains and other traditionally permitted RIC income); and (ii) at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total
assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited for purposes of this calculation in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater
than 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one
issuer, of two or more issuers of which 20% or more of the voting stock is held by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses (other than the securities of other RICs) or the securities
of one or more qualified publicly-traded partnerships.
The Fund may be able to cure a failure to derive at least 90%
of its income from the sources specified above or a failure to diversify its holdings in the manner described above by paying a tax and/or by disposing of certain assets. If, in any taxable year, the Fund fails one of these tests and does not timely
cure the failure, the Fund will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income.
Although in general the passive loss rules of the Internal
Revenue Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly-traded partnership. The Fund’s investments in partnerships, including in qualified publicly-traded
partnerships, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local, or non-U.S. income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.
Taxation of RICs. As a
RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders, provided that it satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. To satisfy the
minimum distribution requirement, the Fund must distribute to its shareholders at least the sum of (i) 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (i.e., income other than its net realized long-term capital gain over its net realized short-term capital loss), plus or minus certain adjustments, and (ii) 90% of its net tax-exempt income for the taxable year. The Fund will
be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders. If the Fund fails to qualify for any taxable year as a RIC or fails to meet the distribution requirement, all of its
taxable income will be subject to tax at regular corporate income tax rates without any deduction for distributions to
shareholders, and such distributions generally will be taxable to
shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. In such event, distributions to individuals should be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income and distributions to
corporate shareholders generally should be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Although the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its capital gains for each taxable year, the Fund will be subject to
U.S. federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. Moreover, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC in any year, it must pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a
RIC. If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets (i.e., the excess of
the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the Fund had been liquidated) if it qualifies as a RIC in a subsequent year.
Net Capital Loss
Carryforwards. Net capital loss carryforwards may be applied against any net realized capital gains in each succeeding year, until they have been reduced to zero.
In the event that the Fund were to experience an ownership
change as defined under the Internal Revenue Code, the loss carryforwards and other favorable tax attributes of the Fund, if any, may be subject to limitation.
Excise Tax. The Fund
will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income for
the 12 months ended October 31 of such year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by year-end. In addition,
the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any underdistribution or overdistribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. The Fund intends to declare and
distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.
Taxation of U.S. Shareholders.
Dividends and other distributions by the Fund are generally treated under the Internal Revenue Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. However, any dividend or capital gain distribution declared
by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month shall be deemed to have been received by each shareholder on December 31 of such calendar year and to have
been paid by the Fund not later than such December 31, provided such dividend is actually paid by the Fund during January of the following calendar year.
The Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders
substantially all of its net tax-exempt income, investment company taxable income and any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers). However, if the Fund retains
for investment an amount equal to all or a portion of its net long-term capital gains in excess of its net short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), it will be subject to a corporate tax (at a flat rate of 21%) on the amount
retained. In that event, the Fund will report such retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gains, their
proportionate shares of the undistributed amount, (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to
the extent their credits exceed their liabilities, if any, and (c) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount in clause (a) over the amount in
clause (b). Organizations or persons not subject to U.S. federal income tax on such capital gains will be entitled to a refund of their pro rata share of such taxes paid by the Fund upon filing appropriate
returns or claims for refund with the IRS.
Distributions
of net realized long-term capital gains, if any, that the Fund reports as capital gain dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares and regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares of the Fund. All
other dividends of the Fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current and accumulated earnings and profits (“regular dividends”) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are
eligible for taxation at a maximum rate of 15% or 20% for non-corporate shareholders, depending on whether their income exceeds certain threshold amounts.
If an individual receives a regular dividend qualifying for
the long-term capital gain rates and such dividend constitutes an “extraordinary dividend,” and the individual subsequently recognizes a loss on the sale or exchange of stock in respect of which the extraordinary dividend was paid, then
the loss will be long-term capital loss to the extent of such extraordinary
dividend. An “extraordinary dividend” on common stock for this
purpose is generally a dividend (i) in an amount greater than or equal to 10% of the taxpayer’s tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within an 85-day period, or (ii) in an amount
greater than 20% of the taxpayer’s tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period.
Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and
accumulated earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in shares of the Fund, and as a capital gain thereafter (if the shareholder holds shares of the
Fund as capital assets). Distributions in excess of the Fund’s minimum distribution requirements, but not in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits, will be taxable to shareholders and will not constitute nontaxable returns of
capital. Shareholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional shares should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the shareholders receiving
cash dividends or distributions will receive and should have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount. No deduction would be allowed to an investor for interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of the
Fund to the extent the interest deduction would relate to exempt-interest dividends received.
A 3.8% U.S. federal Medicare contribution tax is imposed on
net investment income, including, but not limited to, interest, dividends, and net gain from investments, of U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 (or $250,000 if married and filing jointly), and of estates and trusts.
Investors considering buying shares just prior to a dividend
or capital gain distribution should be aware that, although the price of shares purchased at that time may reflect the amount of the forthcoming distribution, such dividend or distribution may nevertheless be taxable to them. If the Fund is the
holder of record of any security on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such security, such dividends will be included in the Fund’s gross income not as of the date received but as of the later of (i) the date such
security became ex-dividend with respect to such dividends (i.e., the date on which a buyer of the security would not be entitled to receive the declared, but unpaid, dividends); or (ii) the date the Fund
acquired such security. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution requirements, the Fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would otherwise be
the case.
In certain situations, the Fund may, for a
taxable year, defer all or a portion of its net capital loss (or if there is no net capital loss, then any net long-term or short-term capital loss) realized after October and its late-year ordinary loss (defined as the sum of the excess of
post-October foreign currency and passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) losses over post-October foreign currency and PFIC gains, plus the excess of post-December ordinary losses over post-December ordinary income) until the next
taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October (or December) may affect
the tax character of shareholder distributions. If your Fund shares are loaned pursuant to securities lending agreements you may lose the ability to report any distributions from a Fund as long term capital gain.
Sales of Shares. Upon
the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund, a shareholder will realize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder’s basis in shares of the Fund. A redemption of shares by the Fund will be
treated as a sale for this purpose. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year
and short-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for one year or less. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced, including replacement through the reinvesting of dividends
or capital gains distributions, or by an option, or contract to acquire substantially identical shares, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of any distributions or deemed distributions of long-term capital gains received by the shareholder with respect to such share. The Medicare contribution tax described above will apply to the sale of Fund shares.
If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of
the Fund, disposes of those shares within 90 days and then, on or before January 31 of the following calendar year, acquires shares in a mutual fund for which the otherwise applicable sales charge is reduced by reason of a reinvestment right (e.g., an exchange privilege), the original sales charge will not be taken into account in computing gain/loss on the original shares to the extent the subsequent sales charge is reduced. Instead, the disregarded
portion of the original sales charge will be added to the tax basis of the newly acquired shares. Furthermore, the same rule also applies to a disposition of the newly acquired shares made within 90 days of the second acquisition. This
provision prevents a shareholder from immediately deducting the sales charge
by shifting his or her investment within a family of mutual funds.
Backup Withholding. In
certain cases, the Fund will be required to withhold at a 24% rate and remit to the U.S. Treasury such amounts withheld from any distributions paid to a shareholder who: (i) has failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number; (ii) is
subject to backup withholding by the IRS; (iii) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding; or (iv) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). Backup
withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability.
Sections 351 and 362.
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has the right to reject an order for a purchase of shares of the Fund if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the
Fund and if, pursuant to Sections 351 and 362 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. If the Fund’s basis in such securities on the
date of deposit was less than market value on such date, the Fund, upon disposition of the securities, would recognize more taxable gain or less taxable loss than if its basis in the securities had been equal to market value. It is not anticipated
that the Trust will exercise the right of rejection except in a case where the Trust determines that accepting the order could result in material adverse tax consequences to the Fund or its shareholders. The Trust also has the right to require
information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination.
Taxation of Certain Derivatives. A Fund’s transactions in zero coupon securities, non-U.S. currencies, forward contracts, options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on non-U.S. currencies), to the extent
permitted, will be subject to special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions relating to “hedging transactions” and “straddles”) that, among other consequences, may affect the character of gains and
losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and
defer Fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require a Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out at the end of each year) and (b) may cause a Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to pay
dividends or make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. Each Fund will monitor its transactions, will make the appropriate tax elections and will make the appropriate
entries in its books and records when it acquires any zero coupon security, non-U.S. currency, forward contract, option, futures contract or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as
a RIC.
Each Fund’s investments in
so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts, most non-U.S. currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market and options on most security indexes, are subject to special tax rules. All section 1256
contracts held by a Fund at the end of its taxable year are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund’s income as if each position had been sold for its fair
market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by a Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital
assets and were not part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as
short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by a Fund.
As a result of entering into swap contracts, a Fund may make
or receive periodic net payments. Each Fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary
income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if a Fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). The cost of any payments made by a Fund
on a swap transaction will be netted pro rata against both tax exempt and taxable gross income. With respect to certain types of swaps, a Fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect
to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss.
Market Discount. Any
market discount recognized on a bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount
(“OID”). To the extent the Fund does not include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on the Fund’s disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the
accrued market discount.
Non-U.S. Investments. Income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the Fund from investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by non-U.S. countries. Tax conventions between
certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of non-U.S. corporations, the Fund may elect for U.S. income
tax purposes to treat non-U.S. income taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders. The Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all, of its taxable years. If the Fund were to make an election, shareholders of the
Fund would be required to take into account an amount equal to their pro rata portions of such non-U.S. taxes in computing their taxable income and
then treat an amount equal to those non-U.S. taxes as a U.S. federal income tax deduction or as a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shortly after any year for which it makes such an election, the Fund will report to its
shareholders the amount per share of such non-U.S. income tax that must be included in each shareholder’s gross income and the amount which will be available for the deduction or credit. No deduction for non-U.S. taxes may be claimed by a
shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Certain limitations will be imposed on the extent to which the credit (but not the deduction) for non-U.S. taxes may be claimed. Under Section 988 of the Internal Revenue Code, gains or losses
attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a non-U.S. currency and the time the Fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities
are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. In general, gains (and losses) realized on debt instruments will be treated as Section 988 gain (or loss) to the extent attributable to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and
the currencies in which the instruments are denominated. Similarly, gain or losses on non-U.S. currency, non-U.S. currency forward contracts, certain non-U.S. currency options or futures contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated
in non-U.S. currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss unless the Fund were to elect otherwise.
Original Issue Discount.
OID on tax-exempt bonds is recognized over the term of the bond and is tax-exempt to the holder of the bond. Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to inflation-indexed bonds. Generally, all stated interest on such bonds is taken into
income by the Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest income. The amount of a positive inflation adjustment, which results in an increase in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, is treated as original issue discount.
The OID is included in the Fund’s gross income ratably during the period ending with the maturity of the bond, under the general OID inclusion rules. The amount of the Fund’s OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will increase the
Fund’s taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash, until the bond matures. As a result, the Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distributions for such year. The amount of negative inflation
adjustment, which results in a decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, reduces the amount of interest (including stated, interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise includible in the Fund’s income with
respect to the bond for the taxable year.
Reporting. If a
shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form
8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not exempted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not
affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual
circumstances.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders. Dividends paid by the Fund to non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty to the extent derived from investment
income and short-term capital gains. Dividends paid by the Fund from net tax-exempt income or long-term capital gains are generally not subject to such withholding tax. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will be
required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty. The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder who provides an IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying
that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder’s conduct of a trade or
business within the U.S. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be
subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. shareholder were a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to additional “branch profits tax” imposed at a rate of 30%
(or lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.
Properly-reported dividends are generally exempt from U.S.
federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the Fund’s U.S. source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations
of a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is at least a 10% shareholder or partner, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income); or (ii) are paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains”
(generally, the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital gain over the Fund’s long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible
dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a
non-U.S. shareholder will need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an
intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of
these rules to their accounts.
Distributions to certain
foreign shareholders by a Fund at least 50% of the assets of which are “U.S. real property interests” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations) at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the
distributions, to the extent the distributions are attributable to gains from sales or exchanges of U.S. real property interests (including shares in certain “U.S. real property holding corporations” such as certain REITs, although
exceptions may apply if any class of stock of such a corporation is regularly traded on an established securities market and the Fund has held no more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the
distributions), generally must be treated by such foreign shareholders as income effectively connected to a trade or business within the U.S., which is generally subject to tax at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. shareholders, except for
distributions to foreign shareholders that held no more than 5% of any class of stock of the Fund at any time during the previous one-year period ending on the date of the distributions. Such distributions may be subject to U.S. withholding tax and
may require a foreign shareholder to file a U.S. federal income tax return. In addition, sales or redemptions of shares held by certain foreign shareholders in such a Fund generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax and generally will require
the foreign shareholder to file a U.S. federal income tax return, although exceptions may apply if more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s shares are held by U.S. shareholders or the foreign shareholder selling or redeeming the shares has
held no more than 5% of any class of stock of the Fund at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or redemption.
Provided that more than 50% of the value of a Fund’s
stock is held by U.S. shareholders, redemptions and other distributions made in the form of U.S. real property interests (including shares in certain “U.S. real property holding corporations”, although exceptions may apply if any class
of stock of such a corporation is regularly traded on an established securities market and the Fund has held no more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the distribution) generally will cause
the Fund to recognize a portion of any unrecognized gain in the U.S. real property interests equal to the product of (i) the excess of fair market value of such U.S. real property interests over the Fund’s adjusted bases in such interests and
(ii) the greatest foreign ownership percentage of the Fund during the five-year period ending on the date of distribution.
Shareholders that are nonresident aliens or foreign entities
are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund.
Separately, a 30% withholding tax is currently imposed on
U.S.-source dividends, interest and other income items paid to: (i) foreign financial institutions, including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the IRS information regarding their direct and indirect U.S.
account holders and (ii) certain other foreign entities, unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid withholding, foreign financial institutions will need to: (i) enter into agreements with the
IRS that state that they will provide the IRS information including the names, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of direct and indirect U.S. account holders; comply with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S.
accounts; report to the IRS certain information with respect to U.S. accounts maintained; agree to withhold tax on certain payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to
account holders who fail to provide the required information; and determine
certain other information as to their account holders, or (ii) in the event that an applicable intergovernmental agreement and implementing legislation are adopted, provide local revenue authorities with similar account holder information. Other
foreign entities will need to provide the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner or provide certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply.
Shares of the Fund held by a non-U.S. shareholder at death
will be considered situated within the U.S. and subject to the U.S. estate tax.
The foregoing discussion is a summary of certain material U.S.
federal income tax considerations only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in such shares, including consequences under
state, local and non-U.S. tax laws. Finally, the foregoing discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, judicial authority and administrative interpretations in effect on the date of this SAI. Changes in
applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions discussed above, and such changes often occur.
Financial Statements
Financial statements for the Fund are not available because,
as of the date of this SAI, the Fund has no financial information to report.
Miscellaneous Information
Counsel. Willkie Farr
& Gallagher LLP, located at 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, is counsel to the Trust.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, located at Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111, serves as the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, audits the Fund's financial statements, and may
perform other services.
Shareholder
Communications to the Board. The Board has established a process for shareholders to communicate with the Board. Shareholders may contact the Board by mail. Correspondence should be addressed to iShares Board
of Trustees, c/o BlackRock Fund Advisors, iShares Fund Administration, 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Shareholder communications to the Board should include the following information: (i) the name and address of the shareholder; (ii)
the number of shares owned by the shareholder; (iii) the Fund(s) of which the shareholder owns shares; and (iv) if these shares are owned indirectly through a broker, financial intermediary or other record owner, the name of the broker, financial
intermediary or other record owner. All correspondence received as set forth above shall be reviewed by the Secretary of the Trust and reported to the Board.
Investors’ Rights.
The Fund relies on the services of BFA and its other service providers, including the Distributor, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. Further information about the duties and roles of these service providers is set out in this SAI.
Investors who acquire shares of the Fund are not parties to the relevant agreement with these service providers and do not have express contractual rights against the Fund or its service providers, except certain institutional investors that are
Authorized Participants may have certain express contractual rights with respect to the Distributor under the terms of the relevant Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors may have certain legal rights under federal or state law against the Fund
or its service providers. In the event that an investor considers that it may have a claim against the Fund, or against any service provider in connection with its investment in the Fund, such investor should consult its own legal
advisor.
By contract, Authorized Participants
irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or U.S. federal court sitting in New York City over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Authorized Participant Agreement. Jurisdiction over other
claims, whether by investors or Authorized Participants, will turn on the facts of the particular case and the law of the jurisdiction in which the proceeding is brought.
Appendix A1 - iShares ETFs Proxy Voting Policy
BlackRock U.S. Registered Funds
Open-End Mutual Funds and iShares ETFs1 Proxy Voting Policy
Procedures Governing Delegation of Proxy Voting to Fund
Adviser
October 1, 2018
The Boards of Trustees/Directors (“Directors”) of
open-end funds advised by BlackRock Fund Advisors or BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) (the “Funds”), have the responsibility for the oversight of voting proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds, and have
determined that it is in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders to delegate that responsibility to BlackRock, subject to the principles outlined in this Policy, as part of BlackRock’s authority to manage, acquire and dispose of
account assets, all as contemplated by the Funds’ respective investment management agreements.
BlackRock has adopted guidelines and procedures (together and
as from time to time amended, the “BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines”) governing proxy voting by accounts managed by BlackRock.
BlackRock will cast votes on behalf of each of the Funds on
specific proxy issues in respect of securities held by each such Fund (or may refrain from voting) in accordance with the BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines.
BlackRock will report on an annual basis to the Directors on
(1) a summary of all proxy votes that BlackRock has made on behalf of the Funds in the preceding year together with a representation that all votes were in accordance with the BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines1, and (2) any changes to the BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines that have not previously been reported.
© 2018 BlackRock
1
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iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD
Corporate Bond ETF, iShares ESG MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG MSCI EM ETF, iShares ESG MSCI USA ETF, iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF, iShares ESG MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF, iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF, iShares ESG USD Corporate Bond ETF, iShares
Global Green Bond ETF, iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF, iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF, iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF, iShares MSCI Peru ETF and iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF have separate Proxy Voting Policies.
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Appendix A2 – BlackRock Proxy Voting Policies
BlackRock Investment Stewardship
Global Corporate Governance Guidelines & Engagement
Principles
January 2019
INTRODUCTION TO BLACKROCK
BlackRock helps investors build better financial futures. As a
fiduciary to our clients, we provide the investment and technology solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. We manage assets on behalf of institutional and individual clients, across a full spectrum of investment strategies,
asset classes and regions. Our client base includes pension plans, endowments, foundations, charities, official institutions, insurers and other financial institutions, as well as individuals around the world.
PHILOSOPHY ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship activities are
focused on protecting and enhancing the economic value of the companies in which we invest on behalf of clients. We do this through engagement with boards and management of investee companies and, for those clients who have given us authority,
through voting at shareholder meetings.
We believe that
there are certain fundamental rights attached to shareholding. Companies and their boards should be accountable to shareholders and structured with appropriate checks and balances to ensure that they operate in shareholders’ best interests.
Effective voting rights are central to the rights of ownership and there should be one vote for one share. Shareholders should have the right to elect, remove and nominate directors, approve the appointment of the auditor and to amend the corporate
charter or by-laws. Shareholders should be able to vote on matters that are material to the protection of their investment including but not limited to changes to the purpose of the business, dilution levels and pre-emptive rights, and the
distribution of income and capital structure. In order to make informed decisions, we believe that shareholders have the right to sufficient and timely information.
Our primary focus is on the performance of the board of
directors. As the agent of shareholders, the board should set the company’s strategic aims within a framework of prudent and effective controls, which enables risk to be assessed and managed. The board should provide direction and leadership
to management and oversee management’s performance. Our starting position is to be supportive of boards in their oversight efforts on shareholders’ behalf and we would generally expect to support the items of business they put to a vote
at shareholder meetings. Votes cast against or withheld from resolutions proposed by the board are a signal that we are concerned that the directors or management have either not acted in the best interests of shareholders or have not responded
adequately to shareholder concerns. We assess voting matters on a case-by-case basis and in light of each company’s unique circumstances taking into consideration regional best practices and long-term value creation.
These principles set out our approach to engaging with
companies, provide guidance on our position on corporate governance and outline how our views might be reflected in our voting decisions. Corporate governance practices can vary internationally, so our expectations in relation to individual
companies are based on the legal and regulatory framework of each local market. However, we believe there are overarching principles of corporate governance that apply globally and provide a framework for more detailed, market-specific
assessments.
We believe BlackRock has a responsibility
in relation to monitoring and providing feedback to companies, sometimes known as “stewardship.” These ownership responsibilities include engaging with management or board members on corporate governance matters, voting proxies in the
best long-term economic interests of shareholders and engaging with regulatory bodies to ensure a sound policy framework consistent with promoting long-term shareholder value creation. We also believe in the responsibility to our clients to have
appropriate resources and oversight structures. Our approach is set out in the section below titled “BlackRock’s oversight of its investment stewardship activities” and is further detailed in a team profile on our website.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, ENGAGEMENT AND VOTING
We recognize that accepted standards of corporate governance
differ between markets, but we believe there are sufficient common threads globally to identify an overarching set of principles. The objective of our investment stewardship activities is the protection and enhancement of the value of our
clients’ investments in public corporations. Thus, these principles focus on practices and structures that we consider to be supportive of long-term value creation. We discuss below the principles under six key themes. In our regional and
market-specific voting guidelines we explain how these principles inform our voting decisions in relation to specific resolutions that may appear on the agenda of a shareholder meeting in the relevant market.
The six key themes are:
•
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Boards and directors
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•
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Auditors and audit-related
issues
|
•
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Capital structure, mergers,
asset sales and other special transactions
|
•
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Compensation and benefits
|
•
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Environmental and social
issues
|
•
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General
corporate governance matters and shareholder protections
|
At a minimum, we expect companies to observe the accepted
corporate governance standards in their domestic market or to explain why doing so is not in the interests of shareholders. Where company reporting and disclosure is inadequate or the approach taken is inconsistent with our view of what is in the
best interests of shareholders, we will engage with the company and/or use our vote to encourage a change in practice. In making voting decisions, we perform independent research and analysis, such as reviewing relevant information published by the
company and apply our voting guidelines to achieve the outcome we believe best protects our clients’ long-term economic interests. We also work closely with our active portfolio managers, and may take into account internal and external
research.
BlackRock views engagement as an important
activity; engagement provides us with the opportunity to improve our understanding of investee companies and their governance structures to better inform our voting decisions. Engagement also allows us to share our philosophy and approach to
investment and corporate governance with companies to enhance their understanding of our objectives. Our engagements often focus on providing our feedback on company disclosures, particularly where we believe they could be enhanced. There are a
range of approaches we may take in engaging companies depending on the nature of the issue under consideration, the company and the market.
BlackRock takes an engagement-first approach, emphasizing
direct dialogue with companies on governance issues that have a material impact on financial performance. We generally prefer to engage in the first instance where we have concerns and give management time to address or resolve the issue. As a
long-term investor, we are patient and persistent in working with our portfolio companies to have an open dialogue and develop mutual understanding of governance matters, to promote the adoption of best practices and to assess the merits of a
company’s approach to its governance. We monitor the companies in which we invest and engage with them constructively and privately where we believe doing so helps protect shareholders’ interests. We do not try to micro-manage companies,
or tell management and boards what to do. We present our views as a long-term shareholder and listen to companies’ responses. The materiality and immediacy of a given issue will generally determine the level of our engagement and whom we seek
to engage at the company, which could be management representatives or board directors.
Boards and directors
The performance of the board is critical to the economic
success of the company and to the protection of shareholders’ interests. Board members serve as agents of shareholders in overseeing the strategic direction and operation of the company. For this reason, BlackRock focuses on directors in many
of our engagements and sees the election of directors as one of our most important responsibilities in the proxy voting context.
We expect the board of directors to promote and protect
shareholder interests by:
•
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establishing an appropriate
corporate governance structure
|
•
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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
|
•
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ensuring the integrity of
financial statements
|
•
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making independent decisions
regarding mergers, acquisitions and disposals
|
•
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establishing appropriate
executive compensation structures
|
•
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addressing
business issues, including environmental and social issues, when they have the potential to materially impact company reputation and performance
|
There should be clear definitions of the role of the board,
the committees of the board and senior management such that the responsibilities of each are well understood and accepted. Companies should report publicly the approach taken to governance (including in relation to board structure) and why this
approach is in the best interest of shareholders. We will
seek to engage with the appropriate directors where we have concerns about
the performance of the board or the company, the broad strategy of the company, or the performance of individual board members.
BlackRock believes that directors should stand for re-election
on a regular basis. We assess directors nominated for election or re-election in the context of the composition of the board as a whole. There should be detailed disclosure of the relevant credentials of the individual directors in order for
shareholders to assess the caliber of an individual nominee. We expect there to be a sufficient number of independent directors on the board to ensure the protection of the interests of all shareholders. Common impediments to independence may
include but are not limited to:
•
|
current or former employment
at the company or a subsidiary within the past several years
|
•
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being, or representing, a
shareholder with a substantial shareholding in the company
|
•
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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 believes that the operation of the board is enhanced
when there is a clearly independent, senior non-executive director to chair it or, where the chairman is also the CEO (or is otherwise not independent), an independent lead director. The role of this director is to enhance the effectiveness of the
independent members of the board through shaping the agenda, ensuring adequate information is provided to the board and encouraging independent participation in board deliberations. The lead independent board director should be available to
shareholders in those situations where a director is best placed to explain and justify a company’s approach.
To ensure that the board remains effective, regular reviews of
board performance should be carried out and assessments made of gaps in skills or experience amongst the members. BlackRock believes it is beneficial for new directors to be brought onto the board periodically to refresh the group’s thinking
and to ensure both continuity and adequate succession planning. In identifying potential candidates, boards should take into consideration the multiple dimensions of diversity, including personal factors such as gender, ethnicity, and age; as well
as professional characteristics, such as a director’s industry, area of expertise, and geographic location. The board should review these dimensions of the current directors and how they might be augmented by incoming directors. We believe
that directors are in the best position to assess the optimal size for the board, but we would be concerned if a board seemed too small to have an appropriate balance of directors or too large to be effective.
There are matters for which the board has responsibility that
may involve a conflict of interest for executives or for affiliated directors. BlackRock believes that shareholders’ interests are best served when the board forms committees of fully independent directors to deal with such matters. In many
markets, these committees of the board specialize in audit, director nominations and compensation matters. An ad hoc committee might also be formed to decide on a special transaction, particularly one with a related party or to investigate a
significant adverse event.
Auditors and audit-related
issues
BlackRock recognizes the critical importance of
financial statements, which should provide a true and fair picture of a company’s financial condition. We will hold the members of the audit committee or equivalent responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function. We take
particular note of cases involving significant financial restatements or ad hoc notifications of material financial weakness.
The integrity of financial statements depends on the auditor
being free of any impediments to being an effective check on management. To that end, we believe it is important that auditors are, and are seen to be, independent. Where the audit firm provides services to the company in addition to the audit, the
fees earned should be disclosed and explained. Audit committees should have in place a procedure for assessing annually the independence of the auditor.
Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special
transactions
The capital structure of a company is
critical to its owners, the shareholders, as it impacts the value of their investment and the priority of their interest in the company relative to that of other equity or debt investors. Pre-emptive rights are a key protection for shareholders
against the dilution of their interests.
Effective voting rights are central to the rights of ownership
and we believe strongly in one vote for one share as a guiding principle that supports good corporate governance. Shareholders, as the residual claimants, have the strongest interest in protecting company value, and voting power should match
economic exposure.
We are concerned that the creation of
a dual share class may result in an over-concentration of power in the hands of a few shareholders, thus disenfranchising other shareholders and amplifying the potential conflict of interest, which the one share, one vote principle is designed to
mitigate. However, we recognize that in certain circumstances, companies may have a valid argument for dual-class listings, at least for a limited period of time. We believe that such companies should review these dual-class structures on a regular
basis or as company circumstances change. Additionally, they should receive shareholder approval of their capital structure on a periodic basis via a management proposal in the company’s proxy. The proposal should give unaffiliated
shareholders the opportunity to affirm the current structure or establish mechanisms to end or phase out controlling structures at the appropriate time, while minimizing costs to shareholders.
In assessing mergers, asset sales or other special
transactions, BlackRock’s primary consideration is the long-term economic interests of shareholders. Boards proposing a transaction need to clearly explain the economic and strategic rationale behind it. We will review a proposed transaction
to determine the degree to which it enhances long-term shareholder value. We would prefer that proposed transactions have the unanimous support of the board and have been negotiated at arm’s length. We may seek reassurance from the board that
executives’ and/or board members’ financial interests in a given transaction have not adversely affected their ability to place shareholders’ interests before their own. Where the transaction involves related parties, we would
expect the recommendation to support it to come from the independent directors and it is good practice to be approved by a separate vote of the non-conflicted shareholders.
BlackRock believes that shareholders have a right to dispose
of company shares in the open market without unnecessary restriction. In our view, corporate mechanisms designed to limit shareholders’ ability to sell their shares are contrary to basic property rights. Such mechanisms can serve to protect
and entrench interests other than those of the shareholders. We believe that shareholders are broadly capable of making decisions in their own best interests. We expect any so-called ‘shareholder rights plans’ proposed by a board to be
subject to shareholder approval upon introduction and periodically thereafter for continuation.
Compensation and benefits
BlackRock expects a company’s board of directors to put
in place a compensation structure that incentivizes and rewards executives appropriately and is aligned with shareholder interests, particularly generating sustainable long-term shareholder returns. We would expect the compensation committee to take
into account the specific circumstances of the company and the key individuals the board is trying to incentivize. We encourage companies to ensure that their compensation plans incorporate appropriate and challenging performance conditions
consistent with corporate strategy and market practice. We use third party research, in addition to our own analysis, to evaluate existing and proposed compensation structures. We hold members of the compensation committee or equivalent board
members accountable for poor compensation practices or structures.
BlackRock believes that there should be a clear link between
variable pay and company performance that drives shareholder returns. We are not supportive of one-off or special bonuses unrelated to company or individual performance. We acknowledge that the use of peer group evaluation by compensation committees
can help ensure competitive pay; however we are concerned when increases in total compensation at a company are justified solely on peer benchmarking rather than outperformance. We support incentive plans that foster the sustainable achievement of
results relative to competitors. The vesting timeframes associated with incentive plans should facilitate a focus on long-term value creation. We believe consideration should be given to building claw back provisions into incentive plans such that
executives would be required to forgo rewards when they are not justified by actual performance. Compensation committees should guard against contractual arrangements that would entitle executives to material compensation for early termination of
their contract. Finally, pension contributions and other deferred compensation arrangements should be reasonable in light of market practice.
Non-executive directors should be compensated in a manner that
is commensurate with the time and effort expended in fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Additionally, these compensation arrangements should not risk compromising their independence or aligning their interests too closely with those of
the management, whom they are charged with overseeing.
Environmental and social issues
It is within this context of our fiduciary duty to clients
that we undertake our investment stewardship activities. Sound practices in relation to the material environmental and social (“E&S”) factors inherent in the business model can be a signal of operational excellence and management
quality.
BlackRock expects companies to identify and
report on the material, business-specific E&S risks and opportunities and to explain how these are managed. This explanation should make clear how the approach taken by the company best serves the interests of shareholders and protects and
enhances the long-term economic value of the company. E&S factors are material if they are core to how the business operates. The key performance indicators in relation to E&S factors should also be disclosed and performance against them
discussed, along with any peer group benchmarking and verification processes in place. This helps shareholders assess how well management is dealing with the material E&S factors relevant to the business. Any generally recognized best practices
and reporting standards adopted by the company should also be discussed in this context.
We do not see it as our role to make social or political
judgments on behalf of clients. Our consideration of these E&S factors is consistent with protecting the long-term economic interest of our clients’ assets. We expect investee companies to comply, at a minimum, with the laws and
regulations of the jurisdictions in which they operate. They should explain how they manage situations where local laws or regulations that significantly impact the company’s operations are contradictory or ambiguous to global norms.
Given that E&S factors are often not issues on which a
shareholder votes, we will engage directly with the board or management. Engagement on a particular E&S factor is based on our assessment that there are potential material economic ramifications for shareholders over the long-term.
We may vote against the election of directors where we have
concerns that a company might not be dealing with material E&S factors appropriately. Sometimes we may reflect such concerns by supporting a shareholder proposal on the issue, where there seems to be either a significant potential threat or
realized harm to shareholders’ interests caused by poor management of E&S factors. In deciding our course of action, we will assess whether the company has already taken sufficient steps to address the concern and whether there is a clear
and material economic disadvantage to the company if the issue is not addressed.
General corporate governance matters and shareholder
protections
BlackRock believes that shareholders have a
right to timely and detailed information on the financial performance and viability of the companies in which they invest. In addition, companies should also publish information on the governance structures in place and the rights of shareholders to
influence these. The reporting and disclosure provided by companies help shareholders assess whether their economic interests have been protected and the quality of the board’s oversight of management. We believe shareholders should have the
right to vote on key corporate governance matters, including changes to governance mechanisms, to submit proposals to the shareholders’ meeting and to call special meetings of shareholders.
BLACKROCK’S OVERSIGHT OF ITS INVESTMENT STEWARDSHIP
ACTIVITIES
Oversight
We hold ourselves to a very high standard in our investment
stewardship activities, including proxy voting. This function is executed by a team called BlackRock Investment Stewardship (“BIS”) which is comprised of BlackRock employees who do not have other responsibilities other than their roles
in BIS. BIS is considered an investment function. The team does not have sales responsibilities.
BlackRock maintains three regional advisory committees
(“Stewardship Advisory Committees”) for (a) the Americas; (b) Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and (c) Asia-Pacific, generally consisting of senior BlackRock investment professionals and/or senior employees with
practical boardroom experience. The regional Stewardship Advisory Committees review and advise on amendments to the proxy voting guidelines covering markets within each respective region (“Guidelines”).
In addition to the regional Stewardship Advisory Committees,
the Investment Stewardship Global Oversight Committee (“Global Committee”) is a risk-focused committee, comprised of senior representatives from various BlackRock investment teams, BlackRock’s Deputy General Counsel, the Global
Head of Investment Stewardship (“Global Head”), and other senior executives with relevant experience and team oversight.
The Global Head has primary oversight of the activities of
BIS, including voting in accordance with the Guidelines, which require the application of professional judgment and consideration of each company’s unique circumstances. The Global Committee reviews and approves amendments to these Global
Corporate Governance & Engagement Principles. The Global Committee also reviews and approves amendments to the regional Guidelines, as proposed by the regional Stewardship Advisory Committees.
In addition, the Global Committee receives and reviews
periodic reports regarding the votes cast by BIS, as well as regular updates on material process issues, procedural changes and other risk oversight considerations. The Global Committee reviews these reports in an oversight capacity as informed by
the BIS corporate governance engagement program and Guidelines.
BIS carries out engagement with companies, monitors and
executes proxy votes, and conducts vote operations (including maintaining records of votes cast) in a manner consistent with the relevant Guidelines. BIS also conducts research on corporate governance issues and participates in industry discussions
to keep abreast of important developments in the corporate governance field. BIS may utilize third parties for certain of the foregoing activities and performs oversight of those third parties. BIS may raise complicated or particularly controversial
matters for internal discussion with the relevant investment teams and/or refer such matters to the appropriate regional Stewardship Advisory Committees for review, discussion and guidance prior to making a voting decision.
Vote execution
We carefully consider proxies submitted to funds and other
fiduciary account(s) (“Fund” or “Funds”) for which we have voting authority. BlackRock votes (or refrains from voting) proxies for each Fund for which we have voting authority based on our evaluation of the best long-term
economic interests of shareholders, in the exercise of our independent business judgment, and without regard to the relationship of the issuer of the proxy (or any shareholder proponent or dissident shareholder) to the Fund, the Fund’s
affiliates (if any), BlackRock or BlackRock’s affiliates, or BlackRock employees (see “Conflicts management policies and procedures”, below).
When exercising voting rights, BlackRock will normally vote on
specific proxy issues in accordance with the Guidelines for the relevant market. The Guidelines are reviewed regularly and are amended consistent with changes in the local market practice, as developments in corporate governance occur, or as
otherwise deemed advisable by BlackRock’s Stewardship Advisory Committees. BIS may, in the exercise of their professional judgment, conclude that the Guidelines do not cover the specific matter upon which a proxy vote is required or that an
exception to the Guidelines would be in the best long-term economic interests of BlackRock’s clients.
In the uncommon circumstance of there being a vote with
respect to fixed income securities or the securities of privately held issuers, the decision generally will be made by a Fund's portfolio managers and/or BIS based on their assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.
In certain markets, proxy voting involves logistical issues
which can affect BlackRock’s ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. These issues include but are not limited to: (i) untimely notice of shareholder meetings; (ii) restrictions on a foreigner’s
ability to exercise votes; (iii) requirements to vote proxies in person; (iv) “share-blocking” (requirements that investors who exercise their voting rights surrender the right to dispose of their holdings for some specified period in
proximity to the shareholder meeting); (v) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; (vi) regulatory constraints; and (vii) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions. We are
not supportive of impediments to the exercise of voting rights such as shareblocking or overly burdensome administrative requirements.
As a consequence, BlackRock votes proxies on a
“best-efforts” basis. In addition, BIS may determine that it is generally in the best interests of BlackRock’s clients not to vote proxies if the costs (including but not limited to opportunity costs associated with shareblocking
constraints) associated with exercising a vote are expected to outweigh the benefit the client would derive by voting on the proposal.
Portfolio managers have full discretion to vote the shares in
the Funds they manage based on their analysis of the economic impact of a particular ballot item. Portfolio managers may from time to time reach differing views on how best to maximize economic value with respect to a particular investment.
Therefore, portfolio managers may, and sometimes do, vote shares in the Funds under their management differently from one another. However, because BlackRock’s clients are mostly long-term investors with long-term economic goals, ballots are
frequently cast in a uniform manner.
Conflicts management
policies and procedures
BIS maintains the following
policies and procedures that seek to prevent undue influence on BlackRock’s proxy voting activity. Such influence might stem from any relationship between the investee company (or any shareholder proponent or dissident shareholder) and
BlackRock, BlackRock’s affiliates, a Fund or a Fund’s affiliates, or BlackRock employees. The following are examples of sources of perceived or potential conflicts of interest:
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BlackRock clients who may be
issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions
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•
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BlackRock business partners
or third parties who may be issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions
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•
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BlackRock employees who may
sit on the boards of public companies held in Funds managed by BlackRock
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•
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Significant BlackRock, Inc.
investors who may be issuers of securities held in Funds managed by BlackRock
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•
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Securities of BlackRock,
Inc. or BlackRock investment funds held in Funds managed by BlackRock
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•
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BlackRock,
Inc. board members who serve as senior executives of public companies held in Funds managed by BlackRock
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BlackRock has taken certain steps to mitigate perceived or
potential conflicts including, but not limited to, the following:
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Adopted
the Guidelines which are designed to protect and enhance the economic value of the companies in which BlackRock invests on behalf of clients.
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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.
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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.
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When so authorized, BlackRock acts as a securities lending
agent on behalf of Funds. With regard to the relationship between securities lending and proxy voting, BlackRock’s approach is driven by our clients’ economic interests. The decision whether to recall securities on loan to vote is based
on a formal analysis of the revenue producing value to clients of loans, against the assessed economic value of casting votes. Generally, we expect that the likely economic value to clients of casting votes would be less than the securities lending
income, either because, in our assessment, the resolutions being voted on will not
have significant economic consequences or because the outcome would not be
affected by BlackRock recalling loaned securities in order to vote. BlackRock also may, in our discretion, determine that the value of voting outweighs the cost of recalling shares, and thus recall shares to vote in that instance.
Periodically, BlackRock reviews our process for determining
whether to recall securities on loan in order to vote and may modify it as necessary.
Voting guidelines
The issue-specific Guidelines published for each
region/country in which we vote are intended to summarize BlackRock’s general philosophy and approach to issues that may commonly arise in the proxy voting context in each market where we invest. These Guidelines are not intended to be
exhaustive. BIS applies the Guidelines on a case-by-case basis, in the context of the individual circumstances of each company and the specific issue under review. As such, these Guidelines do not indicate how BIS will vote in every instance.
Rather, they share our view about corporate governance issues generally, and provide insight into how we typically approach issues that commonly arise on corporate ballots.
Reporting and vote transparency
We inform clients about our engagement and voting policies and
activities through direct communication and through disclosure on our website. Each year we publish an annual report, an annual engagement and voting statistics report, and our full voting record to our website. On a quarterly basis, we publish
regional reports which provide an overview of our investment stewardship engagement and voting activities during the quarter, including market developments, speaking engagements, and engagement and voting statistics. Additionally, we make public our
market-specific voting guidelines for the benefit of clients and companies with whom we engage.
Appendix B – Description of Fixed-Income Ratings
A rating is generally assigned to a fixed-income security at
the time of issuance by a credit rating agency designated as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) by the SEC. While NRSROs may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and
the ratings given to securities at issuance do not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on a particular subsequent date.
NRSROs may rate specific investments (e.g., bonds), issuers (e.g., corporations, governments and financial institutions) and/or programs (e.g., commercial paper programs).
However, certain types of investments generally are not rated by NRSROs, such as certain government/sovereign obligations, US agency securities, commercial paper, time deposits at financial institutions, and derivative instruments such as credit
default swaps. For these types of investments, as well as US Treasury securities (some of which are not rated), where a NRSRO has not rated the specific investment but has rated the investment’s issuer, program, financial institution or
underlying reference asset, BFA may consider the investment to have the same NRSRO rating as its issuer, program, financial institution or underlying reference asset, as applicable. In the case of municipal securities, where one NRSRO provides
multiple ratings for the same security (e.g., “underlying,” “insured” and/or “enhanced” ratings), BFA may consider the security to have the highest of the multiple
ratings.
New issue securities (regardless of type)
rarely are rated by a NRSRO at the time of their initial offering. Preliminary prospectuses or term sheets for new issue securities often include an expected rating for the security (as determined by the underwriter and/or issuer) or a NRSRO rating
for the issuer of the security. If applicable, when deciding whether to purchase a new issue security that has not yet been rated by a NRSRO, BFA may attribute an expected rating to the security based on: (i) the expected rating of the security set
forth in the preliminary prospectus or term sheet for the security; (ii) the NRSRO’s rating for the issuer of the security set forth in the preliminary prospectus or term sheet for the security; or (iii) with respect to asset-backed
securities, the rating of a prior issuance having a similar structure or the same sponsor.
Where the investment objective of the Fund is to track the
performance of an index that includes credit ratings eligibility criteria as part of its index methodology, the Fund may purchase any security within the index, such security having been determined by the index provider as meeting its credit ratings
eligibility criteria. The credit ratings practices of an index provider may differ from BlackRock’s practices, as described above. Further, the Fund may invest, directly or indirectly, in securities that are not rated by a rating agency or
securities with a credit rating that differs from the credit rating specified in its index methodology in various circumstances, including where a security is downgraded but not yet removed from an index, following the removal of a security from an
index prior to its sale by the Fund or as a result of a corporate action or restructuring affecting an issuer of a security held by the Fund.
Fixed-income securities which are unrated expose the investor
to risks with respect to capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of lower-rated speculative bonds. Evaluation of these securities is dependent on the investment adviser’s judgment, analysis and experience in
the evaluation of such securities.
Investors should note
that the assignment of a rating to a security by an NRSRO may not reflect the effect of recent developments on the issuer’s ability to make interest and principal payments or on the likelihood of default.
Securities deemed to be high yield are rated below Baa3 by
Moody’s and below BBB- by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch.
The descriptions below relate to general long-term and
short-term obligations of an issuer.
Moody’s
Ratings
Long-Term Obligations
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.
Note: Moody's appends
numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the
modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Absence of Rating: Where no
rating has been assigned or where a rating has been withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the creditworthiness of the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the
following:
1. An application was not received or
accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of
securities or entities that are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue
or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which
case the rating is not published in Moody’s publications.
Withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise,
the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Short-Term Obligations
Moody’s short-term debt ratings are opinions of the
ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations, generally with an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months.
Moody's employs the following designations to indicate the
relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
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.
US Municipal Short-Term Debt Obligations
There are three rating categories for short-term municipal
obligations that are considered investment grade and are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG). In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the
maturity of the obligation.
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.
S&P Global Ratings
Long-Term Obligations
AAA: An obligation rated AAA
has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. 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 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 Global Ratings 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 Global Ratings 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: NR indicates no rating has
been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Note: The ratings from AA to
CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Short-Term Obligations
A-1: A short-term obligation
rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. 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 Global Ratings 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.
Municipal Short-Term Obligations
An S&P U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global
Ratings opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a
long-term debt rating.
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.
Fitch Ratings
Long-Term Obligations
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.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned RD or D
ratings, but are instead rated in the B to C rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability
to default and loss.
Note: The modifiers “+”
or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below CCC.
The subscript 'emr' is appended to a rating to denote embedded
market risk which is beyond the scope of the rating. The designation is intended to make clear that the rating solely addresses the counterparty risk of the issuing bank. It is not meant to indicate any limitation in the analysis of the counterparty
risk, which in all other respects follows published Fitch criteria for analyzing the issuing financial institution. Fitch does not rate these instruments where the principal is to any degree subject to market risk.
Short-Term Obligations (Corporate and Public Finance)
A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases
on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to
obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public
finance markets.
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.
IS-SAI-IBDU-0919
iShares Trust
File Nos. 333-92935 and 811-09729
Part C
Other Information
PEA # 2,179
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Exhibit
Number
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Description
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(a.1)
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Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated September 17, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 303, filed October 16, 2009 (PEA
No. 303).
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(a.2)
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Restated Certificate of Trust, dated September 13, 2006, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, filed September 19, 2006.
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(b)
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Amended and Restated By-Laws, dated April 20, 2010, are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 418, filed May 4, 2010.
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(c)
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Article II of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 303.
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(d.1)
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Investment Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 2009, between the iShares Trust (the Trust) and BlackRock Fund Advisors (BFA) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 354, filed December 28, 2009.
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(d.2)
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Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA is filed herein.
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(d.3)
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Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between iShares, Inc. and BFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,053, filed February 22, 2019.
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(d.4)
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Master Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement, dated December 1, 2009, between the Trust and BFA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 512, filed March 24, 2011.
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(d.5)
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Schedule A to the Master Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement is filed herein.
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(d.6)
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Form of Participation Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 773, filed October 15, 2012.
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(d.7)
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Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 1, 2010, between BFA and BlackRock International Limited (BIL) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 529, filed April 21, 2011.
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(d.8)
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Exhibit A to the Sub-Advisory Agreement between BFA and BIL is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,991, filed November 9, 2018.
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(d.9)
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Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated March 12, 2019, between BFA and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (BRS) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2,076, filed April 2, 2019 (PEA No. 2,076).
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(d.10)
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Appendix A to the Sub-Advisory Agreement between BFA and BRS is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 2,076.
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(e.1)
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Distribution Agreement, dated February 3, 2012, between the Trust and BlackRock Investments, LLC (BRIL) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 921, filed July 10,
2013.
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(e.2)
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Exhibit A to the Distribution Agreement is filed herein.
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(f)
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Not applicable.
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(g)
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Service Module for Custodial Services, dated April 13, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,956, filed August 28, 2018 (PEA No. 1,956).
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(h.1)
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Master Services Agreement, dated April 13, 2018, between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street) is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,956.
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- 1 -
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(h.2)
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Exhibit A to the Master Services Agreement is filed herein.
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(h.3)
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Service Module for Fund Administration and Accounting Services, dated April 13, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,956.
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(h.4)
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Service Module for Transfer Agency Services, dated April 13, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,956.
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(h.5)
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Second Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement, dated January 1, 2019, among the Trust, iShares, Inc., iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc., iShares U.S. ETF Trust and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A.
(BTC) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,046, filed February 7, 2019.
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(h.6)
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Schedule A to the Second Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement is filed herein.
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(h.7)
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Form of Master Securities Loan Agreement (including forms of Annexes and Schedules thereto) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 369, filed January 22, 2010.
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(h.8)
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Sublicense Agreement, dated June 30, 2017, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the BlackRock Index Services LLC Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (BlackRock Index Services LLC Sublicense
Agreement) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,792, filed August 1, 2017.
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(h.9)
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Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the C&S Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (C&S Sublicense Agreement), is
incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,512, filed October 21, 2015 (PEA No. 1,512).
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(h.10)
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Exhibit A to the C&S Sublicense Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,512.
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(h.11)
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Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the Dow Jones Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (Dow Jones Sublicense Agreement), is
incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,512.
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(h.12)
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Exhibit A to the Dow Jones Sublicense Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,159, filed July 26, 2019.
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(h.13)
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Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the Markit iBoxx indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (Markit iBoxx Sublicense Agreement),
is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,796, filed August 7, 2017 (PEA No. 1,796).
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(h.14)
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Exhibit A to the Markit iBoxx Sublicense Agreement is filed herein.
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(h.15)
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Sublicense Agreement, dated March 15, 2018, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the Ice Data Indices, LLC indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (Ice Data Sublicense Agreement), is incorporated
herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,885, filed March 19, 2018.
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(h.16)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Ice Data Sublicense Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,125, filed May 29, 2019.
|
|
|
(h.17)
|
|
Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated August 14, 2017, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the Merrill Lynch Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (Merrill Lynch Sublicense Agreement),
is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,840, filed October 23, 2017.
|
|
|
(h.18)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Merrill Lynch Sublicense Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,956.
|
|
|
(h.19)
|
|
Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the Morningstar Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (Morningstar Sublicense Agreement),
is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,796.
|
|
|
(h.20)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Morningstar Sublicense Agreement is filed herein.
|
|
|
(h.21)
|
|
Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the MSCI Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (MSCI Sublicense Agreement), is incorporated
herein by reference to PEA No. 1,796.
|
- 2 -
|
|
|
|
|
(h.22)
|
|
Exhibit A to the MSCI Sublicense Agreement is filed herein.
|
|
|
(h.23)
|
|
Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the NASDAQ indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (NASDAQ Sublicense Agreement), is
incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,796.
|
|
|
(h.24)
|
|
Exhibit A to the NASDAQ Sublicense Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,796.
|
|
|
(h.25)
|
|
Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the Russell Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (Russell Sublicense Agreement), is
incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1,795, filed August 2, 2017.
|
|
|
(h.26)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Russell Sublicense Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,069, filed March 14, 2019.
|
|
|
(h.27)
|
|
Amended and Restated Sublicense Agreement, dated September 23, 2015, among the Trust, iShares, Inc. and BFA for the S&P Indexes, as that term is defined in the Agreement (S&P Sublicense Agreement), is
incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 1,512.
|
|
|
(h.28)
|
|
Exhibit A to the S&P Sublicense Agreement is filed herein.
|
|
|
(i)
|
|
Legal Opinion and Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. is filed herein.
|
|
|
(j)
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
(k)
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
(l.1)
|
|
Subscription Agreement, dated April 20, 2000, between the Trust and SEI Investments Distribution Co. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2, filed May 12, 2000 (PEA
No. 2).
|
|
|
(l.2)
|
|
Letter of Representations, dated April 14, 2000, between the Trust and the Depository Trust Company (DTC) is incorporated herein by reference to PEA No. 2.
|
|
|
(l.3)
|
|
Amendment of Letter of Representations, dated January 9, 2001, between the Trust and DTC for iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund and iShares Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index Fund is incorporated herein by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11, filed July 2, 2001.
|
|
|
(m)
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
(n)
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
(o)
|
|
Not applicable.
|
|
|
(p.1)
|
|
Code of Ethics for Fund Access Persons and Code of Ethics for BRIL is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,117, filed May 20, 2019.
|
|
|
(q.1)
|
|
Powers of Attorney, each dated September 13, 2019, for Armando Senra, Salim Ramji, Jane D. Carlin, Cecilia H. Herbert, John E. Kerrigan, John E. Martinez, Madhav V. Rajan, Robert S. Kapito, Drew E. Lawton, Richard L. Fagnani
and Neal J. Andrews are filed herein.
|
|
|
(q.2)
|
|
Officers Certificate is filed herein.
|
- 3 -
Item 29.
|
Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with Registrant:
|
None.
Item 30.
|
Indemnification:
|
The Trust (also referred to in this section as the Fund) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is operated pursuant to an Amended and
Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the Declaration of Trust) that permits the Trust to indemnify its trustees and officers under certain circumstances. Such indemnification, however, is subject to the limitations imposed by the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).
Section 10.2 of the Declaration of Trust:
The
Declaration of Trust provides that every person who is, or has been, a trustee or officer of the Trust (a Covered Person) shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses
reasonably incurred or paid in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of being or having been a trustee or officer and against amounts paid as incurred in the
settlement thereof. However, no indemnification shall be provided to a Covered Person:
(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before
which the proceeding was brought (a) to be liable to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office or (b) not to have
acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there
has been a determination that such trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office: (a) by the court or other body approving the
settlement; (b) by at least a majority of those trustees who neither are interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based upon a review of readily-available facts (as opposed to a full
trial-type inquiry); or (c) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily-available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); provided, however, that any shareholder, by appropriate legal proceedings, may
challenge any such determination by the trustees or by independent counsel.
Article IX of the Registrants Amended and Restated By-Laws:
The Amended and Restated By-Laws provides that the Trust may
purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any Covered Person or employee of the Trust, including any Covered Person or employee of the Trust who is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a trustee, officer, or employee of a corporation,
partnership, association, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against and incurred by such Covered Person or employee in any such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the trustees
would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability. The Trust may not acquire or obtain a contract for insurance that protects or purports to protect any trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability to the Trust or its
Shareholders to which such trustee or officer otherwise would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
1933 Act:
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Fund pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Fund has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Fund of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Fund in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Fund will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
Section 17 of the Master Services Agreement between Registrant and State Street:
The Master Services Agreement provides that State Street will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the applicable Fund, its Affiliates, and its respective
officers, directors, employees, agents and permitted successors and assigns from any and all damages, fines,
- 4 -
penalties, deficiencies, losses, liabilities (including judgments and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) and expenses (including interest, court costs, reasonable fees and expenses of
attorneys, accountants and other experts or other reasonable fees and expenses of litigation or other proceedings or of any claim, default or assessment) (Losses) arising from or in connection with any third party claim or threatened
third party claim to the extent that such Losses are based on or arising out of any of the following: (a) breach by State Street or any State Street Personnel of any of its data protection, information security or confidentiality obligations
hereunder or under a Service Module to which such Fund is a signatory; (b) any claim of infringement or misappropriation of any Intellectual Property Right alleged to have occurred because of systems or other Intellectual Property provided by
or on behalf of State Street or based upon the performance of the Services (collectively, the State Street Infringement Items), except to the extent that such infringement or misappropriation relates to or results from; (i) changes
made by any Fund or by a third party at the direction of a Fund to the State Street Infringement Items; (ii) changes to the State Street Infringement Items recommended by State Street and not made due to a request from any Fund, provided that
State Street has notified such Fund that failure to implement such recommendation would result in infringement within a reasonable amount of time for such Fund to so implement following such notification; (iii) any Funds combination of
the State Street Infringement Items with products or services not provided or approved in writing by State Street, except to the extent such combination arises out of any Funds use of the State Street Infringement Items in a manner consistent
with the applicable business requirements documentation; (iv) designs or specifications that in themselves infringe and that are provided by or at the direction of any Fund (except in the event of a knowing infringement by State Street); or
(v) use by a Fund of any of the State Street Infringement Items in a manner that is not consistent with the applicable business requirements documentation or otherwise not permitted under the Master Services Agreement or any Service Module;
(c) any claim or action by, on behalf of, or related to, any prospective, then-current or former employees of State Street, arising from or in connection with a Service Module to which a Fund is a signatory, including: (i) any claim
arising under occupational health and safety, workers compensation, ERISA or other applicable Law; (ii) any claim arising from the interview or hiring practices, actions or omissions of employees of State Street; (iii) any claim
relating to any violation by employees of State Street, or its respective officers, directors, employees, representatives or agents, of any Law or any common law protecting persons or members of protected classes or categories, such laws or
regulations prohibiting discrimination or harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic; and (iv) any claim based on a theory that such Fund is an employer or joint employer of any such prospective, then-current or former employees of
State Street; (d) the failure by State Street to obtain, maintain, or comply with any governmental approvals as required under the Master Services Agreement and/or a Service Module to which such Fund is a signatory or such other failures as
otherwise agreed by the Parties from time to time; (e) claims by third parties arising from claims by governmental authorities against such Customer for fines, penalties, sanctions, late fees or other remedies to the extent arising from or in
connection with State Streets failure to perform its responsibilities under the Master Services Agreement or any Service Module (except to the extent a Fund is not permitted as a matter of public policy to have such an indemnity for financial
penalties arising from criminal actions); (f) claims by clients of State Street relating to services, products or systems provided by State Street or a Subcontractor to such client(s) in a shared or leveraged environment; (g) any claim
initiated by an Affiliate or potential or actual Subcontractor of State Street asserting rights in connection with a Service Module to which such Fund is a signatory; or (h) other claims as otherwise agreed by the Parties from time to time.
Each Party will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other Party and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns
from any and all Losses arising from or in connection with any of the following, including Losses arising from or in connection with any third party claim or threatened third party claim: (a) the death or bodily injury of an agent, employee,
customer, business invitee or business visitor or other person caused by the tortious or criminal conduct of the other Party; or (b) the damage, loss or destruction of real or tangible personal property caused by the tortious or criminal
conduct of the other Party.
Section 8.02 of the Distribution Agreement between Registrant and BRIL:
The Distribution Agreement provides that the Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless, BRIL, each of its directors, officers, principals,
representatives, employees and each person, if any, who controls BRIL within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the BRIL Indemnified Parties) on an as-incurred basis from
and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities whatsoever (including any investigation, legal or other expenses incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted)
(collectively, Losses) to which the BRIL Indemnified Parties become subject, arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus or the omission or alleged
omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (ii) any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made by the Trust in this Agreement; provided,
however, that the Trust shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any Loss arises out of or is based upon (A) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Prospectus about BRIL in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust by BRIL expressly for use therein; (B) BRILs own willful misfeasance, willful misconduct or gross negligence or BRILs reckless disregard of its
obligations under this Agreement or arising out of the failure of BRIL to deliver a current Prospectus; or (C) BRILs material breach of this Agreement.
- 5 -
The Distribution Agreement also provides that BRIL agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, each of its
trustees, officers, employees and each person, if any, who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the Trust Indemnified Parties) from and against any and all losses to which the Trust
Indemnified Parties become subject, arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Trust by BRIL about BRIL expressly for use therein; (ii) any breach of any representation,
warranty or covenant made by BRIL in the Distribution Agreement; and (iii) the actions or omissions of any person acting under the supervision of BRIL in providing services under the Distribution Agreement; provided, however, that BRIL shall
not be liable in any such case to the extent that any loss arises out of or is based upon (A) the Trusts own willful misfeasance, willful misconduct or gross negligence or the Trusts reckless disregard of its obligations under the
Distribution Agreement or (B) the Trusts material breach of the Distribution Agreement.
The Authorized Participant Agreement:
The Authorized Participant Agreement provides that the Authorized Participant (the Participant) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and
its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (each an Indemnified Party) from and against any
loss, liability, cost and expense (including attorneys fees) incurred by such Indemnified Party as a result of (i) any breach by the Participant of any provision of the Authorized Participant Agreement that relates to the Participant;
(ii) any failure on the part of the Participant to perform any of its obligations set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement; (iii) any failure by the Participant to comply with applicable laws, including rules and regulations of
self-regulatory organizations; or (iv) actions of such Indemnified Party in reliance upon any instructions issued in accordance with Annex II, III or IV (as each may be amended from time to time) of the Authorized Participant Agreement
reasonably believed by the distributor and/or the transfer agent to be genuine and to have been given by the Participant.
Section 5.1 of the
Second Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement:
The Second Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement provides that the
Trust on behalf of each Fund agrees to indemnify BTC and to hold it harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses, damages, liabilities or claims (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) which BTC may sustain or incur or which may
be asserted against BTC by reason of or as a result of any action taken or omitted by BTC in connection with or arising out of BTCs operating under and in compliance with this Agreement, except those costs, expenses, damages, liabilities or
claims arising out of BTCs negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder. Actions taken or omitted in reasonable reliance upon Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, any
Certificate, or upon any information, order, indenture, stock certificate, power of attorney, assignment, affidavit or other instrument reasonably believed by BTC to be genuine or bearing the signature of a person or persons reasonably believed by
BTC to be genuine or bearing the signature of a person or persons reasonably believed to be authorized to sign, countersign or execute the same, shall be presumed to have been taken or omitted in good faith.
The Second Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement also provides that BTC shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each Fund, its
Board of Trustees and its agents and BFA and any investment adviser for the Funds from any and all loss, liability, costs, damages, actions, and claims (Loss) to the extent that any such Loss arises out of the material breach of this
Agreement by or negligent acts or omissions or willful misconduct of BTC, its officers, directors or employees or any of its agents or subcustodians in connection with the securities lending activities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, provided
that BTCs indemnification obligation with respect to the acts or omissions of its subcustodians shall not exceed the indemnification provided by the applicable subcustodian to BTC.
The Participation Agreement:
The Form of Participation
Agreement generally provides that each Investing Fund agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the iShares Funds, including any of their principals, directors or trustees, officers, employees and agents, against and from any and all losses, expenses or
liabilities incurred by or claims or actions (Claims) asserted against the iShares Funds, including any of their principals, directors or trustees, officers, employees and agents, to the extent such Claims result from
(i) a violation or alleged violation by such Investing Fund of any provision of this Agreement or (ii) a violation or alleged violation by such Investing Fund of the terms and conditions of the iShares Order, such indemnification to
include any reasonable counsel fees and expenses incurred in connection with investigating and/or defending such Claims.
- 6 -
The iShares Funds agree to hold harmless and indemnify an Investing Fund, including any of its directors or
trustees, officers, employees and agents, against and from any Claims asserted against the Investing Fund, including any of its directors or trustees, officers, employees and agents, to the extent such Claims result from (i) a violation or
alleged violation by the iShares Fund of any provision of this Agreement or (ii) a violation or alleged violation by the iShares Fund of the terms and conditions of the iShares Order, such indemnification to include any reasonable counsel fees
and expenses incurred in connection with investigating and/or defending such Claims; provided that no iShares Fund shall be liable for indemnifying any Investing Fund for any Claims resulting from violations that occur as a result of incomplete or
inaccurate information provided by the Investing Fund to such iShares Fund pursuant to terms and conditions of the iShares Order or this Agreement.
Sublicense Agreements between the Registrant and BFA:
The Sublicense Agreements generally provide that the Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless BFA, its officers, employees, agents, successors, and assigns
against all judgments, damages, costs or losses of any kind (including reasonable attorneys and experts fees) resulting from any claim, action or proceeding (collectively claims) that arises out of or relates to (a) the
creation, marketing, advertising, selling, and operation of the Trust or interests therein, (b) any breach by BFA of its covenants, representations, and warranties under the License Agreement caused by the actions or inactions of
the Trust, or (c) any violation of applicable laws (including, but not limited to, banking, commodities, and securities laws) arising out of the offer, sale, operation, or trading of the Trust or interests therein, except to the extent such
claims result from the negligence, gross negligence or willful misconduct of BFA or an affiliate of BFA. The provisions of this section shall survive termination of this Sublicense Agreement.
Item 31.
|
Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser:
|
The Trust is advised by BFA, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. BFAs business is that of
a registered investment adviser to certain open-end, management investment companies and various other institutional investors.
The directors and officers of BFA consist primarily of persons who during the past two years have been active in the investment management business. To the
knowledge of the Registrant, except as set forth below, none of the directors or executive officers of BFA is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial
nature. Information as to the executive officers and directors of BFA is included in its Form ADV filed with the SEC (File No. 801-22609) and is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
|
|
Director or Officer
|
|
Capacity with BFA
|
|
Principal Business(es) During Last Two Fiscal
Years
|
FINK, LAURENCE DOUGLAS
|
|
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
|
|
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
GOLDSTEIN, ROBERT LAWRENCE
|
|
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
|
|
Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
KAPITO, ROBERT STEVEN
|
|
PRESIDENT
|
|
President and Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
MEADE, CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH
|
|
GENERAL COUNSEL AND CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
|
|
Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
PARK, CHARLES CHOON SIK
|
|
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. and Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRocks registered investment companies
|
|
|
|
SHEDLIN, GARY STEPHEN
|
|
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
|
|
Senior Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of BlackRock Inc.
|
|
|
|
WALTCHER, DANIEL RUSSELL
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of BlackRock, Inc.
|
- 7 -
BIL acts as sub-adviser for a number of affiliated registered investment
companies advised by BFA. The address of each of these registered investment companies is 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. The address of BIL is Exchange Place One, 1 Semple Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BL, United Kingdom. To the knowledge of
the Registrant, except as set forth below, none of the directors or executive officers of BIL is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
Information as to the executive officers and directors of BIL is included in its Form ADV filed with the SEC (File No. 801-51087) and is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
|
|
Director or Officer
|
|
Capacity with BIL
|
|
Principal Business(es) During Last Two Fiscal
Years
|
CHARRINGTON, NICHOLAS JAMES
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Senior Adviser and Non-Executive Chairman of EMEA of BlackRock, Inc., Non-Executive Director of BlackRock Group Limited BlackRock Investment Management
(UK) Limited, BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited and BIL (collectively, the Joint Boards)
|
|
|
|
CLAUSEN, CHRISTIAN
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Senior Advisor of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
DAMM, RUDOLPH ANDREW
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
DE FREITAS, ELEANOR JUDITH
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
FISHWICK, JAMES EDWARD
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
HANDLING, ERICA LOUISE
|
|
GENERAL COUNSEL
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
LORD, RACHEL
|
|
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
|
|
Senior Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
MCMAHON, ENDA THOMAS
|
|
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
MULLIN, STACEY JANE
|
|
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
OLSON, PATRICK MICHAEL
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Senior Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
THOMSON, COLIN ROY
|
|
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
|
|
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
YOUNG, MARGARET ANNE
|
|
DIRECTOR
|
|
Non-Executive Director of the Joint Boards
|
Item 32.
|
Principal Underwriters:
|
(a)
|
Furnish the name of each investment company (other than the Registrant) for which each principal underwriter
currently distributing the securities of the Registrant also acts as a principal underwriter, distributor or investment adviser.
|
- 8 -
BRIL, the distributor of certain funds, acts as the principal underwriter or placement agent, as
applicable, for each of the following open-end registered investment companies including certain funds of the Registrant:
|
|
|
BlackRock Advantage Global Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
|
BlackRock Advantage U.S. Total Market Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
|
BlackRock Allocation Target Shares
|
|
BlackRock Municipal Series Trust
|
BlackRock Asian Dragon Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Natural Resources Trust
|
BlackRock Balanced Capital Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Series Fund, Inc.
|
BlackRock Basic Value Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Series Fund II, Inc.
|
BlackRock Bond Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Series, Inc.
|
BlackRock California Municipal Series Trust
|
|
BlackRock Strategic Global Bond Fund, Inc.
|
BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc.
|
BlackRock Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.
|
|
BlackRock Variable Series Funds II, Inc.
|
BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund
|
|
FDP Series, Inc.
|
BlackRock ETF Trust
|
|
FDP Series II, Inc.
|
BlackRock EuroFund
|
|
Funds For Institutions Series
|
BlackRock Financial Institutions Series Trust
|
|
iShares, Inc.
|
BlackRock Focus Growth Fund, Inc.
|
|
iShares U.S. ETF Trust
|
BlackRock Funds
|
|
Managed Account Series
|
BlackRock Funds II
|
|
Managed Account Series II
|
BlackRock Funds III
|
|
Master Advantage U.S. Total Market LLC
|
BlackRock Funds IV
|
|
Master Bond LLC
|
BlackRock Funds V
|
|
Master Focus Growth LLC
|
BlackRock Funds VI
|
|
Master Institutional Money Market LLC
|
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.
|
|
Master Investment Portfolio
|
BlackRock Index Funds, Inc.
|
|
Master Investment Portfolio II
|
BlackRock Large Cap Series Funds, Inc.
|
|
Master Large Cap Series LLC
|
BlackRock Latin America Fund, Inc.
|
|
Quantitative Master Series LLC
|
BlackRock Liquidity Funds
|
|
Ready Assets Government Liquidity Fund
|
BlackRock Long-Horizon Equity Fund
|
|
Ready Assets U.S. Treasury Money Fund
|
BlackRock Mid Cap Dividend Series, Inc.
|
|
Retirement Series Trust
|
BRIL also acts as the distributor or placement agent for the following
closed-end registered investment companies:
|
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.
|
BlackRock Health Sciences Trust
|
BRIL provides numerous financial services to BlackRock-advised funds and is the distributor of BlackRocks
open-end funds. These services include coordinating and executing Authorized Participation Agreements, preparing, reviewing and providing advice with respect to all sales literature and responding to Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority comments on marketing materials.
(b)
|
Set forth below is information concerning each director and officer of BRIL. The principal business address for
each such person is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
None
|
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
|
Phillip Vasan
|
|
Member, Board of Managers
|
|
None
|
- 9 -
Item 33.
|
Location of Accounts and Records:
|
(a)
|
The Trust maintains accounts, books and other documents required by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the
rules thereunder (collectively, the Records) at the offices of State Street, 1 Lincoln Street, Mail Stop SUM0703, Boston, MA 02111.
|
(b)
|
BFA and/or its affiliates maintains all Records relating to its services as investment adviser at 400 Howard
Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.
|
(c)
|
BRIL maintains all Records relating to its services as distributor of certain Funds at 1 University Square
Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540.
|
(d)
|
State Street maintains all Records relating to its services as transfer agent at 1 Heritage Drive, North
Quincy, MA 02171. State Street maintains all Records relating to its services as fund accountant and custodian at 1 Lincoln Street, Mail Stop SUM0703, Boston, MA 02111.
|
(e)
|
BlackRock International Limited maintains all Records relating to its functions as current or former sub-adviser at Exchange Place One, 1 Semple Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BL, United Kingdom.
|
Item 34.
|
Management Services:
|
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
- 10 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it
meets all the requirements for the effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,179 to the Registration Statement to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of San Francisco and the State of California on the 13th day of September, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
iSHARES TRUST
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Armando Senra*
|
|
|
|
|
President
|
|
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,179 to
the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
|
Salim Ramji*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. Martinez*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cecilia H. Herbert*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. Kerrigan*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert S. Kapito*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
- 11 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Madhav V. Rajan*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jane D. Carlin*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drew E. Lawton*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard L. Fagnani*
|
|
|
Trustee
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Neal J. Andrews
|
|
|
Neal J. Andrews*
|
|
|
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Neal J. Andrews
|
*
|
|
By: Neal J. Andrews
|
|
|
Attorney-in-fact
|
Date:
|
|
September 13, 2019
|
*
|
Powers of Attorney, each dated September 13, 2019, for Armando Senra, Salim Ramji, Jane D. Carlin, Cecilia
H. Herbert, John E. Kerrigan, John E. Martinez, Madhav V. Rajan, Robert S. Kapito, Drew E. Lawton, Richard L. Fagnani and Neal J. Andrews are filed herein.
|
- 12 -
Exhibit Index
|
|
|
|
|
(d.2)
|
|
Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA.
|
|
|
(d.5)
|
|
Schedule A to the Master Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement.
|
|
|
(e.2)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Distribution Agreement.
|
|
|
(h.2)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Master Services Agreement.
|
|
|
(h.6)
|
|
Schedule A to the Second Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement.
|
|
|
(h.14)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Markit iBoxx Sublicense Agreement.
|
|
|
(h.20)
|
|
Exhibit A to the Morningstar Sublicense Agreement.
|
|
|
(h.22)
|
|
Exhibit A to the MSCI Sublicense Agreement.
|
|
|
(h.28)
|
|
Exhibit A to the S&P Sublicense Agreement.
|
|
|
(i)
|
|
Legal Opinion and Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
|
|
|
(q.1)
|
|
Powers of Attorney, each dated September 13, 2019.
|
|
|
(q.2)
|
|
Officers Certificate.
|
- 13 -
Exhibit (d.2)
Schedule A
to the
Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 1, 2009
between
iShares Trust
and
BlackRock
Fund Advisors
Pursuant to Section 6, the Trust shall pay the Adviser compensation at the following annual rates:
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
|
|
Annual Fee
|
|
iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond
ETF
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Adaptive Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
|
0.38
|
%
|
iShares Agency Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Asia 50 ETF
|
|
|
0.50
|
%
|
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.22
|
%
|
iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
iShares California Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares CMBS ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Convertible Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
iShares Core 10+ Year USD Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
iShares Core Aggressive Allocation ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.08
|
%
|
iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Core High Dividend ETF
|
|
|
0.08
|
%
|
iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.09
|
%
|
iShares Core Moderate Allocation ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
|
0.07
|
%
|
iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF
|
|
|
0.09
|
%
|
iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF
|
|
|
0.05
|
%
|
iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF
|
|
|
0.09
|
%
|
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
|
|
|
0.09
|
%
|
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
|
|
|
0.04
|
%
|
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.07
|
%
|
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.07
|
%
|
iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
|
|
|
0.03
|
%
|
iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.04
|
%
|
iShares Core S&P U.S. Value ETF
|
|
|
0.04
|
%
|
iShares Core Total USD Bond Market ETF
|
|
|
0.06
|
%
|
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.05
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF
|
|
|
0.08
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
|
|
|
0.59
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
|
|
|
0.38
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
|
0.38
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.43
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF
|
|
|
0.53
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
|
|
|
0.53
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI South Korea ETF
|
|
|
0.77
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Spain ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Switzerland ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF
|
|
|
0.62
|
%
|
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF
|
|
|
0.47
|
%
|
iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Edge High Yield Defensive Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares Edge Investment Grade Enhanced Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Size Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Europe ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Japan ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Global ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.40
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Mid-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI USA Size Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Edge U.S. Fixed Income Balanced Risk ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF
|
|
|
0.75
|
%
|
iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.12
|
%
|
iShares ESG MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares ESG MSCI USA ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares ESG MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.17
|
%
|
iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares ESG USD Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Focused Value Factor ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF
|
|
|
0.47
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
iShares Global 100 ETF
|
|
|
0.40
|
%
|
iShares Global Green Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Global REIT ETF
|
|
|
0.14
|
%
|
iShares GNMA Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares High Yield High Beta ETF
|
|
|
0.50
|
%
|
iShares High Yield Low Beta ETF
|
|
|
0.50
|
%
|
iShares iBonds 2021 Term High Yield and Income ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares iBonds 2022 Term High Yield and Income ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares iBonds 2023 Term High Yield and Income ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares iBonds 2024 Term High Yield and Income ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares iBonds 2025 Term High Yield and Income ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2019 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2020 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ex-Financials
ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ex-Financials
ETF
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
iShares iBonds Sep 2020 Term Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield ex Oil & Gas Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.50
|
%
|
iShares India 50 ETF
|
|
|
0.89
|
%
|
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares International Developed Property ETF
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.22
|
%
|
iShares International Preferred Stock ETF
|
|
|
0.55
|
%
|
iShares International Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.35
|
%
|
iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
iShares Micro-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.60
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
iShares Morningstar Multi-Asset Income ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF
|
|
|
0.30
|
%
|
iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF
|
|
|
0.59
|
%
|
iShares MSCI China A ETF
|
|
|
0.65
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Denmark ETF
|
|
|
0.53
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Europe Financials ETF
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.40
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Finland ETF
|
|
|
0.53
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.59
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF
|
|
|
0.49
|
%
|
iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.74
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Norway ETF
|
|
|
0.53
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF
|
|
|
0.74
|
%
|
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.59
|
%
|
iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares National Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.07
|
%
|
iShares New York Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares Residential Real Estate ETF
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF
|
|
|
0.47
|
%
|
iShares Russell 1000 ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Russell 1000 Pure U.S. Revenue ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Russell 2500 ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Russell 3000 ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares S&P 100 ETF
|
|
|
0.20
|
%
|
iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares S&P 500 Value ETF
|
|
|
0.18
|
%
|
iShares Self-Driving EV and Tech ETF
|
|
|
0.47
|
%
|
iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.07
|
%
|
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF
|
|
|
0.25
|
%
|
iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF
|
|
|
0.40
|
%
|
iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.15
|
%
|
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.28
|
%
|
Advisory Fee for iShares (S&P Global Sectors) Funds:
iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF
iShares Expanded Tech-Software
Sector ETF
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF
iShares Global
Comm Services ETF
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF
iShares Global Energy ETF
iShares Global Financials ETF
iShares Global Healthcare ETF
iShares Global Industrials ETF
iShares Global Infrastructure ETF
iShares Global Materials
ETF
iShares Global Tech ETF
iShares Global
Timber & Forestry ETF
iShares Global Utilities ETF
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF
iShares North
American Tech-Multimedia Networking ETF
iShares PHLX Semiconductor ETF
0.48% per annum of the aggregate net assets less than or equal to $10.0 billion
plus 0.43% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $10.0 billion, up to and including $20.0 billion
plus 0.38% per annum of the aggregate net assets in excess of $20.0 billion.
Advisory Fee for iShares China Large-Cap ETF (Group VII)
iShares China Large-Cap ETF
0.74% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $6.0 billion
plus 0.67% per annum of net assets over $6.0 billion, up to and including $9.0 billion
plus 0.60% per annum of net assets over $9.0 billion, up to and including $12.0 billion
plus 0.54% per annum of net assets in excess of $12.0 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares Group VIII (Dow Jones Sector) Funds:
iShares Transportation Average ETF
iShares U.S.
Aerospace & Defense ETF
iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF
iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Services
ETF
iShares U.S. Energy ETF
iShares U.S. Financial Services
ETF
iShares U.S. Financials ETF
iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF
iShares U.S. Home
Construction ETF
iShares U.S. Industrials ETF
iShares U.S.
Insurance ETF
iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF
iShares U.S.
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services
ETF
iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF
iShares
U.S. Regional Banks ETF
iShares U.S. Technology ETF
iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF
iShares U.S. Utilities ETF
0.48% per
annum of the aggregate net assets less than or equal to $10.0 billion
plus 0.43% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $10.0 billion,
up to and including $20.0 billion
plus 0.38% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $20.0 billion, up to and including
$30.0 billion
plus 0.34% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $30.0 billion, up to and including $40.0 billion
plus 0.33% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $40.0 billion, up to and including $50.0 billion
plus 0.31% per annum of the aggregate net assets in excess of $50.0 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF
0.25% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $5.0 billion
plus 0.24% per annum of net assets over $5.0 billion, up to and including $7.5 billion
plus 0.23% per annum of net assets over $7.5 billion, up to and including $10.0 billion
plus 0.21% per annum of net assets in excess of $10.0 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF
iShares
MSCI EAFE Value ETF
0.4000% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $3.0 billion
plus 0.3800% per annum of net assets over $3.0 billion, up to and including $4.5 billion
plus 0.3610% per annum of net assets over $4.5 billion, up to and including $6.0 billion
plus 0.3430% per annum of net assets over $6.0 billion, up to and including $7.5 billion
plus 0.3258% per annum of net assets over $7.5 billion, up to and including $9.0 billion
plus 0.3096% per annum of net assets in excess of $9.0 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF
iShares
MSCI EAFE Growth ETF
0.4000% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $3.0 billion
plus 0.3800% per annum of net assets over $3.0 billion, up to and including $4.5 billion
plus 0.3610% per annum of net assets over $4.5 billion, up to and including $6.0 billion
plus 0.3430% per annum of net assets over $6.0 billion, up to and including $7.5 billion
plus 0.3258% per annum of net assets in excess of $7.5 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares MSCI India ETF
iShares MSCI
India ETF
0.6500% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $4.0 billion
plus 0.6175% per annum of net assets over $4.0 billion, up to and including $6.0 billion
plus 0.5867% per annum of net assets over $6.0 billion, up to and including $8.0 billion
plus 0.5573% per annum of net assets in excess of $8.0 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF
0.2500% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $5 billion
plus 0.2375% per annum of net assets over $5 billion, up to and including $7.5 billion
plus 0.2256% per annum of net assets in excess of $7.5 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF
0.2500% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $5 billion
plus 0.2375% per annum of net assets over $5 billion, up to and including $7.5 billion
plus 0.2256% per annum of net assets in excess of $7.5 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares Exponential Technologies ETF
iShares Exponential Technologies ETF
0.4700% per annum of net assets less than or equal to $2 billion
plus 0.4465% per annum of net assets over $2 billion, up to and including $3 billion
plus 0.4242% per annum of net assets in excess of $3 billion
Advisory Fee for iShares Category VI (MSCI International/Global Multi Country) Funds:
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol
Global ETF*
iShares Human Rights ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF
0.3500% per annum of the aggregate net assets less than or equal to $30.0 billion
plus 0.3200% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $30.0 billion, up to and including $60.0 billion
plus 0.2800% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $60.0 billion, up to and including $90.0 billion
plus 0.2520% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $90.0 billion, up to and including $120.0 billion
plus 0.2270% per annum of the aggregate net assets over $120.0 billion, up to and including $150.0 billion
plus 0.2040% per annum of the aggregate net assets in excess of $150.0 billion
Advisory Fee for Category I (MSCI Developed Markets Single Country) Funds:
iShares MSCI Australia ETF*
iShares MSCI Austria ETF*
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF*
iShares MSCI Canada ETF*
iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF*
iShares MSCI France ETF*
iShares MSCI Germany ETF*
iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF*
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF
iShares MSCI Italy ETF*
iShares MSCI Japan ETF*
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF*
iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF*
iShares MSCI Mexico ETF*
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF*
iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF*
iShares MSCI Spain ETF*
iShares MSCI Sweden ETF*
iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF*
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF
0.59% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category I Funds less than or equal to $7.0 billion
plus 0.54% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category I Funds over $7.0 billion, up to and including $11.0 billion
plus 0.49% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category I Funds over $11.0 billion, up to and including $24.0 billion
plus 0.44% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category I Funds over $24.0 billion, up to and including $48.0 billion
plus 0.40% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category I Funds over $48.0 billion, up to and
including $72.0 billion
plus 0.36% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category I Funds over $72.0 billion, up to and including
$96.0 billion
plus 0.32% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category I Funds in excess of $96.0 billion
Advisory Fee for Category II (MSCI Emerging Markets Single Country) Funds:
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF*
iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Chile ETF*
iShares MSCI China ETF
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF
iShares MSCI Israel ETF*
iShares MSCI Peru ETF
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF
iShares MSCI Poland ETF
iShares MSCI Qatar ETF
iShares MSCI Russia ETF*
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF*
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF*
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF*
iShares MSCI Thailand ETF*
iShares MSCI Turkey ETF*
iShares MSCI UAE ETF
0.74% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category II Funds less than or equal to $2.0 billion
plus 0.69% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category II Funds over $2.0 billion, up to and including $4.0 billion
plus 0.64% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category II Funds over $4.0 billion, up to and including $8.0 billion
plus 0.57% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category II Funds over $8.0 billion, up to and including $16.0 billion
plus 0.51% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category II Funds over $16.0 billion, up to and including $24.0 billion
plus 0.48% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category II Funds over $24.0 billion, up to and including $32.0 billion
plus 0.45% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category II Funds in excess of $32.0 billion
Advisory Fee for Category IV (MSCI Emerging Markets Multi Country) Funds:
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Emerging Markets ETF*
iShares MSCI All
Country Asia ex Japan ETF
iShares MSCI BRIC ETF*
iShares
MSCI Emerging Markets ETF*
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF*
0.75% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category IV Funds less than or equal to $14.0 billion
plus 0.68% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category IV Funds over $14.0 billion, up to and including $28.0 billion
plus 0.61% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category IV Funds over $28.0 billion, up to and including $42.0 billion
plus 0.54% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category IV Funds over $42.0 billion, up to and including $56.0 billion
plus 0.47% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category IV Funds over $56.0 billion, up to and including $70.0 billion
plus 0.41% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category IV Funds over $70.0 billion, up to and
including $84.0 billion
plus 0.35% per annum of the aggregate net assets of the Category IV Funds in excess of $84.0 billion
Advisory Fee for Group X (2012 Equity) Funds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
$46 billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$46 billion
Up to $81
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$81 billion
Up to $111
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$111 billion
Up to $141
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$141 billion
|
|
iShares Latin America 40 ETF
|
|
|
0.5000
|
%
|
|
|
0.4750
|
%
|
|
|
0.4513
|
%
|
|
|
0.4287
|
%
|
|
|
0.4073
|
%
|
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF*
|
|
|
0.5000
|
%
|
|
|
0.4750
|
%
|
|
|
0.4513
|
%
|
|
|
0.4287
|
%
|
|
|
0.4073
|
%
|
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF
|
|
|
0.4800
|
%
|
|
|
0.4560
|
%
|
|
|
0.4332
|
%
|
|
|
0.4116
|
%
|
|
|
0.3910
|
%
|
iShares Russell 2000 ETF
|
|
|
0.2000
|
%
|
|
|
0.1900
|
%
|
|
|
0.1805
|
%
|
|
|
0.1715
|
%
|
|
|
0.1630
|
%
|
iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.2500
|
%
|
|
|
0.2375
|
%
|
|
|
0.2257
|
%
|
|
|
0.2144
|
%
|
|
|
0.2037
|
%
|
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF
|
|
|
0.2500
|
%
|
|
|
0.2375
|
%
|
|
|
0.2257
|
%
|
|
|
0.2144
|
%
|
|
|
0.2037
|
%
|
iShares Select Dividend ETF
|
|
|
0.4000
|
%
|
|
|
0.3800
|
%
|
|
|
0.3610
|
%
|
|
|
0.3430
|
%
|
|
|
0.3259
|
%
|
Advisory Fee for Group XI (2012 Fixed Income) Funds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First $19 billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$19 billion
Up to $33
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$33 billion Up
to $47 billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$47 billion
|
|
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.5000
|
%
|
|
|
0.4750
|
%
|
|
|
0.4513
|
%
|
|
|
0.4287
|
%
|
iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.4000
|
%
|
|
|
0.3800
|
%
|
|
|
0.3610
|
%
|
|
|
0.3430
|
%
|
Advisory Fee for Group XII (2013) Funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First $121
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$121 billion
Up to $181
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$181 billion
Up to $231
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$231 billion
Up to $281
billion
|
|
|
Greater
than
$281
billion
|
|
iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF
|
|
|
0.3500
|
%
|
|
|
0.3325
|
%
|
|
|
0.3159
|
%
|
|
|
0.3001
|
%
|
|
|
0.2851
|
%
|
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.1500
|
%
|
|
|
0.1425
|
%
|
|
|
0.1354
|
%
|
|
|
0.1287
|
%
|
|
|
0.1222
|
%
|
iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.0600
|
%
|
|
|
0.0570
|
%
|
|
|
0.0542
|
%
|
|
|
0.0515
|
%
|
|
|
0.0489
|
%
|
iShares Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.0600
|
%
|
|
|
0.0570
|
%
|
|
|
0.0542
|
%
|
|
|
0.0515
|
%
|
|
|
0.0489
|
%
|
iShares MBS ETF
|
|
|
0.0700
|
%
|
|
|
0.0665
|
%
|
|
|
0.0632
|
%
|
|
|
0.0601
|
%
|
|
|
0.0571
|
%
|
iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF
|
|
|
0.4800
|
%
|
|
|
0.4560
|
%
|
|
|
0.4332
|
%
|
|
|
0.4116
|
%
|
|
|
0.3910
|
%
|
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.2000
|
%
|
|
|
0.1900
|
%
|
|
|
0.1805
|
%
|
|
|
0.1715
|
%
|
|
|
0.1630
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF
|
|
|
0.2000
|
%
|
|
|
0.1900
|
%
|
|
|
0.1805
|
%
|
|
|
0.1715
|
%
|
|
|
0.1630
|
%
|
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.2000
|
%
|
|
|
0.1900
|
%
|
|
|
0.1805
|
%
|
|
|
0.1715
|
%
|
|
|
0.1630
|
%
|
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.2500
|
%
|
|
|
0.2375
|
%
|
|
|
0.2257
|
%
|
|
|
0.2144
|
%
|
|
|
0.2037
|
%
|
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF
|
|
|
0.2500
|
%
|
|
|
0.2375
|
%
|
|
|
0.2257
|
%
|
|
|
0.2144
|
%
|
|
|
0.2037
|
%
|
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF
|
|
|
0.2500
|
%
|
|
|
0.2375
|
%
|
|
|
0.2257
|
%
|
|
|
0.2144
|
%
|
|
|
0.2037
|
%
|
iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.0600
|
%
|
|
|
0.0570
|
%
|
|
|
0.0542
|
%
|
|
|
0.0515
|
%
|
|
|
0.0489
|
%
|
iShares TIPS Bond ETF
|
|
|
0.2000
|
%
|
|
|
0.1900
|
%
|
|
|
0.1805
|
%
|
|
|
0.1715
|
%
|
|
|
0.1630
|
%
|
Advisory Fee for Group XIII (2014) Funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First $12
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$12 billion Up
to $18 billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$18 billion
Up to $24
billion
|
|
|
Greater than
$24 billion
Up to $30
billion
|
|
|
Greater
than $30
billion
|
|
iShares Europe ETF
|
|
|
0.6000
|
%
|
|
|
0.5700
|
%
|
|
|
0.5415
|
%
|
|
|
0.5145
|
%
|
|
|
0.4888
|
%
|
iShares International Select Dividend ETF
|
|
|
0.5000
|
%
|
|
|
0.4750
|
%
|
|
|
0.4513
|
%
|
|
|
0.4287
|
%
|
|
|
0.4073
|
%
|
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
|
|
|
0.4000
|
%
|
|
|
0.3800
|
%
|
|
|
0.3610
|
%
|
|
|
0.3430
|
%
|
|
|
0.3259
|
%
|
*
|
This Fund is a fund of iShares, Inc.
|
Amended and Approved by the Board of Trustees of iShares Trust on September 12-13, 2019.
Exhibit (d.5)
SCHEDULE A
Master
Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement for iShares Trust
(Amended as of September 12-13, 2019)
(all percentages are expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ticker
|
|
Fund
|
|
Advisory Fee Waiver
|
|
Last Day of Term
|
AAXJ
|
|
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
EMIF
|
|
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
July 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
MUB
|
|
iShares National Muni Bond ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
June 30, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
MBB
|
|
iShares MBS ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, a portion of its management fee such that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver will not exceed 0.07%.
|
|
February 29, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
ACWI
|
|
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
ACWX
|
|
iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
IXUS
|
|
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
HEFA
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA), after taking into account any fee waivers by EFA, plus 0.03%.
|
|
November 30, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEWG
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HEWJ
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to
form N-1A), if any, attributable to the Funds investments in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc., provided that the waiver be no greater than the Funds management fee (0.53%).
With respect to the Fund, an additional amount such that the
Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver will be equal to the greater of Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses or 0.48%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEZU
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (EZU), after taking into account any fee waivers by EZU, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HAWX
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX), after taking into account any fee waivers by ACWX,plus 0.03%.
|
|
November 30, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HAUD
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWA, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEWC
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWC, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HSCZ
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ), after taking into account any fee waivers by SCZ, plus 0.03%.
|
|
November 30, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HEWW
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiveris equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Mexico Capped ETF (EWW), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWW, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEWP
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Spain ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Spain Capped ETF (EWP), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWP, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEWL
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Switzerland ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (EWL), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWL, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEWI
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after this fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees
and Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Italy Capped ETF (EWI), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWI, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In addition, with respect to the Fund, a reduction in the management fee by an additional amount equal to 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEWY
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI South Korea ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after this fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees
and Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI South Korea Capped ETF (EWY), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWY, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In addition, with respect to the Fund, a reduction in the management fee by an additional amount equal to 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
HEWU
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after this fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees
and Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWU, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In addition, with respect to the Fund, a reduction in the management fee by an additional amount equal to 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HJPX
|
|
iShares Currency Hedged JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (JPXN), after taking into account any fee waivers by JPXN.
|
|
July 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
FIBR
|
|
iShares Edge U.S. Fixed Income Balanced Risk ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other registered investment companies advised by BFA, or its affiliates.
|
|
February 29, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
DEFA
|
|
iShares Adaptive Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA), after taking into account any fee waivers by EFA, plus 0.03%.
|
|
November 30, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
DEZU
|
|
iShares Adaptive Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (EZU), after taking into account any fee waivers by EZU, plus 0.03%.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
DEWJ
|
|
iShares Adaptive Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees so that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and
Expenses attributable to the Funds investment in the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWJ.
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
IBDK
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2019 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDC
|
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDL
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2020 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDM
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IBDN
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDD
|
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDO
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDP
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDQ
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDR
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDS
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBDT
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBCD
|
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
IBCE
|
|
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
iShares High Yield High Beta ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, a portion of its management fee such that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver will not exceed 0.35%.
|
|
February 29, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
iShares High Yield Low Beta ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, a portion of its management fee such that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver will not exceed 0.35%.
|
|
February 29, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
EFAV
|
|
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, a portion of its management fee such that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver will not exceed 0.20%.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
IYLD
|
|
iShares Morningstar Multi-Asset Income ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, a portion of its management fee such that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver will not exceed 0.60%.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
GNMA
|
|
iShares GNMA Bond ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other registered investment companies.
|
|
February 29, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AGG
|
|
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other registered investment companies advised by BFA, or its affiliates.
|
|
June 30, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
ISTB
|
|
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other registered investment companies advised by BFA, or its affiliates.
|
|
February 29, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
IUSB
|
|
iShares Core Total USD Bond Market ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other registered investment companies advised by BFA, or its affiliates.
|
|
February 29, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
ACWF
|
|
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Global ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
IMTB
|
|
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other registered investment companies advised by BFA, or its affiliates
|
|
February 28, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
AOK
|
|
iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
AOM
|
|
iShares Core Moderate Allocation ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
AOR
|
|
iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
AOA
|
|
iShares Core Aggressive Allocation ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc.
|
|
November 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
SMMD
|
|
iShares Russell 2500 ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to the
Funds investments in other series of iShares Trust and iShares, Inc., provided that the waiver be no greater than the Funds management fee (0.15%).
|
|
July 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
BYLD
|
|
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF
|
|
0.28%
|
|
February 28, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
BGRN
|
|
iShares Global Green Bond ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, a portion of its management fee such that the Funds total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver will not exceed 0.20%.
|
|
March 1, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
EAGG
|
|
iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other registered investment companies advised by BFA, or its affiliates.
|
|
June 30, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
IBDU
|
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF
|
|
With respect to the Fund, an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the SEC in the instructions to form N-1A), if any, attributable to
investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates.
|
|
Upon the termination date of the fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ISHARES TRUST on behalf of each FUND
|
|
|
|
BLACKROCK FUND ADVISORS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Lezlie Iannone
Lezlie Iannone
Assistant Secretary, iShares Trust
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Deepa Damre
Deepa Damre
Managing Director
|
|
|
Dated: September 12-13, 2019
[Signature Page to
Amended Schedule A of Master Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement]
Exhibit (e.2)
Distribution Agreement
Exhibit
A
Index Series
iShares Trust
iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade
Corporate Bond ETF
iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares Aaa - A Rated
Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Adaptive Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Agency Bond ETF
iShares Asia 50 ETF
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Broad
USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
iShares California Muni Bond ETF
iShares China Large-Cap ETF
iShares CMBS ETF
iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF
iShares Convertible Bond ETF
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core 10+ Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core Aggressive
Allocation ETF
iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF
iShares Core Growth Allocation
ETF
iShares Core High Dividend ETF
iShares Core
International Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core Moderate Allocation ETF
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF
iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF
iShares
Core MSCI Pacific ETF
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
iShares Core
S&P U.S. Growth ETF
iShares Core S&P U.S. Value ETF
iShares Core Total USD Bond Market ETF
iShares Core U.S.
Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF
iShares
Currency Hedged JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF
iShares Currency
Hedged MSCI Canada ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
iShares Currency
Hedged MSCI Germany ETF
Distribution Agreement
Exhibit A (continued)
Index Series
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
iShares Currency Hedged
MSCI Mexico ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI South Korea ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Spain ETF
iShares Currency Hedged
MSCI Switzerland ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF
iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF
iShares Edge High Yield Defensive Bond ETF
iShares Edge
Investment Grade Enhanced Bond ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl
Size Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol
Europe ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Japan ETF
iShares Edge
MSCI Min Vol USA ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Small-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Global ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor Intl ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Small-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor USA Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Small-Cap
ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF
iShares Edge
MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Size Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF
iShares Edge U.S. Fixed
Income Balanced Risk ETF
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF
iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF
iShares ESG MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF
iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares ESG USD Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Europe Developed Real
Estate ETF
iShares Europe ETF
iShares Expanded Tech Sector
ETF
iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF
iShares
Exponential Technologies ETF
iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF
iShares Focused Value Factor ETF
iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF
iShares
Global 100 ETF
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF
iShares
Global Comm Services ETF
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF
iShares Global Energy ETF
iShares Global Financials ETF
Distribution Agreement
Exhibit A (continued)
Index Series
iShares Global Green Bond ETF
iShares Global Healthcare ETF
iShares Global Industrials ETF
iShares Global Infrastructure ETF
iShares Global Materials
ETF
iShares Global REIT ETF
iShares Global Tech ETF
iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF
iShares Global
Utilities ETF
iShares GNMA Bond ETF
iShares
Government/Credit Bond ETF
iShares High Yield High Beta ETF
iShares High Yield Low Beta ETF
iShares Human Rights ETF
iShares iBonds 2021 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares
iBonds 2022 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds 2023 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds 2024 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares
iBonds 2025 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2019 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2020 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2021 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2022 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2024 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2025 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2027 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2028 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar
2023 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
iShares iBonds Sep 2020 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ High
Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield ex Oil & Gas Corporate Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
iShares
India 50 ETF
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF
iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares
International Developed Property ETF
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF
iShares International
Preferred Stock ETF
iShares International Select Dividend ETF
iShares International Treasury Bond ETF
Distribution Agreement
Exhibit A (continued)
Index Series
iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF
iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
iShares Latin America 40 ETF
iShares Long-Term Corporate Bond
ETF
iShares MBS ETF
iShares
Micro-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF
iShares Morningstar Multi-Asset Income ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF
iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon
Target ETF
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF
iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF
iShares MSCI
Brazil Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI China A ETF
iShares MSCI China ETF
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Denmark ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF
iShares MSCI Europe Financials ETF
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Finland ETF
iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF
iShares MSCI India ETF
iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF
iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social
ETF
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF
iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF
iShares MSCI Norway ETF
iShares MSCI Peru ETF
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF
iShares MSCI Poland ETF
iShares MSCI Qatar ETF
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF
iShares MSCI UAE ETF
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF
Distribution Agreement
Exhibit A (continued)
Index Series
iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF
iShares National Muni Bond ETF
iShares New York Muni Bond ETF
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF
iShares North
American Tech-Multimedia Networking ETF
iShares PHLX Semiconductor ETF
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF
iShares Residential
Real Estate ETF
iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF
iShares Russell 1000 ETF
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF
iShares Russell 1000 Pure U.S. Revenue ETF
iShares Russell 1000
Value ETF
iShares Russell 2000 ETF
iShares Russell 2000
Growth ETF
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF
iShares Russell
2500 ETF
iShares Russell 3000 ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF
iShares S&P 100 ETF
iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF
iShares S&P 500 Value
ETF
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF
iShares Select Dividend ETF
iShares Self-Driving EV and Tech ETF
iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Short-Term
National Muni Bond ETF
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF
iShares TIPS Bond ETF
iShares Transportation Average ETF
iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF
iShares U.S.
Aerospace & Defense ETF
iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF
iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Services
ETF
iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF
iShares U.S.
Energy ETF
iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF
iShares U.S.
Financials ETF
iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF
iShares U.S.
Healthcare Providers ETF
iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF
iShares U.S. Industrials ETF
iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF
Distribution Agreement
Exhibit A (continued)
Index Series
iShares U.S. Insurance ETF
iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF
iShares U.S. Oil & Gas
Exploration & Production ETF
iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF
iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF
iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF
iShares U.S. Technology ETF
iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF
iShares U.S. Treasury
Bond ETF
iShares U.S. Utilities ETF
iShares Yield Optimized
Bond ETF
Amended and Approved by the Board of Trustees of iShares Trust on September 12-13, 2019.
Exhibit (h.2)
EXHIBIT A
LIST OF
BFA RECIPIENTS
LIST OF BFA RECIPIENTS
iShares, Inc.
iShares Asia/Pacific Dividend ETF
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
iShares Currency
Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Emerging Markets ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Global ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF
iShares Emerging Markets Dividend ETF
iShares Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF
iShares ESG MSCI EM
ETF
iShares International High Yield Bond ETF
iShares J.P.
Morgan EM Corporate Bond ETF
iShares J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF
iShares MSCI Australia ETF
iShares MSCI Austria ETF
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF
iShares MSCI BRIC ETF
iShares MSCI Canada ETF
iShares MSCI Chile ETF
iShares MSCI Colombia ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging
Markets ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF
iShares MSCI France ETF
iShares MSCI Frontier 100 ETF
iShares MSCI Germany ETF
iShares MSCI Global Agriculture Producers ETF
iShares MSCI
Global Energy Producers ETF
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF
iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF
iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF
iShares MSCI Israel ETF
iShares MSCI Italy ETF
iShares MSCI Japan ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF
iShares MSCI Mexico ETF
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF
iShares MSCI Russia ETF
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF
iShares MSCI Spain ETF
iShares MSCI Sweden ETF
iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF
iShares MSCI Thailand ETF
iShares MSCI Turkey ETF
iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF
iShares MSCI World ETF
iShares US & Intl High Yield
Corp Bond ETF
iShares Trust
iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade
Corporate Bond ETF
iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares Aaa - A Rated
Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Adaptive Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Agency Bond ETF
iShares Asia 50 ETF
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Broad
USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
iShares California Muni Bond ETF
iShares China Large-Cap ETF
iShares CMBS ETF
iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF
iShares Convertible Bond ETF
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core 10+ Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core Aggressive
Allocation ETF
iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF
iShares Core Growth Allocation
ETF
iShares Core High Dividend ETF
iShares Core
International Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core Moderate Allocation ETF
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF
iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF
iShares
Core MSCI Pacific ETF
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
iShares Core
S&P U.S. Growth ETF
iShares Core S&P U.S. Value ETF
iShares Core Total USD Bond Market ETF
iShares Core U.S.
Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF
iShares
Currency Hedged JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF
iShares Currency
Hedged MSCI Canada ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
iShares Currency
Hedged MSCI Germany ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
iShares Currency Hedged
MSCI Mexico ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI South Korea ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Spain ETF
iShares Currency Hedged
MSCI Switzerland ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF
iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF
iShares Edge High Yield Defensive Bond ETF
iShares Edge
Investment Grade Enhanced Bond ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl
Size Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol
Europe ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Japan ETF
iShares Edge
MSCI Min Vol USA ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Small-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Global ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor Intl ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Small-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor USA Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Small-Cap
ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF
iShares Edge
MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Size Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF
iShares Edge U.S. Fixed
Income Balanced Risk ETF
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF
iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF
iShares ESG MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF
iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares ESG USD Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Europe Developed Real
Estate ETF
iShares Europe ETF
iShares Expanded Tech Sector
ETF
iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF
iShares
Exponential Technologies ETF
iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF
iShares Focused Value Factor ETF
iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF
iShares
Global 100 ETF
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF
iShares
Global Comm Services ETF
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF
iShares Global Energy ETF
iShares Global Financials ETF
iShares Global Green Bond ETF
iShares Global Healthcare ETF
iShares Global Industrials
ETF
iShares Global Infrastructure ETF
iShares Global
Materials ETF
iShares Global REIT ETF
iShares Global Tech
ETF
iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF
iShares
Global Utilities ETF
iShares GNMA Bond ETF
iShares
Government/Credit Bond ETF
iShares High Yield High Beta ETF
iShares High Yield Low Beta ETF
iShares Human Rights ETF
iShares iBonds 2021 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares
iBonds 2022 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds 2023 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds 2024 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares
iBonds 2025 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2019 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2020 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2021 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2022 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2025 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2026 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2028 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar
2020 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
iShares iBonds Sep 2020 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ High
Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield ex Oil & Gas Corporate Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
iShares
India 50 ETF
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF
iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares
International Developed Property ETF
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF
iShares International
Preferred Stock ETF
iShares International Select Dividend ETF
iShares International Treasury Bond ETF
iShares J.P. Morgan USD
Emerging Markets Bond ETF
iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
iShares Latin America 40 ETF
iShares Long-Term Corporate Bond
ETF
iShares MBS ETF
iShares
Micro-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF
iShares Morningstar Multi-Asset Income ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF
iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon
Target ETF
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF
iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF
iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI China A ETF
iShares MSCI China ETF
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Denmark ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF
iShares MSCI Europe Financials ETF
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Finland ETF
iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF
iShares MSCI India ETF
iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Value
ETF
iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF
iShares MSCI Kokusai
ETF
iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF
iShares MSCI Norway ETF
iShares MSCI Peru ETF
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF
iShares MSCI Poland ETF
iShares MSCI Qatar ETF
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF
iShares MSCI UAE ETF
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF
iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF
iShares National Muni Bond ETF
iShares New York Muni Bond ETF
iShares North American
Natural Resources ETF
iShares North American Tech-Multimedia Networking ETF
iShares PHLX Semiconductor ETF
iShares Preferred and Income
Securities ETF
iShares Residential Real Estate ETF
iShares
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF
iShares Russell 1000 ETF
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF
iShares Russell 1000 Pure U.S.
Revenue ETF
iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF
iShares Russell
2000 ETF
iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF
iShares Russell 2500 ETF
iShares Russell 3000 ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF
iShares S&P 100 ETF
iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF
iShares S&P 500 Value
ETF
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF
iShares Select Dividend ETF
iShares Self-Driving EV and Tech ETF
iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Short-Term
National Muni Bond ETF
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF
iShares TIPS Bond ETF
iShares Transportation Average ETF
iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF
iShares U.S.
Aerospace & Defense ETF
iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF
iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Services
ETF
iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF
iShares U.S.
Energy ETF
iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF
iShares U.S.
Financials ETF
iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF
iShares U.S.
Healthcare Providers ETF
iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF
iShares U.S. Industrials ETF
iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF
iShares U.S. Insurance ETF
iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF
iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF
iShares U.S.
Pharmaceuticals ETF
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF
iShares
U.S. Regional Banks ETF
iShares U.S. Technology ETF
iShares
U.S. Telecommunications ETF
iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF
iShares U.S. Utilities ETF
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF
iShares U.S. ETF Trust
iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF
iShares
Commodities Select Strategy ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Consumer Staples ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Discretionary Spending ETF
iShares Evolved
U.S. Financials ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Healthcare Staples ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Innovative Healthcare ETF
iShares Evolved
U.S. Media and Entertainment ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Technology ETF
iShares Gold Strategy ETF
iShares Inflation Hedged Corporate
Bond ETF
iShares Interest Rate Hedged Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Interest Rate Hedged Emerging Markets Bond ETF
iShares
Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF
iShares Interest Rate Hedged Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Short Maturity Bond ETF
iShares Short Maturity Municipal
Bond ETF
iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF
Exhibit (h.6)
Schedule A
Funds
iShares, Inc.
iShares Asia/Pacific
Dividend ETF
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Emerging Markets ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Global ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF
iShares Emerging Markets Dividend ETF
iShares Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF
iShares ESG MSCI EM
ETF
iShares International High Yield Bond ETF
iShares J.P.
Morgan EM Corporate Bond ETF
iShares J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF
iShares MSCI Australia ETF
iShares MSCI Austria ETF
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF
iShares MSCI BRIC ETF
iShares MSCI Canada ETF
iShares MSCI Chile ETF
iShares MSCI Colombia ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging
Markets ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF
iShares MSCI France ETF
iShares MSCI Frontier 100 ETF
iShares MSCI Germany ETF
iShares MSCI Global Agriculture Producers ETF
iShares MSCI
Global Energy Producers ETF
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF
iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF
iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF
iShares MSCI Israel ETF
iShares MSCI Italy ETF
iShares MSCI Japan ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF
iShares MSCI Mexico ETF
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF
iShares MSCI Russia ETF
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF
iShares MSCI Spain ETF
iShares MSCI Sweden ETF
iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF
iShares MSCI Thailand ETF
iShares MSCI Turkey ETF
iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF
iShares MSCI World ETF
iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF
iShares Trust
iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade
Corporate Bond ETF
iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond ETF
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares Aaa - A Rated
Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Adaptive Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Agency Bond ETF
iShares Asia 50 ETF
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Broad
USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
iShares California Muni Bond ETF
iShares China Large-Cap ETF
iShares CMBS ETF
iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF
iShares Convertible Bond ETF
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core 10+ Year USD Bond ETF
iShares Core Aggressive
Allocation ETF
iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF
iShares Core Growth Allocation
ETF
iShares Core High Dividend ETF
iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core Moderate Allocation ETF
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF
iShares Core MSCI
International Developed Markets ETF
iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF
iShares Core
S&P 500 ETF
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
iShares Core
S&P U.S. Growth ETF
iShares Core S&P U.S. Value ETF
iShares Core Total USD Bond Market ETF
iShares Core U.S.
Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF
iShares
Currency Hedged JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF
iShares Currency
Hedged MSCI Canada ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
iShares Currency
Hedged MSCI Germany ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Italy ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
iShares Currency Hedged
MSCI Mexico ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI South Korea ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Spain ETF
iShares Currency Hedged
MSCI Switzerland ETF
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF
iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF
iShares Edge High Yield Defensive Bond ETF
iShares Edge
Investment Grade Enhanced Bond ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl
Size Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol
Europe ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Japan ETF
iShares Edge
MSCI Min Vol USA ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Small-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Global ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor Intl ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Intl Small-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA ETF
iShares Edge MSCI
Multifactor USA Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Small-Cap
ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF
iShares Edge
MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Size Factor ETF
iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF
iShares Edge U.S. Fixed
Income Balanced Risk ETF
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF
iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF
iShares ESG MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF
iShares ESG MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF
iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF
iShares ESG USD Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Europe Developed Real
Estate ETF
iShares Europe ETF
iShares Expanded Tech Sector
ETF
iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF
iShares
Exponential Technologies ETF
iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF
iShares Focused Value Factor ETF
iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF
iShares
Global 100 ETF
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF
iShares
Global Comm Services ETF
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF
iShares Global Energy ETF
iShares Global Financials ETF
iShares Global Green Bond ETF
iShares Global Healthcare ETF
iShares Global Industrials
ETF
iShares Global Infrastructure ETF
iShares Global
Materials ETF
iShares Global REIT ETF
iShares Global Tech
ETF
iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF
iShares
Global Utilities ETF
iShares GNMA Bond ETF
iShares
Government/Credit Bond ETF
iShares High Yield High Beta ETF
iShares High Yield Low Beta ETF
iShares Human Rights ETF
iShares iBonds 2021 Term High Yield and
Income ETF
iShares iBonds 2022 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds 2023 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares
iBonds 2024 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds 2025 Term High Yield and Income ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2019 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2020 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2021 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2022 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2022 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2023 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2023 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2024 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2025 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2025 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2026 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2027 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec
2028 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar
2020 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2020 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
iShares iBonds Mar 2023 Term Corporate ex-Financials ETF
iShares iBonds Sep 2020 Term Muni Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ High
Yield Corporate Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield ex Oil & Gas Corporate Bond ETF
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
iShares
India 50 ETF
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF
iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares
International Developed Property ETF
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF
iShares International
Preferred Stock ETF
iShares International Select Dividend ETF
iShares International Treasury Bond ETF
iShares J.P. Morgan USD
Emerging Markets Bond ETF
iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF
iShares Latin America 40 ETF
iShares Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares MBS ETF
iShares
Micro-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF
iShares Morningstar Multi-Asset Income ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF
iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF
iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon
Target ETF
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF
iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF
iShares MSCI
Brazil Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI China A ETF
iShares MSCI China ETF
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Denmark ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF
iShares MSCI Europe Financials ETF
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Finland ETF
iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF
iShares MSCI India ETF
iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF
iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF
iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social
ETF
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF
iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF
iShares MSCI Norway ETF
iShares MSCI Peru ETF
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF
iShares MSCI Poland ETF
iShares MSCI Qatar ETF
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF
iShares MSCI UAE ETF
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF
iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF
iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF
iShares National Muni Bond ETF
iShares New York Muni Bond
ETF
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF
iShares
North American Tech-Multimedia Networking ETF
iShares PHLX Semiconductor ETF
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF
iShares Residential
Real Estate ETF
iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF
iShares Russell 1000 ETF
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF
iShares Russell 1000 Pure U.S. Revenue ETF
iShares Russell 1000
Value ETF
iShares Russell 2000 ETF
iShares Russell 2000
Growth ETF
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF
iShares Russell
2500 ETF
iShares Russell 3000 ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF
iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF
iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF
iShares S&P 100 ETF
iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF
iShares S&P 500 Value
ETF
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF
iShares Select Dividend ETF
iShares Self-Driving EV and Tech ETF
iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Short-Term
National Muni Bond ETF
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF
iShares TIPS Bond ETF
iShares Transportation Average ETF
iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF
iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF
iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF
iShares U.S.
Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF
iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF
iShares U.S. Dividend and
Buyback ETF
iShares U.S. Energy ETF
iShares U.S. Financial
Services ETF
iShares U.S. Financials ETF
iShares U.S.
Healthcare ETF
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF
iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF
iShares U.S. Industrials ETF
iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF
iShares U.S. Insurance ETF
iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF
iShares U.S.
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF
iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF
iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF
iShares U.S. Technology ETF
iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF
iShares U.S. Treasury
Bond ETF
iShares U.S. Utilities ETF
iShares Yield Optimized
Bond ETF
iShares U.S. ETF Trust
iShares
Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF
iShares Commodities Select Strategy ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Consumer Staples ETF
iShares Evolved U.S.
Discretionary Spending ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Financials ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Healthcare Staples ETF
iShares Evolved U.S.
Innovative Healthcare ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Media and Entertainment ETF
iShares Evolved U.S. Technology ETF
iShares Gold Strategy ETF
iShares Inflation Hedged Corporate Bond ETF
iShares
Interest Rate Hedged Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Interest Rate Hedged Emerging Markets Bond ETF
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF
iShares
Interest Rate Hedged Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF
iShares Short Maturity Bond ETF
iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF
iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF
Approved by the Board of
Trustees of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust and the Board of Directors of iShares, Inc. on September 12-13, 2019.
Exhibit (h.14)
Exhibit A
iShares Trust
Markit iBoxx® USD Liquid High Yield 0-5 Index
Markit iBoxx® USD Liquid High Yield ex-Oil and Gas Index
Markit iBoxx® USD Liquid High Yield High Beta Index
Markit iBoxx® USD Liquid High Yield Index
Markit iBoxx® USD Liquid High Yield Low Beta Index
Markit iBoxx® USD Liquid Investment Grade 0-5 Index Markit
iBoxx® USD Liquid Investment Grade Index
iShares, Inc.
Markit iBoxx Global Developed Markets ex-US High Yield Index
Markit iBoxx Global Developed Markets High Yield Index
Exhibit (h.20)
Exhibit A
iShares Trust
Morningstar® Dividend Yield Focus
IndexSM
Morningstar® Exponential
Technologies IndexSM
Morningstar® Global ex-US Dividend Growth IndexSM
Morningstar® US Large Core IndexSM
Morningstar® US Large Growth IndexSM
Morningstar® US Large Value IndexSM
Morningstar® US Mid Core IndexSM
Morningstar® US Mid Growth IndexSM
Morningstar® US Mid Value IndexSM
Morningstar® Multi-Asset High Income IndexSM
Morningstar® US Small Core IndexSM
Morningstar® US Small Growth IndexSM
Morningstar® US Small Value IndexSM
Morningstar U.S. Bond
Market Yield-Optimized Index
Morningstar® US Dividend and Buyback IndexSM
Morningstar® US Dividend Growth IndexSM
iShares, Inc.
Morningstar® Emerging Markets High Yield Bond
IndexSM
Exhibit (h.22)
Exhibit A
iShares Trust
Bloomberg Barclays MSCI Global Green Bond Select (USD Hedged) Index
Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Aggregate ESG Focus Index
Bloomberg
Barclays MSCI US Corporate 1-5 Year ESG Focus Index
Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corporate ESG Focus Index
Human Rights Custom Index on MSCI ACWI1
MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index
MSCI ACWI
MSCI ACWI Diversified Multiple-Factor Index
MSCI ACWI ex USA
100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI
MSCI ACWI ex
USA Index
MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target Index
MSCI ACWI
Sustainable Impact Index
MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index
MSCI All Ireland Capped Index
MSCI All Peru Capped Index
MSCI All Qatar Capped Index
MSCI All UAE Capped Index
MSCI Australia 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI Brazil Small Cap
Index
MSCI Canada 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI China A
Inclusion Index
MSCI China Index
MSCI China Small Cap Index
MSCI Denmark Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI EAFE
Adaptive Hedge to USD Index
MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus Index
MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) Index
MSCI EAFE Small Cap
100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI EAFE® 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI EAFE® Growth Index
MSCI EAFE® IMI
MSCI EAFE® Index
MSCI EAFE® Small Cap Index
MSCI EAFE® Value Index
MSCI EMU 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI Europe Financials Index
MSCI Europe Investable Market Index (IMI)
MSCI Europe
Minimum Volatility (USD) Index
MSCI Europe Small Cap Index
MSCI Finland Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI Germany
100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI Germany Small Cap Index
MSCI
India Index
1
|
A custom index calculated by MSCI Indices based on custom human rights screens using MSCI ESG Research
|
MSCI India Small Cap Index
MSCI Indonesia IMI 25/50 Index
MSCI Italy 25/50 100% Hedged to
USD Index
MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI Japan
Equal Weighted Index (USD)
MSCI Japan Minimum Volatility (USD) Index
MSCI Japan Value Index (USD)
MSCI KLD 400 Social Index MSCI
Kokusai Index
MSCI Korea 25/50 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50 100% Hedged to USD
MSCI New Zealand Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI Norway
Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI Pacific Investable Market Index (IMI)
MSCI Philippines Investable Market Index (IMI)
MSCI Poland
Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI Saudi Arabia Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI Spain 25/50 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI Switzerland 25/50
100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI United Kingdom 100% Hedged to USD Index
MSCI United Kingdom Index
MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap Index
MSCI USA Diversified Multiple-Factor Index
MSCI USA
Enhanced Value Index
MSCI USA Extended ESG Focus Index
MSCI
USA Extended ESG Leaders Index
MSCI USA Extended ESG Select Index
MSCI USA Low Size Index
MSCI USA Mid Cap Diversified
Multiple-Factor Index
MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) Index
MSCI USA Momentum Index
MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index
MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multiple-Factor Index
MSCI
USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index
MSCI USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility (USD) Index
MSCI World ex USA Diversified Multiple-Factor Index
MSCI World
ex USA Enhanced Value Index
MSCI World ex USA Investable Market Index
MSCI World ex USA Low Size Index
MSCI World ex USA Momentum
Index
MSCI World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality Index
MSCI
World ex USA Small Cap Diversified Multiple-Factor Index
iShares, Inc.
MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility (USD) Index
MSCI ACWI Select
Agriculture Producers Investable Market Index (IMI)
MSCI ACWI Select Energy Producers Investable Market Index (IMI)
MSCI ACWI Select Gold Miners Investable Market Index (IMI)
MSCI
ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers ex Gold & Silver Investable Market Index (IMI)
MSCI ACWI Select Silver Miners Investable Market
Index (IMI)
MSCI All Colombia Capped Index
MSCI Australia Index
MSCI Austria Investable Market Index (IMI)
25/50
MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI
Brazil 25/50 Index
MSCI BRIC Index
MSCI Canada Custom
Capped Index
MSCI Chile Investable Market Index (IMI) 25/50
MSCI EM Asia Custom Capped Index
MSCI Emerging Markets 100%
Hedged to USD Index
MSCI Emerging Markets Diversified Multiple-Factor Index
MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Index
MSCI Emerging
Markets IMI
MSCI Emerging Markets Index
MSCI Emerging
Markets Minimum Volatility (USD) Index
MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index
MSCI EMU Index
MSCI France Index
MSCI Frontier Markets 100 Index
MSCI Germany Index
MSCI Hong Kong Index
MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index
(IMI)
MSCI Italy 25/50 Index
MSCI Japan Index
MSCI Japan Small Cap Index
MSCI Korea 25/50 Index
MSCI Malaysia Index
MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index (IMI)
25/50
MSCI Netherlands IMI 25/50 Index
MSCI Pacific ex
Japan Index
MSCI Russia 25/50 Index
MSCI Singapore 25/50
Index
MSCI South Africa 25/50 Index
MSCI Spain 25/50 Index
MSCI Sweden 25/50 Index
MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index
MSCI Taiwan 25/50 Index
MSCI Thailand Investable Market Index
(IMI) 25/50
MSCI Turkey IMI 25/50 Index
MSCI USA Equal
Weighted Index
MSCI World Index
Exhibit (h.28)
Exhibit A
iShares Trust
S&P 100®
S&P 500®
S&P 500 Growth IndexTM
S&P 500 Value IndexTM
S&P 900 Growth IndexTM
S&P 900 Value IndexTM
S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series 2020 IndexTM
S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series Callable-Adjusted Dec 2026 IndexTM
S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series
Callable-Adjusted Dec 2027 IndexTM
S&P AMT-Free
Municipal Series Callable-Adjusted Dec 2028 IndexTM
S&P
AMT-Free Municipal Series Dec 2021 IndexTM
S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series Dec 2022 IndexTM
S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series Dec 2023 IndexTM
S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series Dec 2024 IndexTM
S&P Asia 50TM
S&P California AMT-Free Municipal Bond IndexTM
S&P/Citigroup International Treasury Bond Index Ex-US 1-3 Year
S&P/Citigroup International Treasury Bond Index Ex-US
S&P Developed ex-U.S. Property IndexTM
S&P Emerging Markets Infrastructure IndexTM S&P Europe 350TM
S&P Global 100TM
S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Consumer Discretionary IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples (Sector) Capped IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Energy IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Financials IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Health Care IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Industrials IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Information Technology IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Materials IndexTM
S&P Global 1200 Utilities IndexTM
S&P Global Clean Energy IndexTM
S&P Global Infrastructure IndexTM
S&P Global Timber & Forestry IndexTM
S&P International Preferred Stock IndexTM
S&P Latin America 40TM
S&P MidCap 400®
S&P MidCap 400 Growth IndexTM
S&P MidCap 400 Value IndexTM
S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond IndexTM
S&P New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond IndexTM
S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector IndexTM
S&P North American Expanded Technology Software IndexTM
S&P North American Natural Resources Sector IndexTM
S&P North American Technology Multimedia Networking IndexTM
S&P Short Term National AMT-Free Municipal Bond IndexTM
S&P SmallCap 600®
S&P SmallCap 600 Growth IndexTM
S&P SmallCap 600 Value IndexTM
S&P Target Risk Aggressive Index
S&P Target Risk
Conservative Index
S&P Target Risk Growth Index
S&P
Target Risk Moderate Index
S&P Total Market IndexTM
Exhibit (i)
September 13, 2019
iShares Trust
c/o BlackRock Fund Advisors
400 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
|
Re:
|
iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF
|
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special
Delaware counsel for iShares Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), in connection with the matters set forth herein. At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you.
For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our examination of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or
copies of the following:
|
(a)
|
The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, as filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware (the Secretary of State) on December 16, 1999, as amended and restated by the Restated Certificate of Trust of the Trust (as amended and restated, the Certificate of Trust), as filed with the Secretary of State
on September 15, 2006;
|
|
(b)
|
The Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated December 16, 1999, made by the trustee named therein, as
amended and restated by the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated September 13, 2006, made by the trustees named therein, as further amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated
September 24, 2008, made by the trustees named therein, as further amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated September 17, 2009 (as amended and restated on such date, the Trust
Instrument), made by the trustees named therein;
|
|
(c)
|
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,179 (the Amendment), to be filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC) on or about the date hereof, to the Trusts Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-92935 and 811-09729), filed with the SEC on December 16, 1999 (as amended by the Amendment, the Registration Statement);
|
iShares Trust
September 13, 2019
Page
2
|
(d)
|
The Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Trust, as approved by the Board
of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) on December 8, 2006, as further amended and restated by the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Trust, as approved by the Board on August 13, 2009, as
further amended and restated by the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Trust in effect on the date hereof as approved by the Board on April 20, 2010 (as amended and restated on such date, the By-laws);
|
|
(e)
|
The Policy and Procedures Regarding the Naming of iShares Funds delegating naming determinations for series of
the Trust to BlackRock Fund Advisors and its affiliated investment advisors;
|
|
(f)
|
Copies of certain resolutions adopted by the Board (the Resolutions) on June 17-19, 2019 and September 12-13, 2019 with respect to the creation of that certain series of the Trust known as iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF (the
Fund) and the issuance of certain shares of beneficial interest in the Fund (each, a Share and collectively, the Shares);
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|
(g)
|
A certificate of an officer of the Trust with respect to certain matters, dated September 13, 2019; and
|
|
(h)
|
A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated September 12, 2019, obtained from the Secretary of
State.
|
Initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are used as defined in the Trust Instrument.
For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (h)
above. In particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (h) above) that is referred to in or incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed that there
exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no independent factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely upon the foregoing documents, the
statements and information set forth therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects.
iShares Trust
September 13, 2019
Page
3
With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of
all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii) the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that the Trust Instrument constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto
with respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the creation, operation and termination of the Trust, and that the Trust Instrument, the By-laws and the Certificate of Trust are in full
force and effect and will not be amended, (ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due organization or due formation, as the case may be, and valid existence in good standing of each party to the documents examined by us
under the laws of the jurisdiction governing its organization or formation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are parties to the documents examined by us, (iv) that each of the parties (other than the Trust) to the documents
examined by us has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) the due authorization, execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents examined by us, (vi) the
payment by each Person to whom a Share has been or is to be issued by the Trust (collectively, the Shareholders) for such Share, in accordance with the Trust Instrument, the Resolutions and as contemplated by the Registration Statement,
(vii) that the officers of the Trust acted within their authority when registering the name of the Fund as such name appears in the Registration Statement, and (viii) that the Shares have been and are issued and sold to the Shareholders in
accordance with the Trust Instrument, the Resolutions and as contemplated by the Registration Statement. We have not participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and assume no responsibility for its contents.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not
considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction, including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our opinions are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules, regulations and orders thereunder
which are currently in effect.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions of law and statutes of the State of
Delaware as we have considered necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in good standing as a statutory trust under the Delaware
Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. § 3801, et seq.
iShares Trust
September 13, 2019
Page
4
2. The Shares of the Trust have been duly authorized and, when issued,
will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable beneficial interests in the Trust.
We consent to the filing of this opinion with the
SEC as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
|
Very truly yours,
|
|
/s/ Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
|
RJF/KAC/MSJ
Exhibit (q.1)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH
RESPECT TO
iSHARES TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST,
iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all
persons by these presents that Robert S. Kapito, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director of iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the
Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland, Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form
N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to
enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ Robert S. Kapito
|
Name: Robert S. Kapito
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Salim Ramji, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director of
iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland,
Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and
all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ Salim Ramji
|
Name: Salim Ramji
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that John E. Kerrigan, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director of
iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland,
Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and
all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ John E. Kerrigan
|
Name: John E. Kerrigan
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that John E. Martinez, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director of
iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland,
Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and
all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ John E. Martinez
|
Name: John E. Martinez
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Cecilia H. Herbert, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director
of iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland,
Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as her attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and
all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which she is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in her name and on her behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ Cecilia H. Herbert
|
Name: Cecilia H. Herbert
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Drew E. Lawton, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director of
iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland,
Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and
all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ Drew E. Lawton
|
Name: Drew E. Lawton
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Richard L. Fagnani, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director
of iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland,
Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and
all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ Richard L. Fagnani
|
Name: Richard L. Fagnani
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Madhav V. Rajan, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director of
iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland,
Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and
all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ Madhav V. Rajan
|
Name: Madhav V. Rajan
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Jane D. Carlin, a Trustee of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a Trust) and a Director of
iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company/ and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland, Deepa
Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as her attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them in any and all
capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N- 14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which she is now or is on the date of such filing a Trustee of the Trust or Director of the Company, (ii) any
application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such
things in her name and on her behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and
appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
|
/s/ Jane D. Carlin
|
Name: Jane D. Carlin
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Armando Senra, President and Principal Executive Officer of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a
Trust) and President and Principal Executive Officer of iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below,
constitutes and appoints Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland, Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey, and Marybeth Leithead as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of
them in any and all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a President and Principal Executive Officer of the
Trust or President and Principal Executive Officer of the Company, (ii) any application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and
papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those constituted and appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current
employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
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/s/ Armando Senra
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Name: Armando Senra
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
WITH RESPECT TO
iSHARES
TRUST,
iSHARES U.S. ETF
TRUST, iSHARES, INC.
and
iSHARES U.S. ETF COMPANY, INC.
Know all persons by these presents that Neal J. Andrews is Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of iShares Trust and iShares U.S. ETF Trust (each, a
Trust) and Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of iShares, Inc. and iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc. (each, a Company, and together with the Trusts, the Companies), whose name and signature appears below,
constitutes and appoints Armando Senra, Ben Archibald, Deepa Damre, Lezlie Iannone, and Mary Miley as his attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, and each of them
in any and all capacities, to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing a Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust or of the
Company, (ii) any application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and
generally to do all such things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Should any of those
constituted and appointed as attorneys-in-fact hereby no longer be employed by their respective current employer, this Power of Attorney shall terminate and be void as
to such attorney-in-fact.
Effective September 13, 2019
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/s/ Neal J. Andrews
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Name: Neal J. Andrews
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Exhibit (q.2)
iSHARES TRUST
OFFICERS
CERTIFICATE
I, Allison Pristash, the duly appointed Assistant Secretary of iShares Trust (the Trust), do hereby certify that attached
hereto as Exhibit A is a true and correct copy of the resolution from the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) held on September 12-13, 2019 (the Meeting). The
resolution was duly adopted by the Board at the Meeting. The resolution has not been modified or rescinded since its adoption and is in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Certificate on this 13th day of September, 2019.
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By:
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/s/ Allison Pristash
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Name:
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Allison Pristash
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Title:
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Assistant Secretary
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Exhibit A
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD
APPROVAL OF
AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS TO SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANIES PURSUANT TO A POWER OF ATTORNEY
iShares Trust
iShares, Inc.
iShares U.S. ETF Company, Inc.
iShares U.S. ETF Trust
RESOLVED, that Neal Andrews, Marisa Rolland, Deepa Damre, Margery K. Neale, Benjamin J. Haskin, Paul Lohrey and Marybeth Leithead be,
and each of them hereby is, authorized to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which Armando Senra is now or is on the date of such filing the President and Principal Executive
Officer of the Trust or President and Principal Executive Officer of the Company, (ii) any application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other
documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally to do all such things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder on behalf of Armando Senra, pursuant to the power of attorney signed by Armando Senra on September 13, 2019.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Armando Senra, Ben Archibald, Deepa Damre, Lezlie Iannone and Mary Miley be, and each of them hereby is,
authorized to sign (i) any registration statement on Form N-1A, Form N-14 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto, filed by the Companies of which he is now or is on the date of such filing the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust or of the Company,
(ii) any application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any and all amendments thereto, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers, including any exhibits, in connection therewith, and generally
to do all such things in his name and on his behalf in the capacities indicated to enable the Companies to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules thereunder on behalf
of Neal J. Andrews, pursuant to the power of attorney signed by Neal J. Andrews on September 13, 2019.