UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT

OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-09729

 

 

iShares Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

c/o: State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Summer Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

The Corporation Trust Company

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (415) 670-2000

Date of fiscal year end: April 30, 2020

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2019

 

 

 


Item 1.     Reports to Stockholders.

Copies of the semi-annual reports transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached.


 

LOGO   OCTOBER 31, 2019

 

  

2019 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF  |  IYY  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Transportation Average ETF  |  IYT  |  Cboe BZX

·  

iShares U.S. Energy ETF  |  IYE  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF  |  IYH  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Technology ETF  |  IYW  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Utilities ETF  |  IDU  |  NYSE Arca

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of each 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.

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.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive electronic delivery of shareholder reports and other communications by contacting your financial intermediary. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service.


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

Fund Summary

     3  

About Fund Performance

     9  

Shareholder Expenses

     9  

Schedules of Investments

     10  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     36  

Statements of Operations

     38  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     40  

Financial Highlights

     43  

Notes to Financial Statements

     49  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     57  

Supplemental Information

     63  

General Information

     64  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     65  

 

 

       


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019     iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of U.S. equities, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    3.55     13.70      10.22      13.44       13.70      62.68      252.89

Fund Market

    3.61       13.71        10.23        13.45         13.71        62.78        253.22  

Index

    3.64       13.88        10.41        13.65               13.88        64.11        259.57  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,035.50        $ 1.02             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,024.10        $ 1.02          0.20

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Information Technology

    22.1

Health Care

    13.6  

Financials

    13.4  

Consumer Discretionary

    10.1  

Communication Services

    9.9  

Industrials

    9.7  

Consumer Staples

    6.8  

Real Estate

    4.1  

Energy

    4.0  

Utilities

    3.5  

Materials

    2.8  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Microsoft Corp.

    3.8

Apple Inc.

    3.7  

Amazon. com Inc.

    2.6  

Facebook Inc., Class A.

    1.6  

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B

    1.5  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1.4  

Alphabet Inc., Class C

    1.3  

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    1.3  

Johnson & Johnson.

    1.2  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The).

    1.1  
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      3  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Transportation Average ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Transportation Average ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the transportation sector, as represented by the Dow Jones Transportation Average IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (2.58 )%       4.36      4.96      12.58       4.36      27.41      227.04

Fund Market

    (2.56      4.40        4.96        12.58         4.40        27.41        227.14  

Index

    (2.33      4.78        5.23        12.97               4.78        29.02        238.67  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$  1,000.00        $  974.20        $  2.13             $  1,000.00        $  1,023.00        $  2.19          0.43

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Road & Rail

    50.3

Air Freight & Logistics

    22.5  

Airlines

    20.4  

Marine

    6.8  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    10.4

Union Pacific Corp.

    9.5  

FedEx Corp.

    8.7  

Kansas City Southern

    7.9  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    6.7  

Landstar System Inc.

    6.3  

United Airlines Holdings Inc.

    4.7  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    4.7  

Kirby Corp.

    4.6  

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    4.6  
 

 

 

4    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019     iShares® U.S. Energy ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Energy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the energy sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (12.33 )%       (13.67 )%       (6.48 )%      1.68       (13.67 )%       (28.46 )%       18.17

Fund Market

    (12.25      (13.62      (6.47     1.69         (13.62      (28.43      18.28  

Index

    (12.16      (13.34      (6.12     2.09               (13.34      (27.08      23.00  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 876.70        $ 2.03             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.00        $ 2.19          0.43

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

    89.9

Energy Equipment & Services

    9.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.1  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    24.5

Chevron Corp.

    18.9  

ConocoPhillips

    5.2  

Phillips 66

    4.5  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    3.9  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    3.6  

EOG Resources Inc.

    3.4  

Valero Energy Corp.

    3.4  

Kinder Morgan Inc./DE

    3.3  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    3.1  
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      5  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Healthcare ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the healthcare sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Health Care IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    6.05      7.45      8.56     14.91       7.45      50.76      301.57

Fund Market

    6.10        7.49        8.57       14.93         7.49        50.87        302.09  

Index

    6.25        7.78        8.99       15.38               7.78        53.78        318.29  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$  1,000.00        $  1,060.50        $  2.23             $  1,000.00        $  1,023.00        $  2.19          0.43

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Pharmaceuticals

    29.9

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    26.1  

Biotechnology

    18.3  

Health Care Providers & Services

    18.2  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    7.4  

Health Care Technology

    0.1  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Johnson & Johnson

    9.1

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    6.3  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    5.8  

Pfizer Inc.

    5.6  

Abbott Laboratories

    3.9  

Medtronic PLC

    3.8  

Amgen Inc.

    3.3  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    3.2  

AbbVie Inc.

    3.1  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2.5  
 

 

 

6    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Technology ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Technology ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the technology sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped (TR) IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    4.72      20.41      17.04     16.27       20.41      119.58      351.43

Fund Market

    4.77        20.45        17.05       16.28         20.45        119.70        352.07  

Index(a)

    4.97        20.81        17.56       16.70         20.81        124.52        368.55  

Dow Jones U.S. Technology Total Return Index

    4.92        20.75        17.55       16.70         20.75        124.40        368.31  

Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped (TR) IndexTM(b)

    4.90        N/A        N/A       N/A               N/A        N/A        N/A  

 

  (a)

Index performance through June 23, 2019 reflects the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Technology Total Return Index. Index performance beginning on June 24, 2019 reflects the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped (TR) IndexTM, which, effective as of June 24, 2019, replaced Dow Jones U.S. Technology Total Return Index as the underlying index of the fund.

 
  (b)

The inception date of the Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped (TR) IndexTM was April 15, 2019.

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending 

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,047.20        $ 2.21             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.00        $ 2.19          0.43

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Software

    32.9

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    18.7  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    18.6  

Interactive Media & Services

    17.5  

IT Services

    5.1  

Communications Equipment

    4.8  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    2.4  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Microsoft Corp.

    17.3

Apple Inc.

    16.7  

Alphabet Inc., Class C

    6.0  

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    6.0  

Facebook Inc., Class A

    4.5  

Intel Corp.

    4.2  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    3.4  

salesforce. com Inc.

    2.3  

Adobe Inc.

    2.3  

NVIDIA Corp.

    2.0  
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      7  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Utilities ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the utilities sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Utilities IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year     5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    10.14      22.32      10.62     12.66       22.32     65.64      229.42

Fund Market

    10.17        22.30        10.62       12.67         22.30       65.65        229.55  

Index

    10.39        22.89        11.11       13.17               22.89       69.33        244.71  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,101.40        $ 2.27             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.00        $ 2.19          0.43

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Electric Utilities

    57.6

Multi-Utilities

    30.8  

Gas Utilities

    4.9  

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers

    3.4  

Water Utilities

    3.3  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

NextEra Energy Inc.

    11.8

Duke Energy Corp.

    7.0  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    6.9  

Southern Co. (The)

    6.7  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    4.7  

Exelon Corp.

    4.5  

Sempra Energy

    4.0  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    3.4  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    3.3  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    3.1  
 

 

 

8    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end is available at iShares.com. Performance results assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Performance for certain funds may reflect a waiver of a portion of investment advisory fees. Without such a waiver, performance would have been lower.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest ask on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV, respectively.

An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike a fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by a fund. These expenses negatively impact fund performance. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower.

Shareholder Expenses

As a shareholder of your Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense example, which is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period (or from the commencement of operations if less than 6 months) and held through the end of the period, is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars and cents) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds.

Actual Expenses — The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. To estimate the expenses that you paid on your account over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes — The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on your Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

ABOUT FUND PERFORMANCE / SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES      9  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 2.5%            

Arconic Inc.

    16,349     $ 449,107  

Axon Enterprise Inc.(a)

    2,415       123,479  

Boeing Co. (The)

    22,505       7,649,675  

BWX Technologies Inc.

    3,985       231,529  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    1,772       239,663  

General Dynamics Corp.

    9,880       1,746,784  

HEICO Corp.

    1,671       206,101  

HEICO Corp., Class A

    2,979       283,809  

Hexcel Corp.

    3,612       269,527  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    1,734       391,294  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    9,382       1,935,600  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    10,476       3,946,100  

Mercury Systems Inc.(a)

    2,341       172,438  

Moog Inc., Class A

    1,338       112,004  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    6,643       2,341,525  

Raytheon Co.

    11,756       2,494,741  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., Class A

    4,393       359,435  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    1,547       509,891  

Textron Inc.

    9,627       443,708  

TransDigm Group Inc.

    2,095       1,102,557  

United Technologies Corp.

    34,172       4,906,416  
   

 

 

 
           29,915,383  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.5%            

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    5,665       428,501  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    7,274       530,565  

FedEx Corp.

    10,116       1,544,308  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    29,452       3,391,987  

XPO Logistics Inc.(a)

    3,862       295,057  
   

 

 

 
      6,190,418  
Airlines — 0.4%            

Alaska Air Group Inc.

    5,284       366,868  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    539       90,191  

American Airlines Group Inc.

    16,620       499,597  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    24,423       1,345,219  

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)

    12,656       244,261  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    20,417       1,146,006  

Spirit Airlines Inc.(a)

    2,869       107,760  

United Airlines Holdings Inc.(a)

    9,247       839,997  
   

 

 

 
      4,639,899  
Auto Components — 0.2%            

Adient PLC

    3,540       75,012  

Aptiv PLC

    10,813       968,304  

Autoliv Inc.

    3,313       257,884  

BorgWarner Inc.

    8,647       360,407  

Dana Inc.

    6,107       99,117  

Gentex Corp.

    10,775       302,239  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    9,902       157,145  

Lear Corp.

    2,344       276,053  

Veoneer Inc.(a)(b)

    3,932       62,597  
   

 

 

 
      2,558,758  
Automobiles — 0.5%            

Ford Motor Co.

    164,678       1,414,584  

General Motors Co.

    53,039       1,970,929  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    6,727       261,748  

Tesla Inc.(a)(b)

    5,973       1,881,017  

Thor Industries Inc.

    2,427       153,532  
   

 

 

 
      5,681,810  
Security   Shares     Value  
Banks — 5.5%            

Associated Banc-Corp.

    6,968     $ 140,126  

BancorpSouth Bank

    3,925       120,380  

Bank of America Corp.

    352,683       11,028,397  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    1,741       152,007  

Bank OZK

    5,253       147,399  

BankUnited Inc.

    4,105       140,802  

BB&T Corp.

    32,308       1,713,939  

BOK Financial Corp.

    1,322       101,992  

Cathay General Bancorp.

    3,092       109,982  

CIT Group Inc.

    4,142       177,650  

Citigroup Inc.

    95,104       6,834,173  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    18,870       663,469  

Comerica Inc.

    6,291       411,557  

Commerce Bancshares Inc.

    4,225       271,921  

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    2,406       216,733  

East West Bancorp. Inc.

    6,119       262,628  

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    30,926       899,328  

First Citizens BancShares Inc./NC, Class A

    360       177,091  

First Financial Bankshares Inc.

    5,854       194,821  

First Hawaiian Inc.

    5,625       153,731  

First Horizon National Corp.

    13,353       213,247  

First Republic Bank/CA.

    7,100       755,156  

FNB Corp.

    13,813       166,585  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    7,205       122,917  

Glacier Bancorp. Inc.

    3,695       156,372  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    3,900       152,100  

Home BancShares Inc./AR

    6,487       119,880  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    44,107       623,232  

IBERIABANK Corp.

    2,189       160,651  

International Bancshares Corp.

    2,434       99,697  

Investors Bancorp. Inc.

    9,595       115,620  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    134,611       16,815,606  

KeyCorp.

    42,386       761,676  

M&T Bank Corp.

    5,642       883,142  

PacWest Bancorp.

    5,071       187,576  

People’s United Financial Inc.

    18,670       301,894  

Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.

    3,032       178,342  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    18,708       2,744,464  

Popular Inc.

    4,145       225,737  

Prosperity Bancshares Inc.

    3,992       275,528  

Regions Financial Corp.

    41,911       674,767  

Signature Bank/New York NY.

    2,269       268,468  

Sterling Bancorp./DE.

    8,601       169,010  

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    18,675       1,276,250  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    2,191       485,263  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    6,607       223,779  

TCF Financial Corp.

    6,434       254,722  

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.(a)

    2,110       114,067  

Trustmark Corp.

    2,597       89,129  

U.S. Bancorp.

    60,475       3,448,285  

UMB Financial Corp.

    1,807       117,925  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    9,291       146,984  

United Bankshares Inc./WV

    4,282       169,310  

Valley National Bancorp.

    13,729       158,982  

Webster Financial Corp.

    3,875       170,888  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    168,798       8,715,041  

Western Alliance Bancorp.

    4,067       200,625  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    2,426       154,827  

Zions Bancorp. N.A.

    7,469       362,022  
   

 

 

 
           66,177,892  
 

 

 

10    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Beverages — 1.7%  

Boston Beer Co. Inc. (The), Class A, NVS(a)

    388     $ 145,291  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B, NVS

    7,682       503,325  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    162,015       8,818,477  

Constellation Brands Inc., Class A

    7,025       1,337,068  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    11,280       317,645  

Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B

    7,902       416,593  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    16,226       910,765  

National Beverage Corp.(b)

    503       22,112  

PepsiCo Inc.

    58,861       8,073,963  
   

 

 

 
           20,545,239  
Biotechnology — 2.4%  

AbbVie Inc.

    62,286       4,954,851  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    4,451       188,767  

Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    2,083       62,657  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    9,497       1,000,984  

Alkermes PLC(a)

    6,436       125,695  

Allogene Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    2,159       62,179  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    4,694       407,158  

Amgen Inc.

    25,261       5,386,908  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    7,775       2,322,470  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    7,591       555,737  

Bluebird Bio Inc.(a)(b)

    2,315       187,515  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    2,073       142,705  

Celgene Corp.(a)

    29,899       3,229,989  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)

    5,426       472,062  

Exelixis Inc.(a)

    12,630       195,134  

FibroGen Inc.(a)

    3,418       133,815  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    53,412       3,402,879  

Immunomedics Inc.(a)(b)

    7,318       117,088  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    7,545       633,176  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    230       16,739  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    5,396       300,665  

Medicines Co. (The)(a)(b)

    3,166       166,183  

Moderna Inc.(a)(b)

    8,640       144,720  

Myriad Genetics Inc.(a)

    3,143       105,825  

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(a)

    3,893       387,315  

Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    2,860       82,683  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    3,379       1,034,920  

Repligen Corp.(a)

    1,958       155,641  

Sage Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    2,173       294,767  

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    2,932       243,532  

Seattle Genetics Inc.(a)

    4,775       512,835  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)(b)

    2,207       88,589  

United Therapeutics Corp.(a)

    1,851       166,294  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    10,810       2,113,139  
   

 

 

 
      29,395,616  
Building Products — 0.3%  

Allegion PLC

    3,976       461,375  

AO Smith Corp.

    5,790       287,647  

Armstrong World Industries Inc.

    2,084       194,917  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    5,878       352,974  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    33,642       1,457,708  

Lennox International Inc.

    1,505       372,277  

Masco Corp.

    12,078       558,607  

Owens Corning

    4,683       286,974  

Resideo Technologies Inc.(a)

    5,115       48,746  

Trex Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    2,433       213,836  
   

 

 

 
      4,235,061  
Security   Shares     Value  
Capital Markets — 2.7%            

Affiliated Managers Group Inc.

    2,186     $ 174,618  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    5,524       833,516  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    36,207       1,692,677  

BlackRock Inc.(c)

    4,930       2,276,181  

Blackstone Group Inc. (The), Class A

    27,916       1,484,015  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    4,754       547,423  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    49,116       1,999,512  

CME Group Inc.

    15,102       3,107,237  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    10,084       421,410  

Eaton Vance Corp., NVS

    4,909       223,850  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    1,729       127,324  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    1,596       404,618  

Federated Investors Inc., Class B

    4,143       132,328  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    11,904       327,955  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    13,600       2,901,968  

Interactive Brokers Group Inc., Class A

    3,367       160,168  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    23,657       2,231,328  

Invesco Ltd.

    16,259       273,476  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    6,714       155,295  

Lazard Ltd., Class A

    5,614       209,571  

Legg Mason Inc.

    3,417       127,317  

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

    3,409       275,584  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    1,585       584,215  

Moody’s Corp.

    6,867       1,515,478  

Morgan Stanley

    53,000       2,440,650  

Morningstar Inc.

    867       140,315  

MSCI Inc.

    3,595       843,243  

Nasdaq Inc.

    4,843       483,186  

Northern Trust Corp.

    9,070       904,098  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    5,216       435,484  

S&P Global Inc.

    10,383       2,678,710  

SEI Investments Co.

    5,393       323,149  

State Street Corp.

    15,657       1,034,458  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    2,842       159,095  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    9,924       1,149,199  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    11,222       430,700  

Tradeweb Markets Inc., Class A

    1,942       81,079  

Virtu Financial Inc., Class A

    3,121       52,932  
   

 

 

 
           33,343,362  
Chemicals — 1.9%  

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    9,303       1,983,958  

Albemarle Corp.

    4,490       272,723  

Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

    2,574       199,150  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    8,732       257,507  

Cabot Corp.

    2,345       102,219  

Celanese Corp.

    5,223       632,766  

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

    9,100       412,685  

Chemours Co. (The)

    7,015       115,116  

Corteva Inc.(a)

    31,608       833,819  

Dow Inc.(a)

    31,358       1,583,265  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    31,473       2,074,385  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    5,845       444,454  

Ecolab Inc.

    10,569       2,029,988  

Element Solutions Inc.(a)(b)

    10,029       108,915  

FMC Corp.

    5,501       503,341  

HB Fuller Co.

    2,101       102,529  

Huntsman Corp.

    8,634       191,070  

Ingevity Corp.(a)

    1,812       152,589  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    4,507       549,899  

Linde PLC

    22,780       4,518,413  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      11  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Chemicals (continued)  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    10,895     $ 977,281  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    14,754       293,309  

NewMarket Corp.

    312       151,473  

Olin Corp.

    6,845       125,537  

PolyOne Corp.

    3,279       105,092  

PPG Industries Inc.

    9,911       1,240,064  

RPM International Inc.

    5,485       397,279  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)

    1,689       169,559  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    1,719       107,541  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    3,465       1,983,089  

Valvoline Inc.

    7,795       166,345  

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    1,535       96,997  

WR Grace & Co.

    2,366       157,221  
   

 

 

 
           23,039,578  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.5%  

ADT Inc.(b)

    5,014       38,809  

Brink’s Co. (The)

    2,075       176,292  

Cintas Corp.

    3,503       941,151  

Clean Harbors Inc.(a)

    2,184       180,093  

Copart Inc.(a)

    8,442       697,647  

Covanta Holding Corp.

    4,820       69,601  

Deluxe Corp.

    1,711       88,681  

Herman Miller Inc.

    2,611       121,412  

IAA Inc.(a)

    5,585       213,068  

KAR Auction Services Inc.

    5,585       138,843  

MSA Safety Inc.

    1,462       175,542  

Republic Services Inc.

    8,934       781,814  

Rollins Inc.

    5,930       225,992  

Stericycle Inc.(a)(b)

    3,900       224,640  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    2,298       201,006  

Waste Management Inc.

    16,401       1,840,356  
   

 

 

 
      6,114,947  
Communications Equipment — 1.0%  

Arista Networks Inc.(a)(b)

    2,297       561,777  

Ciena Corp.(a)

    6,546       242,988  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    178,722       8,491,082  

CommScope Holding Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    8,109       90,821  

EchoStar Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    1,938       75,582  

F5 Networks Inc.(a)

    2,580       371,726  

InterDigital Inc.

    1,221       65,482  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    14,690       364,606  

Lumentum Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    3,281       205,587  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    6,955       1,156,756  

NetScout Systems Inc.(a)

    2,998       72,612  

Ubiquiti Inc.(a)

    551       69,751  

ViaSat Inc.(a)

    2,408       165,767  

Viavi Solutions Inc.(a)

    9,247       147,582  
   

 

 

 
      12,082,119  
Construction & Engineering — 0.1%  

AECOM(a)

    6,579       263,226  

EMCOR Group Inc.

    2,439       213,925  

Fluor Corp.

    5,751       92,649  

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

    5,718       535,090  

MasTec Inc.(a)

    2,519       158,546  

Quanta Services Inc.

    5,873       246,960  

Valmont Industries Inc.

    961       131,839  
   

 

 

 
      1,642,235  
Construction Materials — 0.1%  

Eagle Materials Inc.

    1,739       158,840  
Security   Shares     Value  
Construction Materials (continued)  

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.

    2,626     $ 687,776  

Summit Materials Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    5,007       114,810  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    5,601       800,215  
   

 

 

 
      1,761,641  
Consumer Finance — 0.7%  

Ally Financial Inc.

    16,478       504,721  

American Express Co.

    28,693       3,365,115  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    19,790       1,845,417  

Credit Acceptance Corp.(a)(b)

    587       256,994  

Discover Financial Services

    13,432       1,078,052  

FirstCash Inc.

    1,840       155,278  

Green Dot Corp., Class A(a)

    972       28,032  

Navient Corp.

    8,815       121,383  

OneMain Holdings Inc.

    3,095       123,800  

Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc.

    4,333       108,672  

SLM Corp.

    17,636       148,848  

Synchrony Financial

    25,761       911,167  
   

 

 

 
      8,647,479  
Containers & Packaging — 0.5%  

Amcor PLC(a)

    68,195       649,216  

AptarGroup Inc.

    2,719       321,250  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    3,593       459,401  

Ball Corp.

    13,998       979,440  

Berry Global Group Inc.(a)(b)

    5,584       231,792  

Crown Holdings Inc.(a)

    5,715       416,281  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    12,175       190,660  

International Paper Co.

    16,666       727,971  

Owens-Illinois Inc.

    6,280       53,380  

Packaging Corp. of America

    3,944       431,710  

Sealed Air Corp.

    6,428       268,498  

Silgan Holdings Inc.

    3,447       106,064  

Sonoco Products Co.

    4,327       249,668  

Westrock Co.

    10,863       405,950  
   

 

 

 
      5,491,281  
Distributors — 0.1%  

Genuine Parts Co.

    6,169       632,816  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    13,117       445,847  

Pool Corp.

    1,684       349,261  
   

 

 

 
      1,427,924  
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.2%  

Adtalem Global Education Inc.(a)

    2,264       67,422  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.(a)(b)

    2,478       368,033  

Chegg Inc.(a)(b)

    4,797       147,076  

frontdoor Inc.(a)

    3,549       171,168  

Graham Holdings Co., Class B

    178       112,079  

Grand Canyon Education Inc.(a)

    2,039       187,506  

H&R Block Inc.

    8,452       211,216  

Service Corp. International/U.S.

    7,719       351,060  

ServiceMaster Global Holdings Inc.(a)

    5,631       227,380  
   

 

 

 
      1,842,940  
Diversified Financial Services — 1.5%  

AXA Equitable Holdings Inc.

    12,644       273,110  

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B(a)

    82,550       17,548,479  

Jefferies Financial Group Inc.

    10,434       194,803  

Voya Financial Inc.

    5,924       319,659  
   

 

 

 
      18,336,051  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.9%  

AT&T Inc.

    307,617            11,840,178  
 

 

 

12    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)  

CenturyLink Inc.

    41,433     $ 536,143  

GCI Liberty Inc., Class A(a)

    4,080       285,519  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    174,121       10,529,097  

Zayo Group Holdings Inc.(a)

    9,971       340,410  
   

 

 

 
           23,531,347  
Electric Utilities — 2.0%  

ALLETE Inc.

    2,186       188,127  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    10,062       536,707  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    20,851       1,968,126  

Avangrid Inc.

    2,306       115,415  

Duke Energy Corp.

    30,717       2,895,385  

Edison International

    15,113       950,608  

El Paso Electric Co.

    1,741       116,142  

Entergy Corp.

    8,392       1,019,460  

Evergy Inc.

    9,938       635,138  

Eversource Energy

    13,658       1,143,721  

Exelon Corp.

    40,801       1,856,038  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    22,790       1,101,213  

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.

    4,709       212,611  

IDACORP Inc.

    2,096       225,572  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    20,591       4,907,659  

OGE Energy Corp.

    8,386       361,101  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    4,703       442,646  

PNM Resources Inc.

    3,345       174,442  

Portland General Electric Co.

    3,705       210,740  

PPL Corp.

    30,304       1,014,881  

Southern Co. (The)

    43,929       2,752,591  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    22,132       1,405,603  
   

 

 

 
      24,233,926  
Electrical Equipment — 0.5%  

Acuity Brands Inc.

    1,657       206,777  

AMETEK Inc.

    9,616       881,307  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    17,726       1,544,112  

Emerson Electric Co.

    25,829       1,811,904  

EnerSys

    1,720       114,999  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,602       251,301  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    2,524       30,490  

Hubbell Inc.

    2,323       329,169  

nVent Electric PLC

    6,356       146,569  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    1,732       128,255  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    4,938       849,287  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC(a)(b)

    6,779       347,017  
   

 

 

 
      6,641,187  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.7%  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    12,565       1,260,646  

Anixter International Inc.(a)

    1,196       98,969  

Arrow Electronics Inc.(a)

    3,526       279,541  

Avnet Inc.

    4,436       175,488  

Belden Inc.

    1,739       89,176  

CDW Corp./DE

    6,108       781,274  

Cognex Corp.

    7,270       374,332  

Coherent Inc.(a)

    1,018       151,601  

Corning Inc.

    33,023       978,472  

Dolby Laboratories Inc., Class A

    2,698       173,562  

FLIR Systems Inc.

    5,758       296,883  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

    1,494       200,614  

Itron Inc.(a)

    1,520       115,915  

Jabil Inc.

    5,913       217,717  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    7,871       794,263  
Security   Shares     Value  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (continued)  

Littelfuse Inc.

    1,026     $ 180,135  

National Instruments Corp.

    5,010       207,364  

SYNNEX Corp.

    1,700       200,158  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    14,117       1,263,472  

Tech Data Corp.(a)

    1,515       184,073  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    10,580       421,507  

Vishay Intertechnology Inc.

    5,696       114,774  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    2,267       539,251  
   

 

 

 
      9,099,187  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.4%  

Apergy Corp.(a)

    3,197       80,468  

Baker Hughes Co.

    27,275       583,685  

Core Laboratories NV

    1,862       82,002  

Halliburton Co.

    36,645       705,416  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

    4,575       171,563  

National Oilwell Varco Inc.

    16,251       367,598  

Patterson-UTI Energy Inc.

    8,048       66,959  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    58,119       1,899,910  

TechnipFMC PLC

    17,650       348,235  

Transocean Ltd.(a)

    24,272       115,292  
   

 

 

 
      4,421,128  
Entertainment — 1.7%  

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    32,347       1,812,402  

Cinemark Holdings Inc.

    4,632       169,531  

Electronic Arts Inc.(a)

    12,377       1,193,143  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One, Class A(a)

    973       39,338  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One, Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    8,617       366,223  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class A

    1,350       10,787  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class B, NVS

    1,604       12,014  

Live Nation Entertainment Inc.(a)

    5,844       412,002  

Madison Square Garden Co. (The), Class A(a)

    724       193,250  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    18,443       5,300,703  

Roku Inc.(a)

    3,606       530,803  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.(a)

    4,808       578,643  

Viacom Inc., Class A

    282       6,737  

Viacom Inc., Class B, NVS

    14,906       321,373  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    75,836       9,852,613  

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Class A

    2,008       112,528  

Zynga Inc., Class A(a)

    39,742       245,208  
   

 

 

 
           21,157,298  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 4.0%  

Acadia Realty Trust

    3,750       104,925  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    4,817       764,699  

American Campus Communities Inc.

    5,816       290,684  

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

    10,868       287,676  

American Tower Corp.

    18,661       4,069,591  

Americold Realty Trust(b)

    8,089       324,288  

Apartment Investment & Management Co., Class A

    6,245       342,726  

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

    9,237       152,226  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    5,876       1,278,970  

Boston Properties Inc.

    6,067       832,392  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    7,663       117,091  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

    12,545       276,241  

Camden Property Trust

    4,062       464,571  

Colony Capital Inc.

    20,242       113,355  

Columbia Property Trust Inc.

    4,847       99,460  

CoreCivic Inc.

    4,917       75,033  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    1,532       180,010  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      13  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    4,514     $ 133,795  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    6,252       250,893  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    17,548              2,435,487  

CubeSmart

    7,974       252,776  

CyrusOne Inc.

    4,757       339,079  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    8,105       80,888  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    8,732       1,109,313  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    7,023       304,236  

Duke Realty Corp.

    15,303       537,747  

EastGroup Properties Inc.

    1,549       207,489  

EPR Properties

    3,239       251,962  

Equinix Inc.

    3,580       2,029,072  

Equity Commonwealth

    5,211       167,690  

Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc.

    7,619       532,873  

Equity Residential

    14,713       1,304,455  

Essex Property Trust Inc.

    2,751       899,935  

Extra Space Storage Inc.

    5,369       602,778  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    2,942       400,141  

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.

    5,299       223,141  

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

    8,599       347,056  

GEO Group Inc. (The)

    5,028       76,526  

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc.

    5,486       190,748  

Healthcare Trust of America Inc., Class A

    8,604       266,724  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    20,727       779,750  

Highwoods Properties Inc.

    4,289       200,725  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    30,968       507,565  

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.

    6,640       238,509  

Invitation Homes Inc.

    20,108       619,125  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    11,941       391,665  

JBG SMITH Properties

    5,034       202,669  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    3,921       329,089  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    18,093       390,085  

Lamar Advertising Co., Class A

    3,703       296,277  

Lexington Realty Trust

    10,457       113,772  

Liberty Property Trust

    6,659       393,347  

Life Storage Inc.

    1,929       210,107  

Macerich Co. (The)

    4,494       123,585  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    3,783       81,032  

Medical Properties Trust Inc.

    19,123       396,420  

Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc.

    4,776       663,816  

National Health Investors Inc.

    1,837       157,596  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    7,244       426,744  

Omega Healthcare Investors Inc.

    9,073       399,575  

Outfront Media Inc.

    6,161       162,096  

Paramount Group Inc.

    8,356       112,555  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    10,140       235,755  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    5,522       141,971  

Physicians Realty Trust

    7,958       148,576  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    5,288       118,663  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    2,948       125,202  

Prologis Inc.

    26,639       2,337,839  

PS Business Parks Inc.

    845       152,565  

Public Storage

    6,310       1,406,247  

Rayonier Inc.

    5,478       147,796  

Realty Income Corp.

    13,431       1,098,521  

Regency Centers Corp.

    7,012       471,487  

Retail Properties of America Inc., Class A

    8,648       118,996  

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.(b)

    4,632       222,753  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    7,229       118,628  

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.

    2,128       179,114  
Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Sabra Health Care REIT Inc.

    7,814     $ 192,224  

SBA Communications Corp.

    4,773       1,148,622  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    10,331       102,535  

Service Properties Trust

    7,010       177,353  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    12,981       1,955,977  

SITE Centers Corp.

    5,544       86,098  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    3,462       289,423  

Spirit Realty Capital Inc.

    3,715       185,156  

STORE Capital Corp.

    8,955       362,677  

Sun Communities Inc.

    3,788       616,118  

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    9,303       125,684  

Taubman Centers Inc.

    2,667       95,425  

UDR Inc.

    12,359       621,040  

Urban Edge Properties

    4,977       105,064  

Ventas Inc.

    15,725       1,023,697  

VEREIT Inc.

    44,314       436,050  

VICI Properties Inc.

    19,457       458,212  

Vornado Realty Trust

    6,684       438,671  

Washington REIT

    3,342       103,669  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    4,998       158,587  

Welltower Inc.

    17,024       1,543,907  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    31,262       913,163  

WP Carey Inc.

    7,137       657,032  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    4,938       103,945  
   

 

 

 
           48,839,288  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.5%  

Casey’s General Stores Inc.

    1,573       268,684  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    18,522       5,503,071  

Kroger Co. (The)

    33,430       823,715  

Performance Food Group Co.(a)

    4,337       184,800  

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.(a)

    5,127       99,515  

Sysco Corp.

    21,660       1,729,984  

U.S. Foods Holding Corp.(a)

    9,331       370,161  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    32,019       1,754,001  

Walmart Inc.

    59,871       7,020,474  
   

 

 

 
      17,754,405  
Food Products — 1.1%  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    23,406       983,988  

Beyond Meat Inc.(a)(b)

    434       36,651  

Bunge Ltd.

    5,870       316,980  

Campbell Soup Co.

    7,118       329,634  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    20,619       557,744  

Darling Ingredients Inc.(a)

    7,069       136,432  

Flowers Foods Inc.

    7,955       172,782  

General Mills Inc.

    25,471       1,295,455  

Hain Celestial Group Inc. (The)(a)(b)

    3,659       86,499  

Hershey Co. (The)

    6,287       923,372  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    11,628       475,469  

Ingredion Inc.

    2,804       221,516  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    4,773       504,411  

Kellogg Co.

    10,539       669,543  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    26,342       851,637  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    6,217       485,175  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    859       119,555  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    5,168       830,446  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    60,837       3,190,901  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.(a)(b)

    2,170       65,881  

Post Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,899       298,307  

Seaboard Corp.

    10       42,191  
 

 

 

14    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Food Products (continued)  

TreeHouse Foods Inc.(a)

    2,301     $ 124,300  

Tyson Foods Inc., Class A

    12,432       1,029,245  
   

 

 

 
           13,748,114  
Gas Utilities — 0.2%            

Atmos Energy Corp.

    4,975       559,588  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    3,712       168,191  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    3,859       168,252  

ONE Gas Inc.

    2,197       203,970  

South Jersey Industries Inc.

    3,740       120,278  

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

    2,308       201,488  

Spire Inc.

    2,156       181,233  

UGI Corp.

    8,832       421,022  
   

 

 

 
      2,024,022  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 3.5%            

Abbott Laboratories

    74,420       6,222,256  

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    1,888       391,911  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    3,048       768,980  

Avanos Medical Inc.(a)(b)

    2,021       89,005  

Baxter International Inc.

    21,567       1,654,189  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    11,381       2,913,536  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    58,712       2,448,290  

Cantel Medical Corp.(b)

    1,506       109,772  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)

    2,072       602,952  

Danaher Corp.

    26,919       3,709,977  

Dentsply Sirona Inc.

    9,462       518,328  

DexCom Inc.(a)

    3,863       595,829  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    8,740       2,083,441  

Globus Medical Inc., Class A(a)

    3,279       171,721  

Haemonetics Corp.(a)

    2,100       253,533  

Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.

    2,816       294,807  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    11,353       548,464  

ICU Medical Inc.(a)

    811       131,066  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    3,637       1,036,581  

Insulet Corp.(a)(b)

    2,543       369,549  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)

    2,978       172,903  

Intuitive Surgical Inc.(a)

    4,843       2,677,937  

LivaNova PLC(a)

    2,012       142,309  

Masimo Corp.(a)

    2,063       300,765  

Medtronic PLC

    56,497       6,152,523  

Neogen Corp.(a)

    2,150       139,879  

NuVasive Inc.(a)

    2,119       149,474  

Penumbra Inc.(a)(b)

    1,363       212,587  

ResMed Inc.

    6,024       891,070  

Steris PLC

    3,574       505,971  

Stryker Corp.

    13,484       2,916,185  

Teleflex Inc.

    1,947       676,407  

Varian Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    3,803       459,440  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    3,139       451,514  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

    8,685       1,200,528  
   

 

 

 
      41,963,679  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.5%            

Acadia Healthcare Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    3,762       112,822  

Amedisys Inc.(a)

    1,358       174,530  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    6,377       544,468  

Anthem Inc.

    10,795       2,904,719  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    12,605       623,317  

Centene Corp.(a)(b)

    17,357       921,310  

Chemed Corp.

    680       267,859  

Cigna Corp.(a)

    15,932       2,843,225  
Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)            

Covetrus Inc.(a)

    3,987     $ 39,531  

CVS Health Corp.

    54,836       3,640,562  

DaVita Inc.(a)(b)

    4,087       239,498  

Encompass Health Corp.

    4,087       261,650  

Guardant Health Inc.(a)

    1,688       117,316  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    11,225       1,498,986  

HealthEquity Inc.(a)

    2,930       166,395  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    6,350       397,415  

Humana Inc.

    5,685       1,672,527  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    4,140       682,148  

McKesson Corp.

    7,804       1,037,932  

MEDNAX Inc.(a)

    3,322       72,951  

Molina Healthcare Inc.(a)

    2,556       300,688  

Premier Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    2,671       87,021  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    5,665       573,581  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a)

    4,366       110,634  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    39,896       10,081,719  

Universal Health Services Inc., Class B

    3,399       467,227  

WellCare Health Plans Inc.(a)

    2,118       628,199  
   

 

 

 
           30,468,230  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%            

Cerner Corp.

    13,438       901,959  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)(b)

    3,074       235,468  

Veeva Systems Inc., Class A(a)

    5,490       778,647  
   

 

 

 
      1,916,074  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.0%            

Aramark

    10,377       454,098  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    3,345       91,151  

Caesars Entertainment Corp.(a)

    23,456       288,040  

Carnival Corp.

    16,959       727,372  

Cheesecake Factory Inc. (The)

    1,754       73,300  

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.(a)

    1,076       837,300  

Choice Hotels International Inc.

    1,305       115,466  

Churchill Downs Inc.

    1,464       190,305  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

    994       154,567  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    5,201       583,916  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    1,720       467,186  

Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc.

    3,415       268,487  

Extended Stay America Inc.

    7,914       112,458  

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.(a)

    3,699       128,466  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    12,107       1,173,895  

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A

    1,634       122,125  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    14,295       884,003  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A

    11,537       1,460,007  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    1,598       175,668  

McDonald’s Corp.

    31,979       6,290,269  

MGM Resorts International

    22,007       627,200  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    9,109       462,373  

Planet Fitness Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    3,498       222,683  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    7,283       792,609  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    3,311       139,691  

Starbucks Corp.

    50,448       4,265,883  

Texas Roadhouse Inc.

    2,730       154,245  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    1,711       397,585  

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    7,777       164,717  

Wyndham Destinations Inc.

    3,839       178,168  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    4,096       221,061  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    4,051       491,548  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      15  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)            

Yum! Brands Inc.

    12,836     $ 1,305,550  
   

 

 

 
      24,021,392  
Household Durables — 0.4%  

DR Horton Inc.

    14,115       739,202  

Garmin Ltd.

    6,098       571,687  

Helen of Troy Ltd.(a)

    1,095       163,987  

Leggett & Platt Inc.

    5,423       278,200  

Lennar Corp., Class A

    12,011       715,856  

Lennar Corp., Class B

    684       32,162  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)

    2,499       358,307  

Newell Brands Inc.

    16,341       309,989  

NVR Inc.(a)

    145       527,306  

PulteGroup Inc.

    10,924       428,658  

Tempur Sealy International Inc.(a)

    2,019       183,628  

Toll Brothers Inc.

    5,611       223,149  

Whirlpool Corp.

    2,692       409,507  
   

 

 

 
      4,941,638  
Household Products — 1.6%  

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    10,427       729,264  

Clorox Co. (The)

    5,307       783,791  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    36,215       2,484,349  

Energizer Holdings Inc.

    2,580       109,624  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    14,462       1,921,711  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    105,358       13,118,125  

Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.

    1,949       97,859  
   

 

 

 
           19,244,723  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.1%  

AES Corp./VA

    27,657       471,552  

NRG Energy Inc.

    10,678       428,401  

Vistra Energy Corp.

    19,091       516,030  
   

 

 

 
      1,415,983  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.2%  

3M Co.

    24,247       4,000,512  

Carlisle Companies Inc.

    2,372       361,184  

General Electric Co.

    324,021       3,233,730  

Honeywell International Inc.

    30,307       5,234,928  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    4,386       1,477,907  
   

 

 

 
      14,308,261  
Insurance — 2.7%  

Aflac Inc.

    31,245       1,660,984  

Alleghany Corp.(a)

    612       476,313  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    13,896       1,478,812  

American Financial Group Inc./OH

    3,034       315,657  

American International Group Inc.

    36,544       1,935,370  

Aon PLC

    9,957       1,923,294  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    16,985       709,294  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    7,851       716,168  

Assurant Inc.

    2,591       326,647  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    4,166       195,469  

Athene Holding Ltd., Class A(a)(b)

    5,213       225,984  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    3,458       205,509  

Brighthouse Financial Inc.(a)

    4,702       177,548  

Brown & Brown Inc.

    9,966       375,519  

Chubb Ltd.

    19,152       2,919,148  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    6,438       728,846  

CNA Financial Corp.

    1,124       50,400  

CNO Financial Group Inc.

    6,932       108,486  

Enstar Group Ltd.(a)

    623       125,161  

Erie Indemnity Co., Class A, NVS

    779       143,546  
Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance (continued)  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    1,736     $ 446,308  

Fidelity National Financial Inc.

    11,578       530,736  

First American Financial Corp.

    4,690       289,748  

Genworth Financial Inc., Class A(a)

    20,691       88,557  

Globe Life Inc.(b)

    4,290       417,546  

Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (The)

    1,675       220,614  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    15,191       867,102  

Kemper Corp.

    2,688       193,213  

Lincoln National Corp.

    8,389       473,811  

Loews Corp.

    10,976       537,824  

Markel Corp.(a)

    578       676,838  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    21,375       2,214,877  

Mercury General Corp.

    1,122       53,923  

MetLife Inc.

    33,603       1,572,284  

Old Republic International Corp.

    11,775       263,053  

Primerica Inc.

    1,795       226,493  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    10,963       585,205  

ProAssurance Corp.

    2,408       94,442  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    24,708       1,722,148  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    16,963       1,546,008  

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    2,612       424,372  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    1,855       347,219  

RLI Corp.

    1,724       167,780  

Selective Insurance Group Inc.

    2,505       173,146  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    11,001       1,441,791  

Unum Group

    8,653       238,304  

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

    125       133,875  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    5,479       1,024,025  

WR Berkley Corp.

    6,153       430,095  
   

 

 

 
           32,199,492  
Interactive Media & Services — 4.5%  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    12,610       15,873,468  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    12,722       16,031,119  

ANGI Homeservices Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    3,122       21,386  

Cargurus Inc.(a)

    2,991       100,468  

Facebook Inc., Class A(a)

    101,278       19,409,929  

IAC/InterActiveCorp.(a)

    3,048       692,658  

Match Group Inc.(b)

    2,310       168,607  

Pinterest Inc., Class A(a)

    3,651       91,786  

Snap Inc., Class A, NVS(a)(b)

    31,781       478,622  

TripAdvisor Inc.(a)(b)

    4,410       178,164  

Twitter Inc.(a)

    32,625       977,771  

Yelp Inc.(a)

    2,728       94,143  

Zillow Group Inc., Class A(a)

    1,456       47,160  

Zillow Group Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    5,378       175,161  
   

 

 

 
      54,340,442  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 3.1%  

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    17,493       31,079,113  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    1,793       3,673,445  

eBay Inc.

    33,276       1,172,979  

Etsy Inc.(a)

    5,119       227,744  

Expedia Group Inc.

    5,907       807,251  

GrubHub Inc.(a)(b)

    3,771       128,440  

Qurate Retail Inc., Series A(a)(b)

    16,794       160,215  

Wayfair Inc., Class A(a)

    2,692       221,363  
   

 

 

 
      37,470,550  
IT Services — 5.3%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    26,842       4,977,044  

Akamai Technologies Inc.(a)

    6,922       598,753  
 

 

 

16    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
IT Services (continued)            

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    1,729     $ 172,900  

Amdocs Ltd.

    5,735       373,922  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    18,303       2,969,296  

Black Knight Inc.(a)

    6,313       405,295  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    5,971       420,179  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    4,823       603,936  

CACI International Inc., Class A(a)

    1,045       233,819  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    23,310       1,420,511  

CoreLogic Inc.(a)

    3,289       133,172  

DXC Technology Co.

    10,895       301,465  

EPAM Systems Inc.(a)

    2,315       407,347  

Euronet Worldwide Inc.(a)

    2,300       322,161  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    25,873       3,409,026  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    24,029       2,550,438  

FleetCor Technologies Inc.(a)

    3,650       1,073,903  

Gartner Inc.(a)

    3,817       588,123  

Genpact Ltd.

    6,363       249,239  

Global Payments Inc.

    12,664       2,142,496  

GoDaddy Inc., Class A(a)

    7,379       479,856  

International Business Machines Corp.

    37,318       4,990,536  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    3,222       456,106  

KBR Inc.

    5,777       162,680  

Leidos Holdings Inc.

    5,706       492,028  

LiveRamp Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,865       111,993  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    37,585       10,403,904  

MAXIMUS Inc.

    2,649       203,284  

MongoDB Inc.(a)(b)

    1,463       186,928  

Okta Inc.(a)(b)

    4,499       490,706  

Paychex Inc.

    13,508       1,129,809  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    49,562       5,159,404  

Perspecta Inc.

    5,892       156,374  

Sabre Corp.

    11,405       267,789  

Science Applications International Corp.

    2,119       175,072  

Square Inc., Class A(a)

    14,461       888,339  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)

    5,130       495,353  

VeriSign Inc.(a)

    4,377       831,718  

Visa Inc., Class A

    72,704       13,003,837  

Western Union Co. (The)

    17,891       448,348  

WEX Inc.(a)

    1,842       348,470  
   

 

 

 
           64,235,559  
Leisure Products — 0.1%  

Brunswick Corp./DE

    3,683       214,498  

Hasbro Inc.

    4,953       481,977  

Mattel Inc.(a)(b)

    14,634       174,730  

Polaris Inc.

    2,436       240,311  
   

 

 

 
      1,111,516  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.0%  

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    13,061       989,371  

Avantor Inc.(a)(b)

    9,365       133,077  

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Class A(a)

    907       300,779  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    1,622       337,652  

Bruker Corp.

    4,446       197,847  

Charles River Laboratories International Inc.(a)

    2,071       269,189  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    6,178       1,825,722  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,689       1,110,445  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    1,030       726,088  

PerkinElmer Inc.

    4,703       404,270  

PRA Health Sciences Inc.(a)

    2,651       259,029  

Syneos Health Inc.(a)

    2,566       128,685  
Security   Shares     Value  
Life Sciences Tools & Services (continued)  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    16,870     $ 5,094,403  

Waters Corp.(a)

    2,817       596,133  
   

 

 

 
      12,372,690  
Machinery — 1.8%  

AGCO Corp.

    2,656       203,689  

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.

    5,000       218,050  

Barnes Group Inc.

    2,089       122,102  

Caterpillar Inc.

    23,729       3,269,856  

Colfax Corp.(a)

    3,526       118,474  

Crane Co.

    2,116       161,916  

Cummins Inc.

    6,660       1,148,717  

Deere & Co.

    13,286       2,313,624  

Donaldson Co. Inc.

    5,350       282,159  

Dover Corp.

    6,156       639,547  

Flowserve Corp.

    5,597       273,358  

Fortive Corp.

    12,371       853,599  

Gardner Denver Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    5,670       180,476  

Gates Industrial Corp. PLC(a)(b)

    1,919       19,190  

Graco Inc.

    7,100       320,920  

Hillenbrand Inc.

    2,656       81,778  

IDEX Corp.

    3,193       496,607  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    12,418       2,093,426  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    10,214       1,296,055  

ITT Inc.

    3,626       215,566  

Kennametal Inc.

    3,350       103,683  

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

    2,571       230,285  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    2,351       284,353  

Navistar International Corp.(a)

    2,697       84,362  

Nordson Corp.

    2,173       340,748  

Oshkosh Corp.

    2,821       240,857  

PACCAR Inc.

    14,519       1,104,315  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    5,433       996,901  

Pentair PLC

    7,093       294,147  

Snap-on Inc.

    2,317       376,906  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    6,421       971,690  

Terex Corp.

    2,683       73,917  

Timken Co. (The)

    2,777       136,073  

Toro Co. (The)

    4,460       344,000  

Trinity Industries Inc.

    4,317       85,390  

WABCO Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,187       294,414  

Wabtec Corp.

    7,676       532,484  

Welbilt Inc.(a)(b)

    5,877       111,428  

Woodward Inc.

    2,349       250,544  

Xylem Inc./NY

    7,567       580,313  
   

 

 

 
           21,745,919  
Marine — 0.0%  

Kirby Corp.(a)

    2,528       200,116  
   

 

 

 
Media — 1.6%  

Altice USA Inc., Class A(a)

    13,038       403,526  

AMC Networks Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    1,919       83,573  

Cable One Inc.

    209       277,002  

CBS Corp., Class B, NVS

    13,811       497,748  

Charter Communications Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    6,821       3,191,273  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    190,942       8,558,020  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    6,512       175,531  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    14,644       369,615  

DISH Network Corp., Class A(a)

    10,195       350,504  

Fox Corp., Class A, NVS

    14,812       474,577  

Fox Corp., Class B(a)

    6,804       212,557  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      17  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Media (continued)  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    16,180     $ 351,915  

John Wiley & Sons Inc., Class A

    1,814       83,571  

Liberty Broadband Corp., Class A(a)

    1,079       127,311  

Liberty Broadband Corp., Class C, NVS(a)

    6,424       758,482  

Liberty Global PLC, Class A(a)(b)

    6,886       173,183  

Liberty Global PLC, Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    17,367       414,550  

Liberty Latin America Ltd., Class A(a)(b)

    1,700       31,773  

Liberty Latin America Ltd., Class C, NVS(a)

    4,619       85,036  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM, Class A(a)

    3,519       158,038  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM, Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    6,406       289,487  

Meredith Corp.

    1,711       64,505  

New York Times Co. (The), Class A

    6,245       192,971  

News Corp., Class A, NVS

    16,313       223,651  

News Corp., Class B

    4,924       69,527  

Nexstar Media Group Inc., Class A

    1,898       184,656  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    9,092       701,812  

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Class A

    2,752       109,640  

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

    58,220       391,238  

TEGNA Inc.

    8,935       134,293  
   

 

 

 
           19,139,565  
Metals & Mining — 0.3%            

Alcoa Corp.(a)(b)

    7,721       160,520  

Allegheny Technologies Inc.(a)

    5,183       108,895  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    1,947       95,442  

Commercial Metals Co.

    4,861       93,963  

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

    21,276       208,930  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

    34,602       1,374,737  

Nucor Corp.

    12,828       690,788  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    2,817       326,885  

Royal Gold Inc.

    2,792       322,309  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    9,259       281,103  

U.S. Steel Corp.

    7,346       84,552  

Worthington Industries Inc.

    1,636       60,221  
   

 

 

 
      3,808,345  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 0.2%            

AGNC Investment Corp.

    22,905       390,530  

Annaly Capital Management Inc.

    61,586       553,042  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc., Class A

    5,714       207,418  

Chimera Investment Corp.

    7,768       157,380  

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

    6,219       97,887  

MFA Financial Inc.

    18,772       142,480  

New Residential Investment Corp.

    17,188       272,258  

Starwood Property Trust Inc.

    11,957       294,142  

Two Harbors Investment Corp.

    11,343       157,327  
   

 

 

 
      2,272,464  
Multi-Utilities — 1.1%            

Ameren Corp.

    10,422       809,789  

Avista Corp.

    2,813       135,108  

Black Hills Corp.

    2,577       203,145  

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    21,193       616,081  

CMS Energy Corp.

    12,018       768,191  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    14,018       1,292,740  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    34,539       2,851,195  

DTE Energy Co.

    7,701       980,491  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    8,594       248,281  

NiSource Inc.

    15,652       438,882  

NorthWestern Corp.

    2,056       149,101  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    21,330       1,350,402  

Sempra Energy

    11,596       1,675,738  
Security   Shares     Value  
Multi-Utilities (continued)            

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    13,256     $ 1,251,366  
   

 

 

 
           12,770,510  
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Dollar General Corp.

    10,848       1,739,368  

Dollar Tree Inc.(a)

    10,003       1,104,331  

Kohl’s Corp.

    6,663       341,546  

Macy’s Inc.

    12,777       193,699  

Nordstrom Inc.

    4,421       158,714  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    2,331       148,904  

Target Corp.

    21,540       2,302,842  
   

 

 

 
      5,989,404  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.6%            

Apache Corp.

    15,782       341,838  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    17,790       331,606  

Cheniere Energy Inc.(a)

    9,862       607,006  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.(a)(b)

    51,725       69,311  

Chevron Corp.

    79,921       9,282,025  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    4,266       180,111  

Concho Resources Inc.

    8,398       567,033  

ConocoPhillips

    46,652       2,575,190  

Continental Resources Inc./OK(a)(b)

    3,550       104,618  

CVR Energy Inc.

    1,230       58,327  

Delek U.S. Holdings Inc.

    3,189       127,401  

Devon Energy Corp.

    16,929       343,320  

Diamondback Energy Inc.

    6,881       590,115  

EOG Resources Inc.

    24,385       1,690,124  

EQT Corp.

    1,999       21,469  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    8,792       122,385  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    178,125       12,035,906  

Hess Corp.

    10,923       718,187  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    6,388       350,957  

Kinder Morgan Inc./DE

    81,805       1,634,464  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    33,481       386,036  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    27,748       1,774,485  

Matador Resources Co.(a)

    4,285       59,604  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    6,391       131,846  

Noble Energy Inc.

    20,019       385,566  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    37,778       1,530,009  

ONEOK Inc.

    17,371       1,213,017  

Parsley Energy Inc., Class A

    12,113       191,507  

PBF Energy Inc., Class A

    4,301       138,836  

Peabody Energy Corp.

    3,518       37,045  

Phillips 66

    18,919       2,210,118  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    7,054       867,783  

Targa Resources Corp.

    9,870       383,746  

Valero Energy Corp.

    17,490       1,696,180  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    50,898       1,135,534  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    2,812       117,457  

WPX Energy Inc.(a)(b)

    17,827       177,913  
   

 

 

 
      44,188,075  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%            

Domtar Corp.

    2,620       95,342  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    5,169       151,090  
   

 

 

 
      246,432  
Personal Products — 0.2%            

Coty Inc., Class A

    12,583       147,095  

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    9,342       1,740,135  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.(a)(b)

    3,922       175,196  
 

 

 

18    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Personal Products (continued)            

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., Class A

    2,309     $ 102,935  
   

 

 

 
      2,165,361  
Pharmaceuticals — 4.0%            

Allergan PLC

    13,842       2,437,715  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    68,959       3,956,178  

Catalent Inc.(a)

    6,240       303,576  

Elanco Animal Health Inc.(a)(b)

    15,726       424,917  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    35,810       4,080,549  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    8,055       232,870  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    2,388       300,004  

Johnson & Johnson

    111,106       14,670,436  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    107,789       9,340,995  

Mylan NV(a)

    21,679       415,153  

Nektar Therapeutics(a)(b)

    7,165       122,701  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    5,742       304,441  

Pfizer Inc.

    232,851       8,934,493  

Zoetis Inc.

    20,157       2,578,483  
   

 

 

 
           48,102,511  
Professional Services — 0.5%            

ASGN Inc.(a)

    2,173       138,181  

CoStar Group Inc.(a)

    1,549       851,206  

Equifax Inc.

    5,081       694,624  

FTI Consulting Inc.(a)

    1,576       171,579  

IHS Markit Ltd.(a)

    16,929       1,185,369  

Insperity Inc.

    1,696       179,148  

Korn Ferry

    2,354       86,368  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    2,569       233,573  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    15,301       308,468  

Robert Half International Inc.

    5,010       286,923  

TransUnion

    7,961       657,738  

TriNet Group Inc.(a)

    1,814       96,124  

Verisk Analytics Inc.

    6,907       999,443  
   

 

 

 
      5,888,744  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.1%        

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    14,195       760,143  

Howard Hughes Corp. (The)(a)

    1,821       203,624  

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

    2,177       318,974  
   

 

 

 
      1,282,741  
Road & Rail — 1.0%            

AMERCO

    348       140,954  

Avis Budget Group Inc.(a)

    2,612       77,602  

CSX Corp.

    33,684       2,366,975  

Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Class A(a)

    2,362       262,253  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    3,561       418,631  

Kansas City Southern

    4,250       598,315  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.(b)

    5,310       193,603  

Landstar System Inc.

    1,690       191,223  

Lyft Inc., Class A(a)

    8,392       347,764  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    11,115       2,022,930  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    2,686       489,067  

Ryder System Inc.

    2,327       113,162  

Uber Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    8,610       271,215  

Union Pacific Corp.

    29,678       4,910,522  
   

 

 

 
      12,404,216  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.9%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    45,816       1,554,537  

Analog Devices Inc.

    15,573       1,660,549  

Applied Materials Inc.

    38,966       2,114,295  

Broadcom Inc.

    16,770       4,911,094  
Security   Shares     Value  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)  

Cirrus Logic Inc.(a)

    2,400     $ 163,104  

Cree Inc.(a)

    4,635       221,229  

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

    15,469       359,964  

Entegris Inc.

    5,610       269,280  

First Solar Inc.(a)(b)

    3,129       162,051  

Intel Corp.

    186,498       10,542,732  

KLA Corp.

    6,721       1,136,118  

Lam Research Corp.

    6,100       1,653,344  

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    27,898       680,432  

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    11,411       669,369  

Microchip Technology Inc.

    10,019       944,691  

Micron Technology Inc.(a)

    46,386       2,205,654  

MKS Instruments Inc.

    2,330       252,153  

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

    1,731       259,512  

NVIDIA Corp.

    25,651       5,156,364  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    17,443       355,837  

Qorvo Inc.(a)

    4,971       401,955  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    51,233       4,121,183  

Semtech Corp.(a)

    2,928       147,747  

Silicon Laboratories Inc.(a)

    1,813       192,613  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    7,275       662,461  

Teradyne Inc.

    7,091       434,111  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    39,335       4,641,137  

Universal Display Corp.

    1,800       360,324  

Xilinx Inc.

    10,614       963,114  
   

 

 

 
           47,196,954  
Software — 7.0%            

ACI Worldwide Inc.(a)

    4,868       152,807  

Adobe Inc.(a)

    20,445       5,682,279  

Alteryx Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    1,966       179,889  

Anaplan Inc.(a)(b)

    3,543       167,230  

ANSYS Inc.(a)(b)

    3,542       779,771  

Aspen Technology Inc.(a)

    2,865       329,790  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    9,280       1,367,501  

Avalara Inc.(a)

    2,772       196,812  

Blackbaud Inc.

    2,150       180,493  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    11,847       774,201  

CDK Global Inc.

    5,222       263,920  

CERENCE Inc.(a)(b)

    1,482       22,971  

Ceridian HCM Holding Inc.(a)(b)

    3,762       181,516  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    5,233       569,664  

CommVault Systems Inc.(a)

    1,815       90,151  

Coupa Software Inc.(a)

    2,607       358,436  

DocuSign Inc.(a)

    5,208       344,718  

Dropbox Inc., Class A(a)

    9,030       178,975  

Elastic NV(a)

    1,324       95,341  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

    1,209       367,584  

FireEye Inc.(a)

    9,443       149,577  

Fortinet Inc.(a)

    5,976       487,403  

Guidewire Software Inc.(a)(b)

    3,419       385,458  

HubSpot Inc.(a)

    1,678       260,258  

Intuit Inc.

    10,935       2,815,762  

j2 Global Inc.

    1,938       184,032  

LogMeIn Inc.

    2,009       131,951  

Manhattan Associates Inc.(a)

    2,656       199,067  

Microsoft Corp.

    321,443       46,085,283  

New Relic Inc.(a)

    2,183       139,843  

NortonLifeLock Inc.

    23,998       549,074  

Nuance Communications Inc.(a)(b)

    11,858       193,523  

Nutanix Inc., Class A(a)

    6,258       182,859  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      19  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Software (continued)            

Oracle Corp.

    92,742     $ 5,053,512  

Palo Alto Networks Inc.(a)

    4,043       919,338  

Paycom Software Inc.(a)

    2,066       437,021  

Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)(b)

    1,501       154,003  

Pegasystems Inc.(b)

    1,690       127,105  

Pluralsight Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    3,461       62,575  

Proofpoint Inc.(a)(b)

    2,374       273,888  

PTC Inc.(a)

    4,455       298,084  

RealPage Inc.(a)(b)

    3,359       203,387  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    3,000       484,560  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    36,934       5,779,802  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)(b)

    7,917       1,957,557  

Smartsheet Inc., Class A(a)

    3,690       145,386  

SolarWinds Corp.(a)

    2,749       52,094  

Splunk Inc.(a)

    6,309       756,828  

SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc.

    9,363       486,970  

Synopsys Inc.(a)

    6,325       858,619  

Teradata Corp.(a)

    4,869       145,729  

Trade Desk Inc. (The), Class A(a)(b)

    1,649       331,119  

Tyler Technologies Inc.(a)

    1,647       442,252  

Verint Systems Inc.(a)

    2,666       121,010  

VMware Inc., Class A

    3,318       525,140  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    6,826       1,106,904  

Zendesk Inc.(a)

    4,659       329,158  

Zoom Video Communications Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    1,018       71,148  

Zscaler Inc.(a)(b)

    2,705       118,966  
   

 

 

 
           85,290,294  
Specialty Retail — 2.3%            

Aaron’s Inc.

    2,937       220,069  

Advance Auto Parts Inc.

    2,985       485,003  

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

    6,996       107,599  

AutoNation Inc.(a)

    2,452       124,684  

AutoZone Inc.(a)

    1,030       1,178,711  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    9,718       698,044  

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)

    2,811       540,190  

CarMax Inc.(a)

    6,947       647,252  

Carvana Co.(a)(b)

    2,101       170,349  

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc.

    2,828       110,094  

Five Below Inc.(a)

    2,356       294,759  

Floor & Decor Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    2,901       132,953  

Foot Locker Inc.

    4,729       205,759  

Gap Inc. (The)

    8,935       145,283  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    46,105       10,815,311  

L Brands Inc.

    10,127       172,564  

Lithia Motors Inc., Class A

    980       154,330  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    32,543       3,632,124  

Murphy USA Inc.(a)

    1,240       146,233  

National Vision Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    3,309       78,754  

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.(a)

    3,229       1,406,262  

Penske Automotive Group Inc.

    1,515       73,811  

Ross Stores Inc.

    15,389       1,687,712  

Tiffany & Co.

    4,620       575,236  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    51,011       2,940,784  

Tractor Supply Co.

    5,062       480,991  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc.(a)

    2,484       579,145  

Urban Outfitters Inc.(a)(b)

    3,145       90,262  

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

    3,333       222,611  
   

 

 

 
      28,116,879  
Security   Shares     Value  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 4.1%        

Apple Inc.

    178,838     $ 44,487,741  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    6,515       344,578  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    55,104       904,257  

HP Inc.

    62,546       1,086,424  

NCR Corp.(a)

    5,250       153,352  

NetApp Inc.

    10,042       561,147  

Pure Storage Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    9,400       182,924  

Seagate Technology PLC

    9,992       579,836  

Western Digital Corp.

    12,493       645,263  

Xerox Holdings Corp.(a)

    8,235       279,414  
   

 

 

 
           49,224,936  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%            

Capri Holdings Ltd.(a)

    6,359       197,574  

Carter’s Inc.

    1,834       183,840  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    1,243       112,429  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    1,241       189,749  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    15,011       228,317  

Levi Strauss & Co., Class A

    1,780       31,720  

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    4,771       974,572  

NIKE Inc., Class B

    52,742       4,723,046  

PVH Corp.

    3,198       278,738  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    2,182       209,603  

Skechers U.S.A. Inc., Class A(a)

    5,680       212,262  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    3,287       135,359  

Tapestry Inc.

    12,164       314,561  

Under Armour Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    7,928       163,713  

Under Armour Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    8,177       151,275  

VF Corp.

    13,728       1,129,677  

Wolverine World Wide Inc.

    3,468       102,930  
   

 

 

 
      9,339,365  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.1%            

Capitol Federal Financial Inc.

    6,213       88,659  

Essent Group Ltd.

    4,066       211,798  

LendingTree Inc.(a)

    323       116,232  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    15,200       208,392  

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

    19,462       226,732  

Radian Group Inc.

    8,356       209,736  

TFS Financial Corp.

    2,203       42,430  

Washington Federal Inc.

    3,285       119,771  
   

 

 

 
      1,223,750  
Tobacco — 0.7%            

Altria Group Inc.

    78,749       3,527,168  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    65,530       5,336,763  
   

 

 

 
      8,863,931  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.3%            

Air Lease Corp.

    4,379       192,589  

Applied Industrial Technologies Inc.

    1,689       101,070  

Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.(a)

    2,719       84,398  

Fastenal Co.

    24,300       873,342  

GATX Corp.

    1,507       119,882  

HD Supply Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,076       279,785  

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Class A

    1,921       140,636  

SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc.(a)(b)

    1,683       148,205  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    3,225       430,763  

Univar Solutions Inc.(a)

    6,108       131,078  

Watsco Inc.

    1,401       246,996  

WESCO International Inc.(a)(b)

    1,719       86,208  

WW Grainger Inc.

    1,879       580,310  
   

 

 

 
      3,415,262  
 

 

 

20    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.0%            

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

    3,179     $ 137,142  
   

 

 

 
Water Utilities — 0.1%            

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    7,609       937,961  

Aqua America Inc.

    9,132       413,954  
   

 

 

 
      1,351,915  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.1%        

Sprint Corp.(a)(b)

    25,911       160,907  

Telephone & Data Systems Inc.

    3,926       102,429  

T-Mobile U.S. Inc.(a)

    13,296       1,099,048  

U.S. Cellular Corp.(a)

    658       24,491  
   

 

 

 
      1,386,875  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $714,485,238)

 

    1,210,281,470  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 2.0%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

   

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    22,435,653       22,446,870  
Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

   

1.74%(c)(d)

    1,305,000     $ 1,305,000  
   

 

 

 
      23,751,870  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.0%
(Cost: $23,746,149)

 

    23,751,870  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.8%
(Cost: $738,231,387)

 

    1,234,033,340  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.8)%

 

    (21,623,672
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 1,212,409,668  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
    
Shares
Purchased
 
 
   
Shares
Sold
 
 
   

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income      


Net

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

 
(a) 

   


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     14,480,981        7,954,672 (b)            22,435,653      $ 22,446,870      $ 43,174 (c)    $ 1,032     $ 758  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     2,183,402              (878,402 )(b)      1,305,000        1,305,000        19,932              

BlackRock Inc.

     5,366        31       (467     4,930        2,276,181        34,294       63,580       (192,870
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
             $ 26,028,051      $ 97,400     $ 64,612     $ (192,112
            

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Net of purchases and sales.

 
  (c) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     12          12/20/19        $ 1,821        $ 50,382  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      21  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

   iShares® Dow Jones U.S. ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 50,382  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 93,964  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 50,382  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 607,160  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,210,281,470        $             —        $             —        $ 1,210,281,470  

Money Market Funds

     23,751,870                            23,751,870  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,234,033,340        $        $        $ 1,234,033,340  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 50,382        $        $        $ 50,382  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

22    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Transportation Average ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

 

Air Freight & Logistics — 22.5%  

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    307,866      $ 23,286,984  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    315,085        22,982,300  

FedEx Corp.

    289,460        44,188,964  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    208,948        24,064,541  
    

 

 

 
       114,522,789  
Airlines — 20.4%  

Alaska Air Group Inc.

    322,982        22,424,641  

American Airlines Group Inc.

    349,821        10,515,619  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    333,065        18,345,220  

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)(b)

    445,254        8,593,402  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    349,194        19,600,259  

United Airlines Holdings Inc.(a)

    266,061        24,168,981  
    

 

 

 
       103,648,122  
Marine — 6.8%  

Kirby Corp.(a)

    294,896        23,343,967  

Matson Inc.

    299,741        11,444,112  
    

 

 

 
       34,788,079  
Road & Rail — 50.2%  

Avis Budget Group Inc.(a)

    351,564        10,444,966  

CSX Corp.

    315,892        22,197,731  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    289,822        34,071,474  

Kansas City Southern

    285,598        40,206,487  

Landstar System Inc.

    282,785        31,997,123  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    290,818        52,928,876  

Ryder System Inc.

    322,272        15,672,087  

Union Pacific Corp.

    292,517        48,399,863  
    

 

 

 
       255,918,607  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $585,488,294)

 

     508,877,597  
    

 

 

 
Security   Shares      Value  

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.9%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,
2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    3,330,776      $ 3,332,441  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
1.74%(c)(d)

    1,278,000        1,278,000  
    

 

 

 
       4,610,441  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.9%
(Cost: $4,609,902)

 

     4,610,441  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.8%
(Cost: $590,098,196)

 

     513,488,038  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.8)%

 

     (4,057,545
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $  509,430,493  
    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     4,292,310        (961,534      3,330,776      $ 3,332,441      $ 11,310 (b)     $ 971      $ (294

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     306,920        971,080        1,278,000        1,278,000        7,999                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 4,610,441      $ 19,309      $ 971      $ (294
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-mini S&P Select Sector Industrial Index

     5          12/20/19        $  394        $  1,689  

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      23  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Transportation Average ETF

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     1          12/20/19        $ 196        $ (973
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 716  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 1,689  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 973  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 68,159  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 716  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 196,367  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

24    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Transportation Average ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 508,877,597        $             —        $             —        $ 508,877,597  

Money Market Funds

     4,610,441                            4,610,441  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 513,488,038        $        $        $ 513,488,038  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 1,689        $        $        $ 1,689  

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

     (973                          (973
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 716        $        $        $ 716  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      25  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Energy ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Electric Utilities — 0.7%  

OGE Energy Corp.

    99,833     $ 4,298,809  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 9.0%            

Apergy Corp.(a)(b)

    38,716       974,482  

Baker Hughes Co.

    323,748       6,928,207  

Core Laboratories NV

    22,173       976,499  

Halliburton Co.

    436,858       8,409,516  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

    54,553       2,045,737  

National Oilwell Varco Inc.

    192,460       4,353,445  

Patterson-UTI Energy Inc.

    101,273       842,591  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    689,752       22,547,993  

TechnipFMC PLC

    209,320       4,129,884  

Transocean Ltd.(a)(b)

    287,470       1,365,483  
   

 

 

 
      52,573,837  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 89.7%            

Apache Corp.

    187,510       4,061,467  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    208,671       3,889,627  

Cheniere Energy Inc.(a)

    116,542       7,173,160  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.(a)(b)

    563,758       755,436  

Chevron Corp.

    946,819       109,963,559  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    50,587       2,135,783  

Concho Resources Inc.

    100,286       6,771,311  

ConocoPhillips

    553,665       30,562,308  

Continental Resources Inc./OK(a)(b)

    43,051       1,268,713  

CVR Energy Inc.

    14,568       690,815  

Delek U.S. Holdings Inc.

    37,499       1,498,085  

Devon Energy Corp.

    201,586       4,088,164  

Diamondback Energy Inc.

    81,312       6,973,317  

EOG Resources Inc.

    289,443       20,061,294  

EQT Corp.

    127,169       1,365,795  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    101,568       1,413,827  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    2,110,218       142,587,430  

Hess Corp.

    129,083       8,487,207  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    75,519       4,149,014  

Kinder Morgan Inc./DE

    970,973       19,400,041  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    401,002       4,623,553  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    328,327       20,996,512  

Matador Resources Co.(a)(b)

    54,817       762,504  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    76,771       1,583,786  

Noble Energy Inc.

    238,519       4,593,876  
Security   Shares     Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)            

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    446,115     $ 18,067,657  

ONEOK Inc.

    205,967       14,382,676  

Parsley Energy Inc., Class A

    140,172       2,216,119  

PBF Energy Inc., Class A

    50,710       1,636,919  

Phillips 66

    223,710       26,133,802  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    83,363       10,255,316  

Targa Resources Corp.

    116,096       4,513,812  

Valero Energy Corp.

    206,681       20,043,923  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    604,486       13,486,083  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    32,678       1,364,960  

WPX Energy Inc.(a)(b)

    210,563       2,101,419  
   

 

 

 
      524,059,270  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.3%  

First Solar Inc.(a)(b)

    37,839       1,959,682  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $892,110,792)

      582,891,598  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 1.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

   

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    4,663,276       4,665,608  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

   

1.74%(c)(d)

    1,221,000       1,221,000  
   

 

 

 
      5,886,608  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.0%
(Cost: $5,885,057)

      5,886,608  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.7%
(Cost: $897,995,849)

      588,778,206  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.7)%

      (4,160,820
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   584,617,386  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     16,590,950        (11,927,674      4,663,276      $ 4,665,608      $ 17,664 (b)     $ (23    $ 81  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     1,575,157        (354,157      1,221,000        1,221,000        10,353                        —                          —  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 5,886,608      $ 28,017      $ (23    $ 81  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

 

 

26    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Energy ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
      

Notional
Amount 

(000)

       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-mini S&P Select Sector Energy Index

     27          12/20/19        $ 1,568        $ (45,518
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $  45,518  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 52,423  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (45,518
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 522,810  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1      Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

               

Assets

               

Common Stocks

   $  582,891,598      $        $        $  582,891,598  

Money Market Funds

     5,886,608                          5,886,608  
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $  588,778,206      $  —        $        $  588,778,206  
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

               

Liabilities

               

Futures Contracts

   $ (45,518    $        $        $ (45,518
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      27  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Healthcare ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Biotechnology — 18.2%            

AbbVie Inc.

    791,483     $ 62,962,473  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    56,665       2,403,163  

Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    27,538       828,343  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    120,036       12,651,794  

Alkermes PLC(a)

    59,552       1,163,051  

Allogene Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    27,470       791,136  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    59,512       5,162,071  

Amgen Inc.

    321,041       68,461,993  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    98,741       29,494,924  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    96,073       7,033,504  

Bluebird Bio Inc.(a)(b)

    29,644       2,401,164  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    26,390       1,816,688  

Celgene Corp.(a)

    379,414       40,988,094  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)(b)

    69,316       6,030,492  

Exelixis Inc.(a)

    161,822       2,500,150  

FibroGen Inc.(a)(b)

    42,026       1,645,318  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    677,979       43,194,042  

Immunomedics Inc.(a)(b)

    91,212       1,459,392  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    95,558       8,019,227  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    13,527       984,495  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    68,370       3,809,576  

Medicines Co. (The)(a)(b)

    39,644       2,080,914  

Moderna Inc.(a)(b)

    109,983       1,842,215  

Myriad Genetics Inc.(a)(b)

    39,812       1,340,470  

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(a)(b)

    49,024       4,877,398  

Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    37,863       1,094,619  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    42,776       13,101,433  

Repligen Corp.(a)

    24,918       1,980,732  

Sage Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    27,631       3,748,145  

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    37,698       3,131,196  

Seattle Genetics Inc.(a)

    60,512       6,498,989  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)(b)

    29,083       1,167,392  

United Therapeutics Corp.(a)

    23,573       2,117,798  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    137,599       26,897,853  
   

 

 

 
      373,680,244  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 26.0%            

Abbott Laboratories

    946,150       79,107,602  

ABIOMED Inc.(a)(b)

    24,322       5,048,761  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    38,909       9,816,352  

Avanos Medical Inc.(a)(b)

    25,404       1,118,792  

Baxter International Inc.

    273,320       20,963,644  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    144,516       36,996,096  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    745,710       31,096,107  

Cantel Medical Corp.

    19,590       1,427,915  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)

    26,539       7,722,849  

Danaher Corp.

    341,789       47,105,360  

Dentsply Sirona Inc.

    120,012       6,574,257  

DexCom Inc.(a)(b)

    48,814       7,529,071  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)(b)

    111,332       26,539,322  

Globus Medical Inc., Class A(a)

    40,882       2,140,990  

Haemonetics Corp.(a)

    27,120       3,274,198  

Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.

    35,870       3,755,230  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    143,099       6,913,113  

ICU Medical Inc.(a)

    10,325       1,668,623  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    46,086       13,134,971  

Insulet Corp.(a)(b)

    32,249       4,686,425  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)

    38,003       2,206,454  

Intuitive Surgical Inc.(a)

    61,699       34,116,462  
Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)            

LivaNova PLC(a)

    25,978     $ 1,837,424  

Masimo Corp.(a)

    26,224       3,823,197  

Medtronic PLC

    718,242       78,216,554  

Neogen Corp.(a)

    27,988       1,820,899  

NuVasive Inc.(a)

    27,960       1,972,298  

Penumbra Inc.(a)(b)

    17,197       2,682,216  

ResMed Inc.

    76,910       11,376,527  

Steris PLC

    45,336       6,418,218  

Stryker Corp.

    171,772       37,149,130  

Teleflex Inc.

    24,748       8,597,703  

Varian Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    48,748       5,889,246  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    39,479       5,678,659  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

    109,912       15,193,136  
   

 

 

 
      533,597,801  
Health Care Providers & Services — 18.1%            

Acadia Healthcare Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    47,388       1,421,166  

Amedisys Inc.(a)

    17,284       2,221,340  

Anthem Inc.

    136,946       36,849,430  

Centene Corp.(a)(b)

    221,416       11,752,761  

Chemed Corp.

    8,507       3,350,992  

Cigna Corp.(a)

    202,146       36,074,975  

Covetrus Inc.(a)

    11,979       118,772  

CVS Health Corp.

    696,203       46,220,917  

DaVita Inc.(a)(b)

    51,686       3,028,800  

Encompass Health Corp.

    52,681       3,372,638  

Guardant Health Inc.(a)(b)

    21,475       1,492,513  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    142,381       19,013,559  

HealthEquity Inc.(a)(b)

    37,942       2,154,726  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    79,331       4,964,931  

Humana Inc.

    72,319       21,276,250  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    52,300       8,617,471  

McKesson Corp.

    98,986       13,165,138  

MEDNAX Inc.(a)

    45,241       993,492  

Molina Healthcare Inc.(a)

    33,530       3,944,469  

Premier Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    34,002       1,107,785  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    72,094       7,299,517  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a)

    55,579       1,408,372  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    507,326       128,201,280  

Universal Health Services Inc., Class B

    43,486       5,977,586  

WellCare Health Plans Inc.(a)

    26,934       7,988,624  
   

 

 

 
      372,017,504  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%            

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)(b)

    38,539       2,952,087  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 7.4%            

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    165,671       12,549,578  

Avantor Inc.(a)

    119,209       1,693,960  

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Class A(a)

    11,488       3,809,651  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    20,379       4,242,296  

Bruker Corp.(b)

    54,841       2,440,425  

Charles River Laboratories International Inc.(a)

    26,097       3,392,088  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    78,694       23,255,651  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    97,529       14,085,138  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)(b)

    13,173       9,286,175  

PRA Health Sciences Inc.(a)(b)

    33,547       3,277,877  

Syneos Health Inc.(a)

    33,130       1,661,470  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    214,388       64,740,888  

Waters Corp.(a)(b)

    35,737       7,562,664  
   

 

 

 
      151,997,861  
 

 

 

28    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Healthcare ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals — 29.8%  

Allergan PLC

    175,609     $ 30,926,501  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    875,685       50,238,048  

Catalent Inc.(a)

    78,151       3,802,046  

Elanco Animal Health Inc.(a)(b)

    199,658       5,394,759  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    454,811       51,825,713  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    99,516       2,877,008  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    30,313       3,808,222  

Johnson & Johnson

    1,412,839       186,551,262  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    1,370,657       118,781,136  

Mylan NV(a)

    276,160       5,288,464  

Nektar Therapeutics(a)(b)

    93,874       1,607,592  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    72,731       3,856,198  

Pfizer Inc.

    2,960,965       113,612,227  

Zoetis Inc.

    255,654       32,703,260  
   

 

 

 
      611,272,436  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $1,953,412,261)

 

    2,045,517,933  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 3.4%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    65,795,689       65,828,587  
Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

1.74%(c)(d)

    4,387,000     $ 4,387,000  
   

 

 

 
      70,215,587  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 3.4%
(Cost: $70,203,274)

 

    70,215,587  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 103.1%
(Cost: $2,023,615,535)

 

    2,115,733,520  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (3.1)%

 

    (64,348,551
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  2,051,384,969  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     39,194,069        26,601,620        65,795,689      $ 65,828,587      $ 79,199 (b)     $ (119    $ 4,110  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     3,938,417        448,583        4,387,000        4,387,000        30,010                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 70,215,587      $ 109,209      $ (119    $ 4,110  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-mini S&P Select Sector Health Care Index

     59          12/20/19        $ 5,606        $ 204,497  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      29  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

   iShares® U.S. Healthcare ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 204,497  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 43,294  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $  204,497  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,868,530  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $  2,045,517,933        $        $        $  2,045,517,933  

Money Market Funds

     70,215,587                            70,215,587  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $  2,115,733,520        $        $        $  2,115,733,520  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 204,497        $  —        $  —        $ 204,497  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Technology ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Communications Equipment — 4.8%            

Arista Networks Inc.(a)

    39,926     $ 9,764,702  

Ciena Corp.(a)

    114,208       4,239,401  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    3,090,390       146,824,429  

CommScope Holding Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    146,006       1,635,267  

EchoStar Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    34,664       1,351,896  

F5 Networks Inc.(a)

    44,067       6,349,173  

InterDigital Inc.

    5,679       304,565  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    253,402       6,289,438  

Lumentum Holdings Inc.(a)

    57,043       3,574,314  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    120,818       20,094,450  

NetScout Systems Inc.(a)

    4,937       119,574  

Ubiquiti Inc.(a)

    9,970       1,262,102  

ViaSat Inc.(a)

    42,602       2,932,722  

Viavi Solutions Inc.(a)

    165,439       2,640,406  
   

 

 

 
      207,382,439  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.5%  

CenturyLink Inc.

    718,757       9,300,716  

GCI Liberty Inc., Class A(a)

    70,070       4,903,499  

Zayo Group Holdings Inc.(a)

    173,474       5,922,402  
   

 

 

 
      20,126,617  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%  

CDW Corp./DE

    105,936       13,550,274  

SYNNEX Corp.

    30,218       3,557,867  

Tech Data Corp.(a)

    26,430       3,211,245  
   

 

 

 
      20,319,386  
Health Care Technology — 0.7%            

Cerner Corp.

    232,617       15,613,253  

Veeva Systems Inc., Class A(a)

    95,150       13,495,124  
   

 

 

 
      29,108,377  
Household Durables — 0.2%            

Garmin Ltd.

    106,069       9,943,969  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 17.5%            

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    205,932       259,227,202  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    207,759       261,799,194  

ANGI Homeservices Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    61,619       422,090  

Cargurus Inc.(a)

    53,420       1,794,378  

Facebook Inc., Class A(a)

    1,013,309       194,200,670  

IAC/InterActiveCorp.(a)

    52,920       12,026,070  

Match Group Inc.(b)

    40,579       2,961,861  

Snap Inc., Class A, NVS(a)(b)

    559,306       8,423,148  

Twitter Inc.(a)

    512,606       15,362,802  

Zillow Group Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    26,960       873,234  

Zillow Group Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    92,672       3,018,327  
   

 

 

 
          760,108,976  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.6%  

eBay Inc.

    575,154       20,274,179  

Etsy Inc.(a)

    88,622       3,942,793  

GrubHub Inc.(a)(b)

    67,339       2,293,566  
   

 

 

 
      26,510,538  
IT Services — 5.1%            

Akamai Technologies Inc.(a)

    120,992       10,465,808  

Amdocs Ltd.

    99,674       6,498,745  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    102,681       7,225,662  

CACI International Inc., Class A(a)

    18,312       4,097,310  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    402,664       24,538,344  

DXC Technology Co.

    192,543       5,327,665  
Security   Shares     Value  
IT Services (continued)            

EPAM Systems Inc.(a)(b)

    40,196     $ 7,072,888  

Gartner Inc.(a)

    66,136       10,190,235  

GoDaddy Inc., Class A(a)

    129,996       8,453,640  

International Business Machines Corp.

    645,049       86,262,403  

KBR Inc.

    105,078       2,958,996  

Leidos Holdings Inc.

    99,333       8,565,484  

MongoDB Inc.(a)(b)

    25,762       3,291,611  

Okta Inc.(a)(b)

    78,338       8,544,326  

Perspecta Inc.

    102,472       2,719,607  

Science Applications International Corp.

    36,323       3,001,006  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    89,197       8,612,862  

VeriSign Inc.(a)(b)

    76,206       14,480,664  
   

 

 

 
      222,307,256  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 18.7%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)(b)

    791,423       26,852,982  

Analog Devices Inc.

    269,222       28,707,142  

Applied Materials Inc.

    672,986       36,516,220  

Broadcom Inc.

    289,865       84,886,965  

Cirrus Logic Inc.(a)

    43,273       2,940,833  

Cree Inc.(a)

    78,913       3,766,518  

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

    270,772       6,300,864  

Entegris Inc.

    99,460       4,774,080  

Intel Corp.

    3,224,590       182,286,073  

KLA Corp.

    116,234       19,648,195  

Lam Research Corp.

    105,332       28,549,185  

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    484,134       11,808,028  

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    198,734       11,657,736  

Microchip Technology Inc.

    173,874       16,394,579  

Micron Technology Inc.(a)

    804,192       38,239,330  

MKS Instruments Inc.

    40,144       4,344,384  

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

    29,600       4,437,632  

NVIDIA Corp.

    443,433       89,138,902  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)(b)

    301,442       6,149,417  

Qorvo Inc.(a)

    86,390       6,985,495  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    885,297       71,213,291  

Semtech Corp.(a)

    49,697       2,507,711  

Silicon Laboratories Inc.(a)(b)

    31,984       3,397,980  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    125,863       11,461,085  

Teradyne Inc.(b)

    124,540       7,624,339  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    679,852       80,215,738  

Universal Display Corp.

    31,345       6,274,642  

Xilinx Inc.

    184,452       16,737,175  
   

 

 

 
          813,816,521  
Software — 32.8%            

ACI Worldwide Inc.(a)(b)

    86,665       2,720,414  

Adobe Inc.(a)

    353,454       98,235,470  

Alteryx Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    34,387       3,146,410  

Anaplan Inc.(a)(b)

    62,202       2,935,934  

ANSYS Inc.(a)

    61,529       13,545,609  

Aspen Technology Inc.(a)

    50,906       5,859,790  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    160,098       23,592,041  

Avalara Inc.(a)(b)

    48,525       3,445,275  

Blackbaud Inc.

    36,388       3,054,773  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    205,037       13,399,168  

CDK Global Inc.

    89,344       4,515,446  

CERENCE Inc.(a)

    26,462       410,161  

Ceridian HCM Holding Inc.(a)(b)

    65,929       3,181,074  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    90,333       9,833,650  

CommVault Systems Inc.(a)

    4,474       222,224  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      31  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Technology ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Software (continued)            

Coupa Software Inc.(a)(b)

    45,334     $ 6,232,972  

DocuSign Inc.(a)(b)

    90,637       5,999,263  

Dropbox Inc., Class A(a)

    158,441       3,140,301  

Elastic NV(a)(b)

    23,476       1,690,507  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

    21,179       6,439,263  

FireEye Inc.(a)(b)

    160,332       2,539,659  

Fortinet Inc.(a)

    104,286       8,505,566  

Guidewire Software Inc.(a)(b)

    59,957       6,759,552  

HubSpot Inc.(a)(b)

    29,422       4,563,352  

Intuit Inc.

    189,471       48,788,782  

j2 Global Inc.

    34,422       3,268,713  

LogMeIn Inc.

    13,743       902,640  

Manhattan Associates Inc.(a)

    47,470       3,557,876  

Microsoft Corp.

    5,248,727       752,509,990  

New Relic Inc.(a)(b)

    37,002       2,370,348  

NortonLifeLock Inc.

    417,195       9,545,422  

Nuance Communications Inc.(a)(b)

    211,677       3,454,569  

Nutanix Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    52,317       1,528,703  

Oracle Corp.

    1,603,128       87,354,445  

Palo Alto Networks Inc.(a)

    70,146       15,950,499  

Paycom Software Inc.(a)

    36,101       7,636,445  

Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)(b)

    26,433       2,712,026  

Pegasystems Inc.(b)

    28,369       2,133,632  

Pluralsight Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    62,929       1,137,756  

Proofpoint Inc.(a)

    41,540       4,792,470  

PTC Inc.(a)

    76,226       5,100,282  

RealPage Inc.(a)(b)

    58,769       3,558,463  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    52,626       8,500,152  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)(b)

    638,539       99,924,968  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)(b)

    136,601       33,775,963  

Smartsheet Inc., Class A(a)

    65,056       2,563,206  

SolarWinds Corp.(a)(b)

    50,351       954,151  

Splunk Inc.(a)

    109,928       13,186,963  

SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc.

    162,230       8,437,582  

Synopsys Inc.(a)

    109,897       14,918,518  

Teradata Corp.(a)(b)

    84,898       2,540,997  

Trade Desk Inc. (The), Class A(a)(b)

    28,693       5,761,554  

Tyler Technologies Inc.(a)

    28,251       7,585,959  

Verint Systems Inc.(a)

    49,308       2,238,090  

VMware Inc., Class A

    57,748       9,139,776  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    118,285       19,181,096  

Zendesk Inc.(a)

    81,478       5,756,421  
Security   Shares     Value  
Software (continued)            

Zoom Video Communications Inc.,
Class A(a)(b)

    19,574     $ 1,368,027  

Zscaler Inc.(a)(b)

    47,754       2,100,221  
   

 

 

 
      1,428,204,579  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 18.6%  

Apple Inc.

    2,920,188       726,425,967  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    113,791       6,018,406  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    955,000       15,671,550  

HP Inc.

    1,081,672       18,788,643  

NCR Corp.(a)(b)

    94,413       2,757,804  

NetApp Inc.

    174,592       9,756,201  

Pure Storage Inc., Class A(a)

    85,225       1,658,478  

Seagate Technology PLC

    173,720       10,080,972  

Western Digital Corp.

    216,276       11,170,655  

Xerox Holdings Corp.(a)

    140,268       4,759,293  
   

 

 

 
      807,087,969  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.0%
(Cost: $3,276,017,748)

 

    4,344,916,627  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 3.4%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

   

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    146,714,943       146,788,300  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

   

1.74%(c)(d)

    2,378,000       2,378,000  
   

 

 

 
      149,166,300  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 3.4%
(Cost: $149,150,785)

 

    149,166,300  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 103.4%
(Cost: $3,425,168,533)

 

    4,494,082,927  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (3.4)%

 

    (147,572,929
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  4,346,509,998  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       


Shares

Held at
10/31/19

 

 
 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     45,969,857        100,745,086        146,714,943      $ 146,788,300      $ 185,858 (b)     $ 4,180      $ 4,858  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     7,691,692        (5,313,692      2,378,000        2,378,000        54,914                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 149,166,300      $ 240,772      $ 4,180      $ 4,858  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

 

 

32    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

   iShares® U.S. Technology ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 4,344,916,627        $             —        $             —        $ 4,344,916,627  

Money Market Funds

     149,166,300                            149,166,300  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 4,494,082,927        $        $        $ 4,494,082,927  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      33  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Utilities ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

 

Electric Utilities — 57.5%  

ALLETE Inc.

    51,575      $ 4,438,544  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    237,160        12,650,114  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    493,053        46,539,273  

Avangrid Inc.

    55,536        2,779,577  

Duke Energy Corp.

    727,509        68,574,998  

Edison International

    357,550        22,489,895  

El Paso Electric Co.

    40,726        2,716,831  

Entergy Corp.

    198,531        24,117,546  

Evergy Inc.

    235,114        15,026,136  

Eversource Energy

    323,115        27,057,650  

Exelon Corp.

    970,125        44,130,986  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    539,176        26,052,984  

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.

    108,805        4,912,546  

IDACORP Inc.

    50,319        5,415,331  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    488,018        116,314,210  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    112,135        10,554,146  

PNM Resources Inc.

    79,530        4,147,490  

Portland General Electric Co.

    89,236        5,075,744  

PPL Corp.

    721,164        24,151,782  

Southern Co. (The)

    1,043,663        65,395,924  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    523,582        33,252,693  
    

 

 

 
       565,794,400  
Gas Utilities — 4.9%  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    118,022        13,275,115  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    86,184        3,904,997  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    89,843        3,917,155  

ONE Gas Inc.

    52,653        4,888,304  

South Jersey Industries Inc.

    92,251        2,966,792  

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

    54,240        4,735,152  

Spire Inc.

    50,729        4,264,280  

UGI Corp.

    208,646        9,946,155  
    

 

 

 
       47,897,950  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 3.4%  

AES Corp./VA

    662,855        11,301,678  

NRG Energy Inc.

    252,606        10,134,553  

Vistra Energy Corp.

    451,667        12,208,559  
    

 

 

 
       33,644,790  
Security   Shares      Value  
Multi-Utilities — 30.7%  

Ameren Corp.

    245,431      $ 19,069,989  

Avista Corp.

    66,012        3,170,556  

Black Hills Corp.

    60,968        4,806,107  

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    501,465        14,577,588  

CMS Energy Corp.

    283,359        18,112,307  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    331,644        30,584,210  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    820,679        67,747,052  

DTE Energy Co.

    183,026        23,302,870  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    198,760        5,742,176  

NiSource Inc.

    372,785        10,452,891  

NorthWestern Corp.

    50,363        3,652,325  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    504,877        31,963,763  

Sempra Energy

    274,139        39,615,827  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    314,960        29,732,224  
    

 

 

 
       302,529,885  
Water Utilities — 3.2%  

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    180,380        22,235,442  

Aqua America Inc.

    215,454        9,766,530  
    

 

 

 
       32,001,972  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $886,053,772)

 

     981,868,997  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.3%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

1.74%(a)(b)

    2,790,000        2,790,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.3%
(Cost: $2,790,000)

 

     2,790,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.0%
(Cost: $888,843,772)

 

     984,658,997  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.0%

 

     153,685  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

   $ 984,812,682  
    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

                        $      $ 107 (b)     $ (699    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     212,340        2,577,660        2,790,000        2,790,000        14,090                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 2,790,000      $ 14,197      $ (699    $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

 

 

34    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Utilities ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Utilities Index

     44          12/20/19        $ 2,848        $ 39,760  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $  39,760  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 228,655  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 39,760  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 949,227  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 981,868,997        $             —        $             —        $ 981,868,997  

Money Market Funds

     2,790,000                            2,790,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 984,658,997        $        $        $ 984,658,997  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 39,760        $        $        $ 39,760  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      35  


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) 

October 31, 2019

 

    

iShares

Dow Jones

U.S. ETF

     iShares
Transportation
Average ETF
   

iShares

U.S. Energy

ETF

   

iShares

U.S. Healthcare

ETF

 

ASSETS

        

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

        

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 1,208,005,289      $ 508,877,597     $ 582,891,598     $ 2,045,517,933  

Affiliated(c)

    26,028,051        4,610,441       5,886,608       70,215,587  

Cash

    26,867        1,798       26       21,048  

Cash pledged:

        

Futures contracts

    77,000        49,000       88,000       208,999  

Receivables:

        

Investments sold

           17,772,337              

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    15,522        1,175       3,971       14,925  

Dividends

    1,021,796        397,844       649,182       1,935,307  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    1,235,174,525        531,710,192       589,519,385       2,117,913,799  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    22,442,681        3,333,670       4,660,764       65,806,788  

Payables:

        

Investments purchased

    112,724        18,749,508              

Variation margin on futures contracts

    7,201        13,515       8,100       5,900  

Capital shares redeemed

                 18,844        

Investment advisory fees

    202,251        183,006       214,291       716,142  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    22,764,857        22,279,699       4,901,999       66,528,830  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,212,409,668      $ 509,430,493     $ 584,617,386     $ 2,051,384,969  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

        

Paid-in capital

  $ 713,429,194      $ 619,980,191     $ 1,077,280,987     $ 1,966,484,462  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    498,980,474        (110,549,698     (492,663,601     84,900,507  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,212,409,668      $ 509,430,493     $ 584,617,386     $ 2,051,384,969  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    8,050,000        2,700,000       18,850,000       10,350,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 150.61      $ 188.68     $ 31.01     $ 198.20  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None       None       None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 21,737,914      $ 3,236,610     $ 4,162,304     $ 63,678,556  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 713,144,342      $ 585,488,294     $ 892,110,792     $ 1,953,412,261  

(c) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 25,087,045      $ 4,609,902     $ 5,885,057     $ 70,203,274  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

36    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

     iShares
U.S. Technology
ETF
     iShares
U.S. Utilities
ETF
 

ASSETS

    

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

    

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 4,344,916,627      $ 981,868,997  

Affiliated(c)

    149,166,300        2,790,000  

Cash

    337        20,818  

Cash pledged:

    

Futures contracts

           75,000  

Receivables:

    

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    80,221         

Variation margin on futures contracts

           14,515  

Dividends

    628,465        391,687  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    4,494,791,950        985,161,017  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    146,779,172         

Payables:

    

Investment advisory fees

    1,502,780        348,335  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    148,281,952        348,335  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 4,346,509,998      $ 984,812,682  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

    

Paid-in capital

  $ 3,164,556,809      $ 905,586,050  

Accumulated earnings

    1,181,953,189        79,226,632  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 4,346,509,998      $ 984,812,682  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    20,500,000        6,100,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 212.02      $ 161.44  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 141,405,896      $  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 3,276,017,748      $ 886,053,772  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 149,150,785      $ 2,790,000  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      37  


 

Statements of Operations  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

    

iShares

Dow Jones

U.S. ETF

    iShares
Transportation
Average ETF
   

iShares

U.S. Energy

ETF

   

iShares
U.S. Healthcare

ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 11,720,285     $ 4,751,913     $ 12,659,457     $ 17,151,660  

Dividends — Affiliated

    54,226       7,999       10,353       30,010  

Interest — Unaffiliated

    34                   31  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    43,174       11,310       17,664       79,199  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (567           (3,783      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    11,817,152       4,771,222       12,683,691       17,260,900  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    1,206,877       1,121,567       1,428,123       4,408,677  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,206,877       1,121,567       1,428,123       4,408,677  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    10,610,275       3,649,655       11,255,568       12,852,223  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (5,732,557     (21,320,567     (71,917,483     (19,289,035

Investments — Affiliated

    (3,813     971       (23     (119

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    33,732,524       15,438,481       (18,263,574     61,696,165  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    68,425                    

Futures contracts

    93,964       68,159       52,423       43,294  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    28,158,543       (5,812,956     (90,128,657     42,450,305  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    2,845,046       (12,356,074     (13,290,159     64,736,555  

Investments — Affiliated

    (192,112     (294     81       4,110  

Futures contracts

    50,382       716       (45,518     204,497  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,703,316       (12,355,652     (13,335,596     64,945,162  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    30,861,859       (18,168,608     (103,464,253     107,395,467  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 41,472,134     $ (14,518,953   $ (92,208,685   $ 120,247,690  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

38    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Operations  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

 

     iShares
U.S. Technology
ETF
    iShares
U.S. Utilities
ETF
 

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 25,911,682     $ 13,995,186  

Dividends — Affiliated

    54,914       14,090  

Interest — Unaffiliated

          15  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    185,858       107  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    26,152,454       14,009,398  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory fees

    8,856,486       1,916,689  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    8,856,486       1,916,689  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    17,295,968       12,092,709  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (20,119,241     (1,766,886

Investments — Affiliated

    4,180       (699

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    186,471,571       21,747,845  

Futures contracts

          228,655  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    166,356,510       20,208,915  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated

    207,172       53,489,672  

Investments — Affiliated

    4,858        

Futures contracts

          39,760  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    212,030       53,529,432  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    166,568,540       73,738,347  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 183,864,508     $ 85,831,056  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      39  


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
Dow Jones U.S. ETF
    iShares
Transportation Average ETF
 
    

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

04/30/19

   

Six Months Ended

10/31/19

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

04/30/19

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 10,610,275     $ 20,467,859     $ 3,649,655     $ 8,163,295  

Net realized gain (loss)

    28,158,543       19,804,602       (5,812,956     9,861,278  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,703,316       101,134,677       (12,355,652     4,009,223  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    41,472,134       141,407,138       (14,518,953     22,033,796  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (11,765,955     (21,091,399     (3,488,240     (8,438,131
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (58,437,249     (5,345,467     (48,006,575     (245,500,532
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (28,731,070     114,970,272       (66,013,768     (231,904,867

Beginning of period

    1,241,140,738       1,126,170,466       575,444,261       807,349,128  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 1,212,409,668     $ 1,241,140,738     $ 509,430,493     $ 575,444,261  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

40    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
U.S. Energy ETF
    iShares
U.S. Healthcare ETF
 
     Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 11,255,568     $ 22,069,140     $ 12,852,223     $ 26,524,215  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (90,128,657     (23,587,812     42,450,305       187,424,060  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (13,335,596     (84,876,169     64,945,162       (35,349,892
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (92,208,685     (86,394,841     120,247,690       178,598,383  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (10,995,687     (23,500,556     (13,810,604     (43,163,813
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (101,403,870     (189,619,206     (152,870,367     162,047,754  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (204,608,242     (299,514,603     (46,433,281     297,482,324  

Beginning of period

    789,225,628       1,088,740,231       2,097,818,250       1,800,335,926  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 584,617,386     $ 789,225,628     $  2,051,384,969     $  2,097,818,250  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      41  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
U.S. Technology ETF
    iShares
U.S. Utilities ETF
 
     Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 17,295,968     $ 35,313,159     $ 12,092,709     $ 20,065,704  

Net realized gain (loss)

    166,356,510       559,337,982       20,208,915       (4,658,426

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    212,030       222,452,960       53,529,432       96,217,168  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    183,864,508       817,104,101       85,831,056       111,624,446  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (18,463,589     (33,239,056     (12,954,267     (19,110,532
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (90,324,372     (543,803,415     101,481,161       111,454,408  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase in net assets

    75,076,547       240,061,630       174,357,950       203,968,322  

Beginning of period

    4,271,433,451       4,031,371,821       810,454,732       606,486,410  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 4,346,509,998     $ 4,271,433,451     $ 984,812,682     $ 810,454,732  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

42    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
    Year Ended
04/30/17
    Year Ended
04/30/16
    Year Ended
04/30/15
 
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 146.88     $ 132.49     $ 119.45     $ 103.06     $ 105.32     $ 95.10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.29       2.40       2.19       2.01       1.92       1.77  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    3.86       14.46       13.03       16.40       (2.11     10.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    5.15       16.86       15.22       18.41       (0.19     11.99  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

           

From net investment income

    (1.42     (2.47     (2.18     (2.02     (2.07     (1.77
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.42     (2.47     (2.18     (2.02     (2.07     (1.77
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 150.61     $ 146.88     $ 132.49     $ 119.45     $ 103.06     $ 105.32  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

    3.55 %(d)      12.89     12.81     18.04     (0.14 )%      12.68
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses

    0.20 %(e)      0.20     0.20     0.20     0.20     0.20
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.76 %(e)      1.74     1.70     1.82     1.88     1.74
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $  1,212,410     $  1,241,141     $  1,126,170     $  1,110,872     $  917,234     $  968,917  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    3 %(d)      5     4     4     4     4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      43  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Transportation Average ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 195.07     $ 187.76     $ 163.83      $ 141.18      $ 153.92      $ 137.21  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.30       2.12       1.91        1.54        1.50        1.24  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (6.36     7.34       24.02        22.75        (12.63      16.73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (5.06     9.46       25.93        24.29        (11.13      17.97  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (1.33     (2.15     (2.00      (1.64      (1.61      (1.26
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.33     (2.15     (2.00      (1.64      (1.61      (1.26
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 188.68     $ 195.07     $ 187.76      $ 163.83      $ 141.18      $ 153.92  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    (2.58 )%(d)      5.12     15.88      17.32      (7.24 )%       13.10
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.38 %(e)      1.11     1.07      0.99      1.05      0.80
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $  509,430     $  575,444     $  807,349      $  966,598      $  564,723      $  1,192,848  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    16 %(d)      17     5      5      11      22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

44    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Energy ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 35.96     $ 40.47     $ 37.27      $ 37.91      $ 46.62      $ 53.49  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.55       0.89       1.07        0.84        1.06        1.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (4.96     (4.43     3.25        (0.62      (8.66      (6.87
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (4.41     (3.54     4.32        0.22        (7.60      (5.85
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (0.54     (0.97     (1.12      (0.86      (1.11      (1.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.54     (0.97     (1.12      (0.86      (1.11      (1.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 31.01     $ 35.96     $ 40.47      $ 37.27      $ 37.91      $ 46.62  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    (12.33 )%(d)      (8.83 )%      11.92      0.52      (16.20 )%       (11.03 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3.35 %(e)      2.33     2.87      2.17      2.80      2.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 584,617     $ 789,226     $ 1,088,740      $ 1,159,125      $ 1,249,003      $ 2,219,116  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    4 %(d)      6     6      18      15      7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      45  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 188.15     $ 173.95     $ 158.62      $ 144.67      $ 151.70      $ 122.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.19       2.26       1.99        1.81        1.70        1.45  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    10.15       15.50       15.31        14.07        (5.63      29.70  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    11.34       17.76       17.30        15.88        (3.93      31.15  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (1.29     (3.56     (1.97      (1.93      (3.10      (1.52
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.29     (3.56     (1.97      (1.93      (3.10      (1.52
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 198.20     $ 188.15     $ 173.95      $ 158.62      $ 144.67      $ 151.70  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    6.05 %(d)      10.27     10.93      11.06      (2.64 )%       25.64
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.43     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.24 %(e)      1.19     1.16      1.21      1.13      1.05
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 2,051,385     $ 2,097,818     $ 1,800,336      $ 1,911,386      $ 1,808,437      $ 2,358,873  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    2 %(d)      6     7      6      7      8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

46    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Technology ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 203.40     $ 167.97     $ 138.18      $ 102.30      $ 107.28      $ 90.83  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.84       1.59       1.26        1.33        1.30        1.20  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    8.68       35.34       29.88        35.87        (4.97      16.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    9.52       36.93       31.14        37.20        (3.67      17.67  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (0.90     (1.50     (1.35      (1.32      (1.31      (1.22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.90     (1.50     (1.35      (1.32      (1.31      (1.22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 212.02     $ 203.40     $ 167.97      $ 138.18      $ 102.30      $ 107.28  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    4.72 %(d)      22.10     22.62      36.57      (3.45 )%       19.53
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.83 %(e)      0.87     0.80      1.11      1.24      1.18
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 4,346,510     $ 4,271,433     $ 4,031,372      $ 3,392,234      $ 2,393,714      $ 2,869,743  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    10 %(d)      19     15      4      8      8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      47  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Utilities ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
    Year Ended
04/30/17
    Year Ended
04/30/16
    Year Ended
04/30/15
 
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 148.71     $ 130.43     $ 129.30     $ 121.09     $ 111.09     $ 108.15  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    2.09       4.03       3.79       3.69       3.37       3.31  

Net realized and unrealized gain(b)

    12.91       18.12       0.84       8.46       11.18       3.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    15.00       22.15       4.63       12.15       14.55       6.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

           

From net investment income

    (2.27     (3.87     (3.50     (3.94     (4.55     (3.48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.27     (3.87     (3.50     (3.94     (4.55     (3.48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 161.44     $ 148.71     $ 130.43     $ 129.30     $ 121.09     $ 111.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

    10.14 %(d)      17.29     3.59     10.16     13.61     5.97
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.43     0.43     0.44     0.44     0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.68 %(e)      2.94     2.86     2.96     3.02     2.96
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 984,813     $ 810,455     $ 606,486     $ 801,673     $ 1,065,624     $ 649,849  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    2 %(d)      6     5     9     6     3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

48    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

iShares Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios.

These financial statements relate only to the following funds (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

iShares ETF  

Diversification

Classification

Dow Jones U.S.

  Diversified

Transportation Average

  Non-diversified

U.S. Energy

  Non-diversified

U.S. Healthcare

  Non-diversified

U.S. Technology

  Non-diversified

U.S. Utilities

  Non-diversified

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies are consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: Investment transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Any taxes withheld that are reclaimable from foreign tax authorities are reflected in tax reclaims receivable. Distributions received by the Funds may include a return of capital that is estimated by management. Such amounts are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be re-designated as a return of capital or capital gain. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is accrued daily.

In-kind Redemptions: For financial reporting purposes, in-kind redemptions are treated as sales of securities resulting in realized capital gains or losses to the Funds. Because such gains or losses are not taxable to the Funds and are not distributed to existing Fund shareholders, the gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated net realized gain (loss) to paid-in capital at the end of the Funds’ tax year. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.

Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by each Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes. Dividends and distributions are paid in U.S. dollars and cannot be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds.

Indemnifications: In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations that provide general indemnification. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because it involves future potential claims against the Funds, which cannot be predicted with any certainty.

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: Each Fund’s investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) each day that the Fund’s listing exchange is open and, for financial reporting purposes, as of the report date should the reporting period end on a day that the Fund’s listing exchange is not open. U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fund determines the fair value of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of each Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

   

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at that day’s last traded price or official closing price, as applicable, on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day are valued at the last traded price.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds (including money market funds) are valued at that day’s published net asset value (“NAV”).

 

   

Futures contract notional values are determined based on that day’s last reported settlement price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of an investment, or in the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, in accordance with policies approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Global Valuation Committee include market approach, income approach and the cost approach.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      49  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Valuation techniques used under these approaches take into consideration inputs that include but are not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) the principal market for the investment; (iii) the customary participants in the principal market for the investment; (iv) data assumptions by market participants for the investment, if reasonably available; (v) quoted prices for similar investments in active markets; and (vi) other inputs, such as future cash flows, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and/or default rates.

Fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a fund’s NAV and the prices used by the fund’s underlying index, which in turn could result in a difference between the fund’s performance and the performance of the fund’s underlying index.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial reporting purposes as follows:

 

   

Level 1 — Unadjusted price quotations in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs; and

 

   

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, (including the Global Valuation Committee’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments).

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgement exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The fair value hierarchy for each Fund’s investments is included in its schedule of investments. The categorization of a value determined for financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Securities Lending: Each Fund may lend its securities to approved borrowers, such as brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an approved bank, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities for securities traded on U.S. exchanges and a value of at least 105% for all other securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter at a value equal to at least 100% of the current value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund or excess collateral is returned by the Fund, on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities but does not receive interest income on securities received as collateral. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the standard time period for settlement of securities transactions.

As of October 31, 2019, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. government obligations. Cash collateral received was invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates and is disclosed in the schedules of investments. Any non-cash collateral received cannot be sold, re-invested or pledged by the Fund, except in the event of borrower default. The securities on loan for each Fund, if any, are also disclosed in its schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan as of October 31, 2019 and the value of the related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by a fund under Master Securities Lending Agreements (each, an “MSLA”) which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate a net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. In the event that a borrower defaults, the fund, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the collateral is typically greater than the market value of the securities loaned, leaving the lender with a net amount payable to the defaulting party. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of an MSLA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Under the MSLA, absent an event of default, the borrower can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities, and the fund can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities.

 

 

50    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

The following table is a summary of the securities lending agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of October 31, 2019:

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty    
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a)  
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
 
 
     Net Amount  

Dow Jones U.S.

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 1,208,316      $ 1,208,316     $  —      $  

Barclays Capital Inc.

    2,138,471        2,138,471               

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    580,921        580,921               

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

    117,088        117,088               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    983,482        983,482               

Citadel Clearing LLC

    212,429        201,956              (10,473 )(b) 

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    4,920,553        4,920,553               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    252,970        252,970               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    95,293        95,293               

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    239,752        239,752               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    3,023,240        3,023,240               

HSBC Bank PLC

    721,380        721,380               

ING Financial Markets LLC

    48,354        48,354               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    2,858,716        2,858,716               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    2,383,291        2,383,291               

National Financial Services LLC

    88,150        88,150               

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

    30,757        30,757               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    430,326        430,326               

TD Prime Services LLC

    193,603        193,603               

UBS AG

    287,358        287,358               

UBS Securities LLC

    375,020        375,020               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    548,444        548,444               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $  21,737,914      $  21,727,441     $      $  (10,473
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Transportation Average

         

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

  $ 1,374,160      $ 1,374,160     $      $  

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    1,862,450        1,862,450               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 3,236,610      $ 3,236,610     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

U.S. Energy

         

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 50,765      $ 50,765     $  —      $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    82,501        82,501               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    625,561        625,561               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    413,953        413,953               

HSBC Bank PLC

    17,093        17,093               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    2,065,715        2,065,715               

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

    13,910        13,910               

UBS AG

    706,362        706,362               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    186,444        186,444               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 4,162,304      $ 4,162,304     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

U.S. Healthcare

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 465,332      $ 465,332     $      $  

Barclays Capital Inc.

    41,875        41,875               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    9,616,044        9,616,044               

Citadel Clearing LLC

    8,566,035        8,566,035               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    4,072,250        3,867,518              (204,732 )(b) 

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    2,933,055        2,933,055               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    4,989,971        4,989,971               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    15,732,099        15,732,099               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    8,804,214        8,804,214               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    3,525,519        3,525,519               

National Financial Services LLC

    17,800        17,800               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    1,406,807        1,406,807               

UBS Securities LLC

    847,555        847,555               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    2,660,000        2,660,000               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 63,678,556      $ 63,473,824     $      $  (204,732
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      51  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty    
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a)  
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
 
 
     Net Amount  

U.S. Technology

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 1,425,114      $ 1,425,114     $      $  

Barclays Capital Inc.

    3,868,354        3,868,354               

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    17,278,470        17,278,470               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    1,738,028        1,738,028               

Citadel Clearing LLC

    2,576,979        2,576,979               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    3,298,941        3,298,941               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    541,494        541,494               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    7,819,815        7,819,815               

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    1,599,049        1,599,049               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    13,575,732        13,575,732               

HSBC Bank PLC

    684,259        676,931              (7,328 )(b) 

Jefferies LLC

    667,833        667,833               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    56,295,727        56,295,727               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    10,421,551        10,421,551               

RBC Capital Markets LLC

    394,558        394,558               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    49,441        49,441               

UBS AG

    11,596,430        11,596,430               

UBS Securities LLC

    1,270,828        1,270,828               

Virtu Americas LLC

    3,276,286        3,276,286               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    2,216,779        2,216,779               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    810,228        810,228               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 141,405,896      $ 141,398,568     $      $ (7,328
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received in excess of the market value of securities on loan is not presented in this table. The total cash collateral received by each Fund is disclosed in the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities.

 
  (b) 

Additional collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day in accordance with the MSLA. The net amount would be subject to the borrower default indemnity in the event of default by a counterparty.

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). BlackRock’s indemnity allows for full replacement of the securities loaned to the extent the collateral received does not cover the value of the securities loaned in the event of borrower default. Each Fund could incur a loss if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the market value of the loaned securities or if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the original cash collateral received. Such losses are borne entirely by each Fund.

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Futures Contracts: Each Fund’s use of futures contracts is generally limited to cash equitization. This involves the use of available cash to invest in index futures contracts in order to gain exposure to the equity markets represented in or by the Fund’s underlying index and is intended to allow the Fund to better track its underlying index. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a set price on a future date. Depending on the terms of a contract, a futures contract is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date.

Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to pledge to the executing broker which holds segregated from its own assets, an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-quality debt and equity securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Securities deposited as initial margin, if any, are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, is shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Pursuant to the contract, a fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable or payable on futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the statement of operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. Losses may arise if the notional value of a futures contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument during the term of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts.

 

 

52    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory Fees: Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, BFA manages the investment of each Fund’s assets. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, BFA is responsible for substantially all expenses of the Funds, except (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions; (iii) distribution fees; (iv) the advisory fee payable to BFA; and (v) litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses (in each case as determined by a majority of the independent trustees).

For its investment advisory services to the iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee of 0.20%, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.

For its investment advisory services to each of the iShares Transportation Average, iShares U.S. Energy, iShares U.S. Healthcare, iShares U.S. Technology and iShares U.S. Utilities ETFs, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Funds, based on each Fund’s allocable portion of the aggregate of the average daily net assets of the Fund and certain other iShares funds, as follows:

 

Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets   Investment Advisory Fee  

First $10 billion

    0.48

Over $10 billion, up to and including $20 billion

    0.43  

Over $20 billion, up to and including $30 billion

    0.38  

Over $30 billion, up to and including $40 billion

    0.34  

Over $40 billion, up to and including $50 billion

    0.33  

Over $50 billion

    0.31  

Distributor: BlackRock Investments, LLC, an affiliate of BFA, is the distributor for each Fund. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, BFA is responsible for any fees or expenses for distribution services provided to the Funds.

Securities Lending: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has issued an exemptive order which permits BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), an affiliate of BFA, to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds, subject to applicable conditions. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. Each 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, or its affiliates, however, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees each Fund bears to an annual rate of 0.04% (the “collateral investment fees”). Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities. Each Fund retains a portion of securities lending income and remits the remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each Fund retains 73.5% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across all 1940 Act iShares exchange-traded funds (the “iShares ETF Complex”) in that calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

The share of securities lending income earned by each Fund is shown as securities lending income — affiliated — net in its statement of operations. For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

iShares ETF   Fees Paid
to BTC
 

Dow Jones U.S.

  $ 18,233  

Transportation Average

    4,844  

U.S. Energy

    7,490  

U.S. Healthcare

    33,903  

U.S. Technology

    77,454  

U.S. Utilities

    46  

Officers and Trustees: Certain officers and/or trustees of the Trust are officers and/or trustees of BlackRock or its affiliates.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      53  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Other Transactions: Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which BFA (or an affiliate) serves as investment adviser. At its regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most recent calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth by Rule 17a-7.

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, transactions executed by the Funds pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales     

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

 

Dow Jones U.S.

  $ 4,839,829      $ 2,735,232      $ (2,007,836

U.S. Energy

    6,514,862        5,324,578        (25,328,994

U.S. Healthcare

    4,158,253        9,698,239        (5,753,825

U.S. Technology

    93,509,190        124,008,915        (1,039,878

U.S. Utilities

    1,710,760        6,361,273        (370,504

Each Fund may invest its positive cash balances in certain money market funds managed by BFA or an affiliate. The income earned on these temporary cash investments is shown as dividends — affiliated in the statement of operations.

A fund, in order to improve its portfolio liquidity and its ability to track its underlying index, may invest in shares of other iShares funds that invest in securities in the fund’s underlying index.

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investments, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

Dow Jones U.S.

  $ 30,519,713      $ 31,666,405  

Transportation Average

    83,886,374        84,430,055  

U.S. Energy

    40,004,758        24,592,554  

U.S. Healthcare

    34,761,811        39,539,199  

U.S. Technology

    402,489,011        398,824,496  

U.S. Utilities

    22,217,536        24,885,451  

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF  

In-kind

Purchases

    

In-kind

Sales

 

Dow Jones U.S.

  $      $ 57,823,037  

Transportation Average

    987,855,346        1,035,658,532  

U.S. Energy

    16,727,993        117,742,275  

U.S. Healthcare

    123,362,164        275,724,525  

U.S. Technology

    376,283,358        468,150,183  

U.S. Utilities

    252,563,650        151,532,101  

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions applicable to regulated investment companies, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to annually distribute substantially all of its ordinary income and any net capital gains (taking into account any capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income and excise taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of October 31, 2019, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Funds’ financial statements.

As of April 30, 2019, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Non-Expiring  

Dow Jones U.S.

  $ 6,983,354  

Transportation Average

    22,874,992  

U.S. Energy

    67,361,454  

U.S. Healthcare

    16,222,698  

U.S. Technology

    1,831,034  

U.S. Utilities

    34,419,441  

 

 

54    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

As of October 31, 2019, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost of investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Tax Cost      Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
     Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Dow Jones U.S.

  $ 757,988,865      $ 534,872,017      $ (58,777,160   $ 476,094,857  

Transportation Average

    595,511,919        4,640,794        (86,663,959     (82,023,165

U.S. Energy

    924,440,475        11,389,764        (347,097,551     (335,707,787

U.S. Healthcare

    2,058,981,544        246,344,264        (189,387,791     56,956,473  

U.S. Technology

    3,477,561,696        1,135,747,393        (119,226,162     1,016,521,231  

U.S. Utilities

    891,840,501        112,683,955        (19,825,699     92,858,256  

 

9.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, each Fund invests in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject the Fund to various risks, including, among others, fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of an issuer to meet all of its obligations. The value of securities or other instruments may also be affected by various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the general economy; (ii) the overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; or (iv) currency, interest rate or price fluctuations. Each Fund’s prospectus provides details of the risks to which the Fund is subject.

BFA uses a “passive” or index approach to try to achieve each Fund’s investment objective following the securities included in its underlying index during upturns as well as downturns. BFA does not take steps to reduce market exposure or to lessen the effects of a declining market. Divergence from the underlying index and the composition of the portfolio is monitored by BFA.

Market Risk: Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss a fund may suffer through holding market positions in the face of market movements. A fund is exposed to market risk by its investment in equity, fixed income and/or financial derivative instruments or by its investment in underlying funds. The fair value of securities held by a fund may decline due to general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuers of the securities including local, regional or global political, social or economic instability or to factors that affect a particular industry or group of industries. The extent of a fund’s exposure to market risk is the market value of the investments held as shown in the fund’s schedule of investments.

Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of debt instruments or the counterparty to a financial transaction, including derivatives contracts, repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities, is unable or unwilling to make timely interest and/or principal payments or to otherwise honor its obligations. BFA and its affiliates manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose a fund to issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of a fund’s exposure to credit and counterparty risks with respect to those financial assets is approximated by their value recorded in its statement of assets and liabilities.

Concentration Risk: A diversified portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with a fund’s objectives, minimizes the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of a fund. The investment concentrations within each Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its schedule of investments.

When a fund concentrates its investments in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors, it assumes the risk that economic, regulatory, political and social conditions affecting such sectors may have a significant impact on the fund and could affect the income from, or the value or liquidity of, the fund’s portfolio.

 

10.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Capital shares are issued and redeemed by each Fund only in aggregations of a specified number of shares or multiples thereof (“Creation Units”) at NAV. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of each Fund are not redeemable.

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
10/31/19
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Dow Jones U.S.

       

Shares sold

        $       300,000     $ 40,550,528  

Shares redeemed

    (400,000     (58,437,249     (350,000     (45,895,995
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (400,000   $ (58,437,249     (50,000   $ (5,345,467
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      55  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended
10/31/19
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Transportation Average

       

Shares sold

    5,350,000     $ 990,075,400       7,700,000     $ 1,458,010,287  

Shares redeemed

    (5,600,000     (1,038,081,975     (9,050,000     (1,703,510,819
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (250,000   $ (48,006,575     (1,350,000   $ (245,500,532
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Energy

       

Shares sold

    500,000     $ 16,784,052       6,800,000     $ 258,856,680  

Shares redeemed

    (3,600,000     (118,187,922     (11,750,000     (448,475,886
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (3,100,000   $ (101,403,870     (4,950,000   $ (189,619,206
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Healthcare

       

Shares sold

    650,000     $ 123,664,333       5,250,000     $ 1,003,555,231  

Shares redeemed

    (1,450,000     (276,534,700     (4,450,000     (841,507,477
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase(decrease)

    (800,000   $ (152,870,367     800,000     $ 162,047,754  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Technology

       

Shares sold

    1,900,000     $ 381,088,987       5,350,000     $ 963,998,733  

Shares redeemed

    (2,400,000     (471,413,359     (8,350,000     (1,507,802,148
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (500,000   $ (90,324,372     (3,000,000   $ (543,803,415
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Utilities

       

Shares sold

    1,650,000     $ 253,584,952       3,050,000     $ 419,326,483  

Shares redeemed

    (1,000,000     (152,103,791     (2,250,000     (307,872,075
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    650,000     $ 101,481,161       800,000     $ 111,454,408  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The consideration for the purchase of Creation Units of a fund in the Trust generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities and a specified amount of cash. Certain funds in the Trust may be offered in Creation Units solely or partially for cash in U.S. dollars. Investors purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay a purchase transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee directly to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s administrator, to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units, including Creation Units for cash. Investors transacting in Creation Units for cash may also pay an additional variable charge to compensate the relevant fund for certain transaction costs (i.e., stamp taxes, taxes on currency or other financial transactions, and brokerage costs) and market impact expenses relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable charges, if any, are included in shares sold in the table above.

From time to time, settlement of securities related to in-kind contributions or in-kind redemptions may be delayed. In such cases, securities related to in-kind transactions are reflected as a receivable or a payable in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

11.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On June 16, 2016, investors 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 U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF and iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF) filed a class action lawsuit against iShares Trust, BlackRock, Inc. and certain of its advisory affiliates, and certain directors/trustees and officers of the Funds (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 the Plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice. Plaintiffs have appealed the court’s decision. The appeal was fully briefed on January 18, 2019, and a hearing on Plaintiffs’ appeal took place on November 19, 2019.

Certain iShares funds (the “Impacted Funds”), along with thousands of other former shareholders of Tribune Company (“Tribune”), were named as defendants in one or more lawsuits (the “Litigation”) arising out of Tribune’s 2007 leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”). The Litigation seeks to “claw back” from former Tribune shareholders, including the Impacted Funds, proceeds received in connection with the LBO. The iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF received proceeds of $118,354 in the LBO. The claims that were originally brought against the Impacted Funds were dismissed but are currently subject to appeals in multiple appellate courts. The outcome of these appeals could result in new claims being brought against the Impacted Funds and/or previously dismissed claims being revived and subject to continuing litigation. The Impacted Funds intend to vigorously defend the Litigation.

 

12.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring adjustment or additional disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

56    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

I. iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the Fund’s Peer Group. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Fund and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Fund, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      57  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

and its affiliates from the Fund’s operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Fund. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Fund’s profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Fund did not provide for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded ETF, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

II. iShares Transportation Average ETF, iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its

 

 

58    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      59  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for each Fund already provided for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of each Fund, on an aggregated basis with the assets of certain other iShares funds, increase. The Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding new or revised breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

III. iShares U.S. Energy ETF, iShares U.S. Technology ETF, iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees

 

 

60    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

(the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      61  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for each Fund already provided for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of each Fund, on an aggregated basis with the assets of certain other iShares funds, increase. The Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding new or revised breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

 

 

62    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Supplemental Information  (unaudited)

 

Section 19(a) Notices

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are estimates and are being provided pursuant to regulatory requirements and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each fund’s investment experience during the year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV each calendar year that will inform them how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

 

     Total Cumulative Distributions
for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
    % Breakdown of the Total Cumulative
Distributions for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
 
iShares ETF   Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
    Return of
Capital
    Total Per
Share
    Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
    Return of
Capital
    Total Per
Share
 

Dow Jones U.S.(a)

  $ 1.401386     $     $ 0.022790     $ 1.424176       98     —      2     100

 

  (a) 

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the shareholder’s investment in the Fund is returned to the shareholder. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income”. When distributions exceed total return performance, the difference will incrementally reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share.

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION      63  


General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for email notifications announcing that the shareholder report or prospectus has been posted on the iShares website at iShares.com. Once you have enrolled, you will no longer receive prospectuses and shareholder reports in the mail.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

 

   

Go to icsdelivery.com.

   

If your brokerage firm is not listed, electronic delivery may not be available. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial advisor.

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.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The iShares Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The iShares Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. The iShares Funds also disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings on a daily basis on the iShares website at iShares.com.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Proxy Voting Records

A description of the policies and procedures that the iShares Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information about how the iShares Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30 is available without charge, upon request (1) by calling toll-free 1-800-474-2737; (2) on the iShares website at iShares.com; and (3) on the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

 

64    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations — Equity

NVS    Non-Voting Shares
 

 

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT      65  


 

Want to know more?

iShares.com    |     1-800-474-2737

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, nor does this company make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the company listed above.

©2019 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

iS-SAR-401-1019

 

 

LOGO    LOGO


 

LOGO   OCTOBER 31, 2019

 

  

2019 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF   |  IYM  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF  |  IYK  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF  |  IYC  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF  |  IYG  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Financials ETF  |  IYF  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares U.S. Industrials ETF  |  IYJ  |  Cboe BZX

·  

iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF  |  DSI  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF  |  SUSA  |  NYSE Arca

 

 

 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of each 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.

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.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive electronic delivery of shareholder reports and other communications by contacting your financial intermediary. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service.


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

Fund Summary

     3  

About Fund Performance

     11  

Shareholder Expenses

     11  

Schedules of Investments

     12  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     44  

Statements of Operations

     46  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     48  

Financial Highlights

     52  

Notes to Financial Statements

     60  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     69  

Supplemental Information

     77  

General Information

     78  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     79  

 

 

       


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019     iShares® U.S. Basic Materials ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the basic materials sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (0.84 )%       6.08      3.72      7.63       6.08      20.06      108.58

Fund Market

    (0.79      6.13        3.73        7.63         6.13        20.12        108.60  

Index

    (0.63      6.54        4.13        8.08               6.54        22.41        117.49  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 991.60        $ 2.15             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.00        $ 2.19          0.43

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Chemicals

    83.3

Metals & Mining

    16.2  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.5  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Linde PLC

    17.8

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    8.2  

Ecolab Inc.

    8.0  

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    7.8  

Dow Inc.

    6.3  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

    4.8  

PPG Industries Inc.

    4.7  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    3.9  

Corteva Inc.

    3.3  

Nucor Corp.

    2.7  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      3  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the consumer goods sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Goods IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    4.22      11.53      6.86      11.70       11.53      39.36      202.41

Fund Market

    4.26        11.56        6.87        11.71         11.56        39.38        202.65  

Index

    4.41        11.98        7.30        12.20               11.98        42.23        216.04  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
   


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 1,042.20        $ 2.21             $ 1,000.00     $ 1,023.00        $ 2.19          0.43

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Food, Beverage & Tobacco

    45.7

Household & Personal Products

    22.7  

Consumer Durables & Apparel

    15.6  

Automobiles & Components

    8.7  

Media & Entertainment

    4.1  

Capital Goods

    1.3  

Retailing

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.9  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    13.9

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    9.3  

PepsiCo Inc.

    8.6  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    5.6  

NIKE Inc., Class B

    5.0  

Altria Group Inc.

    3.7  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    3.4  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    2.6  

General Motors Co.

    2.1  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    2.0  
 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

4    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019     iShares® U.S. Consumer Services ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the consumer services sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Capped (TR) IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    1.67      13.87      12.56      16.95       13.87      80.69      378.52

Fund Market

    1.72        13.88        12.57        16.95         13.88        80.75        378.79  

Index(a)

    1.91        14.76        13.05        17.46         14.76        84.66        399.95  

Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Total Return Index

    0.88        13.59        12.82        17.34         13.59        82.79        394.89  

Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Capped (TR) IndexTM(b)

    2.12        N/A        N/A        N/A               N/A        N/A        N/A  

 

  (a) 

Index performance through June 23, 2019 reflects the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Total Return Index. Index performance beginning on June 24, 2019 reflects the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Capped (TR) IndexTM, which, effective as of June 24, 2019, replaced Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Total Return Index as the underlying index of the fund.

 
  (b) 

The inception date of the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Services Capped (TR) IndexTM was April 15, 2019.

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$  1,000.00        $  1,016.70        $  2.18             $  1,000.00        $  1,023.00        $  2.19          0.43

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Retailing

    38.9

Media & Entertainment

    22.8  

Consumer Services

    19.0  

Food & Staples Retailing

    12.3  

Transportation

    4.1  

Commercial & Professional Services

    1.8  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.1  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Amazon. com Inc.

    9.9

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    7.6  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    4.9  

Walmart Inc.

    4.6  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    4.4  

McDonald’s Corp.

    4.3  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    4.1  

Netflix Inc.

    4.0  

Starbucks Corp.

    3.2  

Booking Holdings Inc.

    2.8  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      5  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Financial Services ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the financial services sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Financial Services IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    4.54      14.25      11.38      11.81       14.25      71.40      205.33

Fund Market

    4.60        14.26        11.39        11.80         14.26        71.51        205.16  

Index

    4.76        14.76        11.85        12.30               14.76        75.04        218.88  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$  1,000.00        $  1,045.40        $  2.21             $  1,000.00        $  1,023.00        $  2.19          0.43

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Banks

    50.3

Diversified Financials

    31.8  

Software & Services

    17.5  

Insurance

    0.4  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments


(a) 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    12.6

Visa Inc., Class A

    9.7  

Bank of America Corp.

    8.3  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    7.8  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    6.5  

Citigroup Inc.

    4.7  

U. S. Bancorp.

    2.6  

American Express Co.

    2.5  

CME Group Inc.

    2.3  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    2.2  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Financials ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Financials ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the financials sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Capped (TR) IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    5.02      15.86      10.41      11.94       15.86      64.04      208.89

Fund Market

    5.08        15.89        10.42        11.94         15.89        64.16        208.92  

Index(a)

    5.23        16.33        10.85        12.40         16.33        67.36        221.99  

Dow Jones U.S. Financials Total Return Index

    5.24        16.34        10.85        12.41         16.34        67.37        222.01  

Dow Jones U.S. Financials Capped (TR) IndexTM(b)

    5.28        N/A        N/A        N/A               N/A        N/A        N/A  

 

  (a) 

Index performance through June 23, 2019 reflects the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Total Return Index. Index performance beginning on June 24, 2019 reflects the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Capped (TR) IndexTM, which, effective as of June 24, 2019, replaced Dow Jones U.S. Financials Total Return Index as the underlying index of the fund.

 
  (b) 

The inception date of the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Capped (TR) IndexTM was April 15, 2019.

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 1,050.20        $ 2.22             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.00        $ 2.19          0.43

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Banks

    28.5

Diversified Financials

    26.4  

Real Estate

    20.9  

Insurance

    13.7  

Software & Services

    9.9  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.6  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B

    7.4

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    7.1  

Visa Inc., Class A

    5.5  

Bank of America Corp.

    4.7  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    4.4  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    3.7  

Citigroup Inc.

    2.9  

American Tower Corp.

    1.7  

U. S. Bancorp.

    1.5  

American Express Co.

    1.4  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      7  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Industrials ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Industrials ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the industrials sector, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Industrials IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    1.96      16.54      10.47      14.48       16.54      64.54      286.72

Fund Market

    1.98        16.57        10.48        14.49         16.57        64.58        286.98  

Index

    2.15        17.03        10.95        15.00               17.03        68.16        304.55  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 1,019.60        $ 2.18             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.00        $ 2.19          0.43

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Capital Goods

    52.8

Software & Services

    18.2  

Transportation

    11.8  

Materials

    6.1  

Commercial & Professional Services

    5.6  

Technology Hardware & Equipment

    5.2  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences

    0.3  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Boeing Co. (The)

    5.0

Honeywell International Inc.

    3.4  

PayPal Holdings Inc.

    3.4  

Accenture PLC, Class A.

    3.2  

Union Pacific Corp.

    3.2  

United Technologies Corp.

    3.2  

3M Co.

    2.6  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    2.6  

General Electric Co.

    2.4  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    2.2  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

8    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. companies that have positive environmental, social and governance characteristics, as represented by the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index (the “Index”). The index excludes companies involved in tobacco, alcohol, gambling, controversial weapons, civilian firearms, nuclear weapons, conventional weapons, nuclear power, adult entertainment and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    3.84      16.66      10.19      12.79       16.66      62.46      233.21

Fund Market

    3.91        16.68        10.20        12.80         16.68        62.49        233.45  

Index

    3.97        17.00        10.67        13.32               17.00        65.99        249.27  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 1,038.40        $ 1.28             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.90        $ 1.27          0.25

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Information Technology

    27.1

Communication Services

    14.2  

Health Care

    11.1  

Industrials

    9.4  

Consumer Discretionary

    9.3  

Financials

    9.1  

Consumer Staples

    7.4  

Real Estate

    4.0  

Energy

    3.2  

Materials

    3.1  

Utilities

    2.1  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Microsoft Corp.

    7.7

Facebook Inc., Class A

    3.4  

Alphabet Inc., Class C

    2.9  

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    2.8  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    2.3  

Visa Inc., Class A

    2.3  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    1.9  

Intel Corp.

    1.9  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    1.9  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    1.9  
 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      9  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. companies that have positive environmental, social and governance characteristics, as represented by the MSCI USA Extended ESG Select Index (the “Index”). The index further excludes companies whose primary revenue is derived from alcohol, gambling, nuclear power, conventional and controversial weapons and civilian firearms. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    3.95      15.56      10.18      12.47       15.56      62.39      223.89

Fund Market

    3.96        15.50        10.19        12.48         15.50        62.41        224.22  

Index

    4.09        15.87        10.65        13.00               15.87        65.90        239.40  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(10/31/19)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 1,039.50        $ 1.28             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.90        $ 1.27          0.25

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Information Technology

    25.1

Health Care

    12.8  

Industrials

    10.7  

Financials

    10.0  

Consumer Staples

    9.2  

Consumer Discretionary

    8.3  

Communication Services

    7.3  

Materials

    5.1  

Real Estate

    4.7  

Utilities

    3.8  

Energy

    3.0  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Microsoft Corp.

    5.0

Apple Inc.

    4.4  

Ecolab Inc.

    4.2  

Accenture PLC, Class A

    2.8  

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    2.6  

3M Co.

    2.3  

salesforce. com Inc.

    2.1  

BlackRock Inc.

    2.1  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    2.0  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1.8  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

10    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end is available at iShares.com. Performance results assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Performance for certain funds may reflect a waiver of a portion of investment advisory fees. Without such a waiver, performance would have been lower.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest ask on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV, respectively.

An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike a fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by a fund. These expenses negatively impact fund performance. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower.

Shareholder Expenses

As a shareholder of your Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense example, which is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period (or from the commencement of operations if less than 6 months) and held through the end of the period, is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars and cents) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds.

Actual Expenses – The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee

waivers, if any. To estimate the expenses that you paid on your account over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes – The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on your Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

ABOUT FUND PERFORMANCE / SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES      11  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Basic Materials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Chemicals — 83.2%  

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    130,057     $ 27,735,956  

Albemarle Corp.

    63,385       3,850,005  

Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

    36,413       2,817,274  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    124,302       3,665,666  

Cabot Corp.

    35,359       1,541,299  

Celanese Corp.

    73,369       8,888,654  

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

    129,862       5,889,242  

Chemours Co. (The)

    99,884       1,639,096  

Corteva Inc.(a)

    443,266       11,693,357  

Dow Inc.(a)

    438,900       22,160,061  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    439,982       28,999,214  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    81,465       6,194,599  

Ecolab Inc.

    147,756       28,379,495  

Element Solutions Inc.(a)

    138,642       1,505,652  

FMC Corp.

    77,484       7,089,786  

HB Fuller Co.

    31,193       1,522,218  

Huntsman Corp.

    122,951       2,720,906  

Ingevity Corp.(a)

    25,363       2,135,818  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    63,377       7,732,628  

Linde PLC

    318,690       63,212,161  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    152,685       13,695,845  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    212,058       4,215,713  

NewMarket Corp.

    4,472       2,171,111  

Olin Corp.

    99,856       1,831,359  

PolyOne Corp.

    47,125       1,510,356  

PPG Industries Inc.

    134,025       16,769,208  

RPM International Inc.

    77,188       5,590,727  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)

    23,816       2,390,888  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    25,877       1,618,865  

Valvoline Inc.

    113,670       2,425,718  

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    21,318       1,347,084  

WR Grace & Co.

    33,912       2,253,452  
   

 

 

 
      295,193,413  
Metals & Mining — 16.1%  

Alcoa Corp.(a)(b)

    112,120       2,330,975  

Allegheny Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    77,363       1,625,397  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    29,302       1,436,384  

Commercial Metals Co.

    72,578       1,402,933  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Metals & Mining (continued)  

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

    860,426     $ 8,449,383  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

    431,719       17,152,196  

Nucor Corp.

    179,649       9,674,099  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    39,762       4,613,983  

Royal Gold Inc.

    39,137       4,517,975  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    131,315       3,986,723  

U.S. Steel Corp.

    105,538       1,214,742  

Worthington Industries Inc.

    23,445       863,010  
   

 

 

 
      57,267,800  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.2%            

Peabody Energy Corp.

    50,270       529,343  
   

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products — 0.4%  

Domtar Corp.

    38,500       1,401,015  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $419,076,425)

      354,391,571  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.5%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,
2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    1,292,352       1,292,999  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
1.74%(c)(d)

    573,000       573,000  
   

 

 

 
      1,865,999  

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.5%
(Cost: $1,865,950)

      1,865,999  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.4%
(Cost: $420,942,375)

      356,257,570  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.4)%

      (1,261,757
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 354,995,813  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer
    

Shares
Held at

04/30/19

 
 

 

    
Net
Activity

 
    

Shares
Held at

10/31/19

 
 

 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       

Net
Realized
Gain (Loss)


(a) 
    

Change in
Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 

 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     608,311        684,041        1,292,352      $ 1,292,999      $ 2,917 (b)     $ 88      $ (131

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     355,680        217,320        573,000        573,000        4,676                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 1,865,999      $ 7,593      $ 88      $ (131
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

 

 

12    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Basic Materials ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
      

Expiration

Date

      

Notional

Amount

(000)

      

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

E-mini S&P Select Sector Industrial Index

     4          12/20/19        $ 315        $ 721  

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     1          12/20/19          195          2,366  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 3,087  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
    

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 3,087  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 41,801  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 3,087  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 170,127  

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 354,391,571        $             —        $             —        $ 354,391,571  

Money Market Funds

     1,865,999                            1,865,999  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 356,257,570        $        $        $ 356,257,570  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 3,087        $        $        $ 3,087  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      13  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Auto Components — 2.7%  

Adient PLC

    18,633     $ 394,833  

Aptiv PLC

    54,985       4,923,907  

Autoliv Inc.

    16,850       1,311,604  

BorgWarner Inc.

    44,323       1,847,383  

Dana Inc.

    30,888       501,312  

Gentex Corp.

    54,680       1,533,774  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    49,904       791,976  

Lear Corp.

    11,923       1,404,172  

Veoneer Inc.(a)(b)

    21,428       341,134  
   

 

 

 
      13,050,095  
Automobiles — 6.0%  

Ford Motor Co.

    841,100       7,225,049  

General Motors Co.

    269,651       10,020,231  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    33,638       1,308,855  

Tesla Inc.(a)(b)

    30,371       9,564,435  

Thor Industries Inc.

    11,818       747,607  
   

 

 

 
      28,866,177  
Beverages — 21.7%            

Boston Beer Co. Inc. (The), Class A, NVS(a)

    1,975       739,558  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B, NVS

    39,064       2,559,473  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    825,955       44,956,731  

Constellation Brands Inc., Class A

    35,893       6,831,515  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    57,362       1,615,314  

Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B

    40,317       2,125,512  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    83,029       4,660,418  

National Beverage Corp.(b)

    2,487       109,329  

PepsiCo Inc.

    300,078       41,161,699  
   

 

 

 
      104,759,549  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.1%  

Herman Miller Inc.

    12,677       589,481  
   

 

 

 
Distributors — 1.0%  

Genuine Parts Co.

    31,352       3,216,088  

Pool Corp.

    8,568       1,777,003  
   

 

 

 
      4,993,091  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.2%  

Jefferies Financial Group Inc.

    54,085       1,009,767  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 4.0%  

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    164,620       9,223,659  

Electronic Arts Inc.(a)

    63,251       6,097,396  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.(a)

    24,290       2,923,302  

Zynga Inc., Class A(a)

    202,095       1,246,926  
   

 

 

 
      19,491,283  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.6%  

Performance Food Group Co.(a)

    22,578       962,049  

U.S. Foods Holding Corp.(a)

    47,039       1,866,037  
   

 

 

 
      2,828,086  
Food Products — 14.5%  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    119,539       5,025,419  

Beyond Meat Inc.(a)(b)

    2,198       185,621  

Bunge Ltd.

    30,381       1,640,574  

Campbell Soup Co.

    36,195       1,676,190  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    104,436       2,824,994  

Darling Ingredients Inc.(a)

    35,359       682,429  

Flowers Foods Inc.

    41,310       897,253  

General Mills Inc.

    129,522       6,587,489  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Food Products (continued)  

Hain Celestial Group Inc. (The)(a)(b)

    17,151     $ 405,450  

Hershey Co. (The)

    31,971       4,695,581  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    59,593       2,436,758  

Ingredion Inc.

    14,321       1,131,359  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    24,477       2,586,729  

Kellogg Co.

    53,368       3,390,469  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    133,537       4,317,251  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    31,265       2,439,920  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    4,248       591,237  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    26,409       4,243,662  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    309,517       16,234,167  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.(a)(b)

    11,163       338,909  

Post Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    14,741       1,516,849  

Seaboard Corp.

    55       232,050  

TreeHouse Foods Inc.(a)(b)

    12,062       651,589  

Tyson Foods Inc., Class A

    63,244       5,235,971  
   

 

 

 
      69,967,920  
Household Durables — 4.6%  

DR Horton Inc.

    72,228       3,782,580  

Helen of Troy Ltd.(a)

    5,389       807,057  

Leggett & Platt Inc.

    28,216       1,447,481  

Lennar Corp., Class A

    61,039       3,637,924  

Lennar Corp., Class B

    3,296       154,978  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)(b)

    12,853       1,842,863  

Newell Brands Inc.

    81,784       1,551,442  

NVR Inc.(a)

    737       2,680,167  

PulteGroup Inc.

    55,322       2,170,835  

Tempur Sealy International Inc.(a)

    9,882       898,768  

Toll Brothers Inc.

    27,728       1,102,743  

Whirlpool Corp.

    13,634       2,074,004  
   

 

 

 
      22,150,842  
Household Products — 20.3%  

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    53,032       3,709,058  

Clorox Co. (The)

    26,987       3,985,710  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    184,147       12,632,484  

Energizer Holdings Inc.

    13,753       584,365  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    73,873       9,816,244  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    537,119       66,876,687  

Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.

    9,985       501,347  
   

 

 

 
      98,105,895  
Leisure Products — 1.2%  

Brunswick Corp./DE

    18,398       1,071,500  

Hasbro Inc.

    25,189       2,451,142  

Mattel Inc.(a)(b)

    74,159       885,458  

Polaris Inc.

    12,331       1,216,453  
   

 

 

 
      5,624,553  
Machinery — 1.3%  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    32,567       4,928,364  

WABCO Holdings Inc.(a)

    10,998       1,480,551  
   

 

 

 
      6,408,915  
Personal Products — 2.3%  

Coty Inc., Class A

    63,128       737,966  

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    47,478       8,843,727  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.(a)

    20,450       913,502  

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., Class A

    11,949       532,686  
   

 

 

 
      11,027,881  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 9.9%  

Capri Holdings Ltd.(a)

    32,532       1,010,769  
 

 

 

14    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (continued)  

Carter’s Inc.

    9,602     $ 962,504  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    6,235       563,956  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    6,198       947,674  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    77,595       1,180,220  

Levi Strauss & Co., Class A

    9,012       160,594  

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    24,265       4,956,612  

NIKE Inc., Class B

    268,677       24,060,025  

PVH Corp.

    15,913       1,386,977  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    11,126       1,068,764  

Skechers U.S.A. Inc., Class A(a)

    28,706       1,072,743  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    16,756       690,012  

Tapestry Inc.

    61,564       1,592,045  

Under Armour Inc., Class A(a)

    40,380       833,847  

Under Armour Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    41,713       771,690  

VF Corp.

    70,075       5,766,472  

Wolverine World Wide Inc.

    18,382       545,578  
   

 

 

 
      47,570,482  
Tobacco — 9.4%            

Altria Group Inc.

    400,934       17,957,834  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    333,917       27,194,200  
   

 

 

 
      45,152,034  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $490,426,397)

      481,596,051  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 2.9%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,
2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    12,858,717     $ 12,865,146  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
1.74%(c)(d)

    1,131,000       1,131,000  
   

 

 

 
      13,996,146  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.9%
(Cost: $13,993,415)

      13,996,146  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 102.7%
(Cost: $504,419,812)

      495,592,197  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (2.7)%

      (12,923,221
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 482,668,976  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at

04/30/19

 
 

 

     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at

10/31/19

 
 

 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    

Change in
Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     12,086,062        772,655        12,858,717      $ 12,865,146      $ 53,853 (b)     $ 569      $ 1,289  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     219,777        911,223        1,131,000        1,131,000        6,400                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 13,996,146      $ 60,253      $  569      $  1,289  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
      

Expiration

Date

      

Notional

Amount

(000)

      

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Consumer Staples Index

     14          12/20/19        $ 859        $ 4,110  

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     1          12/20/19          196          8,198  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 12,308  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      15  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Consumer Goods ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 12,308  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (20,763
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 12,308  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 351,607  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 481,596,051        $        $        $ 481,596,051  

Money Market Funds

     13,996,146                            13,996,146  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 495,592,197        $  —        $        $ 495,592,197  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 12,308        $        $        $ 12,308  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

16    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Consumer Services ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Airlines — 3.5%  

Alaska Air Group Inc.

    38,009   $ 2,638,965  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    4,059       679,192  

American Airlines Group Inc.

    122,326       3,677,120  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    178,640       9,839,491  

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)(b)

    91,136       1,758,925  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    149,341       8,382,510  

Spirit Airlines Inc.(a)(b)

    21,186       795,746  

United Airlines Holdings Inc.(a)

    68,208       6,196,015  
   

 

 

 
      33,967,964  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.0%  

Copart Inc.(a)

    62,240       5,143,514  

IAA Inc.(a)

   

41,102

41,318

 

 

   

1,568,041

1,027,166

 

 

KAR Auction Services Inc.

Rollins Inc.

    43,592       1,661,291  
   

 

 

 
      9,400,012  
Distributors — 0.3%            

LKQ Corp.(a)

    95,102       3,232,517  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 1.4%  

Adtalem Global Education Inc.(a)

    17,002       506,319  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.(a)

    17,956       2,666,825  

Chegg Inc.(a)(b)

    35,186       1,078,803  

frontdoor Inc.(a)

    26,203       1,263,771  

Graham Holdings Co., Class B

    1,347       848,152  

Grand Canyon Education Inc.(a)

    14,876       1,367,997  

H&R Block Inc.

    62,134       1,552,729  

Service Corp. International/U.S.

    56,243       2,557,931  

ServiceMaster Global Holdings Inc.(a)

    41,887       1,691,397  
   

 

 

 
      13,533,924  
Entertainment — 10.1%            

Cinemark Holdings Inc.

               33,002       1,207,873  

Liberty Media Corp. — Liberty Formula One, Class A(a)

    7,949       321,378  

Liberty Media Corp. — Liberty Formula One, Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    62,571       2,659,268  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class A

    17,144       136,981  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class B, NVS

    33,039       247,462  

Live Nation Entertainment Inc.(a)

    42,904       3,024,732  

Madison Square Garden Co. (The), Class A(a)(b)

    5,299       1,414,409  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    135,162       38,846,910  

Viacom Inc., Class A

    2,760       65,936  

Viacom Inc., Class B, NVS

    109,182       2,353,964  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    370,516       48,137,439  

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Class A

    14,722       825,021  
   

 

 

 
      99,241,373  
Food & Staples Retailing — 12.2%            

Casey’s General Stores Inc.

    11,351       1,938,864  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    135,764       40,336,842  

Kroger Co. (The)

    246,593       6,076,052  

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.(a)

    36,563       709,688  

Sysco Corp.

    158,420       12,653,006  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    234,195       12,829,202  

Walmart Inc.

    384,905       45,133,960  
   

 

 

 
         119,677,614  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.9%  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    46,950       4,008,591  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    92,035       4,551,131  
   

 

 

 
      8,559,722  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 17.6%            

Aramark

    76,201     $ 3,334,556  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    24,770       674,982  

Caesars Entertainment Corp.(a)

    171,225       2,102,643  

Carnival Corp.

    123,608       5,301,547  

Cheesecake Factory Inc. (The)

    12,711       531,193  

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.(a)

    7,873       6,126,454  

Choice Hotels International Inc.

    9,827       869,493  

Churchill Downs Inc.

    10,972       1,426,250  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

    7,444       1,157,542  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    37,914       4,256,605  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    12,729       3,457,451  

Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc.

    25,484       2,003,552  

Extended Stay America Inc.

    58,324       828,784  

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.(a)(b)

    26,595       923,644  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    88,553       8,586,099  

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A

    11,639       869,899  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    104,561       6,466,052  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A

    84,390       10,679,554  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    11,992       1,318,281  

McDonald’s Corp.

    212,448       41,788,522  

MGM Resorts International

    160,968       4,587,588  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    66,556       3,378,383  

Planet Fitness Inc., Class A(a)

    25,844       1,645,229  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    53,048       5,773,214  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    24,285       1,024,584  

Starbucks Corp.

    369,520       31,246,611  

Texas Roadhouse Inc.

    20,244       1,143,786  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    12,402       2,881,853  

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    57,022       1,207,726  

Wyndham Destinations Inc.

    28,550       1,325,005  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    29,667       1,601,128  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    29,892       3,627,095  

Yum! Brands Inc.

    93,934       9,554,027  
   

 

 

 
      171,699,332   
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%            

Pinterest Inc., Class A(a)

               26,781       673,274  

TripAdvisor Inc.(a)(b)

    32,344       1,306,698  

Yelp Inc.(a)(b)

    20,009       690,511  
   

 

 

 
      2,670,483  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 13.5%        

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    54,437       96,716,040  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    13,160       26,961,813  

Expedia Group Inc.

    43,171       5,899,749  

Qurate Retail Inc., Series A(a)(b)

    120,286       1,147,529  

Wayfair Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    19,990       1,643,778  
   

 

 

 
         132,368,909  
IT Services — 0.1%            

LiveRamp Holdings Inc.(a)

    20,938       818,466  
   

 

 

 
Media — 12.3%            

Altice USA Inc., Class A(a)

    95,299       2,949,504  

AMC Networks Inc., Class A(a)

    13,671       595,372  

Cable One Inc.

    1,545       2,047,697  

CBS Corp., Class B, NVS

    101,018       3,640,689  

Charter Communications Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    49,911       23,351,360  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    962,428       43,136,023  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    48,922       1,318,692  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    107,003       2,700,756  

DISH Network Corp., Class A(a)

    74,194       2,550,790  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      17  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Consumer Services ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Media (continued)  

Fox Corp., Class A, NVS

    109,415     $ 3,505,656  

Fox Corp., Class B(a)

    49,957       1,560,657  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    119,408       2,597,124  

John Wiley & Sons Inc., Class A

    13,631       627,980  

Liberty Broadband Corp., Class A(a)

    7,509       885,987  

Liberty Broadband Corp., Class C,
NVS(a)(b)

    47,145       5,566,410  

Liberty Global PLC, Class A(a)

    50,504       1,270,176  

Liberty Global PLC, Class C, NVS(a)

    126,989       3,031,227  

Liberty Latin America Ltd., Class A(a)(b)

    13,967       261,043  

Liberty Latin America Ltd.,
Class C, NVS(a)

    35,266       649,247  

Liberty Media Corp. — Liberty SiriusXM, Class A(a)

    25,793       1,158,364  

Liberty Media Corp. — Liberty SiriusXM,
Class C, NVS(a)

    46,754       2,112,813  

Meredith Corp.

    12,403       467,593  

New York Times Co. (The), Class A(b)

    44,404       1,372,083  

News Corp., Class A, NVS

    118,684       1,627,158  

News Corp., Class B

    37,697       532,282  

Nexstar Media Group Inc., Class A

    14,273       1,388,620  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    67,153       5,183,540  

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Class A

    20,639       822,258  

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

    425,461       2,859,098  

TEGNA Inc.

    67,068       1,008,032  
   

 

 

 
         120,778,231  
Multiline Retail — 4.5%            

Dollar General Corp.

    79,359       12,724,422  

Dollar Tree Inc.(a)

    73,048       8,064,499  

Kohl’s Corp.

    49,060       2,514,815  

Macy’s Inc.

    95,626       1,449,690  

Nordstrom Inc.

    32,852       1,179,387  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    16,928       1,081,361  

Target Corp.

    157,726       16,862,487  
   

 

 

 
      43,876,661  
Professional Services — 0.9%            

IHS Markit Ltd.(a)

             123,821       8,669,946  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 0.6%            

AMERCO

    2,489       1,008,145  

Avis Budget Group Inc.(a)

    18,114       538,167  

Lyft Inc., Class A(a)

    61,339       2,541,888  

Uber Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    62,851       1,979,806  
   

 

 

 
      6,068,006  
Specialty Retail — 20.5%            

Aaron’s Inc.(b)

    20,910       1,566,786  

Advance Auto Parts Inc.(b)

    22,036       3,580,409  

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

    49,165       756,158  

AutoNation Inc.(a)

    18,203       925,622  

AutoZone Inc.(a)

    7,572       8,665,245  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    71,603       5,143,243  

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)

    20,458       3,931,414  

CarMax Inc.(a)

    51,116       4,762,478  

Carvana Co.(a)(b)

    15,407       1,249,200  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Specialty Retail (continued)            

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc.

    20,396     $ 794,016  

Five Below Inc.(a)

    17,155       2,146,262  

Floor & Decor Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    21,277       975,125  

Foot Locker Inc.

    33,960       1,477,600  

Gap Inc. (The)

    66,196       1,076,347  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    316,280       74,192,962  

L Brands Inc.

    71,650       1,220,916  

Lithia Motors Inc., Class A

    6,939       1,092,754  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    238,258       26,591,975  

Murphy USA Inc.(a)

    9,277       1,094,037  

National Vision Holdings Inc.(a)

    24,240       576,912  

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.(a)

    23,619       10,286,311  

Penske Automotive Group Inc.

    10,419       507,614  

Ross Stores Inc.

    112,583       12,346,978  

Tiffany & Co.

    33,518       4,173,326  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    373,202       21,515,095  

Tractor Supply Co.

    36,812       3,497,876  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc.(a)

    18,167       4,235,636  

Urban Outfitters Inc.(a)

    21,674       622,044  

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

    24,058       1,606,834  
   

 

 

 
      200,611,175  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.1%  

Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.(a)

    21,206       658,234  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $907,734,109)

 

    975,832,569  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 4.9%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

        45,895,111       45,918,059  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

1.74%(c)(d)

    2,067,000       2,067,000  
   

 

 

 
      47,985,059  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 4.9%
(Cost: $47,983,686)

 

    47,985,059  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 104.7%
(Cost: $955,717,795)

 

    1,023,817,628  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (4.7)%

      (45,773,647
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 978,043,981  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

 

 

18    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Consumer Services ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at

04/30/19

 
 

 

     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at

10/31/19

 
 

 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    

Change in
Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     29,031,428        16,863,683        45,895,111      $ 45,918,059      $ 61,670 (b)     $ 3,501      $ (109

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     1,029,637        1,037,363        2,067,000        2,067,000        14,064                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 47,985,059      $ 75,734      $ 3,501      $ (109
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
      

Expiration

Date

      

Notional

Amount

(000)

      

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Consumer Discretionary Index

     12          12/20/19        $ 1,464        $ (8,786

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     4          12/20/19          607          10,027  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 1,241  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 10,027  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 8,786  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 47,302  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,241  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 690,387  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      19  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Consumer Services ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 975,832,569        $             —        $             —        $ 975,832,569  

Money Market Funds

     47,985,059                            47,985,059  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,023,817,628        $        $        $ 1,023,817,628  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 10,027        $        $        $ 10,027  

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

     (8,786                          (8,786
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,241        $        $        $ 1,241  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financial Services ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Banks — 49.3%  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    65,758     $ 1,322,393  

BancorpSouth Bank

    38,171       1,170,705  

Bank of America Corp.

    3,274,843           102,404,341  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    16,429       1,434,416  

Bank OZK

    48,924       1,372,807  

BankUnited Inc.

    38,554       1,322,402  

BB&T Corp.

    300,270       15,929,324  

BOK Financial Corp.

    13,093       1,010,125  

Cathay General Bancorp.

    30,931       1,100,216  

CIT Group Inc.

    38,108       1,634,452  

Citigroup Inc.

    807,194       58,004,961  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    175,994       6,187,949  

Comerica Inc.

    59,072       3,864,490  

Commerce Bancshares Inc.

    39,340       2,531,922  

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    22,805       2,054,274  

East West Bancorp. Inc.

    57,977       2,488,373  

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    287,104       8,348,984  

First Citizens BancShares Inc./NC, Class A

    3,490       1,716,801  

First Financial Bankshares Inc.

    54,488       1,813,361  

First Hawaiian Inc.

    53,863       1,472,076  

First Horizon National Corp.

    125,108       1,997,975  

First Republic Bank/CA

    66,159       7,036,671  

FNB Corp.

    130,920       1,578,895  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    67,705       1,155,047  

Glacier Bancorp. Inc.

    33,262       1,407,648  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    36,673       1,430,247  

Home BancShares Inc./AR

    63,251       1,168,878  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    408,796       5,776,287  

IBERIABANK Corp.

    21,224       1,557,629  

International Bancshares Corp.

    23,765       973,414  

Investors Bancorp. Inc.

    91,614       1,103,949  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,249,744       156,118,021  

KeyCorp.

    394,512       7,089,381  

M&T Bank Corp.

    52,538       8,223,773  

PacWest Bancorp.

    47,480       1,756,285  

People’s United Financial Inc.

    176,057       2,846,842  

Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.

    29,073       1,710,074  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    173,979       25,522,719  

Popular Inc.

    38,641       2,104,389  

Prosperity Bancshares Inc.

    37,695       2,601,709  

Regions Financial Corp.

    392,696       6,322,406  

Signature Bank/New York NY

    21,793       2,578,548  

Sterling Bancorp./DE

    82,569       1,622,481  

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    174,141       11,900,796  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    20,344       4,505,789  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    61,714       2,090,253  

TCF Financial Corp.

    61,174       2,421,879  

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.(a)

    20,469       1,106,554  

Trustmark Corp.

    26,459       908,073  

U.S. Bancorp.

    561,123       31,995,233  

UMB Financial Corp.

    17,579       1,147,206  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    89,074       1,409,151  

United Bankshares Inc./WV

    41,031       1,622,366  

Valley National Bancorp.

    133,768       1,549,033  

Webster Financial Corp.

    37,070       1,634,787  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    1,567,569       80,933,587  

Western Alliance Bancorp.

    38,228       1,885,787  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    22,895       1,461,159  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Banks (continued)  

Zions Bancorp. N.A.

    70,115     $ 3,398,474  
   

 

 

 
          610,837,767  
Capital Markets — 25.0%            

Affiliated Managers Group Inc.

    20,384       1,628,274  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    51,458       7,764,498  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    336,230       15,718,752  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    45,876      

21,180,949

13,784,229

 

 

Blackstone Group Inc. (The), Class A

    259,297  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    44,043       5,071,551  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    455,722       18,552,443  

CME Group Inc.

    140,160       28,837,920  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    89,756       3,750,903  

Eaton Vance Corp., NVS

    45,225       2,062,260  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    16,244       1,196,208  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    15,133       3,836,518  

Federated Investors Inc., Class B

    39,110       1,249,173  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    111,920       3,083,396  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    126,655       27,025,644  

Interactive Brokers Group Inc., Class A

    31,003       1,474,813  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    219,473       20,700,693  

Invesco Ltd.

    153,388       2,579,986  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    61,763       1,428,578  

Lazard Ltd., Class A

    51,971       1,940,077  

Legg Mason Inc.

    33,096       1,233,157  

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

    32,744       2,647,025  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    14,887       5,487,199  

Moody’s Corp.

    63,788       14,077,374  

Morgan Stanley

    491,798       22,647,298  

Morningstar Inc.

    8,329       1,347,965  

MSCI Inc.

    33,292       7,808,972  

Nasdaq Inc.

    45,521       4,541,630  

Northern Trust Corp.

    84,450       8,417,976  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    48,842       4,077,819  

S&P Global Inc.

    96,431       24,878,234  

SEI Investments Co.

    50,356       3,017,332  

State Street Corp.

    146,301       9,666,107  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    28,038       1,569,567  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    92,446       10,705,247  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    106,218       4,076,647  

Tradeweb Markets Inc., Class A

    19,066       796,006  

Virtu Financial Inc., Class A

    31,775       538,904  
   

 

 

 
      310,401,324  
Consumer Finance — 6.5%            

Ally Financial Inc.

    154,066       4,719,042  

American Express Co.

    266,217       31,221,930  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    184,283       17,184,390  

Credit Acceptance Corp.(a)

    5,542       2,426,343  

Discover Financial Services

    124,938       10,027,524  

FirstCash Inc.

    17,355       1,464,588  

Green Dot Corp., Class A(a)

    20,207       582,770  

Navient Corp.

    82,496       1,135,970  

OneMain Holdings Inc.

    30,996       1,239,840  

Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc.

    42,455       1,064,771  

SLM Corp.

    172,468       1,455,630  

Synchrony Financial

    239,871       8,484,237  
   

 

 

 
      81,007,035  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.2%            

AXA Equitable Holdings Inc.

    119,262       2,576,059  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      21  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financial Services ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Insurance — 0.4%            

Fidelity National Financial Inc.

    108,253     $ 4,962,317  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 17.5%            

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    349,004       96,607,797  

Visa Inc., Class A

    675,047       120,738,907  
   

 

 

 
      217,346,704  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 1.0%            

Capitol Federal Financial Inc.

    58,592       836,108  

Essent Group Ltd.

    39,380       2,051,304  

LendingTree Inc.(a)

    3,150       1,133,527  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    141,935       1,945,929  

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

    186,720       2,175,288  

Radian Group Inc.

    81,410       2,043,391  

TFS Financial Corp.

    22,118       425,993  

Washington Federal Inc.

    32,259       1,176,163  
   

 

 

 
      11,787,703  

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $1,143,227,434)

      1,238,918,909  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(b)(c)

    3,018,000     $ 3,018,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $3,018,000)

      3,018,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.1%
(Cost: $1,146,245,434)

      1,241,936,909  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.1)%

      (1,199,770
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 1,240,737,139  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at

04/30/19

 
 

 

    

Shares

Purchased

 

 

    

Shares

Sold

 

 

    

Shares
Held at

10/31/19

 
 

 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       


Net

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

 
(a) 

    

Change in
Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     702,900        2,315,100 (b)              3,018,000      $ 3,018,000      $ 15,715      $      $  

BlackRock Inc.

     56,393        7,214        (17,731      45,876        21,180,949        358,202        821,157        (2,423,822
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 24,198,949      $ 373,917      $ 821,157      $ (2,423,822
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Net of purchases and sales.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

           

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Financial Index

     19        12/20/19      $ 1,674      $ 65,334  
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 65,334  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

 

 

22    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financial Services ETF

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 94,085  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 65,334  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 558,046  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,238,918,909        $        $        $ 1,238,918,909  

Money Market Funds

     3,018,000                            3,018,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,241,936,909        $        $        $ 1,241,936,909  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 65,334        $        $        $ 65,334  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      23  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Banks — 28.0%  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    42,238     $ 849,406  

BancorpSouth Bank

    24,657       756,230  

Bank of America Corp.

    2,199,484       68,777,865  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    10,678       932,296  

Bank OZK

    31,726       890,232  

BankUnited Inc.

    25,020       858,186  

BB&T Corp.

    201,154       10,671,220  

BOK Financial Corp.

    8,442       651,300  

Cathay General Bancorp

    19,905       708,021  

CIT Group Inc.

    24,911       1,068,433  

Citigroup Inc.

    593,107       42,620,669  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    117,512       4,131,722  

Comerica Inc.

    39,074       2,556,221  

Commerce Bancshares Inc.

    25,804       1,660,745  

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    14,995       1,350,750  

East West Bancorp. Inc.

    38,307       1,644,136  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    191,813       5,577,922  

First Citizens BancShares Inc./NC, Class A

    2,292       1,127,481  

First Financial Bankshares Inc.

    35,540       1,182,771  

First Hawaiian Inc.

    35,070       958,463  

First Horizon National Corp.

    82,235       1,313,293  

First Republic Bank/CA

    44,205       4,701,644  

FNB Corp.

    85,627       1,032,662  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    43,763       746,597  

Glacier Bancorp. Inc.

    22,622       957,363  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    23,872       931,008  

Home BancShares Inc./AR

    40,601       750,306  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    272,815       3,854,876  

IBERIABANK Corp.

    13,845       1,016,085  

International Bancshares Corp.

    15,193       622,305  

Investors Bancorp. Inc.

    58,853       709,179  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    839,489       104,868,966  

KeyCorp

    263,569       4,736,335  

M&T Bank Corp.

    35,101       5,494,359  

PacWest Bancorp.

    31,110       1,150,759  

People’s United Financial Inc

    117,660       1,902,562  

Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.

    19,001       1,117,639  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    116,889       17,147,616  

Popular Inc.

    25,426       1,384,700  

Prosperity Bancshares Inc.

    25,599       1,766,843  

Regions Financial Corp.

    262,222       4,221,774  

Signature Bank/New York NY

    14,390       1,702,625  

Sterling Bancorp./DE

    53,995       1,061,002  

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    116,555       7,965,369  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    13,494       2,988,651  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    40,619       1,375,765  

TCF Financial Corp.

    40,385       1,598,842  

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.(a)

    13,160       711,430  

Trustmark Corp.

    16,776       575,752  

U.S. Bancorp

    376,499       21,467,973  

UMB Financial Corp.

    11,351       740,766  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    57,369       907,578  

United Bankshares Inc./WV

    26,830       1,060,858  

Valley National Bancorp

    86,924       1,006,580  

Webster Financial Corp.

    24,260       1,069,866  

Wells Fargo & Co

    1,052,686       54,350,178  

Western Alliance Bancorp

    25,075       1,236,950  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    14,916       951,939  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Banks (continued)  

Zions Bancorp. N.A.

    46,537     $ 2,255,648  
   

 

 

 
      412,428,712  
Capital Markets — 14.1%      

Affiliated Managers Group Inc.

    13,331       1,064,880  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    34,366       5,185,486  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    225,217       10,528,895  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    30,844       14,240,675  

Blackstone Group Inc. (The), Class A

    173,646       9,231,021  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    29,250       3,368,137  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    305,433       12,434,177  

CME Group Inc.

    94,012       19,342,969  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    59,423       2,483,287  

Eaton Vance Corp., NVS

    29,718       1,355,141  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    10,483       771,968  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    10,051       2,548,129  

Federated Investors Inc., Class B

    25,185       804,409  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    74,241       2,045,339  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    84,953       18,127,271  

Interactive Brokers Group Inc., Class A

    20,189       960,391  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    147,133       13,877,585  

Invesco Ltd.

    101,368       1,705,010  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    46,507       1,075,707  

Lazard Ltd., Class A

    33,836       1,263,098  

Legg Mason Inc.

    21,466       799,823  

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

    21,677       1,752,369  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    9,888       3,644,618  

Moody’s Corp.

    42,716       9,426,994  

Morgan Stanley

    329,778       15,186,277  

Morningstar Inc.

    5,401       874,098  

MSCI Inc.

    22,246       5,218,022  

Nasdaq Inc.

    30,194       3,012,455  

Northern Trust Corp.

    56,420       5,623,946  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    32,337       2,699,816  

S&P Global Inc.

    64,675       16,685,503  

SEI Investments Co.

    33,391       2,000,789  

State Street Corp.

    97,814       6,462,571  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    18,320       1,025,554  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    61,844       7,161,535  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    70,391       2,701,607  

Tradeweb Markets Inc., Class A

    12,099       505,133  

Virtu Financial Inc., Class A

    19,471       330,228  
   

 

 

 
      207,524,913  
Consumer Finance — 3.7%      

Ally Financial Inc.

    102,261       3,132,254  

American Express Co.

    178,615       20,947,967  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    123,480       11,514,510  

Credit Acceptance Corp.(a)

    3,671       1,607,200  

Discover Financial Services

    83,561       6,706,606  

FirstCash Inc.

    11,263       950,485  

Green Dot Corp., Class A(a)

    12,565       362,375  

Navient Corp.

    53,379       735,029  

OneMain Holdings Inc.

    20,143       805,720  

Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc

    27,323       685,261  

SLM Corp.

    112,250       947,390  

Synchrony Financial.

    160,278       5,669,033  
   

 

 

 
      54,063,830  
Diversified Financial Services — 7.7%      

AXA Equitable Holdings Inc.

    78,852       1,703,203  

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B(a)

    514,816       109,439,585  
 

 

 

24    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Diversified Financial Services (continued)      

Voya Financial Inc.

    36,941     $ 1,993,337  
   

 

 

 
      113,136,125  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 20.6%  

Acadia Realty Trust

    22,217       621,632  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    29,808       4,732,020  

American Campus Communities Inc.

    36,118       1,805,178  

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

    67,050       1,774,813  

American Tower Corp

    116,215       25,344,167  

Americold Realty Trust

    50,416       2,021,177  

Apartment Investment & Management Co., Class A

    39,142       2,148,113  

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

    55,068       907,521  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    36,666       7,980,722  

Boston Properties Inc.

    37,755       5,179,986  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    46,226       706,333  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

    77,998       1,717,516  

Camden Property Trust

    25,308       2,894,476  

Colony Capital Inc.

    126,492       708,355  

Columbia Property Trust Inc.

    30,476       625,368  

CoreCivic Inc.

    31,376       478,798  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    9,625       1,130,937  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    28,991       859,293  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    38,664       1,551,586  

Crown Castle International Corp

    109,158       15,150,039  

CubeSmart

    50,696       1,607,063  

CyrusOne Inc.

    29,787       2,123,217  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    52,739       526,335  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    54,702       6,949,342  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    43,340       1,877,489  

Duke Realty Corp.

    94,657       3,326,247  

EastGroup Properties Inc.

    9,881       1,323,560  

EPR Properties

    20,400       1,586,916  

Equinix Inc.

    22,268       12,621,057  

Equity Commonwealth

    32,059       1,031,659  

Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc.

    47,684       3,335,019  

Equity Residential

    91,519       8,114,075  

Essex Property Trust Inc.

    17,253       5,643,974  

Extra Space Storage Inc.

    33,650       3,777,885  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    18,329       2,492,927  

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.

    33,308       1,402,600  

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

    53,653       2,165,435  

GEO Group Inc. (The)

    31,431       478,380  

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc.

    33,987       1,181,728  

Healthcare Trust of America Inc., Class A

    53,914       1,671,334  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    129,044       4,854,635  

Highwoods Properties Inc.

    27,293       1,277,312  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    191,155       3,133,030  

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.

    40,359       1,449,695  

Invitation Homes Inc.

    125,783       3,872,859  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    75,461       2,475,121  

JBG SMITH Properties

    31,059       1,250,435  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    24,429       2,050,326  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    111,016       2,393,505  

Lamar Advertising Co., Class A

    22,509       1,800,945  

Lexington Realty Trust

    65,189       709,256  

Liberty Property Trust

    41,495       2,451,110  

Life Storage Inc.

    12,251       1,334,379  

Macerich Co. (The)

    28,991       797,253  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    23,951       513,030  

Medical Properties Trust Inc.

    117,390       2,433,495  

Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc.

    29,984       4,167,476  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

National Health Investors Inc.

    11,397     $ 977,749  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    44,892       2,644,588  

Omega Healthcare Investors Inc.

    56,971       2,509,003  

Outfront Media Inc

    37,800       994,518  

Paramount Group Inc.

    53,218       716,846  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    62,628       1,456,101  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    34,301       881,879  

Physicians Realty Trust

    48,715       909,509  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    33,180       744,559  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    17,453       741,229  

Prologis Inc.

    165,711       14,542,797  

PS Business Parks Inc

    5,280       953,304  

Public Storage

    39,428       8,786,924  

Rayonier Inc.

    33,849       913,246  

Realty Income Corp.

    83,558       6,834,209  

Regency Centers Corp.

    43,997       2,958,358  

Retail Properties of America Inc., Class A

    55,597       765,015  

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.

    28,888       1,389,224  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    45,160       741,076  

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.

    13,434       1,130,740  

Sabra Health Care REIT Inc.

    49,906       1,227,688  

SBA Communications Corp.

    29,695       7,146,102  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    62,978       625,057  

Service Properties Trust

    43,378       1,097,463  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    80,878       12,186,697  

SITE Centers Corp.

    36,571       567,948  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    21,698       1,813,953  

Spirit Realty Capital Inc.

    23,720       1,182,205  

STORE Capital Corp.

    55,294       2,239,407  

Sun Communities Inc.

    23,736       3,860,660  

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    58,865       795,266  

Taubman Centers Inc.

    16,054       574,412  

UDR Inc.

    76,694       3,853,873  

Urban Edge Properties

    30,281       639,232  

Ventas Inc.

    97,815       6,367,756  

VEREIT Inc.

    276,385       2,719,628  

VICI Properties Inc.

    120,683       2,842,085  

Vornado Realty Trust

    41,447       2,720,167  

Washington REIT

    20,904       648,442  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    31,838       1,010,220  

Welltower Inc.

    106,393       9,648,781  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    195,610       5,713,768  

WP Carey Inc.

    44,846       4,128,523  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc

    29,304       616,849  
   

 

 

 
      304,355,190  
Insurance — 13.7%            

Aflac Inc.

    194,383       10,333,400  

Alleghany Corp.(a)

    3,773       2,936,488  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    86,431       9,197,987  

American Financial Group Inc./OH

    21,676       2,255,171  

American International Group Inc

    228,393       12,095,693  

Aon PLC

    61,924       11,961,240  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    106,218       4,435,664  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    48,898       4,460,476  

Assurant Inc.

    16,014       2,018,885  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    25,985       1,219,216  

Athene Holding Ltd., Class A(a)

    31,816       1,379,224  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    22,084       1,312,452  

Brighthouse Financial Inc.(a)

    29,323       1,107,236  

Brown & Brown Inc.

    61,137       2,303,642  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      25  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Insurance (continued)            

Chubb Ltd.

    119,650     $ 18,237,053  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    39,928       4,520,249  

CNA Financial Corp.

    6,990       313,432  

CNO Financial Group Inc.

    41,058       642,558  

Enstar Group Ltd.(a)

    3,878       779,090  

Erie Indemnity Co., Class A, NVS

    4,852       894,078  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    10,702       2,751,377  

Fidelity National Financial Inc.

    71,880       3,294,979  

First American Financial Corp.

    29,482       1,821,398  

Genworth Financial Inc., Class A(a)

    131,872       564,412  

Globe Life Inc.

    26,252       2,555,107  

Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (The)

    10,415       1,371,760  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    94,961       5,420,374  

Kemper Corp.

    16,307       1,172,147  

Lincoln National Corp.

    52,432       2,961,359  

Loews Corp.

    68,100       3,336,900  

Markel Corp.(a)

    3,641       4,263,611  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    132,925       13,773,688  

Mercury General Corp.

    7,229       347,426  

MetLife Inc.

    208,977       9,778,034  

Old Republic International Corp.

    75,058       1,676,796  

Primerica Inc.

    11,020       1,390,504  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    68,144       3,637,527  

ProAssurance Corp.

    15,718       616,460  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    153,502       10,699,089  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    105,546       9,619,462  

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    16,496       2,680,105  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd

    11,600       2,171,288  

RLI Corp.

    10,479       1,019,816  

Selective Insurance Group Inc.

    15,657       1,082,212  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    68,359       8,959,131  

Unum Group

    54,401       1,498,204  

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

    785       840,735  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    37,479       7,004,825  

WR Berkley Corp.

    37,911       2,649,979  
   

 

 

 
      201,361,939  
IT Services — 9.9%  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    234,387       64,880,666  

Visa Inc., Class A

    453,413       81,097,449  
   

 

 

 
      145,978,115  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 1.0%  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    144,134       2,457,485  

Annaly Capital Management Inc.

    381,384       3,424,828  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc., Class A

    35,388       1,284,584  

Chimera Investment Corp.

    48,976       992,254  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Mortgage Real Estate Investment (continued)  

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

    37,605     $ 591,903  

MFA Financial Inc.

    117,113       888,888  

New Residential Investment Corp.

    109,250       1,730,520  

Starwood Property Trust Inc.

    73,707       1,813,192  

Two Harbors Investment Corp.

    71,782       995,616  
   

 

 

 
      14,179,270  
Professional Services — 0.3%  

CoStar Group Inc.(a)

    9,591       5,270,446  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.5%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    88,359       4,731,624  

Howard Hughes Corp. (The)(a)

    11,364       1,270,723  

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

    13,492       1,976,848  
   

 

 

 
      7,979,195  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.5%  

Capitol Federal Financial Inc.

    36,601       522,296  

Essent Group Ltd.

    25,715       1,339,494  

LendingTree Inc.(a)

    2,016       725,458  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    92,756       1,271,685  

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

    122,888       1,431,645  

Radian Group Inc.

    53,484       1,342,448  

TFS Financial Corp.

    12,926       248,955  

Washington Federal Inc.

    20,841       759,863  
   

 

 

 
      7,641,844  

Total Common Stocks — 100.0%
(Cost: $1,368,608,177)

 

    1,473,919,579  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments  

Money Market Funds — 0.1% BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(b)(c)

    1,802,000       1,802,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $1,802,000)

 

    1,802,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.1%
(Cost: $1,370,410,177)

 

    1,475,721,579  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.1)%

 

    (1,482,636
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 1,474,238,943  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

 

26    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financials ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   

Shares
Held at

04/30/19

    

Shares

Purchased

    

Shares

Sold

   

Shares
Held at

10/31/19

     Value at
10/31/19
     Income     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)(a)
    

Change in
Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     8,045,094               (8,045,094 )(b)           $      $ 22,095 (c)    $ 12,576      $ (2,175

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     2,371,302               (569,302 )(b)      1,802,000        1,802,000        26,452               

BlackRock Inc.

     38,120        2,456        (9,732     30,844        14,240,675        244,213       90,541        (1,125,828
             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
              $ 16,042,675      $ 292,760     $ 103,117      $ (1,128,003
             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b)

Net of purchases and sales.

 
  (c)

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
      

Expiration

Date

      

Notional

Amount

(000)

      

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate

     11          12/20/19        $ 407        $ 1,807  

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Financial Index

     11          12/20/19          969          41,379  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 43,186  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 43,186  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 225,814  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 43,186  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 458,746  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      27  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Financials ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,473,919,579        $             —        $             —        $ 1,473,919,579  

Money Market Funds

     1,802,000                            1,802,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,475,721,579        $        $        $ 1,475,721,579  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 43,186        $        $        $ 43,186  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

28    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S.industrials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 19.5%  

Arconic Inc.

    95,364      $ 2,619,649  

Axon Enterprise Inc.(a)(b)

    14,657        749,412  

Boeing Co. (The)

    131,665        44,754,250  

BWX Technologies Inc.

    23,495        1,365,060  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    10,533        1,424,588  

General Dynamics Corp.

    57,624        10,187,923  

HEICO Corp.

    9,970        1,229,700  

HEICO Corp., Class A

    17,705        1,686,755  

Hexcel Corp.

    20,911        1,560,379  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    10,181        2,297,444  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    54,993        11,345,606  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    61,208        23,055,829  

Mercury Systems Inc.(a)

    13,704        1,009,437  

Moog Inc., Class A

    7,993        669,094  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    38,756        13,660,715  

Raytheon Co.

    68,594        14,556,333  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., Class A

    25,488        2,085,428  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    8,959        2,952,886  

Textron Inc.

    56,676        2,612,197  

TransDigm Group Inc.

    12,227        6,434,826  

United Technologies Corp.

    199,784        28,684,987  
    

 

 

 
       174,942,498  
Air Freight & Logistics — 4.0%             

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    33,338        2,521,687  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    42,049        3,067,054  

FedEx Corp.

    59,111        9,023,885  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    171,999        19,809,125  

XPO Logistics Inc.(a)

    22,658        1,731,071  
    

 

 

 
       36,152,822  
Building Products — 2.7%             

Allegion PLC

    22,998        2,668,688  

AO Smith Corp.

    33,992        1,688,722  

Armstrong World Industries Inc.

    12,020        1,124,231  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    34,387        2,064,939  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    195,982        8,491,900  

Lennox International Inc.

    8,664        2,143,127  

Masco Corp.

    71,288        3,297,070  

Owens Corning

    26,800        1,642,304  

Resideo Technologies Inc.(a)

    29,944        285,366  

Trex Co. Inc.(a)

    14,375        1,263,419  
    

 

 

 
       24,669,766  
Chemicals — 1.3%             

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    20,222        11,573,455  
    

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies — 3.1%  

ADT Inc.(b)

    25,592        198,082  

Brink’s Co. (The)

    12,355        1,049,681  

Cintas Corp.

    20,446        5,493,227  

Clean Harbors Inc.(a)

    12,698        1,047,077  

Covanta Holding Corp.

    28,728        414,832  

Deluxe Corp.

    10,566        547,636  

MSA Safety Inc.

    8,799        1,056,496  

Republic Services Inc.

    52,139        4,562,684  

Stericycle Inc.(a)

    22,511        1,296,633  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    13,493        1,180,233  

Waste Management Inc.

    96,129        10,786,635  
    

 

 

 
       27,633,216  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 1.1%  

AECOM(a)

    38,966      $ 1,559,030  

EMCOR Group Inc.

    13,793        1,209,784  

Fluor Corp.

    34,358        553,507  

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

    33,373        3,123,045  

MasTec Inc.(a)

    14,893        937,366  

Quanta Services Inc.

    35,125        1,477,006  

Valmont Industries Inc.

    5,326        730,674  
    

 

 

 
       9,590,412  
Construction Materials — 1.1%  

Eagle Materials Inc.

    10,381        948,201  

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.

    15,379        4,027,914  

Summit Materials Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    27,567        632,111  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    32,582        4,654,990  
    

 

 

 
       10,263,216  
Containers & Packaging — 3.6%  

Amcor PLC(a)

    400,116        3,809,104  

AptarGroup Inc

    15,744        1,860,154  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    20,726        2,650,026  

Ball Corp.

    81,773        5,721,657  

Berry Global Group Inc.(a)

    32,636        1,354,720  

Crown Holdings Inc.(a)

    33,339        2,428,413  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    72,576        1,136,540  

International Paper Co.

    96,754        4,226,215  

Owens-Illinois Inc.

    37,832        321,572  

Packaging Corp. of America

    23,299        2,550,308  

Sealed Air Corp.

    38,058        1,589,683  

Silgan Holdings Inc.

    19,257        592,538  

Sonoco Products Co.

    24,599        1,419,362  

Westrock Co.

    63,345        2,367,203  
       32,027,495  
Electrical Equipment — 4.3%  

Acuity Brands Inc.

    9,827        1,226,311  

AMETEK Inc.

    56,241        5,154,488  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    103,445        9,011,094  

Emerson Electric Co.

    151,498        10,627,585  

EnerSys

    10,463        699,556  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    15,408        1,488,105  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    15,272        184,486  

Hubbell Inc.

    13,377        1,895,521  

nVent Electric PLC

    38,438        886,380  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    10,360        767,158  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    28,820        4,956,752  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC(a)

    39,677        2,031,065  
    

 

 

 
       38,928,501  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 5.2%  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    73,261        7,350,276  

Anixter International Inc.(a)

    7,416        613,674  

Arrow Electronics Inc.(a)

    20,419        1,618,818  

Avnet Inc.

    25,598        1,012,657  

Belden Inc.

    9,514        487,878  

Cognex Corp.(b)

    42,034        2,164,331  

Coherent Inc.(a)

    5,906        879,521  

Corning Inc.

    192,327        5,698,649  

Dolby Laboratories Inc., Class A

    15,848        1,019,502  

FLIR Systems Inc.

    33,364        1,720,248  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

    8,752        1,175,219  

Itron Inc.(a)

    8,677        661,708  

Jabil Inc.

    34,147        1,257,293  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    46,200        4,662,042  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      29  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Industrials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (continued)  

Littelfuse Inc.

    6,055     $ 1,063,076  

National Instruments Corp.

    29,323       1,213,679  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    82,740       7,405,230  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    62,011       2,470,518  

Vishay Intertechnology Inc.

    32,561       656,104  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    13,325       3,169,618  
   

 

 

 
      46,300,041  
Industrial Conglomerates — 9.6%            

3M Co.

    141,691       23,377,598  

Carlisle Companies Inc.

    13,943       2,123,101  

General Electric Co.

    2,149,470       21,451,711  

Honeywell International Inc.

    177,215       30,610,347  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    25,615       8,631,230  
   

 

 

 
      86,193,987  
IT Services — 18.2%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    156,928       29,097,590  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    10,122       1,012,200  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    106,881       17,339,304  

Black Knight Inc.(a)

    36,804       2,362,817  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    28,149       3,524,818  

CoreLogic Inc.(a)

    19,813       802,228  

Euronet Worldwide Inc.(a)

    13,399       1,876,798  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    151,091       19,907,750  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    140,592       14,922,435  

FleetCor Technologies Inc.(a)

    21,322       6,273,359  

Genpact Ltd.

    38,122       1,493,239  

Global Payments Inc.

    73,899       12,502,233  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    18,959       2,683,836  

MAXIMUS Inc.

    15,736       1,207,581  

Paychex Inc.

    78,772       6,588,490  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    289,813       30,169,533  

Sabre Corp.

    67,405       1,582,669  

Square Inc., Class A(a)

    84,391       5,184,139  

Western Union Co. (The)

    104,325       2,614,384  

WEX Inc.(a)

    10,665       2,017,605  
   

 

 

 
      163,163,008  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.3%            

PerkinElmer Inc.

    27,340       2,350,146  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 13.3%            

AGCO Corp.

    15,632       1,198,818  

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.

    29,771       1,298,313  

Barnes Group Inc.

    11,659       681,469  

Caterpillar Inc.

    138,566       19,094,395  

Colfax Corp.(a)

    20,640       693,504  

Crane Co.

    12,518       957,877  

Cummins Inc.

    38,863       6,703,090  

Deere & Co.

    77,553       13,505,079  

Donaldson Co. Inc.

    31,332       1,652,450  

Dover Corp.

    35,821       3,721,444  

Flowserve Corp.

    32,245       1,574,846  

Fortive Corp.

    72,725       5,018,025  

Gardner Denver Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    32,774       1,043,196  

Gates Industrial Corp. PLC(a)(b)

    11,100       111,000  

Graco Inc.

    41,080       1,856,816  

Hillenbrand Inc.

    15,400       474,166  

IDEX Corp.

    18,681       2,905,456  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    72,503       12,222,556  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    59,501       7,550,082  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Machinery (continued)            

ITT Inc.

    21,741     $ 1,292,503  

Kennametal Inc.

    20,251       626,768  

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

    15,263       1,367,107  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)(b)

    13,682       1,654,838  

Navistar International Corp.(a)

    16,123       504,327  

Nordson Corp.

    12,578       1,972,356  

Oshkosh Corp.

    16,897       1,442,666  

PACCAR Inc.

    85,310       6,488,679  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    31,636       5,804,890  

Pentair PLC

    41,272       1,711,550  

Snap-on Inc.

    13,581       2,209,221  

Terex Corp.

    16,184       445,869  

Timken Co. (The)

    16,870       826,630  

Toro Co. (The)

    26,264       2,025,742  

Trinity Industries Inc.

    25,272       499,880  

Wabtec Corp.

    44,855       3,111,591  

Welbilt Inc.(a)(b)

    32,121       609,014  

Woodward Inc.

    13,904       1,483,001  

Xylem Inc./NY

    44,341       3,400,511  
   

 

 

 
      119,739,725  
Marine — 0.1%            

Kirby Corp.(a)(b)

    14,799       1,171,489  
   

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products — 0.1%            

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    30,300       885,669  
Professional Services — 2.5%            

ASGN Inc.(a)

    12,963       824,317  

Equifax Inc.

    29,773       4,070,267  

FTI Consulting Inc.(a)

    9,274       1,009,660  

Insperity Inc.

    9,566       1,010,457  

Korn Ferry

    13,797       506,212  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    14,768       1,342,707  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    87,523       1,764,464  

Robert Half International Inc.

    28,953       1,658,138  

TransUnion

    46,255       3,821,588  

TriNet Group Inc.(a)(b)

    10,885       576,796  

Verisk Analytics Inc.

    40,270       5,827,069  
   

 

 

 
      22,411,675  
Road & Rail — 7.5%            

CSX Corp.

    196,590       13,814,379  

Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Class A(a)

    13,957       1,549,646  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    21,023       2,471,464  

Kansas City Southern

    24,775       3,487,825  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.(b)

    30,329       1,105,795  

Landstar System Inc.

    9,792       1,107,965  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    64,877       11,807,614  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    15,759       2,869,399  

Ryder System Inc.

    13,080       636,080  

Union Pacific Corp.

    173,526       28,711,612  
   

 

 

 
      67,561,779  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 2.2%            

Air Lease Corp.

    25,658       1,128,439  

Applied Industrial Technologies Inc.

    9,458       565,967  

Fastenal Co.

    141,235       5,075,986  

GATX Corp.

    8,772       697,813  

HD Supply Holdings Inc.(a)

    42,120       1,665,425  

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Class A

    11,031       807,579  

SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc.(a)

    10,118       890,991  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    18,991       2,536,628  
 

 

 

30    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Industrials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors (continued)        

Univar Solutions Inc.(a)(b)

    34,051     $ 730,734  

Watsco Inc.

    8,057       1,420,449  

WESCO International Inc.(a)

    10,493       526,224  

WW Grainger Inc.

    10,887       3,362,341  
   

 

 

 
      19,408,576  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.1%            

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

    19,041       821,429  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $850,116,611)

      895,788,905  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.8%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

   

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    6,050,552       6,053,578  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

   

1.74%(c)(d)

    1,614,000       1,614,000  
   

 

 

 
      7,667,578  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.8%
(Cost: $7,665,110)

   

 

7,667,578

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.6%
(Cost: $857,781,721)

   

 

903,456,483

 

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.6)%

      (5,553,803
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  897,902,680  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     


Shares

Held at
04/30/19

 

 
 

     Net Activity       


Shares

Held at
10/31/19

 

 
 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income      
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     7,305,701        (1,255,149      6,050,552      $ 6,053,578      $ 30,141 (b)    $ 262     $ 702  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     504,693        1,109,307        1,614,000        1,614,000        14,501              
           

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $ 7,667,578      $ 44,642     $ 262     $ 702  
           

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description   

Number of

Contracts

      

Expiration

Date

      

Notional

Amount

(000)

      

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

E-mini S&P Select Sector Industrial Index

     20          12/20/19        $ 1,574        $ (806

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Technology Index

     4          12/20/19          336          8,671  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 7,865  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      31  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Industrials ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 8,671  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments       

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 806  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 173,091  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 7,865  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 636,800  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 895,788,905        $             —        $             —        $ 895,788,905  

Money Market Funds

     7,667,578                            7,667,578  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 903,456,483        $        $        $ 903,456,483  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 8,671        $        $        $ 8,671  

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

     (806                          (806
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 7,865        $        $        $ 7,865  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 0.1%  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., Class A

    12,487     $ 1,021,686  

Wesco Aircraft Holdings Inc.(a)

    6,037       66,528  
   

 

 

 
      1,088,214  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.8%  

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    16,497       1,247,833  

Echo Global Logistics Inc.(a)(b)

    3,549       70,660  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    20,739       1,512,703  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

             84,400       9,720,348  
   

 

 

 
           12,551,544  
Airlines — 0.1%  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    19,794       1,090,253  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    16,430       922,216  
   

 

 

 
      2,012,469  
Auto Components — 0.3%  

Aptiv PLC

    31,272       2,800,408  

Autoliv Inc.

    10,057       782,837  

BorgWarner Inc.

    25,268       1,053,170  
   

 

 

 
      4,636,415  
Automobiles — 0.4%  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    19,309       751,313  

Tesla Inc.(a)(b)

    15,820       4,982,035  
   

 

 

 
      5,733,348  
Banks — 1.9%  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    4,867       424,938  

BB&T Corp.

    92,575       4,911,104  

Cathay General Bancorp.

    9,337       332,117  

CIT Group Inc.

    11,683       501,084  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    55,412       1,948,286  

Comerica Inc.

    18,690       1,222,700  

First Republic Bank/CA

    20,291       2,158,151  

Heartland Financial USA Inc.

    4,088       191,237  

International Bancshares Corp.

    6,801       278,569  

KeyCorp.

    122,402       2,199,564  

M&T Bank Corp.

    15,737       2,463,313  

Old National Bancorp./IN

    18,439       331,810  

People’s United Financial Inc.

    53,609       866,857  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    54,621       8,012,901  

Regions Financial Corp.

    122,453       1,971,493  

Signature Bank/New York NY

    6,710       793,927  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    6,263       1,387,129  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    26,720       422,710  

Zions Bancorp. N.A.

    22,137       1,072,980  
   

 

 

 
      31,490,870  
Beverages — 1.6%  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    490,387       26,691,764  
   

 

 

 
Biotechnology — 3.9%  

AbbVie Inc.

    178,880       14,229,904  

Amgen Inc.

    73,798       15,737,423  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    23,450       7,004,750  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    21,628       1,583,386  

Celgene Corp.(a)

    85,333       9,218,524  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    153,862       9,802,548  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    30,971       6,054,211  
   

 

 

 
      63,630,746  
Building Products — 0.7%  

Allegion PLC

    11,382       1,320,767  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Building Products (continued)  

AO Smith Corp.

    17,112     $ 850,124  

Builders FirstSource Inc.(a)

    13,922       314,776  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    16,856       1,012,203  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    96,247       4,170,383  

Lennox International Inc.

    4,274       1,057,217  

Masco Corp.

    35,337       1,634,336  

Owens Corning

    13,012       797,375  
   

 

 

 
      11,157,181  
Capital Markets — 3.7%  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

             16,240       2,450,453  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    104,160       4,869,480  

BlackRock Inc.(c)

    14,013       6,469,802  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    145,361       5,917,646  

CME Group Inc.

    43,311       8,911,238  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    4,618       1,170,755  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    36,872       1,015,824  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    68,209       6,433,473  

Invesco Ltd.

    48,213       810,943  

Legg Mason Inc.

    10,391       387,169  

Moody’s Corp.

    20,617       4,549,966  

Northern Trust Corp.

    24,998       2,491,801  

S&P Global Inc.

    29,792       7,686,038  

State Street Corp.

    45,258       2,990,196  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    28,662       3,319,059  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    33,470       1,284,579  
   

 

 

 
           60,758,422  
Chemicals — 2.4%  

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    26,624       5,677,834  

Albemarle Corp.

    12,869       781,663  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    25,491       751,730  

Ecolab Inc.

    31,387       6,028,501  

HB Fuller Co.

    6,143       299,778  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    12,282       1,498,527  

Linde PLC

    65,670       13,025,644  

Minerals Technologies Inc.

    4,290       212,140  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    44,429       883,249  

PPG Industries Inc.

    28,622       3,581,185  
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)   10,052     5,752,961  
   

 

 

 
      38,493,212  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.2%  

ACCO Brands Corp.

    12,468       114,082  

Copart Inc.(a)

    24,941       2,061,124  

Deluxe Corp.

    5,219       270,501  

HNI Corp.

    5,303       201,514  

Interface Inc.

    7,341       122,081  

Knoll Inc.

    6,177       165,173  

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.

    7,449       32,478  

Steelcase Inc., Class A

    10,605       185,269  

Team Inc.(a)

    3,139       57,004  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    6,711       587,011  
   

 

 

 
      3,796,237  
Communications Equipment — 1.8%  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    517,965       24,608,517  

CommScope Holding Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    23,308       261,050  

F5 Networks Inc.(a)

    7,217       1,039,825  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    19,986       3,324,071  

Plantronics Inc.

    4,099       161,583  
   

 

 

 
      29,395,046  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      33  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.1%  

EMCOR Group Inc.

    6,781     $ 594,761  

Granite Construction Inc.

    5,622       132,342  

Quanta Services Inc.

    17,154       721,326  
   

 

 

 
      1,448,429  
Consumer Finance — 0.7%  

Ally Financial Inc.

    48,168       1,475,386  

American Express Co.

    85,886       10,072,710  
   

 

 

 
      11,548,096  
Containers & Packaging — 0.3%  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    10,187       1,302,510  

Ball Corp.

    38,534       2,696,224  

Sealed Air Corp.

    18,676       780,097  

Sonoco Products Co.

    12,122       699,439  
   

 

 

 
      5,478,270  
Distributors — 0.1%  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    37,997       1,291,518  

Pool Corp.

    4,768       988,883  
   

 

 

 
      2,280,401  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%  

Voya Financial Inc.

    17,414       939,659  
Diversified Telecommunication Services —1.9%  

CenturyLink Inc.

    119,312       1,543,897  

Cincinnati Bell Inc.(a)(b)

    4,029       20,588  

Verizon Communications Inc.

           500,422       30,260,519  
   

 

 

 
           31,825,004  
Electric Utilities — 0.5%  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    28,610       1,526,058  

Eversource Energy

    38,464       3,220,975  

OGE Energy Corp.

    24,181       1,041,234  

PPL Corp.

    87,484       2,929,839  
   

 

 

 
      8,718,106  
Electrical Equipment — 0.5%  

Acuity Brands Inc.

    4,875       608,351  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    51,200       4,460,032  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    14,317       2,462,381  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC(a)(b)

    19,552       1,000,867  
   

 

 

 
      8,531,631  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.7%  

Cognex Corp.

    20,903       1,076,295  

Corning Inc.

    94,876       2,811,176  

Flex Ltd.(a)

    62,134       730,074  

Itron Inc.(a)

    4,268       325,478  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    22,783       2,299,033  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    40,680       3,640,860  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    30,474       1,214,084  
   

 

 

 
      12,097,000  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.6%  

Baker Hughes Co.

    76,518       1,637,485  

Core Laboratories NV

    5,345       235,394  

National Oilwell Varco Inc.

    46,640       1,054,997  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    167,479       5,474,888  

TechnipFMC PLC

    51,444       1,014,990  
   

 

 

 
      9,417,754  
Entertainment — 2.7%  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    52,899       15,203,702  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    217,763       28,291,769  
   

 

 

 
      43,495,471  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 3.8%  

American Tower Corp.

    53,481      $ 11,663,136  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    16,827        3,662,565  

Boston Properties Inc.

    18,742        2,571,402  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    13,106        388,462  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    25,204        3,201,916  

Duke Realty Corp.

    43,433        1,526,236  

Equinix Inc.

    10,164        5,760,752  

Equity Residential

    44,838        3,975,337  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    9,080        1,234,971  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

             57,968        2,180,756  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    90,010        1,475,264  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    34,743        1,139,570  

Liberty Property Trust

    18,955        1,119,672  

Macerich Co. (The)

    13,697        376,668  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    8,224        349,273  

Prologis Inc.

    76,323        6,698,106  

SBA Communications Corp.

    13,728        3,303,643  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    37,387        5,633,473  

UDR Inc.

    34,174        1,717,244  

Vornado Realty Trust

    20,768        1,363,004  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    90,276        2,636,962  
    

 

 

 
            61,978,412  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.4%             

Kroger Co. (The)

    97,823        2,410,359  

Sysco Corp.

    59,084        4,719,039  

United Natural Foods Inc.(a)(b)

    6,595        49,462  
    

 

 

 
       7,178,860  
Food Products — 1.8%  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    67,705        2,846,318  

Bunge Ltd.

    17,119        924,426  

Campbell Soup Co.

    20,084        930,090  

Darling Ingredients Inc.(a)

    19,980        385,614  

General Mills Inc.

    72,403        3,682,417  

Hain Celestial Group Inc. (The)(a)(b)

    11,292        266,943  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    35,548        1,453,558  

Ingredion Inc.

    8,093        639,347  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    13,786        1,456,904  

Kellogg Co.

    30,974        1,967,778  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    81,387        2,631,242  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    17,761        1,386,068  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    14,772        2,373,713  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    174,292        9,141,615  
    

 

 

 
       30,086,033  
Gas Utilities — 0.1%  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    10,739        468,220  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    3,497        242,552  

UGI Corp.

    25,303        1,206,194  
    

 

 

 
       1,916,966  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.8%  

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    5,475        1,136,500  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    9,227        2,327,880  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    32,642        8,356,352  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)

    6,007        1,748,037  

Dentsply Sirona Inc.

    28,375        1,554,382  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    25,212        6,010,037  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    32,432        1,566,790  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    10,395        2,962,679  

ResMed Inc.

    17,293        2,557,981  
 

 

 

34    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)  

Varian Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    10,945      $ 1,322,265  
    

 

 

 
       29,542,903  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.8%  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    19,116        1,632,124  

Cardinal Health Inc.

             36,148        1,787,519  

Centene Corp.(a)

    50,130        2,660,900  

Cigna Corp.(a)

    45,911        8,193,277  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    33,133        4,424,581  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    18,024        1,128,032  

Humana Inc.

    16,335        4,805,757  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    11,958        1,970,320  

MEDNAX Inc.(a)

    10,734        235,719  

Patterson Companies Inc.

    10,372        177,672  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    16,288        1,649,160  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.(a)

    14,027        255,572  
    

 

 

 
            28,920,633  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%  

Cerner Corp.

    39,343        2,640,702  
    

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.8%  

Aramark

    29,931        1,309,781  

Choice Hotels International Inc.

    4,344        384,357  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    14,909        1,673,833  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    4,722        1,282,590  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    33,367        3,235,264  

Jack in the Box Inc.

    2,827        237,524  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A

    34,202        4,328,263  

McDonald’s Corp.

    92,393        18,173,703  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    21,566        2,347,028  

Starbucks Corp.

    146,551        12,392,353  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    4,846        1,126,065  
    

 

 

 
       46,490,761  
Household Durables — 0.3%  

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.

    2,840        55,976  

Garmin Ltd.

    16,080        1,507,500  

La-Z-Boy Inc.

    5,803        206,065  

Meritage Homes Corp.(a)(b)

    4,325        311,789  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)

    7,467        1,070,619  

Newell Brands Inc.

    48,211        914,563  

Tupperware Brands Corp.

    5,818        56,027  

Whirlpool Corp.

    7,633        1,161,132  
    

 

 

 
       5,283,671  
Household Products — 3.2%             

Clorox Co. (The)

    15,442        2,280,629  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    98,682        6,769,585  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    41,595        5,527,144  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    303,510        37,790,030  
    

 

 

 
       52,367,388  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.1%  

AES Corp./VA

    80,335        1,369,712  

Ormat Technologies Inc.

    4,616        353,401  
    

 

 

 
       1,723,113  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.0%  

3M Co.

    69,753        11,508,548  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    12,545        4,227,163  
    

 

 

 
       15,735,711  
Insurance — 2.7%             

Allstate Corp. (The)

    40,248        4,283,192  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Insurance (continued)             

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    22,332      $ 2,037,125  

Chubb Ltd.

    55,401        8,444,220  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    43,609        2,489,202  

Loews Corp.

    33,284        1,630,916  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    61,851        6,409,001  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    33,761        1,802,162  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    70,666        4,925,420  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    49,058        4,471,146  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    31,656        4,148,835  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    15,395        2,877,326  
    

 

 

 
       43,518,545  
Interactive Media & Services — 9.1%  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    36,233        45,610,101  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

             37,927        47,792,192  

Facebook Inc., Class A(a)

    290,702        55,713,038  
    

 

 

 
          149,115,331  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.7%  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    5,238        10,731,457  
    

 

 

 
IT Services — 6.8%             

Accenture PLC, Class A

    77,176        14,309,974  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    52,666        8,544,005  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    68,779        4,191,392  

International Business Machines Corp.

    107,284        14,347,090  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    109,971        30,441,073  

Visa Inc., Class A

    210,420        37,635,721  

Western Union Co. (The)

    52,118        1,306,077  
    

 

 

 
       110,775,332  
Leisure Products — 0.1%             

Callaway Golf Co.(b)

    10,600        214,332  

Hasbro Inc.

    14,437        1,404,864  

Mattel Inc.(a)(b)

    41,867        499,892  
    

 

 

 
       2,119,088  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.7%  

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    38,236        2,896,377  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    4,591        955,708  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    20,287        2,929,849  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    2,998        2,113,410  

Waters Corp.(a)(b)

    8,426        1,783,110  
    

 

 

 
       10,678,454  
Machinery — 3.2%             

AGCO Corp.

    7,865        603,167  

Caterpillar Inc.

    69,201        9,535,898  

Cummins Inc.

    18,139        3,128,615  

Deere & Co.

    36,428        6,343,572  

Dover Corp.

    17,585        1,826,906  

Flowserve Corp.

    15,890        776,068  

Fortive Corp.

    36,547        2,521,743  

Graco Inc.

    20,218        913,853  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    39,405        6,642,895  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    29,113        3,694,148  

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

    7,235        648,039  

Meritor Inc.(a)(b)

    9,023        198,777  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)(b)

    6,761        817,743  

PACCAR Inc.

    41,924        3,188,739  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    15,563        2,855,655  

Snap-on Inc.

    6,709        1,091,353  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    18,358        2,778,116  

Tennant Co.

    2,081        161,132  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      35  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Machinery (continued)  

Timken Co. (The)

    8,441     $ 413,609  

WABCO Holdings Inc.(a)

    6,203       835,048  

Wabtec Corp.

             22,055       1,529,955  

Xylem Inc./NY

    21,817       1,673,146  
   

 

 

 
           52,178,177  
Media — 0.4%  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    19,012       512,469  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    43,684       1,102,584  

John Wiley & Sons Inc., Class A

    5,570       256,610  

Liberty Global PLC, Class A(a)

    19,784       497,568  

Liberty Global PLC, Class C, NVS(a)

    50,297       1,200,589  

New York Times Co. (The), Class A

    18,028       557,065  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    26,702       2,061,127  

Scholastic Corp., NVS

    3,577       137,715  
   

 

 

 
      6,325,727  
Metals & Mining — 0.4%  

Compass Minerals International Inc.

    4,101       231,624  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

    99,176       3,940,262  

Nucor Corp.

    36,769       1,980,011  

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc., Class A

    3,005       64,127  
   

 

 

 
      6,216,024  
Multi-Utilities — 1.1%  

Avista Corp.

    7,951       381,887  

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    60,818       1,767,979  

CMS Energy Corp.

    34,390       2,198,209  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    39,493       3,642,044  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    23,856       689,200  

NiSource Inc.

    45,127       1,265,361  

Sempra Energy

    33,192       4,796,576  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    38,104       3,597,018  
   

 

 

 
      18,338,274  
Multiline Retail — 0.1%  

Kohl’s Corp.

    19,897       1,019,920  

Nordstrom Inc.

    13,124       471,152  
   

 

 

 
      1,491,072  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.6%  

Apache Corp.

    45,480       985,097  

Cheniere Energy Inc.(a)

    28,116       1,730,540  

ConocoPhillips

    136,755       7,548,876  

Denbury Resources Inc.(a)

    57,747       57,637  

Devon Energy Corp.

    50,370       1,021,504  

EQT Corp.

    30,915       332,027  

Hess Corp.

    33,093       2,175,865  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    98,887       1,140,167  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    80,070       5,120,476  

Noble Energy Inc.

    57,577       1,108,933  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    108,169       4,380,844  

ONEOK Inc.

    49,942       3,487,450  

Phillips 66

    54,902       6,413,652  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    20,419       2,511,945  

QEP Resources Inc.

    28,730       95,671  

Southwestern Energy Co.(a)

    65,692       134,669  

Valero Energy Corp.

    50,474       4,894,968  
   

 

 

 
      43,140,321  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%  

Domtar Corp.

    7,543       274,490  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 0.3%  

Avon Products Inc.(a)

    49,265       211,347  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Personal Products (continued)  

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

             26,505     $ 4,937,086  
   

 

 

 
      5,148,433  
Pharmaceuticals — 2.8%  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    197,926       11,355,015  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    6,795       853,656  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    311,529       26,997,103  

Zoetis Inc.

    57,920       7,409,126  
   

 

 

 
           46,614,900  
Professional Services — 0.5%  

ASGN Inc.(a)

    6,370       405,068  

Exponent Inc.

    6,369       404,622  

Heidrick & Struggles International Inc.

    2,032       57,831  

ICF International Inc.

    2,349       201,286  

IHS Markit Ltd.(a)

    46,039       3,223,651  

Kelly Services Inc., Class A, NVS

    3,869       92,895  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    7,320       665,534  

Resources Connection Inc.

    3,959       57,999  

Robert Half International Inc.

    14,455       827,838  

TransUnion

    22,709       1,876,218  

TrueBlue Inc.(a)

    4,993       114,340  
   

 

 

 
      7,927,282  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.2%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    38,622       2,068,208  

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

    6,243       914,724  

Realogy Holdings Corp.

    14,320       112,842  
   

 

 

 
      3,095,774  
Road & Rail —1.8%  

AMERCO

    1,084       439,063  

ArcBest Corp.

    3,128       90,368  

Avis Budget Group Inc.(a)

    7,956       236,373  

CSX Corp.

    92,996       6,534,829  

Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Class A(a)

    6,831       758,446  

Hertz Global Holdings Inc.(a)

    10,248       138,451  

Kansas City Southern

    12,199       1,717,375  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    32,167       5,854,394  

Ryder System Inc.

    6,433       312,837  

Union Pacific Corp.

    85,644       14,170,656  
   

 

 

 
      30,252,792  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.0%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    124,051       4,209,050  

Analog Devices Inc.

    44,704       4,766,788  

Applied Materials Inc.

    113,216       6,143,100  

Intel Corp.

    541,713       30,623,036  

Lam Research Corp.

    18,112       4,909,076  

Microchip Technology Inc.

    28,758       2,711,592  

NVIDIA Corp.

    70,001       14,071,601  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    20,896       1,902,790  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    113,517       13,393,871  
   

 

 

 
      82,730,904  
Software — 12.2%  

Adobe Inc.(a)

    59,046       16,410,655  

ANSYS Inc.(a)

    10,153       2,235,183  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    26,597       3,919,334  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    33,978       2,220,462  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    15,982       1,739,801  

Fortinet Inc.(a)

    17,561       1,432,275  

Intuit Inc.

    31,367       8,077,002  

Microsoft Corp.

    880,832       126,284,884  
 

 

 

36    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Software (continued)  

NortonLifeLock Inc.

    74,991     $ 1,715,794  

Oracle Corp.

    289,472       15,773,329  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    100,611       15,744,615  

Teradata Corp.(a)

             14,324       428,717  

VMware Inc., Class A

    9,969       1,577,794  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    19,647       3,185,958  
   

 

 

 
      200,745,803  
Specialty Retail — 3.2%            

AutoNation Inc.(a)

    6,539       332,508  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    29,137       2,092,911  

Buckle Inc. (The)

    3,663       76,630  

Caleres Inc.

    5,139       110,591  

CarMax Inc.(a)(b)

    20,164       1,878,680  

Foot Locker Inc.

    13,650       593,911  

GameStop Corp., Class A(b)

    11,674       63,507  

Gap Inc. (The)

    27,756       451,313  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    133,132       31,230,104  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    96,198       10,736,659  

Office Depot Inc.

    62,288       128,313  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    6,204       99,512  

Tiffany & Co.

    13,307       1,656,855  

Tractor Supply Co.

    14,661       1,393,088  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc.(a)

    6,731       1,569,333  
   

 

 

 
      52,413,915  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.5%  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    18,785       993,539  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    162,424       2,665,378  

HP Inc.

    181,820       3,158,213  

Xerox Holdings Corp.(a)

    24,526       832,167  
   

 

 

 
      7,649,297  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.3%  

Capri Holdings Ltd.(a)

    18,237       566,623  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    3,693       334,032  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    3,530       539,737  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    43,751       665,453  

NIKE Inc., Class B

    152,060       13,616,973  

PVH Corp.

    9,163       798,647  

Under Armour Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    22,746       469,705  

Under Armour Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    23,322       431,457  

VF Corp.

    40,754       3,353,647  

Wolverine World Wide Inc.

    10,959       325,263  
   

 

 

 
      21,101,537  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.0%  

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

             56,163      $ 654,299  
    

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.4%  

Air Lease Corp.

    12,806        563,208  

Applied Industrial Technologies Inc.

    4,694        280,889  

Fastenal Co.

    69,231        2,488,162  

H&E Equipment Services Inc.

    3,844        130,466  

HD Supply Holdings Inc.(a)

    20,704        818,636  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    9,516        1,271,052  

WW Grainger Inc.

    5,707        1,762,550  
    

 

 

 
       7,314,963  
Water Utilities — 0.2%             

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    21,796        2,686,793  
    

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.0%  

Sprint Corp.(a)(b)

    98,928        614,343  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $1,297,581,047)

       1,634,933,769  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

    
Money Market Funds — 0.9%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

    

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

      11,447,336        11,453,059  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

    

1.74%(c)(d)

    4,125,000        4,125,000  
    

 

 

 
       15,578,059  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.9%
(Cost: $15,576,761)

 

     15,578,059  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.6%
(Cost: $1,313,157,808)

 

       1,650,511,828  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.6)%

 

     (9,854,551
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $ 1,640,657,277  
    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      37  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
    
Shares
Purchased
 
 
   
Shares
Sold
 
 
    

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income      


Net

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

 
(a) 

   


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     5,230,319        6,217,017 (b)             11,447,336      $ 11,453,059      $ 19,735 (c)    $ 499     $ (57

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     701,084        3,423,916 (b)             4,125,000        4,125,000        21,049              

BlackRock Inc.

     12,645        1,878       (510      14,013        6,469,802        86,354       (21,399     (257,187
             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $ 22,047,861      $ 127,138     $ (20,900   $ (257,244
             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b)

Net of purchases and sales.

 
  (c)

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
      

Expiration

Date

      

Notional

Amount
(000)

      

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     35          12/20/19        $ 5,313        $ 77,055  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 77,055  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 88,870  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 77,055  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,770,883  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

38    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,634,933,769        $        $        $ 1,634,933,769  

Money Market Funds

     15,578,059                            15,578,059  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,650,511,828        $        $        $ 1,650,511,828  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 77,055        $             —        $             —        $ 77,055  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      39  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Air Freight & Logistics — 1.9%  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

         242,106     $ 17,659,212  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    19,926       2,294,877  
   

 

 

 
      19,954,089  
Automobiles — 0.4%            

Tesla Inc.(a)(b)

    12,501       3,936,815  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 1.3%  

Comerica Inc.

    86,414       5,653,204  

KeyCorp.

    115,498       2,075,499  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    28,651       4,203,102  

SVB Financial Group(a)(b)

    10,188       2,256,438  
   

 

 

 
      14,188,243  
Beverages — 2.8%  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    207,282       11,282,359  

PepsiCo Inc.

    135,283       18,556,769  
   

 

 

 
           29,839,128  
Biotechnology — 3.0%  

AbbVie Inc.

    46,948       3,734,713  

Amgen Inc.

    40,076       8,546,207  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    13,418       4,008,091  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    132,352       8,432,146  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    39,441       7,709,927  
   

 

 

 
      32,431,084  
Building Products — 1.6%  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    370,290       16,044,666  

Owens Corning

    26,876       1,646,961  
   

 

 

 
      17,691,627  
Capital Markets — 5.0%  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    104,076       4,865,553  

BlackRock Inc.(c)

    48,293       22,296,878  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    88,901       2,449,222  

Northern Trust Corp.

    196,404       19,577,551  

State Street Corp.

    76,014       5,022,245  
   

 

 

 
      54,211,449  
Chemicals — 5.1%  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    75,109       2,214,965  

Ecolab Inc.

    235,312       45,196,376  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    43,818       5,346,234  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    101,589       2,019,589  
   

 

 

 
      54,777,164  
Communications Equipment — 1.4%  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    224,901       10,685,047  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    27,951       4,648,810  
   

 

 

 
      15,333,857  
Consumer Finance — 1.4%  

American Express Co.

    127,214       14,919,658  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.6%  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    98,360       5,947,829  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 2.0%  

Eversource Energy

    134,323       11,248,208  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    160,983       10,224,030  
   

 

 

 
      21,472,238  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.8%  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    28,805       2,906,713  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    44,948       4,022,846  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (continued)  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    51,700     $ 2,059,728  
   

 

 

 
      8,989,287  
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.1%  

Baker Hughes Co.

         358,385       7,669,439  

TechnipFMC PLC

    237,121       4,678,397  
   

 

 

 
      12,347,836  
Entertainment — 1.0%  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    15,863       4,559,185  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    51,592       6,702,832  
   

 

 

 
      11,262,017  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 3.6%  

American Tower Corp.

    7,586       1,654,355  

Equinix Inc.

    12,819       7,265,553  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    101,762       3,337,794  

Liberty Property Trust

    192,104       11,347,583  

Prologis Inc.

    171,345       15,037,237  
   

 

 

 
      38,642,522  
Food Products — 3.1%  

Bunge Ltd.

    142,088       7,672,752  

Campbell Soup Co.

    115,233       5,336,440  

General Mills Inc.

    161,466       8,212,161  

Kellogg Co.

    183,456       11,654,960  
   

 

 

 
           32,876,313  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.6%  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    6,052       1,526,859  

Dentsply Sirona Inc.

    22,883       1,253,531  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    31,347       7,472,498  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    16,495       4,701,240  

ResMed Inc.

    14,181       2,097,653  
   

 

 

 
      17,051,781  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.7%  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    179,673       8,884,830  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    28,841       3,851,427  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    181,091       11,333,580  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    51,310       5,195,138  
   

 

 

 
      29,264,975  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.2%  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    7,452       1,731,621  
   

 

 

 
Household Durables — 0.3%  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)

    9,122       1,307,912  

Newell Brands Inc.

    104,798       1,988,018  
   

 

 

 
      3,295,930  
Household Products — 3.4%  

Clorox Co. (The)

    63,253       9,341,835  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    57,380       3,936,268  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    41,160       5,469,341  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    142,860       17,787,499  
   

 

 

 
      36,534,943  
Industrial Conglomerates — 2.3%  

3M Co.

    146,688       24,202,053  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 2.2%  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    181,944       18,853,037  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    35,757       4,686,313  
   

 

 

 
      23,539,350  
Interactive Media & Services — 5.0%  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    22,490       28,310,412  
 

 

 

40    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Interactive Media & Services (continued)  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    11,301     $ 14,240,503  

Facebook Inc., Class A(a)

    58,156       11,145,597  
   

 

 

 
           53,696,512  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.1%  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    663       1,358,335  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 4.0%  

Accenture PLC, Class A

    162,915       30,207,699  

International Business Machines Corp.

    78,270       10,467,047  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    17,589       1,831,015  
   

 

 

 
      42,505,761  
Leisure Products — 0.3%  

Hasbro Inc.

    34,923       3,398,357  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 3.4%  

Agilent Technologies Inc.

         220,244       16,683,483  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    16,058       2,319,096  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    11,249       7,929,870  

Waters Corp.(a)

    47,011       9,948,468  
   

 

 

 
      36,880,917  
Machinery — 4.2%  

Caterpillar Inc.

    74,941       10,326,870  

Cummins Inc.

    79,147       13,651,275  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    62,161       7,887,609  

Xylem Inc./NY

    175,316       13,444,984  
   

 

 

 
      45,310,738  
Media — 0.7%  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    39,591       999,277  

Liberty Global PLC, Class A(a)

    42,717       1,074,332  

Liberty Global PLC, Class C, NVS(a)

    172,692       4,122,158  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    14,461       1,116,245  
   

 

 

 
      7,312,012  
Multi-Utilities — 1.8%  

CMS Energy Corp.

    39,402       2,518,576  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    29,534       2,723,625  

Sempra Energy

    99,052       14,314,005  
   

 

 

 
      19,556,206  
Multiline Retail — 0.1%  

Nordstrom Inc.

    39,713       1,425,697  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.9%  

ConocoPhillips

    181,563       10,022,278  

Hess Corp.

    110,584       7,270,898  

ONEOK Inc.

    39,998       2,793,060  
   

 

 

 
      20,086,236  
Pharmaceuticals — 2.0%  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    150,111       13,008,619  

Zoetis Inc.

    66,752       8,538,916  
   

 

 

 
      21,547,535  
Real Estate Management & Development — 1.1%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    217,765       11,661,316  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 0.5%            

CSX Corp.

    15,641       1,099,093  

Kansas City Southern

    16,934       2,383,969  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    13,271       2,415,322  
   

 

 

 
      5,898,384  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.7%  

Applied Materials Inc.

    130,764       7,095,255  
Security   Shares     Value  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)  

Intel Corp.

    227,893     $ 12,882,791  

NVIDIA Corp.

    47,878       9,624,435  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    81,818       9,653,706  
   

 

 

 
      39,256,187  
Software — 9.3%  

Adobe Inc.(a)

    16,920       4,702,575  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    49,099       7,235,228  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    53,202       3,476,751  

Intuit Inc.

    28,742       7,401,065  

Microsoft Corp.

    373,583       53,560,595  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    147,124       23,023,435  

VMware Inc., Class A

    7,029       1,112,480  
   

 

 

 
      100,512,129  
Specialty Retail — 4.9%  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    174,822       12,557,464  

Gap Inc. (The)

    112,135       1,823,315  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    92,225       21,634,141  

Tiffany & Co.

    135,076       16,818,313  
   

 

 

 
      52,833,233  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 5.8%  

Apple Inc.

    190,543       47,399,477  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    634,444       10,411,226  

HP Inc.

    263,350       4,574,389  
   

 

 

 
      62,385,092  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.9%  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    76,805       1,168,204  

NIKE Inc., Class B

    130,929       11,724,692  

PVH Corp.

    47,870       4,172,349  

VF Corp.

    42,378       3,487,286  
   

 

 

 
      20,552,531  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.2%  

WW Grainger Inc.

    5,742       1,773,359  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $909,213,995)

 

    1,072,392,346  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.6%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    4,421,575       4,423,786  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

1.74%(c)(d)

      2,492,000       2,492,000  
   

 

 

 
      6,915,786  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.6%
(Cost: $6,915,174)

 

    6,915,786  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.3%
(Cost: $916,129,169)

 

    1,079,308,132  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.3)%

 

    (3,410,132
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 1,075,898,000  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      41  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at

04/30/19

 
 

 

    

Shares

Purchased

 

 

    

Shares

Sold

 

 

    

Shares
Held at

10/31/19

 
 

 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       


Net

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

 
(a) 

    

Change in
Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 

 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     12,494,602               (8,073,027 )(b)       4,421,575      $ 4,423,786      $ 19,036 (c)     $ 197      $ 301  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     494,066        1,997,934 (b)              2,492,000        2,492,000        13,783                

BlackRock Inc.

     46,336        10,751        (8,794      48,293        22,296,878        334,881        385,291        (1,511,634
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 29,212,664      $ 367,700      $ 385,488      $ (1,511,333
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  (a)

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b)

Net of purchases and sales.

 
  (c)

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description    Number of
Contracts
    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

           

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     22        12/20/19      $ 3,339      $ 37,261  
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
    

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 37,261  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 43,091  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 37,261  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,113,127  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

42    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® MSCI USA ESG Select ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1          Level 2          Level 3          Total   

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,072,392,346        $             —        $             —        $ 1,072,392,346  

Money Market Funds

     6,915,786                            6,915,786  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,079,308,132        $        $        $ 1,079,308,132  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 37,261        $        $        $ 37,261  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      43  


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities   (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

 

    

iShares
U.S. Basic

Materials ETF

    iShares
U.S. Consumer
Goods ETF
    iShares
U.S. Consumer
Services ETF
     iShares
U.S. Financial
Services ETF
 

ASSETS

        

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

        

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 354,391,571     $ 481,596,051     $ 975,832,569      $ 1,217,737,960  

Affiliated(c)

    1,865,999       13,996,146       47,985,059        24,198,949  

Cash

    412       4,841       11,246        961  

Cash pledged:

        

Futures contracts

    32,000       56,000       88,000        120,000  

Receivables:

        

Investments sold

    2,627,666       2,680,853              5,368,021  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    500       29,412       20,350         

Dividends

    336,818       769,517       365,008        886,873  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    359,254,966       499,132,820       1,024,302,232        1,248,312,764  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    1,293,212       12,858,883       45,910,595         

Payables:

        

Investments purchased

    2,828,360       3,427,419              7,122,236  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    8,094       5,867       8,216        23,697  

Investment advisory fees

    129,487       171,675       339,440        429,692  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    4,259,153       16,463,844       46,258,251        7,575,625  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 354,995,813     $ 482,668,976     $ 978,043,981      $ 1,240,737,139  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

        

Paid-in capital

  $ 545,165,025     $ 502,375,280     $ 871,355,283      $ 1,102,270,705  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    (190,169,212     (19,706,304     106,688,698        138,466,434  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 354,995,813     $ 482,668,976     $ 978,043,981      $ 1,240,737,139  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    3,850,000       3,800,000       4,450,000        8,800,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 92.21     $ 127.02     $ 219.79      $ 140.99  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None        None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 1,285,812     $ 12,529,536     $ 44,426,944      $  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 419,076,425     $ 490,426,397     $ 907,734,109      $ 1,121,363,516  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 1,865,950     $ 13,993,415     $ 47,983,686      $ 24,881,918  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

44    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

    

iShares

U.S. Financials
ETF

    

iShares

U.S. Industrials
ETF

    

iShares

MSCI KLD 400
Social ETF

    

iShares

MSCI USA

ESG Select

ETF

 

ASSETS

          

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

          

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 1,459,678,904      $ 895,788,905      $ 1,628,463,967      $ 1,050,095,468  

Affiliated(c)

    16,042,675        7,667,578        22,047,861        29,212,664  

Cash

    1,437        8,223        22,090        14,251  

Cash pledged:

          

Futures contracts

    73,000        82,000        223,000        154,000  

Receivables:

          

Investments sold

    1,620,223                       

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    819        5,905        4,816        2,836  

Capital shares sold

                  32,675        19,699  

Dividends

 

    991,986        744,879        1,756,188        1,052,963  

Total assets

 

    1,478,409,044        904,297,490        1,652,550,597        1,080,551,881  

LIABILITIES

          

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

           6,057,977        11,450,852        4,420,294  

Payables:

          

Investments purchased

    719,929               87,895         

Variation margin on futures contracts

    8,059        18,800        21,000        13,204  

Capital shares redeemed

    2,869,265                       

Investment advisory fees

 

    572,848        318,033        333,573        220,383  

Total liabilities

 

    4,170,101        6,394,810        11,893,320        4,653,881  

NET ASSETS

 

  $ 1,474,238,943      $ 897,902,680      $ 1,640,657,277      $ 1,075,898,000  

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

          

Paid-in capital

  $ 1,344,068,133      $ 849,673,270      $ 1,326,501,354      $ 866,504,695  

Accumulated earnings

 

    130,170,810        48,229,410        314,155,923        209,393,305  

NET ASSETS

 

  $ 1,474,238,943      $ 897,902,680      $ 1,640,657,277      $ 1,075,898,000  

Shares outstanding

 

    11,250,000        5,600,000        14,500,000        8,550,000  

Net asset value

 

  $ 131.04      $ 160.34      $ 113.15      $ 125.84  

Shares authorized

 

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  

Par value

 

    None        None        None        None  

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $      $ 5,854,507      $ 11,107,915      $ 4,236,937  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 1,353,419,151      $ 850,116,611      $ 1,292,159,485      $ 889,488,056  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 16,991,026      $ 7,665,110      $ 20,998,323      $ 26,641,113  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      45  


Statements of Operations  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

   

iShares
U.S. Basic

Materials ETF

    iShares
U.S. Consumer
Goods ETF
    iShares
U.S. Consumer
Services ETF
    iShares
U.S. Financial
Services ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 4,268,095     $ 6,196,942     $ 6,334,093     $ 14,388,352  

Dividends — Affiliated

    4,676       6,400       14,064       373,917  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    2,917       53,853       61,670        

Foreign taxes withheld

                      (2,655
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    4,275,688       6,257,195       6,409,827       14,759,614  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    819,475       992,391       2,020,004       2,801,553  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    819,475       992,391       2,020,004       2,801,553  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3,456,213       5,264,804       4,389,823       11,958,061  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (7,047,016     (4,929,688     (8,987,442     (7,180,933

Investments — Affiliated

    88       569       3,501       (181,800

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    (2,072,693     3,101,910       86,522,074       72,449,492  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

                      1,002,957  

Futures contracts

    41,801       (20,763     47,302       94,085  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    (9,077,820     (1,847,972     77,585,435       66,183,801  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    83,621       15,965,184       (73,027,854     (33,291,065

Investments — Affiliated

    (131     1,289       (109     (2,423,822

Futures contracts

    3,087       12,308       1,241       65,334  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    86,577       15,978,781       (73,026,722     (35,649,553
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (8,991,243     14,130,809       4,558,713       30,534,248  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (5,535,030   $ 19,395,613     $ 8,948,536     $ 42,492,309  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

46    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Operations  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

 

    iShares
U.S. Financials
ETF
   

iShares

U.S. Industrials

ETF

    iShares
MSCI KLD 400
Social ETF
    iShares
MSCI USA
ESG Select
ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 17,627,120     $ 8,019,273     $ 13,295,146     $ 10,046,047  

Dividends — Affiliated

    270,665       14,501       107,403       348,664  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    22,095       30,141       19,735       19,036  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (1,806           (837      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    17,918,074       8,063,915       13,421,447       10,413,747  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    3,563,309       1,965,970       1,858,036       1,342,787  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    3,563,309       1,965,970       1,858,036       1,342,787  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    14,354,765       6,097,945       11,563,411       9,070,960  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (8,672,707     (3,904,682     (3,019,606     (10,512,767

Investments — Affiliated

    (138,473     262       (38,939     (170,313

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    58,993,081       21,804,804       6,253,911       68,550,580  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    241,590             18,039       555,801  

Futures contracts

    225,814       173,091       88,870       43,091  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    50,649,305       18,073,475       3,302,275       58,466,392  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    14,525,552       (8,313,076     45,449,912       (20,417,540

Investments — Affiliated

    (1,128,003     702       (257,244     (1,511,333

Futures contracts

    43,186       7,865       77,055       37,261  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    13,440,735       (8,304,509     45,269,723       (21,891,612
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    64,090,040       9,768,966       48,571,998       36,574,780  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 78,444,805     $ 15,866,911     $ 60,135,409     $ 45,645,740  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      47  


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    iShares
U.S. Basic Materials ETF
    iShares
U.S. Consumer Goods ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
   

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 3,456,213     $ 9,028,737     $ 5,264,804     $ 12,536,642  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (9,077,820     (31,115,918     (1,847,972     1,265,278  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    86,577       (4,261,108     15,978,781       29,161,374  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (5,535,030     (26,348,289     19,395,613       42,963,294  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (4,242,154     (8,497,670     (5,894,057     (12,123,518
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (58,355,344     (174,959,909     124,051       4,704,164  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (68,132,528     (209,805,868     13,625,607       35,543,940  

Beginning of period

    423,128,341       632,934,209       469,043,369       433,499,429  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 354,995,813     $ 423,128,341     $ 482,668,976     $ 469,043,369  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

48    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
U.S. Consumer Services ETF
    iShares
U.S. Financial Services ETF
 
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 4,389,823     $ 6,956,473     $ 11,958,061     $ 26,787,232  

Net realized gain

    77,585,435       41,849,091       66,183,801       137,521,592  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (73,026,722     89,087,278       (35,649,553     (110,967,898
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    8,948,536       137,892,842       42,492,309       53,340,926  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (4,631,361     (6,824,763     (12,092,959     (26,969,209
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    39,607,169       61,369,906       (225,184,878     (234,628,958
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    43,924,344       192,437,985       (194,785,528     (208,257,241

Beginning of period

    934,119,637       741,681,652       1,435,522,667       1,643,779,908  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 978,043,981     $ 934,119,637     $ 1,240,737,139     $ 1,435,522,667  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      49  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

 

    iShares
U.S. Financials ETF
    iShares
U.S. Industrials ETF
 
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 14,354,765     $ 32,751,246     $ 6,097,945     $ 12,423,793  

Net realized gain

    50,649,305       154,416,035       18,073,475       80,562,016  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    13,440,735       (24,782,451     (8,304,509     15,946,075  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    78,444,805       162,384,830       15,866,911       108,931,884  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (15,027,316     (34,364,198     (5,615,298     (13,254,211
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions .

    (282,914,459     (729,599,942     (53,896,384     (187,783,856

NET ASSETS

       

Total decrease in net assets

    (219,496,970     (601,579,310     (43,644,771     (92,106,183

Beginning of period

    1,693,735,913       2,295,315,223       941,547,451       1,033,653,634  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 1,474,238,943     $ 1,693,735,913     $ 897,902,680     $ 941,547,451  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

50    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF
          iShares
MSCI USA ESG Select ETF
 
   

Six Months Ended

10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
         

Six Months Ended

10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

         

OPERATIONS

         

Net investment income

  $ 11,563,411     $ 19,536,634       $ 9,070,960     $ 13,736,301  

Net realized gain

    3,302,275       30,388,329         58,466,392       39,227,061  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    45,269,723       111,029,033         (21,891,612     46,476,738  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    60,135,409       160,953,996         45,645,740       99,440,100  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

         

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (10,778,910     (20,058,554       (9,340,208     (13,311,652
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

         

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    175,348,132       239,634,251         37,877,457       233,979,677  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

         

Total increase in net assets

    224,704,631       380,529,693         74,182,989       320,108,125  

Beginning of period

    1,415,952,646       1,035,422,953         1,001,715,011       681,606,886  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 1,640,657,277     $ 1,415,952,646       $ 1,075,898,000     $ 1,001,715,011  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      51  


Financial Highlights  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 94.03     $ 97.37     $ 89.37      $ 77.65      $ 84.59      $ 83.92  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.82       1.63       1.39        1.34        1.39        1.34  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (1.62     (3.49     8.16        11.62        (6.93      0.82  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (0.80     (1.86     9.55        12.96        (5.54      2.16  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (1.02     (1.48     (1.55      (1.24      (1.40      (1.49
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.02     (1.48     (1.55      (1.24      (1.40      (1.49
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 92.21     $ 94.03     $ 97.37      $ 89.37      $ 77.65      $ 84.59  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    (0.84 )%(d)      (1.89 )%      10.74      16.88      (6.42 )%       2.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.79 %(e)      1.71     1.44      1.62      1.88      1.57
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 354,996     $ 423,128     $ 632,934      $ 960,747      $ 551,283      $ 494,880  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    5 %(d)      28     6      13      13      7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

52    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 123.43     $ 114.08     $ 119.04      $ 111.98      $ 105.19      $ 96.90  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.40       3.04       2.50        2.32        2.31        2.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    3.75       9.24       (5.24      7.66        6.90        8.23  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    5.15       12.28       (2.74      9.98        9.21        10.26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (1.56     (2.93     (2.22      (2.92      (2.42      (1.97
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.56     (2.93     (2.22      (2.92      (2.42      (1.97
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 127.02     $ 123.43     $ 114.08      $ 119.04      $ 111.98      $ 105.19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    4.22 %(d)      10.95     (2.41 )%       9.04      8.88      10.66
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.26 %(e)      2.61     2.05      2.03      2.15      1.98
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 482,669     $ 469,043     $ 433,499      $ 720,184      $ 951,869      $ 778,411  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    3 %(d)      4     7      7      4      4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      53  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 217.24     $ 185.42     $ 165.24      $ 144.34      $ 142.60      $ 118.79  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.01       1.60       1.81        1.52        1.42        1.44  

Net realized and unrealized gain(b)

    2.62       31.79       20.10        20.99        1.74        23.64  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    3.63       33.39       21.91        22.51        3.16        25.08  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (1.08     (1.57     (1.73      (1.61      (1.42      (1.27
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.08     (1.57     (1.73      (1.61      (1.42      (1.27
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 219.79     $ 217.24     $ 185.42      $ 165.24      $ 144.34      $ 142.60  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    1.67 %(d)      18.09     13.35      15.71      2.23      21.19
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.92 %(e)      0.81     1.04      1.01      0.99      1.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 978,044     $ 934,120     $ 741,682      $ 669,218      $ 959,877      $ 1,055,273  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    12 %(d)      15     10      8      9      8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

54    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 136.07     $ 130.98     $ 108.38      $ 85.36      $ 91.03      $ 81.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.22       2.17       1.73        1.47        1.28        1.15  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    4.89       5.12       22.56        22.88        (5.66      9.77  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    6.11       7.29       24.29        24.35        (4.38      10.92  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (1.19     (2.20     (1.69      (1.33      (1.29      (1.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.19     (2.20     (1.69      (1.33      (1.29      (1.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 140.99     $ 136.07     $ 130.98      $ 108.38      $ 85.36      $ 91.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    4.54 %(d)      5.72     22.53      28.74      (4.85 )%       13.50
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.82 %(e)      1.68     1.40      1.49      1.44      1.32
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 1,240,737     $ 1,435,523     $ 1,643,780      $ 1,430,646      $ 567,660      $ 564,372  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    4 %(d)      4     4      4      5      3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      55  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Financials ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
    Year Ended
04/30/17
    Year Ended
04/30/16
    Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 125.93     $ 117.71     $ 103.79     $ 86.91     $ 88.81     $ 80.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.09       2.07       1.82       1.64       1.44       1.27  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    5.18       8.33       13.89       16.91       (1.81     8.46  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations .

    6.27       10.40       15.71       18.55       (0.37     9.73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

           

From net investment income

    (1.16     (2.18     (1.79     (1.67     (1.53     (1.31
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.16     (2.18     (1.79     (1.67     (1.53     (1.31
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 131.04     $ 125.93     $ 117.71     $ 103.79     $ 86.91     $ 88.81  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

    5.02 %(d)      9.01     15.21     21.52     (0.41 )%      12.15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42     0.43     0.44     0.44     0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.71 %(e)      1.75     1.59     1.70     1.64     1.48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 1,474,239     $ 1,693,736     $ 2,295,315     $ 1,681,324     $ 1,173,295     $ 1,163,414  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    3 %(d)      8     6     6     6     6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares U.S. Industrials ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 158.24     $ 141.60      $ 128.60      $ 108.65      $ 107.35      $ 101.19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.04       1.89        1.78        1.82        1.59        1.43  

Net realized and unrealized gain(b)

    2.03       16.79        13.06        19.89        1.35        6.17  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    3.07       18.68        14.84        21.71        2.94        7.60  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.97     (2.04      (1.84      (1.76      (1.64      (1.44
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.97     (2.04      (1.84      (1.76      (1.64      (1.44
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 160.34     $ 158.24      $ 141.60      $ 128.60      $ 108.65      $ 107.35  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    1.96 %(d)      13.34      11.57      20.13      2.83      7.54
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.43 %(e)      0.42      0.43      0.44      0.44      0.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.32 %(e)      1.29      1.27      1.55      1.54      1.37
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 897,903     $ 941,547      $ 1,033,654      $ 983,820      $ 733,417      $ 917,854  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    2 %(d)      5      7      10      7      6
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      57  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 109.76     $ 98.14     $ 88.02      $ 76.44      $ 77.09      $ 70.16  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.86       1.65       1.36        1.22        1.17        1.04  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    3.33       11.64       10.01        11.54        (0.62      6.89  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    4.19       13.29       11.37        12.76        0.55        7.93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

 

From net investment income

    (0.80     (1.67     (1.25      (1.18      (1.20      (1.00
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.80     (1.67     (1.25      (1.18      (1.20      (1.00
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 113.15     $ 109.76     $ 98.14      $ 88.02      $ 76.44      $ 77.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

 

Based on net asset value

    3.84 %(d)      13.70     12.99      16.83      0.75      11.34
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

Total expenses

    0.25 %(e)      0.28     0.50      0.50      0.50      0.50
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    0.25 %(e)      0.25     0.48      0.50      0.50      0.50
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.56 %(e)      1.61     1.43      1.49      1.55      1.39
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 1,640,657     $ 1,415,953     $ 1,035,423      $ 822,945      $ 500,677      $ 431,703  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    1 %(d)      13     11      10      16      14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 122.16     $ 110.83      $ 99.72      $ 85.12      $ 86.39      $ 78.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.03       1.95        1.68        1.41        1.32        1.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    3.75       11.26        10.98        14.57        (1.29      7.89  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    4.78       13.21        12.66        15.98        0.03        8.97  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (1.10     (1.88      (1.55      (1.38      (1.30      (1.07
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.10     (1.88      (1.55      (1.38      (1.30      (1.07
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 125.84     $ 122.16      $ 110.83      $ 99.72      $ 85.12      $ 86.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

 

Based on net asset value

    3.95 %(d)      12.07      12.76      18.92      0.07      11.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.25 %(e)      0.28      0.50      0.50      0.50      0.50
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    0.25 %(e)      0.25      0.48      0.50      0.50      0.50
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.69 %(e)      1.71      1.56      1.53      1.58      1.29
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 1,075,898     $ 1,001,715      $ 681,607      $ 528,509      $ 357,511      $ 328,277  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    6 %(d)      21      13      19      20      19
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      59  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

iShares Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios.

These financial statements relate only to the following funds (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

iShares ETF  

Diversification

Classification

U.S. Basic Materials

  Non-diversified

U.S. Consumer Goods

  Non-diversified

U.S. Consumer Services

  . Diversified

U.S. Financial Services

  Non-diversified

U.S. Financials

  Diversified

U.S. Industrials

  Diversified

MSCI KLD 400 Social

  Diversified

MSCI USA ESG Select

  Diversified

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies are consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: Investment transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Any taxes withheld that are reclaimable from foreign tax authorities are reflected in tax reclaims receivable. Distributions received by the Funds may include a return of capital that is estimated by management. Such amounts are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be re-designated as a return of capital or capital gain. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is accrued daily.

Foreign Taxes: The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments, or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which each Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by each Fund and are reflected in its statement of operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income, foreign taxes on securities lending income are presented as a reduction of securities lending income, foreign taxes on stock dividends are presented as “other foreign taxes”, and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments and foreign taxes on foreign currency transactions are included in their respective net realized gain (loss) categories. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of October 31, 2019, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

In-kind Redemptions: For financial reporting purposes, in-kind redemptions are treated as sales of securities resulting in realized capital gains or losses to the Funds. Because such gains or losses are not taxable to the Funds and are not distributed to existing Fund shareholders, the gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated net realized gain (loss) to paid-in capital at the end of the Funds’ tax year. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.

Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by each Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes. Dividends and distributions are paid in U.S. dollars and cannot be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds.

Indemnifications: In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations that provide general indemnification. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because it involves future potential claims against the Funds, which cannot be predicted with any certainty.

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: Each Fund’s investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) each day that the Fund’s listing exchange is open and, for financial reporting purposes, as of the report date should the reporting period end on a day that the Fund’s listing exchange is not open. U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fund determines the fair value of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of each Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

 

60    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

   

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at that day’s last traded price or official closing price, as applicable, on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day are valued at the last traded price.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds (including money market funds) are valued at that day’s published net asset value (“NAV”).

 

   

Futures contract notional values are determined based on that day’s last reported settlement price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of an investment, or in the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, in accordance with policies approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Global Valuation Committee include market approach, income approach and the cost approach. Valuation techniques used under these approaches take into consideration inputs that include but are not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) the principal market for the investment; (iii) the customary participants in the principal market for the investment; (iv) data assumptions by market participants for the investment, if reasonably available; (v) quoted prices for similar investments in active markets; and (vi) other inputs, such as future cash flows, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and/or default rates.

Fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a fund’s NAV and the prices used by the fund’s underlying index, which in turn could result in a difference between the fund’s performance and the performance of the fund’s underlying index.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial reporting purposes as follows:

 

   

Level 1 — Unadjusted price quotations in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs; and

 

   

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, (including the Global Valuation Committee’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments).

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgement exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The fair value hierarchy for each Fund’s investments is included in its schedule of investments. The categorization of a value determined for financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Securities Lending: Each Fund may lend its securities to approved borrowers, such as brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an approved bank, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities for securities traded on U.S. exchanges and a value of at least 105% for all other securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter at a value equal to at least 100% of the current value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund or excess collateral is returned by the Fund, on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities but does not receive interest income on securities received as collateral. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the standard time period for settlement of securities transactions.

As of October 31, 2019, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. government obligations. Cash collateral received was invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates and is disclosed in the schedules of investments. Any non-cash collateral received cannot be sold, re-invested or pledged by the Fund, except in the event of borrower default. The securities on loan for each Fund, if any, are also disclosed in its schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan as of October 31, 2019 and the value of the related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by a fund under Master Securities Lending Agreements (each, an “MSLA”) which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate a net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. In the event that a borrower defaults, the fund, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the collateral is typically greater than the market value of the securities loaned, leaving the lender with a net amount payable to the defaulting party. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of an MSLA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Under the MSLA, absent an event of default, the borrower can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities, and the fund can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      61  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

The following table is a summary of the securities lending agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of October 31, 2019:

 

 

 
iShares ETF and Counterparty     
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    

Cash Collateral

Received

 

(a) 

   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
 
 
     Net Amount  

 

 

U.S. Basic Materials

          

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

   $ 794,178      $ 794,178     $      $  

State Street Bank & Trust Company

     491,634        462,150              (29,484 )(b) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,285,812      $ 1,256,328     $      $ (29,484
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

U.S. Consumer Goods

          

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 61,740      $ 61,740     $      $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

     280,938        280,938               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

     335,903        332,746              (3,157 )(b) 

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     566,859        566,859               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

     1,574,662        1,574,662               

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

     447,605        447,605               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

     37,091        37,091               

TD Prime Services LLC

     8,898,694        8,898,694               

UBS Securities LLC

     3,006        2,981              (25 )(b) 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

     14,338        14,338               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

     308,700        308,700               
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 12,529,536      $ 12,526,354     $      $ (3,182
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

U.S. Consumer Services

          

BofA Securities, Inc.

   $ 6,786,785      $ 6,786,785     $      $  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

     22,039,013        22,039,013               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

     1,470,035        1,470,035               

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

     719,047        719,047               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     2,870,327        2,870,327               

Jefferies LLC

     37,465        37,465               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

     3,203,605        3,203,605               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

     2,825,123        2,825,123               

National Financial Services LLC

     743,222        743,222               

UBS AG

     653,909        653,909               

UBS Securities LLC

     1,846,430        1,846,430               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

     1,231,983        1,231,983               
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 44,426,944      $ 44,426,944     $      $  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

U.S. Industrials

          

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

   $ 386,320      $ 378,725     $      $ (7,595 )(b) 

BofA Securities, Inc.

     76,449        76,449               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

     3,020        2,973              (47 )(b) 

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     302,375        302,375               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

     1,887,949        1,887,949               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

     105,760        105,760               

TD Prime Services LLC

     1,105,795        1,105,795               

UBS AG

     51,490        51,490               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

     1,842,653        1,842,653               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

     92,696        92,696               
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,854,507      $ 5,846,865     $      $ (7,642
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

62    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty    
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a) 
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
 
 
     Net Amount  

MSCI KLD 400 Social

         

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 1,425      $ 1,425     $      $  

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    2,782        2,782               

BNP Paribas Securities Corp

    32,432        32,432               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    1,088        1,088               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    3,641        3,641               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    33,720        33,720               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    2,704,470        2,704,470               

HSBC Bank PLC

    3,839        3,839               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    1,500,528        1,500,528               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    858,329        858,329               

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

    469,182        469,182               

TD Prime Services LLC

    3,385,075        3,385,075               

UBS AG

    8,358        8,358               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    2,103,046        2,103,046               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $  11,107,915      $  11,107,915     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI USA ESG Select

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 1,341,823      $ 1,341,823     $      $  

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    2,889,760        2,889,760               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    5,354        5,354               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 4,236,937      $ 4,236,937     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received in excess of the market value of securities on loan is not presented in this table. The total cash collateral received by each Fund is disclosed in the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities.

 
  (b) 

Additional collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day in accordance with the MSLA. The net amount would be subject to the borrower default indemnity in the event of default by a counterparty.

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). BlackRock’s indemnity allows for full replacement of the securities loaned to the extent the collateral received does not cover the value of the securities loaned in the event of borrower default. Each Fund could incur a loss if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the market value of the loaned securities or if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the original cash collateral received. Such losses are borne entirely by each Fund.

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Futures Contracts: Each Fund’s use of futures contracts is generally limited to cash equitization. This involves the use of available cash to invest in index futures contracts in order to gain exposure to the equity markets represented in or by the Fund’s underlying index and is intended to allow the Fund to better track its underlying index. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a set price on a future date. Depending on the terms of a contract, a futures contract is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date.

Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to pledge to the executing broker which holds segregated from its own assets, an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-quality debt and equity securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Securities deposited as initial margin, if any, are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, is shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Pursuant to the contract, a fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable or payable on futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the statement of operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. Losses may arise if the notional value of a futures contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument during the term of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts.

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory Fees: Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, BFA manages the investment of each Fund’s assets. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, BFA is responsible for substantially all expenses of the Funds, except (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions; (iii) distribution fees; (iv) the advisory fee payable to BFA; and (v) litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses (in each case as determined by a majority of the independent trustees).

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      63  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

For its investment advisory services to each of the iShares U.S. Basic Materials, iShares U.S. Consumer Goods, iShares U.S. Consumer Services, iShares U.S. Financial Services, iShares U.S. Financials and iShares U.S. Industrials ETFs, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Funds, based on each Fund’s allocable portion of the aggregate of the average daily net assets of the Fund and certain other iShares funds, as follows:

 

Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets   Investment Advisory Fee  

First $10 billion

    0.48

Over $10 billion, up to and including $20 billion

    0.43  

Over $20 billion, up to and including $30 billion

    0.38  

Over $30 billion, up to and including $40 billion

    0.34  

Over $40 billion, up to and including $50 billion

    0.33  

Over $50 billion

    0.31  

For its investment advisory services to each of the following Funds, BFAis entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Funds, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Investment Advisory Fee  

MSCI KLD 400 Social

    0.25

MSCI USA ESG Select

    0.25  

Distributor: BlackRock Investments, LLC, an affiliate of BFA, is the distributor for each Fund. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, BFA is responsible for any fees or expenses for distribution services provided to the Funds.

Securities Lending: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has issued an exemptive order which permits BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), an affiliate of BFA, to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds, subject to applicable conditions. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. Each 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, or its affiliates, however, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees each Fund bears to an annual rate of 0.04% (the “collateral investment fees”). Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities. Each Fund retains a portion of securities lending income and remits the remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each Fund retains 73.5% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across all 1940 Act iShares exchange-traded funds (the “iShares ETF Complex”) in that calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

The share of securities lending income earned by each Fund is shown as securities lending income — affiliated — net in its statement of operations. For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

iShares ETF   Fees Paid
to BTC
 

U.S. Basic Materials

  $ 1,212  

U.S. Consumer Goods

    21,438  

U.S. Consumer Services

    25,817  

U.S. Financials

    9,466  

U.S. Industrials

    12,434  

MSCI KLD 400 Social

    8,453  

MSCI USA ESG Select

    8,115  

Officers and Trustees: Certain officers and/or trustees of the Trust are officers and/or trustees of BlackRock or its affiliates.

 

 

64    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Other Transactions: Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which BFA (or an affiliate) serves as investment adviser. At its regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most recent calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth by Rule 17a-7.

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, transactions executed by the Funds pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales      Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
      

U.S. Basic Materials

  $ 3,566,385      $ 1,240,170      $ (517,804  

U.S. Consumer Goods

    2,387,442        1,943,847        (1,324,560  

U.S. Consumer Services

    39,862,831        81,054,488        (3,238,242  

U.S. Financial Services

    3,800,192        10,270,179        (1,205,482  

U.S. Financials

    4,031,488        2,744,061        (916,775  

U.S. Industrials

    3,832,856        1,047,479        (230,811  

MSCI KLD 400 Social

    4,962,331        4,197,626        (589,236  

MSCI USA ESG Select

    40,168,397        16,541,292        (2,935,647    

Each Fund may invest its positive cash balances in certain money market funds managed by BFA or an affiliate. The income earned on these temporary cash investments is shown as dividends — affiliated in the statement of operations.

A fund, in order to improve its portfolio liquidity and its ability to track its underlying index, may invest in shares of other iShares funds that invest in securities in the fund’s underlying index.

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investments, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales       

U.S. Basic Materials

  $ 18,136,032      $ 19,192,053    

U.S. Consumer Goods

    14,613,724        15,471,159    

U.S. Consumer Services

    109,346,109        111,218,171    

U.S. Financial Services

    58,551,995        70,790,776    

U.S. Financials

    51,079,023        52,461,319    

U.S. Industrials

    19,547,770        18,534,460    

MSCI KLD 400 Social

    20,374,672        23,444,333    

MSCI USA ESG Select

    68,454,298        71,789,311      

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF  

In-kind

Purchases

    

In-kind

Sales

      

U.S. Basic Materials

  $ 18,411,950      $ 76,633,652    

U.S. Consumer Goods

    30,429,538        30,163,588    

U.S. Consumer Services

    306,233,929        266,241,284    

U.S. Financial Services

    182,059,320        395,537,848    

U.S. Financials

    98,383,534        376,643,914    

U.S. Industrials

    47,122,468        100,899,602    

MSCI KLD 400 Social

    191,247,728        15,789,517    

MSCI USA ESG Select

    221,462,251        182,641,464      

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions applicable to regulated investment companies, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to annually distribute substantially all of its ordinary income and any net capital gains (taking into account any capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income and excise taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of October 31, 2019, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      65  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

As of April 30, 2019, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Non-Expiring       

U.S. Basic Materials

  $  112,238,296    

U.S. Consumer Goods

    8,562,242    

U.S. Consumer Services

    32,247,037    

U.S. Financial Services

    14,987,236    

U.S. Financials

    12,303,917    

U.S. Industrials

    9,597,059    

MSCI KLD 400 Social

    6,600,929    

MSCI USA ESG Select

    180,299      

As of October 31, 2019, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost of investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Tax Cost      Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
     Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

      

U.S. Basic Materials

  $ 425,850,817      $ 29,442,173      $  (99,032,333   $  (69,590,160  

U.S. Consumer Goods

    506,084,652        58,239,455        (68,719,602     (10,480,147  

U.S. Consumer Services

    962,788,480        117,761,185        (56,730,796     61,030,389    

U.S. Financial Services

    1,156,678,965        145,713,091        (60,389,813     85,323,278    

U.S. Financials

    1,383,266,792        179,878,173        (87,380,200     92,497,973    

U.S. Industrials

    864,582,892        132,413,207        (93,531,751     38,881,456    

MSCI KLD 400 Social

    1,335,205,914        371,732,010        (56,349,041     315,382,969    

MSCI USA ESG Select

    929,471,535        184,156,968        (34,283,110     149,873,858      

 

9.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, each Fund invests in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject the Fund to various risks, including, among others, fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of an issuer to meet all of its obligations. The value of securities or other instruments may also be affected by various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the general economy; (ii) the overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; or (iv) currency, interest rate or price fluctuations. Each Fund’s prospectus provides details of the risks to which the Fund is subject.

BFA uses a “passive” or index approach to try to achieve each Fund’s investment objective following the securities included in its underlying index during upturns as well as downturns. BFA does not take steps to reduce market exposure or to lessen the effects of a declining market. Divergence from the underlying index and the composition of the portfolio is monitored by BFA.

Market Risk: Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss a fund may suffer through holding market positions in the face of market movements. A fund is exposed to market risk by its investment in equity, fixed income and/or financial derivative instruments or by its investment in underlying funds. The fair value of securities held by a fund may decline due to general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuers of the securities including local, regional or global political, social or economic instability or to factors that affect a particular industry or group of industries. The extent of a fund’s exposure to market risk is the market value of the investments held as shown in the fund’s schedule of investments.

Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of debt instruments or the counterparty to a financial transaction, including derivatives contracts, repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities, is unable or unwilling to make timely interest and/or principal payments or to otherwise honor its obligations. BFA and its affiliates manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose a fund to issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of a fund’s exposure to credit and counterparty risks with respect to those financial assets is approximated by their value recorded in its statement of assets and liabilities.

Concentration Risk: A diversified portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with a fund’s objectives, minimizes the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of a fund. The investment concentrations within each Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its schedule of investments.

When a fund concentrates its investments in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors, it assumes the risk that economic, regulatory, political and social conditions affecting such sectors may have a significant impact on the fund and could affect the income from, or the value or liquidity of, the fund’s portfolio.

 

 

66    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

10.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Capital shares are issued and redeemed by each Fund only in aggregations of a specified number of shares or multiples thereof (“Creation Units”) at NAV. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of each Fund are not redeemable.

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

U.S. Basic Materials

       

Shares sold

    200,000     $ 18,454,120       1,650,000     $ 166,124,476  

Shares redeemed

    (850,000     (76,809,464     (3,650,000     (341,084,385
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (650,000   $ (58,355,344     (2,000,000   $ (174,959,909
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Consumer Goods

       

Shares sold

    250,000     $ 30,503,670       1,400,000     $ 165,270,839  

Shares redeemed

    (250,000     (30,379,619     (1,400,000     (160,566,675
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

        $ 124,051           $ 4,704,164  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Consumer Services

       

Shares sold

    1,400,000     $ 306,696,478       1,200,000     $ 236,521,703  

Shares redeemed

    (1,250,000     (267,089,309     (900,000     (175,151,797
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    150,000     $ 39,607,169       300,000     $ 61,369,906  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Financial Services

       

Shares sold

    1,300,000     $ 182,849,219       4,000,000     $ 523,082,166  

Shares redeemed

    (3,050,000     (408,034,097     (6,000,000     (757,711,124
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (1,750,000   $  (225,184,878 )     (2,000,000   $ (234,628,958
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Financials

       

Shares sold

    800,000     $ 99,555,820       4,000,000     $ 455,311,621  

Shares redeemed

    (3,000,000     (382,470,279     (10,050,000     (1,184,911,563
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (2,200,000   $  (282,914,459     (6,050,000   $ (729,599,942
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Industrials

       

Shares sold

    300,000     $ 47,237,816       2,050,000     $ 300,710,806  

Shares redeemed

    (650,000     (101,134,200     (3,400,000     (488,494,662
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (350,000   $ (53,896,384     (1,350,000   $ (187,783,856
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI KLD 400 Social

       

Shares sold

    1,750,000     $ 191,969,449       3,600,000     $ 365,449,346  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000     (16,621,317     (1,250,000     (125,815,095
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    1,600,000     $ 175,348,132       2,350,000     $ 239,634,251  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI USA ESG Select

       

Shares sold

    1,850,000     $ 222,170,140       3,100,000     $ 350,488,105  

Shares redeemed

    (1,500,000     (184,292,683     (1,050,000     (116,508,428
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    350,000     $ 37,877,457       2,050,000     $ 233,979,677  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The consideration for the purchase of Creation Units of a fund in the Trust generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities and a specified amount of cash. Certain funds in the Trust may be offered in Creation Units solely or partially for cash in U.S. dollars. Investors purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay a purchase transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee directly to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s administrator, to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units, including Creation Units for cash. Investors transacting in Creation Units for cash may also pay an additional variable charge to compensate the relevant fund for certain transaction costs (i.e., stamp taxes, taxes on currency or other financial transactions, and brokerage costs) and market impact expenses relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable charges, if any, are included in shares sold in the table above.

From time to time, settlement of securities related to in-kind contributions or in-kind redemptions may be delayed. In such cases, securities related to in-kind transactions are reflected as a receivable or a payable in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

11.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On June 16, 2016, investors 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 U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF and iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF) filed a class action lawsuit against iShares Trust,

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      67  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

BlackRock, Inc. and certain of its advisory affiliates, and certain directors/trustees and officers of the Funds (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 the Plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice. Plaintiffs have appealed the court’s decision. The appeal was fully briefed on January 18, 2019, and a hearing on Plaintiffs’ appeal took place on November 19, 2019.

Certain iShares funds (the “Impacted Funds”), along with thousands of other former shareholders of Tribune Company (“Tribune”), were named as defendants in one or more lawsuits (the “Litigation”) arising out of Tribune’s 2007 leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”). The Litigation seeks to “claw back” from former Tribune shareholders, including the Impacted Funds, proceeds received in connection with the LBO. The iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF and iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF received proceeds of $336,974 and $23,018, respectively, in the LBO. The claims that were originally brought against the Impacted Funds were dismissed but are currently subject to appeals in multiple appellate courts. The outcome of these appeals could result in new claims being brought against the Impacted Funds and/or previously dismissed claims being revived and subject to continuing litigation. The Impacted Funds intend to vigorously defend the Litigation.

 

12.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring adjustment or additional disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

68    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

I. iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF, iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF, iShares U.S. Financials ETF, iShares U.S. Industrials ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      69  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract   (continued)

 

funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for each Fund already provided for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of each Fund, on an aggregated basis with the assets of certain other iShares funds, increase. The Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding new or revised breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

II. iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF and iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and

 

 

70    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract   (continued)

 

shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary

 

 

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revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for each Fund already provided for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of each Fund, on an aggregated basis with the assets of certain other iShares funds, increase. The Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding new or revised breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA(or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

III. iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees

 

 

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(the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the Fund’s Peer Group. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were higher than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fun(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Fund and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Fund, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Fund’s operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Fund. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Fund’s profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract   (continued)

 

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Fund did not provide for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded ETF, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

IV. iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and

 

 

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quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the Fund’s Peer Group. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Fund and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Fund, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Fund’s operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Fund. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Fund’s profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Fund did not provide for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA(or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded ETF, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

 

 

76    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Supplemental Information  (unaudited)

 

Section 19(a) Notices

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are estimates and are being provided pursuant to regulatory requirements and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each fund’s investment experience during the year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV each calendar year that will inform them how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

 

     Total Cumulative Distributions
for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
    % Breakdown of the Total Cumulative
Distributions for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
 
iShares ETF   Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
    Return of
Capital
    Total Per
Share
    Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
    Return of
Capital
    Total Per
Share
 

U.S. Consumer Services(a)

  $ 1.079642     $     $ 0.000886     $ 1.080528       100     —      0 %(b)      100

U.S. Financials(a)

    0.932987             0.223583       1.156570       81       —        19       100  

MSCI KLD 400 Social(a)

    0.785192             0.010051       0.795243       99             1       100  

MSCI USA ESG Select(a)

    1.088838             0.013240       1.102078       99             1       100  

 

  (a) 

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the shareholder’s investment in the Fund is returned to the shareholder. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income”. When distributions exceed total return performance, the difference will incrementally reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share.

 
  (b) 

Rounds to less than 1%.

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION      77  


General Information  

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for email notifications announcing that the shareholder report or prospectus has been posted on the iShares website at iShares.com. Once you have enrolled, you will no longer receive prospectuses and shareholder reports in the mail.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

 

   

Go to icsdelivery.com.

   

If your brokerage firm is not listed, electronic delivery may not be available. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial advisor.

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.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The iShares Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The iShares Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. The iShares Funds also disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings on a daily basis on the iShares website at iShares.com.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Proxy Voting Records

A description of the policies and procedures that the iShares Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information about how the iShares Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30 is available without charge, upon request (1) by calling toll-free 1-800-474-2737; (2) on the iShares website at iShares.com; and (3) on the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

 

78    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations — Equity
NVS    Non-Voting Shares

 

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT      79  


 

Want to know more?

iShares.com    |     1-800-474-2737

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by MSCI Inc. or S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, nor do these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the companies listed above.

©2019 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

iS-SAR-402-1019

 

 

LOGO    LOGO


 

LOGO   OCTOBER 31, 2019

 

  

2019 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF  |  DGRO  |  NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares Core High Dividend ETF  |  HDV  |  NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares International Select Dividend ETF  |  IDV  |  Cboe BZX

 

·  

iShares Select Dividend ETF  |  DVY  |  NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF  |  DIVB  |  Cboe BZX

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of each 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.

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.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive electronic delivery of shareholder reports and other communications by contacting your financial intermediary. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service.


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

Fund Summary

     3  

About Fund Performance

     8  

Shareholder Expenses

     8  

Schedules of Investments

     9  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     30  

Statements of Operations

     32  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     34  

Financial Highlights

     37  

Notes to Financial Statements

     42  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     49  

Supplemental Information

     55  

General Information

     56  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     57  

 

 


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends, as represented by the Morningstar® U.S. Dividend Growth IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    5.93     16.62      11.75      11.59       16.62      74.24      80.68

Fund Market

    5.95       16.58        11.73        11.59         16.58        74.10        80.67  

Index

    5.97       16.71        11.81        11.66               16.71        74.75        81.21  

The inception date of the Fund was 6/10/14. The first day of secondary market trading was 6/12/14.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During

the Period 

 
 

(a) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During

the Period 

 
 

(a) 

      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00            $ 1,059.30            $ 0.41                 $ 1,000.00            $ 1,024.70            $ 0.41          0.08

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    19.6

Health Care

    16.1  

Information Technology

    15.5  

Industrials

    13.2  

Consumer Staples

    10.6  

Consumer Discretionary

    7.8  

Communication Services

    5.3  

Utilities

    4.8  

Energy

    4.2  

Materials

    2.9  

Real Estate

    0.0 (b)  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Apple Inc.

    3.3

Microsoft Corp.

    3.1  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    3.0  

Johnson & Johnson

    2.8  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    2.8  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    2.6  

Chevron Corp.

    2.6  

Pfizer Inc.

    2.5  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    2.3  

AbbVie Inc.

    2.2  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
  (b) 

Rounds to less than 0.1%.

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      3  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Core High Dividend ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of relatively high dividend paying U.S. equities, as represented by the Morningstar® Dividend Yield Focus IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years     Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    0.99     10.72      8.09     11.29       10.72      47.52      150.70

Fund Market

    1.06       10.75        8.09       11.29         10.75        47.58        150.76  

Index

    1.01       10.80        8.18       11.54               10.80        48.16        155.47  

The inception date of the Fund was 3/29/11. The first day of secondary market trading was 3/31/11.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00          $ 1,009.90          $ 0.40               $ 1,000.00          $ 1,024.70          $ 0.41          0.08

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Energy

    21.3

Communication Services

    16.7  

Health Care

    14.6  

Consumer Staples

    14.1  

Financials

    11.2  

Industrials

    7.4  

Utilities

    6.5  

Information Technology

    6.3  

Consumer Discretionary

    1.8  

Real Estate

    0.1  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

AT&T Inc.

    9.7

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    9.1  

Johnson & Johnson

    6.7  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    6.6  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    5.7  

Chevron Corp.

    5.7  

Pfizer Inc.

    5.4  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    4.9  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    4.0  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    3.7  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

4    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® International Select Dividend ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares International Select Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of relatively high dividend paying equities in non-U.S. developed markets, as represented by the Dow Jones EPAC Select Dividend IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    4.20     9.61      2.66     5.51       9.61      14.02      70.96

Fund Market

    3.97       10.13        2.60       5.67         10.13        13.69        73.58  

Index

    4.17       9.58        2.80       5.61               9.58        14.82        72.53  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00          $ 1,042.00          $ 2.52                $ 1,000.00          $ 1,022.70          $ 2.49          0.49

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    39.1

Utilities

    13.1  

Communication Services

    12.4  

Consumer Discretionary

    11.0  

Energy

    7.0  

Consumer Staples

    5.6  

Industrials

    4.2  

Information Technology

    4.2  

Health Care

    1.9  

Materials

    1.2  

Real Estate

    0.3  

TEN LARGEST COUNTRIES

 

Country    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

United Kingdom

    22.9

Australia

    15.6  

Italy

    9.1  

Germany

    7.2  

France

    7.0  

Sweden

    5.9  

Finland

    5.4  

Canada

    4.7  

Spain

    4.2  

Switzerland

    3.8  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      5  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Select Dividend ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Select Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of relatively high dividend paying U.S. equities, as represented by the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    2.77      10.26      9.03     13.45       10.26      54.06      253.08

Fund Market

    2.84        10.28        9.03       13.45         10.28        54.11        253.16  

Index

    2.97        10.67        9.47       13.90               10.67        57.19        267.50  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
   

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00          $ 1,027.70          $ 1.99               $ 1,000.00       $ 1,023.20          $ 1.98          0.39

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Utilities

    26.1

Financials

    14.3  

Consumer Discretionary

    13.6  

Information Technology

    8.7  

Energy

    8.0  

Materials

    7.9  

Consumer Staples

    7.4  

Communication Services

    7.4  

Industrials

    4.7  

Health Care

    1.9  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

AT&T Inc.

    2.6

Ford Motor Co.

    2.1  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    2.1  

Seagate Technology PLC

    1.8  

ONEOK Inc.

    1.8  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    1.7  

CenturyLink Inc.

    1.7  

PPL Corp.

    1.7  

Valero Energy Corp.

    1.6  

Entergy Corp.

    1.6  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. stocks with a history of dividend payments and/or share buybacks, as represented by the Morningstar® US Dividend and Buyback IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year     Since
Inception
           1 Year     Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    4.43     14.03     9.99       14.03     20.78

Fund Market

    4.32       14.11       10.00         14.11       20.82  

Index

    4.57       14.36       10.31               14.36       21.45  

The inception date of the Fund was 11/7/17. The first day of secondary market trading was 11/9/17.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,044.30        $ 1.28             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.90        $ 1.27          0.25

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Information Technology

    24.1

Financials

    19.9  

Health Care

    13.5  

Industrials

    9.8  

Consumer Discretionary

    9.1  

Consumer Staples

    7.2  

Communication Services

    5.9  

Energy

    5.2  

Materials

    2.1  

Real Estate

    1.7  

Utilities

    1.5  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Apple Inc.

    5.4

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    3.0  

Microsoft Corp.

    2.7  

Bank of America Corp.

    2.3  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    2.3  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    2.2  

Citigroup Inc.

    2.0  

Oracle Corp.

    1.9  

AbbVie Inc.

    1.8  

Pfizer Inc.

    1.8  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY    7


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end is available at iShares.com. Performance results assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Performance for certain funds may reflect a waiver of a portion of investment advisory fees. Without such a waiver, performance would have been lower.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest ask on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Since shares of a fund may not trade in the secondary market until after the fund’s inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the fund, the NAV of the fund is used as a proxy for the Market Price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV, respectively.

An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike a fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by a fund. These expenses negatively impact fund performance. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower.

Shareholder Expenses

As a shareholder of your Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense example, which is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period (or from the commencement of operations if less than 6 months) and held through the end of the period, is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars and cents) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds.

Actual Expenses — The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. To estimate the expenses that you paid on your account over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes — The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on your Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

8    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 3.7%  

Boeing Co. (The)

    306,209     $ 104,083,501  

BWX Technologies Inc.

    29,606       1,720,109  

General Dynamics Corp.

    160,293       28,339,802  

HEICO Corp.

    1,055       130,124  

HEICO Corp., Class A

    2,715       258,658  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    17,776       4,011,332  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    79,505       16,402,676  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    154,548       58,215,141  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    68,237       24,052,178  

Raytheon Co.

    148,431       31,498,542  

United Technologies Corp.

    478,196       68,659,382  
   

 

 

 
          337,371,445  
Air Freight & Logistics — 1.0%  

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    84,060       6,358,299  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    61,679       4,498,866  

FedEx Corp.

    97,896       14,944,803  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    594,344       68,450,599  
   

 

 

 
      94,252,567  
Airlines — 0.4%  

Alaska Air Group Inc.

    71,953       4,995,697  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    445,613       24,544,364  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    175,948       9,875,961  
   

 

 

 
      39,416,022  
Auto Components — 0.3%  

Autoliv Inc.

    75,301       5,861,430  

BorgWarner Inc.

    98,699       4,113,774  

Gentex Corp.

    115,006       3,225,918  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    291,777       4,630,501  

Lear Corp.

    40,475       4,766,741  
   

 

 

 
      22,598,364  
Automobiles — 0.1%  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    182,968       7,119,285  

Thor Industries Inc.

    43,802       2,770,914  
   

 

 

 
      9,890,199  
Banks — 11.3%  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    149,964       3,015,776  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    50,894       1,875,953  

BancFirst Corp.

    10,119       585,789  

BancorpSouth Bank

    59,099       1,812,566  

Bank of America Corp.

    4,909,289       153,513,467  

Bank OZK

    110,834       3,110,002  

Banner Corp.

    21,068       1,137,251  

BB&T Corp.

    721,264       38,263,055  

BOK Financial Corp.

    21,341       1,646,458  

Cathay General Bancorp.

    74,173       2,638,334  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    495,854       17,434,227  

Columbia Banking System Inc.

    53,334       2,096,026  

Comerica Inc.

    170,741       11,169,876  

Commerce Bancshares Inc.

    45,630       2,936,747  

Community Bank System Inc.

    30,803       2,087,827  

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    54,145       4,877,382  

CVB Financial Corp.

    92,933       1,931,148  

First Busey Corp.

    38,772       1,022,418  

First Financial Bankshares Inc.

    54,588       1,816,689  

First Horizon National Corp.

    293,182       4,682,117  

First Interstate BancSystem Inc., Class A

    30,221       1,268,073  

First Merchants Corp.

    40,619       1,606,481  
Security   Shares     Value  
Banks (continued)  

First Midwest Bancorp. Inc.

    63,272     $ 1,299,607  

First Republic Bank/CA

    36,479       3,879,906  

Glacier Bancorp. Inc.

    53,118       2,247,954  

Home BancShares Inc./AR

    112,408       2,077,300  

Hope Bancorp Inc.

    120,902       1,725,272  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    1,091,296       15,420,012  

Independent Bank Corp.

    22,334       1,833,175  

Independent Bank Group Inc.

    18,774       1,003,846  

Investors Bancorp. Inc.

    243,544       2,934,705  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,152,231       268,856,696  

KeyCorp.

    1,132,692       20,354,475  

NBT Bancorp. Inc.

    27,811       1,105,487  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    416,216       61,058,887  

Prosperity Bancshares Inc.

    42,073       2,903,878  

Regions Financial Corp.

    950,615       15,304,901  

S&T Bancorp. Inc.

    25,023       942,241  

ServisFirst Bancshares Inc.

    21,907       766,745  

Simmons First National Corp., Class A

    63,948       1,529,636  

South State Corp.

    22,261       1,755,502  

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    403,385       27,567,331  

TCF Financial Corp.

    122,388       4,845,341  

TowneBank/Portsmouth VA

    45,953       1,290,820  

U.S. Bancorp.

    1,079,096       61,530,054  

UMB Financial Corp.

    21,802       1,422,799  

United Community Banks Inc./GA

    8,469       255,848  

Webster Financial Corp.

    83,395       3,677,719  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    4,604,598       237,735,395  

WesBanco Inc.

    49,544       1,862,359  

Westamerica Bancorp.

    19,191       1,266,990  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    23,385       1,492,431  

Zions Bancorp. N.A

    154,002       7,464,477  
   

 

 

 
          1,017,939,451  
Beverages — 3.5%  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class A

    18,069       1,122,989  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B, NVS

    46,073       3,018,703  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    3,057,526       166,421,140  

PepsiCo Inc.

    1,070,506       146,841,308  
   

 

 

 
      317,404,140  
Biotechnology — 3.3%  

AbbVie Inc.

    2,482,062       197,448,032  

Amgen Inc.

    492,366       104,997,050  
   

 

 

 
      302,445,082  
Building Products — 0.5%  

AAON Inc.

    6,457       314,198  

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.

    14,069       520,834  

Allegion PLC

    27,780       3,223,591  

AO Smith Corp.

    66,945       3,325,828  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    61,655       3,702,383  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    510,410       22,116,065  

Lennox International Inc.

    12,349       3,054,649  

Masco Corp.

    89,576       4,142,890  

Owens Corning

    43,645       2,674,566  

Simpson Manufacturing Co. Inc.

    15,358       1,269,185  

Universal Forest Products Inc.

    16,776       844,839  
   

 

 

 
      45,189,028  
Capital Markets — 4.0%  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    97,553       14,719,772  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    643,103       30,065,065  

BlackRock Inc.(a)

    98,759       45,597,030  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      9  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Capital Markets (continued)  

CME Group Inc.

    144,713     $ 29,774,700  

Cohen & Steers Inc.

    16,642       1,089,053  

Eaton Vance Corp., NVS

    93,632       4,269,619  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    32,373       2,383,948  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    10,932       2,771,481  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    284,431       7,836,074  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    213,908       45,643,689  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    189,509       17,874,489  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    6,066       2,235,867  

Moody’s Corp.

    42,363       9,349,090  

Morgan Stanley

    1,110,390       51,133,460  

MSCI Inc.

    27,795       6,519,595  

Nasdaq Inc.

    60,749       6,060,928  

Northern Trust Corp.

    145,934       14,546,701  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    54,843       4,578,842  

S&P Global Inc.

    60,878       15,705,915  

SEI Investments Co.

    38,070       2,281,154  

State Street Corp.

    319,456       21,106,458  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    162,874       18,860,809  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    176,092       6,758,411  
   

 

 

 
          361,162,150  
Chemicals — 1.9%  

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    128,839       27,476,205  

Albemarle Corp.

    61,666       3,745,593  

Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

    24,533       1,898,118  

Balchem Corp.

    3,908       395,529  

Cabot Corp.

    46,779       2,039,097  

Celanese Corp.

    69,192       8,382,611  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    126,122       9,590,317  

Ecolab Inc.

    64,807       12,447,480  

HB Fuller Co.

    18,073       881,962  

Innospec Inc.

    7,392       675,333  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    63,578       7,757,152  

Linde PLC

    276,012       54,746,980  

NewMarket Corp.

    3,706       1,799,226  

PolyOne Corp.

    47,409       1,519,458  

PPG Industries Inc.

    111,414       13,940,120  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    3,343       511,078  

RPM International Inc.

    73,725       5,339,902  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)

    24,210       2,430,442  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    24,021       1,502,754  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    19,035       10,894,111  

Stepan Co.

    5,691       556,124  

Valvoline Inc.

    97,298       2,076,339  

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    15,441       975,717  
   

 

 

 
      171,581,648  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.6%  

ABM Industries Inc.

    35,815       1,305,815  

Brady Corp., Class A, NVS

    21,487       1,210,578  

Cintas Corp.

    19,281       5,180,226  

Healthcare Services Group Inc.

    63,918       1,557,042  

Herman Miller Inc.

    30,526       1,419,459  

HNI Corp.

    42,841       1,627,958  

KAR Auction Services Inc.

    185,441       4,610,063  

Matthews International Corp., Class A

    19,908       736,198  

Mobile Mini Inc.

    39,230       1,475,833  

MSA Safety Inc.

    14,326       1,720,123  

Republic Services Inc.

    104,116       9,111,191  

Rollins Inc.

    48,742       1,857,558  
Security   Shares     Value  
Commercial Services & Supplies (continued)  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    11,435     $ 1,000,219  

Waste Management Inc.

    194,207       21,791,967  
   

 

 

 
      54,604,230  
Communications Equipment — 1.8%  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    3,265,351       155,136,826  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    61,775       10,274,418  
   

 

 

 
      165,411,244  
Construction & Engineering — 0.0%  

Comfort Systems USA Inc.

    10,192       513,779  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 0.1%  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    30,718       4,388,681  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 0.5%  

American Express Co.

    247,021       28,970,623  

Discover Financial Services

    183,606       14,736,217  
   

 

 

 
      43,706,840  
Containers & Packaging — 0.6%  

Amcor PLC(b)

    2,099,714       19,989,277  

AptarGroup Inc.

    21,069       2,489,302  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    47,376       6,057,495  

Packaging Corp. of America

    75,710       8,287,217  

Silgan Holdings Inc.

    32,108       987,963  

Sonoco Products Co.

    79,034       4,560,262  

Westrock Co.

    325,401       12,160,236  
   

 

 

 
      54,531,752  
Distributors — 0.2%  

Core-Mark Holding Co. Inc.

    17,328       528,850  

Genuine Parts Co.

    124,353       12,756,131  

Pool Corp.

    12,820       2,658,868  
   

 

 

 
      15,943,849  
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.0%  

Service Corp. International/U.S

    76,011       3,456,980  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.8%  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    4,168,057           252,042,407  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 2.3%  

ALLETE Inc.

    38,058       3,275,271  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    178,734       9,533,671  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    393,441       37,136,896  

El Paso Electric Co.

    25,629       1,709,711  

Evergy Inc.

    193,981       12,397,326  

Eversource Energy

    228,572       19,140,619  

IDACORP Inc.

    32,077       3,452,127  

MGE Energy Inc.

    18,303       1,410,063  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    296,665       70,707,136  

OGE Energy Corp.

    181,484       7,814,701  

Otter Tail Corp.

    27,951       1,584,263  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    97,404       9,167,664  

PNM Resources Inc.

    50,932       2,656,104  

Portland General Electric Co.

    67,643       3,847,534  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    360,096       22,869,697  
   

 

 

 
      206,702,783  
Electrical Equipment — 1.0%  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    372,425       32,441,942  

Emerson Electric Co.

    503,992       35,355,039  

Hubbell Inc.

    36,647       5,192,880  

nVent Electric PLC

    132,650       3,058,909  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    18,361       1,359,632  
 

 

 

10    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Electrical Equipment (continued)  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    76,274     $ 13,118,365  
   

 

 

 
          90,526,767  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.6%  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    82,226       8,249,735  

AVX Corp.

    38,249       585,975  

CDW Corp./DE

    41,789       5,345,231  

Corning Inc.

    569,770       16,882,285  

Dolby Laboratories Inc., Class A

    20,233       1,301,589  

FLIR Systems Inc.

    47,025       2,424,609  

Littelfuse Inc.

    7,220       1,267,615  

National Instruments Corp.

    68,985       2,855,289  

SYNNEX Corp.

    17,174       2,022,067  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    175,720       15,726,940  
   

 

 

 
      56,661,335  
Entertainment — 1.0%  

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    141,327       7,918,552  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    614,930       79,891,705  
   

 

 

 
      87,810,257  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.1%  

Casey’s General Stores Inc.

    7,520       1,284,491  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    107,086       31,816,322  

Kroger Co. (The)

    549,293       13,534,580  

Sysco Corp.

    261,406       20,878,497  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    668,071       36,596,929  

Walmart Inc.

    696,715       81,696,801  
   

 

 

 
      185,807,620  
Food Products — 1.5%  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    519,810       21,852,812  

Bunge Ltd.

    133,572       7,212,888  

Calavo Growers Inc.

    4,869       422,288  

Hershey Co. (The)

    77,442       11,373,907  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    140,614       5,749,706  

Ingredion Inc.

    55,553       4,388,687  

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    4,605       878,450  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    101,334       10,708,977  

Kellogg Co.

    241,662       15,352,787  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    9,699       1,349,907  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    48,310       7,762,934  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    749,455       39,308,915  

Tyson Foods Inc., Class A

    146,118       12,097,109  
   

 

 

 
      138,459,367  
Gas Utilities — 0.3%  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    61,483       6,915,608  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    82,219       3,725,343  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    63,049       2,748,936  

South Jersey Industries Inc.

    85,996       2,765,631  

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

    35,016       3,056,897  

Spire Inc.

    38,253       3,215,547  

UGI Corp.

    151,149       7,205,273  
   

 

 

 
      29,633,235  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.4%            

Abbott Laboratories

    728,258       60,889,651  

Baxter International Inc.

    130,869       10,037,652  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    86,952       22,259,712  

Cantel Medical Corp.

    2,060       150,153  

Danaher Corp.

    83,913       11,564,890  

Dentsply Sirona Inc.

    43,914       2,405,609  

Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.

    14,676       1,536,431  
Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)            

Medtronic PLC

    726,714     $ 79,139,155  

ResMed Inc.

    45,803       6,775,180  

Steris PLC

    21,825       3,089,765  

Stryker Corp.

    80,451       17,399,138  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    8,268       1,189,269  
   

 

 

 
          216,436,605  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.2%            

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    77,602       6,625,659  

Anthem Inc.

    89,673       24,129,211  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    319,190       15,783,945  

Chemed Corp.

    1,376       542,020  

Encompass Health Corp.

    44,742       2,864,383  

Ensign Group Inc. (The)

    4,894       206,772  

Humana Inc.

    29,306       8,621,825  

McKesson Corp.

    57,498       7,647,234  

Patterson Companies Inc.

    128,164       2,195,449  

Pennant Group Inc. (The)(b)

    2,500       44,975  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    75,141       7,608,026  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    477,860       120,755,222  
   

 

 

 
      197,024,721  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.4%            

Aramark

    69,059       3,022,022  

Brinker International Inc.

    36,567       1,625,403  

Cheesecake Factory Inc. (The)

    37,804       1,579,829  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

    20,654       3,211,697  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    93,133       10,456,042  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    11,820       3,210,548  

Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc.

    42,430       3,335,847  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A

    108,487       13,729,030  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    18,146       1,994,790  

McDonald’s Corp.

    459,479       90,379,519  

Papa John’s International Inc.

    10,875       636,731  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    114,955       12,510,553  

Starbucks Corp.

    522,653       44,195,538  

Texas Roadhouse Inc.

    40,409       2,283,109  

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    101,679       2,153,561  

Wyndham Destinations Inc.

    94,332       4,377,948  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    57,740       3,116,228  

Yum! Brands Inc.

    122,871       12,497,209  
   

 

 

 
      214,315,604  
Household Durables — 0.2%            

DR Horton Inc.

    112,860       5,910,478  

Leggett & Platt Inc.

    136,783       7,016,968  

Whirlpool Corp.

    54,495       8,289,780  
   

 

 

 
      21,217,226  
Household Products — 3.4%            

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    85,400       5,972,876  

Clorox Co. (The)

    93,003       13,735,613  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    552,878       37,927,431  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    292,679       38,891,185  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    1,682,228       209,454,208  

WD-40 Co.

    5,034       943,372  
   

 

 

 
      306,924,685  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.1%        

AES Corp./VA

    637,833       10,875,053  

Ormat Technologies Inc.

    9,017       690,341  
   

 

 

 
      11,565,394  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      11  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.8%            

3M Co.

    538,444     $ 88,837,875  

Carlisle Companies Inc.

    21,208       3,229,342  

Honeywell International Inc.

    379,878       65,616,327  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    14,811       4,990,715  
   

 

 

 
          162,674,259  
Insurance — 3.7%            

Aflac Inc.

    427,869       22,745,516  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    170,808       18,177,387  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    22,202       547,945  

American Financial Group Inc./OH

    26,133       2,718,877  

Aon PLC

    61,410       11,861,956  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    17,032       1,053,770  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    98,750       9,007,975  

Assurant Inc.

    32,441       4,089,837  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    44,564       2,090,943  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    57,991       3,446,405  

Brown & Brown Inc.

    57,707       2,174,400  

Chubb Ltd.

    234,634       35,762,914  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    83,488       9,451,677  

CNO Financial Group Inc.

    119,663       1,872,726  

Erie Indemnity Co., Class A, NVS

    9,499       1,750,381  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    24,288       6,244,202  

FBL Financial Group Inc., Class A

    8,311       476,885  

Fidelity National Financial Inc.

    211,395       9,690,347  

First American Financial Corp.

    87,421       5,400,869  

Globe Life Inc.

    20,015       1,948,060  

Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (The)

    20,154       2,654,483  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    199,741       11,401,216  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    18,631       811,566  

Lincoln National Corp.

    136,476       7,708,165  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    257,461       26,678,109  

MetLife Inc.

    950,490       44,473,427  

Old Republic International Corp.

    272,004       6,076,569  

Primerica Inc.

    12,596       1,589,363  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    502,991       45,842,600  

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    30,177       4,902,857  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    8,598       1,609,374  

RLI Corp.

    11,188       1,088,816  

Selective Insurance Group Inc.

    17,627       1,218,378  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    160,491       21,033,951  

Unum Group

    225,843       6,219,716  

WR Berkley Corp.

    24,692       1,725,971  
   

 

 

 
      335,547,633  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.1%            

Expedia Group Inc.

    39,544       5,404,083  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 2.3%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    265,334       49,198,230  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    232,742       37,757,735  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    50,700       3,567,759  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    49,511       6,199,767  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    178,463       23,514,285  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    23,300       3,298,348  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    119,848       33,175,125  

Sabre Corp.

    179,942       4,225,038  

Visa Inc., Class A

    270,951       48,462,296  
   

 

 

 
      209,398,583  
Leisure Products — 0.2%            

Brunswick Corp./DE

    36,868       2,147,192  
Security   Shares     Value  
Leisure Products (continued)            

Hasbro Inc.

    73,599     $ 7,161,919  

Polaris Inc.

    43,240       4,265,626  
   

 

 

 
      13,574,737  
Machinery — 2.4%            

AGCO Corp.

    14,325       1,098,584  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    40,702       1,253,622  

Barnes Group Inc.

    16,406       958,931  

Caterpillar Inc.

    482,613       66,504,071  

Cummins Inc.

    124,990       21,558,275  

Donaldson Co. Inc.

    56,321       2,970,370  

Dover Corp.

    78,071       8,110,796  

Franklin Electric Co. Inc.

    13,305       716,474  

Graco Inc.

    62,591       2,829,113  

Greenbrier Companies Inc. (The)

    30,922       905,705  

Hillenbrand Inc.

    46,505       1,431,889  

IDEX Corp.

    24,649       3,833,659  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    204,960       34,552,157  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    112,679       14,297,838  

ITT Inc.

    22,456       1,335,009  

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

    36,679       3,285,338  

Nordson Corp.

    14,466       2,268,413  

Oshkosh Corp.

    26,215       2,238,237  

PACCAR Inc.

    166,702       12,679,354  

Pentair PLC

    81,851       3,394,361  

Snap-on Inc.

    35,561       5,784,708  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    77,582       11,740,484  

Terex Corp.

    26,451       728,725  

Timken Co. (The)

    46,469       2,276,981  

Toro Co. (The)

    35,541       2,741,277  

Trinity Industries Inc.

    118,510       2,344,128  

Wabtec Corp.

    32,123       2,228,373  

Watts Water Technologies Inc., Class A

    7,246       675,690  

Xylem Inc./NY

    59,630       4,573,025  
   

 

 

 
      219,315,587  
Media — 1.5%            

Comcast Corp., Class A

    2,235,168       100,180,230  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    467,997       10,178,935  

John Wiley & Sons Inc., Class A

    36,197       1,667,596  

Meredith Corp.

    65,935       2,485,749  

Nexstar Media Group Inc., Class A

    21,001       2,043,187  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    189,964       14,663,321  

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Class A

    32,350       1,288,824  
   

 

 

 
      132,507,842  
Metals & Mining — 0.3%            

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    11,045       1,182,699  

Nucor Corp.

    249,071       13,412,473  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    39,263       4,556,078  

Royal Gold Inc.

    15,243       1,759,652  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    183,546       5,572,457  

Worthington Industries Inc.

    25,084       923,342  
   

 

 

 
      27,406,701  
Multi-Utilities — 1.9%            

Avista Corp.

    58,072       2,789,198  

Black Hills Corp.

    38,992       3,073,739  

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    516,673       15,019,684  

CMS Energy Corp.

    194,010       12,401,119  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    293,984       27,111,205  

DTE Energy Co.

    146,476       18,649,324  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    156,118       4,510,249  
 

 

 

12    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Multi-Utilities (continued)  

NiSource Inc.

    280,525     $ 7,865,921  

NorthWestern Corp.

    42,970       3,116,185  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    419,033       26,528,979  

Sempra Energy

    202,150       29,212,697  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    222,902       21,041,949  
   

 

 

 
          171,320,249  
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Big Lots Inc.

    53,947       1,169,031  

Dillard’s Inc., Class A

    3,256       224,599  

Kohl’s Corp.

    225,487       11,558,464  

Target Corp.

    338,363       36,174,388  
   

 

 

 
      49,126,482  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 4.2%            

Chevron Corp.

    2,038,044       236,698,430  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    707,700       45,257,415  

Phillips 66

    400,021       46,730,453  

Valero Energy Corp.

    495,306       48,034,776  
   

 

 

 
      376,721,074  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%            

Domtar Corp.

    87,820       3,195,770  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 0.1%            

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    52,240       9,730,745  

Inter Parfums Inc.

    7,845       607,438  

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., Class A

    51,001       2,273,625  
   

 

 

 
      12,611,808  
Pharmaceuticals — 8.1%            

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,485,130       85,201,908  

Johnson & Johnson

    1,914,270       252,760,211  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    1,862,037       161,364,126  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    51,999       2,756,987  

Pfizer Inc.

    5,825,426       223,521,596  

Zoetis Inc.

    70,616       9,033,199  
   

 

 

 
      734,638,027  
Professional Services — 0.1%            

Exponent Inc.

    12,655       803,972  

Insperity Inc.

    12,115       1,279,708  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    41,521       3,775,089  

Robert Half International Inc.

    70,207       4,020,755  
   

 

 

 
      9,879,524  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.0%            

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

    8,495       1,244,688  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Inc.

    125,311       2,883,406  
   

 

 

 
      4,128,094  
Road & Rail — 1.2%            

CSX Corp.

    284,031       19,958,859  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    21,456       2,522,367  

Kansas City Southern

    29,972       4,219,458  

Landstar System Inc.

    6,952       786,619  

Ryder System Inc.

    59,706       2,903,503  

Union Pacific Corp.

    447,455       74,035,904  
   

 

 

 
      104,426,710  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.3%            

Analog Devices Inc.

    188,941       20,146,779  

Broadcom Inc.

    383,770       112,387,045  

KLA Corp.

    88,030       14,880,591  

Lam Research Corp.

    76,708       20,790,936  

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    238,007       13,961,491  
Security   Shares     Value  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)            

Microchip Technology Inc.

    99,980     $ 9,427,114  

MKS Instruments Inc.

    12,760       1,380,887  

NVIDIA Corp.

    57,459       11,550,408  

Power Integrations Inc.

    5,958       542,833  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    99,734       9,081,778  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    612,630       72,284,214  

Xilinx Inc.

    97,871       8,880,815  
   

 

 

 
      295,314,891  
Software — 4.0%            

Intuit Inc.

    49,823       12,829,423  

j2 Global Inc.

    25,615       2,432,400  

Microsoft Corp.

    1,957,752       280,682,904  

Oracle Corp.

    1,128,059       61,467,935  
   

 

 

 
      357,412,662  
Specialty Retail — 3.3%            

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    186,229       13,376,829  

Children’s Place Inc. (The)

    10,537       863,086  

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc.

    52,357       2,038,258  

Foot Locker Inc.

    113,039       4,918,327  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    701,254       164,500,163  

Lithia Motors Inc., Class A

    5,308       835,904  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    413,728       46,176,182  

Monro Inc.

    10,334       724,517  

Penske Automotive Group Inc.

    32,323       1,574,776  

Ross Stores Inc.

    93,971       10,305,800  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    123,571       1,982,079  

Tiffany & Co.

    71,769       8,935,958  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    536,888       30,951,593  

Tractor Supply Co.

    44,567       4,234,756  

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

    60,453       4,037,656  
   

 

 

 
      295,455,884  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 3.5%  

Apple Inc.

    1,180,981       293,780,833  

NetApp Inc.

    229,390       12,818,313  

Xerox Holdings Corp.(b)

    171,391       5,815,297  
   

 

 

 
      312,414,443  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.6%            

Carter’s Inc.

    25,042       2,510,210  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    8,013       724,776  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    373,008       5,673,452  

NIKE Inc., Class B

    347,677       31,134,475  

Oxford Industries Inc.

    8,583       591,025  

VF Corp.

    199,034       16,378,508  
   

 

 

 
      57,012,446  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.1%            

Northwest Bancshares Inc.

    124,719       2,104,010  

Provident Financial Services Inc.

    60,426       1,507,629  

Washington Federal Inc.

    49,890       1,818,989  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    16,130       680,202  
   

 

 

 
      6,110,830  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.3%            

Air Lease Corp.

    32,812       1,443,072  

Applied Industrial Technologies Inc.

    22,913       1,371,114  

Fastenal Co.

    408,905       14,696,046  

GATX Corp.

    22,657       1,802,364  

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Class A

    49,829       3,647,981  

WW Grainger Inc.

    23,962       7,400,424  
   

 

 

 
          30,361,001  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      13  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Water Utilities — 0.2%            

American States Water Co.

    13,242     $ 1,259,711  

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    80,852       9,966,626  

Aqua America Inc.

    128,119       5,807,634  

California Water Service Group

    18,979       1,062,255  
   

 

 

 
      18,096,226  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.0%  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    11,323       364,148  

Telephone & Data Systems Inc.

    62,058       1,619,093  
   

 

 

 
      1,983,241  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $7,965,159,419)

 

    9,022,974,244  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.1%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
    1.74%(a)(c)

    10,239,000       10,239,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $10,239,000)

 

    10,239,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $7,975,398,419)

 

    9,033,213,244  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

 

    13,394,823  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   9,046,608,067  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Non-income producing security.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
   
Shares
Purchased
 
 
   
Shares
Sold
 
 
   

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
   
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
    Income      


Net

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

 
(a) 

   


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 
 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    10,714,798             (475,798 )(b)      10,239,000     $ 10,239,000     $ 177,660     $     $  

BlackRock Inc.

    75,336       28,652       (5,229     98,759       45,597,030       563,201       287,096       (1,597,373
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 55,836,030     $ 740,861     $ 287,096     $ (1,597,373
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Net of purchases and sales.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     153          12/20/19        $ 23,224        $ 506,664  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

14    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 506,664  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 618,869  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 71,506  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 15,585,532  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 9,022,974,244        $        $        $ 9,022,974,244  

Money Market Funds

     10,239,000                            10,239,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 9,033,213,244        $        $        $ 9,033,213,244  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 506,664        $         —        $         —        $ 506,664  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      15  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core High Dividend ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics — 1.6%

           

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    1,072,856     $ 123,560,826  
   

 

 

 

 

Banks — 8.6%

           

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    62,181       5,429,023  

BB&T Corp.

    1,301,548       69,047,121  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    1,973,817       27,890,034  

U.S. Bancorp.

    1,947,981       111,073,877  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    8,310,692       429,081,028  
   

 

 

 
           642,521,083  
Beverages — 7.5%            

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    5,518,576       300,376,092  

PepsiCo Inc.

    1,932,000       265,012,440  
   

 

 

 
      565,388,532  
Biotechnology — 2.5%            

Amgen Inc.

    888,687       189,512,503  
   

 

 

 

 

Capital Markets — 2.2%

           

BlackRock Inc.(a)

    178,515       82,420,376  

Cohen & Steers Inc.

    29,631       1,939,053  

Eaton Vance Corp., NVS

    170,470       7,773,432  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    59,250       4,363,170  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    516,621       14,232,908  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    530,628       12,273,426  

Moelis & Co., Class A

    141,383       5,044,545  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    294,716       34,128,113  
   

 

 

 
      162,175,023  
Communications Equipment — 3.7%            

Cisco Systems Inc.

    5,893,761       280,012,585  
   

 

 

 

 

Distributors — 0.3%

           

Genuine Parts Co.

    223,892       22,966,841  
   

 

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 16.3%

 

AT&T Inc.

    18,907,204       727,738,282  

Cogent Communications Holdings Inc.

    87,757       5,146,070  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    8,155,217       493,145,972  
   

 

 

 
      1,226,030,324  
Electric Utilities — 4.7%            

ALLETE Inc.

    69,593       5,989,174  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    322,158       17,183,908  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    709,816       66,999,532  

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,433,126       135,086,457  

Entergy Corp.

    301,436       36,618,445  

Evergy Inc.

    351,330       22,453,500  

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.

    157,026       7,089,724  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    175,612       16,528,602  

Portland General Electric Co.

    123,332       7,015,124  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    648,920       41,212,909  
   

 

 

 
      356,177,375  
Electrical Equipment — 1.6%            

Eaton Corp. PLC

    671,817       58,521,979  

Emerson Electric Co.

    909,331       63,789,570  
   

 

 

 
      122,311,549  
Energy Equipment & Services — 2.1%            

Core Laboratories NV

    104,055       4,582,582  

Halliburton Co.

    1,545,262       29,746,294  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    3,652,580       119,402,840  
   

 

 

 
      153,731,716  
Security   Shares     Value  
Food Products — 0.7%            

General Mills Inc.

    1,063,438     $ 54,086,457  
   

 

 

 

 

Gas Utilities — 0.1%

           

National Fuel Gas Co.

    149,941       6,793,827  
   

 

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.3%

 

Carnival Corp.

    793,116       34,016,745  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

    37,541       5,837,626  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    928,517       57,419,491  
   

 

 

 
      97,273,862  
Household Durables — 0.0%            

MDC Holdings Inc.

    75,440       2,920,282  
   

 

 

 

 

Household Products — 5.8%

           

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    528,460       70,221,765  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    2,936,258       365,593,483  
   

 

 

 
      435,815,248  
Industrial Conglomerates — 2.1%            

3M Co.

    971,974           160,365,990  
   

 

 

 

 

Insurance — 0.4%

           

Fidelity National Financial Inc.

    384,004       17,602,743  

Old Republic International Corp.

    499,959       11,169,084  

ProAssurance Corp.

    49,184       1,928,997  
   

 

 

 
      30,700,824  
IT Services — 0.5%            

Paychex Inc.

    480,611       40,198,304  
   

 

 

 
Leisure Products — 0.2%            

Hasbro Inc.

    133,288       12,970,255  
   

 

 

 

 

Machinery — 1.4%

           

Cummins Inc.

    225,879       38,959,610  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    369,687       62,321,834  
   

 

 

 
      101,281,444  

 

Media — 0.4%

           

Omnicom Group Inc.

    343,672       26,528,042  
   

 

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities — 1.7%

           

DTE Energy Co.

    263,803       33,587,398  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    284,547       8,220,563  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    755,487       47,829,882  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    401,540       37,905,376  
   

 

 

 
      127,543,219  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 19.2%            

Chevron Corp.

    3,678,371       427,206,008  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    10,071,066       680,501,930  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    201,654       11,078,871  

ONEOK Inc.

    976,457       68,185,992  

Phillips 66

    722,128       84,358,993  

Valero Energy Corp.

    894,129       86,712,630  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    3,631,500       81,018,765  
   

 

 

 
      1,439,063,189  
Pharmaceuticals — 12.0%            

Johnson & Johnson

    3,784,276       499,675,803  

Pfizer Inc.

    10,514,143       403,427,667  
   

 

 

 
      903,103,470  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.1%  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Inc.

    230,410       5,301,734  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

16    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core High Dividend ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.1%            

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    430,915     $ 25,277,474  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    1,105,849       130,479,123  
   

 

 

 
      155,756,597  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.0%            

TFS Financial Corp.

    161,110       3,102,979  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.6%            

Fastenal Co.

    740,287       26,605,915  

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Class A

    91,151       6,673,164  

Watsco Inc.

    61,366       10,818,826  
   

 

 

 
      44,097,905  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $7,083,971,289)

      7,491,291,985  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 0.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
    1.74%(a)(b)

    15,928,000       15,928,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $15,928,000)

 

    15,928,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $7,099,899,289)

 

    7,507,219,985  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

 

    9,521,004  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 7,516,740,989  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
    
Shares
Purchased
 
 
    
Shares
Sold
 
 
    

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       


Net

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

 
(a) 

   


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     15,347,182        580,818 (b)               15,928,000      $ 15,928,000      $ 164,358      $     $  

BlackRock Inc.

            181,002        (2,487      178,515        82,420,376               (2,506     3,094,571  
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
               $ 98,348,376      $ 164,358      $ (2,506   $ 3,094,571  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b)

Net of purchases and sales.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     162          12/20/19        $ 24,590        $ 416,896  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      17  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core High Dividend ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 416,896  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,666,198  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (297,589
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 21,770,332  

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 7,491,291,985        $        $        $ 7,491,291,985  

Money Market Funds

     15,928,000                            15,928,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 7,507,219,985        $        $        $ 7,507,219,985  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 416,896        $         —        $         —        $ 416,896  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

18    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® International Select Dividend ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 15.4%            

APA Group

    2,406,248     $ 19,313,192  

AusNet Services

    2,826,384       3,602,389  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    2,975,480       54,815,854  

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd.

    3,667,826       26,912,007  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    2,970,698       160,990,479  

CSR Ltd.

    3,952,365       11,273,146  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    2,418,869       14,848,337  

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd.

    4,144,089       11,677,238  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    4,024,472       79,325,810  

Perpetual Ltd.(a)

    3,387,940       83,864,985  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    2,415,181       22,379,981  

Sydney Airport

    2,712,312       16,406,726  

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd.

    2,299,562       7,604,560  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    3,334,800       91,349,025  

Westpac Banking Corp.

    3,570,394       69,391,612  
   

 

 

 
      673,755,341  
Austria — 0.9%            

Oesterreichische Post AG

    1,036,332       38,154,085  
   

 

 

 
Belgium — 1.2%            

Proximus SADP

    1,756,623       53,952,673  
   

 

 

 
Canada — 4.7%            

Bank of Nova Scotia (The)

    817,886       47,006,588  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    850,491       72,673,674  

Emera Inc.

    849,164       35,230,276  

IGM Financial Inc.

    1,135,975       32,125,530  

Russel Metals Inc.

    1,076,088       17,700,782  
   

 

 

 
      204,736,850  
Denmark — 0.8%            

Danske Bank A/S

    2,327,947       33,231,551  
   

 

 

 
Finland — 5.3%            

Elisa OYJ

    646,192       35,303,671  

Fortum OYJ

    791,585       19,331,765  

Nokian Renkaat OYJ

    700,928       20,018,962  

Nordea Bank Abp

    13,111,603       96,122,450  

Sampo OYJ, Class A

    951,389       38,996,486  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    676,919       22,006,676  
   

 

 

 
      231,780,010  
France — 6.9%            

BNP Paribas SA

    1,456,759       76,077,204  

Bouygues SA

    1,123,302       47,622,076  

Engie SA

    1,228,280       20,548,118  

Lagardere SCA

    1,231,537       27,506,778  

Natixis SA

    1,334,501       6,120,608  

Orange SA

    1,135,559       18,293,849  

Societe Generale SA

    1,747,475       49,616,594  

TOTAL SA

    1,095,629       57,614,954  
   

 

 

 
      303,400,181  
Germany — 6.5%            

Aareal Bank AG

    2,815,161       94,598,968  

Freenet AG

    3,304,849       73,353,992  

ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE

    2,848,800       42,080,233  

RTL Group SA

    840,286       42,710,931  

TUI AG

    2,527,050       33,027,007  
   

 

 

 
      285,771,131  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hong Kong — 1.9%            

PCCW Ltd.

    8,203,000     $ 4,877,194  

VTech Holdings Ltd.

    9,068,300       79,602,312  
   

 

 

 
      84,479,506  
Italy — 9.0%            

Azimut Holding SpA

    6,776,992       139,269,107  

Banca Mediolanum SpA

    6,048,771       51,860,799  

Enel SpA

    4,496,848       34,817,363  

Eni SpA

    5,159,144       78,106,232  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    8,492,277       21,279,533  

Italgas SpA

    4,140,225       26,642,648  

Snam SpA

    5,071,254       26,025,638  

UnipolSai Assicurazioni SpA

    6,085,516       16,980,063  
   

 

 

 
      394,981,383  
Netherlands — 3.6%            

ABN AMRO Bank NV, CVA(b)

    2,572,191       47,894,731  

Aegon NV

    2,296,035       9,928,656  

BE Semiconductor Industries NV

    2,753,518       101,774,165  
   

 

 

 
      159,597,552  
New Zealand — 2.2%            

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Ltd.

    17,106,790       42,894,974  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    18,344,997       52,705,604  
   

 

 

 
      95,600,578  
Norway — 2.2%            

Equinor ASA

    937,549       17,369,961  

Mowi ASA

    1,104,443       26,969,908  

Salmar ASA

    1,155,229       53,916,223  
   

 

 

 
      98,256,092  
Portugal — 1.1%            

EDP — Energias de Portugal SA

    11,329,546       46,640,915  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 4.2%            

Enagas SA

    2,330,601       57,697,025  

Mapfre SA

    2,714,213       7,570,283  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    2,204,491       60,034,970  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

    2,079,561       41,877,145  

Telefonica SA

    2,131,992       16,352,587  
   

 

 

 
      183,532,010  
Sweden — 5.8%            

Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B

    3,591,498       75,208,860  

JM AB

    3,143,713       80,597,149  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A

    3,210,292       30,829,040  

Swedbank AB, Class A

    4,069,631       57,046,559  

Telia Co. AB

    2,898,017       12,769,046  
   

 

 

 
      256,450,654  
Switzerland — 3.8%            

Swiss Prime Site AG, Registered

    131,128       13,501,500  

Swiss Re AG

    163,811       17,148,899  

Swisscom AG, Registered

    137,485       70,222,893  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    165,840       64,789,785  
   

 

 

 
      165,663,077  
United Kingdom — 22.6%            

Aviva PLC

    4,459,743       23,960,793  

Bovis Homes Group PLC

    3,384,757       51,244,513  

BP PLC

    4,005,859       25,363,249  

British American Tobacco PLC

    4,595,945       160,691,971  

BT Group PLC

    4,793,952       12,698,299  

Centamin PLC

    3,056,890       4,590,489  

Crest Nicholson Holdings PLC

    5,770,852       29,003,684  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      19  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® International Select Dividend ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)            

Galliford Try PLC(a)

    6,506,521     $ 61,714,444  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    3,656,162       83,673,717  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    4,233,365       31,936,571  

IG Group Holdings PLC

    5,469,843       44,973,437  

Legal & General Group PLC

    3,896,506       13,295,954  

Marks & Spencer Group PLC

    3,551,267       8,340,536  

National Grid PLC

    3,785,545       44,150,110  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    4,622,244       42,119,470  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A

    4,244,369       122,641,052  

SSE PLC

    5,590,538       92,850,338  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

    6,811,983       26,752,616  

United Utilities Group PLC

    3,260,857       36,718,493  

Vodafone Group PLC

    6,652,322       13,549,148  

WPP PLC

    4,729,485       58,947,357  
   

 

 

 
      989,216,241  

Total Common Stocks — 98.1%
(Cost: $4,405,141,538)

 

    4,299,199,830  
   

 

 

 
Preferred Stocks            
Germany — 0.5%            

Schaeffler AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    2,814,084       23,734,880  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.5%
(Cost: $23,591,000)

 

    23,734,880  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
    1.74%(a)(c)

    1,862,000     $ 1,862,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $ 1,862,000)

 

    1,862,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 98.7%
(Cost: $ 4,430,594,538)

 

    4,324,796,710  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 1.3%

 

    57,637,438  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   4,382,434,148  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional investors.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
    
Shares
Purchased
 
 
    
Shares
Sold
 
 
    

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     7,909,307               (7,909,307 )(b)            $      $ 279,611 (c)     $ 7,243      $ (2,345

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     1,573,349        288,651 (b)               1,862,000        1,862,000        35,448                

Galliford Try PLC

     6,404,916        355,256        (253,651      6,506,521        61,714,444               (246,586      16,046,010  

Perpetual Ltd.

     3,344,541        163,854        (120,455      3,387,940        83,864,985        2,885,227        (320,264      (13,652,977
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 147,441,429      $ 3,200,286      $ (559,607    $ 2,390,688  
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Net of purchases and sales.

 
  (c) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

ASX SPI 200 Index

     115          12/19/19        $ 13,150        $ (53,248

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     636          12/20/19          25,608          298,312  

FTSE 100 Index

     209          12/20/19          19,596          (171,705
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 73,359  
                 

 

 

 

 

20    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® International Select Dividend ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 298,312  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 224,953  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 2,474,883  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (816,723
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 44,658,986  

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 4,299,199,830        $        $        $ 4,299,199,830  

Preferred Stocks

     23,734,880                            23,734,880  

Money Market Funds

     1,862,000                            1,862,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 4,324,796,710        $        $        $ 4,324,796,710  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 298,312        $        $        $ 298,312  

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

     (224,953                          (224,953
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 73,359        $        $        $ 73,359  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      21  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Select Dividend ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 1.1%            

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    522,701     $ 196,891,013  
   

 

 

 
Automobiles — 4.0%            

Ford Motor Co.

    44,449,776       381,823,576  

General Motors Co.

    5,550,064       206,240,378  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    3,345,259       130,164,028  
   

 

 

 
      718,227,982  
Banks — 6.9%            

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    888,213       77,549,877  

BB&T Corp.

    3,501,511       185,755,159  

FNB Corp.

    7,060,291       85,147,109  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    15,440,859       218,179,338  

KeyCorp.

    12,685,949       227,966,504  

PacWest Bancorp.

    2,617,124       96,807,417  

People’s United Financial Inc.

    8,140,819       131,637,043  

Trustmark Corp.

    1,434,808       49,242,611  

United Bankshares Inc./WV

    2,218,497       87,719,371  

Valley National Bancorp.

    7,064,899       81,811,530  
   

 

 

 
      1,241,815,959  
Beverages — 1.3%            

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    4,328,217       235,584,851  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 2.2%            

Federated Investors Inc., Class B

    2,011,897       64,259,990  

Invesco Ltd.

    8,750,655       147,186,017  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    3,571,771       82,615,063  

Lazard Ltd., Class A

    2,812,705       104,998,278  
   

 

 

 
      399,059,348  
Chemicals — 3.4%            

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

    3,842,818       174,271,796  

Huntsman Corp.

    4,633,242       102,533,646  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    2,921,053       262,018,454  

Olin Corp.

    3,747,054       68,720,970  
   

 

 

 
      607,544,866  
Containers & Packaging — 4.2%            

International Paper Co.

    5,291,893       231,149,886  

Packaging Corp. of America

    1,860,478       203,647,922  

Sonoco Products Co.

    2,094,216       120,836,263  

Westrock Co.

    5,285,637       197,524,255  
   

 

 

 
          753,158,326  
Distributors — 0.8%            

Genuine Parts Co.

    1,449,894       148,730,126  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.6%            

H&R Block Inc.

    4,457,402       111,390,476  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 5.7%            

AT&T Inc.

    12,258,395       471,825,624  

CenturyLink Inc.

    22,928,430       296,693,884  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    4,238,949       256,329,246  
   

 

 

 
      1,024,848,754  
Electric Utilities — 15.0%            

Alliant Energy Corp.

    3,749,894       200,019,346  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    2,265,562       213,846,397  

Edison International

    3,694,207       232,365,620  

Entergy Corp.

    2,360,878       286,799,459  

Eversource Energy

    2,474,069       207,178,538  

Exelon Corp.

    3,434,885       156,252,919  
Security   Shares     Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)            

FirstEnergy Corp.

    5,106,380     $ 246,740,282  

IDACORP Inc.

    1,061,724       114,262,737  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    791,599       188,669,706  

OGE Energy Corp.

    4,276,829       184,160,257  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    1,891,016       177,982,426  

PPL Corp.

    8,835,471       295,899,924  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    2,988,085       189,773,278  
   

 

 

 
      2,693,950,889  
Electrical Equipment — 2.1%            

Eaton Corp. PLC

    2,451,705       213,568,022  

Emerson Electric Co.

    2,368,139       166,124,951  
   

 

 

 
      379,692,973  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5%            

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

    2,305,337       86,450,137  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 0.4%            

Cinemark Holdings Inc.

    2,165,812       79,268,719  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.4%            

General Mills Inc.

    4,952,502       251,884,252  
   

 

 

 
Gas Utilities — 0.5%            

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    1,857,511       80,987,480  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.7%            

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    1,361,786       152,887,714  

McDonald’s Corp.

    772,925       152,034,348  
   

 

 

 
      304,922,062  
Household Durables — 2.7%            

Garmin Ltd.

    1,685,702       158,034,562  

Leggett & Platt Inc.

    2,778,475       142,535,768  

Newell Brands Inc.

    9,387,073       178,072,775  
   

 

 

 
      478,643,105  
Household Products — 1.3%            

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    1,692,785       224,937,271  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 4.4%            

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    1,696,854       192,100,841  

Old Republic International Corp.

    6,099,098       136,253,849  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    4,489,502       239,649,617  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    2,435,954       222,012,848  
   

 

 

 
      790,017,155  
IT Services — 2.7%            

International Business Machines Corp.

    1,850,200       247,427,246  

Western Union Co. (The)

    9,217,602       230,993,106  
   

 

 

 
      478,420,352  
Machinery — 0.8%            

Caterpillar Inc.

    1,035,569       142,701,408  
   

 

 

 
Media — 1.2%            

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    8,185,650       178,037,887  

Meredith Corp.

    846,428       31,910,336  
   

 

 

 
      209,948,223  
Multi-Utilities — 10.6%            

Avista Corp.

    1,400,515       67,266,735  

Black Hills Corp.

    1,123,025       88,528,061  

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    7,066,325       205,418,068  

CMS Energy Corp.

    2,901,770       185,481,138  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    3,641,424       300,599,551  

DTE Energy Co.

    1,393,503       177,420,802  
 

 

 

22    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Select Dividend ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Multi-Utilities (continued)            

NiSource Inc.

    6,106,114     $ 171,215,437  

NorthWestern Corp.

    1,053,179       76,376,541  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    3,012,192       190,701,875  

Sempra Energy

    1,480,703       213,976,391  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    2,254,172       212,793,837  
   

 

 

 
      1,889,778,436  
Multiline Retail — 2.9%            

Kohl’s Corp.

    2,876,583       147,453,645  

Macy’s Inc.

    6,699,715       101,567,679  

Target Corp.

    2,554,718       273,124,901  
   

 

 

 
      522,146,225  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 7.5%            

Chevron Corp.

    1,796,311       208,623,560  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    2,918,263       197,187,031  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    2,841,951       156,136,788  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    3,972,259       160,876,489  

ONEOK Inc.

    4,560,857       318,484,644  

Valero Energy Corp.

    3,024,636       293,329,199  
   

 

 

 
      1,334,637,711  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.3%            

Domtar Corp.

    1,335,963       48,615,694  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 0.3%            

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., Class A

    1,217,877       54,292,957  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 1.9%            

Merck & Co. Inc.

    1,868,069       161,886,859  

Pfizer Inc.

    4,423,643       169,735,182  
   

 

 

 
      331,622,041  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.9%            

Intel Corp.

    2,504,739       141,592,896  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    4,725,167       380,092,433  
   

 

 

 
      521,685,329  
Specialty Retail — 0.8%            

Gap Inc. (The)

    4,313,223       70,133,006  
Security   Shares     Value  
Specialty Retail (continued)            

L Brands Inc.

    4,748,989     $ 80,922,773  
   

 

 

 
      151,055,779  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 3.1%            

Seagate Technology PLC

    5,539,067       321,432,058  

Western Digital Corp.

    4,606,194       237,909,920  
   

 

 

 
      559,341,978  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.7%            

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

    10,470,086       121,976,502  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 3.1%            

Altria Group Inc.

    6,225,751       278,851,387  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    3,359,948       273,634,165  
   

 

 

 
      552,485,552  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.7%            

Watsco Inc.

    679,630       119,818,769  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $16,029,155,268)

      17,846,532,700  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
    1.74%(a)(b)

    29,929,000       29,929,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $29,929,000)

      29,929,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $16,059,084,268)

      17,876,461,700  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      24,278,064  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   17,900,739,764  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer     


Shares

Held at
04/30/19

 

 
 

     Net Activity       


Shares

Held at
10/31/19

 

 
 

    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     51,657,220        (21,728,220      29,929,000      $ 29,929,000      $ 340,207      $      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description    Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
(000)
     Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 

Long Contracts

           

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     320        12/20/19      $ 48,573      $ 939,711  
           

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      23  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Select Dividend ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 939,711  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 3,689,115  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 195,188  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 33,232,688  

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                           

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 17,846,532,700        $        $        $ 17,846,532,700  

Money Market Funds

     29,929,000                            29,929,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 17,876,461,700        $        $        $ 17,876,461,700  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 939,711        $        $        $ 939,711  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 2.4%  

Boeing Co. (The)

    313     $ 106,392  

General Dynamics Corp.

    117       20,686  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    31       6,996  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    40       8,252  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    87       32,771  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    23       8,107  

Raytheon Co.

    54       11,459  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., Class A

    109       8,918  

Textron Inc.

    262       12,076  

United Technologies Corp.

    180       25,844  
   

 

 

 
          241,501  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.6%  

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    59       4,463  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    73       5,325  

FedEx Corp.

    110       16,792  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    278       32,017  
   

 

 

 
      58,597  
Airlines — 0.7%  

American Airlines Group Inc.

    393       11,814  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    457       25,171  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    339       19,028  

United Airlines Holdings Inc.(a)

    149       13,535  
   

 

 

 
      69,548  
Auto Components — 0.2%  

Aptiv PLC

    66       5,910  

Gentex Corp.

    186       5,217  

Lear Corp.

    57       6,713  
   

 

 

 
      17,840  
Automobiles — 0.6%  

Ford Motor Co.

    2,389       20,522  

General Motors Co.

    821       30,508  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    157       6,109  
   

 

 

 
      57,139  
Banks — 12.4%  

Bank of America Corp.

    7,508       234,775  

BB&T Corp.

    483       25,623  

CIT Group Inc.

    285       12,224  

Citigroup Inc.

    2,807       201,711  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    402       14,134  

Comerica Inc.

    211       13,804  

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    864       25,125  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    676       9,552  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,422       302,556  

KeyCorp.

    843       15,149  

M&T Bank Corp.

    139       21,758  

PacWest Bancorp.

    154       5,696  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    312       45,770  

Regions Financial Corp.

    1,354       21,799  

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    347       23,714  

U.S. Bancorp.

    795       45,331  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    4,298       221,906  

Zions Bancorp. N.A

    185       8,967  
   

 

 

 
          1,249,594  
Beverages — 1.5%  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    1,173       63,846  

Constellation Brands Inc., Class A

    69       13,133  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    142       7,970  
Security   Shares      Value  
Beverages (continued)  

PepsiCo Inc.

    515      $ 70,643  
    

 

 

 
           155,592  
Biotechnology — 4.8%  

AbbVie Inc.

    2,232        177,556  

Amgen Inc.

    783        166,975  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    155        46,300  

Celgene Corp.(a)

    435        46,993  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    689        43,896  
    

 

 

 
           481,720  
Building Products — 0.3%  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    122        7,326  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    345        14,949  

Masco Corp.

    149        6,891  
    

 

 

 
       29,166  
Capital Markets — 3.2%  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    133        20,068  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    736        34,408  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    73        33,704  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    168        6,839  

CME Group Inc.

    48        9,876  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    200        8,358  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    323        8,899  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    222        47,370  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    205        19,336  

Invesco Ltd.

    295        4,962  

Moody’s Corp.

    29        6,400  

Morgan Stanley

    1,243        57,240  

MSCI Inc.

    38        8,913  

Nasdaq Inc.

    32        3,193  

Northern Trust Corp.

    129        12,859  

S&P Global Inc.

    76        19,607  

State Street Corp.

    144        9,514  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    113        13,086  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    93        3,569  
    

 

 

 
       328,201  
Chemicals — 1.6%  

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    43        9,170  

Albemarle Corp.

    37        2,247  

Celanese Corp.

    33        3,998  

Chemours Co. (The)

    282        4,628  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    791        52,135  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    96        7,300  

Ecolab Inc.

    38        7,299  

Linde PLC

    123        24,397  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    257        23,053  

PPG Industries Inc.

    155        19,394  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    11        6,295  
    

 

 

 
       159,916  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.3%  

Cintas Corp.

    21        5,642  

Republic Services Inc.

    88        7,701  

Waste Management Inc.

    136        15,261  
    

 

 

 
       28,604  
Communications Equipment — 2.4%  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    4,836        229,758  

F5 Networks Inc.(a)

    36        5,187  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    313        7,769  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      25  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  
Communications Equipment (continued)  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    27      $ 4,491  
    

 

 

 
           247,205  
Consumer Finance — 1.1%  

Ally Financial Inc.

    305        9,342  

American Express Co.

    263        30,845  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    221        20,608  

Discover Financial Services

    294        23,596  

Navient Corp.

    199        2,740  

Synchrony Financial

    677        23,946  
    

 

 

 
       111,077  
Containers & Packaging — 0.3%  

Ball Corp.

    93        6,507  

International Paper Co.

    322        14,065  

Sealed Air Corp.

    215        8,980  

Westrock Co.

    121        4,522  
    

 

 

 
       34,074  
Distributors — 0.0%  

Genuine Parts Co.

    42        4,308  
    

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.3%  

AXA Equitable Holdings Inc.

    215        4,644  

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B(a)

    52        11,054  

Voya Financial Inc.

    205        11,062  
    

 

 

 
       26,760  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.4%  

AT&T Inc.

    3,633        139,834  

CenturyLink Inc.

    890        11,517  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    1,556        94,091  
    

 

 

 
       245,442  
Electric Utilities — 1.1%  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    133        12,554  

Avangrid Inc.

    18        901  

Duke Energy Corp.

    179        16,872  

Edison International

    112        7,045  

Evergy Inc.

    67        4,282  

Eversource Energy

    77        6,448  

Exelon Corp.

    269        12,237  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    83        19,782  

PPL Corp.

    205        6,865  

Southern Co. (The)

    257        16,104  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    120        7,621  
    

 

 

 
       110,711  
Electrical Equipment — 0.6%  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    240        20,906  

Emerson Electric Co.

    336        23,571  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    97        16,683  
    

 

 

 
       61,160  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.7%  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    109        10,936  

Avnet Inc.

    110        4,352  

CDW Corp./DE

    53        6,779  

Corning Inc.

    908        26,904  

Jabil Inc.

    149        5,486  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    162        14,499  
    

 

 

 
       68,956  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.4%  

Baker Hughes Co.

    157        3,360  

Halliburton Co.

    296        5,698  
Security   Shares      Value  
Energy Equipment & Services (continued)  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    799      $ 26,119  
    

 

 

 
             35,177  
Entertainment — 0.7%  

Electronic Arts Inc.(a)

    87        8,387  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    446        57,944  
    

 

 

 
       66,331  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.7%  

American Tower Corp.

    72        15,702  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    37        8,053  

Boston Properties Inc.

    42        5,762  

Colony Capital Inc.

    903        5,057  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    49        6,225  

Equity Residential

    91        8,068  

Essex Property Trust Inc.

    16        5,234  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    162        6,094  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    322        5,278  

Macerich Co. (The)

    88        2,420  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    150        3,488  

Prologis Inc.

    144        12,637  

Public Storage

    45        10,029  

SBA Communications Corp.

    22        5,294  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    167        25,164  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    142        11,871  

Ventas Inc.

    155        10,090  

VEREIT Inc.

    543        5,343  

Vornado Realty Trust

    67        4,397  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    341        9,961  

WP Carey Inc.

    75        6,905  
    

 

 

 
       173,072  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.4%  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    45        13,370  

Kroger Co. (The)

    634        15,622  

Sysco Corp.

    196        15,655  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    983        53,849  

Walmart Inc.

    352        41,275  
    

 

 

 
       139,771  
Food Products — 0.8%  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    178        7,483  

Campbell Soup Co.

    60        2,779  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    215        5,816  

Hershey Co. (The)

    45        6,609  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    53        2,167  

Kellogg Co.

    109        6,925  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    366        11,833  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    639        33,515  

Tyson Foods Inc., Class A

    96        7,948  
    

 

 

 
       85,075  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.9%  

Abbott Laboratories

    269        22,491  

Baxter International Inc.

    233        17,871  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    30        7,680  

Medtronic PLC

    282        30,710  

Stryker Corp.

    38        8,218  
    

 

 

 
       86,970  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.1%  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    79        6,745  

Anthem Inc.

    103        27,715  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    231        11,423  
 

 

 

26   

2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)            

Cigna Corp.(a)

    72     $ 12,849  

CVS Health Corp.

    381       25,295  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    82       4,805  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    123       16,426  

Humana Inc.

    57       16,769  

McKesson Corp.

    119       15,827  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    50       5,063  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

        282       71,261  
   

 

 

 
              214,178  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.0%            

Carnival Corp.

    365       15,655  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    38       4,266  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    39       10,593  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    210       20,361  

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A

    124       9,268  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    224       13,852  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A

    216       27,335  

McDonald’s Corp.

    397       78,090  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    39       4,244  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    46       1,941  

Starbucks Corp.

    1,016       85,913  

Wyndham Destinations Inc.

    102       4,734  

Yum! Brands Inc.

    217       22,071  
   

 

 

 
      298,323  
Household Durables — 0.4%            

Newell Brands Inc.

    183       3,472  

NVR Inc.(a)

    2       7,273  

PulteGroup Inc.

    142       5,572  

Toll Brothers Inc.

    112       4,454  

Whirlpool Corp.

    98       14,908  
   

 

 

 
      35,679  
Household Products — 1.8%            

Clorox Co. (The)

    47       6,941  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    364       24,970  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    153       20,331  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    1,019       126,876  
   

 

 

 
      179,118  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.1%        

NRG Energy Inc.

    239       9,589  
   

 

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates — 1.3%

           

3M Co.

    380       62,696  

General Electric Co.

    1,219       12,166  

Honeywell International Inc.

    317       54,755  
   

 

 

 
      129,617  
Insurance — 2.8%            

Aflac Inc.

    379       20,148  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    222       23,625  

American International Group Inc.

    381       20,178  

Aon PLC

    109       21,054  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    110       5,161  

Chubb Ltd.

    140       21,339  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    126       7,192  

Lincoln National Corp.

    162       9,150  

Loews Corp.

    291       14,259  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    138       14,300  

MetLife Inc.

    978       45,761  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    165       8,808  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    205       14,288  
Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance (continued)            

Prudential Financial Inc.

    329     $ 29,985  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    142       18,610  

Unum Group

    191       5,260  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    40       7,476  
   

 

 

 
              286,594  
Interactive Media & Services — 1.5%            

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    27       33,988  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    27       34,023  

Facebook Inc., Class A(a)

        460       88,159  
   

 

 

 
      156,170  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.0%            

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    26       53,268  

eBay Inc.

    1,024       36,096  

Expedia Group Inc.

    61       8,336  

Qurate Retail Inc., Series A(a)

    834       7,957  
   

 

 

 
      105,657  
IT Services — 3.9%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    193       35,786  

Akamai Technologies Inc.(a)

    59       5,103  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    10       1,000  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    140       22,712  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    282       17,185  

DXC Technology Co.

    110       3,044  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    130       17,129  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    112       11,888  

FleetCor Technologies Inc.(a)

    25       7,355  

International Business Machines Corp.

    644       86,122  

Leidos Holdings Inc.

    60       5,174  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    196       54,255  

Paychex Inc.

    96       8,029  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    221       23,006  

VeriSign Inc.(a)

    27       5,131  

Visa Inc., Class A

    488       87,284  

Western Union Co. (The)

    322       8,069  
   

 

 

 
      398,272  
Leisure Products — 0.0%            

Hasbro Inc.

    43       4,184  
   

 

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.2%

           

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    74       10,687  

Waters Corp.(a)

    48       10,158  
   

 

 

 
      20,845  
Machinery — 1.5%            

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.

    140       6,105  

Caterpillar Inc.

    301       41,478  

Cummins Inc.

    86       14,833  

Deere & Co.

    95       16,543  

Dover Corp.

    26       2,701  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    160       26,973  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    109       13,831  

PACCAR Inc.

    80       6,085  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    55       10,092  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    46       6,961  

Terex Corp.

    152       4,188  
   

 

 

 
      149,790  
Media — 1.3%            

CBS Corp., Class B, NVS

    170       6,127  

Charter Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    123       57,547  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    735       32,942  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      27  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Media (continued)            

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    224     $ 4,872  

Liberty Media Corp. -Liberty SiriusXM, Class A(a)

    101       4,536  

Liberty Media Corp. -Liberty SiriusXM, Class C, NVS(a)

    189       8,541  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    131       10,112  

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

        760       5,107  
   

 

 

 
              129,784  
Metals & Mining — 0.2%            

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

    112       4,450  

Nucor Corp.

    185       9,962  

Southern Copper Corp.

    37       1,316  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    171       5,192  
   

 

 

 
      20,920  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 0.1%            

Starwood Property Trust Inc.

    211       5,191  
   

 

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities — 0.3%

           

Dominion Energy Inc.

    100       8,255  

DTE Energy Co.

    49       6,239  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    142       8,990  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    85       8,024  
   

 

 

 
      31,508  
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Dollar General Corp.

    74       11,865  

Kohl’s Corp.

    94       4,819  

Nordstrom Inc.

    129       4,631  

Target Corp.

    278       29,721  
   

 

 

 
      51,036  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 4.8%            

Apache Corp.

    148       3,206  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    359       6,692  

Chevron Corp.

    666       77,349  

ConocoPhillips

    735       40,572  

Devon Energy Corp.

    711       14,419  

EOG Resources Inc.

    71       4,921  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,954       132,032  

Hess Corp.

    160       10,520  

Kinder Morgan Inc./DE

    810       16,184  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    389       4,485  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    771       49,306  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    723       29,282  

ONEOK Inc.

    75       5,237  

Phillips 66

    332       38,784  

Valero Energy Corp.

    378       36,658  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    652       14,546  
   

 

 

 
      484,193  
Personal Products — 0.2%            

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    70       13,039  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.(a)

    150       6,700  
   

 

 

 
      19,739  
Pharmaceuticals — 5.5%            

Allergan PLC

    163       28,706  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    584       33,504  

Eli Lilly & Co

    445       50,708  

Johnson & Johnson

    1,038       137,057  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    1,394       120,804  

Pfizer Inc.

    4,627       177,538  

Zoetis Inc.

    74       9,466  
   

 

 

 
      557,783  
Security   Shares     Value  
Professional Services — 0.1%            

IHS Markit Ltd.(a)

    44     $ 3,081  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    54       4,910  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    225       4,536  
   

 

 

 
      12,527  
Road & Rail — 1.8%            

CSX Corp.

    582       40,897  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    160       29,120  

Union Pacific Corp.

    693       114,664  
   

 

 

 
      184,681  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.5%  

Analog Devices Inc.

    87       9,277  

Applied Materials Inc.

    873       47,369  

Broadcom Inc.

    209       61,206  

Intel Corp.

      2,619       148,052  

KLA Corp.

    57       9,635  

Lam Research Corp.

    156       42,282  

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    156       9,151  

NVIDIA Corp.

    40       8,041  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    1,762       141,735  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    121       11,018  

Teradyne Inc.

    116       7,102  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    495       58,405  

Xilinx Inc.

    60       5,444  
   

 

 

 
              558,717  
Software — 5.0%            

Adobe Inc.(a)

    66       18,343  

CDK Global Inc.

    140       7,076  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    114       12,410  

Intuit Inc.

    29       7,467  

Microsoft Corp.

    1,865       267,385  

Oracle Corp.

    3,444       187,664  

VMware Inc., Class A

    26       4,115  
   

 

 

 
      504,460  
Specialty Retail — 2.8%            

AutoZone Inc.(a)

    13       14,877  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    178       12,786  

CarMax Inc.(a)

    75       6,988  

Foot Locker Inc.

    107       4,655  

Gap Inc. (The)

    192       3,122  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    555       130,192  

L Brands Inc.

    280       4,771  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    364       40,626  

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.(a)

    37       16,114  

Ross Stores Inc.

    75       8,225  

Tiffany & Co.

    58       7,222  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    477       27,499  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc.(a)

    21       4,896  
   

 

 

 
      281,973  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 6.4%  

Apple Inc.

    2,178       541,799  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    56       2,962  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    2,360       38,728  

HP Inc.

    1,733       30,102  

NetApp Inc.

    150       8,382  

Seagate Technology PLC

    166       9,633  

Western Digital Corp.

    203       10,485  

Xerox Holdings Corp.(a)

    60       2,036  
   

 

 

 
      644,127  
 

 

 

28    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.6%         

NIKE Inc., Class B

    650      $ 58,208  

VF Corp.

    39        3,209  
    

 

 

 
       61,417  
Tobacco — 1.4%  

Altria Group Inc.

    1,635        73,232  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    889        72,400  
    

 

 

 
       145,632  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.2%         

Fastenal Co.

    145        5,211  

HD Supply Holdings Inc.(a)

    31        1,226  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    46        6,144  

WW Grainger Inc.

    19        5,868  
    

 

 

 
       18,449  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $9,417,972)

 

      10,073,660  
    

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.2%        

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
    1.74%(b)(c)

    24,000     $ 24,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $24,000)

      24,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $9,441,972)

       10,097,660  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      10,173  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 10,107,833  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
    
Shares
Purchased
 
 
    
Shares
Sold
 
 
    

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       


Net

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

 
(a) 

    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 
 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

            0 (b)                    $      $      $ (3    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     16,909        7,091 (b)              24,000        24,000        169                

BlackRock Inc.

     52        29        (8      73        33,704        406        (735      (565
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 57,704      $ 575      $ (738    $ (565
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Net of purchases and sales.

 

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 10,073,660        $        $        $ 10,073,660  

Money Market Funds

     24,000                            24,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 10,097,660        $            —        $            —        $ 10,097,660  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      29  


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

 

     iShares
Core Dividend
Growth ETF
       iShares
Core High
Dividend ETF
       iShares
International Select
Dividend ETF
     iShares
Select Dividend ETF
 

ASSETS

              

Investments in securities, at value:

              

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 8,977,377,214        $ 7,408,871,609        $ 4,177,355,281      $ 17,846,532,700  

Affiliated(b)

    55,836,030          98,348,376          147,441,429        29,929,000  

Cash

    172          775          544        400  

Foreign currency, at value(c)

                      11,128,786         

Cash pledged:

              

Futures contracts

    853,400          477,600                 2,036,200  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

              

Futures contracts(d)

                      2,998,431         

Receivables:

              

Investments sold

    1,180,658          12,427,892          38,025,021         

Capital shares sold

    46,841                          1,322,860  

Dividends

    12,862,251          19,615,691          6,681,857        26,905,707  

Tax reclaims

                      6,934,417         
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    9,048,156,566          7,539,741,943          4,390,565,766        17,906,726,867  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

              

Payables:

              

Investments purchased

             22,498,987          6,013,426         

Variation margin on futures contracts

    71,368          1,760          277,780        192,000  

Capital shares redeemed

    878,905                          38,922  

Investment advisory fees

    598,226          500,207          1,796,786        5,756,181  

Professional fees

                      43,626         
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    1,548,499          23,000,954          8,131,618        5,987,103  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 9,046,608,067        $ 7,516,740,989        $ 4,382,434,148      $ 17,900,739,764  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

              

Paid-in capital

  $ 7,944,378,499        $ 7,158,016,637        $ 4,966,017,776      $ 16,519,451,985  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    1,102,229,568          358,724,352          (583,583,628      1,381,287,779  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 9,046,608,067        $ 7,516,740,989        $ 4,382,434,148      $ 17,900,739,764  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    226,800,000          79,350,000          137,600,000        175,450,000  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 39.89        $ 94.73        $ 31.85      $ 102.03  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited          Unlimited          Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None          None          None        None  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 7,922,431,688        $ 7,004,645,484        $ 4,254,246,684      $ 16,029,155,268  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 52,966,731        $ 95,253,805        $ 176,347,854      $ 29,929,000  

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $        $        $ 11,006,320      $  

(d) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $        $        $ 2,963,116      $  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

    

iShares
U.S. Dividend
and Buyback

ETF

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value:

 

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 10,039,956  

Affiliated(b)

    57,704  

Cash

    706  

Receivables:

 

Dividends

    11,558  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    10,109,924  
 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payables:

 

Investment advisory fees

    2,091  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,091  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 10,107,833  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 9,651,910  

Accumulated earnings

    455,923  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 10,107,833  
 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    350,000  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 28.88  
 

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited  
 

 

 

 

Par value

    None  
 

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 9,383,537  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 58,435  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      31  


 

Statements of Operations  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

    

iShares

Core

Dividend

Growth ETF

   

iShares

Core High

Dividend ETF

   

iShares
International

Select

Dividend ETF

   

iShares

Select

Dividend ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 104,623,516     $ 129,793,653     $ 139,315,623     $ 356,461,653  

Dividends — Affiliated

    740,861       164,358       2,920,675       340,207  

Interest — Unaffiliated

    9,941       10,622             25,100  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

                279,611        

Other income — Unaffiliated

                94,208        

Foreign taxes withheld

          (17,269     (12,516,729      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    105,374,318       129,951,364       130,093,388       356,826,960  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    3,194,695       2,934,597       10,586,078       33,673,852  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    3,194,695       2,934,597       10,586,078       33,673,852  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    102,179,623       127,016,767       119,507,310       323,153,108  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (26,972,912     (85,456,976     (29,986,126     (48,399,672

Investments — Affiliated

    (87,083     (5,780     (419,351      

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    207,616,507       383,999,379       8,929,352       196,225,423  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    374,179       3,274       (140,256      

Futures contracts

    618,869       1,666,198       2,474,883       3,689,115  

Foreign currency transactions

                (1,144,947      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    181,549,560       300,206,095       (20,286,445     151,514,866  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    224,613,139       (347,110,221     69,409,363       3,750,972  

Investments — Affiliated

    (1,597,373     3,094,571       2,390,688        

Futures contracts

    71,506       (297,589     (816,723     195,188  

Foreign currency translations

                509,181        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    223,087,272       (344,313,239     71,492,509       3,946,160  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    404,636,832       (44,107,144     51,206,064       155,461,026  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 506,816,455     $ 82,909,623     $ 170,713,374     $ 478,614,134  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Operations  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

 

   

iShares

U.S. Dividend
and Buyback

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Dividends — Unaffiliated

             $ 110,476  

Dividends — Affiliated

      575  
   

 

 

 

Total investment income

      111,051  
   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory fees

      10,792  
   

 

 

 

Total expenses

      10,792  
   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      100,259  
   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated

      (49,546

Investments — Affiliated

      (738
   

 

 

 

Net realized loss

      (50,284
   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated

      360,371  

Investments — Affiliated

      (565
   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      359,806  
   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

      309,522  
   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    $ 409,781  
   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      33  


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    

 

 

    iShares
Core Dividend Growth ETF
           iShares
Core High Dividend ETF
 
    

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

04/30/19

           

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

04/30/19

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 102,179,623     $ 123,676,531                 $ 127,016,767     $ 219,293,629  

Net realized gain

    181,549,560       6,185,796          300,206,095       60,650,147  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    223,087,272       642,201,105          (344,313,239     714,831,053  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    506,816,455       772,063,432          82,909,623       994,774,829  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (99,901,445     (115,690,628        (124,932,671     (221,134,388
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    1,554,883,820       3,085,026,860          383,023,098       394,356,197  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase in net assets

    1,961,798,830       3,741,399,664          341,000,050       1,167,996,638  

Beginning of period

    7,084,809,237       3,343,409,573          7,175,740,939       6,007,744,301  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 9,046,608,067     $ 7,084,809,237        $ 7,516,740,989     $ 7,175,740,939  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

 

    iShares
International Select Dividend ETF
          iShares
Select Dividend ETF
 
   

    Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
         

    Six Months Ended

10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

 

       

OPERATIONS

         

Net investment income

  $ 119,507,310     $ 235,852,753       $ 323,153,108     $ 579,530,289  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (20,286,445     141,415,226         151,514,866       1,347,254,208  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    71,492,509       (495,494,588       3,946,160       (498,207,289
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    170,713,374       (118,226,609       478,614,134       1,428,577,208  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

         

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (139,484,740     (240,991,616       (321,008,405     (573,979,340
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

         

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (26,212,633     (186,155,816       157,438,616       17,065,477  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

         

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    5,016,001       (545,374,041       315,044,345       871,663,345  

Beginning of period

    4,377,418,147       4,922,792,188         17,585,695,419       16,714,032,074  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 4,382,434,148     $ 4,377,418,147       $ 17,900,739,764     $ 17,585,695,419  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      35  


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

 

    iShares
U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
           Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

      

OPERATIONS

      

Net investment income

  $ 100,259        $ 177,567  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (50,284        120,170  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    359,806          451,955  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    409,781          749,692  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

      

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (91,268        (187,644
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

      

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    1,400,375          236,376  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

      

Total increase in net assets

    1,718,888          798,424  

Beginning of period

    8,388,945          7,590,521  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 10,107,833        $ 8,388,945  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

36    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF  
 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
04/30/19

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

Year Ended
04/30/18

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

Year Ended
04/30/17

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

Year Ended
04/30/16

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

Period From
06/10/14

to 04/30/15

 

 
(a) 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 38.13     $ 33.86      $ 30.75      $ 26.72      $ 26.35      $ 24.96  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

               0.49       0.91        0.78        0.71        0.67        0.53  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

      1.75       4.20        3.07        3.98        0.34        1.29  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      2.24       5.11        3.85        4.69        1.01        1.82  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                 

From net investment income

      (0.48     (0.84      (0.74      (0.66      (0.64      (0.43
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.48     (0.84      (0.74      (0.66      (0.64      (0.43
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 39.89     $ 38.13      $ 33.86      $ 30.75      $ 26.72      $ 26.35  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Total Return

                 

Based on net asset value

      5.93 %(e)       15.30      12.59      17.78      3.95      7.31 %(e)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                 

Total expenses

      0.08 %(f)       0.08      0.08      0.09      0.12      0.12 %(f)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.08 %(f)       0.08      0.08      0.09      0.10      0.05 %(f)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.56 %(f)       2.55      2.32      2.46      2.62      2.31 %(f)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                 

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 9,046,608     $ 7,084,809      $ 3,343,410      $ 1,429,997      $ 476,955      $ 168,627  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      7 %(e)       26      24      27      45      47 %(e)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(d) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Annualized.

(g) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      37  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Core High Dividend ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 95.42     $ 84.44     $ 83.27      $ 78.83      $ 77.18      $ 73.80  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      1.63       3.09       2.99        2.85        2.70        2.71  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (0.71     11.01       1.20        4.34        1.79        3.27  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      0.92       14.10       4.19        7.19        4.49        5.98  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                

From net investment income

      (1.61     (3.12     (3.02      (2.75      (2.84      (2.60
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.61     (3.12     (3.02      (2.75      (2.84      (2.60
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 94.73     $ 95.42     $ 84.44      $ 83.27      $ 78.83      $ 77.18  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

                

Based on net asset value

      0.99 %(d)       17.05     5.03      9.22      6.12      8.21
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                

Total expenses

      0.08 %(e)       0.08     0.08      0.10      0.12      0.14
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

      3.46 %(e)       3.48     3.47      3.49      3.63      3.57
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 7,516,741     $ 7,175,741     $ 6,007,744      $ 6,632,679      $ 5,076,953      $ 4,858,218  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      38 %(d)       57     46      49      74      63
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

38    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares International Select Dividend ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
    Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 31.59     $ 34.11     $ 31.78      $ 29.85     $ 35.09      $ 39.73  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.86       1.71       1.43        1.42 (b)       1.51        1.61  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      0.40       (2.48     2.41        1.88       (5.18      (4.40
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      1.26       (0.77     3.84        3.30       (3.67      (2.79
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

               

From net investment income

      (1.00     (1.75     (1.51      (1.37     (1.57      (1.74

From net realized gain

                                      (0.11
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.00     (1.75     (1.51      (1.37     (1.57      (1.85
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 31.85     $ 31.59     $ 34.11      $ 31.78     $ 29.85      $ 35.09  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

      4.20 %(e)       (2.13 )%      12.35      11.47 %(b)       (10.37 )%       (7.20 )% 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

      0.49 %(f)       0.49     0.49      0.50     0.50      0.50
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      N/A       0.49     N/A        0.50     N/A        N/A  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

      5.58 %(f)       5.39     4.27      4.75 %(b)       4.97      4.42
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 4,382,434     $ 4,377,418     $ 4,922,792      $ 4,010,716     $ 2,737,391      $ 4,612,557  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      3 %(e)       35     24      29     27      53
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

Reflects the one-time, positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated professional fees, which resulted in the following increases:

• Net investment income per share by $0.04.

• Total return by 0.10%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.13%.

(c) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(d) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Annualized.

(g) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      39  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares Select Dividend ETF  
   

 

Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)

          Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 101.13       $ 96.31     $ 91.51      $ 82.05      $ 78.32      $ 74.82  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      1.85         3.31       3.08        2.82        2.57        2.43  

Net realized and unrealized gain(b)

      0.89         4.80       4.76        9.41        3.78        3.47  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      2.74         8.11       7.84        12.23        6.35        5.90  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                  

From net investment income

      (1.84       (3.29     (3.04      (2.77      (2.62      (2.40
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.84       (3.29     (3.04      (2.77      (2.62      (2.40
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 102.03       $ 101.13     $ 96.31      $ 91.51      $ 82.05      $ 78.32  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

                  

Based on net asset value

      2.77 %(d)         8.63     8.65      15.12      8.42      7.97
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                  

Total expenses

      0.39 %(e)         0.39     0.39      0.39      0.39      0.39
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

      3.71 %(e)         3.40     3.24      3.23      3.36      3.16
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                  

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 17,900,740       $ 17,585,695     $ 16,714,032      $ 17,200,059      $ 14,645,360      $ 14,853,105  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      2 %(d)         21     28      19      21      20
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

40    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF      
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
04/30/19
 
 
   

Period From            
11/07/17(a)          

to 04/30/18            

 

   

Net asset value, beginning of period

                     $ 27.96                $ 25.30                    $ 24.99    
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net investment income(b)

      0.32         0.61         0.26    

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

      0.90         2.67         0.28    
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net increase from investment operations

      1.22         3.28         0.54    
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Distributions(d)

             

From net investment income

      (0.30       (0.58       (0.23  

From net realized gain

              (0.04          
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total distributions

      (0.30       (0.62       (0.23  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 28.88       $ 27.96       $ 25.30    
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total Return

             

Based on net asset value

      4.43 %(e)        13.21       2.16 %(e)   
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Ratios to Average Net Assets

             

Total expenses

      0.25 %(f)        0.25       0.25 %(f)   
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net investment income

      2.32 %(f)        2.34       2.07 %(f)   
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 10,108       $ 8,389       $ 7,591    
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      19 %(e)         31       14 %(e)    
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(d) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(e)

Not annualized.

(f) 

Annualized.

(g) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      41  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

iShares Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios.

These financial statements relate only to the following funds (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

iShares ETF  

 

Diversification    

Classification    

Core Dividend Growth

  Diversified    

Core High Dividend

  Non-diversified    

International Select Dividend

  Diversified    

Select Dividend

  Diversified    

U.S. Dividend and Buyback

  Non-Diversified    

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies are consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: Investment transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Any taxes withheld that are reclaimable from foreign tax authorities are reflected in tax reclaims receivable. Distributions received by the Funds may include a return of capital that is estimated by management. Such amounts are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be re-designated as a return of capital or capital gain. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is accrued daily.

Foreign CurrencyTranslation: The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, as well as investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated to U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments, income receipts and expense payments are translated into U.S. dollars on the respective dates of such transactions.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments. Such fluctuations are reflected by the Funds as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments for financial reporting purposes. Each Fund reports realized currency gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions as components of net realized gain (loss) for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are generally treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Foreign Taxes: The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments, or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which each Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by each Fund and are reflected in its statement of operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income, foreign taxes on securities lending income are presented as a reduction of securities lending income, foreign taxes on stock dividends are presented as “other foreign taxes”, and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments and foreign taxes on foreign currency transactions are included in their respective net realized gain (loss) categories. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of October 31, 2019, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

In-kind Redemptions: For financial reporting purposes, in-kind redemptions are treated as sales of securities resulting in realized capital gains or losses to the Funds. Because such gains or losses are not taxable to the Funds and are not distributed to existing Fund shareholders, the gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated net realized gain (loss) to paid-in capital at the end of the Funds’ tax year. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.

Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by each Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes. Dividends and distributions are paid in U.S. dollars and cannot be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds.

Indemnifications: In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations that provide general indemnification. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because it involves future potential claims against the Funds, which cannot be predicted with any certainty.

 

 

42    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: Each Fund’s investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) each day that the Fund’s listing exchange is open and, for financial reporting purposes, as of the report date should the reporting period end on a day that the Fund’s listing exchange is not open. U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fund determines the fair value of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of each Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

   

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at that day’s last traded price or official closing price, as applicable, on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day are valued at the last traded price.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds (including money market funds) are valued at that day’s published net asset value (“NAV”).

 

   

Futures contract notional values are determined based on that day’s last reported settlement price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of an investment, or in the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, in accordance with policies approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Global Valuation Committee include market approach, income approach and the cost approach. Valuation techniques used under these approaches take into consideration inputs that include but are not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) the principal market for the investment; (iii) the customary participants in the principal market for the investment; (iv) data assumptions by market participants for the investment, if reasonably available; (v) quoted prices for similar investments in active markets; and (vi) other inputs, such as future cash flows, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and/or default rates.

Fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a fund’s NAV and the prices used by the fund’s underlying index, which in turn could result in a difference between the fund’s performance and the performance of the fund’s underlying index.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial reporting purposes as follows:

 

   

Level 1 — Unadjusted price quotations in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs; and

 

   

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, (including the Global Valuation Committee’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments).

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgement exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The fair value hierarchy for each Fund’s investments is included in its schedule of investments. The categorization of a value determined for financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Securities Lending: Each Fund may lend its securities to approved borrowers, such as brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an approved bank, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities for securities traded on U.S. exchanges and a value of at least 105% for all other securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter at a value equal to at least 100% of the current value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund or excess collateral is returned by the Fund, on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities but does not receive interest income on securities received as collateral. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the standard time period for settlement of securities transactions.

As of October 31, 2019, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. government obligations. Cash collateral received was invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock FundAdvisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates and is disclosed in the schedules of investments. Any non-cash collateral received cannot be sold, re-invested or pledged by the Fund, except in the event of borrower default. The securities on loan for each Fund, if any, are also disclosed in its schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan as of October 31, 2019 and the value of the related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      43  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). BlackRock’s indemnity allows for full replacement of the securities loaned to the extent the collateral received does not cover the value of the securities loaned in the event of borrower default. Each Fund could incur a loss if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the market value of the loaned securities or if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the original cash collateral received. Such losses are borne entirely by each Fund.

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Futures Contracts: Each Fund’s use of futures contracts is generally limited to cash equitization. This involves the use of available cash to invest in index futures contracts in order to gain exposure to the equity markets represented in or by the Fund’s underlying index and is intended to allow the Fund to better track its underlying index. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a set price on a future date. Depending on the terms of a contract, a futures contract is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date.

Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to pledge to the executing broker which holds segregated from its own assets, an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-quality debt and equity securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Securities deposited as initial margin, if any, are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, is shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Pursuant to the contract, a fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable or payable on futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the statement of operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. Losses may arise if the notional value of a futures contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument during the term of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts.

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory Fees: Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, BFA manages the investment of each Fund’s assets. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, BFA is responsible for substantially all expenses of the Funds, except (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions; (iii) distribution fees; (iv) the advisory fee payable to BFA; and (v) litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses (in each case as determined by a majority of the independent trustees).

For its investment advisory services to each of the following Funds, BFAis entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Funds, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Investment Advisory Fee  

Core Dividend Growth

    0.08

Core High Dividend

    0.08  

U.S. Dividend and Buyback

    0.25  

For its investment advisory services to the iShares International Select Dividend ETF, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the Fund’s allocable portion of the aggregate of the average daily net assets of the Fund and certain other iShares funds, as follows:

 

Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets   Investment Advisory Fee  

First $12 billion

    0.5000

Over $12 billion, up to and including $18 billion

    0.4750  

Over $18 billion, up to and including $24 billion

    0.4513  

Over $24 billion, up to and including $30 billion

    0.4287  

Over $30 billion

    0.4073  

Each reduced investment advisory fee level reflects a 5% reduction (rounded to the fourth decimal place) from the investment advisory fee at the prior aggregate average daily net asset level.

 

 

44    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

For its investment advisory services to the iShares Select Dividend ETF, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the Fund’s allocable portion of the aggregate of the average daily net assets of the Fund and certain other iShares funds, as follows:

 

Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets   Investment Advisory Fee  

First $46 billion

    0.4000

Over $46 billion, up to and including $81 billion

    0.3800  

Over $81 billion, up to and including $111 billion

    0.3610  

Over $111 billion, up to and including $141 billion

    0.3430  

Over $141 billion

    0.3259  

Each reduced investment advisory fee level reflects a 5% reduction (rounded to the fourth decimal place) from the investment advisory fee at the prior aggregate average daily net asset level.

Distributor: BlackRock Investments, LLC, an affiliate of BFA, is the distributor for each Fund. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, BFA is responsible for any fees or expenses for distribution services provided to the Funds.

Securities Lending: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has issued an exemptive order which permits BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), an affiliate of BFA, to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds, subject to applicable conditions. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. Each 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, or its affiliates, however, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees each Fund bears to an annual rate of 0.04% (the “collateral investment fees”). Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities. Each Fund retains a portion of securities lending income and remits the remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF , iShares Core High Dividend ETF, iShares Select Dividend ETF and iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF (the “Group 1 Funds”), retains 73.5% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, the iShares International Select Dividend ETF (the “Group 2 Fund”), retains 82% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across all 1940 Act iShares exchange-traded funds (the “iShares ETF Complex”) in a given calendar year exceeds a specified threshold: (1) the Group 1 Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees, and (2) The Group 2 Fund will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 85% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

The share of securities lending income earned by each Fund is shown as securities lending income — affiliated — net in its statement of operations. For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

iShares ETF   Fees Paid    
to BTC    
 

International Select Dividend

  $ 63,487      

Officers and Trustees: Certain officers and/or trustees of the Trust are officers and/or trustees of BlackRock or its affiliates.

Other Transactions: Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which BFA (or an affiliate) serves as investment adviser. At its regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most recent calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth by Rule 17a-7.

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, transactions executed by the Funds pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales      Net Realized   
Gain (Loss)   
 

Core High Dividend

  $  419,147,156      $  760,159,686      $  (24,251,506)    

International Select Dividend

           585,840        (186,746)    

Each Fund may invest its positive cash balances in certain money market funds managed by BFA or an affiliate. The income earned on these temporary cash investments is shown as dividends — affiliated in the statement of operations.

A fund, in order to improve its portfolio liquidity and its ability to track its underlying index, may invest in shares of other iShares funds that invest in securities in the fund’s underlying index.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      45  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investments, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases    

 

Sales

        

Core Dividend Growth

  $ 606,306,099     $ 594,726,411    

Core High Dividend

      2,754,695,182         2,754,366,566    

International Select Dividend

    184,313,019       145,906,414    

Select Dividend

    285,112,417       298,797,208    

U.S. Dividend and Buyback

    1,675,438       1,652,944          

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

 

In-kind

Sales

        

Core Dividend Growth

  $   2,221,458,500      $ 678,823,987    

Core High Dividend

    2,014,064,675          1,627,704,546    

International Select Dividend

    46,898,690        104,192,262    

Select Dividend

    941,315,832        784,690,652    

U.S. Dividend and Buyback

    1,376,329                 

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions applicable to regulated investment companies, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to annually distribute substantially all of its ordinary income and any net capital gains (taking into account any capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income and excise taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of October 31, 2019, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Funds’ financial statements.

As of April 30, 2019, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF

 

 

 

Non-Expiring

 

        

Core Dividend Growth

  $ 64,929,952    

Core High Dividend

      274,712,447    

International Select Dividend

    399,299,976    

Select Dividend

    363,275,028          

A fund may own shares in certain foreign investment entities, referred to, under U.S. tax law, as “passive foreign investment companies.” Such fund may elect to mark-to-market annually the shares of each passive foreign investment company and would be required to distribute to shareholders any such marked-to-market gains.

As of October 31, 2019, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost of investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

iShares ETF

 

 

Tax Cost

 

   

Gross Unrealized
Appreciation

 

   

Gross Unrealized
Depreciation

 

    

 

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

        

Core Dividend Growth

  $ 8,061,593,754     $ 1,122,051,794     $ (149,925,640    $ 972,126,154    

Core High Dividend

    7,188,003,815       677,690,183       (358,057,117      319,633,066    

International Select Dividend

    4,499,017,799       354,629,027       (528,776,757      (174,147,730  

Select Dividend

      16,307,819,508         2,920,372,844       (1,350,790,941        1,569,581,903    

U.S. Dividend and Buyback

    9,507,684       958,433       (368,457      589,976          

 

9.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, each Fund invests in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject the Fund to various risks, including, among others, fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of an issuer to meet all of its obligations. The value of securities or other instruments may also be affected by various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the general economy; (ii) the overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; or (iv) currency, interest rate or price fluctuations. Each Fund’s prospectus provides details of the risks to which the Fund is subject.

 

 

46    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

BFA uses a “passive” or index approach to try to achieve each Fund’s investment objective following the securities included in its underlying index during upturns as well as downturns. BFA does not take steps to reduce market exposure or to lessen the effects of a declining market. Divergence from the underlying index and the composition of the portfolio is monitored by BFA.

Market Risk: Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss a fund may suffer through holding market positions in the face of market movements. A fund is exposed to market risk by its investment in equity, fixed income and/or financial derivative instruments or by its investment in underlying funds. The fair value of securities held by a fund may decline due to general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuers of the securities including local, regional or global political, social or economic instability or to factors that affect a particular industry or group of industries. The extent of a fund’s exposure to market risk is the market value of the investments held as shown in the fund’s schedule of investments.

Investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers involves certain considerations and risks not typically associated with securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include, but are not limited to: differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; higher inflation rates, greater social, economic and political uncertainties; possible nationalization or expropriation of assets; less availability of public information about issuers; imposition of withholding or other taxes; higher transaction and custody costs and delays in settlement procedures; and lower level of regulation of the securities markets and issuers. Non-U.S. securities may be less liquid, more difficult to value, and have greater price volatility due to exchange rate fluctuations. These and other risks are heightened for investments in issuers from countries with less developed capital markets.

Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of debt instruments or the counterparty to a financial transaction, including derivatives contracts, repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities, is unable or unwilling to make timely interest and/or principal payments or to otherwise honor its obligations. BFA and its affiliates manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose a fund to issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of a fund’s exposure to credit and counterparty risks with respect to those financial assets is approximated by their value recorded in its statement of assets and liabilities.

Concentration Risk: A diversified portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with a fund’s objectives, minimizes the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of a fund. The investment concentrations within each Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its schedule of investments.

When a fund concentrates its investments in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors, it assumes the risk that economic, regulatory, political and social conditions affecting such sectors may have a significant impact on the fund and could affect the income from, or the value or liquidity of, the fund’s portfolio.

 

10.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Capital shares are issued and redeemed by each Fund only in aggregations of a specified number of shares or multiples thereof (“Creation Units”) at NAV. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of each Fund are not redeemable.

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

    

 

Six Months Ended

10/31/19

     Year Ended
04/30/19
 
iShares ETF   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Core Dividend Growth

          

Shares sold

    58,550,000      $ 2,238,259,137        102,950,000      $ 3,640,432,615  

Shares redeemed

    (17,550,000      (683,375,317      (15,900,000      (555,405,755
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    41,000,000      $ 1,554,883,820        87,050,000      $ 3,085,026,860  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Core High Dividend

          

Shares sold

    21,450,000      $ 2,028,697,562        17,750,000      $ 1,592,230,605  

Shares redeemed

    (17,300,000      (1,645,674,464      (13,700,000      (1,197,874,408
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    4,150,000      $ 383,023,098        4,050,000      $ 394,356,197  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International Select Dividend

          

Shares sold

    2,750,000      $ 83,062,381        6,950,000      $ 216,165,458  

Shares redeemed

    (3,700,000      (109,275,014      (12,700,000      (402,321,274
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (950,000    $ (26,212,633      (5,750,000    $ (186,155,816
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Select Dividend

          

Shares sold

    9,500,000      $ 947,949,874        48,500,000      $ 4,702,491,774  

Shares redeemed

    (7,950,000      (790,511,258      (48,150,000      (4,685,426,297
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    1,550,000      $ 157,438,616        350,000      $ 17,065,477  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      47  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

    

 

Six Months Ended

10/31/19

            Year Ended
04/30/19
 
iShares ETF  

 

Shares

     Amount             Shares     Amount  

U.S. Dividend and Buyback

           

Shares sold

            50,000      $ 1,400,375                  150,000     $         4,071,601  

Shares redeemed

                    (150,000     (3,835,225
 

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    50,000      $         1,400,375              $ 236,376  
 

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

The consideration for the purchase of Creation Units of a fund in the Trust generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities and a specified amount of cash. Certain funds in the Trust may be offered in Creation Units solely or partially for cash in U.S. dollars. Investors purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay a purchase transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee directly to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s administrator, to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units, including Creation Units for cash. Investors transacting in Creation Units for cash may also pay an additional variable charge to compensate the relevant fund for certain transaction costs (i.e., stamp taxes, taxes on currency or other financial transactions, and brokerage costs) and market impact expenses relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable charges, if any, are included in shares sold in the table above.

From time to time, settlement of securities related to in-kind contributions or in-kind redemptions may be delayed. In such cases, securities related to in-kind transactions are reflected as a receivable or a payable in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

11.

FOREIGN WITHHOLDING TAX CLAIMS

The iShares International Select Dividend ETF has filed claims to recover taxes withheld by Finland on dividend income on the basis that Finland had purportedly violated certain provisions in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Fund has recorded receivables for all recoverable taxes withheld by Finland based upon recent favorable determinations issued by the Finnish authorities. Professional and other fees associated with the filing of these claims for foreign withholding taxes have been approved by the Board as appropriate expenses of the Fund. Withholding tax claims may be for the current year and potentially for a limited number of prior calendar years, depending upon statutes of limitation on taxes. The Fund continues to evaluate developments in Finland for potential impact to the receivables and payables recorded. Finnish tax claim receivables and related liabilities are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

12.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On June 16, 2016, investors 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 U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF and iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF) filed a class action lawsuit against iShares Trust, BlackRock, Inc. and certain of its advisory affiliates, and certain directors/trustees and officers of the Funds (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 the Plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice. Plaintiffs have appealed the court’s decision. The appeal was fully briefed on January 18, 2019, and a hearing on Plaintiffs’ appeal took place on November 19, 2019.

 

13.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring adjustment or additional disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

48    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

I. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF, iShares Core High Dividend ETF, iShares U.S. Dividend and Buyback ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      49  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Funds did not provide for breakpoints in the Funds’ investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Funds increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFAaffiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

II. iShares International Select Dividend ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and

 

 

50    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the Fund’s Peer Group. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Fund and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Fund, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Fund’s operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Fund. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Fund’s profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      51  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Fund already provided for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund, on an aggregated basis with the assets of certain other iShares funds, increase. The Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding new or revised breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded ETF, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFAaffiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

III. iShares Select Dividend ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees

 

 

52    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

(the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the Fund’s Peer Group. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Fund and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Fund, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Fund’s operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Fund. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Fund’s profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      53  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Fund already provided for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund, on an aggregated basis with the assets of certain other iShares funds, increase. The Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding new or revised breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded ETF, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFAaffiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

 

 

54    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Supplemental Information  (unaudited)

 

Section 19(a) Notices

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are estimates and are being provided pursuant to regulatory requirements and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each fund’s investment experience during the year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV each calendar year that will inform them how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

 

     Total Cumulative Distributions
for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
    % Breakdown of the Total Cumulative
Distributions for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
 
iShares ETF   Net
Investment
Income
   

 

Net Realized
Capital Gains

   

 

Return of
Capital

   

 

Total Per
Share

    Net
Investment
Income
   

 

Net Realized
Capital Gains

   

 

Return of
Capital

   

 

Total Per
Share

 

Core Dividend Growth(a)

  $   0.465822     $     $   0.011948     $   0.477770       97         3     100

Core High Dividend(a)

    1.587766             0.019983       1.607749       99             1       100  

Select Dividend(a)

    1.816404             0.021711       1.838115       99             1       100  

U.S. Dividend and Buyback(a)

    0.283943             0.020284       0.304227       93             7       100  

 

  (a) 

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the shareholder’s investment in the Fund is returned to the shareholder. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income”. When distributions exceed total return performance, the difference will incrementally reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share.

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION      55  


General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for email notifications announcing that the shareholder report or prospectus has been posted on the iShares website at iShares.com. Once you have enrolled, you will no longer receive prospectuses and shareholder reports in the mail.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

 

 

Go to icsdelivery.com.

 

 

If your brokerage firm is not listed, electronic delivery may not be available. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial advisor.

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.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The iShares Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The iShares Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. The iShares Funds also disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings on a daily basis on the iShares website at iShares.com.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Proxy Voting Records

A description of the policies and procedures that the iShares Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information about how the iShares Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30 is available without charge, upon request (1) by calling toll-free 1-800-474-2737; (2) on the iShares website at iShares.com; and (3) on the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

 

56    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations — Equity
NVS      Non-Voting Shares

 

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT      57  


 

 

Want to know more?

iShares.com    |    1-800-474-2737

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Morningstar, Inc. or S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, nor do these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the companies listed above

©2019 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

iS-SAR-406-1019

 

 

LOGO    LOGO


 

LOGO   OCTOBER 31, 2019

 

  

2019 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF  |  JKD  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF  |  JKE  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF  |  JKF  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF  |  JKG  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF  |  JKH  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF  |  JKI  |  NASDAQ

·  

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF  |  JKJ  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF  |  JKK  |  NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF  |  JKL  |  NYSE Arca

 

 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of each 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.

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.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive electronic delivery of shareholder reports and other communications by contacting your financial intermediary. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service.


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

Fund Summary

     3  

About Fund Performance

     12  

Shareholder Expenses

     12  

Schedules of Investments

     13  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     50  

Statements of Operations

     53  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     56  

Financial Highlights

     61  

Notes to Financial Statements

     70  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     80  

Supplemental Information

     84  

General Information

     85  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     86  

 

       


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-capitalization U.S. equities, as represented by the Morningstar® Large Core IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    4.07      11.74      9.93     13.50        11.74      60.51      254.78

Fund Market

    4.15        11.77        9.93       13.50          11.77        60.53        254.90  

Index

    4.20        11.95        10.15       13.74                11.95        62.12        262.50  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)


 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)

 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,040.70        $ 1.03             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,024.10        $ 1.02          0.20

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Information Technology

  23.5%

Industrials

  18.4   

Health Care

  15.8   

Financials

  13.7   

Consumer Discretionary

  8.4   

Energy

  6.1   

Communication Services

  5.4   

Consumer Staples

  3.6   

Real Estate

  2.8   

Materials

  1.6   

Utilities

  0.7   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Apple Inc.

  12.2%

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B

  4.9   

Johnson & Johnson

  4.2   

Bank of America Corp.

  3.2   

Home Depot Inc. (The)

  3.1   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

  2.9   

Merck & Co. Inc.

  2.7   

Chevron Corp.

  2.7   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

  2.6   

Comcast Corp., Class A

  2.5   
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      3  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit growth characteristics, as represented by the Morningstar® Large Growth IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    2.73      15.98      12.81     14.91        15.98      82.67      301.41

Fund Market

    2.73        15.98        12.81       14.92          15.98        82.74        301.67  

Index

    2.85        16.27        13.25       15.28                16.27        86.26        314.58  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,027.30        $ 1.27             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.90        $ 1.27          0.25

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of  
Total Investments(a)

Information Technology

  28.9%

Health Care

  17.1   

Communication Services

  16.9   

Consumer Discretionary

  15.6   

Financials

  4.9   

Real Estate

  4.4   

Consumer Staples

  4.2   

Materials

  3.5   

Industrials

  2.8   

Energy

  1.7   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of  
Total Investments(a)

Microsoft Corp.

  8.4%

Amazon. com Inc.

  5.8   

Facebook Inc., Class A

  3.9   

Alphabet Inc., Class C

  3.0   

Alphabet Inc., Class A

  3.0   

Visa Inc., Class A

  2.9   

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

  2.4   

Mastercard Inc., Class A

  2.4   

Abbott Laboratories

  1.7   

salesforce. com Inc.

  1.7   
 

 

 

4    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit value characteristics, as represented by the Morningstar® Large Value IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling the fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    5.41      12.30      8.79     11.24        12.30      52.36      190.21

Fund Market

    5.48        12.34        8.80       11.25          12.34        52.46        190.45  

Index

    5.56        12.58        9.04       11.53                12.58        54.18        197.89  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)


 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)


 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)


 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)


 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,054.10        $ 1.29             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.90        $ 1.27          0.25

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Financials

  23.6%

Consumer Staples

  17.9   

Health Care

  13.5   

Information Technology

  11.7   

Communication Services

  8.1   

Utilities

  7.7   

Energy

  7.3   

Industrials

  5.2   

Consumer Discretionary

  2.7   

Materials

  1.7   

Real Estate

  0.6   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

  6.1%

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

  4.7   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

  4.4   

AT&T Inc.

  4.3   

Intel Corp.

  3.8   

Verizon Communications Inc.

  3.8   

Pfizer Inc.

  3.2   

Wells Fargo & Co.

  3.2   

Cisco Systems Inc.

  3.1   

PepsiCo Inc.

  2.9   
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      5  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019     iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of mid-capitalization U.S. equities, as represented by the Morningstar® Mid Core IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    3.16      16.63      8.67      14.26        16.63      51.55      279.18

Fund Market

    3.20        16.73        8.67        14.27          16.73        51.58        279.53  

Index

    3.29        16.95        8.94        14.53                16.95        53.41        288.21  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning

Account Value

(05/01/19)

 

 

 

      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,031.60        $ 1.28             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.90        $ 1.27          0.25

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Industrials

  18.7%

Real Estate

  17.3   

Consumer Discretionary

  14.5   

Financials

  14.2   

Information Technology

  12.2   

Materials

  5.9   

Health Care

  5.1   

Communication Services

  3.9   

Consumer Staples

  3.3   

Utilities

  3.2   

Energy

  1.7   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

  2.2%

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

  1.6   

AutoZone Inc.

  1.3   

Motorola Solutions Inc.

  1.3   

KLA Corp.

  1.3   

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

  1.3   

Dollar Tree Inc.

  1.2   

Realty Income Corp.

  1.2   

Willis Towers Watson PLC

  1.2   

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

  1.1   
 

 

 

 

6    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of mid-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit growth characteristics, as represented by the Morningstar® Mid Growth IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year     5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    1.04      17.89     10.45     14.22       17.89      64.38      278.05

Fund Market

    1.00        17.82       10.46       14.23         17.82        64.46        278.27  

Index

    1.17        18.23       10.71       14.49               18.23        66.31        286.91  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,010.40        $ 1.52             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.60        $ 1.53          0.30

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Information Technology

    30.0%  

Health Care

    20.6     

Industrials

    16.0     

Consumer Discretionary

    11.9     

Financials

    5.5     

Communication Services

    3.8     

Energy

    3.6     

Real Estate

    3.4     

Consumer Staples

    2.6     

Materials

    2.6     

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Global Payments Inc.

    2.4%  

IHS Markit Ltd.

    1.3     

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    1.3     

SBA Communications Corp.

    1.3     

TransDigm Group Inc.

    1.2     

FleetCor Technologies Inc.

    1.2     

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

    1.2     

Verisk Analytics Inc.

    1.1     

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    1.1     

MercadoLibre Inc.

    1.1     
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      7  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Mid-CapValue ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of mid-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit value characteristics, as represented by the Morningstar® Mid Value IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    2.04      8.77      8.09     13.13       8.77      47.58      243.34

Fund Market

    2.13        8.81        8.11       13.13         8.81        47.66        243.45  

Index

    2.18        9.03        8.39       13.45               9.03        49.63        253.29  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,020.40        $ 1.52             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.60        $ 1.53          0.30

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Financials

  19.0%

Utilities

  17.3   

Consumer Discretionary

  9.6   

Real Estate

  8.9   

Industrials

  8.7   

Materials

  8.1   

Health Care

  7.4   

Consumer Staples

  7.1   

Information Technology

  6.7   

Communication Services

  4.3   

Energy

  2.9   

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

WEC Energy Group Inc.

  1.6%

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

  1.5   

Eversource Energy

  1.4   

PACCAR Inc.

  1.4   

FirstEnergy Corp.

  1.4   

McKesson Corp.

  1.3   

Tyson Foods Inc., Class A

  1.3   

Ventas Inc.

  1.3   

PPL Corp.

  1.3   

Entergy Corp.

  1.3   
 

 

 

8    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization U.S. equities, as represented by the Morningstar® Small Core IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    3.35      11.20      7.34     12.37       11.20      42.52      221.10

Fund Market

    3.38        11.25        7.36       12.37         11.25        42.65        220.98  

Index

    3.49        11.47        7.52       12.55               11.47        43.72        226.20  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,033.50        $ 1.28             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.90        $ 1.27          0.25

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)
 

Industrials

    17.8%  

Financials

    17.0     

Real Estate

    14.2     

Consumer Discretionary

    13.3     

Information Technology

    11.4     

Materials

    7.5     

Health Care

    5.9     

Consumer Staples

    4.4     

Utilities

    3.9     

Communication Services

    3.0     

Energy

    1.6     

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)
 

Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Class A

    0.9%  

Casey’s General Stores Inc.

    0.9     

Generac Holdings Inc.

    0.9     

MKS Instruments Inc.

    0.9     

Cousins Properties Inc.

    0.9     

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    0.8     

CACI International Inc., Class A

    0.8     

Horizon Therapeutics PLC

    0.8     

ITT Inc.

    0.8     

Eaton Vance Corp., NVS

    0.7     
 

 

FUND SUMMARY      9  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit growth characteristics, as represented by the Morningstar® Small Growth IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (2.64 )%       7.62      9.16     13.80        7.62      55.03      264.17

Fund Market

    (2.59      7.69        9.18       13.80          7.69        55.11        264.40  

Index

    (2.59      7.78        9.27       13.91                7.78        55.75        267.84  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 973.60        $ 1.49             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.60        $ 1.53          0.30

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Information Technology

    27.6%  

Health Care

    25.9     

Industrials

    15.3     

Consumer Discretionary

    8.5     

Communication Services

    6.4     

Real Estate

    6.2     

Financials

    4.1     

Consumer Staples

    2.0     

Energy

    1.8     

Materials

    1.4     

Utilities

    0.8     

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Roku Inc.

    2.0%  

Entegris Inc.

    1.0     

Haemonetics Corp.

    1.0     

Zynga Inc., Class A

    0.9     

Teladoc Health Inc.

    0.9     

Novocure Ltd.

    0.9     

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.

    0.8     

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.

    0.8     

Trex Co. Inc.

    0.8     

Penumbra Inc.

    0.8     
 

 

 

10    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit value characteristics, as represented by the Morningstar® Small Value IndexSM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (4.05 )%       (0.40 )%       3.97     11.17        (0.40 )%       21.46      188.35

Fund Market

    (3.96      (0.28      4.00       11.18          (0.28      21.65        188.46  

Index

    (3.82      (0.03      4.21       11.44                (0.03      22.89        195.52  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 959.50        $ 1.48             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.60        $ 1.53          0.30

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 12 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Financials

    32.2%  

Consumer Discretionary

    12.8     

Industrials

    10.8     

Real Estate

    9.6     

Materials

    8.0     

Utilities

    7.4     

Information Technology

    6.9     

Energy

    4.2     

Consumer Staples

    3.8     

Health Care

    2.8     

Communication Services

    1.5     

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Amcor PLC

    2.5%  

TCF Financial Corp.

    1.0     

Stericycle Inc.

    0.9     

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

    0.8     

Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (The)

    0.8     

Jabil Inc.

    0.8     

Radian Group Inc.

    0.8     

Portland General Electric Co.

    0.8     

First Horizon National Corp.

    0.8     

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    0.8     
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      11  


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end is available at iShares.com. Performance results assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Performance for certain funds may reflect a waiver of a portion of investment advisory fees. Without such a waiver, performance would have been lower.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest ask on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV, respectively.

An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike a fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by a fund. These expenses negatively impact fund performance. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower.

Shareholder Expenses

As a shareholder of your Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense example, which is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period (or from the commencement of operations if less than 6 months) and held through the end of the period, is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars and cents) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds.

Actual Expenses — The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. To estimate the expenses that you paid on your account over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes — The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on your Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

12    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 7.5%  

Boeing Co. (The)

    54,478     $   18,517,617  

General Dynamics Corp.

    31,615       5,589,532  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    27,923       10,518,036  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    19,768       6,967,825  

Raytheon Co.

    35,300       7,491,013  

United Technologies Corp.

    88,801       12,750,047  
   

 

 

 
      61,834,070  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.6%  

FedEx Corp.

    33,080       5,049,993  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 0.6%  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    85,083       4,686,372  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 3.2%  

Bank of America Corp.

    838,379       26,216,111  
   

 

 

 
Beverages — 2.9%  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    391,188       21,292,363  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    93,360       2,629,017  
   

 

 

 
      23,921,380  
Biotechnology — 1.6%  

Celgene Corp.(a)

    84,837       9,164,941  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    14,111       4,321,917  
   

 

 

 
      13,486,858  
Capital Markets — 2.2%  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    15,144       6,991,985  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    72,704       6,857,441  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    37,705       4,366,239  
   

 

 

 
      18,215,665  
Chemicals — 1.3%  

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    28,910       6,165,346  

PPG Industries Inc.

    37,714       4,718,776  
   

 

 

 
      10,884,122  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.2%  

Republic Services Inc.

    41,805       3,658,356  

Waste Management Inc.

    53,025       5,949,935  
   

 

 

 
      9,608,291  
Consumer Finance — 1.1%  

American Express Co.

    78,855       9,248,114  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 4.9%  

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B(a)

    190,417       40,478,846  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 0.7%  

Emerson Electric Co.

    85,793       6,018,379  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.0%  

Corning Inc.

    134,980       3,999,457  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    50,656       4,533,712  
   

 

 

 
      8,533,169  
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.1%  

Halliburton Co.

    174,363       3,356,488  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    178,699       5,841,670  
   

 

 

 
      9,198,158  
Entertainment — 2.8%  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    180,497       23,450,170  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.8%  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    22,058       4,801,144  
Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Equity Residential

    54,636     $ 4,844,028  

Prologis Inc.

    80,892       7,099,082  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    40,801       6,147,895  
   

 

 

 
      22,892,149  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.7%  

Sysco Corp.

    71,665       5,723,884  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.2%  

Danaher Corp.

    72,524       9,995,258  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 3.4%  

Anthem Inc.

    31,156       8,383,457  

Cigna Corp.(a)

    46,717       8,337,116  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    39,273       5,244,516  

Humana Inc.

    19,391       5,704,832  
   

 

 

 
      27,669,921  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.4%  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    63,218       3,909,401  

McDonald’s Corp.

    79,332       15,604,604  
   

 

 

 
      19,514,005  
Industrial Conglomerates — 2.9%  

3M Co.

    64,294       10,607,867  

Honeywell International Inc.

    77,895       13,454,803  
   

 

 

 
      24,062,670  
Insurance — 2.3%  

Aon PLC

    31,741       6,131,092  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    65,815       6,819,750  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    80,144       5,586,037  
   

 

 

 
      18,536,879  
IT Services — 3.8%  

Accenture PLC, Class A

    68,709       12,740,023  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    80,524       4,907,132  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    71,246       9,387,373  

Paychex Inc.

    52,773       4,413,934  
   

 

 

 
      31,448,462  
Machinery — 2.5%  

Caterpillar Inc.

    66,223       9,125,529  

Deere & Co.

    40,583       7,067,124  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    37,574       4,767,765  
   

 

 

 
      20,960,418  
Media — 2.5%  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    460,297       20,630,512  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 0.3%  

Southern Copper Corp.

    60,822       2,164,047  
   

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities — 0.7%  

Sempra Energy

    38,762       5,601,497  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.7%  

Dollar General Corp.

    35,784       5,737,607  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 5.0%  

Chevron Corp.

    191,345       22,222,808  

Kinder Morgan Inc./DE

    272,617       5,446,888  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    125,313       5,075,176  

ONEOK Inc.

    63,619       4,442,515  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    188,758       4,211,191  
   

 

 

 
      41,398,578  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      13  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals — 9.5%  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    189,708     $   10,883,548  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    95,715       10,906,724  

Johnson & Johnson

    258,832       34,176,178  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    259,964       22,528,480  
   

 

 

 
      78,494,930  
Road & Rail — 2.3%  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    34,766       6,327,412  

Union Pacific Corp.

    76,263       12,618,476  
   

 

 

 
      18,945,888  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 6.5%  

Analog Devices Inc.

    50,429       5,377,244  

Applied Materials Inc.

    122,348       6,638,603  

Broadcom Inc.

    43,371       12,701,197  

Lam Research Corp.

    21,408       5,802,424  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    136,673       10,993,976  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    101,035       11,921,120  
   

 

 

 
      53,434,564  
Specialty Retail — 5.3%  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    109,487       25,683,460  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    88,141       9,837,417  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    145,352       8,379,543  
   

 

 

 
      43,900,420  
Security   Shares     Value  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 12.1%  

Apple Inc.

    401,995     $ 100,000,276  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $671,127,759)

 

    821,941,663  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.3%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(b)(c)

    2,171,000       2,171,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.3%
(Cost: $2,171,000)

 

    2,171,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $673,298,759)

 

    824,112,663  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

 

    694,594  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   824,807,257  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
    
Shares
Purchased
 
 
    
Shares
Sold
 
 
    

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       

Net

Realized

Gain (Loss)


 

(a) 

    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

            0 (b)                   $      $ 477 (c)     $ 63      $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     1,183,406        987,594 (b)              2,171,000        2,171,000        13,108                

BlackRock Inc.

     15,452        2,699        (3,007      15,144        6,991,985        100,419        98,788        (454,651
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 9,162,985      $ 114,004      $ 98,851      $ (454,651
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Net of purchases and sales.

 
  (c) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     18          12/20/19        $ 2,732        $ 28,325  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

14    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 28,325  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 85,732  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 28,325  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 910,740  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 821,941,663        $        $        $ 821,941,663  

Money Market Funds

     2,171,000                            2,171,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 824,112,663        $        $        $ 824,112,663  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 28,325        $        $        $ 28,325  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      15  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Automobiles — 1.2%  

Tesla Inc.(a)(b)

    43,050     $   13,557,306  
   

 

 

 
Beverages — 1.7%  

Constellation Brands Inc., Class A

    51,505       9,802,947  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    163,161       9,158,227  
   

 

 

 
      18,961,174  
Biotechnology — 1.9%  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    90,393       9,527,422  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    65,024       12,710,892  
   

 

 

 
      22,238,314  
Capital Markets — 4.9%  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    271,357       11,046,943  

CME Group Inc.

    66,409       13,663,652  

Moody’s Corp.

    49,668       10,961,231  

S&P Global Inc.

    50,793       13,104,086  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    178,215       6,839,892  
   

 

 

 
      55,615,804  
Chemicals — 3.5%  

Ecolab Inc.

    59,130       11,357,099  

Linde PLC

    83,653       16,592,573  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    20,932       11,979,802  
   

 

 

 
      39,929,474  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.9%  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    105,953       10,630,264  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 3.4%            

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    200,390       11,227,852  

Electronic Arts Inc.(a)

    102,589       9,889,579  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    61,403       17,647,836  
   

 

 

 
      38,765,267  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 4.4%  

American Tower Corp.

    71,475       15,587,268  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    90,249       12,525,659  

Equinix Inc.

    21,275       12,058,244  

Public Storage

    43,970       9,799,154  
   

 

 

 
      49,970,325  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.6%  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    61,763       18,350,405  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 8.2%  

Abbott Laboratories

    233,404       19,514,909  

Baxter International Inc.

    130,322       9,995,697  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    51,410       13,160,960  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    297,399       12,401,538  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    52,073       12,413,162  

Intuitive Surgical Inc.(a)

    24,079       13,314,483  

Stryker Corp.

    61,293       13,255,837  
   

 

 

 
      94,056,586  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.4%  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    108,933       27,527,369  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.1%  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A

    79,929       10,115,015  

Starbucks Corp.

    181,561       15,352,798  

Yum! Brands Inc.

    94,212       9,582,303  
   

 

 

 
      35,050,116  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.9%  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    29,957       10,094,311  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
Interactive Media & Services — 10.5%  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    27,020     $ 34,012,776  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    27,260       34,350,599  

Facebook Inc., Class A(a)

    233,503       44,750,850  

Twitter Inc.(a)

    244,359       7,323,439  
   

 

 

 
      120,437,664  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 7.1%  

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    37,379       66,409,774  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,165       14,679,437  
   

 

 

 
      81,089,211  
IT Services — 9.1%  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    83,372       13,525,440  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    121,445       12,890,172  

Mastercard Inc., Class A(b)

    99,399       27,514,637  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    166,651       17,348,369  

Visa Inc., Class A

    181,690       32,497,074  
   

 

 

 
      103,775,692  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 3.3%  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    37,610       11,114,507  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    65,989       9,530,131  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    58,111       17,548,360  
   

 

 

 
      38,192,998  
Machinery — 0.8%  

Fortive Corp.

    134,762       9,298,578  
   

 

 

 
Media — 2.1%  

Charter Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    31,200       14,597,232  

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

    1,330,320       8,939,750  
   

 

 

 
      23,536,982  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.6%  

EOG Resources Inc.

    144,400       10,008,364  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    70,834       8,713,999  
   

 

 

 
      18,722,363  
Personal Products — 0.9%  

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    57,624       10,733,622  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 1.1%  

Zoetis Inc.

    102,451       13,105,532  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 1.1%  

CSX Corp.

    171,141       12,026,078  
   

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.4%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    340,356       11,548,279  

NVIDIA Corp.

    91,387       18,370,615  

Xilinx Inc.

    94,139       8,542,173  
   

 

 

 
      38,461,067  
Software — 15.5%  

Adobe Inc.(a)

    66,703       18,538,765  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    68,261       10,058,941  

Intuit Inc.

    50,113       12,904,097  

Microsoft Corp.

    665,767       95,451,015  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    120,868       18,914,633  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)(b)

    45,865       11,340,580  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    59,394       9,631,331  
   

 

 

 
      176,839,362  
Specialty Retail — 2.0%  

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.(a)

    26,031       11,336,761  

Ross Stores Inc.

    100,457       11,017,119  
   

 

 

 
      22,353,880  
 

 

 

16    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.3%  

NIKE Inc., Class B

    189,053     $ 16,929,696  

VF Corp.

    112,283       9,239,768  
   

 

 

 
      26,169,464  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.9%  

T-Mobile U.S. Inc.(a)

    123,300       10,191,978  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $771,877,718)

 

    1,139,681,186  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 1.8%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    18,553,027       18,562,304  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    1,637,000       1,637,000  
   

 

 

 
      20,199,304  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.8%
(Cost: $20,196,202)

 

    20,199,304  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.6%
(Cost: $792,073,920)

 

    1,159,880,490  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.6)%

      (18,558,625
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   1,141,321,865  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e)

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19

 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19

 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     23,762,205        (5,209,178      18,553,027      $ 18,562,304      $ 42,192 (b)     $ 1,236      $ (279

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     1,235,672        401,328        1,637,000        1,637,000        18,710                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 20,199,304      $ 60,902      $ 1,236      $ (279
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b)

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Consumer Discretionary Index

     2          12/20/19        $ 244        $ (5,605

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Technology Index

     5          12/20/19          420          9,539  

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     5          12/20/19          759          5,476  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 9,410  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      17  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 15,015  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 5,605  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 35,610  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 9,410  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 474,317  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,139,681,186        $        $        $ 1,139,681,186  

Money Market Funds

     20,199,304                            20,199,304  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,159,880,490        $        $        $ 1,159,880,490  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 15,015        $        $        $ 15,015  

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

     (5,605                          (5,605
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 9,410        $        $        $ 9,410  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

18    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Air Freight & Logistics — 1.2%  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    56,138     $ 6,465,413  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 0.4%  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    38,899       2,183,401  
   

 

 

 
Automobiles — 1.2%  

Ford Motor Co.

    315,043       2,706,219  

General Motors Co.

    101,000       3,753,160  
   

 

 

 
      6,459,379  
Banks — 15.0%  

BB&T Corp.

    61,591       3,267,402  

Citigroup Inc.

    181,603       13,049,992  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    257,042       32,109,687  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    35,793       5,250,833  

SunTrust Banks Inc.

    35,688       2,438,918  

U.S. Bancorp.

    115,278       6,573,152  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    322,323       16,641,536  
   

 

 

 
      79,331,520  
Beverages — 2.9%  

PepsiCo Inc.

    112,397       15,417,497  
   

 

 

 
Biotechnology — 5.8%  

AbbVie Inc.

    118,853       9,454,756  

Amgen Inc.

    48,209       10,280,569  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    14,827       4,428,973  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    101,809       6,486,252  
   

 

 

 
      30,650,550  
Building Products — 0.5%  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    63,966       2,771,647  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 2.9%  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    68,959       3,223,833  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    26,014       5,550,867  

Morgan Stanley

    100,977       4,649,991  

State Street Corp.

    29,967       1,979,920  
   

 

 

 
      15,404,611  
Chemicals — 1.7%  

Dow Inc.(a)

    59,746       3,016,576  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    59,928       3,949,854  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    20,765       1,862,621  
   

 

 

 
      8,829,051  
Communications Equipment — 3.1%  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    341,273       16,213,880  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 1.0%  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    37,809       3,525,689  

Discover Financial Services

    25,595       2,054,255  
   

 

 

 
      5,579,944  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 8.1%  

AT&T Inc.

    587,400       22,609,026  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    332,488       20,105,549  
   

 

 

 
      42,714,575  
Electric Utilities — 5.7%  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    39,696       3,746,905  

Duke Energy Corp.

    58,571       5,520,902  

Exelon Corp.

    78,104       3,552,951  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    39,290       9,364,379  

Southern Co. (The)

    84,025       5,265,007  
Security   Shares     Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    42,154     $ 2,677,201  
   

 

 

 
      30,127,345  
Electrical Equipment — 0.6%  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    33,763       2,941,095  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.6%  

Welltower Inc.

    32,577       2,954,408  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 3.2%  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    60,986       3,340,813  

Walmart Inc.

    114,324       13,405,632  
   

 

 

 
      16,746,445  
Food Products — 2.3%  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    44,679       1,878,305  

General Mills Inc.

    48,517       2,467,574  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    49,911       1,613,623  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    115,933       6,080,686  
   

 

 

 
      12,040,188  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.2%  

Medtronic PLC

    107,855       11,745,410  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.3%  

CVS Health Corp.

    104,545       6,940,743  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.3%  

Carnival Corp.

    32,121       1,377,670  
   

 

 

 
Household Products — 6.3%  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    68,974       4,731,616  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    27,670       3,676,790  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    201,183       25,049,295  
   

 

 

 
      33,457,701  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.3%  

General Electric Co.

    701,558       7,001,549  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 4.5%  

Aflac Inc.

    59,518       3,163,977  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    26,463       2,816,192  

American International Group Inc.

    69,931       3,703,546  

Chubb Ltd.

    36,637       5,584,212  

MetLife Inc.

    63,988       2,993,998  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    32,316       2,945,280  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    20,932       2,743,348  
   

 

 

 
      23,950,553  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.4%  

eBay Inc.

    63,394       2,234,639  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 1.8%  

International Business Machines Corp.

    71,214       9,523,448  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 1.2%  

Cummins Inc.

    12,688       2,188,426  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    23,664       3,989,277  
   

 

 

 
          6,177,703  
Multi-Utilities — 2.0%  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    26,701       2,462,366  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    66,073       5,454,326  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    40,647       2,573,362  
   

 

 

 
      10,490,054  
Multiline Retail — 0.8%  

Target Corp.

    41,073       4,391,114  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      19  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 7.3%  

ConocoPhillips

    89,243     $ 4,926,214  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    340,133       22,982,787  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    52,921       3,384,298  

Phillips 66

    36,058       4,212,295  

Valero Energy Corp.

    33,313       3,230,695  
   

 

 

 
      38,736,289  
Pharmaceuticals — 4.1%  

Allergan PLC

    26,370       4,644,021  

Pfizer Inc.

    444,634       17,060,606  
   

 

 

 
      21,704,627  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 4.6%  

Intel Corp.

    356,122       20,131,577  

Micron Technology Inc.(a)

    88,733       4,219,254  
   

 

 

 
      24,350,831  
Software — 1.8%  

Oracle Corp.

    176,987       9,644,022  
   

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.4%  

HP Inc.

    119,177       2,070,104  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 3.2%  

Altria Group Inc.

    150,174       6,726,293  
Security   Shares     Value  
Tobacco (continued)  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    125,072     $ 10,185,864  
   

 

 

 
      16,912,157  
   

 

 

 
Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
    (Cost: $450,180,222)
    527,539,563  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(b)(c)

    577,000       577,000  
   

 

 

 
Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
    (Cost: $577,000)
    577,000  
   

 

 

 
Total Investments in Securities — 99.8%
    (Cost: $450,757,222)
    528,116,563  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.2%

 

    1,025,201  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   529,141,764  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

                        $      $ 150 (b)     $      $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     487,831        89,169        577,000        577,000        7,777                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 577,000      $ 7,927      $      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Consumer Staples Index

     5          12/20/19        $ 307        $ 1,249  

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Financial Index

     5          12/20/19          440          15,576  

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     5          12/20/19          759          21,139  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 37,964  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

20    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 37,964  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 50,834  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 37,964  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 502,138  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 527,539,563        $        $        $ 527,539,563  

Money Market Funds

     577,000                            577,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 528,116,563        $        $        $ 528,116,563  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 37,964        $        $        $ 37,964  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      21  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 3.9%  

Hexcel Corp.

    29,380     $ 2,192,335  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    14,274       3,221,071  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    77,102       15,906,914  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., Class A

    35,737       2,924,001  

Textron Inc.

    79,465       3,662,542  
   

 

 

 
      27,906,863  
Air Freight & Logistics — 1.1%  

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    46,748       3,536,019  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    58,952       4,299,959  
   

 

 

 
      7,835,978  
Auto Components — 1.4%  

Aptiv PLC

    88,467       7,922,220  

Gentex Corp.

    87,978       2,467,783  
   

 

 

 
      10,390,003  
Banks — 3.1%  

Comerica Inc.

    51,576       3,374,102  

Commerce Bancshares Inc.

    34,107       2,195,126  

East West Bancorp. Inc.

    50,259       2,157,116  

M&T Bank Corp.

    46,157       7,224,955  

Signature Bank/New York NY

    18,900       2,236,248  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    17,797       3,941,680  

Western Alliance Bancorp.

    32,884       1,622,168  
   

 

 

 
      22,751,395  
Beverages — 0.7%  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class A

    19,214       1,194,150  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B, NVS

    62,852       4,118,063  
   

 

 

 
      5,312,213  
Building Products — 1.0%  

AO Smith Corp.

    47,774       2,373,413  

Masco Corp.

    99,953       4,622,826  
   

 

 

 
      6,996,239  
Capital Markets — 4.1%  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    45,191       6,818,870  

KKR & Co. Inc., Class A, NVS

    188,411       5,431,889  

Nasdaq Inc.

    39,808       3,971,644  

Northern Trust Corp.

    74,205       7,396,754  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    42,670       3,562,518  

SEI Investments Co.

    43,807       2,624,916  
   

 

 

 
      29,806,591  
Chemicals — 2.9%  

Albemarle Corp.

    36,598       2,222,962  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    71,689       2,114,109  

Celanese Corp.

    42,729       5,176,618  

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

    75,391       3,418,982  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    36,871       4,498,631  

RPM International Inc.

    44,777       3,243,198  
   

 

 

 
      20,674,500  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.2%  

KAR Auction Services Inc.

    46,017       1,143,983  
   

 

 

 
Communications Equipment — 2.0%  

Ciena Corp.(a)

    53,563       1,988,259  

F5 Networks Inc.(a)

    20,787       2,994,991  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    57,169       9,508,348  
   

 

 

 
      14,491,598  
Security   Shares     Value  
Construction & Engineering — 0.7%  

Fluor Corp.

    48,253     $ 777,356  

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

    46,789       4,378,514  
   

 

 

 
      5,155,870  
Consumer Finance — 1.0%  

Synchrony Financial

    210,767       7,454,829  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 1.5%  

AptarGroup Inc.

    22,114       2,612,769  

Ball Corp.

    114,645       8,021,711  
   

 

 

 
      10,634,480  
Distributors — 0.5%  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    106,427       3,617,454  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.9%  

H&R Block Inc.

    69,251       1,730,582  

Service Corp. International/U.S

    62,972       2,863,967  

ServiceMaster Global Holdings Inc.(a)

    46,917       1,894,508  
   

 

 

 
      6,489,057  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.6%  

Jefferies Financial Group Inc.

    86,960       1,623,543  

Voya Financial Inc.

    48,468       2,615,333  
   

 

 

 
      4,238,876  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.3%  

GCI Liberty Inc., Class A(a)

    32,845       2,298,493  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 3.0%  

Acuity Brands Inc.

    13,808       1,723,100  

AMETEK Inc.

    78,851       7,226,694  

Hubbell Inc.

    18,788       2,662,260  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    40,404       6,949,084  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC(a)(b)

    55,638       2,848,109  
   

 

 

 
      21,409,247  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.1%  

Trimble Inc.(a)(b)

    86,947       3,463,968  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    18,687       4,445,077  
   

 

 

 
      7,909,045  
Entertainment — 0.5%  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One,
Class A(a)

    8,931       361,080  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One, Class C, NVS(a)

    70,057       2,977,423  
   

 

 

 
      3,338,503  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 16.0%  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    39,165       6,217,444  

Americold Realty Trust(b)

    66,182       2,653,236  

Apartment Investment & Management Co., Class A

    51,412       2,821,491  

Boston Properties Inc.

    49,638       6,810,334  

Camden Property Trust

    33,436       3,824,075  

CubeSmart

    66,456       2,106,655  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    71,944       9,139,766  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    56,885       2,464,258  

Duke Realty Corp.

    124,812       4,385,894  

EPR Properties

    26,781       2,083,294  

Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc.

    62,870       4,397,128  

Essex Property Trust Inc.

    22,697       7,424,870  

Extra Space Storage Inc.

    44,379       4,982,430  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    24,071       3,273,897  

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

    70,426       2,842,393  

Healthcare Trust of America Inc., Class A

    70,844       2,196,164  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    252,046       4,131,034  

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.

    53,413       1,918,595  
 

 

 

22    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Invitation Homes Inc.

    165,130     $ 5,084,353  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    99,142       3,251,858  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    32,078       2,692,307  

Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc.

    39,381       5,473,565  

Realty Income Corp.

    109,888       8,987,739  

STORE Capital Corp.

    72,581       2,939,530  

Sun Communities Inc.

    31,310       5,092,571  

UDR Inc.

    101,122       5,081,380  

VICI Properties Inc.

    159,192       3,748,972  
   

 

 

 
      116,025,233  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.1%  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.(a)(b)

    10,676       340,564  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.6%  

Hershey Co. (The)

    51,440       7,554,993  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    95,881       3,920,574  
   

 

 

 
      11,475,567  
Gas Utilities — 0.6%  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    40,816       4,590,984  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.3%  

Dentsply Sirona Inc.

    77,413       4,240,684  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    92,304       4,459,206  

Steris PLC

    29,244       4,140,073  

Varian Medical Systems Inc.(a)(b)

    31,445       3,798,871  
   

 

 

 
      16,638,834  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.4%  

Centene Corp.(a)

    142,823       7,581,045  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    33,436       1,959,350  

Encompass Health Corp.

    34,063       2,180,713  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)(b)

    51,196       3,204,102  

Molina Healthcare Inc.(a)

    21,655       2,547,494  
   

 

 

 
      17,472,704  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.0%  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    42,410       4,761,371  

MGM Resorts International

    180,056       5,131,596  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    74,449       3,779,031  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    59,339       6,457,863  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    33,282       1,796,230  
   

 

 

 
      21,926,091  
Household Durables — 2.0%  

DR Horton Inc.

    116,211       6,085,970  

Garmin Ltd.

    49,890       4,677,188  

PulteGroup Inc.

    89,010       3,492,752  
   

 

 

 
      14,255,910  
Household Products — 0.9%  

Clorox Co. (The)

    43,420       6,412,700  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.1%  

NRG Energy Inc.

    87,360       3,504,883  

Vistra Energy Corp.

    156,201       4,222,113  
   

 

 

 
      7,726,996  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.4%  

Carlisle Companies Inc.

    19,547       2,976,422  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 5.2%  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    64,253       5,861,159  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    52,454       5,938,318  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    14,068       3,616,742  

Kemper Corp.

    21,617       1,553,830  
Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance (continued)  

Loews Corp.(b)

    89,798     $ 4,400,102  

Primerica Inc.

    14,457       1,824,184  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    15,250       2,854,495  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    44,528       8,322,283  

WR Berkley Corp.

    49,970       3,492,903  
   

 

 

 
      37,864,016  
IT Services — 1.8%  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    14,141       1,414,100  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    48,419       3,407,245  

Genpact Ltd.

    53,284       2,087,134  

Leidos Holdings Inc.

    46,679       4,025,130  

Sabre Corp.

    94,504       2,218,954  
   

 

 

 
      13,152,563  
Leisure Products — 0.8%  

Hasbro Inc.

    40,528       3,943,780  

Polaris Inc.

    19,840       1,957,216  
   

 

 

 
      5,900,996  
Machinery — 5.0%  

AGCO Corp.

    21,834       1,674,449  

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.

    41,613       1,814,743  

Crane Co.

    17,594       1,346,293  

Donaldson Co. Inc.

    44,037       2,322,511  

Dover Corp.

    50,222       5,217,564  

Flowserve Corp.

    45,295       2,212,208  

Gardner Denver Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    45,730       1,455,586  

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

    21,325       1,910,080  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    19,224       2,325,143  

Oshkosh Corp.

    23,606       2,015,480  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    44,353       8,138,332  

Pentair PLC

    58,030       2,406,504  

Snap-on Inc.

    19,065       3,101,304  
   

 

 

 
      35,940,197  
Media — 3.0%  

Altice USA Inc., Class A(a)

    106,676       3,301,622  

CBS Corp., Class B, NVS

    112,998       4,072,448  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    54,560       1,470,665  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    119,809       3,023,979  

Liberty Broadband Corp., Class A(a)

    8,407       991,942  

Liberty Broadband Corp., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    52,735       6,226,421  

News Corp., Class A, NVS

    133,168       1,825,733  

News Corp., Class B

    42,198       595,836  
   

 

 

 
      21,508,646  
Metals & Mining — 1.6%  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

    283,121       11,248,397  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 1.2%  

Dollar Tree Inc.(a)

    81,710       9,020,784  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.7%  

Continental Resources Inc./OK(a)(b)

    29,842       879,444  

EQT Corp.

    88,135       946,570  

Hess Corp.

    89,370       5,876,077  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    277,647       3,201,270  

Parsley Energy Inc., Class A

    97,028       1,534,013  
   

 

 

 
      12,437,374  
Pharmaceuticals — 0.3%  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    19,552       2,456,318  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      23  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Professional Services — 1.1%  

Equifax Inc.

    41,743     $ 5,706,685  

Robert Half International Inc.

    40,595       2,324,876  
   

 

 

 
      8,031,561  
Real Estate Management & Development — 1.2%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    116,141       6,219,351  

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

    17,791       2,606,737  
   

 

 

 
      8,826,088  
Road & Rail — 1.5%  

AMERCO

    2,786       1,128,441  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    29,495       3,467,432  

Kansas City Southern

    34,734       4,889,853  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.

    42,339       1,543,680  
   

 

 

 
      11,029,406  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 6.0%  

KLA Corp.

    54,993       9,296,017  

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    228,252       5,567,066  

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    93,674       5,494,917  

Microchip Technology Inc.

    82,200       7,750,638  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)(b)

    141,744       2,891,577  

Qorvo Inc.(a)

    40,673       3,288,819  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    59,291       5,399,038  

Teradyne Inc.

    58,685       3,592,696  
   

 

 

 
      43,280,768  
Software — 0.6%  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    42,490       4,625,461  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 3.8%  

Advance Auto Parts Inc.(b)

    24,651       4,005,295  

AutoZone Inc.(a)

    8,470       9,692,899  

CarMax Inc.(a)(b)

    57,179       5,327,367  

Tiffany & Co.

    37,534       4,673,358  

Tractor Supply Co.

    41,184       3,913,304  
   

 

 

 
      27,612,223  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.6%  

NetApp Inc.

    82,155       4,590,821  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    10,066       910,470  

PVH Corp.

    25,603       2,231,557  
Security   Shares     Value  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (continued)  

Tapestry Inc.

    99,053     $ 2,561,511  
   

 

 

 
      5,703,538  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.9%  

Watsco Inc.

    11,258       1,984,785  

WW Grainger Inc.

    15,264       4,714,134  
   

 

 

 
      6,698,919  
Water Utilities — 1.5%  

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    62,382       7,689,829  

Aqua America Inc.

    74,511       3,377,584  
   

 

 

 
      11,067,413  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.2%  

Sprint Corp.(a)

    211,662       1,314,421  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $603,249,057)

 

    722,007,132  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 3.3%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    21,996,315       22,007,313  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    1,634,000       1,634,000  
   

 

 

 
      23,641,313  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 3.3%
(Cost: $23,639,046)

 

    23,641,313  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 103.0%
(Cost: $626,888,103)

 

    745,648,445  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (3.0)%

 

    (21,811,355
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   723,837,090  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     7,672,326        14,323,989        21,996,315      $ 22,007,313      $ 20,318 (b)     $ (537    $ 342  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     351,911        1,282,089        1,634,000        1,634,000        8,602                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 23,641,313      $ 28,920      $ (537    $ 342  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

 

 

24    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

   iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     5          12/20/19        $ 759        $ 6,668  

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     5          12/20/19          977          8,095  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 14,763  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 14,763  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 85,910  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 14,763  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 578,817  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 722,007,132        $        $        $ 722,007,132  

Money Market Funds

     23,641,313                            23,641,313  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 745,648,445        $        $        $ 745,648,445  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 14,763        $        $        $ 14,763  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      25  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 2.7%  

BWX Technologies Inc.

    26,773     $ 1,555,511  

HEICO Corp.(a)

    11,351       1,400,032  

HEICO Corp., Class A

    20,260       1,930,170  

Parsons Corp.(a)(b)

    5,314       189,179  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(b)

    10,238       3,374,445  

TransDigm Group Inc.

    13,970       7,352,132  
   

 

 

 
      15,801,469  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%  

XPO Logistics Inc.(a)(b)

    25,928       1,980,899  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 0.8%  

First Republic Bank/CA

    47,343       5,035,401  
   

 

 

 
Biotechnology — 4.7%  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    31,280       2,713,227  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(b)

    50,507       3,697,618  

Bluebird Bio Inc.(a)(b)

    15,546       1,259,226  

Exact Sciences Corp.(b)

    36,442       3,170,454  

Exelixis Inc.(b)

    85,372       1,318,997  

Incyte Corp.(b)

    50,238       4,215,973  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc.(b)

    35,963       2,003,858  

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(b)

    25,758       2,562,663  

Sage Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    14,542       1,972,622  

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.(b)

    19,891       1,652,147  

Seattle Genetics Inc.(a)(b)

    31,844       3,420,046  
   

 

 

 
      27,986,831  
Building Products — 0.9%  

Allegion PLC

    26,264       3,047,675  

Lennox International Inc.

    9,912       2,451,832  
   

 

 

 
      5,499,507  
Capital Markets — 3.0%  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    63,844       2,668,041  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    10,761       2,728,129  

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

    23,152       1,871,607  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    10,626       3,916,637  

Morningstar Inc.

    5,774       934,464  

MSCI Inc.

    23,837       5,591,207  
   

 

 

 
      17,710,085  
Chemicals — 0.6%  

FMC Corp.

    36,759       3,363,449  
   

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.3%  

Cintas Corp.

    23,363       6,276,937  

Copart Inc.(b)

    56,743       4,689,241  

IAA Inc.(b)

    37,544       1,432,304  

Rollins Inc.

    39,609       1,509,499  
   

 

 

 
      13,907,981  
Communications Equipment — 0.7%  

Arista Networks Inc.(a)(b)

    15,315       3,745,589  

Ubiquiti Inc.(a)(b)

    3,669       464,459  
   

 

 

 
      4,210,048  
Construction Materials — 1.7%  

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.

    17,573       4,602,545  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    37,230       5,319,050  
   

 

 

 
      9,921,595  
Consumer Finance — 0.3%  

Credit Acceptance Corp.(b)

    3,912       1,712,713  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
Distributors — 0.4%  

Pool Corp.

    11,229     $ 2,328,895  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.6%            

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.(b)

    16,372       2,431,569  

Grand Canyon Education Inc.(b)

    13,628       1,253,231  
   

 

 

 
      3,684,800  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.4%  

Zayo Group Holdings Inc.(b)

    66,454       2,268,740  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 3.0%  

CDW Corp./DE

    40,728       5,209,519  

Cognex Corp.(a)

    48,003       2,471,674  

FLIR Systems Inc.

    38,142       1,966,602  

IPG Photonics Corp.(b)

    10,051       1,349,648  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(b)

    52,791       5,327,140  

National Instruments Corp.

    33,495       1,386,358  
   

 

 

 
      17,710,941  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.9%  

Baker Hughes Co.

    182,690       3,909,566  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

    30,781       1,154,287  
   

 

 

 
      5,063,853  
Entertainment — 1.3%  

Live Nation Entertainment Inc.(b)

    39,116       2,757,678  

Madison Square Garden Co. (The), Class A(b)

    4,814       1,284,953  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.(b)

    31,852       3,833,388  
   

 

 

 
      7,876,019  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 3.4%  

American Campus Communities Inc.

    38,648       1,931,627  

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

    71,687       1,897,555  

CyrusOne Inc.

    31,838       2,269,413  

Regency Centers Corp.

    47,214       3,174,669  

SBA Communications Corp.(a)

    31,832       7,660,371  

Vornado Realty Trust

    44,547       2,923,619  
   

 

 

 
      19,857,254  
Food Products — 1.8%  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    41,049       3,203,464  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    34,630       5,564,695  

Post Holdings Inc.(b)

    19,330       1,989,057  
   

 

 

 
      10,757,216  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 7.2%  

ABIOMED Inc.(a)(b)

    12,763       2,649,344  

Align Technology Inc.(b)

    20,455       5,160,592  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)

    13,952       4,060,032  

DexCom Inc.(b)

    25,663       3,958,261  

Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.

    18,793       1,967,439  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(b)

    24,229       6,905,507  

Insulet Corp.(a)(b)

    16,963       2,465,063  

Masimo Corp.(b)

    13,800       2,011,902  

ResMed Inc.

    40,434       5,980,997  

Teleflex Inc.

    13,012       4,520,499  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    20,744       2,983,817  
   

 

 

 
      42,663,453  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.0%  

Chemed Corp.

    4,479       1,764,323  

WellCare Health Plans Inc.(b)

    14,160       4,199,856  
   

 

 

 
      5,964,179  
Health Care Technology — 1.9%  

Cerner Corp.

    89,607       6,014,422  
 

 

 

26    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Technology (continued)  

Veeva Systems Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    36,607     $ 5,191,971  
   

 

 

 
      11,206,393  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.4%  

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.(b)

    7,178       5,585,632  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    11,622       3,156,768  

Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc.

    23,266       1,829,173  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    80,731       7,827,678  

Planet Fitness Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    23,631       1,504,349  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    11,307       2,627,407  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    27,296       3,312,097  
   

 

 

 
      25,843,104  
Household Durables — 0.6%  

NVR Inc.(b)

    967       3,516,583  
   

 

 

 
Household Products — 0.8%            

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    69,541       4,863,698  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 1.3%  

Brown & Brown Inc.

    65,666       2,474,295  

Erie Indemnity Co., Class A, NVS

    5,197       957,651  

Markel Corp.(b)

    3,890       4,555,190  
   

 

 

 
      7,987,136  
Interactive Media & Services — 1.8%  

IAC/InterActiveCorp.(b)

    20,328       4,619,538  

Snap Inc., Class A, NVS(a)(b)

    214,342       3,227,991  

TripAdvisor Inc.(b)

    29,623       1,196,769  

Zillow Group Inc., Class A(b)

    9,706       314,377  

Zillow Group Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    35,097       1,143,109  
   

 

 

 
      10,501,784  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 2.7%  

Etsy Inc.(a)(b)

    33,882       1,507,410  

Expedia Group Inc.

    39,357       5,378,528  

GrubHub Inc.(b)

    25,696       875,206  

MercadoLibre Inc.(b)

    12,631       6,587,319  

Wayfair Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    18,254       1,501,026  
   

 

 

 
      15,849,489  
IT Services — 11.4%  

Akamai Technologies Inc.(b)

    46,432       4,016,369  

Black Knight Inc.(b)

    42,071       2,700,958  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    32,163       4,027,451  

EPAM Systems Inc.(b)

    15,428       2,714,711  

Euronet Worldwide Inc.(b)

    15,344       2,149,234  

FleetCor Technologies Inc.(b)

    24,363       7,168,082  

Gartner Inc.(b)

    25,368       3,908,701  

Global Payments Inc.

    84,441       14,285,728  

GoDaddy Inc., Class A(b)

    49,868       3,242,916  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    21,698       3,071,569  

Okta Inc.(a)(b)

    29,999       3,271,991  

Square Inc., Class A(b)

    96,429       5,923,634  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    34,206       3,302,931  

VeriSign Inc.(b)

    29,316       5,570,626  

WEX Inc.(b)

    12,172       2,302,699  
   

 

 

 
      67,657,600  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 4.7%  

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    87,095       6,597,446  

Avantor Inc.(b)

    62,412       886,875  

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Class A(b)

    6,045       2,004,643  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    10,706       2,228,668  

Bruker Corp.(a)

    28,787       1,281,022  
Security   Shares     Value  
Life Sciences Tools & Services (continued)  

Charles River Laboratories International Inc.(b)

    13,728     $ 1,784,365  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)(b)

    6,926       4,882,414  

PerkinElmer Inc.

    31,243       2,685,648  

PRA Health Sciences Inc.(b)

    17,663       1,725,852  

Waters Corp.(a)(b)

    18,788       3,975,917  
   

 

 

 
      28,052,850  
Machinery — 3.6%  

Graco Inc.

    46,918       2,120,694  

IDEX Corp.

    21,346       3,319,943  

Nordson Corp.

    14,392       2,256,809  

Toro Co. (The)

    29,984       2,312,666  

WABCO Holdings Inc.(b)

    14,414       1,940,413  

Wabtec Corp.

    51,253       3,555,421  

Woodward Inc.

    15,854       1,690,988  

Xylem Inc./NY

    50,666       3,885,575  
   

 

 

 
      21,082,509  
Media — 0.3%  

Cable One Inc.

    1,415       1,875,399  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 0.4%  

Royal Gold Inc.

    18,441       2,128,829  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.2%  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    15,391       983,177  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.8%  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    117,682       2,193,592  

Cheniere Energy Inc.(b)

    65,763       4,047,713  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    28,537       1,204,832  

Concho Resources Inc.

    56,590       3,820,957  

Diamondback Energy Inc.

    45,886       3,935,183  

WPX Energy Inc.(b)

    119,264       1,190,255  
   

 

 

 
      16,392,532  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.0%  

Catalent Inc.(a)(b)

    41,072       1,998,153  

Elanco Animal Health Inc.(a)(b)

    104,914       2,834,776  

Nektar Therapeutics(b)

    49,508       847,825  
   

 

 

 
      5,680,754  
Professional Services — 4.2%  

CoStar Group Inc.(b)

    10,286       5,652,363  

IHS Markit Ltd.(b)

    112,883       7,904,067  

TransUnion

    52,853       4,366,715  

Verisk Analytics Inc.

    46,016       6,658,515  
   

 

 

 
      24,581,660  
Road & Rail — 0.9%  

Lyft Inc., Class A(b)

    55,926       2,317,574  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    18,003       3,277,986  
   

 

 

 
      5,595,560  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.6%  

Cree Inc.(a)(b)

    30,147       1,438,916  

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

    103,879       2,417,264  

Mellanox Technologies Ltd.(b)

    15,414       1,737,158  

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

    11,329       1,698,444  

Universal Display Corp.

    11,925       2,387,147  
   

 

 

 
      9,678,929  
Software — 13.1%  

ANSYS Inc.(b)

    23,669       5,210,730  

Aspen Technology Inc.(b)

    19,398       2,232,904  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(b)

    78,845       5,152,521  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      27  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  
Software (continued)  

CDK Global Inc.

    34,090      $ 1,722,909  

Ceridian HCM Holding Inc.(a)(b)

    25,066        1,209,434  

Coupa Software Inc.(a)(b)

    17,375        2,388,889  

DocuSign Inc.(a)(b)

    34,709        2,297,389  

Dropbox Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    60,179        1,192,748  

Fair Isaac Corp.(b)

    8,128        2,471,237  

Fortinet Inc.(a)(b)

    39,995        3,261,992  

Guidewire Software Inc.(a)(b)

    23,013        2,594,486  

HubSpot Inc.(a)(b)

    11,251        1,745,030  

New Relic Inc.(b)

    13,954        893,893  

Nutanix Inc., Class A(b)

    40,290        1,177,274  

Palo Alto Networks Inc.(a)(b)

    27,011        6,142,031  

Paycom Software Inc.(b)

    13,831        2,925,671  

Pegasystems Inc.

    10,700        804,747  

Proofpoint Inc.(a)(b)

    15,785        1,821,115  

PTC Inc.(b)

    29,158        1,950,962  

RealPage Inc.(a)(b)

    22,389        1,355,654  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    20,196        3,262,058  

Splunk Inc.(b)

    42,261        5,069,630  

SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc.

    62,133        3,231,537  

Synopsys Inc.(b)

    42,296        5,741,682  

Trade Desk Inc. (The), Class A(b)

    10,985        2,205,788  

Tyler Technologies Inc.(b)

    10,875        2,920,155  

VMware Inc., Class A

    22,130        3,502,515  

Zendesk Inc.(a)(b)

    31,235        2,206,753  

Zscaler Inc.(a)(b)

    18,026        792,783  
    

 

 

 
       77,484,517  
Specialty Retail — 1.6%  

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)(b)

    18,651        3,584,163  

Five Below Inc.(b)

    15,658        1,958,972  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc.(b)

    16,562        3,861,430  
    

 

 

 
       9,404,565  
Security   Shares      Value  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.5%  

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(b)

    31,818      $ 6,499,463  

Under Armour Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    53,116        1,096,845  

Under Armour Inc., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    54,888        1,015,428  
    

 

 

 
       8,611,736  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.0%  

Fastenal Co.

    161,383        5,800,105  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%

 

  

    (Cost: $486,494,514)

 

     590,084,237  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 9.7%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    56,310,353        56,338,508  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    891,000        891,000  
    

 

 

 
       57,229,508  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 9.7%

 

  

    (Cost: $57,219,948)

 

     57,229,508  

Total Investments in Securities — 109.5%

 

  

    (Cost: $543,714,462)

 

     647,313,745  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (9.5)%

 

     (56,349,694
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

   $   590,964,051  
    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(b) 

Non-income producing security.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19

 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19

 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     36,772,170        19,538,183        56,310,353      $ 56,338,508      $ 76,386 (b)     $ (158    $ 4,581  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     218,923        672,077        891,000        891,000        4,494                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 57,229,508      $ 80,880      $ (158    $ 4,581  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Technology Index

     4          12/20/19        $ 336        $ 10,951  

 

 

28    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Russell 2000 E-Mini Index

     6          12/20/19        $ 469        $ 14,957  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 25,908  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 25,908  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 25,825  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 25,908  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 268,340  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 590,084,237        $        $        $ 590,084,237  

Money Market Funds

     57,229,508                            57,229,508  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 647,313,745        $        $        $ 647,313,745  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 25,908        $        $        $ 25,908  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      29  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 0.6%  

Arconic Inc.

    97,881     $ 2,688,791  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 2.5%  

Alaska Air Group Inc.

    31,160       2,163,439  

American Airlines Group Inc.

    100,137       3,010,118  

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)(b)

    74,988       1,447,269  

United Airlines Holdings Inc.(a)

    55,831       5,071,688  
   

 

 

 
      11,692,514  
Auto Components — 1.1%  

Autoliv Inc.

    19,860       1,545,902  

BorgWarner Inc.

    52,213       2,176,238  

Lear Corp.

    14,053       1,655,022  
   

 

 

 
      5,377,162  
Automobiles — 0.3%  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    39,663       1,543,287  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 6.9%  

BOK Financial Corp.

    8,150       628,772  

CIT Group Inc.

    23,881       1,024,256  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    112,972       3,972,096  

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    14,379       1,295,260  

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    184,583       5,367,674  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    262,247       3,705,550  

KeyCorp.

    253,508       4,555,539  

People’s United Financial Inc.

    112,025       1,811,444  

Popular Inc.

    24,459       1,332,037  

Prosperity Bancshares Inc.

    23,931       1,651,718  

Regions Financial Corp.

    252,122       4,059,164  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    39,056       1,322,827  

Zions Bancorp. N.A.

    44,736       2,168,354  
   

 

 

 
      32,894,691  
Beverages — 0.5%  

Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B

    47,467       2,502,460  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 0.8%  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    35,358       2,123,248  

Owens Corning

    27,512       1,685,935  
   

 

 

 
      3,809,183  
Capital Markets — 1.0%  

Affiliated Managers Group Inc.

    12,771       1,020,147  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    71,304       1,964,425  

Invesco Ltd.

    97,447       1,639,059  
   

 

 

 
      4,623,631  
Chemicals — 1.4%  

Chemours Co. (The)

    41,228       676,551  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    34,616       2,632,201  

Huntsman Corp.

    51,504       1,139,783  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    89,769       1,784,608  

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    8,789       555,377  
   

 

 

 
      6,788,520  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.0%  

ADT Inc.(b)

    26,288       203,469  
   

 

 

 
Communications Equipment — 0.5%  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    87,407       2,169,442  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.7%  

AECOM(a)

    39,902       1,596,479  
Security   Shares      Value  
Construction & Engineering (continued)  

Quanta Services Inc.(b)

    35,980      $ 1,512,959  
    

 

 

 
       3,109,438  
Consumer Finance — 0.8%  

Ally Financial Inc.

    98,652        3,021,711  

Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc.

    26,401        662,137  
    

 

 

 
       3,683,848  
Containers & Packaging — 4.0%  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    21,274        2,720,094  

Berry Global Group Inc.(a)

    33,434        1,387,845  

Crown Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    34,251        2,494,843  

International Paper Co.

    99,264        4,335,852  

Packaging Corp. of America

    23,920        2,618,283  

Sealed Air Corp.

    39,085        1,632,581  

Sonoco Products Co.

    25,319        1,460,906  

Westrock Co.

    65,033        2,430,283  
    

 

 

 
       19,080,687  
Distributors — 0.8%  

Genuine Parts Co.

    36,912        3,786,433  
    

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.3%  

AXA Equitable Holdings Inc.

    75,777        1,636,783  
    

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.7%  

CenturyLink Inc.

    248,059        3,209,884  
    

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 9.5%  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    60,018        3,201,360  

Avangrid Inc.

    14,146        708,007  

Edison International

    90,484        5,691,444  

Entergy Corp.

    50,241        6,103,277  

Evergy Inc.

    59,499        3,802,581  

Eversource Energy

    81,769        6,847,336  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    136,447        6,593,119  

IDACORP Inc.

    12,752        1,372,370  

OGE Energy Corp.

    50,587        2,178,276  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    28,378        2,670,937  

PPL Corp.

    182,501        6,111,959  
    

 

 

 
       45,280,666  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.9%  

Arrow Electronics Inc.(a)(b)

    21,031        1,667,338  

Avnet Inc.

    26,132        1,033,782  

Flex Ltd.(a)(b)

    130,286        1,530,860  
    

 

 

 
       4,231,980  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5%  

National Oilwell Varco Inc.

    97,544        2,206,445  
    

 

 

 
Entertainment — 0.4%  

Viacom Inc., Class A(b)

    2,442        58,339  

Viacom Inc., Class B, NVS

    89,469        1,928,952  
    

 

 

 
       1,987,291  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 8.9%  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

    75,339        1,658,965  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    124,096        4,668,492  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    106,671        2,299,827  

Lamar Advertising Co., Class A

    21,734        1,738,937  

Liberty Property Trust

    39,878        2,355,593  

Macerich Co. (The)

    27,963        768,983  

Medical Properties Trust Inc.

    112,781        2,337,950  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    43,370        2,554,927  

Omega Healthcare Investors Inc.

    54,720        2,409,869  
 

 

 

30    2019 ISHARES SEMI - ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    60,654     $ 1,410,205  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    20,842       1,742,391  

Ventas Inc.

    94,147       6,128,970  

VEREIT Inc.

    266,681       2,624,141  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    188,232       5,498,257  

WP Carey Inc.

    43,155       3,972,849  
   

 

 

 
      42,170,356  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.5%  

Kroger Co. (The)

    201,844       4,973,436  

U.S. Foods Holding Corp.(a)

    55,383       2,197,044  
   

 

 

 
      7,170,480  
Food Products — 4.7%  

Bunge Ltd.

    35,783       1,932,282  

Campbell Soup Co.

    42,628       1,974,103  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    122,957       3,325,987  

Ingredion Inc.

    16,887       1,334,073  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    28,818       3,045,486  

Kellogg Co.

    62,833       3,991,781  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.(a)(b)

    13,365       405,761  

Tyson Foods Inc., Class A

    74,460       6,164,543  
   

 

 

 
      22,174,016  
Gas Utilities — 0.7%  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    21,905       992,515  

UGI Corp.

    52,801       2,517,024  
   

 

 

 
      3,509,539  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.5%  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

    51,880       7,171,372  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 5.0%  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    38,428       3,280,983  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    75,334       3,725,266  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    24,687       4,067,677  

McKesson Corp.

    46,722       6,214,026  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    34,029       3,445,436  

Universal Health Services Inc., Class B

    20,526       2,821,504  
   

 

 

 
      23,554,892  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.9%  

Aramark

    62,390       2,730,186  

Caesars Entertainment Corp.(a)(b)

    140,550       1,725,954  
   

 

 

 
      4,456,140  
Household Durables — 2.9%  

Leggett & Platt Inc.

    33,273       1,706,905  

Lennar Corp., Class A

    71,864       4,283,094  

Lennar Corp., Class B

    4,003       188,221  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)(b)

    15,140       2,170,773  

Newell Brands Inc.

    96,342       1,827,608  

Toll Brothers Inc.

    32,698       1,300,400  

Whirlpool Corp.

    16,052       2,441,830  
   

 

 

 
      13,918,831  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.6%  

AES Corp./VA

    167,745       2,860,052  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 7.8%  

Alleghany Corp.(a)

    3,646       2,837,645  

American Financial Group Inc./OH

    17,852       1,857,322  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    102,334       4,273,468  

Assurant Inc.

    15,454       1,948,286  

Athene Holding Ltd., Class A(a)

    30,484       1,321,481  

Fidelity National Financial Inc.

    69,341       3,178,592  

 

Security   Shares      Value  
Insurance (continued)  

First American Financial Corp.

    28,349      $ 1,751,401  

Globe Life Inc.

    25,363        2,468,581  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    91,366        5,215,171  

Lincoln National Corp.

    50,586        2,857,097  

Old Republic International Corp.

    72,075        1,610,156  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    65,516        3,497,244  

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    15,859        2,576,612  

Unum Group

    52,615        1,449,017  
    

 

 

 
       36,842,073  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.2%  

Qurate Retail Inc., Series A(a)(b)

    98,610        940,739  
    

 

 

 
IT Services — 1.0%  

DXC Technology Co.

    66,237        1,832,778  

Western Union Co. (The)

    107,111        2,684,201  
    

 

 

 
       4,516,979  
Machinery — 2.6%  

PACCAR Inc.

    87,522        6,656,924  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    38,343        5,802,446  
    

 

 

 
       12,459,370  
Media — 3.2%  

DISH Network Corp., Class A(a)

    60,813        2,090,751  

Fox Corp., Class A, NVS

    89,560        2,869,503  

Fox Corp., Class B(a)

    40,947        1,279,184  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    97,880        2,128,890  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM,
Class A(a)

    21,013        943,694  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM,
Class C, NVS(a)

    38,388        1,734,754  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    54,965        4,242,748  
    

 

 

 
       15,289,524  
Metals & Mining — 2.6%  

Alcoa Corp.(a)

    46,795        972,868  

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

    366,618        3,600,189  

Nucor Corp.

    76,603        4,125,071  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    16,857        1,956,086  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    55,546        1,686,377  
    

 

 

 
       12,340,591  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 1.9%  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    138,438        2,360,368  

Annaly Capital Management Inc.

    367,959        3,304,272  

New Residential Investment Corp.

    105,094        1,664,689  

Starwood Property Trust Inc.

    71,177        1,750,954  
    

 

 

 
       9,080,283  
Multi-Utilities — 6.4%  

Ameren Corp.

    62,111        4,826,025  

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    126,903        3,689,070  

CMS Energy Corp.

    71,709        4,583,639  

DTE Energy Co.

    46,318        5,897,208  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    50,365        1,455,045  

NiSource Inc.

    94,339        2,645,266  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    79,706        7,524,246  
    

 

 

 
       30,620,499  
Multiline Retail — 0.9%  

Kohl’s Corp.

    40,223        2,061,831  

Macy’s Inc.

    77,905        1,181,040  

Nordstrom Inc.

    27,127        973,859  
    

 

 

 
       4,216,730  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.4%  

Apache Corp.

    95,034        2,058,437  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      31  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

Devon Energy Corp.

    102,151     $ 2,071,622  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    51,777       720,736  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    38,272       2,102,664  

Noble Energy Inc.

    120,847       2,327,513  

Targa Resources Corp.

    58,825       2,287,116  
   

 

 

 
      11,568,088  
Personal Products — 0.4%  

Coty Inc., Class A

    74,645       872,600  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.(a)(b)

    24,181       1,080,165  
   

 

 

 
      1,952,765  
Pharmaceuticals — 0.9%  

Mylan NV(a)

    130,353       2,496,260  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    34,399       1,823,835  
   

 

 

 
      4,320,095  
Professional Services — 0.7%  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    15,091       1,372,074  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    89,923       1,812,847  
   

 

 

 
      3,184,921  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.2%  

First Solar Inc.(a)(b)

    19,137       991,105  
   

 

 

 
Software — 0.7%  

NortonLifeLock Inc.

    143,674       3,287,261  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 1.5%  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    58,609       4,209,885  

Foot Locker Inc.

    27,666       1,203,748  

Gap Inc. (The)

    54,359       883,877  

L Brands Inc.

    58,550       997,692  
   

 

 

 
      7,295,202  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 3.5%  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    39,219       2,074,293  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    329,906       5,413,758  

Seagate Technology PLC

    59,824       3,471,587  

Western Digital Corp.

    74,796       3,863,213  

Xerox Holdings Corp.(a)

    48,151       1,633,763  
   

 

 

 
      16,456,614  
Security   Shares      Value  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%  

Capri Holdings Ltd.(a)

    38,226      $ 1,187,682  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    91,492        1,391,593  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    13,073        1,255,793  
    

 

 

 
       3,835,068  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.3%  

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

    118,220        1,377,263  
    

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.9%  

HD Supply Holdings Inc.(a)

    43,206        1,708,365  

United Rentals Inc.(a)(b)

    19,501        2,604,749  
    

 

 

 
       4,313,114  
    

 

 

 
Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
    (Cost: $432,093,173)
     474,380,567  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 1.7%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    7,089,701        7,093,246  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    874,000        874,000  
    

 

 

 
       7,967,246  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.7%
(Cost: $7,966,653)

 

     7,967,246  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.5%
(Cost: $440,059,826)

 

     482,347,813  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.5)%

 

     (7,348,344
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

   $   474,999,469  
    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     4,184,023        2,905,678        7,089,701      $ 7,093,246      $ 8,493 (b)     $ 101      $ 144  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     336,338        537,662        874,000        874,000        7,352                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 7,967,246      $ 15,845      $ 101      $ 144  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

 

 

32    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Utilities Index

     2          12/20/19        $ 129        $ (345

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     2          12/20/19          391          1,876  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 1,531  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 1,876  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 345  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 43,377  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 1,531  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 173,480  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      33  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 474,380,567        $        $        $ 474,380,567  

Money Market Funds

     7,967,246                            7,967,246  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 482,347,813        $        $        $ 482,347,813  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 1,876        $        $        $ 1,876  

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

     (345                          (345
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,531        $        $        $ 1,531  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 1.2%  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    14,982     $ 2,026,316  

Moog Inc., Class A

    11,396       953,959  
   

 

 

 
      2,980,275  
Airlines — 0.3%  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    4,631       774,905  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 1.0%  

Dorman Products Inc.(a)(b)

    10,231       736,120  

LCI Industries

    8,782       852,908  

Visteon Corp.(a)(b)

    9,801       911,689  
   

 

 

 
      2,500,717  
Banks — 10.0%  

Ameris Bancorp.

    22,912       981,779  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    28,806       1,061,789  

BancFirst Corp.

    6,336       366,791  

CenterState Bank Corp.

    45,238       1,147,236  

Community Bank System Inc.

    17,681       1,198,418  

CVB Financial Corp.

    46,679       969,990  

Eagle Bancorp. Inc.

    11,862       535,451  

First BanCorp./Puerto Rico

    75,516       794,428  

First Citizens BancShares Inc./NC, Class A

    3,047       1,498,880  

First Interstate BancSystem Inc., Class A

    12,335       517,577  

Glacier Bancorp. Inc.

    30,034       1,271,039  

Heartland Financial USA Inc.

    11,449       535,584  

Home BancShares Inc./AR

    54,606       1,009,119  

Independent Bank Corp.

    12,049       988,982  

Independent Bank Group Inc.

    12,803       684,576  

Investors Bancorp. Inc.

    78,590       947,010  

Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.

    25,361       1,491,734  

South State Corp.

    11,976       944,427  

Sterling Bancorp./DE

    71,985       1,414,505  

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.(a)

    17,651       954,213  

TowneBank/Portsmouth VA

    22,505       632,166  

UMB Financial Corp.

    15,151       988,754  

United Community Banks Inc./GA

    26,164       790,415  

Webster Financial Corp.

    32,330       1,425,753  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    19,876       1,268,486  
   

 

 

 
      24,419,102  
Biotechnology — 1.2%  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    33,433       1,338,992  

Immunomedics Inc.(a)(b)

    59,956       959,296  

Insmed Inc.(a)(b)

    31,326       582,350  
   

 

 

 
      2,880,638  
Building Products — 0.9%  

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.

    17,813       659,437  

Resideo Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    43,228       411,963  

Universal Forest Products Inc.

    21,393       1,077,352  
   

 

 

 
      2,148,752  
Capital Markets — 2.2%  

Cohen & Steers Inc.

    7,624       498,915  

Eaton Vance Corp., NVS

    39,634       1,807,311  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    13,980       1,029,487  

Moelis & Co., Class A

    17,305       617,442  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    24,397       1,365,744  
   

 

 

 
      5,318,899  
Chemicals — 4.3%  

Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

    21,220       1,641,791  
Security   Shares     Value  
Chemicals (continued)  

Ferro Corp.(a)

    28,858     $ 321,189  

GCP Applied Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    18,962       391,755  

HB Fuller Co.

    17,868       871,958  

Innospec Inc.

    8,590       784,782  

Livent Corp.(a)(b)

    51,367       352,378  

NewMarket Corp.

    2,589       1,256,934  

Olin Corp.

    57,646       1,057,228  

PQ Group Holdings Inc.(a)

    13,423       221,077  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)

    13,815       1,386,888  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    14,850       929,016  

WR Grace & Co.

    19,655       1,306,075  
   

 

 

 
      10,521,071  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.8%  

ABM Industries Inc.

    23,286       849,008  

Brady Corp., Class A, NVS

    17,355       977,781  

BrightView Holdings Inc.(a)

    10,718       190,780  

Brink’s Co. (The)

    17,539       1,490,113  

Casella Waste Systems Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    15,364       669,717  

Herman Miller Inc.

    20,705       962,782  

Mobile Mini Inc.

    15,697       590,521  

UniFirst Corp./MA(b)

    5,388       1,082,126  
   

 

 

 
      6,812,828  
Communications Equipment — 0.9%  

NetScout Systems Inc.(a)

    23,459       568,177  

Plantronics Inc.

    11,384       448,757  

Viavi Solutions Inc.(a)

    80,238       1,280,599  
   

 

 

 
      2,297,533  
Construction & Engineering — 1.7%  

Comfort Systems USA Inc.

    12,951       652,860  

Dycom Industries Inc.(a)(b)

    11,054       503,952  

EMCOR Group Inc.

    19,690       1,727,010  

MasTec Inc.(a)

    21,137       1,330,362  
   

 

 

 
      4,214,184  
Construction Materials — 0.9%  

Eagle Materials Inc.

    14,734       1,345,803  

Summit Materials Inc., Class A(a)

    39,292       900,966  
   

 

 

 
      2,246,769  
Consumer Finance — 0.5%  

SLM Corp.

    149,568       1,262,354  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 1.0%  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    103,069       1,614,061  

Silgan Holdings Inc.

    27,289       839,682  
   

 

 

 
      2,453,743  
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.8%  

Adtalem Global Education Inc.(a)

    19,295       574,605  

frontdoor Inc.(a)

    29,679       1,431,418  
   

 

 

 
      2,006,023  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.4%  

Cannae Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    23,557       687,864  

FGL Holdings

    46,095       416,238  
   

 

 

 
      1,104,102  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.7%  

Iridium Communications Inc.(a)

    33,946       830,659  

Vonage Holdings Corp.(a)

    79,808       779,724  
   

 

 

 
      1,610,383  
Electric Utilities — 0.7%  

MGE Energy Inc.

    12,155       936,421  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      35  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)  

Otter Tail Corp.

    13,947     $ 790,516  
   

 

 

 
      1,726,937  
Electrical Equipment — 1.3%  

EnerSys

    14,895       995,880  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)

    21,869       2,112,108  
   

 

 

 
      3,107,988  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 2.4%  

Coherent Inc.(a)(b)

    8,414       1,253,013  

Fabrinet(a)(b)

    12,941       727,672  

Insight Enterprises Inc.(a)(b)

    12,558       770,810  

Knowles Corp.(a)(b)

    30,053       648,544  

Plexus Corp.(a)

    10,268       759,216  

SYNNEX Corp.

    14,326       1,686,743  
   

 

 

 
      5,845,998  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.6%  

Dril-Quip Inc.(a)(b)

    12,728       522,103  

Patterson-UTI Energy Inc.

    71,101       591,560  

ProPetro Holding Corp.(a)

    28,928       224,192  

RPC Inc.

    18,362       76,019  
   

 

 

 
      1,413,874  
Entertainment — 0.6%  

Cinemark Holdings Inc.

    37,378       1,368,035  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 13.8%  

Acadia Realty Trust

    29,611       828,516  

Agree Realty Corp.

    14,714       1,159,022  

Alexander & Baldwin Inc.

    23,872       561,231  

Alexander’s Inc.

    738       254,905  

American Assets Trust Inc.

    16,757       820,423  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    61,776       943,937  

CareTrust REIT Inc.

    33,503       812,113  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    51,457       2,064,969  

EastGroup Properties Inc.

    13,169       1,763,988  

Empire State Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    51,792       749,430  

Equity Commonwealth

    42,747       1,375,598  

Four Corners Property Trust Inc.

    23,935       685,738  

Global Net Lease Inc.

    29,667       577,913  

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc.

    45,315       1,575,603  

Highwoods Properties Inc.

    36,367       1,701,976  

Life Storage Inc.

    16,356       1,781,496  

National Health Investors Inc.

    15,203       1,304,265  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    20,789       710,360  

Paramount Group Inc.

    70,650       951,655  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    45,832       1,178,341  

Physicians Realty Trust

    64,974       1,213,065  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    44,101       989,626  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    23,575       1,001,230  

PS Business Parks Inc.

    7,021       1,267,642  

Rayonier Inc.

    45,450       1,226,241  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    40,109       748,634  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    60,352       990,376  

STAG Industrial Inc.

    44,580       1,383,763  

Taubman Centers Inc.

    21,473       768,304  

Uniti Group Inc.

    67,898       469,854  

Urban Edge Properties

    40,364       852,084  

Washington REIT

    28,081       871,073  
   

 

 

 
      33,583,371  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.6%  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    42,679       1,139,529  
Security   Shares     Value  
Food & Staples Retailing (continued)  

Casey’s General Stores Inc.

    12,896     $   2,202,766  

Performance Food Group Co.(a)

    36,903       1,572,437  

PriceSmart Inc.(b)

    7,829       580,129  

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.(a)

    41,438       804,311  
   

 

 

 
      6,299,172  
Food Products — 1.4%  

Cal-Maine Foods Inc.

    10,625       423,831  

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    5,219       995,577  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    6,946       966,744  

Seaboard Corp.

    90       379,718  

Simply Good Foods Co. (The)(a)

    28,734       705,132  
   

 

 

 
      3,471,002  
Gas Utilities — 1.7%  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    31,548       1,375,493  

ONE Gas Inc.

    18,498       1,717,354  

South Jersey Industries Inc.

    32,393       1,041,759  
   

 

 

 
      4,134,606  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.9%  

Integer Holdings Corp.(a)

    11,446       886,378  

LivaNova PLC(a)

    16,967       1,200,076  
   

 

 

 
      2,086,454  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.4%  

Acadia Healthcare Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    31,038       930,830  

AMN Healthcare Services Inc.(a)(b)

    16,374       962,136  

Premier Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    22,210       723,602  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.(a)

    38,102       694,218  
   

 

 

 
      3,310,786  
Health Care Technology — 0.3%  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.(a)(b)

    58,542       640,449  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.4%  

Bloomin’ Brands Inc.

    30,494       604,086  

Cheesecake Factory Inc. (The)

    14,416       602,445  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

    8,435       1,311,643  

Dine Brands Global Inc.

    6,048       442,411  

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A

    13,183       985,297  

Jack in the Box Inc.

    9,059       761,137  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    13,589       1,493,839  

Papa John’s International Inc.

    7,726       452,357  

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.(a)

    14,087       372,179  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    27,506       1,160,478  
   

 

 

 
      8,185,872  
Household Durables — 2.1%  

Helen of Troy Ltd.(a)

    8,803       1,318,337  

KB Home

    29,983       1,070,093  

Tempur Sealy International Inc.(a)

    16,143       1,468,206  

TopBuild Corp.(a)(b)

    12,020       1,249,239  
   

 

 

 
      5,105,875  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.4%  

Pattern Energy Group Inc., Class A

    32,378       907,555  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 2.2%  

Enstar Group Ltd.(a)

    5,172       1,039,055  

Mercury General Corp.

    9,527       457,867  

National General Holdings Corp.

    23,076       491,980  

ProAssurance Corp.

    18,240       715,373  

Selective Insurance Group Inc.

    20,816       1,438,802  

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

    1,061       1,136,331  
   

 

 

 
      5,279,408  
 

 

 

36    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.2%  

Groupon Inc.(a)(b)

    157,891     $ 438,937  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 2.6%  

CACI International Inc., Class A(a)

    8,724       1,951,995  

CoreLogic Inc.(a)

    28,096       1,137,607  

EVERTEC Inc.

    20,940       640,555  

ManTech International Corp./VA, Class A

    9,413       745,321  

MAXIMUS Inc.

    22,373       1,716,904  

TTEC Holdings Inc.

    5,067       240,024  
   

 

 

 
      6,432,406  
Leisure Products — 0.7%  

Brunswick Corp./DE

    30,056       1,750,461  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.4%  

Syneos Health Inc.(a)

    21,770       1,091,766  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 4.4%  

Actuant Corp., Class A(b)

    19,243       476,649  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    22,655       697,774  

Barnes Group Inc.

    16,683       975,121  

Franklin Electric Co. Inc.

    13,503       727,137  

Harsco Corp.(a)

    28,199       571,594  

Hillenbrand Inc.

    21,982       676,826  

ITT Inc.

    30,854       1,834,270  

Mueller Industries Inc.

    19,874       611,523  

Mueller Water Products Inc., Class A

    55,223       646,109  

Rexnord Corp.(a)(b)

    37,117       1,050,040  

Terex Corp.

    22,985       633,237  

Watts Water Technologies Inc., Class A

    9,700       904,525  

Welbilt Inc.(a)(b)

    45,998       872,122  
   

 

 

 
      10,676,927  
Marine — 0.9%  

Kirby Corp.(a)(b)

    21,012       1,663,310  

Matson Inc.

    15,034       573,998  
   

 

 

 
      2,237,308  
Media — 1.7%  

Gray Television Inc.(a)

    30,173       495,139  

John Wiley & Sons Inc., Class A

    15,440       711,321  

Meredith Corp.

    14,096       531,419  

Nexstar Media Group Inc., Class A

    16,174       1,573,568  

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Class A

    23,513       936,758  
   

 

 

 
      4,248,205  
Metals & Mining — 1.2%  

Allegheny Technologies Inc.(a)

    44,205       928,747  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    16,713       819,271  

Compass Minerals International Inc.

    11,880       670,983  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    5,613       601,040  
   

 

 

 
      3,020,041  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 0.2%  

Colony Credit Real Estate Inc.

    29,333       420,342  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.0%  

Callon Petroleum Co.(a)

    80,335       305,273  

CNX Resources Corp.(a)(b)

    65,915       555,663  

CVR Energy Inc.

    10,227       484,964  

Jagged Peak Energy Inc.(a)

    21,103       149,620  

Oasis Petroleum Inc.(a)

    102,459       267,418  

Range Resources Corp.

    73,552       296,415  

SM Energy Co.

    37,470       293,765  
Security   Shares     Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

Talos Energy Inc.(a)

    7,088     $ 152,605  
   

 

 

 
      2,505,723  
Personal Products — 0.4%  

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., Class A

    19,493       868,998  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 1.8%  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    37,313       114,924  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    65,398       1,890,656  

Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    8,069       1,662,860  

Zogenix Inc.(a)(b)

    14,037       626,752  
   

 

 

 
      4,295,192  
Professional Services — 0.3%  

Korn Ferry

    19,645       720,775  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.4%  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Inc.

    43,512       1,001,211  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 1.6%  

Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Class A(a)

    19,848       2,203,723  

Saia Inc.(a)

    9,083       810,204  

Schneider National Inc., Class B

    11,905       272,267  

Werner Enterprises Inc.

    15,557       567,831  
   

 

 

 
      3,854,025  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.4%  

Advanced Energy Industries Inc.(a)(b)

    13,441       794,363  

Cirrus Logic Inc.(a)

    20,385       1,385,365  

Diodes Inc.(a)

    14,497       676,285  

MKS Instruments Inc.

    19,103       2,067,327  

Power Integrations Inc.

    10,284       936,975  
   

 

 

 
      5,860,315  
Software — 3.0%  

j2 Global Inc.

    16,302       1,548,038  

LogMeIn Inc.

    17,333       1,138,431  

Nuance Communications Inc.(a)(b)

    100,149       1,634,432  

Progress Software Corp.

    15,700       626,116  

Teradata Corp.(a)

    40,005       1,197,350  

Verint Systems Inc.(a)

    23,061       1,046,739  
   

 

 

 
      7,191,106  
Specialty Retail — 2.4%  

Aaron’s Inc.

    23,683       1,774,567  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A

    22,141       358,463  

Children’s Place Inc. (The)

    5,483       449,113  

Guess? Inc.

    14,983       250,965  

Lithia Motors Inc., Class A

    7,859       1,237,635  

RH(a)

    5,606       1,018,610  

Urban Outfitters Inc.(a)(b)

    24,743       710,124  
   

 

 

 
      5,799,477  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.7%  

Crocs Inc.(a)

    21,968       768,660  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)(b)

    10,126       1,548,266  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.(a)

    15,157       380,592  

Skechers U.S.A. Inc., Class A(a)

    46,915       1,753,214  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    27,373       1,127,220  

Wolverine World Wide Inc.

    29,891       887,165  
   

 

 

 
      6,465,117  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 1.4%  

Axos Financial Inc.(a)(b)

    18,678       542,596  

Essent Group Ltd.

    34,495       1,796,845  

TFS Financial Corp.

    17,681       340,536  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      37  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (continued)            

WSFS Financial Corp.

    18,584     $ 783,687  
   

 

 

 
      3,463,664  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 2.4%            

Air Lease Corp.

    36,414       1,601,488  

Applied Industrial Technologies Inc.

    13,545       810,533  

Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.(a)(b)

    24,035       746,046  

GATX Corp.

    12,517       995,727  

Kaman Corp.

    9,788       574,262  

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Class A

    15,791       1,156,059  
   

 

 

 
      5,884,115  
Water Utilities — 1.2%            

American States Water Co.

    12,914       1,228,509  

California Water Service Group

    16,893       945,501  

SJW Group

    9,081       657,010  
   

 

 

 
      2,831,020  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $209,789,837)

 

    243,076,791  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 7.3%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    17,422,456       17,431,167  
Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    383,000     $ 383,000  
   

 

 

 
      17,814,167  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 7.3%
(Cost: $17,809,864)

 

    17,814,167  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 107.2%
(Cost: $227,599,701)

 

    260,890,958  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (7.2)%

 

    (17,544,822
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   243,346,136  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19


 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19


 
    
Value at
10/31/19

 
     Income       

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

 

(a) 

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     11,029,124        6,393,332        17,422,456      $ 17,431,167      $ 21,033 (b)     $ 1,599      $ 77  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     114,655        268,345        383,000        383,000        2,977                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 17,814,167      $ 24,010      $ 1,599      $ 77  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

Russell 2000 E-Mini Index

     1          12/20/19        $ 78        $ 3,913  

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     1          12/20/19          196          7,934  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 11,847  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

38    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 11,847  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 24,720  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 11,847  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $   91,223  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 243,076,791        $        $        $ 243,076,791  

Money Market Funds

     17,814,167                            17,814,167  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 260,890,958        $        $        $ 260,890,958  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 11,847        $        $        $ 11,847  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      39  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 1.6%  

Aerovironment Inc.(a)

    6,989     $ 405,222  

Axon Enterprise Inc.(a)(b)

    19,188       981,083  

Cubic Corp.(b)

    10,096       744,479  

Mercury Systems Inc.(a)

    17,962       1,323,081  
   

 

 

 
      3,453,865  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%  

Forward Air Corp.

    9,169       634,220  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 0.4%  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.(a)

    12,443       758,276  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 0.9%  

First Financial Bankshares Inc.

    43,979       1,463,621  

ServisFirst Bancshares Inc.

    14,909       521,815  
   

 

 

 
      1,985,436  
Beverages — 0.8%  

Boston Beer Co. Inc. (The), Class A, NVS(a)

    2,980       1,115,891  

Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc.(b)

    1,503       412,363  

National Beverage Corp.

    3,775       165,949  
   

 

 

 
      1,694,203  
Biotechnology — 10.1%  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    34,156       1,448,556  

Acceleron Pharma Inc.(a)

    14,714       660,217  

Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    16,743       503,629  

Akcea Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    5,121       93,868  

Alkermes PLC(a)

    50,883       993,745  

Amicus Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    82,455       695,096  

Atara Biotherapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    17,408       190,095  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co. Ltd.(a)

    12,836       589,429  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    15,905       1,094,900  

CRISPR Therapeutics AG(a)

    10,090       508,233  

Emergent BioSolutions Inc.(a)(b)

    14,203       811,844  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    5,163       314,323  

FibroGen Inc.(a)

    25,331       991,709  

Genomic Health Inc.(a)

    7,004       467,027  

Global Blood Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    19,436       931,956  

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    39,799       609,721  

Heron Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    24,605       522,856  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    8,153       593,375  

Invitae Corp.(a)(b)

    27,738       446,859  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    50,678       508,807  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    6,156       669,834  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    2,648       244,755  

Mirati Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    10,944       1,030,706  

Myriad Genetics Inc.(a)(b)

    23,920       805,386  

Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    22,749       657,674  

PTC Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    19,090       780,590  

REGENXBIO Inc.(a)

    10,131       361,575  

Repligen Corp.(a)

    15,018       1,193,781  

Spark Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    11,368       1,241,045  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)(b)

    17,561       704,899  

Xencor Inc.(a)

    15,952       545,718  
   

 

 

 
      21,212,208  
Building Products — 2.3%  

AAON Inc.

    13,161       640,414  

Armstrong World Industries Inc.

    15,762       1,474,220  

Simpson Manufacturing Co. Inc.

    13,165       1,087,956  
Security   Shares     Value  
Building Products (continued)  

Trex Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    18,920     $ 1,662,879  
   

 

 

 
        4,865,469  
Capital Markets — 0.9%  

Blucora Inc.(a)

    15,820       342,187  

Focus Financial Partners Inc., Class A(a)

    9,765       213,658  

Houlihan Lokey Inc.

    13,251       626,242  

Tradeweb Markets Inc., Class A

    14,896       621,908  
   

 

 

 
      1,803,995  
Chemicals — 1.4%  

Balchem Corp.

    10,478       1,060,478  

Ingevity Corp.(a)(b)

    13,555       1,141,467  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    4,190       640,567  
   

 

 

 
      2,842,512  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 3.5%  

Advanced Disposal Services Inc.(a)(b)

    23,327       764,659  

Cimpress NV(a)(b)

    9,153       1,209,294  

Clean Harbors Inc.(a)

    16,643       1,372,382  

Covanta Holding Corp.

    37,881       547,002  

Healthcare Services Group Inc.

    24,000       584,640  

MSA Safety Inc.

    11,535       1,385,007  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    17,697       1,547,957  
   

 

 

 
      7,410,941  
Communications Equipment — 2.0%  

Acacia Communications Inc.(a)

    12,106       794,880  

InterDigital Inc.

    10,080       540,590  

Lumentum Holdings Inc.(a)

    24,902       1,560,359  

ViaSat Inc.(a)

    18,659       1,284,486  
   

 

 

 
      4,180,315  
Consumer Finance — 0.8%  

FirstCash Inc.

    13,913       1,174,118  

Green Dot Corp., Class A(a)

    15,438       445,232  
   

 

 

 
      1,619,350  
Distributors — 0.2%  

Core-Mark Holding Co. Inc.

    14,857       453,436  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 1.0%  

Chegg Inc.(a)(b)

    36,809       1,128,564  

Strategic Education Inc.

    7,109       874,620  
   

 

 

 
      2,003,184  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.4%  

Cogent Communications Holdings Inc.

    13,493       791,230  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 0.2%            

Sunrun Inc.(a)(b)

    25,136       390,614  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 3.3%  

Badger Meter Inc.

    9,428       544,938  

Dolby Laboratories Inc., Class A

    20,885       1,343,532  

II-VI Inc.(a)(b)

    28,057       930,089  

Itron Inc.(a)

    11,372       867,229  

Littelfuse Inc.

    7,974       1,399,995  

Novanta Inc.(a)(b)

    11,372       1,012,677  

Rogers Corp.(a)

    6,010       814,235  
   

 

 

 
      6,912,695  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.6%  

Apergy Corp.(a)

    25,084       631,364  

Core Laboratories NV

    14,366       632,679  
   

 

 

 
      1,264,043  
 

 

 

40    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Entertainment — 3.3%  

Roku Inc.(a)(b)

    27,662     $ 4,071,846  

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Class A

    15,402       863,128  

Zynga Inc., Class A(a)

    304,928       1,881,406  
   

 

 

 
      6,816,380  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 5.3%  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    11,964       1,405,770  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    36,252       1,074,509  

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.

    40,960       1,724,825  

JBG SMITH Properties

    38,222       1,538,818  

QTS Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    17,908       959,690  

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.(b)

    35,540       1,709,119  

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc

    16,659       1,402,188  

Terreno Realty Corp.

    21,225       1,197,302  
   

 

 

 
      11,012,221  
Food Products — 0.2%  

Calavo Growers Inc.

    5,299       459,582  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 9.3%            

Avanos Medical Inc.(a)

    15,450       680,418  

Cantel Medical Corp.(b)

    11,902       867,537  

CONMED Corp.

    9,162       1,008,003  

Glaukos Corp.(a)(b)

    11,928       761,364  

Globus Medical Inc., Class A(a)

    24,820       1,299,823  

Haemonetics Corp.(a)

    16,441       1,984,922  

ICU Medical Inc.(a)

    6,224       1,005,861  

Inogen Inc.(a)

    5,895       320,894  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)

    22,990       1,334,799  

iRhythm Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    8,486       567,035  

Merit Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    17,867       369,043  

Neogen Corp.(a)(b)

    16,962       1,103,548  

Nevro Corp.(a)

    10,001       862,086  

Novocure Ltd.(a)

    24,798       1,776,529  

NuVasive Inc.(a)

    16,854       1,188,881  

Penumbra Inc.(a)(b)

    10,366       1,616,785  

Quidel Corp.(a)

    12,212       694,863  

Tandem Diabetes Care Inc.(a)(b)

    18,043       1,111,088  

Wright Medical Group NV(a)

    41,022       853,258  
   

 

 

 
      19,406,737  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.9%  

Amedisys Inc.(a)

    10,419       1,339,050  

BioTelemetry Inc.(a)(b)

    10,974       431,937  

Covetrus Inc.(a)

    31,548       312,798  

Ensign Group Inc. (The)

    16,251       686,605  

Guardant Health Inc.(a)(b)

    12,945       899,677  

HealthEquity Inc.(a)

    22,869       1,298,731  

LHC Group Inc.(a)

    9,591       1,064,313  
   

 

 

 
      6,033,111  
Health Care Technology — 1.7%  

HMS Holdings Corp.(a)

    28,287       924,702  

Omnicell Inc.(a)

    13,489       949,491  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)(b)

    23,329       1,787,001  
   

 

 

 
      3,661,194  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.3%  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    25,913       706,129  

Choice Hotels International Inc.

    10,281       909,663  

Churchill Downs Inc.

    11,539       1,499,955  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc.

    9,984       397,164  

Eldorado Resorts Inc.(a)

    21,154       947,065  

Red Rock Resorts Inc., Class A

    22,774       496,018  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)  

Shake Shack Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    9,905     $ 814,983  

Texas Roadhouse Inc.

    21,178       1,196,557  

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    59,741       1,265,314  

Wingstop Inc.

    9,559       797,507  
   

 

 

 
      9,030,355  
Household Durables — 0.2%  

iRobot Corp.(a)

    9,107       437,682  
   

 

 

 
Household Products — 0.4%  

WD-40 Co.

    4,446       833,180  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.8%  

Ormat Technologies Inc.

    16,471       1,261,020  

TerraForm Power Inc., Class A

    25,733       436,946  
   

 

 

 
      1,697,966  
Insurance — 0.6%  

RLI Corp.

    12,908       1,256,207  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 1.3%  

Cargurus Inc.(a)(b)

    22,955       771,058  

Match Group Inc.(b)

    17,718       1,293,237  

Yelp Inc.(a)(b)

    20,931       722,329  
   

 

 

 
      2,786,624  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.2%  

Stamps.com Inc.(a)

    5,280       445,790  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 1.9%  

ExlService Holdings Inc.(a)

    11,067       770,595  

GTT Communications Inc.(a)(b)

    9,376       70,601  

LiveRamp Holdings Inc.(a)

    21,904       856,228  

MongoDB Inc.(a)(b)

    11,286       1,442,012  

Verra Mobility Corp.(a)(b)

    37,495       538,053  

Virtusa Corp.(a)

    9,795       365,158  
   

 

 

 
      4,042,647  
Leisure Products — 0.4%  

Callaway Golf Co.

    30,470       616,104  

YETI Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    6,597       219,746  
   

 

 

 
      835,850  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.7%  

Medpace Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    8,785       646,839  

NeoGenomics Inc.(a)

    33,632       771,182  
   

 

 

 
      1,418,021  
Machinery — 3.1%  

Albany International Corp., Class A

    9,942       834,929  

Chart Industries Inc.(a)(b)

    11,589       679,463  

ESCO Technologies Inc.

    8,413       710,814  

Federal Signal Corp.

    19,545       634,040  

Helios Technologies Inc.

    9,438       374,028  

John Bean Technologies Corp.(b)

    10,253       1,053,701  

Proto Labs Inc.(a)(b)

    8,705       844,124  

RBC Bearings Inc.(a)(b)

    8,055       1,292,344  
   

 

 

 
      6,423,443  
Media — 1.1%  

Liberty Latin America Ltd., Class A(a)(b)

    14,662       274,033  

Liberty Latin America Ltd., Class C, NVS(a)(b)

    36,892       679,182  

New York Times Co. (The), Class A

    46,544       1,438,209  
   

 

 

 
      2,391,424  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.2%  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    83,707       539,073  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      41  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

Centennial Resource Development Inc./DE,
Class A(a)(b)

    61,653     $ 209,620  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.

    117,003       725,419  

Matador Resources Co.(a)

    35,507       493,902  

PDC Energy Inc.(a)

    19,070       380,447  

Tellurian Inc.(a)(b)

    29,806       237,554  
   

 

 

 
      2,586,015  
Personal Products — 0.6%  

Inter Parfums Inc.

    5,703       441,583  

Medifast Inc.

    3,833       425,233  

USANA Health Sciences Inc.(a)

    4,180       309,780  
   

 

 

 
      1,176,596  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.1%  

Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    13,389       297,102  

MyoKardia Inc.(a)(b)

    14,934       856,166  

Pacira BioSciences Inc.(a)(b)

    13,483       545,927  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    16,984       471,985  

Tilray Inc., Class 2 (a)(b)

    6,995       156,059  
   

 

 

 
      2,327,239  
Professional Services — 2.8%            

ASGN Inc.(a)

    17,130       1,089,297  

Exponent Inc.

    16,813       1,068,130  

FTI Consulting Inc.(a)

    12,157       1,323,533  

Insperity Inc.

    12,537       1,324,283  

TriNet Group Inc.(a)

    14,268       756,061  

Upwork Inc.(a)(b)

    20,452       307,598  
   

 

 

 
      5,868,902  
Real Estate Management & Development — 1.0%  

Howard Hughes Corp. (The)(a)

    13,972       1,562,349  

Redfin Corp.(a)(b)

    26,765       465,443  
   

 

 

 
      2,027,792  
Road & Rail — 0.8%  

Heartland Express Inc.

    15,131       316,238  

Landstar System Inc.(b)

    12,833       1,452,054  
   

 

 

 
      1,768,292  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 4.7%  

Brooks Automation Inc.

    23,388       993,288  

Cabot Microelectronics Corp.

    9,403       1,420,981  

Entegris Inc.

    43,773       2,101,104  

Inphi Corp.(a)

    14,707       1,057,139  

MaxLinear Inc.(a)

    20,987       397,914  

Semtech Corp.(a)

    21,544       1,087,110  

Silicon Laboratories Inc.(a)

    14,036       1,491,185  

SolarEdge Technologies Inc.(a)

    15,534       1,319,769  
   

 

 

 
      9,868,490  
Software — 15.0%  

2U Inc.(a)(b)

    20,510       367,642  

8x8 Inc.(a)

    32,152       621,177  

ACI Worldwide Inc.(a)(b)

    37,795       1,186,385  

Alarm.com Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    11,776       581,734  

Alteryx Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    15,085       1,380,278  

Anaplan Inc.(a)(b)

    27,187       1,283,226  

Avalara Inc.(a)

    21,269       1,510,099  

Blackbaud Inc.

    15,924       1,336,820  

Blackline Inc.(a)(b)

    13,794       644,732  

Bottomline Technologies DE Inc.(a)

    12,364       506,306  

Box Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    47,837       809,402  

Cision Ltd.(a)

    29,311       295,162  

Cloudera Inc.(a)

    78,136       662,593  
Security   Shares     Value  
Software (continued)  

CommVault Systems Inc.(a)

    13,460     $ 668,558  

Cornerstone OnDemand Inc.(a)

    17,096       1,001,313  

Ebix Inc.

    7,207       307,234  

Envestnet Inc.(a)(b)

    16,898       1,055,956  

Everbridge Inc.(a)(b)

    10,869       755,504  

FireEye Inc.(a)

    69,543       1,101,561  

Five9 Inc.(a)(b)

    19,640       1,090,216  

ForeScout Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    11,822       363,645  

LivePerson Inc.(a)(b)

    19,734       810,081  

Manhattan Associates Inc.(a)

    20,830       1,561,209  

Mimecast Ltd.(a)

    17,799       706,798  

Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)(b)

    11,517       1,181,644  

Pivotal Software Inc., Class A(a)

    26,363       394,654  

Pluralsight Inc., Class A(a)

    26,554       480,096  

PROS Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    11,853       607,348  

Q2 Holdings Inc.(a)

    14,036       1,003,434  

Qualys Inc.(a)(b)

    10,928       932,486  

Rapid7 Inc.(a)

    14,077       705,117  

SailPoint Technologies Holding Inc.(a)

    27,417       530,793  

Smartsheet Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    28,311       1,115,453  

SPS Commerce Inc.(a)

    11,296       596,090  

SVMK Inc.(a)

    28,873       531,263  

Tenable Holdings Inc.(a)

    13,489       339,923  

Varonis Systems Inc.(a)

    9,821       702,693  

Workiva Inc.(a)(b)

    12,132       505,540  

Yext Inc.(a)

    30,305       498,820  

Zoom Video Communications Inc.,
Class A(a)(b)

    8,290       579,388  
   

 

 

 
      31,312,373  
Specialty Retail — 1.8%  

At Home Group Inc.(a)(b)

    15,379       131,029  

Carvana Co.(a)(b)

    16,118       1,306,847  

Floor & Decor Holdings Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    22,258       1,020,084  

Monro Inc.(b)

    10,759       754,314  

National Vision Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    25,429       605,210  
   

 

 

 
      3,817,484  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.7%  

Pure Storage Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    72,123       1,403,514  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.9%  

Columbia Financial Inc.(a)

    16,154       266,379  

LendingTree Inc.(a)

    2,482       893,148  

NMI Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    21,945       641,891  
   

 

 

 
      1,801,418  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.6%  

SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc.(a)(b)

    13,346       1,175,249  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.3%  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    15,176       488,060  

U.S. Cellular Corp.(a)

    5,045       187,775  
   

 

 

 
      675,835  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $183,908,286)

 

    209,073,605  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 25.5%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    53,153,527       53,180,104  
 

 

 

42    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    185,000     $ 185,000  
   

 

 

 
      53,365,104  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 25.5%
(Cost: $53,349,703)

 

    53,365,104  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 125.4%
(Cost: $237,257,989)

      262,438,709  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (25.4)%

 

    (53,125,890
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   209,312,819  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares
Held at
04/30/19
 
 
 
     Net Activity       

Shares
Held at
10/31/19
 
 
 
    
Value at
10/31/19
 
 
     Income       
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
(a) 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     38,817,765        14,335,762        53,153,527      $ 53,180,104      $ 144,175 (b)     $ (693    $ 3,666  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     66,945        118,055        185,000        185,000        1,781                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 53,365,104      $ 145,956      $ (693    $ 3,666  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

E-Mini S&P Select Sector Technology Index

     1          12/20/19        $ 84        $ 168  

Russell 2000 E-Mini Index

     2          12/20/19          156          2,573  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 2,741  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 2,741  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      43  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 4,753  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 2,741  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 80,113  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 209,073,605        $        $        $ 209,073,605  

Money Market Funds

     53,365,104                            53,365,104  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 262,438,709        $        $        $ 262,438,709  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 2,741        $        $        $ 2,741  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

44    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 0.5%  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    46,158     $ 1,995,410  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 0.9%  

SkyWest Inc.

    32,453       1,932,576  

Spirit Airlines Inc.(a)(b)

    43,984       1,652,039  
   

 

 

 
      3,584,615  
Auto Components — 2.1%  

Adient PLC

    55,977       1,186,153  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc.(a)

    73,085       610,991  

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

    32,415       915,400  

Dana Inc.

    92,593       1,502,784  

Delphi Technologies PLC

    56,721       692,563  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    148,253       2,352,775  

Veoneer Inc.(a)(b)

    65,059       1,035,739  
   

 

 

 
      8,296,405  
Automobiles — 0.6%  

Thor Industries Inc.

    35,090       2,219,793  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 16.7%  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    103,350       2,078,368  

BancorpSouth Bank

    59,676       1,830,263  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    25,890       2,260,456  

Bank OZK

    77,037       2,161,658  

BankUnited Inc.

    60,587       2,078,134  

Banner Corp.

    19,924       1,075,497  

Cadence BanCorp.

    82,268       1,265,282  

Cathay General Bancorp.

    48,338       1,719,383  

Columbia Banking System Inc.

    46,659       1,833,699  

First Financial Bancorp.

    62,780       1,471,563  

First Hawaiian Inc.

    84,940       2,321,410  

First Horizon National Corp.

    199,180       3,180,905  

First Merchants Corp.

    36,042       1,425,461  

First Midwest Bancorp. Inc.

    70,669       1,451,541  

FNB Corp.

    207,126       2,497,940  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    105,983       1,808,070  

Great Western Bancorp. Inc.

    36,249       1,264,003  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    57,807       2,254,473  

Hilltop Holdings Inc.

    45,562       1,064,328  

Hope Bancorp Inc.

    78,936       1,126,417  

IBERIABANK Corp.

    33,555       2,462,601  

International Bancshares Corp.

    36,851       1,509,417  

NBT Bancorp. Inc.

    28,004       1,113,159  

Old National Bancorp./IN

    109,694       1,973,944  

Pacific Premier Bancorp. Inc.

    38,015       1,283,196  

PacWest Bancorp.

    75,321       2,786,124  

Park National Corp.

    9,115       922,894  

Renasant Corp.

    37,189       1,290,458  

Simmons First National Corp., Class A

    61,038       1,460,029  

TCF Financial Corp.

    97,787       3,871,387  

Trustmark Corp.

    41,393       1,420,608  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    140,407       2,221,239  

United Bankshares Inc./WV

    65,236       2,579,431  

Valley National Bancorp.

    212,169       2,456,917  

WesBanco Inc.

    35,165       1,321,852  

Westamerica Bancorp.

    17,234       1,137,789  
   

 

 

 
      65,979,896  
Biotechnology — 1.2%  

AnaptysBio Inc.(a)

    15,944       601,408  
Security   Shares     Value  
Biotechnology (continued)  

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    31,873     $ 1,552,693  

United Therapeutics Corp.(a)(b)

    28,131       2,527,289  
   

 

 

 
      4,681,390  
Building Products — 0.6%  

Builders FirstSource Inc.(a)

    74,416       1,682,546  

JELD-WEN Holding Inc.(a)

    43,920       750,593  
   

 

 

 
      2,433,139  
Capital Markets — 2.6%  

Ares Management Corp., Class A

    47,458       1,403,333  

Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc., Class A

    34,036       930,885  

BGC Partners Inc., Class A

    175,697       913,624  

Federated Investors Inc., Class B

    61,267       1,956,868  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    101,310       2,343,300  

Legg Mason Inc.

    52,007       1,937,781  

Virtu Financial Inc., Class A

    48,151       816,641  
   

 

 

 
      10,302,432  
Chemicals — 2.8%  

Cabot Corp.

    36,841       1,605,899  

Element Solutions Inc.(a)(b)

    144,049       1,564,372  

Kronos Worldwide Inc.

    14,824       187,968  

Minerals Technologies Inc.

    22,357       1,105,554  

PolyOne Corp.

    49,019       1,571,059  

Stepan Co.

    12,812       1,251,989  

Trinseo SA

    25,635       1,089,487  

Valvoline Inc.

    119,920       2,559,093  
   

 

 

 
      10,935,421  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.5%  

Deluxe Corp.

    27,386       1,419,416  

HNI Corp.

    27,350       1,039,300  

Stericycle Inc.(a)

    58,085       3,345,696  
   

 

 

 
      5,804,412  
Communications Equipment — 0.6%  

CommScope Holding Co. Inc.(a)(b)

    124,385       1,393,112  

EchoStar Corp., Class A(a)

    29,170       1,137,630  
   

 

 

 
      2,530,742  
Construction & Engineering — 0.7%  

Granite Construction Inc.

    30,197       710,837  

Valmont Industries Inc.

    13,788       1,891,576  
   

 

 

 
      2,602,413  
Consumer Finance — 1.2%  

Navient Corp.

    129,292       1,780,351  

Nelnet Inc., Class A

    13,870       849,815  

OneMain Holdings Inc.

    48,574       1,942,960  
   

 

 

 
      4,573,126  
Containers & Packaging — 2.9%  

Amcor PLC(a)

    1,034,933       9,852,562  

Greif Inc., Class A, NVS

    17,035       667,261  

Owens-Illinois Inc.

    100,085       850,723  
   

 

 

 
      11,370,546  
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.4%  

Graham Holdings Co., Class B

    2,796       1,760,529  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 3.4%  

ALLETE Inc.

    32,930       2,833,956  

El Paso Electric Co.

    26,114       1,742,065  

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.

    69,435       3,134,990  

PNM Resources Inc.

    50,784       2,648,386  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      45  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)  

Portland General Electric Co.

    56,945     $ 3,239,031  
   

 

 

 
      13,598,428  
Electrical Equipment — 1.2%  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    39,903       482,028  

nVent Electric PLC

    99,214       2,287,875  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    26,743       1,980,319  
   

 

 

 
      4,750,222  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 3.2%  

Anixter International Inc.(a)

    19,149       1,584,580  

AVX Corp.

    30,865       472,852  

Belden Inc.(b)

    24,889       1,276,308  

Jabil Inc.

    88,669       3,264,792  

Sanmina Corp.(a)

    44,407       1,364,627  

Tech Data Corp.(a)(b)

    22,686       2,756,349  

Vishay Intertechnology Inc.

    85,181       1,716,397  
   

 

 

 
      12,435,905  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.8%  

Oceaneering International Inc.(a)

    63,831       903,847  

Transocean Ltd.(a)

    366,550       1,741,113  

Valaris PLC(a)(b)

    127,157       522,615  
   

 

 

 
      3,167,575  
Entertainment — 0.2%  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class A

    36,182       289,094  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class B, NVS

    69,121       517,716  
   

 

 

 
      806,810  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 9.1%  

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

    134,188       2,211,418  

Colony Capital Inc.

    311,742       1,745,755  

Columbia Property Trust Inc.

    75,158       1,542,242  

CoreCivic Inc.

    76,635       1,169,450  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    127,755       1,274,995  

GEO Group Inc. (The)

    78,009       1,187,297  

Lexington Realty Trust

    157,962       1,718,627  

LTC Properties Inc.

    25,585       1,326,582  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    58,175       1,246,108  

Outfront Media Inc.

    91,345       2,403,287  

Retail Properties of America Inc., Class A

    137,335       1,889,730  

Sabra Health Care REIT Inc.

    120,759       2,970,671  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    152,986       1,518,386  

Service Properties Trust

    104,842       2,652,503  

SITE Centers Corp.

    88,701       1,377,527  

Spirit Realty Capital Inc.

    57,444       2,863,009  

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    143,411       1,937,483  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc.

    60,338       972,649  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    77,121       2,447,049  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    72,423       1,524,504  
   

 

 

 
      35,979,272  
Food Products — 2.7%  

B&G Foods Inc.(b)

    42,235       656,754  

Darling Ingredients Inc.(a)

    104,998       2,026,461  

Flowers Foods Inc.

    122,651       2,663,980  

Hain Celestial Group Inc. (The)(a)(b)

    51,168       1,209,612  

Sanderson Farms Inc.

    12,567       1,945,497  

TreeHouse Foods Inc.(a)(b)

    36,044       1,947,097  
   

 

 

 
      10,449,401  
Gas Utilities — 1.8%  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    19,582       1,358,208  

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

    34,629       3,023,112  
Security   Shares     Value  
Gas Utilities (continued)  

Spire Inc.

    32,392     $ 2,722,871  
   

 

 

 
      7,104,191  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.2%  

Magellan Health Inc.(a)

    13,892       901,591  

MEDNAX Inc.(a)(b)

    53,694       1,179,120  

Patterson Companies Inc.

    54,879       940,077  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a)(b)

    65,947       1,671,097  
   

 

 

 
      4,691,885  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.5%  

Brinker International Inc.

    24,259       1,078,313  

Extended Stay America Inc.

    121,150       1,721,541  

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.(a)(b)

    55,192       1,916,818  

Penn National Gaming Inc.(a)(b)

    69,466       1,480,668  

Scientific Games Corp./DE, Class A(a)

    35,312       847,135  

Wyndham Destinations Inc.

    58,768       2,727,423  
   

 

 

 
      9,771,898  
Household Durables — 1.5%  

MDC Holdings Inc.

    31,622       1,224,088  

Meritage Homes Corp.(a)(b)

    23,133       1,667,658  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    67,132       1,681,657  

TRI Pointe Group Inc.(a)(b)

    91,525       1,440,603  
   

 

 

 
      6,014,006  
Household Products — 0.8%  

Energizer Holdings Inc.

    40,849       1,735,674  

Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.

    29,532       1,482,802  
   

 

 

 
      3,218,476  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.3%  

Clearway Energy Inc., Class A

    21,718       372,898  

Clearway Energy Inc., Class C

    47,338       858,238  
   

 

 

 
      1,231,136  
Insurance — 4.9%  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    57,856       1,427,886  

American National Insurance Co.

    5,979       717,360  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    21,935       1,357,119  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    62,924       2,952,394  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    53,508       3,179,981  

Brighthouse Financial Inc.(a)

    70,991       2,680,620  

CNO Financial Group Inc.

    99,475       1,556,784  

FBL Financial Group Inc., Class A

    6,461       370,732  

Genworth Financial Inc., Class A(a)

    324,048       1,386,925  

Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (The)

    25,212       3,320,673  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    11,995       522,502  
   

 

 

 
      19,472,976  
IT Services — 2.1%  

Conduent Inc.(a)

    107,702       665,598  

KBR Inc.

    90,807       2,557,125  

Perspecta Inc.

    87,962       2,334,512  

Science Applications International Corp.

    31,269       2,583,445  
   

 

 

 
      8,140,680  
Leisure Products — 0.8%  

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

    22,790       648,376  

Mattel Inc.(a)(b)

    220,198       2,629,164  
   

 

 

 
      3,277,540  
Machinery — 2.8%  

Colfax Corp.(a)(b)

    53,262       1,789,603  

Gates Industrial Corp. PLC(a)(b)

    30,717       307,170  

Kennametal Inc.

    52,961       1,639,143  

Meritor Inc.(a)

    52,710       1,161,201  
 

 

 

46    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)  

Navistar International Corp.(a)(b)

    42,130     $ 1,317,827  

SPX FLOW Inc.(a)(b)

    27,425       1,241,804  

Timken Co. (The)

    43,642       2,138,458  

Trinity Industries Inc.

    65,287       1,291,377  
   

 

 

 
      10,886,583  
Media — 0.8%  

AMC Networks Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    28,180       1,227,239  

TEGNA Inc.

    138,941       2,088,283  
   

 

 

 
      3,315,522  
Metals & Mining — 1.4%  

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.(b)

    172,335       1,245,982  

Commercial Metals Co.

    75,926       1,467,650  

U.S. Steel Corp.

    108,940       1,253,900  

Warrior Met Coal Inc.

    33,809       658,599  

Worthington Industries Inc.

    23,657       870,814  
   

 

 

 
      5,496,945  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 3.6%  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Inc.

    91,042       1,666,069  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc., Class A

    85,565       3,106,009  

Chimera Investment Corp.

    119,540       2,421,880  

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.

    91,775       1,444,539  

Ladder Capital Corp.

    63,126       1,090,186  

MFA Financial Inc.

    287,310       2,180,683  

Two Harbors Investment Corp.

    173,910       2,412,132  
   

 

 

 
      14,321,498  
Multi-Utilities — 1.9%  

Avista Corp.

    42,291       2,031,236  

Black Hills Corp.

    38,925       3,068,458  

NorthWestern Corp.

    32,163       2,332,461  
   

 

 

 
      7,432,155  
Multiline Retail — 0.3%  

Big Lots Inc.

    24,966       541,013  

Dillard’s Inc., Class A(b)

    6,544       451,405  
   

 

 

 
      992,418  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.4%  

Antero Resources Corp.(a)(b)

    140,811       352,028  

Arch Coal Inc., Class A

    10,607       836,786  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.(a)(b)

    719,395       963,989  

Delek U.S. Holdings Inc.

    48,014       1,918,159  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    66,299       651,056  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    98,305       2,028,032  

PBF Energy Inc., Class A

    64,948       2,096,522  

Peabody Energy Corp.

    50,017       526,679  

QEP Resources Inc.

    154,100       513,153  

Southwestern Energy Co.(a)

    349,975       717,449  

SRC Energy Inc.(a)(b)

    157,291       490,748  

Whiting Petroleum Corp.(a)(b)

    59,094       374,656  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    41,688       1,741,308  
   

 

 

 
      13,210,565  
Paper & Forest Products — 1.0%  

Domtar Corp.

    39,915       1,452,507  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    79,287       2,317,559  
   

 

 

 
      3,770,066  
Personal Products — 0.3%  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.(a)

    34,852       1,219,820  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 0.4%  

Endo International PLC(a)

    131,612       604,099  
Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals (continued)  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.(a)(b)

    32,043     $ 1,136,245  
   

 

 

 
      1,740,344  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.5%  

Cushman & Wakefield PLC(a)(b)

    104,480       1,948,552  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 0.7%  

Avis Budget Group Inc.(a)

    37,310       1,108,480  

Ryder System Inc.

    34,243       1,665,237  
   

 

 

 
      2,773,717  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.2%  

Amkor Technology Inc.(a)

    69,328       861,747  
   

 

 

 
Software — 0.2%            

Avaya Holdings Corp.(a)(b)

    72,191       872,789  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 3.8%  

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

    101,272       1,557,563  

AutoNation Inc.(a)

    37,470       1,905,350  

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

    81,558       1,117,345  

Designer Brands Inc. , Class A

    36,296       598,884  

Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc.

    42,010       1,635,449  

Michaels Companies Inc. (The)(a)

    51,725       451,559  

Murphy USA Inc.(a)(b)

    19,224       2,267,086  

Penske Automotive Group Inc.

    21,471       1,046,067  

Sally Beauty Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    77,741       1,204,986  

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

    49,846       3,329,214  
   

 

 

 
      15,113,503  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.6%  

NCR Corp.(a)

    81,222       2,372,495  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.7%  

Carter’s Inc.

    28,520       2,858,845  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 3.1%  

Capitol Federal Financial Inc.

    91,039       1,299,127  

Flagstar Bancorp. Inc.

    18,521       673,053  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    225,657       3,093,757  

Northwest Bancshares Inc.

    64,126       1,081,806  

Provident Financial Services Inc.

    39,355       981,907  

Radian Group Inc.

    129,576       3,252,358  

Washington Federal Inc.

    50,609       1,845,204  
   

 

 

 
      12,227,212  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.4%  

Aircastle Ltd.

    33,767       919,138  

Triton International Ltd.

    34,418       1,263,140  

Univar Solutions Inc.(a)(b)

    88,178       1,892,300  

WESCO International Inc.(a)

    27,341       1,371,151  
   

 

 

 
      5,445,729  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.5%  

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

    49,765       2,146,862  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.4%  

Telephone & Data Systems Inc.

    62,213       1,623,137  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $384,143,290)

 

    393,811,174  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 8.0%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    30,388,052       30,403,246  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      47  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    1,217,000     $ 1,217,000  
   

 

 

 
      31,620,246  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 8.0%
(Cost: $31,612,842)

 

    31,620,246  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 107.8%
(Cost: $415,756,132)

 

    425,431,420  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (7.8)%

 

    (30,938,136
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   394,493,284  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer     

Shares

Held at

04/30/19

 

 

 

     Net Activity       

Shares

Held at

10/31/19

 

 

 

    

Value at

10/31/19

 

 

     Income       

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

 

(a) 

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     13,690,375        16,697,677        30,388,052      $ 30,403,246      $ 88,000 (b)     $ 262      $ 2,158  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     210,105        1,006,895        1,217,000        1,217,000        6,096                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 31,620,246      $ 94,096      $ 262      $ 2,158  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description   

Number of

Contracts

      

Expiration

Date

      

Notional

Amount

(000)

      

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

Russell 2000 E-Mini Index

     5          12/20/19        $ 391        $ 8,062  

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     1          12/20/19          195          2,748  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 10,810  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 10,810  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

 

 

48    2019  ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

   iShares® Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 67,838  
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Futures contracts

   $ 10,810  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 195,450  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 393,811,174        $        $        $ 393,811,174  

Money Market Funds

     31,620,246                            31,620,246  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 425,431,420        $        $        $ 425,431,420  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 10,810        $        $        $ 10,810  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      49  


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Morningstar
Large-Cap
ETF
     iShares
Morningstar
Large-Cap Growth
ETF
     iShares
Morningstar
Large-Cap
Value ETF
     iShares
Morningstar
Mid-Cap ETF
 

 

 

ASSETS

          

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

          

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 814,949,678      $ 1,139,681,186      $ 527,539,563      $ 722,007,132  

Affiliated(c)

    9,162,985        20,199,304        577,000        23,641,313  

Cash

    10,926        7,811        4,487        13  

Cash pledged:

          

Futures contracts

    109,000        62,000        57,000        65,000  

Receivables:

          

Securities lending income — Affiliated

           5,507        93        5,773  

Dividends

    722,124        167,749        1,077,986        279,486  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    824,954,713        1,160,123,557        529,256,129        745,998,717  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

          

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

           18,557,805               22,001,884  

Payables:

          

Variation margin on futures contracts

    9,803        4,687        5,963        9,355  

Investment advisory fees

    137,653        239,200        108,402        150,388  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    147,456        18,801,692        114,365        22,161,627  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 824,807,257      $ 1,141,321,865      $ 529,141,764      $ 723,837,090  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

          

Paid-in capital

  $ 672,916,690      $ 752,226,385      $ 444,871,494      $ 637,980,108  

Accumulated earnings

    151,890,567        389,095,480        84,270,270        85,856,982  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 824,807,257      $ 1,141,321,865      $ 529,141,764      $ 723,837,090  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    4,800,000        5,850,000        4,700,000        3,600,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 171.83      $ 195.10      $ 112.58      $ 201.07  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $      $ 18,174,441      $      $ 21,455,415  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 665,453,488      $ 771,877,718      $ 450,180,222      $ 603,249,057  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 7,845,271      $ 20,196,202      $ 577,000      $ 23,639,046  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

50    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Morningstar
Mid-Cap
Growth ETF
     iShares
Morningstar
Mid-Cap
Value ETF
     iShares
Morningstar
Small-Cap
ETF
     iShares
Morningstar
Small-Cap
Growth ETF
 

 

 

ASSETS

          

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

          

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 590,084,237      $ 474,380,567      $ 243,076,791      $ 209,073,605  

Affiliated(c)

    57,229,508        7,967,246        17,814,167        53,365,104  

Cash

    1,212        43        9        4,789  

Cash pledged:

          

Futures contracts

    39,000        43,000        16,000        8,000  

Receivables:

          

Investments sold

                  725,420         

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    15,843        2,717        4,535        42,753  

Dividends

    78,851        458,083        79,029        41,671  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    647,448,651        482,851,656        261,715,951        262,535,922  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

          

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    56,332,237        7,095,932        17,424,853        53,167,970  

Payables:

          

Investments purchased

           630,418        892,120         

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,700        6,674        2,639        932  

Investment advisory fees

    148,663        119,163        50,203        54,201  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    56,484,600        7,852,187        18,369,815        53,223,103  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 590,964,051      $ 474,999,469      $ 243,346,136      $ 209,312,819  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

          

Paid-in capital

  $ 480,761,029      $ 453,178,186      $ 235,734,486      $ 188,240,411  

Accumulated earnings

    110,203,022        21,821,283        7,611,650        21,072,408  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 590,964,051      $ 474,999,469      $ 243,346,136      $ 209,312,819  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    2,400,000        2,950,000        1,350,000        1,050,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 246.24      $ 161.02      $ 180.26      $ 199.35  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 54,201,806      $ 6,856,182      $ 17,120,293      $ 51,361,936  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 486,494,514      $ 432,093,173      $ 209,789,837      $ 183,908,286  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 57,219,948      $ 7,966,653      $ 17,809,864      $ 53,349,703  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      51  


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Morningstar
Small-Cap
Value ETF
 

 

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

 

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 393,811,174  

Affiliated(c)

    31,620,246  

Cash

    18,956  

Cash pledged:

 

Futures contracts

    41,000  

Receivables:

 

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    17,422  

Dividends

    294,925  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    425,803,723  
 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    30,401,673  

Payables:

 

Investments purchased

    807,358  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,367  

Investment advisory fees

    98,041  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    31,310,439  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 394,493,284  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 435,041,015  

Accumulated loss

    (40,547,731
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 394,493,284  
 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    2,900,000  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 136.03  
 

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited  
 

 

 

 

Par value

    None  
 

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 28,489,199  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 384,143,290  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 31,612,842  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

52    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Operations  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Morningstar
Large-Cap
ETF
    iShares
Morningstar
Large-Cap
Growth ETF
    iShares
Morningstar
Large-Cap
Value ETF
    iShares
Morningstar
Mid-Cap ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 9,165,868     $ 4,232,022     $ 8,245,431     $ 6,250,268  

Dividends — Affiliated

    113,527       18,710       7,777       8,602  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    477       42,192       150       20,318  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    9,279,872       4,292,924       8,253,358       6,279,188  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    831,166       1,408,928       632,837       886,558  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    831,166       1,408,928       632,837       886,558  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    8,448,706       2,883,996       7,620,521       5,392,630  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (8,010,532     (255,309     (4,222,227     (7,931,793

Investments — Affiliated

    21,531       1,236             (537

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    46,534,294       44,930,078       21,189,716       33,854,216  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    77,320                    

Futures contracts

    85,732       35,610       50,834       85,910  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    38,708,345       44,711,615       17,018,323       26,007,796  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (14,059,615     (16,883,956     4,797,330       (8,579,574

Investments — Affiliated

    (454,651     (279           342  

Futures contracts

    28,325       9,410       37,964       14,763  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (14,485,941     (16,874,825     4,835,294       (8,564,469
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    24,222,404       27,836,790       21,853,617       17,443,327  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 32,671,110     $ 30,720,786     $ 29,474,138     $ 22,835,957  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      53  


Statements of Operations  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Morningstar
Mid-Cap
Growth ETF
   

iShares
Morningstar
Mid-Cap

Value ETF

    iShares
Morningstar
Small-Cap
ETF
    iShares
Morningstar
Small-Cap
Growth ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 1,899,103     $ 7,069,175     $ 2,120,649     $ 445,582  

Dividends — Affiliated

    4,494       7,352       2,977       1,781  

Interest — Unaffiliated

    34             61        

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    76,386       8,493       21,033       144,175  

Foreign taxes withheld

          (1,512     (443     (2,476
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    1,980,017       7,083,508       2,144,277       589,062  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    861,359       698,685       294,296       330,350  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    861,359       698,685       294,296       330,350  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,118,658       6,384,823       1,849,981       258,712  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (5,234,843     (15,074,839     (7,648,753     (9,215,806

Investments — Affiliated

    (158     101       1,599       (693

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    21,521,030       19,756,964       12,721,480       11,392,946  

Futures contracts

    25,825       43,377       24,720       4,753  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    16,311,854       4,725,603       5,099,046       2,181,200  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (12,358,963     (444,310     806,283       (7,838,425

Investments — Affiliated

    4,581       144       77       3,666  

Futures contracts

    25,908       1,531       11,847       2,741  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (12,328,474     (442,635     818,207       (7,832,018
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    3,983,380       4,282,968       5,917,253       (5,650,818
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 5,102,038     $ 10,667,791     $ 7,767,234     $ (5,392,106
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

54    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Operations  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Morningstar
Small-Cap
Value ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 5,080,817  

Dividends — Affiliated

    6,096  

Interest — Unaffiliated

    63  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    88,000  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    5,174,976  
 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

Investment advisory fees

    598,064  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    598,064  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    4,576,912  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (32,003,212

Investments — Affiliated

    262  

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    11,653,876  

Futures contracts

    67,838  
 

 

 

 

Net realized loss

    (20,281,236
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (2,400,614

Investments — Affiliated

    2,158  

Futures contracts

    10,810  
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,387,646
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (22,668,882
 

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (18,091,970
 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      55  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
           iShares
Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF
 
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
           Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 8,448,706     $ 18,648,604        $ 2,883,996     $ 6,768,805  

Net realized gain

    38,708,345       32,290,315          44,711,615       53,075,667  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (14,485,941     46,454,155          (16,874,825     94,251,252  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    32,671,110       97,393,074          30,720,786       154,095,724  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (12,362,744     (18,523,506        (2,807,985     (7,313,842
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (58,672,636     (160,079,701        9,136,200       25,173,933  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (38,364,270     (81,210,133        37,049,001       171,955,815  

Beginning of period

    863,171,527       944,381,660          1,104,272,864       932,317,049  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 824,807,257     $ 863,171,527        $ 1,141,321,865     $ 1,104,272,864  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF
           iShares
Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
          

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 7,620,521     $ 11,999,396        $ 5,392,630     $ 11,842,786  

Net realized gain

    17,018,323       2,945,506          26,007,796       20,448,485  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    4,835,294       32,933,533          (8,564,469     42,058,225  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    29,474,138       47,878,435          22,835,957       74,349,496  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (7,315,602     (11,461,757        (5,012,845     (12,071,223
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    13,987,372       82,555,240          (10,519,908     (93,602,438
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    36,145,908       118,971,918          7,303,204       (31,324,165

Beginning of period

    492,995,856       374,023,938          716,533,886       747,858,051  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 529,141,764     $ 492,995,856        $ 723,837,090     $ 716,533,886  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      57  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
           iShares
Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
          

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 1,118,658     $ 804,401        $ 6,384,823     $ 10,460,796  

Net realized gain

    16,311,854       10,196,051          4,725,603       16,059,654  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (12,328,474     49,354,894          (442,635     (9,482,022
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    5,102,038       60,355,346          10,667,791       17,038,428  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (620,886     (928,541        (5,921,626     (10,479,633
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    110,758,770       157,158,777          6,729,013       39,164,570  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase in net assets

    115,239,922       216,585,582          11,475,178       45,723,365  

Beginning of period

    475,724,129       259,138,547          463,524,291       417,800,926  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 590,964,051     $ 475,724,129        $ 474,999,469     $ 463,524,291  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58    2019  ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
           iShares
Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
          

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 1,849,981     $ 3,205,973        $ 258,712     $ 231,278  

Net realized gain

    5,099,046       2,856,106          2,181,200       12,703,135  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    818,207       3,270,824          (7,832,018     4,220,108  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7,767,234       9,332,903          (5,392,106     17,154,521  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (1,546,580     (3,362,147        (278,109     (593,934
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    93,294       (15,877,012        (268,245     33,953,657  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    6,313,948       (9,906,256        (5,938,460     50,514,244  

Beginning of period

    237,032,188       246,938,444          215,251,279       164,737,035  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 243,346,136     $ 237,032,188        $ 209,312,819     $ 215,251,279  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      59  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 4,576,912     $ 9,495,313  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (20,281,236     11,397,855  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,387,646     (8,693,549
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (18,091,970     12,199,619  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (4,935,985     (9,432,984
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (13,160,150     (19,245,830
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total decrease in net assets

    (36,188,105     (16,479,195

Beginning of period

    430,681,389       447,160,584  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 394,493,284     $ 430,681,389  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

60    2019  ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 167.61     $ 152.32      $ 142.88      $ 120.58      $ 122.54      $ 110.41  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.69       3.24        2.93        2.57        2.27        2.33  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    5.01       15.28        9.42        22.44        (1.27      12.05  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    6.70       18.52        12.35        25.01        1.00        14.38  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (2.48     (3.23      (2.91      (2.71      (2.96      (2.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.48     (3.23      (2.91      (2.71      (2.96      (2.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 171.83     $ 167.61      $ 152.32      $ 142.88      $ 120.58      $ 122.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    4.07 %(d)      12.33      8.66      20.97      0.87      13.09
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.20 %(e)      0.20      0.20      0.20      0.20      0.20
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.03 %(e)      2.05      1.91      1.96      1.91      1.96
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 824,807     $ 863,172      $ 944,382      $ 814,433      $ 608,927      $ 667,832  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    25 %(d)      38      46      45      39      27
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d)

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      61  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 190.39     $ 165.01      $ 136.27      $ 116.36      $ 118.09      $ 100.37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.49       1.16        1.48        1.12        1.13        1.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    4.70       25.47        28.70        19.88        (1.64      17.67  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    5.19       26.63        30.18        21.00        (0.51      18.78  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.48     (1.25      (1.44      (1.09      (1.22      (1.06
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.48     (1.25      (1.44      (1.09      (1.22      (1.06
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 195.10     $ 190.39      $ 165.01      $ 136.27      $ 116.36      $ 118.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    2.73 %(d)      16.21      22.26      18.15      (0.44 )%       18.77
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.25 %(e)      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.51 %(e)      0.66      0.97      0.91      0.96      0.99
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 1,141,322     $ 1,104,273      $ 932,317      $ 729,026      $ 791,246      $ 726,248  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    14 %(d)      23      48      31      22      21
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d)

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

62    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 108.35     $ 101.09      $ 95.07      $ 85.03      $ 86.04      $ 82.96  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.63       2.97        2.55        2.53        2.56        2.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    4.16       7.17        6.02        10.03        (1.03      3.07  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    5.79       10.14        8.57        12.56        1.53        5.28  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (1.56     (2.88      (2.55      (2.52      (2.54      (2.20
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.56     (2.88      (2.55      (2.52      (2.54      (2.20
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 112.58     $ 108.35      $ 101.09      $ 95.07      $ 85.03      $ 86.04  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    5.41 %(d)      10.22      9.07      14.95      1.92      6.42
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.25 %(e)      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3.01 %(e)      2.86      2.54      2.78      3.10      2.60
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 529,142     $ 492,996      $ 374,024      $ 380,268      $ 289,101      $ 305,434  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    17 %(d)      24      24      31      27      14
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      63  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 196.31     $ 180.21      $ 168.00      $ 145.96      $ 151.49      $ 133.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.48       2.99        2.48        2.01        2.30        2.01  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    4.66       16.17        12.13        22.68        (5.42      18.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    6.14       19.16        14.61        24.69        (3.12      20.04  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (1.38     (3.06      (2.40      (2.65      (2.41      (2.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.38     (3.06      (2.40      (2.65      (2.41      (2.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 201.07     $ 196.31      $ 180.21      $ 168.00      $ 145.96      $ 151.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    3.16 %(d)      10.79      8.73      17.06      (2.03 )%       15.09
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.25 %(e)      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.52 %(e)      1.63      1.40      1.28      1.59      1.39
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 723,837     $ 716,534      $ 747,858      $ 747,607      $ 540,062      $ 515,075  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    23 %(d)      60      50      56      51      55
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d)

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

64    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 243.96     $ 207.31      $ 177.31      $ 153.60      $ 165.11      $ 142.18  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.48       0.55        0.75        0.84        0.60        0.60  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    2.07       36.74        30.14        23.76        (11.46      23.19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    2.55       37.29        30.89        24.60        (10.86      23.79  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.27     (0.64      (0.89      (0.89      (0.65      (0.86
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.27     (0.64      (0.89      (0.89      (0.65      (0.86
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 246.24     $ 243.96      $ 207.31      $ 177.31      $ 153.60      $ 165.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    1.04 %(d)      18.03      17.46      16.06      (6.58 )%       16.78
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.30 %(e)      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.39 %(e)      0.25      0.38      0.52      0.39      0.39
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 590,964     $ 475,724      $ 259,139      $ 212,773      $ 207,355      $ 231,160  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    13 %(d)      30      43      47      44      50
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      65  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 159.84     $ 157.66      $ 147.89      $ 125.61      $ 125.84      $ 118.75  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    2.16       3.69        3.26        2.87        2.86        2.38  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    1.03       2.18        9.65        22.21        (0.12      7.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    3.19       5.87        12.91        25.08        2.74        9.60  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (2.01     (3.69      (3.14      (2.80      (2.97      (2.51
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.01     (3.69      (3.14      (2.80      (2.97      (2.51
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 161.02     $ 159.84      $ 157.66      $ 147.89      $ 125.61      $ 125.84  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    2.04 %(d)      3.83      8.81      20.15      2.29      8.13
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.30 %(e)      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.74 %(e)      2.36      2.13      2.06      2.37      1.93
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 474,999     $ 463,524      $ 417,801      $ 384,524      $ 194,702      $ 226,507  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    22 %(d)      35      45      38      38      33
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

66    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 175.58     $ 170.30      $ 161.10      $ 134.45      $ 140.33      $ 130.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.36       2.30        1.96        1.67        2.05        1.61  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    4.47       5.37        9.40        27.48        (5.99      10.40  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    5.83       7.67        11.36        29.15        (3.94      12.01  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (1.15     (2.39      (2.16      (2.50      (1.94      (1.68
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.15     (2.39      (2.16      (2.50      (1.94      (1.68
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 180.26     $ 175.58      $ 170.30      $ 161.10      $ 134.45      $ 140.33  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    3.35 %(d)      4.56      7.09      21.86      (2.78 )%       9.27
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.25 %(e)      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25      0.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.57 %(e)      1.33      1.18      1.13      1.53      1.19
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 243,346     $ 237,032      $ 246,938      $ 241,644      $ 194,947      $ 224,533  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    26 %(d)      67      56      66      65      61
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d)

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      67  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 205.00     $ 183.04      $ 154.83      $ 130.57      $ 139.32      $ 125.88  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.24       0.24        0.72        0.86        0.83        0.77  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (5.64     22.31        28.26        25.25        (8.79      13.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (5.40     22.55        28.98        26.11        (7.96      14.26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.25     (0.59      (0.77      (1.85      (0.79      (0.82
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.25     (0.59      (0.77      (1.85      (0.79      (0.82
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 199.35     $ 205.00      $ 183.04      $ 154.83      $ 130.57      $ 139.32  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    (2.64 )%(d)      12.35      18.75      20.10      (5.73 )%       11.35
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.30 %(e)      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.23 %(e)      0.12      0.42      0.60      0.62      0.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 209,313     $ 215,251      $ 164,737      $ 116,125      $ 110,984      $ 118,423  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    30 %(d)      55      51      63      59      61
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d)

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

68    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
     Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 143.56     $ 144.25      $ 143.75      $ 122.26      $ 128.47      $ 122.17  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.55       3.25        2.58        3.08        3.04        3.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (7.41     (0.69      0.61        21.83        (6.28      6.40  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (5.86     2.56        3.19        24.91        (3.24      9.51  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (1.67     (3.25      (2.69      (3.42      (2.97      (3.21
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.67     (3.25      (2.69      (3.42      (2.97      (3.21
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 136.03     $ 143.56      $ 144.25      $ 143.75      $ 122.26      $ 128.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    (4.05 )%(d)      1.83      2.23      20.58      (2.42 )%       7.83
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.30 %(e)      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30      0.30
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.30 %(e)      2.24      1.78      2.29      2.56      2.47
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 394,493     $ 430,681      $ 447,161      $ 481,551      $ 379,000      $ 430,379  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    28 %(d)      48      54      48      51      40
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      69  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited)   

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

iShares Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios.

These financial statements relate only to the following funds (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

iShares ETF   Diversification
Classification

Morningstar Large-Cap

  Diversified

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

  Diversified

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

  Diversified

Morningstar Mid-Cap

  Diversified

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

  Diversified

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

  Diversified

Morningstar Small-Cap

  Diversified

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

  Diversified

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

  Diversified

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies are consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: Investment transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Any taxes withheld that are reclaimable from foreign tax authorities are reflected in tax reclaims receivable. Distributions received by the Funds may include a return of capital that is estimated by management. Such amounts are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be re-designated as a return of capital or capital gain. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is accrued daily.

Foreign Taxes: The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments, or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which each Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by each Fund and are reflected in its statement of operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income, foreign taxes on securities lending income are presented as a reduction of securities lending income, foreign taxes on stock dividends are presented as “other foreign taxes”, and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments and foreign taxes on foreign currency transactions are included in their respective net realized gain (loss) categories. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of October 31, 2019, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

In-kind Redemptions: For financial reporting purposes, in-kind redemptions are treated as sales of securities resulting in realized capital gains or losses to the Funds. Because such gains or losses are not taxable to the Funds and are not distributed to existing Fund shareholders, the gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated net realized gain (loss) to paid-in capital at the end of the Funds’ tax year. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.

Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by each Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes. Dividends and distributions are paid in U.S. dollars and cannot be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds.

Indemnifications: In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations that provide general indemnification. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because it involves future potential claims against the Funds, which cannot be predicted with any certainty.

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: Each Fund’s investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) each day that the Fund’s listing exchange is open and, for financial reporting purposes, as of the report date should the reporting period end on a day that the Fund’s listing exchange is not open. U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fund determines the fair value of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.

 

 

70    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of each Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

   

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at that day’s last traded price or official closing price, as applicable, on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day are valued at the last traded price.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds (including money market funds) are valued at that day’s published net asset value (“NAV”).

 

   

Futures contract notional values are determined based on that day’s last reported settlement price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of an investment, or in the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, in accordance with policies approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Global Valuation Committee include market approach, income approach and the cost approach. Valuation techniques used under these approaches take into consideration inputs that include but are not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) the principal market for the investment; (iii) the customary participants in the principal market for the investment; (iv) data assumptions by market participants for the investment, if reasonably available; (v) quoted prices for similar investments in active markets; and (vi) other inputs, such as future cash flows, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and/or default rates.

Fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a fund’s NAV and the prices used by the fund’s underlying index, which in turn could result in a difference between the fund’s performance and the performance of the fund’s underlying index.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial reporting purposes as follows:

 

   

Level 1 — Unadjusted price quotations in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs; and

 

   

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, (including the Global Valuation Committee’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments).

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgement exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The fair value hierarchy for each Fund’s investments is included in its schedule of investments. The categorization of a value determined for financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Securities Lending: Each Fund may lend its securities to approved borrowers, such as brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an approved bank, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities for securities traded on U.S. exchanges and a value of at least 105% for all other securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter at a value equal to at least 100% of the current value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund or excess collateral is returned by the Fund, on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities but does not receive interest income on securities received as collateral. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the standard time period for settlement of securities transactions.

As of October 31, 2019, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. government obligations. Cash collateral received was invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock FundAdvisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates and is disclosed in the schedules of investments. Any non-cash collateral received cannot be sold, re-invested or pledged by the Fund, except in the event of borrower default. The securities on loan for each Fund, if any, are also disclosed in its schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan as of October 31, 2019 and the value of the related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by a fund under Master Securities Lending Agreements (each, an “MSLA”) which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate a net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. In the event that a borrower defaults, the fund, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the collateral is typically greater than the market value of the securities loaned, leaving the lender with a net amount payable to the defaulting party. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of an MSLA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Under the MSLA, absent an event of default, the borrower can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities, and the fund can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      71  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

The following table is a summary of the securities lending agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of October 31, 2019:

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty    
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a) 
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
 
 
     Net Amount  

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

         

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 98,904      $ 98,904     $      $  

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    1,651,440        1,651,440               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    9,604,430        9,604,430               

TD Prime Services LLC

    65,503        65,503               

UBS Securities LLC

    6,754,164        6,754,164               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 18,174,441      $ 18,174,441     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Morningstar Mid-Cap

         

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 818,300      $ 818,300     $      $  

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    7,466        7,466               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,671,098        2,671,098               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    1,741,972        1,741,972               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    6,821,244        6,821,244               

HSBC Bank PLC

    10,852        10,852               

Jefferies LLC

    736,941        736,941               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    1,455,586        1,455,586               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    6,324,131        6,324,131               

RBC Capital Markets LLC

    3,158        3,158               

UBS AG

    221,190        221,190               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    643,477        638,831              (4,646 )(b) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 21,455,415      $ 21,450,769     $      $ (4,646
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 3,700,911      $ 3,700,911     $      $  

Barclays Capital Inc.

    263,439        263,439               

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    4,865        4,865               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    4,751,455        4,751,455               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    5,495,348        5,495,348               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    10,694,304        10,694,304               

HSBC Bank PLC

    2,548,638        2,547,463              (1,175 )(b) 

Jefferies LLC

    2,536,940        2,536,940               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    10,419,088        10,419,088               

Mizuho Securities USA Inc.

    19,312        19,312               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    5,474,360        5,474,360               

National Financial Services LLC

    2,956,099        2,956,099               

SG Americas Securities LLC

    256,105        256,105               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    507,213        507,213               

UBS AG

    1,279,005        1,279,005               

UBS Securities LLC

    534,744        534,744               

Virtu Americas LLC

    507,890        507,890               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    288,218        288,218               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    1,963,872        1,963,872               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 54,201,806      $ 54,200,631     $      $ (1,175
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

         

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 57,352      $ 57,352     $      $  

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    7,284        7,284               

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

    239,460        239,460               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,661,878        2,661,878               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    12,925        12,925               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    405,761        401,600              (4,161 )(b) 

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    1,137,321        1,137,321               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    406,877        406,877               

National Financial Services LLC

    1,499,136        1,499,136               

SG Americas Securities LLC

    264,915        264,915               

UBS Securities LLC

    52,309        52,309               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    110,010        110,010               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    954        954               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 6,856,182      $ 6,852,021     $      $ (4,161
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

72    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty    
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a) 
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
 
 
     Net Amount  

Morningstar Small-Cap

         

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 1,653,671      $ 1,653,671     $      $  

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    3,900,823        3,900,823               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    128,463        128,463               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    171,868        171,868               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    948,816        948,816               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    181,728        181,728               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    2,964,159        2,964,159               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    883,456        883,456               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    1,580,064        1,580,064               

National Financial Services LLC

    261,827        261,827               

RBC Capital Markets LLC

    5,876        5,876               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    21,728        21,728               

UBS AG

    692,064        692,064               

UBS Securities LLC

    38,044        38,044               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    2,669,877        2,669,877               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    1,017,829        1,017,829               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 17,120,293      $ 17,120,293     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 1,000,719      $ 1,000,719     $      $  

Barclays Capital Inc.

    1,854,128        1,854,128               

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    1,854,153        1,854,153               

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

    685,369        685,369               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,690,192        2,690,192               

Citadel Clearing LLC

    191,016        191,016               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    5,304,604        5,304,604               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    1,339,950        1,339,950               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    397,998        397,998               

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    4,857        4,857               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    8,525,822        8,525,822               

HSBC Bank PLC

    11,214        11,214               

Jefferies LLC

    8,178        8,178               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    12,341,518        12,341,518               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    8,577,332        8,577,332               

National Financial Services LLC

    1,428,539        1,428,539               

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

    327,684        327,684               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    268,034        268,034               

UBS AG

    1,943,285        1,943,285               

UBS Securities LLC

    707,861        707,861               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    770,333        770,333               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    1,129,150        1,129,150               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 51,361,936      $ 51,361,936     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      73  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty    
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a) 
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received
 
 
     Net Amount  

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 1,251,771      $ 1,251,771     $      $  

Barclays Capital Inc.

    1,567,911        1,567,911               

BMO Capital Markets

    352,720        352,720               

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    1,345,817        1,345,817               

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

    89,840        89,840               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    1,590,472        1,590,472               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    450,032        450,032               

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    822,189        822,189               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    26,901        26,901               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    6,950,473        6,950,473               

HSBC Bank PLC

    53,402        53,007              (395 )(b) 

Jefferies LLC

    707,644        707,644               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    1,387,804        1,387,804               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (U.S. Equity Securities Lending)

    2,627,136        2,627,136               

National Financial Services LLC

    9,688        9,688               

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

    779,240        779,240               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    502,264        502,264               

UBS AG

    1,525,574        1,525,574               

UBS Securities LLC

    1,430,484        1,430,484               

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

    3,529,282        3,529,282               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    1,488,555        1,488,555               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 28,489,199      $ 28,488,804     $      $ (395
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received in excess of the market value of securities on loan is not presented in this table. The total cash collateral received by each Fund is disclosed in the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities.

 
  (b) 

Additional collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day in accordance with the MSLA. The net amount would be subject to the borrower default indemnity in the event of default by a counterparty.

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). BlackRock’s indemnity allows for full replacement of the securities loaned to the extent the collateral received does not cover the value of the securities loaned in the event of borrower default. Each Fund could incur a loss if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the market value of the loaned securities or if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the original cash collateral received. Such losses are borne entirely by each Fund.

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Futures Contracts: Each Fund’s use of futures contracts is generally limited to cash equitization. This involves the use of available cash to invest in index futures contracts in order to gain exposure to the equity markets represented in or by the Fund’s underlying index and is intended to allow the Fund to better track its underlying index. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a set price on a future date. Depending on the terms of a contract, a futures contract is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date.

Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to pledge to the executing broker which holds segregated from its own assets, an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-quality debt and equity securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Securities deposited as initial margin, if any, are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, is shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Pursuant to the contract, a fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable or payable on futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the statement of operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. Losses may arise if the notional value of a futures contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument during the term of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts.

 

 

74    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory Fees: Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, BFA manages the investment of each Fund’s assets. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, BFA is responsible for substantially all expenses of the Funds, except (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions; (iii) distribution fees; (iv) the advisory fee payable to BFA; and (v) litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses (in each case as determined by a majority of the independent trustees).

For its investment advisory services to each Fund, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Funds, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Investment Advisory Fee  

Morningstar Large-Cap

    0.20

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

    0.25  

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

    0.25  

Morningstar Mid-Cap

    0.25  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

    0.30  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

    0.30  

Morningstar Small-Cap

    0.25  

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

    0.30  

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

    0.30  

Distributor: BlackRock Investments, LLC, an affiliate of BFA, is the distributor for each Fund. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, BFA is responsible for any fees or expenses for distribution services provided to the Funds.

Securities Lending: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has issued an exemptive order which permits BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), an affiliate of BFA, to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds, subject to applicable conditions. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. Each 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, or its affiliates, however, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees each Fund bears to an annual rate of 0.04% (the “collateral investment fees”). Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities. Each Fund retains a portion of securities lending income and remits the remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each Fund retains 73.5% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across all 1940 Act iShares exchange-traded funds (the “iShares ETF Complex”) in that calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

The share of securities lending income earned by each Fund is shown as securities lending income – affiliated – net in its statement of operations. For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

iShares ETF   Fees Paid
to BTC
 

Morningstar Large-Cap

  $ 204  

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

    18,066  

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

    65  

Morningstar Mid-Cap

    8,702  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

    32,719  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

    3,607  

Morningstar Small-Cap

    9,009  

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

    59,784  

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

    36,518  

Officers and Trustees: Certain officers and/or trustees of the Trust are officers and/or trustees of BlackRock or its affiliates.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      75  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Other Transactions: Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which BFA (or an affiliate) serves as investment adviser. At its regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most recent calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth by Rule 17a-7.

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, transactions executed by the Funds pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales      Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 

Morningstar Large-Cap

  $   140,389,039      $   87,004,289      $ (4,879,042

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

    66,333,601        98,455,540        (4,044,981

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

    46,511,901        41,218,210        (2,641,805

Morningstar Mid-Cap

    2,510,163        7,933,963        1,781,438  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

    28,390,678        30,103,846        (1,690,576

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

    50,959,082        58,360,389        (11,359,475

Morningstar Small-Cap

    36,273,947        27,554,696        (4,960,034

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

    16,356,378        19,249,087        (3,731,067

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

    59,137,245        19,520,740        (6,657,198

Each Fund may invest its positive cash balances in certain money market funds managed by BFA or an affiliate. The income earned on these temporary cash investments is shown as dividends – affiliated in the statement of operations.

A fund, in order to improve its portfolio liquidity and its ability to track its underlying index, may invest in shares of other iShares funds that invest in securities in the fund’s underlying index.

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investments, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

Morningstar Large-Cap

  $   208,330,130      $   209,692,209  

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

    153,296,985        153,180,256  

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

    83,861,221        84,875,484  

Morningstar Mid-Cap

    164,782,792        165,399,112  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

    75,064,820        73,458,979  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

    102,660,945        102,400,959  

Morningstar Small-Cap

    62,943,329        60,528,237  

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

    65,364,997        65,540,163  

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

    114,153,558        112,901,368  

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
     In-kind
Sales
 

Morningstar Large-Cap

  $   122,979,609      $   180,615,993  

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

    124,363,261        114,716,647  

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

    105,914,134        91,685,498  

Morningstar Mid-Cap

    113,396,431        124,105,449  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

    183,528,083        74,544,303  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

    83,965,510        76,805,233  

Morningstar Small-Cap

    41,181,120        42,630,887  

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

    40,105,824        40,206,578  

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

    51,732,274        65,856,640  

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions applicable to regulated investment companies, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to annually distribute substantially all of its ordinary income and any net capital gains (taking into account any capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income and excise taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of October 31, 2019, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

76    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

As of April 30, 2019, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Non-Expiring      

Morningstar Large-Cap

  $   33,210,609      

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

    20,457,203      

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

    5,529,897      

Morningstar Mid-Cap

    55,171,537      

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

    8,205,816      

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

    12,040,400      

Morningstar Small-Cap

    29,207,697      

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

    3,831,448      

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

    20,511,280      

A fund may own shares in certain foreign investment entities, referred to, under U.S. tax law, as “passive foreign investment companies.” Such fund may elect to mark-to-market annually the shares of each passive foreign investment company and would be required to distribute to shareholders any such marked-to-market gains.

As of October 31, 2019, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost of investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Tax Cost      Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
     Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
   

Net Unrealized    

Appreciation    

(Depreciation)    

 

Morningstar Large-Cap

  $   678,519,349      $ 159,646,354      $ (14,024,715   $ 145,621,639      

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

    795,124,843        384,472,302        (19,707,245     364,765,057      

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

    457,013,344        89,788,150        (18,646,967     71,141,183      

Morningstar Mid-Cap

    631,221,009        138,833,650        (24,391,451     114,442,199      

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

    545,740,441        122,865,264        (21,266,052     101,599,212      

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

    453,985,093        72,236,542        (43,872,291     28,364,251      

Morningstar Small-Cap

    229,485,905        43,585,732        (12,168,832     31,416,900      

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

    239,699,397        39,742,342        (17,000,289     22,742,053      

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

    425,020,498        45,224,972        (44,803,240     421,732      

 

9.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, each Fund invests in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject the Fund to various risks, including, among others, fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of an issuer to meet all of its obligations. The value of securities or other instruments may also be affected by various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the general economy; (ii) the overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; or (iv) currency, interest rate or price fluctuations. Each Fund’s prospectus provides details of the risks to which the Fund is subject.

BFA uses a “passive” or index approach to try to achieve each Fund’s investment objective following the securities included in its underlying index during upturns as well as downturns. BFA does not take steps to reduce market exposure or to lessen the effects of a declining market. Divergence from the underlying index and the composition of the portfolio is monitored by BFA.

Market Risk: Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss a fund may suffer through holding market positions in the face of market movements. A fund is exposed to market risk by its investment in equity, fixed income and/or financial derivative instruments or by its investment in underlying funds. The fair value of securities held by a fund may decline due to general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuers of the securities including local, regional or global political, social or economic instability or to factors that affect a particular industry or group of industries. The extent of a fund’s exposure to market risk is the market value of the investments held as shown in the fund’s schedule of investments.

Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of debt instruments or the counterparty to a financial transaction, including derivatives contracts, repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities, is unable or unwilling to make timely interest and/or principal payments or to otherwise honor its obligations. BFA and its affiliates manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose a fund to issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of a fund’s exposure to credit and counterparty risks with respect to those financial assets is approximated by their value recorded in its statement of assets and liabilities.

Concentration Risk: A diversified portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with a fund’s objectives, minimizes the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of a fund. The investment concentrations within each Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its schedule of investments.

When a fund concentrates its investments in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors, it assumes the risk that economic, regulatory, political and social conditions affecting such sectors may have a significant impact on the fund and could affect the income from, or the value or liquidity of, the fund’s portfolio.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      77  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

10.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Capital shares are issued and redeemed by each Fund only in aggregations of a specified number of shares or multiples thereof (“Creation Units”) at NAV. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of each Fund are not redeemable.

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
10/31/19
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Morningstar Large-Cap

       

Shares sold

    750,000     $ 123,222,671       200,000     $ 32,755,184  

Shares redeemed

    (1,100,000     (181,895,307     (1,250,000     (192,834,885
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (350,000   $ (58,672,636     (1,050,000   $ (160,079,701
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth

       

Shares sold

    650,000     $ 124,535,136       1,200,000     $ 209,922,565  

Shares redeemed

    (600,000     (115,398,936     (1,050,000     (184,748,632
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    50,000     $ 9,136,200       150,000     $ 25,173,933  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Large-Cap Value

       

Shares sold

    1,000,000     $ 106,189,577       1,450,000     $ 142,795,970  

Shares redeemed

    (850,000     (92,202,205     (600,000     (60,240,730
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    150,000     $ 13,987,372       850,000     $ 82,555,240  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Mid-Cap

       

Shares sold

    600,000     $ 115,372,415       800,000     $ 149,636,727  

Shares redeemed

    (650,000     (125,892,323     (1,300,000     (243,239,165
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (50,000   $ (10,519,908     (500,000   $ (93,602,438
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth

       

Shares sold

    750,000     $ 185,627,893       950,000     $ 212,532,898  

Shares redeemed

    (300,000     (74,869,123     (250,000     (55,374,121
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    450,000     $ 110,758,770       700,000     $ 157,158,777  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value

       

Shares sold

    550,000     $ 85,078,161       650,000     $ 103,666,671  

Shares redeemed

    (500,000     (78,349,148     (400,000     (64,502,101
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    50,000     $ 6,729,013       250,000     $ 39,164,570  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Small-Cap

       

Shares sold

    250,000     $ 43,217,116       350,000     $ 63,896,504  

Shares redeemed

    (250,000     (43,123,822     (450,000     (79,773,516
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase(decrease)

        $ 93,294       (100,000   $ (15,877,012
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth

       

Shares sold

    200,000     $ 40,132,134       400,000     $ 80,382,862  

Shares redeemed

    (200,000     (40,400,379     (250,000     (46,429,205
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase(decrease)

        $ (268,245     150,000     $ 33,953,657  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Morningstar Small-Cap Value

       

Shares sold

    400,000     $ 53,954,280       250,000     $ 33,197,576  

Shares redeemed

    (500,000     (67,114,430     (350,000     (52,443,406
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (100,000   $ (13,160,150     (100,000   $ (19,245,830
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The consideration for the purchase of Creation Units of a fund in the Trust generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities and a specified amount of cash. Certain funds in the Trust may be offered in Creation Units solely or partially for cash in U.S. dollars. Investors purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay a purchase transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee directly to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s administrator, to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units, including Creation Units for cash. Investors transacting in Creation Units for cash may also pay an additional variable charge to compensate the relevant fund for certain transaction costs (i.e., stamp taxes, taxes on currency or other financial transactions, and brokerage costs) and market impact expenses relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable charges, if any, are included in shares sold in the table above.

From time to time, settlement of securities related to in-kind contributions or in-kind redemptions may be delayed. In such cases, securities related to in-kind transactions are reflected as a receivable or a payable in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

 

78    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

11.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On June 16, 2016, investors 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 U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF and iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF) filed a class action lawsuit against iShares Trust, BlackRock, Inc. and certain of its advisory affiliates, and certain directors/trustees and officers of the Funds (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 the Plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice. Plaintiffs have appealed the court’s decision. The appeal was fully briefed on January 18, 2019, and a hearing on Plaintiffs’ appeal took place on November 19, 2019.

Certain iShares funds (the “Impacted Funds”), along with thousands of other former shareholders of Tribune Company (“Tribune”), were named as defendants in one or more lawsuits (the “Litigation”) arising out of Tribune’s 2007 leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”). The Litigation seeks to “claw back” from former Tribune shareholders, including the Impacted Funds, proceeds received in connection with the LBO. The iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF received proceeds of $404,668 in the LBO. The claims that were originally brought against the Impacted Funds were dismissed but are currently subject to appeals in multiple appellate courts. The outcome of these appeals could result in new claims being brought against the Impacted Funds and/or previously dismissed claims being revived and subject to continuing litigation. The Impacted Funds intend to vigorously defend the Litigation.

 

12.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring adjustment or additional disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      79  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

I. iShares Morningstar Large-Cap ETF, iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF, iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF, iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF, iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF, iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA

 

 

80    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Funds did not provide for breakpoints in the Funds’ investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Funds increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFA affiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

II. iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Growth ETF, iShares Morningstar Large-Cap Value ETF, iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      81  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary

 

 

82    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Funds did not provide for breakpoints in the Funds’ investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Funds increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFAaffiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      83  


Supplemental Information  (unaudited)

 

Section 19(a) Notices

The amounts and sources of distributions reported are estimates and are being provided pursuant to regulatory requirements and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each fund’s investment experience during the year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV each calendar year that will inform them how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

 

     Total Cumulative Distributions
for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
    % Breakdown of the Total Cumulative
Distributions for the Fiscal Year-to-Date
 
iShares ETF   Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
    Return of
Capital
    Total Per
Share
    Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
    Return of
Capital
    Total Per
Share
 

Morningstar Large-Cap(a)

  $   2.445201     $     $   0.034300     $   2.479501       99         1     100

Morningstar Large-Cap Growth(a)

    0.469431             0.010668       0.480099       98             2       100  

Morningstar Large-Cap Value(a)

    1.560324             0.000566       1.560890       100             0 (b)      100  

Morningstar Mid-Cap(a)

    1.238299             0.144761       1.383060       90             10       100  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth(a)

    0.249504             0.017354       0.266858       93             7       100  

Morningstar Mid-Cap Value(a)

    1.807438             0.199893       2.007331       90             10       100  

Morningstar Small-Cap(a)

    0.987810             0.157805       1.145615       86             14       100  

Morningstar Small-Cap Growth(a)

    0.195090             0.057736       0.252826       77             23       100  

Morningstar Small-Cap Value(a)

    1.397003             0.276773       1.673776       83             17       100  

 

  (a) 

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the shareholder’s investment in the Fund is returned to the shareholder. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income”. When distributions exceed total return performance, the difference will incrementally reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share.

 
  (b) 

Rounds to less than 1%.

 

 

 

84    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for email notifications announcing that the shareholder report or prospectus has been posted on the iShares website at iShares.com. Once you have enrolled, you will no longer receive prospectuses and shareholder reports in the mail.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

 

   

Go to icsdelivery.com.

 

   

If your brokerage firm is not listed, electronic delivery may not be available. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial advisor.

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.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The iShares Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The iShares Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. The iShares Funds also disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings on a daily basis on the iShares website at iShares.com.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Proxy Voting Records

A description of the policies and procedures that the iShares Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information about how the iShares Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30 is available without charge, upon request (1) by calling toll-free 1-800-474-2737; (2) on the iShares website at iShares.com; and (3) on the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION      85  


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations — Equity

 

NVS    Non-Voting Shares

 

 

86    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


 

Want to know more?

iShares.com    |    1-800-474-2737

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Morningstar, Inc., nor does this company make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the company listed above.

©2019 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

iS-SAR-404-1019

 

 

LOGO    LOGO


 

LOGO   OCTOBER 31, 2019

 

  

2019 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF | ICF | Cboe BZX

·  

iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF | USRT | NYSE Arca

·  

iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF | IFEU | NASDAQ

·  

iShares Global REIT ETF | REET | NYSE Arca

·  

iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF | IFGL | NASDAQ

 

 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of each 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.

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.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive electronic delivery of shareholder reports and other communications by contacting your financial intermediary. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service.


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

Fund Summary

     3  

About Fund Performance

     8  

Shareholder Expenses

     8  

Schedules of Investments

     9  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     25  

Statements of Operations

     27  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     29  

Financial Highlights

     32  

Notes to Financial Statements

     37  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     45  

General Information

     51  

 

 

       


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Cohen & Steers REIT ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs), as represented by the Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    9.14      24.54      8.56      13.58       24.54      50.80      257.29

Fund Market

    9.17        24.55        8.58        13.58         24.55        50.95        257.37  

Index

    9.32        24.96        8.94        13.97               24.96        53.44        269.82  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual                 Hypothetical 5% Return                 
Beginning
    Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses         
Paid During         
the  Period 
(a)      
           Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses      
Paid During      
the Period 
(a)   
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,091.40        $   1.79                     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,023.40        $   1.73                  0.34

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of    
Total Investments  (a)
 

Specialized REITs

    30.8%  

Residential REITs

    20.1     

Retail REITs

    15.9     

Office REITs

    11.6     

Industrial REITs

    10.4     

Health Care REITs

    9.3     

Hotel & Resort REITs

    1.9     

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of    
Total Investments  (a)
 

Prologis Inc.

    8.4%  

American Tower Corp.

    7.8     

Equinix Inc.

    7.3     

Simon Property Group Inc.

    7.2     

Welltower Inc.

    5.6     

Public Storage

    5.1     

Equity Residential

    4.7     

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    4.7     

SBA Communications Corp.

    4.2     

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    4.1     
 

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      3  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Core U.S. REIT ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. real estate equities, as represented by the FTSE Nareit Equity REITs Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    10.84      23.62      8.43      12.96       23.62      49.90      238.29

Fund Market

    10.84        23.62        8.45        12.95         23.62        49.99        238.04  

Index

    10.89        23.70        8.61        13.34               23.70        51.14        249.94  

Index performance through November 2, 2016 reflects the performance of the FTSE NAREIT Real Estate 50 Index. Index performance beginning on November 3, 2016 reflects the performance of the FTSE Nareit Equity REITS Index.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual                 Hypothetical 5% Return                 
Beginning
    Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses         
Paid During         
the  Period (a)      
           Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses     
Paid During     
the Period (a)   
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,108.40        $   0.42                     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,024.70        $   0.41                  0.08

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)
 

Specialized REITs

    19.8%  

Residential REITs

    19.1     

Retail REITs

    15.7     

Health Care REITs

    12.9     

Office REITs

    11.3     

Industrial REITs

    10.3     

Diversified REITs

    6.4     

Hotel & Resort REITs

    4.5     

Asset Management & Custody Banks

    0.0(b)  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
  (b) 

Rounds to less than 0.1%.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)
 

Prologis Inc.

    5.4%  

Equinix Inc.

    4.7     

Simon Property Group Inc.

    4.6     

Welltower Inc.

    3.6     

Public Storage

    3.3     

Equity Residential

    3.2     

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    3.0     

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    2.6     

Realty Income Corp.

    2.6     

Ventas Inc.

    2.4     
 

 

 

4    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Europe Developed Real Estate ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of real estate equities in developed European markets, as represented by the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Europe Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    7.81      12.75      5.54      6.95       12.75      30.96      95.82

Fund Market

    7.62        13.04        5.55        7.06         13.04        31.03        97.87  

Index

    7.75        12.81        5.62        7.06               12.81        31.45        97.76  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual                 Hypothetical 5% Return                 
Beginning
    Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses         
Paid During         
the  Period (a)      
           Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses      
Paid During      
the Period (a)   
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,078.10        $   2.51                     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.70        $   2.44                  0.48

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector  

Percent of

Total Investments(a)

 

Real Estate Operating Companies

    43.1

Retail REITs

    16.9  

Diversified REITs

    13.3  

Office REITs

    9.6  

Industrial REITs

    7.1  

Residential REITs

    3.0  

Health Care REITs

    2.9  

Diversified Real Estate Activities

    1.9  

Specialized REITs

    1.5  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.7  

TEN LARGEST COUNTRIES

 

Country  

Percent of

Total Investments(a)

 

United Kingdom

    27.3

Germany

    25.6  

France

    16.4  

Sweden

    10.3  

Switzerland

    6.3  

Belgium

    5.6  

Spain

    3.4  

Netherlands

    1.3  

Ireland

    1.2  

Austria

    0.9  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      5  


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® Global REIT ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global REIT ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global real estate equities in developed and emerging markets, as represented by the FTSE EPRA Nareit Global REITS Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months      1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    10.25      22.22      6.95      7.20       22.22      39.96      44.76

Fund Market

    10.44        22.54        6.85        7.22         22.54        39.27        44.88  

Index

    9.86        21.33        6.15        6.39               21.33        34.75        38.93  

The inception date of the Fund was 7/8/14. The first day of secondary market trading was 7/10/14.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual                 Hypothetical 5% Return                 
Beginning
    Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses        
Paid During        
the Period 
(a)     
           Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses          
Paid During          
the Period 
(a)       
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,102.50        $     0.74                     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,024.40        $ 0.71                  0.14

 

  (a) 

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of    
Total Investments  (a)
 

Retail REITs

    20.8%  

Residential REITs

    15.9     

Office REITs

    14.9     

Diversified REITs

    13.9     

Industrial REITs

    11.7     

Health Care REITs

    9.8     

Specialized REITs

    9.2     

Hotel & Resort REITs

    3.7     

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.1     

TEN LARGEST COUNTRIES

 

Country   Percent of    
Total Investments  (a)
 

United States

    66.0%  

Japan

    9.2     

United Kingdom

    5.1     

Australia

    4.2     

France

    3.3     

Canada

    3.3     

Singapore

    2.8     

Hong Kong

    1.8     

Belgium

    1.1     

South Africa

    0.8     
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of October 31, 2019    iShares® International Developed Real Estate ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of real estate equities in developed non-U.S. markets, as represented by the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed ex-U.S. Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

    6 Months      Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
      1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    7.16      18.93      4.85      6.43       18.93      26.73      86.44

Fund Market

    6.82        18.77        4.52        6.64         18.77        24.76        90.25  

Index

    7.22        19.12        5.08        6.75               19.12        28.10        92.11  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual                 Hypothetical 5% Return                 
Beginning
    Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses        
Paid During        
the Period
 (a)     
           Beginning
Account Value
(05/01/19)
       Ending
Account Value
(10/31/19)
       Expenses         
Paid During         
the  Period
 (a)      
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,071.60        $   2.50                     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.70        $   2.44                  0.48

 

  (a)

Expenses are calculated using the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (as disclosed in the table), multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by the number of days in the period (184 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (366 days). See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 8 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of    
Total Investments  (a)
 

Real Estate Operating Companies

    20.4%  

Retail REITs

    16.6     

Diversified REITs

    16.1     

Diversified Real Estate Activities

    16.0     

Office REITs

    12.4     

Industrial REITs

    7.5     

Residential REITs

    4.3     

Real Estate Development

    3.2     

Health Care REITs

    1.2     

Hotel & Resort REITs

    1.0     

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.3     

TEN LARGEST COUNTRIES

 

Country   Percent of    
Total Investments  (a)
 

Japan

    27.0%  

Hong Kong

    13.5     

United Kingdom

    10.3     

Germany

    9.7     

Australia

    7.9     

Canada

    6.7     

Singapore

    6.4     

France

    6.2     

Sweden

    3.9     

Switzerland

    2.4     

 

 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      7  


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end is available at iShares.com. Performance results assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Performance for certain funds may reflect a waiver of a portion of investment advisory fees. Without such a waiver, performance would have been lower.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest ask on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Since shares of a fund may not trade in the secondary market until after the fund’s inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the fund, the NAV of the fund is used as a proxy for the Market Price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV, respectively.

An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike a fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by a fund. These expenses negatively impact fund performance. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower.

Shareholder Expenses

As a shareholder of your Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense example, which is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period (or from the commencement of operations if less than 6 months) and held through the end of the period, is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars and cents) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds.

Actual Expenses — The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. To estimate the expenses that you paid on your account over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes — The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on your Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

8    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Cohen & Steers REIT ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

Health Care REITs — 9.3%

   

Ventas Inc.

    1,406,994     $ 91,595,310  

Welltower Inc.

    1,542,315       139,872,547  
   

 

 

 
           231,467,857  
Hotel & Resort REITs — 1.9%            

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    2,821,873       46,250,498  
   

 

 

 
Industrial REITs — 10.4%            

Duke Realty Corp.

    1,368,968       48,105,535  

Prologis Inc.

    2,380,184       208,884,948  
   

 

 

 
      256,990,483  
Office REITs — 11.6%            

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    430,144       68,285,360  

Boston Properties Inc.

    547,500       75,117,000  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    552,315       22,164,401  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    616,143       26,691,315  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    353,810       29,695,273  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    321,180       26,850,648  

Vornado Realty Trust

    603,208       39,588,541  
   

 

 

 
      288,392,538  
Residential REITs — 20.1%            

American Campus Communities Inc.

    522,788       26,128,944  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    530,950       115,566,577  

Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc.

    685,040       47,911,698  

Equity Residential

    1,327,734       117,716,897  

Essex Property Trust Inc.

    250,299       81,880,312  

Invitation Homes Inc.

    1,779,603       54,793,976  

UDR Inc.

    1,073,284       53,932,521  
   

 

 

 
      497,930,925  
Retail REITs — 15.9%            

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    265,497       36,110,247  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    653,721       38,510,704  
Security   Shares     Value  
Retail REITs (continued)            

Realty Income Corp.

    1,199,056     $ 98,070,790  

Regency Centers Corp.

    636,471       42,796,310  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    1,176,847       177,327,306  
   

 

 

 
      392,815,357  
Specialized REITs — 30.7%            

American Tower Corp.

    889,352       193,949,884  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    793,296       100,780,324  

Equinix Inc.

    320,201       181,483,523  

Extra Space Storage Inc.

    485,439       54,500,236  

Public Storage

    571,650       127,397,919  

SBA Communications Corp.

    431,344       103,802,934  
   

 

 

 
      761,914,820  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $2,044,764,840)

      2,475,762,478  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

   

1.74%(a)(b)

    2,703,000       2,703,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short -Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $2,703,000)

      2,703,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.0%
(Cost: $2,047,467,840)

      2,478,465,478  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.0)%

      (18,856
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   2,478,446,622  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Shares
Held at
04/30/19
     Net Activity      Shares
Held at
10/31/19
     Value at
10/31/19
     Income     

Net Realized     

Gain (Loss)(a)  

    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

                        $      $ 412 (b)     $ (3,325      $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     2,402,508        300,492        2,703,000        2,703,000        41,903                  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
            $ 2,703,000      $ 42,315      $ (3,325      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b)

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
(000)
     Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

           

Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate

     66        12/20/19      $ 2,442      $ 7,299  
           

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      9  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Cohen & Steers REIT ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 7,299  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 442,648  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (7,378
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 6,070,673  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 2,475,762,478        $        $        $ 2,475,762,478  

Money Market Funds

     2,703,000                            2,703,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 2,478,465,478        $                 —        $                 —        $ 2,478,465,478  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 7,299        $        $        $ 7,299  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

10    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core U.S. REIT ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Asset Management & Custody Banks — 0.0%  

Ashford Inc.(a)

    533     $ 12,733  
   

 

 

 
Diversified REITs — 6.4%            

Alexander & Baldwin Inc.

    118,028       2,774,838  

American Assets Trust Inc.

    82,537       4,041,012  

Armada Hoffler Properties Inc.

    91,012       1,705,565  

Colony Capital Inc.

    822,361       4,605,222  

Empire State Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    254,071       3,676,407  

Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc.

    129,511       3,323,252  

Gladstone Commercial Corp.

    53,263       1,254,876  

Global Net Lease Inc.

    144,893       2,822,516  

Liberty Property Trust

    265,973       15,711,025  

One Liberty Properties Inc.

    27,622       784,741  

PS Business Parks Inc.

    34,106       6,157,838  

STORE Capital Corp.

    359,946       14,577,813  

VEREIT Inc.

    1,803,241       17,743,891  

Washington REIT

    137,575       4,267,577  

WP Carey Inc.

    288,546       26,563,545  
   

 

 

 
       110,010,118  
Health Care REITs — 12.8%            

CareTrust REIT Inc.

    163,183       3,955,556  

Community Healthcare Trust Inc.

    31,900       1,544,598  

Global Medical REIT Inc.

    56,010       677,721  

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc.

    217,871       7,575,375  

Healthcare Trust of America Inc., Class A

    348,233       10,795,223  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    839,465       31,580,673  

LTC Properties Inc.

    67,608       3,505,475  

Medical Properties Trust Inc.

    756,033       15,672,564  

National Health Investors Inc.

    71,355       6,121,545  

New Senior Investment Group Inc.

    146,232       1,029,473  

Omega Healthcare Investors Inc.

    364,794       16,065,528  

Physicians Realty Trust

    317,295       5,923,898  

Sabra Health Care REIT Inc.

    321,896       7,918,642  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    303,423       3,011,473  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

    22,158       2,641,898  

Ventas Inc.

    635,591       41,376,974  

Welltower Inc.

    691,653       62,726,011  
   

 

 

 
      222,122,627  
Hotel & Resort REITs — 4.5%            

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

    359,837       5,930,114  

Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc.

    162,888       444,684  

Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    54,580       503,773  

Chatham Lodging Trust

    79,852       1,441,329  

CorePoint Lodging Inc.

    71,716       706,403  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    345,841       3,451,493  

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    61,468       848,258  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    1,235,364       20,247,616  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    407,754       9,480,280  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    221,697       5,699,830  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    294,575       4,833,976  

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.

    78,192       6,581,421  

Service Properties Trust

    278,725       7,051,743  

Summit Hotel Properties Inc.

    178,798       2,192,063  

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    383,013       5,174,506  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    193,485       4,072,859  
   

 

 

 
      78,660,348  
Industrial REITs — 10.2%            

Americold Realty Trust

    327,229       13,118,611  
Security   Shares      Value  
Industrial REITs (continued)             

Duke Realty Corp.

    613,609      $ 21,562,220  

EastGroup Properties Inc.

    63,156        8,459,746  

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.

    214,587        9,036,258  

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust

    111,696        2,372,423  

Lexington Realty Trust

    392,595        4,271,434  

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.

    158,633        2,392,186  

Prologis Inc.(b)

    1,071,989        94,077,755  

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.

    186,423        8,965,082  

STAG Industrial Inc.

    218,040        6,767,961  

Terreno Realty Corp.

    109,931        6,201,208  
    

 

 

 
        177,224,884  
Office REITs — 11.3%             

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    190,550        30,249,812  

Boston Properties Inc.

    263,940        36,212,568  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    299,968        4,583,511  

City Office REIT Inc.

    68,402        926,163  

Columbia Property Trust Inc.

    199,688        4,097,598  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    190,768        5,654,363  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    248,980        9,991,567  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    283,343        12,274,419  

Easterly Government Properties Inc.

    134,750        3,007,620  

Franklin Street Properties Corp.

    175,961        1,513,265  

Highwoods Properties Inc.

    174,647        8,173,480  

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.

    259,745        9,330,040  

JBG SMITH Properties

    209,032        8,415,628  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    169,073        14,190,297  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    148,123        3,172,795  

Office Properties Income Trust

    81,812        2,608,167  

Paramount Group Inc.

    346,578        4,668,406  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    214,452        4,812,303  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    140,357        11,733,845  

Vornado Realty Trust

    295,110        19,368,069  
    

 

 

 
       194,983,916  
Residential REITs — 19.1%             

American Campus Communities Inc.

    233,568        11,673,729  

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

    439,253        11,627,027  

Apartment Investment & Management Co., Class A

    252,315        13,847,047  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    237,635        51,723,634  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT Inc.

    41,908        503,734  

BRT Apartments Corp.

    16,514        275,784  

Camden Property Trust

    159,069        18,192,722  

Clipper Realty Inc.

    27,990        269,824  

Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc.

    295,901        20,695,316  

Equity Residential

    624,311        55,351,413  

Essex Property Trust Inc.

    111,678        36,533,224  

Front Yard Residential Corp.

    86,996        1,076,141  

Independence Realty Trust Inc.

    154,971        2,386,553  

Investors Real Estate Trust

    20,298        1,535,950  

Invitation Homes Inc.

    814,366        25,074,329  

Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc.

    193,953        26,957,527  

NexPoint Residential Trust Inc.

    32,813        1,600,290  

Preferred Apartment Communities Inc., Class A

    77,401        1,108,382  

Sun Communities Inc.

    151,119        24,579,505  

UDR Inc.

    495,516        24,899,679  

UMH Properties Inc.

    62,832        938,082  
    

 

 

 
       330,849,892  
Retail REITs — 15.7%             

Acadia Realty Trust

    141,813        3,967,928  

Agree Realty Corp.

    69,953        5,510,198  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      11  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core U.S. REIT ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Retail REITs (continued)            

Alexander’s Inc.

    3,711     $ 1,281,779  

American Finance Trust Inc.(b)

    183,614       2,717,487  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

    507,261       11,169,887  

Brookfield Property REIT Inc., Class A

    127,172       2,403,551  

CBL & Associates Properties Inc.

    227,537       327,653  

Cedar Realty Trust Inc.

    156,858       523,906  

Federal Realty Investment Trust.

    127,424       17,330,938  

Getty Realty Corp.

    57,545       1,930,059  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    689,411       14,863,701  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    143,000       2,548,260  

Macerich Co. (The)

    104,984       2,887,060  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    276,728       16,302,046  

Pennsylvania REIT(b)

    117,691       649,654  

Realty Income Corp.

    543,281       44,434,953  

Regency Centers Corp.

    283,903       19,089,638  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    192,385       3,590,866  

Retail Properties of America Inc., Class A

    366,388       5,041,499  

Retail Value Inc.

    26,303       962,953  

RPT Realty

    132,392       1,919,684  

Saul Centers Inc.

    20,791       1,113,150  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    524,732       79,066,618  

SITE Centers Corp.

    240,479       3,734,639  

Spirit Realty Capital Inc.

    153,316       7,641,269  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc.

    156,939       2,529,857  

Taubman Centers Inc.

    100,274       3,587,804  

Urban Edge Properties

    197,314       4,165,299  

Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc., Class A

    51,782       1,259,856  

Washington Prime Group Inc.

    323,918       1,366,934  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    207,278       6,576,931  

Whitestone REIT

    66,975       953,724  
   

 

 

 
       271,449,781  
Specialized REITs — 19.8%            

CoreCivic Inc.

    204,324       3,117,984  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    62,758       7,374,065  

CubeSmart

    328,221       10,404,606  

CyrusOne Inc.

    191,106       13,622,036  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    354,638       45,053,211  

EPR Properties

    131,527       10,231,485  

Equinix Inc.

    143,120       81,117,554  

Extra Space Storage Inc.

    210,988       23,687,623  

Farmland Partners Inc.(b)

    51,746       346,698  
Security   Shares     Value  
Specialized REITs (continued)            

Four Corners Property Trust Inc.

    116,123     $ 3,326,924  

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

    345,602       13,948,497  

GEO Group Inc. (The)

    204,106       3,106,493  

Gladstone Land Corp.

    33,463       400,217  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    486,672       15,962,842  

Lamar Advertising Co., Class A

    145,355       11,629,854  

Life Storage Inc.

    79,376       8,645,634  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    100,293       3,427,012  

Outfront Media Inc.

    244,343       6,428,664  

Public Storage

    252,718       56,320,733  

QTS Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    93,614       5,016,774  

Safehold Inc.

    18,962       655,706  

VICI Properties Inc.

    788,345       18,565,525  
   

 

 

 
      342,390,137  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%

   

(Cost: $1,523,022,920)

      1,727,704,436  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 0.6%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 2.00%(c)(d)(e)

    7,599,882       7,603,682  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 1.74%(c)(d)

    2,530,000       2,530,000  
   

 

 

 
      10,133,682  
   

 

 

 

Total Short -Term Investments — 0.6%

   

(Cost: $10,133,664)

      10,133,682  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.4%

   

(Cost: $1,533,156,584)

      1,737,838,118  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.4)%

      (6,406,079
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  1,731,432,039  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(e) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Shares
Held at
04/30/19
     Net Activity      Shares
Held at
10/31/19
     Value at
10/31/19
     Income     

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)(a)

    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

            7,599,882        7,599,882      $ 7,603,682      $ 11,356 (b)     $ 11      $ 17  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     920,570        1,609,430        2,530,000        2,530,000        24,148                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 10,133,682      $ 35,504      $ 11      $ 17  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

 

 

12    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Core U.S. REIT ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate

     91          12/20/19        $  3,367        $  25,990  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

     

Equity

Contracts

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $  25,990  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $  258,999  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $  29,132  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 2,153,127  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,727,704,436        $        $        $ 1,727,704,436  

Money Market Funds

     10,133,682                            10,133,682  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,737,838,118        $             —        $             —        $ 1,737,838,118  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 25,990        $        $        $ 25,990  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      13  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Europe Developed Real Estate ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Austria — 0.9%  

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

    6,691     $ 258,283  
   

 

 

 
Belgium — 5.6%  

Aedifica SA

    2,390       287,438  

Ascencio

    503       33,446  

Befimmo SA

    2,083       134,554  

Cofinimmo SA

    2,509       371,170  

Intervest Offices & Warehouses NV

    2,137       64,610  

Leasinvest Real Estate SCA

    230       30,279  

Montea CVA

    1,155       104,761  

Retail Estates NV

    979       93,494  

Warehouses De Pauw CVA

    1,738       322,262  

Wereldhave Belgium Comm VA

    233       20,848  

Xior Student Housing NV

    1,490       87,937  
   

 

 

 
         1,550,799  
Finland — 0.8%  

Citycon OYJ

    7,455       78,098  

Kojamo OYJ

    8,467       142,638  
   

 

 

 
      220,736  
France — 16.4%  

Carmila SA

    2,998       58,332  

Covivio

    4,483       507,648  

Gecina SA

    5,036       864,112  

ICADE

    3,090       302,678  

Klepierre SA

    18,547       690,905  

Mercialys SA

    5,928       82,670  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

    13,097       2,025,909  
   

 

 

 
      4,532,254  
Germany — 25.5%  

ADO Properties SA(a)

    2,842       115,730  

alstria office REIT AG

    15,378       288,229  

Aroundtown SA

    86,160       727,277  

Deutsche EuroShop AG

    4,943       147,903  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    34,739       1,306,872  

Grand City Properties SA

    10,696       250,116  

Hamborner REIT AG

    6,924       74,544  

LEG Immobilien AG

    6,154       706,482  

Sirius Real Estate Ltd.

    91,246       86,783  

TAG Immobilien AG

    12,260       297,904  

TLG Immobilien AG

    9,000       263,572  

Vonovia SE

    52,764       2,808,506  
   

 

 

 
      7,073,918  
Ireland — 1.2%  

Green REIT PLC

    67,089       142,660  

Hibernia REIT PLC

    67,654       105,367  

Irish Residential Properties REIT PLC

    42,677       83,608  
   

 

 

 
      331,635  
Italy — 0.1%  

Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione SIIQ SpA(b)

    4,613       29,644  
   

 

 

 
Netherlands — 1.3%  

Eurocommercial Properties NV

    4,699       149,934  

NSI NV

    1,720       78,580  

Vastned Retail NV

    1,675       50,268  

Wereldhave NV

    3,924       92,810  
   

 

 

 
      371,592  
Security   Shares     Value  
Norway — 0.8%  

Entra ASA(a)

    13,758     $ 206,193  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 3.4%  

Inmobiliaria Colonial Socimi SA

    31,544       407,524  

Lar Espana Real Estate Socimi SA

    6,188       56,058  

Merlin Properties Socimi SA

    32,219       474,476  
   

 

 

 
      938,058  
Sweden — 10.3%  

Atrium Ljungberg AB, Class B

    4,502       89,813  

Castellum AB

    26,167       535,736  

Catena AB

    1,988       72,840  

Dios Fastigheter AB

    8,196       68,397  

Fabege AB

    25,695       384,053  

Fastighets AB Balder, Class B(c)

    9,412       365,370  

Hembla AB(c)

    3,479       77,638  

Hemfosa Fastigheter AB

    15,712       162,187  

Hufvudstaden AB, Class A

    10,618       177,990  

Klovern AB, Class B

    48,935       85,636  

Kungsleden AB

    18,283       166,428  

Nyfosa AB(c)

    15,562       104,185  

Pandox AB

    7,301       146,258  

Sagax AB, Class D

    9,595       36,501  

Wallenstam AB, Class B

    15,796       173,301  

Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB

    12,869       194,886  
   

 

 

 
         2,841,219  
Switzerland — 6.2%  

Allreal Holding AG, Registered

    1,364       265,681  

Hiag Immobilien Holding AG

    272       29,082  

Mobimo Holding AG, Registered

    629       177,210  

PSP Swiss Property AG, Registered

    3,809       503,749  

Swiss Prime Site AG, Registered

    7,304       752,051  
   

 

 

 
      1,727,773  
United Kingdom — 27.1%  

Assura PLC

    230,557       223,159  

Big Yellow Group PLC

    14,873       219,785  

BMO Commercial Property Trust

    51,428       78,127  

BMO Real Estate Investments Ltd.

    23,814       26,439  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    90,488       726,669  

Capital & Counties Properties PLC

    71,327       235,358  

Civitas Social Housing PLC

    59,875       65,856  

Custodian REIT PLC

    36,292       54,006  

Derwent London PLC

    9,740       447,426  

Empiric Student Property PLC

    56,378       68,576  

GCP Student Living PLC

    40,020       90,625  

Grainger PLC

    58,320       193,797  

Great Portland Estates PLC

    25,592       260,822  

Hammerson PLC

    74,855       280,901  

Hansteen Holdings PLC

    40,891       54,394  

Helical PLC

    9,838       49,839  

Impact Healthcare REIT PLC

    20,667       28,883  

Intu Properties PLC(b)(c)

    85,581       49,834  

Land Securities Group PLC

    69,329       843,290  

LondonMetric Property PLC

    78,926       236,738  

LXI REIT PLC

    50,902       82,597  

NewRiver REIT PLC

    29,101       75,690  

Phoenix Spree Deutschland Ltd.

    8,388       34,570  

Picton Property Income Ltd. (The)

    52,716       63,235  

Primary Health Properties PLC

    108,797       199,067  

RDI REIT PLC

    24,749       41,505  
 

 

 

14    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Europe Developed Real Estate ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)            

Regional REIT Ltd.(a)

    36,099     $ 49,235  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    19,865       180,066  

Schroder REIT Ltd.

    50,587       36,134  

Segro PLC

    105,994       1,157,872  

Shaftesbury PLC

    21,612       264,278  

Standard Life Investment Property Income Trust Ltd.

    38,982       44,541  

Target Healthcare REIT PLC(c)

    37,770       54,739  

Triple Point Social Housing REIT PLC(a)

    30,310       34,750  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    165,718       322,302  

UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd.

    63,478       72,037  

UNITE Group PLC (The)

    27,795       404,625  

Workspace Group PLC

    12,909       169,548  
   

 

 

 
       7,521,315  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $27,458,417)

      27,603,419  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.3%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,

   

SL Agency Shares,
2.00%(d)(e)(f)

    86,966       87,009  
Security   Shares     Value  

Money Market Funds (continued)

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,

   

SL Agency Shares,
1.74%(d)(e)

    10,000     $ 10,000  
   

 

 

 
      97,009  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.3%
(Cost: $96,997)

      97,009  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $27,555,414)

      27,700,428  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      21,329  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  27,721,757  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional investors.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Non-income producing security.

(d) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(e) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(f) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Shares
Held at
04/30/19
     Net Activity      Shares
Held at
10/31/19
     Value at
10/31/19
     Income      Net Realized    
Gain  (Loss)(a)
    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     151,626        (64,660      86,966      $ 87,009      $ 5,734 (b)     $ 128        $ (34

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     10,859        (859      10,000        10,000        169                  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
            $ 97,009      $ 5,903      $ 128        $ (34
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 27,603,419        $        $        $ 27,603,419  

Money Market Funds

     97,009                            97,009  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 27,700,428        $             —        $             —        $ 27,700,428  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      15  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Global REIT ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Australia — 4.2%  

BWP Trust

    644,084     $ 1,841,528  

Charter Hall Retail REIT

    474,173       1,440,666  

Cromwell Property Group

    3,102,011       2,831,698  

Dexus

    1,418,911       11,701,379  

GPT Group (The)

    2,516,418       10,315,434  

Mirvac Group

    5,081,461       11,237,802  

Scentre Group

    6,672,515       17,606,624  

Shopping Centres Australasia Property Group

    1,219,840       2,260,700  

Stockland

    3,098,177       10,437,652  

Vicinity Centres

    4,111,479       7,563,052  
   

 

 

 
          77,236,535  
Belgium — 1.1%  

Aedifica SA

    32,203       3,872,962  

Ascencio

    7,379       490,650  

Befimmo SA

    27,514       1,777,299  

Cofinimmo SA

    33,304       4,926,836  

Intervest Offices & Warehouses NV

    29,421       889,518  

Leasinvest Real Estate SCA

    3,146       414,161  

Montea CVA

    15,639       1,418,495  

Retail Estates NV

    12,635       1,206,639  

Warehouses De Pauw CVA

    23,311       4,322,352  

Wereldhave Belgium Comm VA

    3,913       350,116  

Xior Student Housing NV(a)

    20,761       1,225,271  
   

 

 

 
      20,894,299  
Canada — 3.3%  

Allied Properties REIT

    151,721       6,184,967  

Artis REIT

    168,014       1,585,098  

Boardwalk REIT

    49,257       1,636,965  

Canadian Apartment Properties REIT

    208,135       8,684,234  

Choice Properties REIT

    334,620       3,538,797  

Cominar REIT

    238,611       2,438,122  

Crombie REIT

    116,356       1,400,503  

Dream Global REIT

    235,333       2,986,537  

Dream Industrial REIT

    139,214       1,423,545  

Dream Office REIT(a)

    61,706       1,375,574  

Granite REIT

    65,562       3,253,284  

H&R Real Estate Investment Trust

    375,111       6,358,636  

InterRent REIT

    143,550       1,704,885  

Killam Apartment REIT

    110,803       1,644,742  

Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust

    62,799       1,378,917  

NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT

    131,976       1,200,923  

RioCan REIT

    397,004       7,983,274  

SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust

    165,002       3,997,157  

Summit Industrial Income REIT(a)

    121,257       1,179,035  
   

 

 

 
      59,955,195  
China — 0.1%  

Yuexiu REIT

    1,543,000       1,025,687  
   

 

 

 
France — 3.3%  

Carmila SA

    40,270       783,531  

Covivio

    59,647       6,754,339  

Gecina SA

    67,233       11,536,313  

ICADE

    41,987       4,112,800  

Klepierre SA

    247,106       9,205,087  

Mercialys SA

    79,915       1,114,465  

Unibail—Rodamco-Westfield

    143,013       22,121,959  

Unibail—Rodamco-Westfield, New

    32,560       5,036,542  
   

 

 

 
      60,665,036  
Security   Shares     Value  
Germany — 0.3%  

alstria office REIT AG

    209,114     $ 3,919,409  

Hamborner REIT AG

    95,686       1,030,158  
   

 

 

 
      4,949,567  
Hong Kong — 1.8%  

Champion REIT

    2,581,000       1,712,390  

Hui Xian Real Estate Investment Trust

    2,947,000       1,367,945  

Link REIT

    2,744,000       29,916,276  
   

 

 

 
      32,996,611  
Ireland — 0.2%  

Green REIT PLC

    908,516       1,931,895  

Hibernia REIT PLC

    946,796       1,474,586  

Irish Residential Properties REIT PLC

    527,375       1,033,171  
   

 

 

 
      4,439,652  
Italy — 0.0%  

Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione SIIQ SpA(a)

    62,982       404,732  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 9.2%  

Activia Properties Inc.

    881       4,645,206  

Advance Residence Investment Corp.

    1,632       5,419,620  

AEON REIT Investment Corp.

    1,911       2,747,046  

Comforia Residential REIT Inc.

    773       2,516,960  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    2,416       7,028,648  

Daiwa Office Investment Corp.

    359       2,859,248  

Frontier Real Estate Investment Corp.

    580       2,588,687  

Fukuoka REIT Corp.

    980       1,679,793  

Global One Real Estate Investment Corp.

    1,217       1,648,109  

GLP J-REIT

    4,705       6,127,968  

Hulic Reit Inc.

    1,485       2,832,496  

Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment Corp.

    2,153       3,371,749  

Invesco Office J-Reit Inc.

    11,171       2,253,730  

Invincible Investment Corp.

    6,402       4,044,740  

Japan Excellent Inc.

    1,602       2,754,838  

Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corp.

    5,797       4,810,054  

Japan Logistics Fund Inc.

    1,110       2,820,563  

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    1,104       5,300,180  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    1,699       11,582,841  

Japan Rental Housing Investments Inc.

    1,913       1,833,281  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    3,433       8,002,553  

Kenedix Office Investment Corp.

    495       3,873,734  

Kenedix Residential Next Investment Corp.

    1,154       2,375,145  

Kenedix Retail REIT Corp.

    656       1,805,889  

LaSalle Logiport REIT

    1,582       2,354,598  

MCUBS MidCity Investment Corp.

    1,994       2,313,007  

Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park Inc.

    451       1,879,427  

Mori Hills REIT Investment Corp.

    2,004       3,310,803  

Mori Trust Sogo REIT Inc.

    1,295       2,353,892  

Nippon Accommodations Fund Inc.

    570       3,585,403  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    1,656       12,561,121  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    2,634       7,358,291  

NIPPON REIT Investment Corp.

    552       2,394,783  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    5,615       10,725,660  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    3,414       7,718,252  

Premier Investment Corp.

    1,641       2,460,627  

Sekisui House Reit Inc.

    5,235       4,837,672  

Tokyu REIT Inc.

    1,127       2,168,410  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    3,885       7,834,328  
   

 

 

 
          168,779,352  
Malaysia — 0.1%  

IGB REIT

    2,130,300       973,764  
 

 

 

16    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Global REIT ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Malaysia (continued)  

Pavilion REIT

    911,200     $ 377,259  

Sunway REIT

    2,167,900       939,069  
   

 

 

 
      2,290,092  
Mexico — 0.6%  

Concentradora Fibra Danhos SA de CV

    307,115       464,869  

Concentradora Fibra Hotelera Mexicana SA de CV(b)

    939,489       428,288  

Fibra Uno Administracion SA de CV

    3,902,313       5,947,506  

Macquarie Mexico Real Estate Management SA de CV(b) .

    1,036,050       1,465,558  

PLA Administradora Industrial S. de RL de CV

    1,051,109       1,742,894  

Prologis Property Mexico SA de CV

    445,771       954,692  
   

 

 

 
          11,003,807  
Netherlands — 0.3%  

Eurocommercial Properties NV

    62,898       2,006,925  

NSI NV

    23,266       1,062,928  

Vastned Retail NV

    24,180       725,666  

Wereldhave NV

    51,193       1,210,806  
   

 

 

 
      5,006,325  
New Zealand — 0.1%  

Kiwi Property Group Ltd.

    1,861,175       1,897,778  
   

 

 

 
Saudi Arabia — 0.0%  

Al Rajhi REIT

    78,211       185,606  

Jadwa REIT Saudi Fund

    69,518       185,366  

Riyad REIT Fund

    110,370       234,260  
   

 

 

 
      605,232  
Singapore — 2.8%  

Ascendas REIT

    3,301,050       7,688,988  

Ascott Residence Trust(a)

    1,456,032       1,476,413  

CapitaLand Commercial Trust

    3,260,364       4,911,089  

CapitaLand Mall Trust

    3,145,500       5,870,583  

CapitaLand Retail China Trust

    902,204       1,007,642  

CDL Hospitality Trusts

    1,058,400       1,275,415  

First REIT

    720,800       540,223  

Fortune REIT

    1,705,000       2,001,352  

Frasers Centrepoint Trust

    926,600       1,872,332  

Frasers Logistics & Industrial Trust

    2,144,600       1,985,522  

Keppel DC REIT

    1,453,333       2,135,763  

Keppel REIT

    2,639,600       2,346,828  

Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust(a)

    2,679,600       472,541  

Mapletree Commercial Trust(a)

    2,524,992       4,322,886  

Mapletree Industrial Trust

    1,809,300       3,390,069  

Mapletree Logistics Trust

    3,177,740       3,922,703  

Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust(a)

    2,784,100       2,618,500  

Suntec REIT

    2,650,900       3,622,965  
   

 

 

 
      51,461,814  
South Africa — 0.8%  

Attacq Ltd.

    892,479       776,739  

Emira Property Fund Ltd.

    542,310       456,860  

Equites Property Fund Ltd.

    525,094       733,427  

Growthpoint Properties Ltd.

    3,780,621       5,549,144  

Hyprop Investments Ltd.

    344,789       1,350,453  

Redefine Properties Ltd.

    7,382,335       3,695,211  

SA Corporate Real Estate Ltd.

    3,582,243       734,831  

Vukile Property Fund Ltd.(a)

    1,145,605       1,470,840  
   

 

 

 
      14,767,505  
Spain — 0.7%  

Inmobiliaria Colonial Socimi SA

    420,524       5,432,848  

Lar Espana Real Estate Socimi SA

    85,127       771,172  
Security   Shares     Value  
Spain (continued)  

Merlin Properties Socimi SA

    434,219     $ 6,394,564  
   

 

 

 
      12,598,584  
Thailand — 0.1%  

WHA Premium Growth Freehold & Leasehold Real Estate InvestmentTrust

    1,452,402       832,143  
   

 

 

 
Turkey — 0.0%  

AKIS Gayrimenkul Yatirimi AS

    100,198       45,779  

Emlak Konut Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi AS

    2,426,557       513,980  

Is Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi AS(c)

    804,901       131,037  

Torunlar Gayrimenkul Yatirim Ortakligi AS(c)

    91,866       27,821  
   

 

 

 
      718,617  
United Kingdom — 5.0%  

Assura PLC

    3,117,982       3,017,930  

Big Yellow Group PLC

    201,397       2,976,138  

BMO Real Estate Investments Ltd.

    325,187       361,039  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    1,205,293       9,679,177  

Civitas Social Housing PLC

    816,503       898,071  

Custodian REIT PLC

    488,120       726,371  

Derwent London PLC

    130,466       5,993,213  

Empiric Student Property PLC

    761,056       925,717  

GCP Student Living PLC

    543,465       1,230,676  

Great Portland Estates PLC

    342,427       3,489,858  

Hammerson PLC

    992,973       3,726,228  

Hansteen Holdings PLC

    569,930       758,139  

Impact Healthcare REIT PLC

    277,317       387,556  

Intu Properties PLC(a)(c)

    1,123,327       654,113  

Land Securities Group PLC

    923,722       11,235,778  

LondonMetric Property PLC

    1,056,049       3,167,609  

LXI REIT PLC

    576,097       934,818  

NewRiver REIT PLC

    394,790       1,026,824  

Picton Property Income Ltd. (The)

    702,923       843,182  

Primary Health Properties PLC

    1,472,788       2,694,782  

RDI REIT PLC

    334,953       561,724  

Regional REIT Ltd.(b)

    476,896       650,427  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    268,987       2,438,223  

Schroder REIT Ltd.

    713,589       509,708  

Segro PLC

    1,422,435       15,538,596  

Shaftesbury PLC

    289,430       3,539,235  

Standard Life Investment Property Income Trust Ltd.

    537,148       613,746  

Target Healthcare REIT PLC(c)

    499,781       724,322  

Triple Point Social Housing REIT PLC(b)

    456,255       523,089  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    2,223,130       4,323,723  

UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd.

    842,770       956,407  

UNITE Group PLC (The)

    374,511       5,451,940  

Workspace Group PLC

    173,835       2,283,165  
   

 

 

 
          92,841,524  
United States — 65.7%  

Acadia Realty Trust

    106,570       2,981,829  

Agree Realty Corp.

    53,228       4,192,770  

Alexander’s Inc.

    2,818       973,337  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    145,548       23,105,745  

American Assets Trust Inc.

    61,342       3,003,304  

American Campus Communities Inc.

    177,366       8,864,753  

American Finance Trust Inc.

    139,061       2,058,103  

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A(a)

    333,800       8,835,686  

Americold Realty Trust

    249,301       9,994,477  

Apartment Investment & Management Co., Class A

    191,076       10,486,251  

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

    271,228       4,469,837  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      17  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Global REIT ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
United States (continued)  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    181,262     $     39,453,487  

Boston Properties Inc.

    201,370       27,627,964  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    225,579       3,446,847  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

    388,070       8,545,301  

Brookfield Property REIT Inc., Class A

    94,781       1,791,361  

Camden Property Trust

    121,122       13,852,723  

CareTrust REIT Inc.

    123,811       3,001,179  

Chatham Lodging Trust

    62,977       1,136,735  

Colony Capital Inc.

    619,868       3,471,261  

Columbia Property Trust Inc.

    150,573       3,089,758  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    144,897       4,294,747  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    188,904       7,580,717  

CubeSmart

    250,480       7,940,216  

CyrusOne Inc.

    145,633       10,380,720  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    258,978       2,584,600  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    270,742       34,395,064  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    216,101       9,361,495  

Duke Realty Corp.

    467,897       16,441,901  

Easterly Government Properties Inc.

    101,557       2,266,752  

EastGroup Properties Inc.

    48,053       6,436,699  

Empire State Realty Trust Inc., Class A(a)

    191,911       2,776,952  

EPR Properties

    100,426       7,812,139  

Equity Commonwealth

    156,867       5,047,980  

Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc.

    225,218       15,751,747  

Equity Residential

    475,946       42,197,372  

Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc.

    98,480       2,526,997  

Essex Property Trust Inc.

    85,205       27,873,112  

Extra Space Storage Inc.

    160,999       18,075,358  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    97,716       13,290,353  

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.(a)

    163,465       6,883,511  

Four Corners Property Trust Inc.

    91,452       2,620,100  

Franklin Street Properties Corp.

    137,295       1,180,737  

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

    263,826       10,648,017  

Getty Realty Corp.

    43,453       1,457,414  

Global Net Lease Inc.

    109,472       2,132,515  

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc.

    165,453       5,752,801  

Healthcare Trust of America Inc., Class A

    264,452       8,198,012  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    639,910       24,073,414  

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    47,097       649,939  

Highwoods Properties Inc.

    131,637       6,160,612  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    941,217       15,426,547  

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.

    196,771       7,068,014  

Independence Realty Trust Inc.

    115,868       1,784,367  

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust

    84,120       1,786,709  

Innovative Industrial Properties Inc.(a)

    14,035       1,066,660  

Investors Real Estate Trust

    15,231       1,152,530  

Invitation Homes Inc.(a)

    619,523       19,075,113  

JBG SMITH Properties

    159,761       6,431,978  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    128,106       10,751,937  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    522,573       11,266,674  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    109,527       1,951,771  

Lexington Realty Trust

    297,871       3,240,836  

Liberty Property Trust

    202,920       11,986,484  

Life Storage Inc.

    60,240       6,561,341  

LTC Properties Inc.

    51,047       2,646,787  

Macerich Co. (The)

    183,551       5,047,652  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    111,416       2,386,531  

Medical Properties Trust Inc.

    576,667       11,954,307  

Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc.

    148,179       20,595,399  

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.

    116,599       1,758,313  
Security   Shares     Value  
United States (continued)  

National Health Investors Inc.

    53,981     $ 4,631,030  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    211,488       12,458,758  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    76,193       2,603,515  

Office Properties Income Trust

    62,533       1,993,552  

Omega Healthcare Investors Inc.

    276,774       12,189,127  

Paramount Group Inc.

    258,905       3,487,450  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    307,347       7,145,818  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    167,467       4,305,577  

Physicians Realty Trust

    239,185       4,465,584  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    162,877       3,654,960  

Prologis Inc.

    817,802       71,770,303  

PS Business Parks Inc.

    25,971       4,689,064  

Public Storage

    192,784       42,963,842  

QTS Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    70,599       3,783,400  

Realty Income Corp.

    414,436       33,896,720  

Regency Centers Corp.

    217,036       14,593,501  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    148,353       2,769,009  

Retail Properties of America Inc., Class A

    278,477       3,831,844  

Retail Value Inc.

    19,890       728,173  

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.(a)

    141,572       6,808,197  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    220,166       3,612,924  

RPT Realty

    101,258       1,468,241  

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.

    59,126       4,976,635  

Sabra Health Care REIT Inc.

    244,638       6,018,095  

Saul Centers Inc.

    15,773       844,486  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    304,379       3,020,962  

Seritage Growth Properties, Class A

    42,849       1,863,503  

Service Properties Trust

    209,645       5,304,018  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    400,296       60,316,601  

SITE Centers Corp.

    180,535       2,803,709  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    107,028       8,947,541  

Spirit Realty Capital Inc.

    116,665       5,814,584  

STAG Industrial Inc.

    164,908       5,118,744  

STORE Capital Corp.

    273,355       11,070,877  

Summit Hotel Properties Inc.

    132,912       1,629,501  

Sun Communities Inc.

    115,164       18,731,425  

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    292,011       3,945,069  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc.

    116,561       1,878,963  

Taubman Centers Inc.

    75,939       2,717,097  

Terreno Realty Corp.(a)

    83,609       4,716,384  

UDR Inc.

    378,495       19,019,374  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

    16,789       2,001,752  

Urban Edge Properties

    148,164       3,127,742  

Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc., Class A

    38,976       948,286  

Ventas Inc.

    484,665       31,551,691  

VEREIT Inc.

    1,367,324       13,454,468  

VICI Properties Inc.

    600,482       14,141,351  

Vornado Realty Trust

    225,690       14,812,035  

Washington Prime Group Inc.

    242,060       1,021,493  

Washington REIT

    103,435       3,208,554  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    156,663       4,970,917  

Welltower Inc.

    526,753       47,771,230  

WP Carey Inc.

    219,534       20,210,300  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    145,955       3,072,353  
   

 

 

 
      1,211,994,980  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $1,643,767,776)

      1,837,365,067  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

18    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Global REIT ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Rights

 

Singapore — 0.0%  

Mapletree Commercial Trust, (Expires 11/07/19)(c)

    178,599     $ 11,811  
   

 

 

 
Thailand — 0.0%  

WHA Premium Growth, (Expires
12/18/19)(c)

    208,353       2,760  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

      14,571  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.4%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,

   

2.00%(d)(e)(f)

    5,300,054       5,302,704  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,

   

1.74%(d)(e)

    2,816,000       2,816,000  
   

 

 

 
      8,118,704  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.4%
(Cost: $8,118,523)

      8,118,704  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.1%
(Cost: $1,651,886,299)

      1,845,498,342  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.1)%

      (1,974,396
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $     1,843,523,946  
   

 

 

 
(a) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(b) 

Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional investors.

(c) 

Non-income producing security.

(d) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(e) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(f) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Shares
Held at
04/30/19
     Net Activity      Shares
Held at
10/31/19
     Value at
10/31/19
     Income      Net Realized
Gain (Loss)(a)
    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

     137,026        5,163,028        5,300,054      $ 5,302,704      $ 53,816 (b)     $ (6    $ 127  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     795,642        2,020,358        2,816,000        2,816,000        25,117                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 8,118,704      $ 78,933      $ (6    $ 127  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
(000)
     Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

           

ASX SPI 200 Index

     3        12/19/19      $ 343      $ 564  

Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate

     118        12/20/19        4,366        30,589  
           

 

 

 
            $ 31,153  
           

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      19  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® Global REIT ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 31,153  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 249,633  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 31,153  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,569,682  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,837,365,067        $        $        $ 1,837,365,067  

Rights

     14,571                            14,571  

Money Market Funds

     8,118,704                            8,118,704  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,845,498,342        $                 —        $                 —        $ 1,845,498,342  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 31,153        $        $        $ 31,153  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® International Developed Real Estate ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Australia — 7.8%  

BWP Trust

    252,916     $ 723,123  

Charter Hall Retail REIT

    191,953       583,205  

Cromwell Property Group

    1,245,875       1,137,308  

Dexus

    570,721       4,706,584  

GPT Group (The)

    1,012,738       4,151,469  

Mirvac Group

    2,043,364       4,518,960  

Scentre Group

    2,668,418       7,041,098  

Shopping Centres Australasia Property Group

    481,493       892,339  

Stockland

    1,247,306       4,202,131  

Vicinity Centres

    1,634,271       3,006,236  
   

 

 

 
         30,962,453  
Austria — 0.3%  

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

    35,982       1,388,960  
   

 

 

 
Belgium — 2.1%  

Aedifica SA

    12,800       1,539,419  

Ascencio

    2,730       181,525  

Befimmo SA

    10,930       706,036  

Cofinimmo SA

    13,365       1,977,155  

Intervest Offices & Warehouses NV

    12,038       363,959  

Leasinvest Real Estate SCA

    1,408       185,359  

Montea CVA

    6,208       563,080  

Retail Estates NV

    5,255       501,851  

Warehouses De Pauw CVA

    9,383       1,739,806  

Wereldhave Belgium Comm VA

    1,283       114,797  

Xior Student Housing NV

    8,265       487,783  
   

 

 

 
      8,360,770  
Canada — 6.7%  

Allied Properties REIT

    60,595       2,470,179  

Artis REIT

    67,694       638,647  

Boardwalk REIT

    19,968       663,600  

Canadian Apartment Properties REIT

    83,012       3,463,597  

Chartwell Retirement Residences

    110,528       1,239,535  

Choice Properties REIT

    133,883       1,415,889  

Cominar REIT

    94,992       970,626  

Crombie REIT

    46,124       555,165  

Dream Global REIT

    94,262       1,196,249  

Dream Industrial REIT

    56,968       582,531  

Dream Office REIT

    24,203       539,543  

First Capital Realty Inc.

    69,268       1,148,889  

Granite REIT

    25,349       1,257,855  

H&R Real Estate Investment Trust

    148,895       2,523,971  

InterRent REIT

    60,739       721,372  

Killam Apartment REIT

    44,753       664,306  

Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust

    24,988       548,677  

NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT

    53,639       488,091  

RioCan REIT

    158,652       3,190,301  

SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust

    65,173       1,578,810  

Summit Industrial Income REIT

    54,763       532,485  
   

 

 

 
      26,390,318  
Finland — 0.3%  

Citycon OYJ

    39,424       413,004  

Kojamo OYJ

    45,305       763,223  
   

 

 

 
      1,176,227  
France — 6.2%  

Carmila SA

    16,024       311,778  

Covivio

    24,143       2,733,918  

Gecina SA

    27,045       4,640,572  
Security   Shares     Value  
France (continued)  

ICADE

    16,643     $ 1,630,250  

Klepierre SA

    99,677       3,713,125  

Mercialys SA

    31,806       443,555  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

    44,154       6,829,959  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, New

    26,187       4,050,735  
   

 

 

 
         24,353,892  
Germany — 9.6%  

ADO Properties SA(a)

    15,439       628,695  

alstria office REIT AG

    81,784       1,532,872  

Aroundtown SA

    462,776       3,906,298  

Deutsche EuroShop AG

    26,783       801,394  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    186,671       7,022,514  

Grand City Properties SA

    57,314       1,340,233  

Hamborner REIT AG

    35,969       387,243  

LEG Immobilien AG

    33,009       3,789,448  

Sirius Real Estate Ltd.

    495,426       471,194  

TAG Immobilien AG

    65,780       1,598,380  

TLG Immobilien AG

    48,256       1,413,217  

Vonovia SE

    283,553       15,092,871  
   

 

 

 
      37,984,359  
Hong Kong — 13.5%  

Champion REIT

    1,024,000       679,383  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    1,408,000       9,826,556  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    1,065,000       2,345,318  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

    610,000       3,355,000  

Hysan Development Co. Ltd.

    322,000       1,271,534  

Link REIT

    1,102,500       12,019,933  

New World Development Co. Ltd.

    2,996,333       4,297,024  

Sino Land Co. Ltd.

    1,674,800       2,508,664  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    744,000       11,286,678  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    540,800       1,704,296  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

    640,900       3,777,840  
   

 

 

 
      53,072,226  
Ireland — 0.5%  

Green REIT PLC

    364,931       776,000  

Hibernia REIT PLC

    372,445       580,064  

Irish Residential Properties REIT PLC

    231,212       452,963  
   

 

 

 
      1,809,027  
Israel — 0.4%  

Azrieli Group Ltd.

    19,080       1,470,171  
   

 

 

 
Italy — 0.0%  

Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione SIIQ SpA

    25,192       161,888  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 26.9%  

Activia Properties Inc.

    363       1,913,973  

Advance Residence Investment Corp.

    657       2,181,795  

Aeon Mall Co. Ltd.

    62,600       1,005,260  

AEON REIT Investment Corp.

    768       1,103,993  

Comforia Residential REIT Inc.

    309       1,006,133  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    978       2,845,206  

Daiwa Office Investment Corp.

    143       1,138,920  

Frontier Real Estate Investment Corp.

    232       1,035,475  

Fukuoka REIT Corp.

    384       658,205  

Global One Real Estate Investment Corp.

    499       675,765  

GLP J-REIT

    1,892       2,464,212  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    189,300       2,068,020  

Hulic Reit Inc.

    576       1,098,665  

Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment Corp.

    866       1,356,217  

Invesco Office J-Reit Inc.

    4,560       919,972  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      21  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® International Developed Real Estate ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)  

Invincible Investment Corp.

    2,486     $ 1,570,638  

Japan Excellent Inc.

    628       1,079,924  

Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corp.

    2,351       1,950,740  

Japan Logistics Fund Inc.

    456       1,158,718  

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    442       2,121,993  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    679       4,629,046  

Japan Rental Housing Investments Inc.

    768       735,996  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    1,368       3,188,900  

Kenedix Office Investment Corp.

    199       1,557,319  

Kenedix Residential Next Investment Corp.

    474       975,579  

Kenedix Retail REIT Corp.

    256       704,737  

LaSalle Logiport REIT

    634       943,625  

MCUBS MidCity Investment Corp.

    802       930,307  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    619,100       12,069,315  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    489,700       12,597,527  

Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park Inc.

    183       762,606  

Mori Hills REIT Investment Corp.

    812       1,341,503  

Mori Trust Sogo REIT Inc.

    517       939,739  

Nippon Accommodations Fund Inc.

    235       1,478,192  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    662       5,021,414  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    1,057       2,952,814  

NIPPON REIT Investment Corp.

    229       993,488  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    60,300       1,435,754  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    2,262       4,320,827  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    1,376       3,110,813  

Premier Investment Corp.

    665       997,146  

Sekisui House Reit Inc.

    2,080       1,922,131  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    206,500       7,531,839  

Tokyo Tatemono Co. Ltd.

    103,900       1,488,748  

Tokyu REIT Inc.

    464       892,762  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    1,552       3,129,698  
   

 

 

 
       106,005,649  
Malta — 0.0%  

BGP Holdings PLC(b)(c)

    6,603,392       74  
   

 

 

 
Netherlands — 0.5%  

Eurocommercial Properties NV

    24,754       789,841  

NSI NV

    9,334       426,432  

Vastned Retail NV

    9,344       280,423  

Wereldhave NV

    20,871       493,636  
   

 

 

 
      1,990,332  
New Zealand — 0.2%  

Kiwi Property Group Ltd.

    769,783       784,922  
   

 

 

 
Norway — 0.3%  

Entra ASA(a)

    74,589       1,117,876  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 6.4%  

Ascendas REIT

    1,325,595       3,087,649  

CapitaLand Commercial Trust

    1,310,267       1,973,656  

CapitaLand Ltd.

    1,302,300       3,444,859  

CapitaLand Mall Trust

    1,256,800       2,345,620  

CDL Hospitality Trusts

    407,700       491,295  

City Developments Ltd.

    244,800       1,940,844  

Fortune REIT

    703,000       825,191  

Frasers Centrepoint Trust

    374,200       756,126  

Frasers Logistics & Industrial Trust

    859,900       796,116  

Keppel DC REIT

    599,171       880,519  

Keppel REIT

    1,037,200       922,159  

Mapletree Commercial Trust(d)

    1,004,355       1,719,495  
Security   Shares     Value  
Singapore (continued)  

Mapletree Industrial Trust

    738,700     $ 1,384,096  

Mapletree Logistics Trust(d)

    1,272,861       1,571,260  

Suntec REIT

    1,069,000       1,460,994  

UOL Group Ltd.

    258,400       1,480,966  
   

 

 

 
         25,080,845  
Spain — 1.3%  

Inmobiliaria Colonial Socimi SA

    169,143       2,185,198  

Lar Espana Real Estate Socimi SA

    34,144       309,313  

Merlin Properties Socimi SA

    172,264       2,536,861  
   

 

 

 
      5,031,372  
Sweden — 3.9%  

Atrium Ljungberg AB, Class B

    23,871       476,216  

Castellum AB

    140,687       2,880,387  

Catena AB

    10,669       390,911  

Dios Fastigheter AB

    43,904       366,387  

Fabege AB

    137,720       2,058,445  

Fastighets AB Balder, Class B(c)

    50,571       1,963,148  

Hembla AB(c)

    18,804       419,632  

Hemfosa Fastigheter AB

    83,870       865,747  

Hufvudstaden AB, Class A

    56,960       954,822  

Klovern AB, Class B

    263,574       461,254  

Kungsleden AB

    98,309       894,896  

Nyfosa AB(c)

    82,983       555,557  

Pandox AB

    38,936       779,989  

Sagax AB, Class D

    53,891       205,008  

Wallenstam AB, Class B

    86,068       944,271  

Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB

    69,132       1,046,922  
   

 

 

 
      15,263,592  
Switzerland — 2.3%  

Allreal Holding AG, Registered

    7,368       1,435,145  

Hiag Immobilien Holding AG

    1,609       172,029  

Mobimo Holding AG, Registered

    3,330       938,171  

PSP Swiss Property AG, Registered

    20,472       2,707,470  

Swiss Prime Site AG, Registered

    39,229       4,039,185  
   

 

 

 
      9,292,000  
United Kingdom — 10.3%  

Assura PLC

    1,234,816       1,195,193  

Big Yellow Group PLC

    80,268       1,186,158  

BMO Commercial Property Trust

    273,644       415,708  

BMO Real Estate Investments Ltd.

    123,136       136,712  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    485,818       3,901,390  

Capital & Counties Properties PLC

    383,814       1,266,470  

Civitas Social Housing PLC

    326,372       358,976  

Custodian REIT PLC

    204,776       304,727  

Derwent London PLC

    52,359       2,405,214  

Empiric Student Property PLC

    312,775       380,447  

GCP Student Living PLC

    214,273       485,221  

Grainger PLC

    314,084       1,043,698  

Great Portland Estates PLC

    137,517       1,401,510  

Hammerson PLC

    400,311       1,502,206  

Hansteen Holdings PLC

    216,545       288,055  

Helical PLC

    53,067       268,838  

Impact Healthcare REIT PLC

    116,575       162,916  

Intu Properties PLC(c)

    468,820       272,994  

Land Securities Group PLC

    372,451       4,530,342  

LondonMetric Property PLC

    425,105       1,275,098  

LXI REIT PLC

    276,135       448,077  

NewRiver REIT PLC

    156,143       406,118  

Phoenix Spree Deutschland Ltd.

    45,568       187,803  
 

 

 

22    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® International Developed Real Estate ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)  

Picton Property Income Ltd. (The)

    290,461     $ 348,419  

Primary Health Properties PLC

    585,863       1,071,962  

RDI REIT PLC

    129,497       217,169  

Regional REIT Ltd.(a)

    202,472       276,147  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    107,071       970,541  

Schroder REIT Ltd.

    265,602       189,716  

Segro PLC

    569,692       6,223,282  

Shaftesbury PLC

    116,356       1,422,835  

Standard Life Investment Property Income Trust Ltd.

    211,310       241,443  

Target Healthcare REIT PLC(c)

    203,783       295,339  

Triple Point Social Housing REIT PLC(a)

    165,999       190,315  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    890,385       1,731,693  

UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd.

    345,876       392,513  

UNITE Group PLC (The)

    149,446       2,175,559  

Workspace Group PLC

    69,418       911,742  
   

 

 

 
      40,482,546  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.5%
(Cost: $381,103,717)

 

     392,179,499  
   

 

 

 

Rights

 

Singapore — 0.0%

   

Mapletree Commercial Trust,
(Expires 11/07/19)(c)(d)

    71,862       4,752  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

 

    4,752  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 0.9%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,

   

SL Agency Shares,
2.00%(e)(f)(g)

    3,267,172     $ 3,268,805  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,

   

SL Agency Shares,
1.74%(e)(f)

    167,000       167,000  
   

 

 

 
      3,435,805  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.9%
(Cost: $3,435,272)

      3,435,805  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.4%
(Cost: $384,538,989)

      395,620,056  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.4)%

      (1,419,378
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  394,200,678  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional investors.

(b) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(c) 

Non-income producing security.

(d) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(e) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(f) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(g) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with cash collateral received from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliates of the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2019, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Shares
Held at
04/30/19
     Net Activity      Shares
Held at
10/31/19
     Value at
10/31/19
     Income     

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)(a)

    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

     2,029,634        1,237,538        3,267,172        $3,268,805        $44,947 (b)     $ 784      $ 130  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     206,654        (39,654      167,000        167,000        3,681                
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
              $3,435,805        $48,628      $ 784      $ 130  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes realized capital gain distributions from an affiliated fund, if any.

 
  (b) 

Includes securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less fees paid to BTC as securities lending agent.

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

                 

Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate

     25          12/20/19        $ 925        $ 17,550  

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     7          12/20/19          282          7,788  

Hang Seng Index

     1          11/28/19          172          1,981  

TOPIX Index

     3          12/12/19          463          19,517  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 46,836  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      23  


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

  

iShares® International Developed Real Estate ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of October 31, 2019, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 46,836  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in accumulated earnings (loss).

 

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 95,707  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 21,244  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 2,517,402  

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of October 31, 2019. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 392,179,425        $             —        $             74        $ 392,179,499  

Rights

     4,752                            4,752  

Money Market Funds

     3,435,805                            3,435,805  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 395,619,982        $        $ 74        $ 395,620,056  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 46,836        $        $        $ 46,836  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Shown at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the contracts.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited)

October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Cohen & Steers
REIT ETF
     iShares
Core U.S. REIT
ETF
     iShares
Europe
Developed
Real Estate
ETF
    iShares
Global REIT ETF
 

 

 

ASSETS

         

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

         

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 2,475,762,478      $ 1,727,704,436      $ 27,603,419     $ 1,837,379,638  

Affiliated(c)

    2,703,000        10,133,682        97,009       8,118,704  

Cash

    957        18,940        549       172  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

                  24,279       1,384,497  

Cash pledged:

         

Futures contracts

    67,000        120,000              155,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

         

Futures contracts(e)

                        16,535  

Receivables:

         

Investments sold

                        349  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    413        4,238        256       11,156  

Capital shares sold

           85,001              196,309  

Dividends

    615,073        1,115,391        28,115       2,821,353  

Tax reclaims

                  65,732       243,372  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    2,479,148,921        1,739,181,688        27,819,359       1,850,327,085  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

         

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

           7,603,653        86,627       5,306,324  

Payables:

         

Investments purchased

                        1,266,971  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    5,140        9,107              16,099  

Capital shares redeemed

           21,458               

Investment advisory fees

    697,159        115,431        10,975       213,745  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    702,299        7,749,649        97,602       6,803,139  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 2,478,446,622      $ 1,731,432,039      $ 27,721,757     $ 1,843,523,946  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

         

Paid-in capital

  $ 2,165,577,707      $ 1,533,441,611      $ 30,639,008     $ 1,678,804,434  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    312,868,915        197,990,428        (2,917,251     164,719,512  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 2,478,446,622      $ 1,731,432,039      $ 27,721,757     $ 1,843,523,946  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    20,700,000        30,750,000        700,000       64,250,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 119.73      $ 56.31      $ 39.60     $ 28.69  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None       None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $      $ 7,434,216      $ 79,478     $ 5,157,191  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 2,044,764,840      $ 1,523,022,920      $ 27,458,417     $ 1,643,767,776  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 2,703,000      $ 10,133,664      $ 96,997     $ 8,118,523  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $      $      $ 24,107     $ 1,376,716  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $      $      $     $ 16,187  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      25  


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

         

iShares

International

Developed

Real Estate

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value (including securities on loan)(a):

  
   Unaffiliated(b)    $ 392,184,251  
   Affiliated(c)      3,435,805  

Cash

     5,543  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

     466,512  

Cash pledged:

  
   Futures contracts      37,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

  
   Futures contracts(e)      33,541  

Receivables:

  
   Investments sold      11,517  
   Securities lending income — Affiliated      3,858  
   Variation margin on futures contracts      1,083  
   Dividends      1,151,066  
   Tax reclaims      281,841  
   Foreign withholding tax claims      24,633  
     

 

 

 

Total assets

     397,636,650  
     

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

     3,265,345  

Payables:

  
   Capital shares redeemed      11,517  
   Investment advisory fees      158,147  
   Professional fees      963  
     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,435,972  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 394,200,678  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

  

Paid-in capital

   $ 453,136,933  

Accumulated loss

     (58,936,255
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 394,200,678  
     

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     12,800,000  
     

 

 

 

Net asset value

   $ 30.80  
     

 

 

 

Shares authorized

     Unlimited  
     

 

 

 

Par value

     None  
     

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

   $ 3,107,862  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

   $ 381,103,717  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

   $ 3,435,272  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

   $ 464,148  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

   $ 33,344  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

26    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Operations  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

    iShares
Cohen &
Steers REIT
ETF
    iShares
Core U.S.
REIT ETF
    iShares
Europe
Developed
Real Estate
ETF
   

iShares

Global REIT
ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 28,413,823     $ 18,607,731     $ 588,908     $ 25,657,155  

Dividends — Affiliated

    41,903       24,148       169       25,117  

Interest — Unaffiliated

    2,219       1,330              

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    412       11,356       5,734       53,816  

Foreign taxes withheld

                (55,528     (1,611,071
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    28,458,357       18,644,565       539,283       24,125,017  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    3,942,743       606,933       63,112       1,175,512  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    3,942,743       606,933       63,112       1,175,512  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    24,515,614       18,037,632       476,171       22,949,505  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    8,295,350       (9,597,858     (268,061     (11,394,103

Investments — Affiliated

    (3,325     11       128       (6

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    14,121,060       17,505,287       40,167       24,366,676  

Futures contracts

    442,648       258,999             249,633  

Foreign currency transactions

                (1,581     (27,218
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    22,855,733       8,166,439       (229,347     13,194,982  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    152,758,134       132,354,349       1,795,436       129,917,111  

Investments — Affiliated

          17       (34     127  

Futures contracts

    (7,378     29,132             31,153  

Foreign currency translations

                1,138       17,720  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    152,750,756       132,383,498       1,796,540       129,966,111  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    175,606,489       140,549,937       1,567,193       143,161,093  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 200,122,103     $ 158,587,569     $ 2,043,364     $ 166,110,598  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      27  


Statements of Operations  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended October 31, 2019

 

     iShares
International
Developed
Real Estate
ETF
 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 8,251,663  

Dividends — Affiliated

    3,681  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    44,947  

Other income — Unaffiliated

    1,740  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (732,417
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    7,569,614  
 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

Investment advisory fees

    984,257  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    984,257  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    6,585,357  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments — Unaffiliated

    3,705,970  

Investments — Affiliated

    784  

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    9,450,340  

Futures contracts

    95,707  

Foreign currency transactions

    (12,827
 

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    13,239,974  
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Investments — Unaffiliated

    8,041,095  

Investments — Affiliated

    130  

Futures contracts

    21,244  

Foreign currency translations

    10,785  
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    8,073,254  
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    21,313,228  
 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 27,898,585  
 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

28    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
Cohen & Steers REIT ETF
    iShares
Core U.S. REIT ETF
 
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

04/30/19

   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

04/30/19

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 24,515,614     $ 56,478,333     $ 18,037,632     $ 30,780,368  

Net realized gain

    22,855,733       84,919,433       8,166,439       20,555,396  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    152,750,756       289,840,462       132,383,498       91,804,785  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    200,122,103       431,238,228       158,587,569       143,140,549  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (28,153,632     (68,398,659     (24,116,832     (41,518,023
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    119,352,250       (652,362,254     306,910,027       673,954,057  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    291,320,721       (289,522,685     441,380,764       775,576,583  

Beginning of period

    2,187,125,901       2,476,648,586       1,290,051,275       514,474,692  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 2,478,446,622     $ 2,187,125,901     $ 1,731,432,039     $ 1,290,051,275  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      29  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

     iShares
Europe Developed Real Estate ETF
    iShares
Global REIT ETF
 
    

Six Months Ended

10/31/19
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
04/30/19
   

Six Months Ended
10/31/19

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

04/30/19

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

             

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income

        $ 476,171     $ 1,413,388     $ 22,949,505     $ 50,395,177  

Net realized gain (loss)

          (229,347     (339,453     13,194,982       13,598,576  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

          1,796,540       (3,917,653     129,966,111       97,383,825  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

          2,043,364       (2,843,718     166,110,598       161,377,578  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

          (601,303     (1,666,760     (32,327,548     (69,203,811
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions

          (3,792,736     (9,148,335     72,584,249       631,603,454  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

          (2,350,675     (13,658,813     206,367,299       723,777,221  

Beginning of period

          30,072,432       43,731,245       1,637,156,647       913,379,426  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

        $ 27,721,757     $ 30,072,432     $ 1,843,523,946     $ 1,637,156,647  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
International Developed Real Estate
ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 6,585,357     $ 15,745,893  

Net realized gain

    13,239,974       6,402,496  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    8,073,254       (13,410,732
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    27,898,585       8,737,657  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (12,286,013     (18,942,338
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    (98,743,433     (47,556,471
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total decrease in net assets

    (83,130,861     (57,761,152

Beginning of period

    477,331,539       535,092,691  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 394,200,678     $ 477,331,539  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      31  


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 111.02     $ 93.99     $ 99.68      $ 100.01      $ 95.12      $ 85.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.23       2.55       2.60        2.42        2.23        2.41  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    8.89       17.50       (5.17      1.15        6.33        10.13  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    10.12       20.05       (2.57      3.57        8.56        12.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (1.41     (3.02     (3.12      (3.90      (3.67      (2.95
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.41     (3.02     (3.12      (3.90      (3.67      (2.95
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 119.73     $ 111.02     $ 93.99      $ 99.68      $ 100.01      $ 95.12  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    9.14 %(d)       21.70     (2.68 )%       3.58      9.22      14.80
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.34 %(e)       0.34     0.34      0.34      0.35      0.35
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.10 %(e)       2.51     2.63      2.37      2.33      2.57
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 2,478,447     $ 2,187,126     $ 2,476,649      $ 3,239,748      $ 3,680,246      $ 3,410,150  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    11 %(d)       17     12      8      14      8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e)

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
     Year Ended
04/30/17
     Year Ended
04/30/16
     Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.60     $ 45.73     $ 48.93      $ 47.95      $ 46.04      $ 42.38  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.64       1.79       1.70        1.27        1.02        1.04  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    4.92       6.59       (3.20      1.60        2.77        4.19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    5.56       8.38       (1.50      2.87        3.79        5.23  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (0.85     (2.44     (1.70      (1.89      (1.88      (1.57

From net realized gain

          (0.07                           
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.85     (2.51     (1.70      (1.89      (1.88      (1.57
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.31     $ 51.60     $ 45.73      $ 48.93      $ 47.95      $ 46.04  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    10.84 %(d)       18.82     (3.18 )%       6.02      8.48      12.44
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.08 %(e)       0.08     0.08      0.28      0.48      0.48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.38 %(e)       3.64     3.60      2.57      2.22      2.26
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 1,731,432     $ 1,290,051     $ 514,475      $ 124,765      $ 74,323      $ 85,180  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    4 %(d)       11     8      30      11      10
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      33  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
    Year Ended
04/30/17
    Year Ended
04/30/16
    Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.59     $ 41.65     $ 36.09     $ 38.11     $ 39.39     $ 37.33  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.68       1.49       1.31       0.97       0.93       1.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    2.19       (3.81     5.71       (2.09     (0.91     1.90  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    2.87       (2.32     7.02       (1.12     0.02       3.08  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

           

From net investment income

    (0.86     (1.74     (1.46     (0.90     (1.30     (1.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.86     (1.74     (1.46     (0.90     (1.30     (1.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 39.60     $ 37.59     $ 41.65     $ 36.09     $ 38.11     $ 39.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

    7.81 %(d)      (5.55 )%      19.80     (2.97 )%      0.16     8.39
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses

    0.48 %(e)      0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3.62 %(e)      3.87     3.34     2.75     2.47     3.15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 27,722     $ 30,072     $ 43,731     $ 41,504     $ 78,115     $ 80,746  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    4 %(d)       13     12     10     14     15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c) 

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d)

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares Global REIT ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
           Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
    Year Ended
04/30/17
    Year Ended
04/30/16
   

Period From

07/08/14(a)

to 04/30/15

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.53        $ 24.82     $ 25.42     $ 26.35     $ 25.81     $ 24.90  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.38          0.98       0.97       0.86       0.87       0.69  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    2.31          2.08       (0.56     (0.47     0.64       0.87  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    2.69          3.06       0.41       0.39       1.51       1.56  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

              

From net investment income

    (0.53        (1.35     (0.99     (1.29     (0.97     (0.65

From net realized gain

                   (0.02     (0.03            
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.53        (1.35     (1.01     (1.32     (0.97     (0.65
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.69        $ 26.53     $ 24.82     $ 25.42     $ 26.35     $ 25.81  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    10.25 %(e)          12.77     1.61     1.53     6.17     6.30 %(e) 
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.14 %(f)          0.14     0.14     0.14     0.14     0.14 %(f) 
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.73 %(f)          3.85     3.83     3.31     3.47     3.23 %(f) 
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 1,843,524        $ 1,637,157     $ 913,379     $ 350,819     $ 144,910     $ 23,226  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

    4 %(e)          9     7     5     9     12 %(e)  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(d)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f)

Annualized.

(g)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      35  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF  
    Six Months Ended
10/31/19
(unaudited)
           Year Ended
04/30/19
    Year Ended
04/30/18
    Year Ended
04/30/17
    Year Ended
04/30/16
    Year Ended
04/30/15
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.65        $ 30.40     $ 28.11     $ 30.06     $ 32.17     $ 30.79  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.48          0.93       0.91       0.82       0.75       1.16  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    1.60          (0.55     2.86       (0.76     (1.79     1.27  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    2.08          0.38       3.77       0.06       (1.04     2.43  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (0.93        (1.13     (1.48     (2.01     (1.07     (1.05
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.93        (1.13     (1.48     (2.01     (1.07     (1.05
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 30.80        $ 29.65     $ 30.40     $ 28.11     $ 30.06     $ 32.17  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    7.16 %(d)          1.39     13.69     0.63 %(e)       (3.11 )%      8.06
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.48 %(f)          0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

    N/A          0.48     N/A       0.48     N/A       N/A  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3.21 %(f)          3.20     3.08     2.85 %(e)       2.56     3.71
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 394,201        $ 477,332     $ 535,093     $ 519,971     $ 700,478     $ 1,000,337  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

    6 %(d)          8     8     7     12     11
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b)

The amounts reported for a share outstanding may not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in securities for the fiscal period due to the timing of capital share transactions in relation to the fluctuating market values of the Fund’s underlying securities.

(c)

Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations.

(d)

Not annualized.

(e)

Reflects the one-time, positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated professional fees, which resulted in the following increases:

   

Total return by 0.04%.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.01%.

(f)

Annualized.

(g)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

36    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

iShares Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios.

These financial statements relate only to the following funds (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

iShares ETF   Diversification
Classification

Cohen & Steers REIT

  Non-diversified

Core U.S. REIT

  Diversified

Europe Developed Real Estate

  Non-diversified

Global REIT

  Diversified

International Developed Real Estate

  Diversified

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies are consistently followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: Investment transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Any taxes withheld that are reclaimable from foreign tax authorities are reflected in tax reclaims receivable. Distributions received by the Funds may include a return of capital that is estimated by management. Such amounts are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be re-designated as a return of capital or capital gain. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recognized on the ex-dividend date and recorded as non-cash dividend income at fair value. Interest income is accrued daily.

Foreign CurrencyTranslation: The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, as well as investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in non-U.S. currencies are translated to U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments, income receipts and expense payments are translated into U.S. dollars on the respective dates of such transactions.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments. Such fluctuations are reflected by the Funds as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments for financial reporting purposes. Each Fund reports realized currency gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions as components of net realized gain (loss) for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are generally treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Foreign Taxes: The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments, or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which each Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by each Fund and are reflected in its statement of operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income, foreign taxes on securities lending income are presented as a reduction of securities lending income, foreign taxes on stock dividends are presented as “other foreign taxes”, and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments and foreign taxes on foreign currency transactions are included in their respective net realized gain (loss) categories. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of October 31, 2019, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

In-kind Redemptions: For financial reporting purposes, in-kind redemptions are treated as sales of securities resulting in realized capital gains or losses to the Funds. Because such gains or losses are not taxable to the Funds and are not distributed to existing Fund shareholders, the gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated net realized gain (loss) to paid-in capital at the end of the Funds’ tax year. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.

Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by each Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions are determined on a tax basis and may differ from net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes. Dividends and distributions are paid in U.S. dollars and cannot be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds.

Indemnifications: In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations that provide general indemnification. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown because it involves future potential claims against the Funds, which cannot be predicted with any certainty.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      37  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: Each Fund’s investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) each day that the Fund’s listing exchange is open and, for financial reporting purposes, as of the report date should the reporting period end on a day that the Fund’s listing exchange is not open. U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fund determines the fair value of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of each Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

   

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at that day’s last traded price or official closing price, as applicable, on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day are valued at the last traded price.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds (including money market funds) are valued at that day’s published net asset value (“NAV”).

 

   

Futures contract notional values are determined based on that day’s last reported settlement price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of an investment, or in the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, in accordance with policies approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Global Valuation Committee include market approach, income approach and the cost approach. Valuation techniques used under these approaches take into consideration inputs that include but are not limited to (i) attributes specific to the investment; (ii) the principal market for the investment; (iii) the customary participants in the principal market for the investment; (iv) data assumptions by market participants for the investment, if reasonably available; (v) quoted prices for similar investments in active markets; and (vi) other inputs, such as future cash flows, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and/or default rates.

Fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a fund’s NAV and the prices used by the fund’s underlying index, which in turn could result in a difference between the fund’s performance and the performance of the fund’s underlying index.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial reporting purposes as follows:

 

   

Level 1 — Unadjusted price quotations in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs; and

 

   

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, (including the Global Valuation Committee’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments).

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgement exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The fair value hierarchy for each Fund’s investments is included in its schedule of investments. The categorization of a value determined for financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Securities Lending: Each Fund may lend its securities to approved borrowers, such as brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. The borrower pledges and maintains with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an approved bank, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The initial collateral received by each Fund is required to have a value of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities for securities traded on U.S. exchanges and a value of at least 105% for all other securities. The collateral is maintained thereafter at a value equal to at least 100% of the current value of the securities on loan. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund or excess collateral is returned by the Fund, on the next business day. During the term of the loan, each Fund is entitled to all distributions made on or in respect of the loaned securities but does not receive interest income on securities received as collateral. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within the standard time period for settlement of securities transactions.

As of October 31, 2019, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. government obligations. Cash collateral received was invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock FundAdvisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates and is disclosed in the schedules of investments. Any non-cash collateral received cannot be sold, re-invested or pledged by the Fund, except in the event of borrower default. The securities on loan for each Fund, if any, are also disclosed in its schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan as of October 31, 2019 and the value of the related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

 

 

38    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by a fund under Master Securities Lending Agreements (each, an “MSLA”) which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate a net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. In the event that a borrower defaults, the fund, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the collateral is typically greater than the market value of the securities loaned, leaving the lender with a net amount payable to the defaulting party. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of an MSLA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Under the MSLA, absent an event of default, the borrower can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities, and the fund can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities.

The following table is a summary of the securities lending agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of October 31, 2019:

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty   Market Value of
Securities on Loan
     Cash Collateral
Received (a)
     Non-Cash Collateral
Received
     Net Amount  

Core U.S. REIT

          

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 211,255      $ 211,255      $      $  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    623,766        623,766                

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    17,195        17,195                

HSBC Bank PLC

    6,582,000        6,582,000                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 7,434,216      $ 7,434,216      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe Developed Real Estate

          

Goldman Sachs & Co.

  $ 29,644      $ 29,644      $      $  

HSBC Bank PLC

    49,834        49,834                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 79,478      $ 79,478      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Global REIT

          

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 307,776      $ 307,776      $      $  

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    483,072        483,072                

BofA Securities, Inc.

    4,580        4,580                

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    17,635        17,635                

Credit Suisse AG Dublin Branch

    91,200        88,859               (2,341 )(b) 

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    103,339        103,339                

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    1,071,138        1,044,763               (26,375 )(b) 

Jefferies LLC

    436,108        436,108                

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    2,642,343        2,642,343                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 5,157,191      $ 5,128,475      $      $ (28,716
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

International Developed Real Estate

          

Goldman Sachs & Co.

  $ 1,638,034      $ 1,638,034      $      $  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    1,469,828        1,469,828                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 3,107,862      $ 3,107,862      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received in excess of the market value of securities on loan is not presented in this table. The total cash collateral received by each Fund is disclosed in the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities.

 
  (b) 

Additional collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day in accordance with the MSLA. The net amount would be subject to the borrower default indemnity in the event of default by a counterparty.

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, each Fund benefits from a borrower default indemnity provided by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). BlackRock’s indemnity allows for full replacement of the securities loaned to the extent the collateral received does not cover the value of the securities loaned in the event of borrower default. Each Fund could incur a loss if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the market value of the loaned securities or if the value of an investment purchased with cash collateral falls below the value of the original cash collateral received. Such losses are borne entirely by each Fund.

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Futures Contracts: Each Fund’s use of futures contracts is generally limited to cash equitization. This involves the use of available cash to invest in index futures contracts in order to gain exposure to the equity markets represented in or by the Fund’s underlying index and is intended to allow the Fund to better track its underlying index. Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a set price on a future date. Depending on the terms of a contract, a futures contract is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      39  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to pledge to the executing broker which holds segregated from its own assets, an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-quality debt and equity securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Securities deposited as initial margin, if any, are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, is shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Pursuant to the contract, a fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable or payable on futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the statement of operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. Losses may arise if the notional value of a futures contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument during the term of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts.

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory Fees: Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, BFA manages the investment of each Fund’s assets. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, BFA is responsible for substantially all expenses of the Funds, except (i) interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions; (iii) distribution fees; (iv) the advisory fee payable to BFA; and (v) litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses (in each case as determined by a majority of the independent trustees).

For its investment advisory services to the iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the Fund’s allocable portion of the aggregate of the average daily net assets of the Fund and certain other iShares funds, as follows:

 

Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets   Investment Advisory Fee  

First $121 billion

    0.3500

Over $121 billion, up to and including $181 billion

    0.3325  

Over $181 billion, up to and including $231 billion

    0.3159  

Over $231 billion, up to and including $281 billion

    0.3001  

Over $281 billion

    0.2851  

Each reduced investment advisory fee level reflects a 5% reduction (rounded to the fourth decimal place) from the investment advisory fee at the prior aggregate average daily net asset level.

For its investment advisory services to each of the following Funds, BFAis entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Funds, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Investment Advisory Fee  

Core U.S. REIT

    0.08

Europe Developed Real Estate

    0.48  

Global REIT

    0.14  

International Developed Real Estate

    0.48  

Distributor: BlackRock Investments, LLC, an affiliate of BFA, is the distributor for each Fund. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, BFA is responsible for any fees or expenses for distribution services provided to the Funds.

Securities Lending: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has issued an exemptive order which permits BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), an affiliate of BFA, to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds, subject to applicable conditions. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. Each 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, or its affiliates, however, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees each Fund bears to an annual rate of 0.04% (the “collateral investment fees”). Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (excluding collateral investment fees), net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities. Each Fund retains a portion of securities lending income and remits the remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each of iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF and iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (the “Group 1 Funds”), retains 73.5% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees. Prior to January 1, 2019, the Fund retained 71.5% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained was not less than 65% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each of iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF, iShares Global REIT ETF and iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (the “Group 2 Funds”), retains 82% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees. Prior to January 1, 2019, the Fund retained 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained was not less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

 

 

40    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across all 1940 Act iShares exchange-traded funds (the “iShares ETF Complex”) in a given calendar year exceeds a specified threshold: (1) each Group 1 Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees, and (2) Each Group 2 Fund will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 85% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

The share of securities lending income earned by each Fund is shown as securities lending income — affiliated — net in its statement of operations. For the six months ended October 31, 2019, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

iShares ETF   Fees Paid
to BTC
 

Cohen & Steers REIT

  $ 176  

Core U.S. REIT

    4,570  

Europe Developed Real Estate

    1,312  

Global REIT

    12,598  

International Developed Real Estate

    10,661  

Officers and Trustees: Certain officers and/or trustees of the Trust are officers and/or trustees of BlackRock or its affiliates.

Other Transactions: Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds to which BFA (or an affiliate) serves as investment adviser. At its regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, the Board reviews such transactions as of the most recent calendar quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth by Rule 17a-7.

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, transactions executed by the Funds pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales      Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 

Cohen & Steers REIT

  $   2,772,317      $ 527,181      $ (21,337

Core U.S. REIT

    4,552,022          9,635,513        (439,418

Europe Developed Real Estate

    137,654        17,248        714  

International Developed Real Estate

    1,712,255        94,052        (12,282

Each Fund may invest its positive cash balances in certain money market funds managed by BFA or an affiliate. The income earned on these temporary cash investments is shown as dividends — affiliated in the statement of operations.

A fund, in order to improve its portfolio liquidity and its ability to track its underlying index, may invest in shares of other iShares funds that invest in securities in the fund’s underlying index.

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investments, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

Cohen & Steers REIT

  $   271,091,333      $   262,736,690  

Core U.S. REIT

    65,717,644        58,858,349  

Europe Developed Real Estate

    1,183,340        1,218,048  

Global REIT

    86,437,746        71,515,965  

International Developed Real Estate

    23,505,087        30,444,754  

For the six months ended October 31, 2019, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind

Sales

 

Cohen & Steers REIT

  $   176,996,212      $ 58,328,211  

Core U.S. REIT

    385,687,991        81,505,901  

Europe Developed Real Estate

           3,732,865  

Global REIT

    194,164,838          140,621,526  

International Developed Real Estate

           96,207,285  

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      41  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions applicable to regulated investment companies, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to annually distribute substantially all of its ordinary income and any net capital gains (taking into account any capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income and excise taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of October 31, 2019, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Funds’ financial statements.

As of April 30, 2019, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Non-Expiring  

Cohen & Steers REIT

  $   95,088,433  

Europe Developed Real Estate

    2,407,829  

International Developed Real Estate

    61,047,210  

A fund may own shares in certain foreign investment entities, referred to, under U.S. tax law, as “passive foreign investment companies.” Such fund may elect to mark-to-market annually the shares of each passive foreign investment company and would be required to distribute to shareholders any such marked-to-market gains.

As of October 31, 2019, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost of investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Tax Cost      Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
     Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Cohen & Steers REIT

  $   2,089,718,467      $ 489,324,140      $ (100,569,830   $ 388,754,310  

Core U.S. REIT

    1,541,964,061        238,223,130        (42,323,083     195,900,047  

Europe Developed Real Estate

    28,138,582        5,149,648        (5,587,802     (438,154

Global REIT

    1,682,620,160        258,091,566        (95,182,231     162,909,335  

International Developed Real Estate

    403,672,456        56,670,320        (64,675,884     (8,005,564

 

9.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, each Fund invests in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject the Fund to various risks, including, among others, fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of an issuer to meet all of its obligations. The value of securities or other instruments may also be affected by various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the general economy; (ii) the overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; or (iv) currency, interest rate or price fluctuations. Each Fund’s prospectus provides details of the risks to which the Fund is subject.

BFA uses a “passive” or index approach to try to achieve each Fund’s investment objective following the securities included in its underlying index during upturns as well as downturns. BFA does not take steps to reduce market exposure or to lessen the effects of a declining market. Divergence from the underlying index and the composition of the portfolio is monitored by BFA.

Market Risk: Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss a fund may suffer through holding market positions in the face of market movements. A fund is exposed to market risk by its investment in equity, fixed income and/or financial derivative instruments or by its investment in underlying funds. The fair value of securities held by a fund may decline due to general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuers of the securities including local, regional or global political, social or economic instability or to factors that affect a particular industry or group of industries. The extent of a fund’s exposure to market risk is the market value of the investments held as shown in the fund’s schedule of investments.

Investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers involves certain considerations and risks not typically associated with securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include, but are not limited to: differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; higher inflation rates, greater social, economic and political uncertainties; possible nationalization or expropriation of assets; less availability of public information about issuers; imposition of withholding or other taxes; higher transaction and custody costs and delays in settlement procedures; and lower level of regulation of the securities markets and issuers. Non-U.S. securities may be less liquid, more difficult to value, and have greater price volatility due to exchange rate fluctuations. These and other risks are heightened for investments in issuers from countries with less developed capital markets.

Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of debt instruments or the counterparty to a financial transaction, including derivatives contracts, repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities, is unable or unwilling to make timely interest and/or principal payments or to otherwise honor its obligations. BFA and its affiliates manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose a fund to issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of a fund’s exposure to credit and counterparty risks with respect to those financial assets is approximated by their value recorded in its statement of assets and liabilities.

 

 

42    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Concentration Risk: A diversified portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with a fund’s objectives, minimizes the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of a fund. The investment concentrations within each Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its schedule of investments.

When a fund concentrates its investments in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries, it assumes the risk that economic, regulatory, political and social conditions in that country or those countries may have a significant impact on the fund and could affect the income from, or the value or liquidity of, the fund’s portfolio.

When a fund concentrates its investments in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors, it assumes the risk that economic, regulatory, political and social conditions affecting such sectors may have a significant impact on the fund and could affect the income from, or the value or liquidity of, the fund’s portfolio.

 

10.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Capital shares are issued and redeemed by each Fund only in aggregations of a specified number of shares or multiples thereof (“Creation Units”) at NAV. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of each Fund are not redeemable.

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
10/31/19
    Year Ended
04/30/19
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Cohen & Steers REIT

       

Shares sold

    1,500,000     $ 177,853,632       3,650,000     $ 370,046,395  

Shares redeemed

    (500,000     (58,501,382     (10,300,000     (1,022,408,649
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,000,000     $ 119,352,250       (6,650,000   $ (652,362,254
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Core U.S. REIT

       

Shares sold

    7,250,000     $ 388,890,378       19,300,000     $ 940,825,576  

Shares redeemed

    (1,500,000     (81,980,351     (5,550,000     (266,871,519
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    5,750,000     $ 306,910,027       13,750,000     $ 673,954,057  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Europe Developed Real Estate

       

Shares redeemed

    (100,000   $ (3,792,736     (250,000   $ (9,148,335
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global REIT

       

Shares sold

    8,050,000     $ 220,255,259       29,850,000     $ 760,144,475  

Shares redeemed

    (5,500,000     (147,671,010     (4,950,000     (128,541,021
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    2,550,000     $ 72,584,249       24,900,000     $ 631,603,454  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

International Developed Real Estate

       

Shares sold

        $       1,600,000     $ 43,562,061  

Shares redeemed

    (3,300,000     (98,743,433     (3,100,000     (91,118,532
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (3,300,000   $ (98,743,433     (1,500,000   $ (47,556,471
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The consideration for the purchase of Creation Units of a fund in the Trust generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities and a specified amount of cash. Certain funds in the Trust may be offered in Creation Units solely or partially for cash in U.S. dollars. Investors purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay a purchase transaction fee and a redemption transaction fee directly to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s administrator, to offset transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units, including Creation Units for cash. Investors transacting in Creation Units for cash may also pay an additional variable charge to compensate the relevant fund for certain transaction costs (i.e., stamp taxes, taxes on currency or other financial transactions, and brokerage costs) and market impact expenses relating to investing in portfolio securities. Such variable charges, if any, are included in shares sold in the table above.

From time to time, settlement of securities related to in-kind contributions or in-kind redemptions may be delayed. In such cases, securities related to in-kind transactions are reflected as a receivable or a payable in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

11.

FOREIGN WITHHOLDING TAX CLAIMS

The iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF has filed claims to recover taxes withheld by Finland on dividend income on the basis that Finland had purportedly violated certain provisions in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Fund has recorded receivables for all recoverable taxes withheld by Finland based upon recent favorable determinations issued by the Finnish authorities. Professional and other fees associated with the filing of these claims for foreign withholding taxes have been approved by the Board as appropriate expenses of the Fund. Withholding tax claims may be for the current year and potentially for a limited number of prior calendar years, depending upon statutes of limitation on taxes. The Fund continues to evaluate developments in Finland for potential impact to the receivables and payables recorded. Finnish tax claim receivables and related liabilities are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      43  


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued guidance to address U.S. income tax liabilities attributable to fund shareholders resulting from the recovery of foreign taxes withheld in prior calendar years. These withheld foreign taxes were passed through to shareholders in the form of foreign tax credits in the year the taxes were withheld. Assuming there are sufficient foreign taxes paid which each of the Funds are able to pass through to shareholders as a foreign tax credit in the current year, each of the Funds will be able to offset the prior years’ withholding taxes recovered against the foreign taxes paid in the current year. Accordingly, no federal income tax liability is recorded by the Funds.

 

12.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On June 16, 2016, investors 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 U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF and iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF) filed a class action lawsuit against iShares Trust, BlackRock, Inc. and certain of its advisory affiliates, and certain directors/trustees and officers of the Funds (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 the Plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice. Plaintiffs have appealed the court’s decision. The appeal was fully briefed on January 18, 2019, and a hearing on Plaintiffs’ appeal took place on November 19, 2019.

 

13.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring adjustment or additional disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

44    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

I. iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the Fund’s Peer Group. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Fund and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Fund, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      45  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

and its affiliates from the Fund’s operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Fund. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Fund’s profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Fund already provided for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund, on an aggregated basis with the assets of certain other iShares funds, increase. The Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding new or revised breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded ETF, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFAaffiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

II. iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF, iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF, iShares Global REIT ETF (the “Funds”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Funds. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its

 

 

46    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Funds, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Funds’ service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Funds, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of each Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to each Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Funds: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which each Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of each Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising each Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the applicable Peer Groups. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the various Peer Groups, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Funds were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in their respective Peer Group, excluding iShares funds. In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as any particular Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of such Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that each Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on each Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that each Fund generally performed in line with its respective underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of each Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Funds. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Funds. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Funds, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Funds’ operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Funds. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Funds’ profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      47  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Funds and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Funds increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Funds did not provide for breakpoints in the Funds’ investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Funds increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objectives and strategies as the Funds and that track the same indexes. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Funds, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Funds, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Funds, as a publicly traded ETFs, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Funds’ advisory fee structure, and the Funds’ expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract for the Funds was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Funds’ securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Funds in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Funds. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFAaffiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Funds and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Funds’ investment advisory fee rates under the Advisory Contract do not constitute fees that are so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

III. iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”), is required annually to consider and approve the Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Trustees) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Contract. At meetings on May 6, 2019 and May 17, 2019, a committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees

 

 

48    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

(the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or their independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 17-19, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Trustees. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Trustees were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the Advisory Contract for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) economies of scale; (v) the fees and services provided for other comparable funds/accounts managed by BFA and its affiliates; and (vi) other benefits to BFA and/or its affiliates. The material factors, no one of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to approve the Advisory Contract are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of another fund in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs (including, where applicable, funds sponsored by an “at cost” service provider), objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable peer group pursuant to Broadridge’s proprietary ETF methodology (the “Peer Group”). The Board was provided with a detailed description of the proprietary ETF methodology used by Broadridge to determine the Fund’s Peer Group. The Board further noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-, three-, five-, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, to that of relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

Based on this review, the other factors considered at the meeting, and their general knowledge of ETF pricing, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fee rate and expense level and the historical performance of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by BFA: Based on management’s representations, including information about recent and proposed enhancements to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract for the coming year as compared to the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided at the June 17-19, 2019 meeting and throughout the year.

Based on review of this information, and the performance information discussed above, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Costs of Services Provided to the Fund and Profits Realized by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board reviewed information about the estimated profitability to BlackRock in managing the Fund, based on the fees payable to BFA and its affiliates (including fees under the Advisory Contract), and other sources of revenue and expense to BFA and its affiliates from the Fund’s operations for the last calendar year. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology for calculating estimated profitability of the iShares funds, noting that the 15(c) Committee and the Board had focused on the methodology and profitability presentation during their meetings. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers by the Adviser, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is challenging. The Board discussed the sources of direct and ancillary revenue with management, including the revenues to BTC, a BlackRock affiliate, from securities lending by the Fund. The Board also discussed BFA’s estimated profit margin as reflected in the Fund’s profitability analysis and reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale (as discussed below).

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Contract and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, were within a reasonable range in light of the factors and other information considered.

 

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT      49  


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability, including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services, noting that such costs have increased over the past year. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Contract for the Fund did not provide for breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund increase. However, the Board would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

The Board concluded that this review of potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates do manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index. The Board further noted that BFA provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded ETF, as compared to the Other Accounts, particularly those that are institutional clients, in light of differing regulatory requirements and client-imposed mandates. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate. The Board also considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement. The Board noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, such as payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services and BlackRock’s increased profile in the investment community. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board further noted that any portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund placed through a BFA affiliate or purchased from an underwriting syndicate in which a BFAaffiliate participates (including associated commissions) are reported to the Board pursuant to Rule 17e-1 or Rule 10f-3, as applicable, under the 1940 Act. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Contract does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Contract for the coming year.

 

 

50    2019 ISHARES SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


General Information  

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for email notifications announcing that the shareholder report or prospectus has been posted on the iShares website at iShares.com. Once you have enrolled, you will no longer receive prospectuses and shareholder reports in the mail.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

 

   

Go to icsdelivery.com.

 

   

If your brokerage firm is not listed, electronic delivery may not be available. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial advisor.

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.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The iShares Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The iShares Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. The iShares Funds also disclose their complete schedule of portfolio holdings on a daily basis on the iShares website at iShares.com.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Proxy Voting Records

A description of the policies and procedures that the iShares Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information about how the iShares Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30 is available without charge, upon request (1) by calling toll-free 1-800-474-2737; (2) on the iShares website at iShares.com; and (3) on the SEC website at sec.gov.

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION      51  


 

Want to know more?

iShares.com    |    1-800-474-2737

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. or FTSE International Limited, nor do these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the companies listed above.

©2019 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

iS-SAR-405-1019

 

 

LOGO    LOGO


Item 2.     Code of Ethics.

Not applicable to this semi-annual report.

Item 3.     Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable to this semi-annual report.

Item 4.     Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable to this semi-annual report.

Item 5.     Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to this semi-annual report.


Item 6.     Investments.

 

  (a)

Schedules of investments are included as part of the reports to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

  (b)

Not applicable.

Item 7.     Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to the registrant.

Item 8.     Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to the registrant.

Item 9.     Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable to the registrant.

Item 10.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees.

Item 11.     Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The President (the registrant’s Principal Executive Officer) and Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (the registrant’s Principal Financial Officer) have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act of 1934.

 

  (b)

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12.     Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to the registrant.

Item 13.     Exhibits.

(a) (1) Not applicable to this semi-annual report.

(a) (2) Section 302 Certifications are attached.

(a) (3) Not applicable.

(a) (4) Not applicable.

(b) Section 906 Certifications are attached.

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

iShares Trust

  By: /s/ Armando Senra                                                             

  Armando Senra, President (Principal Executive Officer)

  Date:         December 31, 2019

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

  By: /s/ Armando Senra                                                             

  Armando Senra, President (Principal Executive Officer)

  Date:         December 31, 2019

  By: /s/ Neal Andrews                                                                                             

  Neal Andrews, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

  Date:         December 31, 2019

N-CSR Exhibit for Item 13(a)(2): SECTION  302 CERTIFICATIONS                                                         EX-99.CERT

I, Armando Senra, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of iShares Trust for the following thirty-three series: iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF, iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF, iShares Core High Dividend ETF, iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF, iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF, iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF, iShares Global REIT ETF, iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF, iShares International Select Dividend 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 Small-Cap ETF, iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF, iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF, iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF, iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF, iShares Select Dividend ETF, iShares Transportation Average ETF, iShares U.S. Basic Materials 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. Industrials ETF, iShares U.S. Technology ETF and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and


  (b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:     December 31, 2019           /s/ Armando Senra  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Armando Senra

[Signature]

  [Title]


N-CSR Exhibit for Item 13(a)(2): SECTION  302 CERTIFICATIONS                                                      EX-99.CERT

I, Neal Andrews, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of iShares Trust for the following thirty-three series: iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF, iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF, iShares Core High Dividend ETF, iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF, iShares Dow Jones U.S. ETF, iShares Europe Developed Real Estate ETF, iShares Global REIT ETF, iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF, iShares International Select Dividend 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 Small-Cap ETF, iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF, iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF, iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF, iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF, iShares Select Dividend ETF, iShares Transportation Average ETF, iShares U.S. Basic Materials 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. Industrials ETF, iShares U.S. Technology ETF and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors(or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and


  (b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:     December 31, 2019           /s/ Neal Andrews  

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer  

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

Neal Andrews

[Signature]

  [Title]

Ex.99.906 CERT

N-CSR Exhibit for Item 13(b): CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Armando Senra, President (Principal Executive Officer), and Neal Andrews, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), of iShares Trust (the “Registrant”), each certify, to his knowledge, that:

1. The Registrant’s periodic report on Form N-CSR for the period ended October 31, 2019 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

  Date:     December 31, 2019           /s/ Armando Senra  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Armando Senra

[Signature]

  [Title]
  Date:     December 31, 2019           /s/ Neal Andrews  

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer  

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

Neal Andrews

[Signature]

  [Title]