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: August 31, 2021

Date of reporting period: February 28, 2021

 

 

 


Item 1 – Reports to Stockholders.

(a) The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF|AGT | Cboe BZX

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF | EWZS | NASDAQ

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI China ETF | MCHI | NASDAQ

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF | ECNS | NYSE Arca

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF | EIDO | NYSE Arca

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Peru ETF | EPU | NYSE Arca

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Philippines ETF | EPHE | NYSE Arca

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Poland ETF | EPOL | NYSE Arca

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Qatar ETF | QAT | NASDAQ

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF | KSA | NYSE Arca

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI UAE ETF | UAE | NASDAQ

 

 

    


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large- and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021
     
     6-Month     12-Month
   

U.S. large cap equities
(S&P 500® Index)

  9.74%   31.29%
   

U.S. small cap equities
(Russell 2000® Index)

  41.69      51.00
   

International equities
(MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  14.33      22.46
   

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  22.32      36.05
   

3-month Treasury bills
(ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

  0.06     0.40
   

U.S. Treasury securities
(ICE BofA 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index)

  (6.34)     (1.96)
   

U.S. investment grade bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (1.55)     1.38
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds

(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

  0.92     1.22
   

U.S. high yield bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

  6.08     9.31

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

 

2  

T H I S   P A G E   I S   N O T   P A R T   O F   Y O U R   F U N D   R E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

     Page  

 

 

The Markets in Review

     2  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     15  

Shareholder Expenses

     15  

Schedules of Investments

     16  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     53  

Statements of Operations

     56  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     59  

Financial Highlights

     65  

Notes to Financial Statements

     76  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     86  

Supplemental Information

     87  

General Information

     88  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     89  

 

 

      


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based equity index with exposure to Argentina, as represented by the MSCI All Argentina 25/50 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    

Since

Inception

           1 Year     Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    14.72     28.63     0.98       28.63     3.82

Fund Market

    14.27       26.39       0.86         26.39       3.36  

Index

    14.90       28.76       0.90               28.76       3.49  

The inception date of the Fund was 4/25/17. The first day of secondary market trading was 4/27/17.

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      


Expenses

Paid During
the Period

 

 
 (a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $      1,147.20          $        1.28               $      1,000.00          $      1,023.60          $        1.20          0.24

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Consumer Discretionary

    27.3

Information Technology

    19.9  

Consumer Staples

    18.7  

Materials

    10.2  

Financials

    8.7  

Energy

    5.5  

Utilities

    4.7  

Communication Services

    2.6  

Real Estate

    1.7  

Industrials

    0.7  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Argentina

    56.4

United States

    20.8  

Chile

    14.3  

Canada

    8.5  
 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization Brazilian equities, as represented by the MSCI Brazil Small Cap 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

    10.73      (15.46 )%       21.19     (3.21 )%         (15.46 )%       161.44      (27.84 )% 

Fund Market

    10.16        (15.66      21.34       (3.50        (15.66      163.00        (29.94

Index

    11.16        (14.95      21.90       (2.72              (14.95      169.22        (24.11

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $      1,107.30          $        2.98               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.00          $        2.86          0.57

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Consumer Discretionary

    20.5

Utilities

    17.0  

Industrials

    15.8  

Consumer Staples

    10.8  

Materials

    7.6  

Real Estate

    7.4  

Information Technology

    7.0  

Health Care

    5.5  

Financials

    4.5  

Energy

    3.5  

Communication Services

    0.4  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao

    4.2

Locaweb Servicos de Internet SA

    3.9  

Eneva SA

    3.6  

Azul SA

    3.5  

Petro Rio SA

    3.2  

Embraer SA

    2.7  

YDUQS Participacoes SA

    2.6  

Metalurgica Gerdau SA (Preferred)

    2.6  

Cia. de Locacao das Americas

    2.5  

Cyrela Brazil Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes

    2.3  
 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


 

Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI China ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI China ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Chinese equities that are available to international investors, as represented by the MSCI China 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

    14.76      42.38      19.60     7.71       42.38      144.75      109.05

Fund Market

    16.03        41.99        19.61       7.79         41.99        144.80        110.61  

Index

    14.93        43.14        20.28       8.29               43.14        151.79        120.34  

The inception date of the Fund was 3/29/11. The first day of secondary market trading was 3/31/11.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the one-year period. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,147.60          $        3.04               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.00          $        2.86          0.57

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Consumer Discretionary

  35.1%

Communication Services

  21.4   

Financials

  13.4   

Health Care

  6.4   

Information Technology

  6.0   

Industrials

  4.4   

Consumer Staples

  4.3   

Real Estate

  3.7   

Materials

  2.4   

Utilities

  1.8   

Energy

  1.1   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

  15.1%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

  13.8   

Meituan, Class B

  4.9   

JD.com Inc.

  2.5   

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

  2.4   

Baidu Inc.

  2.4   

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class H

  2.3   

Pinduoduo Inc.

  2.1   

NIO Inc.

  1.8   

Xiaomi Corp., Class B

  1.4   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization Chinese equities that are available to international investors, as represented by the MSCI China Small Cap 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(a)

    33.90      55.87      13.40     4.87              55.87      87.62      60.97

Fund Market

    33.54        54.51        13.17       4.76         54.51        85.65        59.15  

Index

    34.08        56.87        12.46       4.19               56.87        79.84        50.72  

 

  (a) 

For financial reporting purposes, the market value of a certain investment was adjusted as of the report date. Accordingly, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share presented herein is different than the information previously published as of February 26, 2021.

 

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the six-months and one-year periods. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example    

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,327.50          $        3.29               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.00          $        2.86          0.57

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Consumer Discretionary

  20.8%

Real Estate

  16.8   

Information Technology

  14.4   

Health Care

  10.8   

Industrials

  10.5   

Materials

  8.2   

Communication Services

  5.4   

Financials

  5.0   

Consumer Staples

  3.5   

Utilities

  3.3   

Energy

  1.3   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd.

  6.9%

HengTen Networks Group Ltd.

  3.5   

Chinasoft International Ltd.

  2.0   

JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd.

  1.6   

Lifetech Scientific Corp.

  1.5   

COFCO Joycome Foods Ltd.

  1.4   

MMG Ltd.

  1.3   

360 DigiTech Inc.

  1.3   

Tianneng Power International Ltd.

  1.1   

Tianli Education International Holdings Ltd.

  1.1   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Indonesia ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Indonesian equities, as represented by the MSCI Indonesia IMI 25/50 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

    18.76      9.99      2.19     (0.18 )%        9.99      11.46      (1.75 )% 

Fund Market

    17.39        7.29        1.78       (0.34       7.29        9.24        (3.38

Index

    19.76        10.45        2.80       0.34               10.45        14.78        3.45  

Index performance through May 28, 2019 reflects the performance of MSCI Indonesia Investable Market Index. Index performance beginning on May 29, 2019 reflects the performance of the MSCI Indonesia IMI 25/50 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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,187.60          $        3.09               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.00          $        2.86          0.57

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information    

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Financials

  41.0%

Communication Services

  14.4   

Materials

  11.6   

Consumer Staples

  11.5   

Consumer Discretionary

  7.3   

Energy

  4.4   

Real Estate

  3.9   

Industrials

  2.3   

Health Care

  2.0   

Utilities

  1.1   

Information Technology

  0.5   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

 

Security

 

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

  17.5%

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

  13.5   

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

  8.4   

Astra International Tbk PT

  5.0   

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

  4.4   

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

  3.2   

Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT

  2.8   

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

  2.7   

Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Corp. Tbk PT

  2.2   

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

  2.0   
 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Peru ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Peru ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Peruvian equities, as represented by the MSCI All Peru Capped 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

    18.02      21.18      13.66     (0.37 )%        21.18      89.68      (3.63 )% 

Fund Market

    18.36        22.00        13.56       (0.32       22.00        88.88        (3.20

Index

    18.40        21.80        14.36       0.18               21.80        95.56        1.86  

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,180.20          $        3.08               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.00          $        2.86          0.57

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information    

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Materials

  50.3%

Financials

  26.7   

Consumer Staples

  7.5   

Industrials

  5.3   

Consumer Discretionary

  3.3   

Utilities

  3.1   

Real Estate

  2.5   

Energy

  1.3   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Credicorp Ltd.

  22.4%

Southern Copper Corp.

  21.0   

Cia. de Minas Buenaventura SAA

  4.8   

Hochschild Mining PLC

  4.4   

Alicorp SAA

  4.1   

Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde SAA

  3.4   

Ferreycorp SAA

  3.2   

Luz del Sur SAA

  3.1   

Volcan Cia. Minera SAA, Class B

  3.0   

InRetail Peru Corp.

  2.7   
 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  9


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Philippines ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Philippine equities, as represented by the MSCI Philippines IMI 25/50 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

    15.20      4.09      (0.47 )%      4.42        4.09      (2.33 )%       54.05

Fund Market

    13.96        3.67        (0.92     3.98          3.67        (4.52      47.68  

Index(a)

    15.60        5.00        0.22       5.11          5.00        1.12        64.68  

MSCI Philippines Investable Market Index (IMI)

    16.12        5.47        0.31       5.16          5.47        1.57        65.42  

MSCI Philippines IMI 25/50 Index(b)

    16.97        6.17        N/A       N/A            6.17        N/A        N/A  

 

  (a) 

Index performance through November 30, 2020 reflects the performance of the MSCI Philippines Investable Market Index (IMI). Index performance beginning on December 1, 2020 reflects the performance of the MSCI Philippines IMI 25/50 Index, which, effective as of December 1, 2020, replaced the MSCI Philippines Investable Market Index (IMI) as the underlying index of the fund.

 
  (b) 

The inception date of the MSCI Philippines IMI 25/50 Index was July 20, 2016.

 

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,152.00          $        3.04               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.00          $        2.86          0.57

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Industrials

  31.4%

Real Estate

  25.7   

Financials

  16.5   

Consumer Discretionary

  6.5   

Communication Services

  6.4   

Utilities

  5.9   

Consumer Staples

  5.2   

Energy

  1.5   

Materials

  0.9   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)
 

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    11.3

Ayala Land Inc.

    9.7  

SM Investments Corp.

    7.3  

Ayala Corp.

    6.2  

JG Summit Holdings Inc.

    5.6  

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    4.8  

BDO Unibank Inc.

    4.5  

International Container Terminal Services Inc.

    4.3  

PLDT Inc.

    3.7  

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

    3.5  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Poland ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Poland ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Polish equities, as represented by the MSCI Poland IMI 25/50 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

    3.99      13.80      3.54     (3.21 )%         13.80      19.02      (27.86 )% 

Fund Market

    3.46        10.81        3.37       (3.32        10.81        18.01        (28.66

Index

    4.37        14.47        3.69       (2.94          14.47        19.84        (25.80

Index performance through February 11, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI Poland Investable Market Index. Index performance beginning on February 12, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI Poland IMI 25/50 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 15 for more information.

Expense Example    

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,039.90          $        2.88               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.00          $        2.86          0.57

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information    

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Financials

  31.9%

Consumer Discretionary

  14.1   

Communication Services

  13.6   

Materials

  13.0   

Energy

  11.1   

Consumer Staples

  5.3   

Utilities

  5.2   

Industrials

  2.2   

Information Technology

  2.0   

Health Care

  1.6   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

  10.3%

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA

  10.3   

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA

  6.6   

CD Projekt SA

  6.3   

Allegro.eu SA

  6.2   

Dino Polska SA

  4.6   

Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA

  4.5   

Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA

  4.5   

LPP SA

  4.5   

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA

  4.4   
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  11


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Qatar ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Qatar ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Qatar equities, as represented by the MSCI All Qatar Capped 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

    2.21      13.50      3.19     (1.02 )%         13.50      17.01      (6.75 )% 

Fund Market

    2.80        17.46        3.02       (1.04        17.46        16.03        (6.87

Index

    3.03        15.02        4.09       (0.27          15.02        22.18        (1.84

The inception date of the Fund was 4/29/14. The first day of secondary market trading was 5/1/14.

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example    

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,022.10          $        2.91               $      1,000.00          $      1,021.90          $        2.91          0.58

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information    

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Financials

  49.7%

Industrials

  14.4   

Energy

  9.0   

Real Estate

  7.6   

Materials

  6.3   

Communication Services

  5.0   

Utilities

  4.3   

Consumer Staples

  2.5   

Health Care

  1.2   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Qatar National Bank QPSC

  23.4%

Industries Qatar QSC

  8.4   

Qatar Islamic Bank SAQ

  7.2   

Masraf Al Rayan QSC

  6.2   

Qatar Electricity & Water Co. QSC

  4.4   

Qatar Gas Transport Co. Ltd.

  3.9   

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

  3.9   

Qatar Fuel QSC

  3.8   

Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Co.

  3.6   

Ooredoo QPSC

  3.3   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Saudi Arabian equities, as represented by the MSCI Saudi Arabia IMI 25/50 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

    14.91      20.94      11.96     7.60        20.94      75.93      49.08

Fund Market

    11.67        20.44        10.86       7.13          20.44        67.48        45.63  

Index

    15.39        21.46        12.76       8.37            21.46        82.31        55.04  

The inception date of the Fund was 9/16/15. The first day of secondary market trading was 9/17/15.

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,149.10          $        3.94               $      1,000.00          $      1,021.10          $        3.71          0.74

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Financials

  38.9%

Materials

  23.8   

Communication Services

  10.0   

Energy

  8.4   

Consumer Staples

  5.1   

Consumer Discretionary

  4.0   

Health Care

  3.5   

Utilities

  2.6   

Real Estate

  2.0   

Industrials

  1.7   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Al Rajhi Bank

  11.8%

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

  10.1   

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.

  7.6   

Saudi Telecom Co.

  7.2   

National Commercial Bank

  7.0   

Samba Financial Group

  4.2   

Riyad Bank

  3.3   

Saudi Arabian Mining Co.

  2.9   

Saudi British Bank (The)

  2.5   

Saudi Electricity Co.

  2.3   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  13


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021   iShares® MSCI UAE ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI UAE ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of UAE equities, as represented by the MSCI All UAE Capped 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

    16.85      8.82      (0.29 )%      (5.73 )%            8.82      (1.45 )%       (33.18 )% 

Fund Market

    19.24        10.90        (0.11     (5.64        10.90        (0.52      (32.78

Index

    20.15        12.14        0.58       (5.02          12.14        2.93        (29.70

The inception date of the Fund was 4/29/14. The first day of secondary market trading was 5/1/14.

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
               
  $      1,000.00          $      1,168.50          $        3.12               $      1,000.00          $      1,021.90          $        2.91          0.58

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 15 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information    

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR    

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Financials

  52.2%

Communication Services

  15.0   

Real Estate

  14.5   

Industrials

  10.2   

Energy

  4.7   

Consumer Staples

  3.0   

Other (each representing less than 1%)

  0.4   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS    

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

  17.9%

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

  15.0   

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

  11.9   

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

  4.7   

Aldar Properties PJSC

  4.6   

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC

  4.4   

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

  4.3   

Emaar Properties PJSC

  4.1   

Dubai Investments PJSC

  3.2   

Air Arabia PJSC

  3.1   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

 

A B O U T   F U N D   P E R F O R M A N C E / S H A R E H O L D E R   E X P E N S E S

  15


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Argentina — 56.2%            

Adecoagro SA(a)

    40,184     $     331,518  

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc., Class A

    48,077       253,366  

Banco BBVA Argentina SA, ADR(a)(b)

    27,002       73,175  

Banco Macro SA, ADR(a)

    16,612       225,259  

Central Puerto SA, ADR(a)

    37,177       81,789  

Corp. America Airports SA(a)(b)

    12,090       53,075  

Cresud SACIF y A, ADR(a)(b)

    12,318       62,452  

Despegar.com Corp.(a)

    19,733       234,823  

Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte, ADR(a)

    8,353       32,827  

Globant SA(a)

    6,961       1,494,666  

Grupo Financiero Galicia SA, ADR

    41,111       306,277  

Grupo Supervielle SA, ADR(b)

    23,874       45,122  

IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones SA,
ADR(a)(b)

    8,744       36,288  

IRSA Propiedades Comerciales SA, ADR

    2,380       26,180  

Loma Negra Cia Industrial Argentina SA, ADR

    22,516       124,063  

Pampa Energia SA, ADR(a)

    17,561       234,088  

Telecom Argentina SA, ADR

    33,217       197,973  

Transportadora de Gas del Sur SA, Class B,
ADR(a)

    26,475       124,433  

YPF SA, ADR(a)

    66,853       289,474  
   

 

 

 
      4,226,848  
Canada — 8.4%            

SSR Mining Inc.(a)

    22,476       320,807  

Yamana Gold Inc.

    79,104       316,166  
   

 

 

 
      636,973  
Chile — 9.7%            

Cencosud SA

    189,106       370,670  

Cia. Cervecerias Unidas SA

    41,964       362,384  
   

 

 

 
      733,054  
United States — 20.7%            

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)

    950       1,556,204  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 95.0%
(Cost: $9,858,203)

 

    7,153,079  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Chile — 4.5%            

Embotelladora Andina SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    125,043     $ 338,419  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 4.5%
(Cost: $305,036)

      338,419  
   

 

 

 

Rights

   
Argentina — 0.0%            

Cresud S.A., ADR (Expires 03/02/21)(a)

    11,699       0 (c)  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

      0 (c)  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 2.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(d)(e)(f)

    161,518       161,615  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.2%
(Cost: $161,593)

 

        161,615  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.7%
(Cost: $10,324,832)

 

    7,653,113  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.7)%

 

    (127,463
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   7,525,650  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Rounds to less than $1.

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

08/31/20

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sales

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

02/28/21

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 335,147      $      $ (173,419 )(a)     $ (107    $ (6    $ 161,615        161,518      $ 1,177 (b)     $  

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

                                                      3         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (107    $ (6    $ 161,615         $ 1,180      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 
  (c) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 

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.

 

 

16  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 7,153,079      $      $      $ 7,153,079  

Preferred Stocks

     338,419                      338,419  

Rights

            0 (a)               0 (a)  

Money Market Funds

     161,615                      161,615  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,653,113      $      $      $ 7,653,113  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Rounds to less than $1.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  17


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 2.7%  

Embraer SA(a)

    1,274,000     $     2,795,780  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 0.6%  

Mahle-Metal Leve SA

    70,000       222,571  

Tupy SA(a)

    112,000       427,055  
   

 

 

 
      649,626  
Banks — 0.0%            

Banco ABC Brasil SA(a)

    3,684       10,087  
   

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.3%  

Ambipar Participacoes e Empreendimentos S/A(a)

    85,300       353,411  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 5.8%  

Anima Holding SA(a)

    546,000       909,175  

Cogna Educacao(a)

    3,388,000       2,273,642  

Ser Educacional SA(b)

    98,053       216,232  

YDUQS Participacoes SA

    504,037       2,724,109  
   

 

 

 
      6,123,158  
Electric Utilities — 6.8%  

Alupar Investimento SA

    266,000       1,130,717  

EDP - Energias do Brasil SA

    546,000       1,764,466  

Light SA(a)

    644,000       2,127,388  

Transmissora Alianca de Energia Eletrica SA

    392,000       2,148,841  
   

 

 

 
      7,171,412  
Food & Staples Retailing — 4.2%            

Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao

    292,000       4,348,786  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 6.6%            

Camil Alimentos SA

    196,000       366,815  

M. Dias Branco SA

    154,000       791,132  

Marfrig Global Foods SA(a)

    700,000       1,745,902  

Minerva SA

    546,000       950,324  

Sao Martinho SA

    322,000       1,803,831  

SLC Agricola SA

    168,000       1,235,345  
   

 

 

 
      6,893,349  
Health Care Providers & Services — 5.4%  

Alliar Medicos A Frente SA

    98,000       158,437  

Fleury SA

    367,200       1,767,789  

Instituto Hermes Pardini SA

    98,000       351,693  

Odontoprev SA

    476,000       1,112,906  

Qualicorp Consultoria e Corretora de Seguros SA

    406,000       2,301,350  
   

 

 

 
      5,692,175  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.4%  

BK Brasil Operacao e Assessoria a Restaurantes SA

    392,000       621,089  

CVC Brasil Operadora e Agencia de Viagens SA(a)

    294,071       872,232  
   

 

 

 
      1,493,321  
Household Durables — 6.0%  

Construtora Tenda SA

    126,064       577,948  

Cyrela Brazil Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes

    546,008       2,429,728  

Even Construtora e Incorporadora SA

    196,000       351,341  

Ez Tec Empreendimentos e Participacoes SA

    182,076       1,029,130  

MRV Engenharia e Participacoes SA

    560,000       1,690,134  

Trisul SA

    154,000       258,645  
   

 

 

 
      6,336,926  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 5.9%  

AES Tiete Energia SA

    280,048       773,856  

Eneva SA(a)

    310,200       3,784,929  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers (continued)  

Omega Geracao SA(a)

    226,500     $     1,606,579  
   

 

 

 
      6,165,364  
Insurance — 1.9%            

IRB Brasil Resseguros S/A(a)

    1,708,000       1,838,850  

Wiz Solucoes e Corretagem de Seguros SA

    126,000       141,531  
   

 

 

 
      1,980,381  
IT Services — 5.2%  

Cielo SA

    2,212,000       1,428,877  

Locaweb Servicos de Internet SA(b)

    784,000       4,048,684  
   

 

 

 
      5,477,561  
Machinery — 0.5%            

Iochpe Maxion SA

    210,007       474,424  
   

 

 

 
Media — 0.4%            

Smiles Fidelidade SA

    117,351       441,773  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.2%            

Marisa Lojas SA(a)

    238,000       216,517  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.5%  

Enauta Participacoes SA

    140,000       326,320  

Petro Rio SA(a)

    222,100       3,332,068  
   

 

 

 
      3,658,388  
Paper & Forest Products — 1.8%  

Duratex SA

    560,000       1,849,903  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 7.4%  

Aliansce Sonae Shopping Centers SA(a)

    242,071       1,017,706  

BR Malls Participacoes SA(a)

    1,414,000       2,118,571  

BR Properties SA

    406,000       593,004  

Iguatemi Empresa de Shopping Centers SA

    154,007       871,860  

Jereissati Participacoes SA

    70,000       276,455  

JHSF Participacoes SA

    504,000       586,020  

LOG Commercial Properties e Participacoes SA

    84,092       479,832  

Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA

    504,000       1,779,765  
   

 

 

 
      7,723,213  
Road & Rail — 4.9%  

Cia. de Locacao das Americas

    602,000       2,577,353  

Cosan Logistica SA(a)

    252,084       920,937  

Movida Participacoes SA

    238,000       755,888  

SIMPAR SA

    112,076       755,144  

Tegma Gestao Logistica SA

    42,000       162,256  
   

 

 

 
      5,171,578  
Software — 1.7%  

Linx SA

    252,000       1,748,113  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 1.9%            

C&A Modas Ltda(a)

    196,000       387,565  

Grupo SBF SA(a)

    168,000       674,044  

Lojas Quero Quero S/A

    322,000       969,516  
   

 

 

 
      2,031,125  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 4.3%  

Arezzo Industria e Comercio SA

    84,080       1,075,997  

Cia. Hering

    266,000       711,173  

Grendene SA

    588,000       750,160  

GRUPO DE MODA SOMA SA(a)

    350,000       842,178  

Guararapes Confeccoes SA

    182,060       401,816  

Vivara Participacoes SA

    168,000       715,945  
   

 

 

 
      4,497,269  
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 1.5%            

EcoRodovias Infraestrutura e Logistica SA(a)

    350,000     $ 692,709  

Santos Brasil Participacoes SA

    854,000       887,245  
   

 

 

 
      1,579,954  
Water Utilities — 2.0%            

Cia. de Saneamento de Minas Gerais-COPASA

    336,014       870,023  

Cia. de Saneamento do Parana

    336,065       1,193,373  
   

 

 

 
      2,063,396  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 82.9%
(Cost: $82,779,735)

          86,946,990  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Airlines — 4.6%            

Azul SA, Preference Shares, NVS(a)

    504,096       3,672,369  

Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA, Preference Shares, NVS(a)

    294,000       1,141,067  
   

 

 

 
      4,813,436  
Banks — 2.6%            

Banco ABC Brasil SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    154,042       424,558  

Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul SA, Class B, Preference Shares, NVS

    364,000       825,573  

Banco Pan SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    588,000       1,465,503  
   

 

 

 
      2,715,634  
Chemicals — 0.8%            

Unipar Carbocloro SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    84,033       856,306  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.2%            

Cia. Energetica do Ceara, Class A, Preference Shares, NVS

    28,000       252,063  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.6%  

Cia. Energetica de Sao Paulo, Class B, Preference Shares, NVS

    336,000       1,644,715  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 1.2%            

Marcopolo SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    953,814       429,580  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Machinery (continued)             

Randon SA Implementos e Participacoes, Preference Shares, NVS

    336,050      $ 786,301  
    

 

 

 
           1,215,881  
Metals & Mining — 5.0%             

Cia. Ferro Ligas da Bahia-Ferbasa, Preference Shares, NVS

    70,000        328,581  

Metalurgica Gerdau SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,302,000        2,705,369  

Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA Usiminas, Class A, Preference Shares, NVS

    742,000        2,162,206  
    

 

 

 
       5,196,156  
Water Utilities — 0.3%             

Cia. de Saneamento do Parana, Preference Shares, NVS

    490,000        348,175  
    

 

 

 
Total Preferred Stocks — 16.3%
    (Cost: $13,399,888)
         17,042,366  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

    
Money Market Funds — 0.0%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(c)(d)

    20,000        20,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $20,000)

 

     20,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.2%
(Cost: $96,199,623)

 

     104,009,356  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.8%

 

     860,658  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $   104,870,014  
    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

08/31/20

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sales

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

02/28/21

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 150,000      $      $ (130,000 )(a)     $      $      $ 20,000        20,000      $ 302      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  19


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description  

Number of

Contracts

   

Expiration

Date

   

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI Brazil Index

    14       03/19/21     $ 618     $ (52,909
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 52,909  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 126,681  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (32,804
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 789,133  

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 86,946,990      $      $      $ 86,946,990  

Preferred Stocks

     17,042,366                      17,042,366  

Money Market Funds

     20,000                      20,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 104,009,356      $      $      $ 104,009,356  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (52,909    $      $      $ (52,909
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 0.2%  

AECC Aviation Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,076     $ 2,861,179  

AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Co. Ltd., Class A

    149,699       1,873,591  

AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,545       2,070,059  

AviChina Industry & Technology Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,390,000       3,647,831  

China Avionics Systems Co. Ltd., Class A

    301,267       793,634  
   

 

 

 
      11,246,294  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.6%  

SF Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    523,883       8,485,808  

Yunda Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,513       897,853  

ZTO Express Cayman Inc., ADR

    833,910       28,136,123  
   

 

 

 
      37,519,784  
Airlines — 0.1%            

Air China Ltd., Class A

    693,089       865,312  

Air China Ltd., Class H

    3,850,000       3,176,342  

China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,155,096       841,386  

China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,347,588       1,262,353  

China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    3,080,000       2,104,327  

Spring Airlines Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,585       1,098,796  
   

 

 

 
      9,348,516  
Auto Components — 0.3%  

Changzhou Xingyu Automotive Lighting Systems Co. Ltd., Class A

    34,195       1,008,248  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,598       2,255,008  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    924,000       5,669,771  

Huayu Automotive Systems Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,572       1,686,483  

Minth Group Ltd.

    1,540,000       6,769,580  

Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp., Class A

    231,000       766,453  

Shandong Linglong Tyre Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,561       1,251,676  

Weifu High-Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    191,235       679,372  
   

 

 

 
      20,086,591  
Automobiles — 4.1%            

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd.

    6,160,000       5,526,836  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,559       5,862,190  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,639,000       41,665,105  

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    573,156       1,605,405  

Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,278,000       4,857,963  

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

    11,935,000       38,771,230  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,700       1,305,661  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,352,500       18,466,213  

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,160,400       5,717,787  

Li Auto Inc.(a)

    367,675       9,327,915  

NIO Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    2,621,465       120,010,668  

SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,001,076       3,282,925  

XPeng Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    354,970       12,108,027  

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.(c)

    2,138,000       4,652,290  
   

 

 

 
      273,160,215  
Banks — 7.7%            

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    7,161,000       3,602,685  

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    56,980,000       20,713,723  

Bank of Beijing Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,772,099       2,040,620  

Bank of Chengdu Co. Ltd., Class A

    693,093       1,176,574  

Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    3,927,000       1,963,545  

Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    160,545,000       56,292,729  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,697,022       3,312,637  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class H

    17,325,200       9,782,255  

Bank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,560       2,189,352  

Bank of Jiangsu Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,079,081       1,844,906  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Banks (continued)  

Bank of Nanjing Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,540,000     $ 2,091,406  

Bank of Ningbo Co. Ltd., Class A

    807,784       4,998,903  

Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,925,097       2,489,612  

China Bohai Bank Co. Ltd., Class H(a)(c)

    5,775,000       3,186,269  

China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd., Class H

    17,325,800       8,174,496  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class A

    924,009       1,035,256  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    195,580,000       157,072,119  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,159,000       3,264,258  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,160,000       2,668,128  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,579,568       20,342,435  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,892,650       60,588,643  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class A

    4,158,070       3,323,966  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class H

    11,935,160       7,123,540  

Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,930,000       3,055,244  

Huaxia Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,925,091       1,853,834  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    6,429,500       5,328,274  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    123,585,000       80,612,593  

Industrial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,579,500       9,824,619  

Jiangsu Changshu Rural Commercial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,500       579,296  

Ping An Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,425,555       8,003,019  

Postal Savings Bank of China Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,272,500       3,090,766  

Postal Savings Bank of China Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    20,405,000       15,177,458  

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,542,098       5,761,509  
   

 

 

 
      512,564,669  
Beverages — 2.0%            

Anhui Gujing Distillery Co. Ltd., Class A

    38,596       1,395,444  

Anhui Gujing Distillery Co. Ltd., Class B

    231,430       3,069,882  

Anhui Kouzi Distillery Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,000       682,797  

Beijing Shunxin Agriculture Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,500       973,217  

China Resources Beer Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,080,000       23,227,004  

Chongqing Brewery Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,000       1,434,752  

Jiangsu King’s Luck Brewery JSC Ltd., Class A

    192,603       1,463,282  

Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery Joint-Stock Co. Ltd., Class A

    . 192,576       5,616,930  

Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd., Class A

    155,504       50,942,658  

Luzhou Laojiao Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,500       6,987,496  

Nongfu Spring Co. Ltd.(a)(c)

    616,000       4,089,541  

Shanxi Xinghuacun Fen Wine Factory Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,576       5,584,519  

Sichuan Swellfun Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,000       831,572  

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,063       1,893,259  

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., Class H

    836,000       6,859,481  

Wuliangye Yibin Co. Ltd., Class A

    462,057       19,965,888  
   

 

 

 
      135,017,722  
Biotechnology — 1.3%            

3SBio Inc.(a)(c)

    2,502,500       2,490,451  

BeiGene Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    93,170       29,814,400  

Beijing Tiantan Biological Products Corp. Ltd., Class A

    . 192,572       1,042,825  

BGI Genomics Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,099       1,641,961  

Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,540       5,184,438  

Hualan Biological Engineering Inc., Class A

    231,060       1,525,459  

Innovent Biologics Inc.(a)(c)

    1,925,000       19,827,325  

Jinyu Bio-Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,000       495,283  

Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co. Ltd., Class A

    770,000       907,861  

Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,055       1,819,991  

Walvax Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,597       1,361,585  

Zai Lab Ltd., ADR(a)

    144,375       21,298,200  
   

 

 

 
      87,409,779  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  21


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Building Products — 0.1%            

Beijing New Building Materials PLC, Class A

    265,070     $ 1,978,254  

China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd.

    2,310,000       4,270,195  
   

 

 

 
          6,248,449  
Capital Markets — 1.4%            

Caitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,000       934,122  

Changjiang Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,347,536       1,507,695  

China Cinda Asset Management Co. Ltd., Class H

    16,170,000       3,210,091  

China Everbright Ltd.

    1,540,000       1,989,184  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    559,600       930,097  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,122,500       4,397,994  

China Huarong Asset Management Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    19,635,000       2,328,656  

China International Capital Corp. Ltd., Class H(a)(c)

    2,926,000       6,751,713  

China Merchants Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    962,568       3,235,373  

CITIC Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,347,575       5,667,017  

CITIC Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    4,427,500       9,542,924  

CSC Financial Co. Ltd., Class A

    380,699       2,075,093  

Dongxing Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    419,194       742,016  

East Money Information Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,078,068       5,054,393  

Everbright Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,599       1,189,723  

First Capital Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    616,089       753,966  

Founder Securities Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,150,699       1,527,198  

GF Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    763,299       1,885,910  

GF Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,464,000       3,493,977  

Guosen Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    578,633       1,088,534  

Guotai Junan Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,500       2,276,662  

Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    616,060       759,635  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,193,559       2,226,923  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,390,000       4,926,309  

Hithink RoyalFlush Information Network Co. Ltd., Class A

    70,287       1,459,899  

Huaan Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    577,500       600,685  

Huatai Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    962,593       2,550,633  

Huatai Securities Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    2,772,000       4,123,687  

Huaxi Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,073       841,073  

Industrial Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    924,040       1,293,401  

Nanjing Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,500       811,014  

Noah Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    70,840       3,166,548  

Orient Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    808,564       1,196,652  

Pacific Securities Co. Ltd. (The), Class A(a)

    996,693       513,739  

SDIC Capital Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,078       1,018,282  

Sealand Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,560       639,586  

Shanxi Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,051       609,774  

Shenwan Hongyuan Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,003,097       2,224,568  

Sinolink Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,500       996,389  

SooChow Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    575,650       760,444  

Southwest Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,039,500       771,622  

Tianfeng Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    962,500       770,909  

Western Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    731,530       1,066,839  

Zheshang Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,500       971,672  
   

 

 

 
      94,882,621  
Chemicals — 0.4%            

Hengli Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    808,510       4,509,295  

Hengyi Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,576       2,455,890  

Lomon Billions Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,500       2,159,258  

Rongsheng Petro Chemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    808,523       4,198,677  

Shandong Hualu Hengsheng Chemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,000       2,023,436  

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    847,000       483,638  

Tongkun Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,576       1,674,079  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Chemicals (continued)            

Transfar Zhilian Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,578,593     $ 1,498,237  

Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,573       8,550,097  

Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    693,071       1,769,083  
   

 

 

 
          29,321,690  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.6%  

A-Living Smart City Services Co. Ltd.(c)

    962,500       4,032,466  

Beijing Originwater Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    528,197       621,135  

China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.(b)

    7,700,148       4,407,260  

Country Garden Services Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,080,000       25,331,331  

Ever Sunshine Lifestyle Services Group Ltd.

    1,340,000       3,299,323  

Greentown Service Group Co. Ltd.

    3,080,000       3,128,697  

Shanghai M&G Stationery Inc., Class A

    115,500       1,384,071  
   

 

 

 
      42,204,283  
Communications Equipment — 0.3%  

BYD Electronic International Co. Ltd.

    1,348,500       7,518,370  

Fiberhome Telecommunication Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A

    188,077       555,537  

Guangzhou Haige Communications Group Inc. Co., Class A

    493,784       723,166  

Hengtong Optic-Electric Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,500       838,523  

Shenzhen Sunway Communication Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,000       805,667  

Yealink Network Technology Corp. Ltd., Class A

    106,494       1,244,595  

Zhongji Innolight Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,597       818,831  

ZTE Corp., Class A

    456,156       2,235,779  

ZTE Corp., Class H

    1,617,040       4,123,193  
   

 

 

 
      18,863,661  
Construction & Engineering — 0.5%  

China Communications Services Corp. Ltd., Class H

    4,620,800       2,180,143  

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.

    3,272,500       14,554,100  

China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    924,091       962,617  

China National Chemical Engineering Co. Ltd., Class A

    800,195       755,757  

China Railway Group Ltd., Class A

    2,387,098       2,103,495  

China Railway Group Ltd., Class H

    7,315,000       3,866,204  

China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd., Class A

    5,236,098       4,080,696  

China State Construction International Holdings Ltd.

    3,850,000       2,655,224  

Metallurgical Corp. of China Ltd., Class A

    4,427,500       2,261,630  

Power Construction Corp. of China Ltd., Class A

    2,117,597       1,264,705  

Suzhou Gold Mantis Construction Decoration Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,568       628,830  
   

 

 

 
      35,313,401  
Construction Materials — 0.7%  

Anhui Conch Cement Co. Ltd., Class A

    532,291       4,381,645  

Anhui Conch Cement Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,502,500       16,097,604  

Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,544       2,525,872  

China Jushi Co. Ltd., Class A

    611,669       2,119,180  

China National Building Material Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,700,000       11,673,058  

China Resources Cement Holdings Ltd.

    5,390,000       6,420,182  

Huaxin Cement Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,000       798,181  

Tangshan Jidong Cement Co. Ltd., Class A

    226,668       528,205  
   

 

 

 
      44,543,927  
Consumer Finance — 0.1%  

Lufax Holding Ltd.(a)

    387,695       5,823,179  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 0.0%  

Yunnan Energy New Material Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,000       2,519,432  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Distributors — 0.0%            

Wuchan Zhongda Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,073,603     $ 773,741  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 2.1%  

China East Education Holdings Ltd.(c)

    1,155,000       2,599,638  

China Education Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,540,000       2,862,679  

China Yuhua Education Corp. Ltd.(c)

    2,310,000       1,911,761  

GSX Techedu Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    159,390       16,393,262  

Koolearn Technology Holding Ltd.(a)(b)(c)

    601,500       1,682,604  

New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., ADR(a)

    313,390       55,664,332  

Offcn Education Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,605       1,355,545  

TAL Education Group, ADR(a)

    775,775       60,153,593  
   

 

 

 
      142,623,414  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%  

Avic Capital Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,350,582       856,639  

Far East Horizon Ltd.

    4,235,000       4,553,088  

Oceanwide Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    616,000       287,093  
   

 

 

 
      5,696,820  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.2%  

China Tower Corp. Ltd., Class H(c)

    89,320,000       13,356,520  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 0.6%  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,567       13,405,029  

Eve Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    239,436       3,159,298  

Fangda Carbon New Material Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    847,047       1,007,852  

Hongfa Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,500       918,852  

Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    654,500       1,047,426  

NARI Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    616,088       2,699,250  

Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,386,000       1,193,528  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    177,400       2,367,578  

Sunwoda Electronic Co. Ltd., Class A

    265,198       1,012,114  

TBEA Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,596       937,094  

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    462,020       1,080,211  

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    1,540,120       3,295,712  

Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd., Class A

    347,068       1,835,004  

Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,116,500       4,857,571  
   

 

 

 
      38,816,519  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.4%  

AAC Technologies Holdings Inc.(b)

    1,347,500       7,260,920  

AVIC Jonhon Optronic Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,598       2,045,807  

BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,581,500       4,305,861  

Chaozhou Three-Circle Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,500       1,555,484  

Foxconn Industrial Internet Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,596       1,887,402  

GoerTek Inc., Class A

    462,000       2,281,534  

Guangzhou Shiyuan Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,019       1,513,553  

Kingboard Holdings Ltd.

    1,347,500       6,218,683  

Kingboard Laminates Holdings Ltd.

    2,310,000       3,942,635  

Lens Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    654,588       3,156,844  

Lingyi iTech Guangdong Co., Class A

    962,500       1,510,625  

Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,544       6,354,745  

Maxscend Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    18,900       1,837,543  

OFILM Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    385,000       630,987  

Shengyi Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,000       1,163,582  

Shennan Circuits Co. Ltd., Class A

    56,220       954,461  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    1,463,000       36,587,494  

Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,500       899,186  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (continued)  

Tianma Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    342,199     $ 793,202  

Unisplendour Corp. Ltd., Class A

    385,020       1,276,894  

Universal Scientific Industrial Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    224,700       686,599  

Visionox Technology Inc., Class A(a)

    346,595       526,858  

Wingtech Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,000       2,396,086  

Wuhan Guide Infrared Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,020       1,400,413  

WUS Printed Circuit Kunshan Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,099       823,518  

Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    111,198       1,439,773  

Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,500       1,369,218  
   

 

 

 
      94,819,907  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1%  

China Oilfield Services Ltd., Class H

    3,850,000       4,427,027  

Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd., Class A

    611,698       462,560  

Yantai Jereh Oilfield Services Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    152,751       1,001,863  
   

 

 

 
      5,891,450  
Entertainment — 2.6%            

Alibaba Pictures Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    26,950,000       3,752,054  

Beijing Enlight Media Co. Ltd., Class A

    419,198       878,525  

Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,561       689,729  

Bilibili Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    241,395       30,408,528  

DouYu International Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    208,285       2,986,807  

Giant Network Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    262,776       684,126  

HUYA Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    159,005       4,189,782  

iQIYI Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    567,875       14,384,274  

Mango Excellent Media Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,080       2,287,674  

NetEase Inc., ADR

    845,075       92,831,489  

Perfect World Co. Ltd., Class A

    289,900       1,055,833  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR(a)(b)

    753,445       19,378,605  

Wuhu Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,000       1,338,025  

Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,078,098       1,044,847  
   

 

 

 
      175,910,298  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.1%  

DaShenLin Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,764       1,537,482  

Sun Art Retail Group Ltd.

    3,850,000       3,325,233  

Yifeng Pharmacy Chain Co. Ltd., Class A

    98,291       1,336,364  

Yonghui Superstores Co. Ltd., Class A

    962,534       1,070,992  
   

 

 

 
      7,270,071  
Food Products — 1.8%            

Angel Yeast Co. Ltd., Class A

    149,624       1,233,041  

Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    616,000       949,689  

China Feihe Ltd.(c)

    2,310,000       6,327,870  

China Huishan Dairy Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)(d)

    1,366,667       2  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    5,775,000       31,564,903  

Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,500       796,754  

Dali Foods Group Co. Ltd.(c)

    3,272,500       1,991,170  

Foshan Haitian Flavouring & Food Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,589       9,237,239  

Fujian Sunner Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,500       855,575  

Guangdong Haid Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    226,597       2,780,074  

Heilongjiang Agriculture Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,000       795,210  

Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    392,708       2,790,231  

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    770,025       5,135,995  

Jiangxi Zhengbang Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    462,000       1,180,694  

Jonjee Hi-Tech Industrial And Commercial Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,500       924,021  

Juewei Food Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,000       1,031,800  

Muyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Class A

    462,040       8,121,539  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  23


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Food Products (continued)            

New Hope Liuhe Co. Ltd., Class A

    577,599     $ 2,145,545  

Tingyi Cayman Islands Holding Corp.

    3,850,000       7,732,409  

Tongwei Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,099       3,908,558  

Uni-President China Holdings Ltd.

    2,695,000       3,237,884  

Want Want China Holdings Ltd.

    9,625,000       6,948,249  

Wens Foodstuffs Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    924,096       2,591,237  

Yihai International Holding Ltd.

    967,000       13,238,464  

Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)

    153,500       2,120,149  
   

 

 

 
      117,638,302  
Gas Utilities — 1.0%            

Beijing Enterprises Holdings Ltd.

    962,500       3,331,437  

China Gas Holdings Ltd.

    5,313,000       21,403,089  

China Resources Gas Group Ltd.

    1,952,000       9,750,753  

ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.

    1,617,000       24,784,404  

Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd.

    7,700,000       7,077,288  
   

 

 

 
      66,346,971  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.5%  

AK Medical Holdings Ltd.(c)

    770,000       1,133,557  

Autobio Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Class A

    34,197       648,491  

Jafron Biomedical Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,520       1,399,286  

Jiangsu Yuyue Medical Equipment & Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    173,100       750,385  

Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,000       1,134,707  

Microport Scientific Corp.(b)

    1,469,000       8,644,685  

Ovctek China Inc., Class A

    77,000       1,107,614  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co. Ltd., Class H

    4,988,000       8,564,801  

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    140,795       9,082,357  
   

 

 

 
      32,465,883  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.4%  

Aier Eye Hospital Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,019       6,012,530  

Guangzhou Kingmed Diagnostics Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    72,694       1,536,033  

Huadong Medicine Co. Ltd., Class A

    260,580       1,280,410  

Jinxin Fertility Group Ltd.(b)(c)

    2,712,000       6,125,061  

Jointown Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    308,000       801,864  

Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    500,581       1,236,031  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,058       973,163  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,424,500       2,611,251  

Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,772,000       6,489,268  

Topchoice Medical Corp., Class A(a)

    38,500       1,574,496  
   

 

 

 
      28,640,107  
Health Care Technology — 0.7%  

Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd.(a)

    8,470,000       28,388,561  

Ping An Healthcare and Technology Co.
Ltd.(a)(c)

    1,039,500       15,021,618  

Winning Health Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    344,156       892,808  
   

 

 

 
      44,302,987  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.3%  

Haidilao International Holding Ltd.(b)(c)

    1,540,000       12,635,887  

Huazhu Group Ltd., ADR

    329,560       19,160,618  

Jiumaojiu International Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    1,155,000       4,533,733  

Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,193,538       1,488,273  

Songcheng Performance Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,577       1,077,730  

Yum China Holdings Inc.

    818,510       48,979,638  
   

 

 

 
      87,875,879  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Household Durables — 0.5%  

Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Class A

    808,546     $ 3,608,594  

Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    4,004,000       15,226,592  

Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,000       898,354  

Jason Furniture Hangzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,500       1,341,114  

Midea Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,500       6,083,379  

NavInfo Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,000       776,197  

Oppein Home Group Inc., Class A

    54,820       1,281,955  

Suofeiya Home Collection Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,014       401,480  

TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A

    2,002,000       2,542,723  

Zhejiang Supor Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,596       1,343,299  
   

 

 

 
      33,503,687  
Household Products — 0.0%  

Vinda International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    770,000       2,297,885  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.6%  

CGN Power Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    17,325,000       3,819,055  

China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd., Class H

    6,545,000       9,736,482  

China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,541,076       2,027,418  

China Power International Development Ltd.

    8,855,000       1,894,887  

China Resources Power Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,850,000       4,481,621  

China Yangtze Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,618,041       7,979,553  

Huadian Power International Corp. Ltd., Class A

    962,500       475,320  

Huaneng Power International Inc., Class A

    864,800       537,843  

Huaneng Power International Inc., Class H

    7,700,000       2,630,409  

SDIC Power Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,596       1,141,188  

Shenergy Co. Ltd., Class A

    731,550       588,189  

Shenzhen Energy Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    881,880       783,911  

Sichuan Chuantou Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    614,062       1,016,827  
   

 

 

 
      37,112,703  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.3%  

CITIC Ltd.

    11,165,000       9,456,071  

Fosun International Ltd.

    5,390,000       8,087,762  
   

 

 

 
      17,543,833  
Insurance — 4.1%            

China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class A

    385,080       1,970,609  

China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class H

    15,015,000       31,666,149  

China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    847,047       5,776,524  

China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,698,000       26,185,966  

China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,311,124       7,136,715  

Hubei Biocause Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    885,500       547,984  

New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class A

    306,224       2,461,663  

New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,617,000       6,170,045  

People’s Insurance Co. Group of China Ltd. (The), Class A

    1,039,500       983,377  

People’s Insurance Co. Group of China Ltd. (The), Class H

    14,630,000       4,545,147  

PICC Property & Casualty Co. Ltd., Class H

    13,860,462       10,488,235  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class A

    1,347,543       17,713,946  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class H

    12,127,500       148,987,831  

ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance Co. Ltd., Class H(a)(b)(c)

    770,000       5,176,446  
   

 

 

 
      269,810,637  
Interactive Media & Services — 18.3%  

Autohome Inc., ADR

    121,660       13,874,106  

Baidu Inc., ADR(a)

    549,780       155,840,639  

JOYY Inc.(b)

    119,350       14,071,365  

Kuaishou Technology(a)

    423,500       16,858,438  

Momo Inc., ADR

    302,610       4,793,342  

SINA Corp.(a)(b)

    109,725       4,736,828  
 

 

 

24  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Interactive Media & Services (continued)  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    11,742,500     $     1,002,843,271  

Weibo Corp., ADR(a)(b)

    115,115       6,350,895  
   

 

 

 
      1,219,368,884  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 24.6%  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR(a)

    3,861,935       918,213,665  

Baozun Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    119,350       5,481,745  

JD Health International Inc.(a)(c)

    558,250       10,204,496  

JD.com Inc., ADR(a)

    1,764,455       165,629,391  

Meituan, Class B(a)(c)

    7,353,500       322,299,497  

Pinduoduo Inc., ADR(a)

    801,955       137,262,618  

Tongcheng-Elong Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,848,000       4,340,472  

Trip.com Group Ltd., ADR(a)

    968,275       38,198,449  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    908,215       33,894,584  
   

 

 

 
      1,635,524,917  
IT Services — 0.6%            

21Vianet Group Inc., ADR(a)

    172,480       6,285,171  

Beijing Sinnet Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    265,196       779,236  

China TransInfo Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,500       682,084  

DHC Software Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,512       499,991  

GDS Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    184,800       18,879,168  

Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    113,575       6,687,296  

TravelSky Technology Ltd., Class H

    1,996,000       5,038,019  

Wangsu Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,500       356,668  
   

 

 

 
      39,207,633  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.7%  

Genscript Biotech Corp.(a)(b)

    2,360,000       4,070,565  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co. Ltd., Class A

    38,537       836,058  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co. Ltd., Class H(a)(c)

    250,900       4,909,746  

Pharmaron Beijing Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    258,000       4,410,114  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,570       5,977,271  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    539,068       11,236,736  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman Inc., New(a)(c)

    6,737,500       83,422,416  
   

 

 

 
      114,862,906  
Machinery — 0.8%            

China Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    3,265,794       2,076,448  

Haitian International Holdings Ltd.

    1,155,000       3,967,947  

Hefei Meiya Optoelectronic Technology Inc., Class A

    115,500       670,201  

Jiangsu Hengli Hydraulic Co. Ltd., Class A

    171,864       2,519,669  

Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,078,009       6,839,194  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    222,387       2,927,134  

Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd.

    1,574,500       5,023,478  

Weichai Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    576,911       1,963,145  

Weichai Power Co. Ltd., Class H

    4,235,000       12,392,699  

XCMG Construction Machinery Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,270,599       1,372,592  

Zhejiang Dingli Machinery Co. Ltd., Class A

    94,405       1,672,814  

Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,687       2,013,879  

Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd., Class A

    342,199       801,651  

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    924,016       2,050,564  

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,849,000       4,341,067  
   

 

 

 
      50,632,482  
Marine — 0.1%            

COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,232,000       2,403,216  

COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    5,390,000       5,989,391  
   

 

 

 
      8,392,607  
Media — 0.2%            

China Literature Ltd.(a)(b)(c)

    616,000       5,741,239  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Media (continued)            

Focus Media Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,925,038     $     3,253,033  

NanJi E-Commerce Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,500       565,749  

Oriental Pearl Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    654,587       871,793  
   

 

 

 
      10,431,814  
Metals & Mining — 1.1%            

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., Class A(a)

    2,156,000       1,414,076  

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., Class H(a)

    7,700,000       3,891,020  

Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,426,589       3,976,627  

China Hongqiao Group Ltd.

    3,657,500       4,535,718  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,348,500       2,428,289  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,930,000       5,360,078  

China Northern Rare Earth Group High-Tech Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    500,500       1,598,084  

Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,095       2,354,759  

Guangdong HEC Technology Holding Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    771,599       607,291  

Guangdong Hongda Blasting Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,000       749,104  

Hesteel Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    2,233,000       761,581  

Inner Mongolia BaoTou Steel Union Co. Ltd., Class A(a).

    6,968,592       1,656,154  

Jiangsu Shagang Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,500       522,970  

Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd., Class A

    385,000       1,657,677  

Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,310,000       5,604,259  

Pangang Group Vanadium Titanium & Resources Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,193,500       394,159  

Shandong Gold Mining Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,591       1,187,957  

Shandong Gold Mining Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    1,732,500       3,497,451  

Shanxi Taigang Stainless Steel Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,732,500       1,032,038  

Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,233,000       1,023,482  

Yintai Gold Co. Ltd., Class A

    577,500       774,474  

Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,502,500       2,532,389  

Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    149,698       2,063,940  

Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,656,500       4,997,451  

Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    11,550,000       17,122,471  
   

 

 

 
      71,743,499  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.1%  

China Merchants Energy Shipping Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,001,096       808,002  

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class A

    2,810,588       1,956,180  

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class H

    49,281,000       27,253,571  

China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    693,005       1,898,322  

China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,930,000       13,167,925  

COSCO SHIPPING Energy Transportation Co. Ltd., Class A

    539,000       526,535  

Guanghui Energy Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,617,000       681,252  

PetroChina Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,117,590       1,424,831  

PetroChina Co. Ltd., Class H

    42,350,000       15,176,961  

Shaanxi Coal Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,232,096       2,038,329  

Shanxi Lu’an Environmental Energy Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,001,000       885,164  

Shanxi Meijin Energy Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    577,500       645,246  

Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd., Class A

    499,203       742,659  

Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,080,000       2,854,738  
   

 

 

 
      70,059,715  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.1%  

Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.

    2,695,000       2,497,895  

Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd.

    3,465,000       5,592,348  
   

 

 

 
      8,090,243  
Personal Products — 0.2%            

By-Health Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,000       778,574  

Hengan International Group Co. Ltd.

    1,347,500       9,328,024  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  25


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Personal Products (continued)  

Shanghai Jahwa United Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    77,000     $ 546,380  
   

 

 

 
      10,652,978  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.8%            

Asymchem Laboratories Tianjin Co. Ltd., Class A

    37,300       1,513,908  

Betta Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Class A

    72,698       1,325,759  

CanSino Biologics Inc., Class H(a)(c)

    154,000       7,325,440  

Changchun High & New Technology Industry Group Inc., Class A

    63,296       4,111,600  

Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    111,199       652,451  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    2,695,000       4,210,639  

China Resources Pharmaceutical Group
Ltd.(c)

    2,887,500       1,842,527  

China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    149,694       604,796  

China Traditional Chinese Medicine Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,390,000       3,230,936  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    18,480,400       19,296,698  

Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,888       634,537  

Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    224,295       999,313  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(a)(c)

    2,310,000       11,762,393  

Hutchison China MediTech Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    151,690       4,359,571  

Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd., Class A

    654,592       10,283,798  

Joincare Pharmaceutical Group Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    344,562       657,767  

Nanjing King-Friend Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,565       738,349  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    269,578       1,915,379  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,155,000       5,449,412  

Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,000       918,555  

Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,500       697,234  

Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,565       644,870  

Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd.

    21,175,000       23,557,046  

SSY Group Ltd.(b)

    3,080,000       1,639,787  

Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,000       582,267  

Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,032       3,109,474  

Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,150       3,541,958  

Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,046       1,007,641  

Zhejiang NHU Co. Ltd., Class A

    342,196       2,289,809  

Zhejiang Wolwo Bio-Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    76,406       886,118  
   

 

 

 
      119,790,032  
Professional Services — 0.1%  

51job Inc., ADR(a)

    57,365       3,763,144  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 3.7%  

Agile Group Holdings Ltd.

    2,310,000       3,263,692  

China Aoyuan Group Ltd.

    2,703,000       2,561,061  

China Evergrande Group(b)

    3,850,000       7,881,300  

China Fortune Land Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    587,595       768,969  

China Jinmao Holdings Group Ltd.

    10,780,000       4,488,569  

China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    847,133       1,681,232  

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.

    7,700,000       19,494,802  

China Overseas Property Holdings Ltd.

    2,270,000       1,495,317  

China Resources Land Ltd.

    6,160,665       29,265,214  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,270,509       6,489,942  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,388,031       14,369,111  

CIFI Holdings Group Co. Ltd.

    6,930,000       6,566,095  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development (continued)  

Country Garden Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)

    15,785,727     $ 19,637,153  

Financial Street Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    570,659       534,565  

Gemdale Corp., Class A

    655,597       1,282,895  

Greenland Holdings Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,116,567       970,126  

Greentown China Holdings Ltd.(b)

    1,955,000       2,913,340  

Guangzhou R&F Properties Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,542,000       4,730,368  

Hopson Development Holdings Ltd.

    1,366,000       4,481,518  

Jiangsu Zhongnan Construction Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    577,500       718,327  

Jinke Properties Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    809,781       931,020  

Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd.

    5,390,000       2,793,196  

KE Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    252,560       16,120,905  

KWG Group Holdings Ltd.

    2,695,000       4,085,570  

Logan Group Co. Ltd.

    3,080,000       4,796,277  

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd.(c)

    3,657,500       21,688,463  

Poly Developments and Holdings Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,501,575       3,601,083  

Poly Property Services Co. Ltd.

    231,000       1,520,178  

RiseSun Real Estate Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    770,030       789,061  

Seazen Group Ltd.

    3,850,000       4,665,253  

Seazen Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,464       2,425,402  

Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone Development Co. Ltd., Class B

    2,502,532       2,004,528  

Shanghai Zhangjiang High-Tech Park Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,009       807,592  

Shenzhen Investment Ltd.

    6,930,000       2,492,436  

Shimao Group Holdings Ltd.

    2,502,500       8,242,360  

Sunac China Holdings Ltd.

    5,390,000       23,068,187  

Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The)

    3,080,000       7,265,883  

Xinhu Zhongbao Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,232,000       595,100  

Yuexiu Property Co. Ltd.

    13,090,000       2,902,383  

Zhenro Properties Group Ltd.(b)

    3,080,000       2,024,918  

Zhongtian Financial Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,078,091       472,508  
   

 

 

 
      246,885,899  
Road & Rail — 0.0%            

Beijing-Shanghai High Speed Railway Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,193,500       1,046,178  

Daqin Railway Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,424,500       1,435,525  
   

 

 

 
      2,481,703  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.9%  

Daqo New Energy Corp., ADR(a)

    106,645       11,117,741  

GCL System Integration Technology Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,078,045       580,627  

Gigadevice Semiconductor Beijing Inc., Class A

    64,477       1,915,449  

Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,000       962,522  

Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd.(a)(c)

    770,000       4,709,920  

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    462,004       7,447,848  

NAURA Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,000       2,131,809  

Sanan Optoelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    616,055       2,846,468  

Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,000       1,641,160  

Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,598       2,030,250  

Tianshui Huatian Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    500,500       996,389  

TongFu Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    231,000       862,705  

Unigroup Guoxin Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    74,900       1,283,039  

Will Semiconductor Co. Ltd. Shanghai, Class A

    115,500       5,043,973  

Wuxi Taiji Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    462,000       641,682  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.

    8,470,000       17,797,444  
 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)  

Zhejiang Jingsheng Mechanical & Electrical Co. Ltd., Class A

    192,500     $ 1,110,763  
   

 

 

 
      63,119,789  
Software — 1.0%            

360 Security Technology Inc., Class A

    885,500       2,200,136  

Beijing E-Hualu Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    131,620       540,914  

Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,589       626,657  

China National Software & Service Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,000       691,352  

China Youzan Ltd.(a)

    27,720,000       11,863,639  

Hundsun Technologies Inc., Class A

    139,396       1,880,169  

Iflytek Co. Ltd., Class A

    268,759       1,999,563  

Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    5,005,000       17,968,668  

Kingsoft Corp. Ltd.

    1,540,000       10,799,564  

Ming Yuan Cloud Group Holdings Ltd.(a)

    770,000       4,357,545  

Sangfor Technologies Inc., Class A

    38,500       1,576,279  

Shanghai Baosight Software Co. Ltd., Class A

    115,500       1,020,630  

Venustech Group Inc., Class A

    115,571       551,829  

Weimob Inc.(a)

    3,080,000       8,953,315  

Yonyou Network Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,587       2,412,149  
   

 

 

 
      67,442,409  
Specialty Retail — 0.5%            

China Meidong Auto Holdings Ltd.

    1,144,000       4,350,455  

China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp. Ltd., Class A

    231,089       10,980,905  

GOME Retail Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    20,020,000       5,884,174  

Suning.com Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,347,561       1,455,732  

Topsports International Holdings Ltd.(c)

    2,695,000       3,960,502  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,155,000       7,146,770  
   

 

 

 
      33,778,538  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.8%  

China Greatwall Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    423,500       1,128,706  

GRG Banking Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    385,000       573,354  

Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    206,780       1,001,375  

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    14,630,000       18,501,202  

Ninestar Corp., Class A

    158,800       672,710  

Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    231,000       737,934  

Xiaomi Corp., Class B(a)(c)

    29,260,000       95,429,238  
   

 

 

 
      118,044,519  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.5%  

ANTA Sports Products Ltd.

    2,310,000       35,436,070  

Bosideng International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    6,930,000       2,921,242  

Li Ning Co. Ltd.

    4,427,500       24,884,658  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,694,000       35,179,978  

Zhejiang Semir Garment Co. Ltd., Class A

    385,000       548,400  
   

 

 

 
      98,970,348  
Tobacco — 0.2%            

RLX Technology Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    242,165       4,240,309  

Smoore International Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    1,155,000       9,372,692  
   

 

 

 
      13,613,001  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.1%  

BOC Aviation Ltd.(c)

    423,500       4,094,504  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.3%  

Beijing Capital International Airport Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,850,000       3,002,636  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure (continued)  

China Merchants Port Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,080,000     $ 4,486,584  

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Ltd.

    3,850,000       2,799,152  

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co. Ltd., Class A

    346,598       704,980  

Jiangsu Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,310,000       2,683,017  

Shanghai International Airport Co. Ltd., Class A

    154,099       1,471,584  

Shanghai International Port Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,386,077       1,020,330  

Shenzhen International Holdings Ltd.

    2,310,000       3,823,522  

Zhejiang Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,080,000       2,687,980  
   

 

 

 
      22,679,785  
Water Utilities — 0.2%            

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    9,240,000       3,656,764  

Guangdong Investment Ltd.

    6,160,000       11,021,909  
   

 

 

 
      14,678,673  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $4,222,868,837)

      6,637,081,849  
   

 

 

 

Rights

   
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.0%  

Legend Holdings Corp., Class H (Expires 05/19/23)(a)

    82,492       0 (e)  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

      0 (e)  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 3.1%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(f)(g)(h)

    204,485,777       204,608,469  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(f)(g)

    2,380,000       2,380,000  
   

 

 

 
      206,988,469  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 3.1%
(Cost: $206,855,744)

 

    206,988,469  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 102.8%
(Cost: $4,429,724,581)

 

    6,844,070,318  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (2.8)%

 

    (186,595,219
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   6,657,475,099  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

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.

(d) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(e) 

Rounds to less than $1.

(f) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(g) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(h) 

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

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  27


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
    

Shares

Held at
02/28/21

     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 249,675,557      $      $ (44,986,128 )(a)     $ 8,356      $ (89,316    $ 204,608,469        204,485,777      $ 747,098 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     2,710,000               (330,000 )(a)                      2,380,000        2,380,000        1,805         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 8,356      $ (89,316    $ 206,988,469         $ 748,903      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts    

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI China Free

    180       03/19/21     $ 11,436     $ 547,949  
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 547,949  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

     $102,079  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

     $854,640  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 8,354,141        

 

 

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.

 

 

28  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 6,632,724,302        $ 4,357,545      $ 2        $ 6,637,081,849  

Rights

              0 (a)                 0 (a)  

Money Market Funds

     206,988,469                          206,988,469  
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 6,839,712,771        $ 4,357,545      $ 2        $ 6,844,070,318  
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(b)

               

Assets

               

Futures Contracts

   $ 547,949        $      $        $ 547,949  
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Rounds to less than $1.

 
  (b) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  29


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.4%            

BEST Inc., ADR(a)

    117,400     $ 257,107  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 0.1%            

Shandong Airlines Co. Ltd., Class B(a)

    85,000       65,854  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 2.7%            

Chaowei Power Holdings Ltd.

    300,000       127,621  

Nexteer Automotive Group Ltd.

    517,000       683,793  

Prinx Chengshan Cayman Holding Ltd.

    75,000       78,893  

Tianneng Power International Ltd.(b)

    400,000       773,460  

Xingda International Holdings Ltd.

    525,000       146,184  
   

 

 

 
      1,809,951  
Automobiles — 1.1%            

Niu Technologies, ADR(a)(b)

    17,250       644,805  

Qingling Motors Co. Ltd., Class H

    400,000       86,628  
   

 

 

 
      731,433  
Beverages — 0.3%            

China Foods Ltd.

    500,000       208,834  

China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd.(a)(c)

    81,000       0 (d)  
   

 

 

 
      208,834  
Biotechnology — 3.0%            

Ascletis Pharma Inc.(a)(b)(e)

    200,000       78,119  

Beyondspring Inc.(a)

    12,750       165,495  

CStone Pharmaceuticals(a)(e)

    312,000       403,808  

Essex Bio-Technology Ltd.

    175,000       101,968  

Genetron Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    10,425       256,351  

Immunotech Biopharm Ltd.(a)

    50,000       103,128  

InnoCare Pharma Ltd.(a)(e)

    302,000       734,235  

Shanghai Haohai Biological Technology Co. Ltd., Class H(e)

    22,500       167,938  
   

 

 

 
      2,011,042  
Building Products — 0.1%            

China Fangda Group Co. Ltd., Class B

    177,550       70,266  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 0.5%            

China Renaissance Holdings Ltd.(e)

    95,000       322,694  

Shanghai Greencourt Investment Group Co. Ltd., Class B(a)

    197,524       36,937  
   

 

 

 
      359,631  
Chemicals — 3.2%            

China BlueChemical Ltd., Class H

    1,000,000       242,351  

China Longevity Group Co. Ltd.(a)(c)

    96,000       0 (d)  

China Lumena New Materials Corp.(a)(b)(c)

    21,700       0 (d)  

China XLX Fertiliser Ltd.

    250,000       128,910  

Dongyue Group Ltd.

    675,000       530,787  

Fufeng Group Ltd.

    900,600       398,211  

Huabao International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    550,000       600,527  

Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical Co. Ltd., Class B

    242,093       119,836  

Sinofert Holdings Ltd.

    1,200,000       174,802  
   

 

 

 
      2,195,424  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.9%  

Beijing Enterprises Urban Resources Group Ltd.(a)

    1,100,000       180,087  

CT Environmental Group Ltd.(a)(c)

    600,000       15,779  

Dongjiang Environmental Co. Ltd., Class H

    105,000       78,777  

Dynagreen Environmental Protection Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    200,000       85,854  

Times Neighborhood Holdings Ltd.

    300,000       258,722  
   

 

 

 
      619,219  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Communications Equipment — 0.1%            

Eastern Communications Co. Ltd., Class B

    172,500     $ 90,735  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 1.5%  

Changsha Broad Homes Industrial Group Co Ltd., Class H(e)

    52,500       91,636  

China Machinery Engineering Corp., Class H

    500,000       229,460  

Greentown Management Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)(e)

    300,000       115,632  

Hebei Construction Group Corp. Ltd., Class H

    262,500       108,961  

Sinopec Engineering Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    862,500       460,305  
   

 

 

 
      1,005,994  
Construction Materials — 0.7%            

Asia Cement China Holdings Corp.

    275,000       258,787  

West China Cement Ltd.

    1,300,000       214,506  
   

 

 

 
      473,293  
Consumer Finance — 3.7%            

360 DigiTech Inc.(a)

    37,350       875,110  

Differ Group Holding Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,500,000       154,692  

FinVolution Group

    66,475       373,590  

LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    58,175       660,868  

Qudian Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    89,875       192,333  

Yixin Group Ltd.(a)(b)(e)

    750,000       275,545  
   

 

 

 
      2,532,138  
Containers & Packaging — 0.6%            

CPMC Holdings Ltd.

    300,000       155,465  

Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co. Ltd.

    475,000       242,480  

Youyuan International Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)(c)

    120,000       2,614  
   

 

 

 
      400,559  
Distributors — 0.7%            

China Tobacco International HK Co. Ltd.(b)

    125,000       289,403  

Xinhua Winshare Publishing and Media Co. Ltd., Class H

    249,000       161,456  
   

 

 

 
      450,859  
Diversified Consumer Services — 5.6%  

Bright Scholar Education Holdings Ltd., ADR

    8,975       58,427  

China Beststudy Education Group

    225,000       79,763  

China Kepei Education Group Ltd.

    360,000       248,281  

China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Ltd.(a)(b)

    900,000       251,761  

China New Higher Education Group Ltd.(e)

    475,000       283,505  

China Online Education Group, ADR(a)

    5,050       129,533  

China Xinhua Education Group Ltd.(e)

    275,000       79,763  

Edvantage Group Holdings Ltd.

    176,000       189,219  

Fu Shou Yuan International Group Ltd.

    536,000       538,256  

Hope Education Group Co. Ltd.(e)

    1,300,000       444,095  

Minsheng Education Group Co. Ltd.(e)

    500,000       96,683  

OneSmart International Education Group Ltd., ADR(a)

    36,550       129,387  

Puxin Ltd., ADR(a)

    23,225       164,665  

Scholar Education Group(b)

    87,000       122,918  

Tianli Education International Holdings Ltd.

    675,000       767,466  

Wisdom Education International Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400,000       193,365  
   

 

 

 
      3,777,087  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.2%  

National Agricultural Holdings Ltd.(b)(c)

    126,000       162  

Sheng Ye Capital Ltd.(b)

    187,500       150,825  
   

 

 

 
      150,987  
Electrical Equipment — 0.9%            

China Fiber Optic Network System Group
Ltd.(a)(c)

    181,600       0 (d)  

China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group Co. Ltd.

    250,000       242,995  

Hangzhou Steam Turbine Co. Ltd., Class B

    161,423       238,888  

Harbin Electric Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    376,000       106,150  
 

 

 

30  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Electrical Equipment (continued)  

Trony Solar Holdings Co. Ltd.(c)

    216,000     $ 0 (d)  
   

 

 

 
          588,033  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.8%  

Anxin-China Holdings Ltd.(c)

    672,000       1  

FIH Mobile Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,925,000       290,338  

MH Development Ltd.(a)(c)

    112,000       10,886  

PAX Global Technology Ltd.

    450,000       413,608  

Tongda Group Holdings Ltd.(a)

    2,250,000       171,128  

Wasion Holdings Ltd.

    300,000       98,616  

Zepp Health Corp., ADR(a)(b)

    15,250       252,082  
   

 

 

 
      1,236,659  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.0%  

Wison Engineering Services Co. Ltd.

    437,000       27,885  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 2.2%            

Cathay Media And Education Group Inc.(a)(e)

    200,000       201,615  

CMGE Technology Group Ltd.

    250,000       100,872  

Homeland Interactive Technology Ltd.

    200,000       146,957  

iDreamSky Technology Holdings Ltd.(a)(e)

    260,000       134,402  

IMAX China Holding Inc.(e)

    72,500       142,620  

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Ltd.

    137,500       333,587  

SMI Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    267,200       0 (d)  

XD Inc.(a)(b)

    52,400       466,087  
   

 

 

 
      1,526,140  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.9%  

China Merchants Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust

    350,000       114,601  

Yuexiu REIT

    950,000       480,061  
   

 

 

 
      594,662  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.4%  

111 Inc.(a)

    14,925       291,634  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 2.8%            

China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,648,000       573,598  

COFCO Joycome Foods Ltd.

    1,375,000       916,389  

Zhou Hei Ya International Holdings Co. Ltd.(e)

    350,000       402,006  
   

 

 

 
      1,891,993  
Gas Utilities — 0.7%            

Beijing Gas Blue Sky Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    3,264,000       46,368  

China Tian Lun Gas Holdings Ltd.

    175,000       162,201  

Towngas China Co. Ltd.

    625,000       277,962  
   

 

 

 
      486,531  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.0%  

Beijing Chunlizhengda Medical Instruments Co. Ltd., Class H

    43,850       109,210  

China Isotope & Radiation Corp.

    30,000       104,417  

Lifetech Scientific Corp.(a)

    2,050,000       1,033,278  

Shanghai Kindly Medical Instruments Co. Ltd., Class H

    20,000       103,515  

Untrade Hosa International Ltd.(c)

    220,000       0 (d)  
   

 

 

 
      1,350,420  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.5%  

China Resources Medical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    500,000       429,270  

Genertec Universal Medical Group Co. Ltd.(e)

    612,500       516,381  

IVD Medical Holding Ltd.

    225,000       70,482  
   

 

 

 
      1,016,133  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.8%  

CA Cultural Technology Group Ltd.(a)

    250,000       103,773  

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong Ltd.(a)

    1,300,000       226,237  

GreenTree Hospitality Group Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    7,675       99,928  

Huangshan Tourism Development Co. Ltd., Class B

    122,500       91,140  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)  

Shanghai Jin Jiang Capital Co. Ltd., Class H

    800,000     $ 161,911  

Xiabuxiabu Catering Management China Holdings Co. Ltd.(e)

    225,000       567,913  
   

 

 

 
        1,250,902  
Household Durables — 1.7%            

Konka Group Co. Ltd., Class B

    285,000       94,788  

Q Technology Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    242,000       459,832  

Skyworth Group Ltd.(a)

    850,000       267,359  

TCL Electronics Holdings Ltd.

    425,000       346,252  
   

 

 

 
      1,168,231  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.9%  

Beijing Energy International Holding Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    2,650,000       92,235  

Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy Co. Ltd., Class H

    690,000       191,238  

Canvest Environmental Protection Group Co. Ltd.

    350,000       144,379  

CGN New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    750,000       212,702  

China Datang Corp. Renewable Power Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,250,000       267,488  

China Everbright Greentech Ltd.(e)

    375,000       161,460  

Concord New Energy Group Ltd.

    3,250,000       234,616  
   

 

 

 
      1,304,118  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.5%            

Shanghai Industrial Holdings Ltd.

    250,000       360,948  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 0.5%            

Fanhua Inc., ADR

    25,925       340,654  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 2.0%            

Meitu Inc.(a)(b)(e)

    1,275,000       486,506  

Qutoutiao Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    34,811       121,490  

Sohu.com Ltd., ADR(a)

    17,375       317,268  

So-Young International Inc., ADR(a)

    13,436       201,809  

Tongdao Liepin Group(a)

    105,000       255,822  
   

 

 

 
      1,382,895  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 4.4%  

HengTen Networks Group Ltd.(a)

    1,428,000       2,393,085  

Maoyan Entertainment(a)(e)

    270,000       515,125  

Uxin Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    75,125       87,145  
   

 

 

 
      2,995,355  
IT Services — 2.9%            

AGTech Holdings Ltd.(a)

    800,000       22,276  

Chinasoft International Ltd.

    1,282,000       1,360,111  

Digital China Holdings Ltd.

    400,000       294,946  

Hi Sun Technology China Ltd.(a)

    1,050,000       219,276  

INESA Intelligent Tech Inc., Class B

    172,500       77,625  
   

 

 

 
      1,974,234  
Machinery — 3.4%            

China Yuchai International Ltd.

    8,225       129,462  

CIMC Enric Holdings Ltd.

    430,000       271,613  

CIMC Vehicles Group Co. Ltd., Class H(e)

    91,500       81,977  

First Tractor Co. Ltd., Class H(a)(b)

    250,000       127,299  

Kama Co. Ltd., Class B(a)

    145,006       59,453  

Lonking Holdings Ltd.

    1,125,000       416,218  

Sany Heavy Equipment International Holdings Co. Ltd.

    652,000       731,229  

Shang Gong Group Co. Ltd., Class B(a)

    142,500       49,020  

Shanghai Diesel Engine Co. Ltd., Class B

    209,565       99,753  

Shanghai Highly Group Co. Ltd., Class B

    160,040       80,660  

Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    135,000       240,159  
   

 

 

 
      2,286,843  
Media — 1.1%            

iClick Interactive Asia Group Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    30,875       454,171  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  31


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Media (continued)            

Mobvista Inc.(a)(e)

    275,000     $ 266,232  
   

 

 

 
            720,403  
Metals & Mining — 3.7%            

China Metal Recycling Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    184,800       0 (d)  

China Oriental Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    650,000       204,451  

China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd.(a)

    970,000       285,098  

Inner Mongolia Eerduosi Resources Co. Ltd., Class B

    145,000       173,275  

Jinchuan Group International Resources Co. Ltd.

    1,810,000       347,658  

MMG Ltd.(a)

    1,400,000       882,518  

Shougang Fushan Resources Group Ltd.

    1,200,000       303,196  

Tiangong International Co. Ltd.

    550,000       308,417  

Untrade Real Gold Mining(c)

    126,000       0 (d)  
   

 

 

 
      2,504,613  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.3%  

China Suntien Green Energy Corp. Ltd., Class H

    975,000       304,163  

Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Co. Ltd., Class B

    625,000       325,625  

Sinopec Kantons Holdings Ltd.

    600,000       231,265  
   

 

 

 
      861,053  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%  

China Forestry Holdings Co. Ltd.(c)

    306,000       0 (d)  

Qunxing Paper Holdings Co. Ltd.(c)

    148,000       0 (d)  

Superb Summit International Group Ltd.(a)(c)

    2,975       3  
   

 

 

 
      3  
Pharmaceuticals — 4.4%  

Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd.

    152,000       204,565  

China Animal Healthcare Ltd.(a)(c)

    140,000       0 (d)  

China Grand Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Holdings Ltd., Class A(b)

    527,500       421,600  

China Shineway Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    175,000       127,460  

Consun Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    250,000       105,384  

Hua Han Health Industry Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)(c)

    651,960       15,128  

Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd.

    137,500       102,628  

Luye Pharma Group Ltd.(e)

    1,037,500       700,819  

Shanghai Fudan-Zhangjiang Bio-Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class H

    150,000       90,882  

Shanghai Haixin Group Co., Class B

    260,000       88,660  

Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd.

    2,225,000       685,511  

Tong Ren Tang Technologies Co. Ltd., Class H

    336,000       228,697  

YiChang HEC ChangJiang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class H(b)(e)

    155,000       181,028  
   

 

 

 
      2,952,362  
Professional Services — 0.1%  

Renrui Human Resources Technology Holdings Ltd.(a)

    22,500       92,380  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 15.9%  

Aoyuan Healthy Life Group Co. Ltd.

    150,000       98,229  

Beijing Capital Land Ltd., Class H

    900,000       149,664  

Beijing North Star Co. Ltd., Class H

    472,000       93,702  

C&D International Investment Group Ltd.(b)

    175,000       301,843  

Central China New Life Ltd.

    175,000       157,915  

Central China Real Estate Ltd.

    500,038       223,031  

China Logistics Property Holdings
Co. Ltd.(a)(b)(e)

    475,000       275,545  

China Merchants Land Ltd.

    750,000       112,152  

China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Ltd.

    986,000       541,468  

China SCE Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,000,800       414,132  

China South City Holdings Ltd.

    2,650,000       314,283  

China Vast Industrial Urban Development Co. Ltd.(b)(e)

    300,000       119,500  

Colour Life Services Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    225,000       110,218  

Cosmopolitan International Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,050,000       173,255  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development (continued)  

DaFa Properties Group Ltd.

    150,000     $ 132,648  

Dexin China Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)

    475,000       181,247  

E-House China Enterprise Holdings Ltd.

    412,500       357,338  

Fantasia Holdings Group Co. Ltd.

    862,500       135,645  

Ganglong China Property Group Ltd.(a)

    279,000       214,357  

Gemdale Properties & Investment Corp. Ltd.

    3,400,000       525,953  

Glory Sun Financial Group Ltd.(a)

    8,300,000       347,735  

Greenland Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    500,000       160,493  

Guorui Properties Ltd.

    675,000       62,650  

Huijing Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)

    450,000       111,958  

Jiayuan International Group Ltd.

    850,000       330,912  

Jingrui Holdings Ltd.

    300,000       96,296  

JY Grandmark Holdings Ltd.

    200,000       79,924  

Kaisa Prosperity Holdings Ltd.

    34,000       81,523  

KWG Living Group Holdings Ltd.(a)

    525,000       627,373  

LVGEM China Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

    600,000       181,763  

Poly Property Group Co. Ltd.

    1,029,000       315,703  

Powerlong Commercial Management Holdings Ltd.

    87,500       279,735  

Redco Properties Group Ltd.(e)

    650,000       239,644  

Redsun Properties Group Ltd.

    600,000       212,701  

Road King Infrastructure Ltd.

    125,000       169,839  

Ronshine China Holdings Ltd.

    362,500       270,566  

Shanghai Industrial Urban Development Group Ltd.

    1,150,000       115,632  

Shoucheng Holdings Ltd.(b)

    1,051,600       267,057  

Shui On Land Ltd.

    2,187,500       335,569  

Sichuan Languang Justbon Services Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    18,400       110,177  

Sino-Ocean Group Holding Ltd.

    1,837,500       405,051  

Skyfame Realty Holdings Ltd.

    1,400,000       173,255  

SOHO China Ltd.(a)

    1,237,500       406,792  

Xinji Shaxi Group Co. Ltd.

    225,000       46,408  

Yincheng International Holding Co. Ltd.

    250,000       105,062  

Yuzhou Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,186,000       457,133  

Zhuguang Holdings Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    850,000       189,562  
   

 

 

 
        10,812,638  
Road & Rail — 0.4%  

CAR Inc.(a)

    407,000       210,390  

Shanghai Jinjiang International Industrial Investment Co. Ltd., Class B

    95,049       69,101  
   

 

 

 
      279,491  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 8.8%  

GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd.(a)

    11,051,000       4,658,391  

JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    21,000       1,078,140  

Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    156,000       227,645  
   

 

 

 
      5,964,176  
Software — 0.2%            

Inspur International Ltd.(a)

    274,000       104,551  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 1.0%            

Boshiwa International Holding Ltd.(b)(c)

    153,000       0 (d)  

China Harmony Auto Holding Ltd.

    462,500       197,942  

China ZhengTong Auto Services Holdings Ltd.(a)

    725,000       76,637  

Grand Baoxin Auto Group Ltd.(a)

    425,000       49,856  

Mulsanne Group Holding Ltd.(a)(b)(e)

    137,500       106,705  

Pou Sheng International Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,250,000       270,711  
   

 

 

 
      701,851  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.6%  

Ebang International Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    56,350       388,815  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

32  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.8%  

361 Degrees International Ltd.

    475,000     $ 108,993  

China Dongxiang Group Co. Ltd.

    1,900,000       213,088  

China Lilang Ltd.

    250,000       178,540  

Cosmo Lady China Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)(e)

    400,000       60,846  

Fuguiniao Co. Ltd.(c)

    43,200       0 (d)  

JNBY Design Ltd.

    112,500       172,288  

Lu Thai Textile Co. Ltd., Class B

    112,537       61,801  

Weiqiao Textile Co., Class H

    250,000       73,157  

Xtep International Holdings Ltd.

    750,000       357,725  
   

 

 

 
          1,226,438  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.4%  

China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Ltd.

    162,500       153,757  

CITIC Resources Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,650,037       85,083  
   

 

 

 
      238,840  
Transportation Infrastructure — 1.8%  

Anhui Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    250,000       163,716  

COSCO SHIPPING International Hong Kong Co. Ltd.

    316,000       99,395  

Hainan Meilan International Airport Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    80,000       343,416  

Sichuan Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    400,000       98,487  

Tianjin Port Development Holdings Ltd.

    1,100,000       93,588  

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Ltd.

    600,000       430,044  
   

 

 

 
      1,228,646  
Water Utilities — 0.7%            

China Everbright Water Ltd.

    510,000       86,297  

China Water Affairs Group Ltd.

    470,000       370,191  
   

 

 

 
      456,488  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $60,790,447)

 

    67,817,431  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 10.9%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(f)(g)(h)

    6,447,414     $ 6,451,282  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(f)(g)

    950,000       950,000  
   

 

 

 
      7,401,282  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 10.9%
(Cost: $7,397,134)

 

    7,401,282  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 110.8%
(Cost: $68,187,581)

 

    75,218,713  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (10.8)%

 

    (7,329,465
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   67,889,248  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(d) 

Rounds to less than $1.

(e) 

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.

(f) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(g) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(h) 

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

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 8,354,349     $     $ (1,899,806 )(a)     $ (1,551   $ (1,710   $ 6,451,282       6,447,414     $ 165,818 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

    40,000       910,000 (a)                        950,000       950,000       21        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ (1,551   $ (1,710   $ 7,401,282       $ 165,839     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  33


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI China Free

    5       03/19/21     $ 318     $ (10,778
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 10,778  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (29,536
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (10,778
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 105,892  

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 67,726,490        $                 —        $ 90,941        $ 67,817,431  

Money Market Funds

     7,401,282                            7,401,282  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 75,127,772        $        $         90,941        $ 75,218,713  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (10,778      $        $        $ (10,778
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Indonesia ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Auto Components — 0.3%            

Selamat Sempurna Tbk PT

    12,781,200     $ 1,171,311  
   

 

 

 
Automobiles — 5.0%            

Astra International Tbk PT

    49,317,830         18,701,986  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 40.3%            

Bank BTPN Syariah Tbk PT

    8,073,700       2,324,590  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    27,590,358       65,003,968  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    37,469,860       16,182,559  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    24,182,058       10,104,160  

Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat Dan Banten Tbk PT

    14,671,536       1,633,033  

Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk PT

    23,814,300       1,413,138  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    151,820,660       50,215,963  

Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk PT(a)

    1,574,900       325,155  

Bank Tabungan Negara Persero Tbk PT

    18,794,026       2,731,997  
   

 

 

 
      149,934,563  
Capital Markets — 0.4%            

Pacific Strategic Financial Tbk PT(a)

    25,900,300       1,491,450  

Pool Advista Indonesia Tbk PT(a)(b)

    7,126,300       5  
   

 

 

 
      1,491,455  
Chemicals — 1.9%            

Barito Pacific Tbk PT(a)

    90,175,600       6,965,812  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 1.6%            

Agung Semesta Sejahtera Tbk PT(a)

    30,569,008       107,335  

PP Persero Tbk PT

    15,781,922       1,789,874  

Waskita Karya Persero Tbk PT

    21,573,500       2,158,865  

Wijaya Karya Persero Tbk PT

    15,298,570       1,869,348  
   

 

 

 
      5,925,422  
Construction Materials — 3.5%            

Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT

    5,259,044       4,616,436  

Semen Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    9,825,455       7,037,896  

Waskita Beton Precast Tbk PT

    70,081,700       1,269,739  
   

 

 

 
      12,924,071  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 11.6%  

Inovisi Infracom Tbk PT(b)

    9,476,400       0 (c)  

Link Net Tbk PT

    6,857,400       1,589,145  

Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk PT

    55,574,200       4,936,894  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    127,446,390       31,235,105  

Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT

    35,926,800       5,474,800  
   

 

 

 
      43,235,944  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.4%  

Erajaya Swasembada Tbk PT(a)

    8,887,100       1,641,367  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1%            

Pelayaran Tamarin Samudra Tbk PT(a)

    87,360,300       306,743  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 6.8%            

Astra Agro Lestari Tbk PT

    401,600       317,275  

Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT

    23,948,825       10,343,067  

Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk PT

    7,821,054       4,709,658  

Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT

    14,291,030       6,071,681  

Inti Agri Resources Tbk PT(a)(b)

    190,840,700       0 (c)  

Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk PT

    21,663,300       2,335,194  

Perusahaan Perkebunan London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk PT

    17,731,000       1,649,830  
   

 

 

 
      25,426,705  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Gas Utilities — 1.1%            

Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk PT

    39,134,607     $ 3,957,432  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.1%  

Metro Healthcare Indonesia TBK PT(a)

    15,023,700       333,391  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.3%            

Surya Permata Andalan Tbk PT(a)

    31,429,000       1,158,724  
   

 

 

 
Household Products — 3.2%            

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    23,861,520       11,729,680  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 0.3%            

Panin Financial Tbk PT(a)

    79,610,078       1,285,837  
   

 

 

 
Marine — 0.0%            

Berlian Laju Tanker Tbk PT(a)

    20,933,614       73,503  

Trada Alam Minera Tbk PT(a)(b)

    163,879,000       0 (c)  
   

 

 

 
      73,503  
Media — 1.4%            

Media Nusantara Citra Tbk PT(a)

    23,728,500       1,891,281  

Surya Citra Media Tbk PT(a)

    23,389,300       3,252,164  
   

 

 

 
      5,143,445  
Metals & Mining — 2.9%            

Aneka Tambang Tbk

    29,283,354       5,840,219  

Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk PT(a)

    22,507,100       4,472,970  

Timah Tbk PT(a)

    3,776,300       588,721  
   

 

 

 
      10,901,910  
Multiline Retail — 0.6%            

Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk PT(a)

    37,239,000       2,105,154  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 4.3%  

Adaro Energy Tbk PT

    50,768,239       4,206,919  

AKR Corporindo Tbk PT

    8,362,400       1,979,023  

Bukit Asam Tbk PT

    14,378,400       2,736,339  

Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk PT

    2,115,100       1,812,094  

Medco Energi Internasional Tbk PT(a)

    39,863,286       1,945,575  

Sekawan Intipratama Tbk PT(b)

    30,572,100       21  

Sugih Energy Tbk PT(a)(b)

    39,886,700       28  

United Tractors Tbk PT

    2,136,096       3,382,652  
   

 

 

 
      16,062,651  
Paper & Forest Products — 3.3%  

Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Corp. Tbk PT

    8,987,900       8,315,701  

Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tbk PT

    3,979,700       4,129,218  
   

 

 

 
      12,444,919  
Personal Products — 0.5%            

Industri Jamu Dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk PT

    30,119,600       1,681,537  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 2.0%            

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

    70,279,385       7,254,965  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 3.9%  

Bumi Serpong Damai Tbk PT(a)

    31,812,922       2,591,502  

Ciputra Development Tbk PT

    41,330,913       3,352,332  

Hanson International Tbk PT(a)(b)

    372,896,535       0 (c)  

Lippo Karawaci Tbk PT(a)

    164,532,742       2,333,962  

Pakuwon Jati Tbk PT(a)

    71,138,177       2,747,612  

Puradelta Lestari Tbk PT

    65,212,200       1,071,605  

Rimo International Lestari Tbk PT(a)(b)

    54,096,000       0 (c)  

Summarecon Agung Tbk PT(a)

    41,871,658       2,425,851  
   

 

 

 
      14,522,864  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  35


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Indonesia ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Specialty Retail — 1.1%            

Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk PT

    27,287,379     $ 2,922,279  

Bintang Oto Global Tbk PT(a)

    13,202,500       1,196,013  
   

 

 

 
      4,118,292  
Tobacco — 1.1%            

Gudang Garam Tbk PT(a)

    1,595,742       4,090,209  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.7%            

Jasa Marga Persero Tbk PT

    8,670,108       2,538,929  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.3%  

Indosat Tbk PT(a)

    6,008,800       2,341,913  

Smartfren Telecom Tbk PT(a)

    71,016,000       384,005  

XL Axiata Tbk PT

    14,612,600       2,257,565  
   

 

 

 
      4,983,483  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.0%
(Cost: $460,034,889)

 

    372,112,304  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.0%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    80,000       80,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $80,000)

 

    80,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.0%
(Cost: $460,114,889)

 

    372,192,304  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.0%

 

    122,365  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   372,314,669  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(c) 

Rounds to less than $1.

(d) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(e) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ 560,000     $     $ (480,000 )(a)    $     $     $ 80,000       80,000     $ 103     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).    

 

Futures Contracts    

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    1       03/19/21     $ 67     $ 4,480  
       

 

 

 

 

 

36  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Indonesia ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 4,480  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 127,404  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (23,250
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 604,770      

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 372,112,250      $                 —      $             54      $ 372,112,304  

Money Market Funds

     80,000                      80,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 372,192,250      $      $ 54      $ 372,192,304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $ 4,480      $      $      $ 4,480  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  37


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Peru ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Banks — 26.4%            

Banco BBVA Peru SA

    6,138,065     $ 4,154,217  

Credicorp Ltd.

    263,196       42,113,992  

Intercorp Financial Services Inc.

    107,418       3,748,888  
   

 

 

 
          50,017,097  
Construction & Engineering — 2.1%  

Aenza SAA(a)

    8,509,621       3,917,240  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 4.6%            

Cementos Pacasmayo SAA

    2,666,620       4,420,559  

Union Andina de Cementos SAA

    8,398,476       4,234,274  
   

 

 

 
      8,654,833  
Electric Utilities — 3.0%            

Luz del Sur SAA

    907,353       5,767,996  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.7%            

InRetail Peru Corp.(b)

    113,433       5,047,769  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 4.8%            

Alicorp SAA

    3,493,707       7,754,114  

Casa Grande SAA

    784,111       1,310,594  
   

 

 

 
      9,064,708  
Metals & Mining — 45.2%            

Cia. de Minas Buenaventura SAA, ADR(a)

    808,107       8,937,663  

Corp. Aceros Arequipa SA, NVS

    3,582,153       1,079,686  

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.(a)

    469,746       3,550,924  

Hochschild Mining PLC

    2,758,590       8,292,092  

MMG Ltd.(a)

    7,908,000       4,984,965  

Pan American Silver Corp.

    122,539       4,070,115  

Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde SAA(a)

    242,768       6,311,968  

Southern Copper Corp.

    553,852       39,506,263  

Volcan Cia. Minera SAA, Class B, NVS(a)

    27,066,097       5,710,538  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    91,268       3,281,611  
   

 

 

 
      85,725,825  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Multiline Retail — 3.3%            

Falabella SA

    1,099,317     $ 4,558,889  

Ripley Corp. SA

    5,336,779       1,719,470  
   

 

 

 
      6,278,359  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.3%            

PetroTal Corp.(a)

    10,059,961       2,496,509  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.5%  

Parque Arauco SA

    2,580,010       4,759,231  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 3.1%            

Ferreycorp SAA

    10,387,216       5,976,943  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.0%
(Cost: $189,576,234)

 

    187,706,510  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(c)(d)

    350,000       350,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $350,000)

 

    350,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.2%
(Cost: $189,926,234)

 

    188,056,510  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.8%

 

    1,457,473  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  189,513,983  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ 110,000     $ 240,000 (a)    $     $     $     $ 350,000       350,000     $ 63     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    4       03/19/21     $ 268     $ (9,381
       

 

 

 

 

 

38  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Peru ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 9,381  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 51,153  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (10,469
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 344,610    

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 187,706,510        $                 —        $                 —        $ 187,706,510  

Money Market Funds

     350,000                            350,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 188,056,510        $        $        $ 188,056,510  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (9,381      $        $        $ (9,381
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  39


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Philippines ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 0.3%            

Cebu Air Inc.(a)

    435,080     $ 402,171  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 14.2%            

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    3,857,015       7,074,904  

BDO Unibank Inc.

    3,036,074       6,601,521  

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

    4,891,414       5,111,185  

Security Bank Corp.

    770,290       2,079,719  
   

 

 

 
        20,867,329  
Chemicals — 1.0%            

D&L Industries Inc.

    9,482,400       1,391,482  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 2.3%  

Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

    40,226,050       3,374,279  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 2.4%            

Manila Electric Co.

    640,540       3,577,624  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.2%            

Cosco Capital Inc.

    10,379,400       1,172,282  

Puregold Price Club Inc.

    2,715,360       2,070,658  
   

 

 

 
      3,242,940  
Food Products — 3.0%            

Universal Robina Corp.

    1,667,808       4,389,511  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.5%            

Bloomberry Resorts Corp.

    13,067,865       2,154,636  

Jollibee Foods Corp.

    1,217,591       4,491,937  
   

 

 

 
      6,646,573  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 3.2%  

Aboitiz Power Corp.

    2,941,135       1,466,930  

AC Energy Corp.

    7,920,854       1,204,780  

First Gen Corp.

    3,199,447       1,965,035  
   

 

 

 
      4,636,745  
Industrial Conglomerates — 26.7%            

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.

    4,336,837       3,767,471  

Alliance Global Group Inc.

    12,124,839       2,683,858  

Ayala Corp.

    591,728       9,122,270  

DMCI Holdings Inc.

    13,349,000       1,471,911  

GT Capital Holdings Inc.

    284,666       3,282,577  

JG Summit Holdings Inc.

    6,224,871       8,268,609  

SM Investments Corp.

    513,096       10,670,113  
   

 

 

 
      39,266,809  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.6%        

Petron Corp.

    15,307,200       1,116,807  

Semirara Mining & Power Corp.

    4,378,000       1,151,346  
   

 

 

 
      2,268,153  
Real Estate Management & Development — 25.6%        

Ayala Land Inc.

    17,628,350       14,187,697  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development (continued)  

DoubleDragon Properties Corp.(a)

    3,555,890     $ 1,115,430  

Filinvest Land Inc.

    47,134,590       1,117,164  

Megaworld Corp.

    34,586,960       2,580,478  

Robinsons Land Corp.

    1,915,306       772,912  

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    22,269,235       16,591,773  

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.

    14,625,900       1,308,252  
   

 

 

 
      37,673,706  
Specialty Retail — 1.9%            

AllHome Corp.

    5,504,800       913,307  

Wilcon Depot Inc.

    5,174,200       1,908,866  
   

 

 

 
      2,822,173  
Transportation Infrastructure — 4.3%  

International Container Terminal Services Inc.

    2,572,043       6,355,894  
   

 

 

 
Water Utilities — 0.3%            

Manila Water Co. Inc.(a)

    1,417,629       455,792  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 6.4%  

Globe Telecom Inc.

    94,020       3,925,897  

PLDT Inc.

    203,264       5,395,796  
   

 

 

 
      9,321,693  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $176,258,102)

 

    146,692,874  
   

 

 

 

Rights

   
Airlines — 0.0%            

Cebu Air Inc., (Expires 03/05/21)(a)

    238,400       33,657  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

 

    33,657  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(b)(c)

    90,000       90,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $90,000)

 

    90,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $176,348,102)

 

    146,816,531  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

 

    104,561  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   146,921,092  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

 

40  

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Philippines ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 90,000 (a)    $     $     $     $ 90,000       90,000     $ 61     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Date
   

Notional

Amount

(000)

    Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    2       03/19/21     $ 134     $ (2,124
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

    $ 2,124  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 24,064  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 52,007  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,498,558      

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  41


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Philippines ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

                                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 146,692,874        $        $        $ 146,692,874  

Rights

              33,657                   33,657  

Money Market Funds

     90,000                            90,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 146,782,874        $ 33,657        $        $ 146,816,531  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (2,124      $        $        $ (2,124
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

42  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Poland ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Banks — 22.7%  

Alior Bank SA(a)(b)

    172,739     $ 1,010,056  

Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA(a)(b)

    192,777       2,018,445  

Bank Millennium SA(a)

    3,230,654       3,580,364  

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA(a)

    589,753       10,734,872  

mBank SA(a)

    73,019       4,344,129  

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA(a)

    3,116,468       25,217,554  

Santander Bank Polska SA(a)

    156,387       8,833,716  
   

 

 

 
        55,739,136  
Capital Markets — 0.8%  

Warsaw Stock Exchange(b)

    157,978       1,889,476  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 1.5%  

Ciech SA(a)

    174,725       1,601,927  

Grupa Azoty SA(a)(b)

    259,386       2,092,609  
   

 

 

 
      3,694,536  
Construction & Engineering — 2.2%  

Budimex SA

    57,190       5,320,107  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 1.7%  

KRUK SA(a)(b)

    87,132       4,227,006  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.1%  

Orange Polska SA(a)

    3,023,816       5,126,557  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 5.2%  

Enea SA(a)(b)

    1,226,940       2,147,672  

PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna SA(a)

    3,855,775       6,879,693  

Tauron Polska Energia SA(a)(b)

    5,407,488       3,716,487  
   

 

 

 
      12,743,852  
Entertainment — 7.7%  

CD Projekt SA(a)(b)

    243,562       15,471,104  

PlayWay SA

    5,738       848,807  

TEN Square Games SA

    18,804       2,514,066  
   

 

 

 
      18,833,977  
Food & Staples Retailing — 5.3%  

Dino Polska SA(a)(b)(c)

    170,902       11,296,196  

Eurocash SA(a)(b)

    472,231       1,629,126  
   

 

 

 
      12,925,322  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.6%  

Mercator Medical SA(a)(b)

    15,120       1,388,273  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.0%  

Neuca SA(b)

    13,608       2,550,039  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.4%  

AmRest Holdings SE(a)(b)

    416,107       3,569,217  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 6.6%  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA(a)

    2,074,762       16,303,770  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 6.2%

 

Allegro.eu SA(a)(c)

    879,928     $ 15,194,633  
   

 

 

 

Media — 3.9%

 

Cyfrowy Polsat SA

    1,243,329       9,546,609  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 11.5%            

Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA(a)(b)

    308,360       2,920,678  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA(a)

    498,629       25,347,777  
   

 

 

 
      28,268,455  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 11.0%  

Grupa Lotos SA

    441,292       4,984,202  

Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA

    698,835       11,039,372  

Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA

    7,393,133       11,115,105  
   

 

 

 
      27,138,679  
Software — 2.0%  

Asseco Poland SA

    275,015       4,917,311  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 6.4%  

CCC SA(a)(b)

    187,441       4,784,657  

LPP SA(a)

    5,215       10,955,588  
   

 

 

 
      15,740,245  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $323,788,956)

 

    245,117,200  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 10.6%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(d)(e)(f)

    24,333,147       24,347,747  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    1,760,000       1,760,000  
   

 

 

 
      26,107,747  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 10.6%
(Cost: $26,106,050)

 

    26,107,747  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 110.4%
(Cost: $349,895,006)

 

    271,224,947  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (10.4)%

 

    (25,487,847
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  245,737,100  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

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.

(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.

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  43


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Poland ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
   

Net Realized
Gain (Loss)

    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 5,967,786     $ 18,384,284 (a)    $      $ (2,996   $ (1,327   $ 24,347,747       24,333,147     $ 148,685 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    1,381,000       379,000 (a)                         1,760,000       1,760,000       657        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ (2,996   $ (1,327   $ 26,107,747       $ 149,342     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description  

Number of

Contracts

    Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    8       03/19/21     $ 535     $ 28,125  
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 28,125  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 194,685  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (1,971
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 899,110      

 

 

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.

 

 

44  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Poland ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 245,117,200        $        $        $ 245,117,200  

Money Market Funds

     26,107,747                            26,107,747  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 271,224,947        $        $        $ 271,224,947  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 28,125        $        $        $ 28,125  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  45


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Qatar ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 1.2%  

Gulf Warehousing Co.

    773,344     $ 1,050,295  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 46.9%  

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

    2,845,885       3,298,594  

Doha Bank QPSC(a)

    2,895,594       1,748,680  

Masraf Al Rayan QSC

    4,454,517       5,229,467  

Qatar First Bank(a)

    1,843,865       885,830  

Qatar International Islamic Bank QSC

    1,154,973       2,647,061  

Qatar Islamic Bank SAQ

    1,434,842       6,100,585  

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    4,243,322       19,822,700  
   

 

 

 
      39,732,917  
Chemicals — 3.6%  

Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Co.

    5,934,138       3,021,226  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 0.8%  

Qatar National Cement Co. QSC

    578,063       643,406  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.8%  

Salam International Investment Ltd. QSC(a)

    4,087,011       648,591  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.3%  

Ooredoo QPSC

    1,341,756       2,797,899  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.2%  

Gulf International Services QSC(a)

    2,517,011       1,009,504  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.6%  

Al Meera Consumer Goods Co. QSC

    233,048       1,325,356  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.0%  

Baladna

    1,897,933       828,540  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.2%  

Medicare Group

    422,783       996,104  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 10.7%  

Aamal Co.

    3,695,520       910,720  

Industries Qatar QSC

    2,275,064       7,122,282  

Mannai Corp. QSC

    466,000       369,256  

Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Co. QSC

    883,307       665,004  
   

 

 

 
      9,067,262  
Insurance — 1.9%  

Qatar Insurance Co. SAQ

    2,663,048       1,650,072  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Marine — 2.4%  

Qatar Navigation QSC

    1,029,833     $ 2,035,905  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 2.0%  

Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Co.

    5,749,858       1,689,486  
   

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities — 4.3%  

Qatar Electricity & Water Co. QSC

    782,125       3,685,472  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 7.8%  

Qatar Fuel QSC

    710,989       3,250,147  

Qatar Gas Transport Co. Ltd.

    3,712,907       3,318,148  
   

 

 

 
      6,568,295  
Real Estate Management & Development — 7.6%  

Barwa Real Estate Co.

    3,146,546       2,759,171  

Ezdan Holding Group QSC(a)

    3,341,279       1,403,435  

Mazaya Real Estate Development QPSC(a)

    2,386,793       782,110  

United Development Co. QSC

    3,619,839       1,453,778  
   

 

 

 
      6,398,494  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.6%  

Vodafone Qatar QSC

    3,617,587       1,401,930  
   

 

 

 
Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
    (Cost: $72,186,548)
    84,550,754  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.2%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(b)(c)

    180,000       180,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $180,000)

 

    180,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.1%
(Cost: $72,366,548)

 

    84,730,754  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.1)%

 

    (77,786
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  84,652,968  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from

Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ 30,000     $ 150,000 (a)    $     $     $     $ 180,000       180,000     $ 59     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

46  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Qatar ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    3       03/19/21     $ 201     $ (5,902
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 5,902  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 31,751  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (5,699
  

 

 

 

Aveage Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 105,283      

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 84,550,754        $        $        $ 84,550,754  

Money Market Funds

     180,000                            180,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 84,730,754        $        $        $ 84,730,754  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (5,902      $        $        $ (5,902
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  47


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Banks — 36.9%  

Al Rajhi Bank

    3,291,988     $ 79,874,926  

Alinma Bank(a)

    3,278,245       14,160,130  

Arab National Bank

    1,921,380       9,918,122  

Bank AlBilad

    1,282,935       11,271,219  

Bank Al-Jazira

    1,493,442       5,359,747  

Banque Saudi Fransi

    1,943,655       14,458,865  

National Commercial Bank

    3,744,480       46,924,559  

Riyad Bank

    4,195,438       22,148,960  

Samba Financial Group

    3,154,546       28,387,129  

Saudi British Bank (The)

    2,601,569       16,758,807  
   

 

 

 
        249,262,464  
Building Products — 0.3%  

Saudi Ceramic Co.(a)

    146,915       2,040,867  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 16.1%  

Advanced Petrochemical Co.

    389,270       7,037,063  

Alujain Holding(a)

    89,357       1,224,623  

National Industrialization Co.(a)

    1,253,324       4,979,210  

SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co.

    305,391       7,930,965  

Sahara International Petrochemical Co.

    1,317,591       6,674,904  

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

    2,392,438       67,999,971  

Saudi Industrial Investment Group

    829,552       6,259,518  

Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co.(a)

    198,186       784,184  

Yanbu National Petrochemical Co.

    324,353       6,166,210  
   

 

 

 
      109,056,648  
Construction Materials — 4.7%  

Arabian Cement Co./Saudi Arabia

    222,370       2,502,070  

City Cement Co.

    302,719       2,122,786  

Eastern Province Cement Co.

    190,524       2,148,824  

Najran Cement Co.

    438,546       2,336,262  

Northern Region Cement Co.

    486,709       1,588,406  

Qassim Cement Co. (The)

    172,022       3,944,512  

Saudi Cement Co.

    281,317       4,755,499  

Southern Province Cement Co.

    242,397       5,506,526  

Yamama Cement Co.

    393,541       3,179,387  

Yanbu Cement Co.

    303,592       3,723,565  
   

 

 

 
      31,807,837  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 7.2%  

Saudi Telecom Co.

    1,541,673       48,833,689  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 2.3%  

Saudi Electricity Co.

    2,789,323       15,677,624  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.2%  

Jadwa REIT Saudi Fund

    414,718       1,607,786  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.8%  

Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co.

    162,962       5,309,680  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 4.3%  

Almarai Co. JSC

    844,049       11,477,536  

Aseer Trading Tourism & Manufacturing
Co.(a)

    387,346       2,189,504  

Halwani Brothers Co.

    32,303       1,037,003  

National Agriculture Development Co.
(The)(a)

    230,458       1,926,372  

Saudi Fisheries Co.(a)

    48,723       727,500  

Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Co.

    65,156       2,727,501  

Savola Group (The)

    893,832       8,972,877  
   

 

 

 
      29,058,293  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Gas Utilities — 0.2%  

National Gas & Industrialization Co.(a)

    188,656     $ 1,559,348  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 3.1%  

Al Hammadi Co. for Development and
Investment(a)

    268,293       1,977,950  

Dallah Healthcare Co.

    159,335       2,289,870  

Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group Co.

    150,973       4,790,238  

Middle East Healthcare Co.(a)

    174,626       1,559,784  

Mouwasat Medical Services Co.

    186,300       6,825,122  

National Medical Care Co.

    112,389       1,561,249  

Saudi Chemical Co. Holding(a)

    207,912       1,920,851  
   

 

 

 
      20,925,064  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.7%  

Dur Hospitality Co.

    220,176       1,678,985  

Herfy Food Services Co.

    113,494       2,030,515  

Leejam Sports Co. JSC(a)

    96,526       1,819,594  

Saudi Airlines Catering Co.

    154,300       3,040,334  

Seera Group Holding(a)

    580,452       2,671,271  
   

 

 

 
      11,240,699  
Insurance — 2.0%  

Al Rajhi Co. for Co-operative Insurance(a)

    83,482       1,885,329  

Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co.(a)

    199,685       6,357,123  

Co for Cooperative Insurance (The)(a)

    232,022       4,912,024  
   

 

 

 
      13,154,476  
Media — 0.4%            

Saudi Research & Marketing Group(a)

    145,365       3,015,437  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 2.9%  

Saudi Arabian Mining Co.(a)

    1,437,138       19,695,745  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 8.4%  

Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services Co.

    124,057       2,232,728  

Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Co.(a)

    830,811       3,229,763  

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.(b)

    5,568,589       51,298,427  
   

 

 

 
      56,760,918  
Pharmaceuticals — 0.4%  

Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corp.

    251,830       2,732,831  
   

 

 

 
Professional Services — 0.3%  

Maharah Human Resources Co.

    85,378       1,741,479  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 1.8%  

Arriyadh Development Co.

    403,070       1,949,524  

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Co.(a)

    1,976,847       4,633,112  

Emaar Economic City(a)

    1,477,704       3,628,757  

Saudi Real Estate Co.(a)

    454,095       1,854,882  
   

 

 

 
      12,066,275  
Road & Rail — 0.6%  

Saudi Public Transport Co.(a)

    326,092       2,069,321  

United International Transportation Co.

    172,547       1,759,745  
   

 

 

 
      3,829,066  
Specialty Retail — 2.3%  

Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair & Co.(a)

    334,420       1,738,753  

Jarir Marketing Co.

    205,174       9,354,687  

Saudi Co. For Hardware CJSC

    96,036       1,536,371  

United Electronics Co.

    123,663       3,115,892  
   

 

 

 
      15,745,703  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.1%  

Amlak International for Real

    94,841       525,476  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

48  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.6%            

Saudi Ground Services Co.(a)

    351,836     $ 2,781,479  

Saudi Industrial Services Co.

    103,458       1,044,097  
   

 

 

 
      3,825,576  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.3%  

Etihad Etisalat Co.(a)

    1,292,919       9,893,821  

Mobile Telecommunications Co.(a)

    1,616,108       5,774,123  
   

 

 

 
      15,667,944  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $560,759,480)

 

    675,140,925  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.0%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(c)(d)

    20,000       20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $20,000)

 

    20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $560,779,480)

 

    675,160,925  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

 

    707,795  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  675,868,720  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

08/31/20

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sales

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

     Value at
02/28/21
    

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 1,200,000      $      $ (1,180,000 )(a)     $      $      $ 20,000        20,000      $ 276      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

       

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    3       03/19/21     $ 201     $ 13,441  
       

 

 

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  49


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 13,441  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 170,727  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 11,899  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 852,812      

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 675,140,925        $        $        $ 675,140,925  

Money Market Funds

     20,000                            20,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 675,160,925        $        $        $ 675,160,925  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 13,441        $        $        $ 13,441  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

50  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI UAE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics — 2.4%        

Aramex PJSC

    570,648     $ 602,784  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 3.0%            

Air Arabia PJSC

    2,206,828       757,008  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 43.2%            

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

    621,141       1,061,967  

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

    865,207       1,175,390  

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC

    837,580       1,083,132  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

    972,057       2,963,951  

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

    1,110,646       4,444,822  
   

 

 

 
        10,729,262  
Building Products — 0.9%            

National Central Cooling Co. PJSC

    305,262       232,698  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 4.1%            

Dubai Financial Market PJSC

    2,474,144       673,576  

SHUAA Capital PSC(a)

    1,892,582       350,368  
   

 

 

 
      1,023,944  
Construction & Engineering — 0.6%        

Arabtec Holding PJSC(a)

    2,433,366       7  

Drake & Scull International PJSC(a)(b)

    2,972,998       136,357  
   

 

 

 
      136,364  
Diversified Financial Services — 4.6%  

Al Waha Capital PJSC(a)

    1,679,656       557,881  

Amanat Holdings PJSC

    2,099,024       459,446  

Gulf General Investment Co.(a)(b)

    7,295,803       123,128  
   

 

 

 
      1,140,455  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 15.0%  

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

    688,821       3,731,821  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.9%        

Lamprell PLC(a)

    446,317       469,245  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 3.0%            

Agthia Group PJSC

    410,858       755,017  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.0%        

NMC Health PLC(a)(b)

    112,588       2  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.4%        

DXB Entertainments PJSC(a)

    5,189,000       107,364  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 3.2%        

Dubai Investments PJSC

    2,016,924     $ 790,703  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.8%  

Dana Gas PJSC

    3,620,137       682,998  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 14.5%  

Aldar Properties PJSC

    1,143,310       1,132,992  

DAMAC Properties Dubai Co. PJSC(a)

    2,027,172       651,229  

Deyaar Development PJSC(a)

    511,818       37,482  

Emaar Development PJSC(a)

    23,362       16,982  

Emaar Malls PJSC(a)

    39,171       18,022  

Emaar Properties PJSC(a)

    1,066,354       1,013,184  

Eshraq Investments PJSC(a)

    2,111,286       169,563  

RAK Properties PJSC

    1,831,997       271,821  

Union Properties PJSC(a)

    3,928,174       280,190  
   

 

 

 
      3,591,465  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.3%        

Amlak Finance PJSC(a)

    1,111,937       66,598  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $25,524,882)

 

    24,817,728  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

 
Money Market Funds — 0.1%        

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(c)(d)

    20,000       20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $20,000)

 

    20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.0%
(Cost: $25,544,882)

 

    24,837,728  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.0%

 

    6,672  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   24,844,400  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

Affiliated Issuer

  

Value at

08/31/20

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sales

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

02/28/21

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 60,000      $      $ (40,000 )(a)     $             —      $             —      $ 20,000        20,000      $ 7      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  51


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI UAE ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (1,341
  

 

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

  $ 24,558,234      $ 7      $ 259,487      $ 24,817,728  

Money Market Funds

    20,000                      20,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 24,578,234      $         7      $ 259,487      $ 24,837,728  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table includes a rollforward for the six months ended February 28, 2021 of investments whose values are classified as Level 3 as of the beginning or end of the period.

 

 

 
     Common Stocks  

 

 

Opening Balance as of August 31, 2020(a)

                 $ 274,624  

Realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

         

Purchases

        (15,137

Sales

         

Transfers in

         

Transfers out

         
     

 

 

 

Closing Balance, as of February 28, 2021

      $ 259,487  
     

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments still held at end of period

      $ (15,137
     

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents the value as of the beginning of the reporting period.

 

The following table summarizes the valuation approaches used and unobservable inputs utilized by the BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) to determine the value of certain of the Fund’s Level 3 financial instruments as of period end. The table does not include Level 3 financial instruments with values based upon unadjusted third party pricing information in the amount of $2. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of such Level 3 financial instruments.

 

 

     Value                

Valuation    

    Approach    

 

 

    

    Unobservable    

Inputs

 

 

    

Range of

Unobservable

    Inputs Utilized

 

 

(a) 

  

Weighted            

Average of            

Unobservable            

          Inputs Based on Fair Value             

 

Common Stock

     $259,485                Market            Discount Rate        46% - 52%        49%            

 

 

  (a) 

A significant change in unobservable input would have resulted in a correlated (inverse) significant change to value.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

52  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI

Argentina

and Global

Exposure

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Brazil

Small-Cap

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI China ETF

    

iShares

MSCI China

Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

        

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

        

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 7,491,498     $ 103,989,356     $ 6,637,081,849      $ 67,817,431  

Affiliated(c)

    161,615       20,000       206,988,469        7,401,282  

Cash

    5,290       1,610       6,323        3,458  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    5,778       199,673       26,601,350        169,873  

Cash pledged:

        

Futures contracts

          79,000       460,000        110,000  

Receivables:

        

Investments sold

    519,612       6,724,720       102,419,644        2,460,646  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    110             115,428        19,061  

Capital shares sold

                       422,315  

Dividends

          203,489       393,297         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    8,183,903       111,217,848       6,974,066,360        78,404,066  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    160,931             204,385,129        6,449,778  

Payables:

        

Investments purchased

    495,855       6,283,367       108,973,103        3,805,668  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          15,616       89,843        41,726  

Capital shares redeemed

                       185,250  

Investment advisory fees

    1,467       48,851       3,143,186        32,396  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    658,253       6,347,834       316,591,261        10,514,818  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,525,650     $ 104,870,014     $ 6,657,475,099      $ 67,889,248  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

        

Paid-in capital

  $ 15,250,672     $ 162,332,292     $ 4,820,779,994      $ 59,375,959  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    (7,725,022     (57,462,278     1,836,695,105        8,513,289  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,525,650     $ 104,870,014     $ 6,657,475,099      $ 67,889,248  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    300,000       7,000,000       77,000,000        1,150,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 25.09     $ 14.98     $ 86.46      $ 59.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None        None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 151,734     $     $ 195,364,770      $ 6,031,567  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 10,163,239     $ 96,179,623     $ 4,222,868,837      $ 60,790,447  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 161,593     $ 20,000     $ 206,855,744      $ 7,397,134  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 5,705     $ 203,581     $ 26,613,147      $ 169,943  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  53


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI

Indonesia

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Peru

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI
Philippines

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Poland

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

       

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

       

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 372,112,304     $ 187,706,510     $ 146,726,531     $ 245,117,200  

Affiliated(c)

    80,000       350,000       90,000       26,107,747  

Cash

    79       1,600       8,982       6,299  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    213,897       27,790       138,614       196,509  

Cash pledged:

       

Futures contracts

    5,000       18,000       9,000       44,000  

Receivables:

       

Investments sold

    7,615,983       9,749,977       1,571,617       2,739,327  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

                      20,877  

Dividends

    9,467       7,293       36,624       22  

Tax reclaims

                      423,682  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    380,036,730       197,861,170       148,581,368       274,655,663  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

       

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

                      24,342,734  

Payables:

       

Investments purchased

    7,554,526       8,262,731       1,593,810       2,752,140  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    945       3,780       1,890       8,483  

Capital shares redeemed

    3,536                   34,701  

Investment advisory fees

    163,054       80,477       64,576       113,442  

Professional fees

                      50,000  

Foreign taxes

          199              

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                      1,617,063  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    7,722,061       8,347,187       1,660,276       28,918,563  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 372,314,669     $ 189,513,983     $ 146,921,092     $ 245,737,100  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Paid-in capital

  $ 610,148,585     $ 327,613,133     $ 239,433,095     $ 432,623,101  

Accumulated loss

    (237,833,916     (138,099,150     (92,512,003     (186,886,001
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 372,314,669     $ 189,513,983     $ 146,921,092     $ 245,737,100  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    16,050,000       5,100,000       4,800,000       13,000,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 23.20     $ 37.16     $ 30.61     $ 18.90  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $     $     $     $ 21,672,393  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 460,034,889     $ 189,576,234     $ 176,258,102     $ 323,788,956  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 80,000     $ 350,000     $ 90,000     $ 26,106,050  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 215,637     $ 27,850     $ 139,407     $ 194,966  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

54  

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Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI Qatar

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Saudi

Arabia ETF

   

iShares

MSCI UAE

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

     

Investments in securities, at value:

     

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 84,550,754     $ 675,140,925     $ 24,817,728  

Affiliated(b)

    180,000       20,000       20,000  

Cash

    350       1,098       2,239  

Foreign currency, at value(c)

    257,316       532,314       97  

Cash pledged:

     

Futures contracts

    14,000       14,000        

Receivables:

     

Investments sold

    4,497,642       4,129,468       247,708  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    89,500,062       679,837,805       25,087,772  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

     

Payables:

     

Investments purchased

    2,110,347       3,590,892       232,983  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    2,835       2,835        

Capital shares redeemed

    2,695,232              

Investment advisory fees

    38,680       375,358       10,389  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    4,847,094       3,969,085       243,372  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 84,652,968     $ 675,868,720     $ 24,844,400  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 97,655,059     $ 697,064,042     $ 65,766,647  

Accumulated loss

    (13,002,091     (21,195,322     (40,922,247
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 84,652,968     $ 675,868,720     $ 24,844,400  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    4,700,000       20,550,000       1,950,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 18.01     $ 32.89     $ 12.74  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 72,186,548     $ 560,759,480     $ 25,524,882  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 180,000     $ 20,000     $ 20,000  

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 257,316     $ 532,314     $ 95  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  55


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited) 

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI
Argentina

and Global

Exposure

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Brazil

Small-Cap

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI China

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI China

Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 42,025     $ 1,298,787     $ 12,894,669     $ 267,319  

Dividends — Affiliated

    3       302       1,805       21  

Interest — Unaffiliated

                389        

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    1,177             747,098       165,818  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (4,503     (84,545     (557,173     (2,415
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    38,702       1,214,544       13,086,788       430,743  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    21,067       301,311       18,600,173       155,790  

Commitment fees

          502              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    21,067       301,813       18,600,173       155,790  

Less:

       

Investment advisory fees waived

    (12,497                  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    8,570       301,813       18,600,173       155,790  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    30,132       912,731       (5,513,385     274,953  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (105,278     4,823,636       (106,649,907     1,436,254  

Investments — Affiliated

    (107           8,356       (1,551

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    167,065             197,073,335       10,380,793  

Futures contracts

          126,681       102,079       (29,536

Foreign currency transactions

    79       (8,302     80,740       46  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    61,759       4,942,015       90,614,603       11,786,006  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    848,168       4,334,021       839,283,890       6,305,396  

Investments — Affiliated

    (6           (89,316     (1,710

Futures contracts

          (32,804     854,640       (10,778

Foreign currency translations

    (30     39,707       (18,806     (428
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    848,132       4,340,924       840,030,408       6,292,480  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    909,891       9,282,939       930,645,011       18,078,486  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 940,023     $ 10,195,670     $ 925,131,626     $ 18,353,439  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56  

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Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI

Indonesia

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Peru

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI

Philippines

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Poland

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 982,920     $ 1,146,527     $ 428,486     $ 461,967  

Dividends — Affiliated

    103       63       61       657  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

                      148,685  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (147,438     (39,607     (128,545     (69,295

IRS Compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                      (54,608
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    835,585       1,106,983       300,002       487,406  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    981,255       365,675       386,106       714,600  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    981,255       365,675       386,106       714,600  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (145,670     741,308       (86,104     (227,194
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (24,258,047     (16,301,221     (6,658,889     (29,711,478

Investments — Affiliated

                      (2,996

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    8,011,584       (49,613     168,258       15,905,081  

Futures contracts

    127,404       51,153       24,064       194,685  

Foreign currency transactions

    4,553       (2,398     4,060       (64,543
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized loss

    (16,114,506     (16,302,079     (6,462,507     (13,679,251
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    74,507,527       42,210,267       21,710,700       27,079,737  

Investments — Affiliated

                      (1,327

Futures contracts

    (23,250     (10,469     52,007       (1,971

Foreign currency translations

    (4,111     (3,008     (4,739     (13,289
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    74,480,166       42,196,790       21,757,968       27,063,150  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    58,365,660       25,894,711       15,295,461       13,383,899  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 58,219,990     $ 26,636,019     $ 15,209,357     $ 13,156,705  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  57


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI Qatar

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Saudi

Arabia ETF

   

iShares

MSCI UAE

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

     

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 785,244     $ 2,997,784     $  

Dividends — Affiliated

    59       276       7  

Foreign taxes withheld

          (268,441      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    785,303       2,729,619       7  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    268,351       2,104,919       57,446  

Commitment fees

    468       2,482       132  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    268,819       2,107,401       57,578  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    516,484       622,218       (57,571
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (199,741     (1,623,218     (1,368,495

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

                (183,006

Futures contracts

    31,751       170,727       (1,341

Foreign currency transactions

    (18,533     (23,710     (3,426
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized loss

    (186,523     (1,476,201     (1,556,268
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

    1,976,530       81,219,131       2,686,301  

Futures contracts

    (5,699     11,899        

Foreign currency translations

    (3,706     (43     (180
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,967,125       81,230,987       2,686,121  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,780,602       79,754,786       1,129,853  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 2,297,086     $ 80,377,004     $ 1,072,282  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

iShares

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

ETF

         

iShares

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
    Six Months                 Six Months              
    Ended                 Ended              
    02/28/21     Year Ended     02/28/21     Year Ended  
    (unaudited)     08/31/20     (unaudited)     08/31/20  

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                                  

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income

  $ 30,132       $ 91,845       $ 912,731       $ 1,862,222  

Net realized gain (loss)

    61,759         (4,138,853       4,942,015         (22,261,611

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    848,132         3,575,461         4,340,924         (25,758,750
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    940,023         (471,547       10,195,670         (46,158,139
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (51,316       (83,697       (789,901       (1,745,003
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

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

    (1,067,643       (444,557       (1,910,358       38,690,019  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (178,936       (999,801       7,495,411         (9,213,123

Beginning of period

    7,704,586         8,704,387         97,374,603         106,587,726  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 7,525,650       $ 7,704,586       $ 104,870,014       $ 97,374,603  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  59


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   

iShares

MSCI China ETF

         

iShares

MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended           Six Months Ended              
    02/28/21     Year Ended           02/28/21           Year Ended  
    (unaudited)     08/31/20     (unaudited)           08/31/20  

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

             

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (5,513,385            $ 69,566,503              $ 274,953              $ 1,362,014  

Net realized gain (loss)

    90,614,603         54,923,012         11,786,006         (3,352,902

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    840,030,408         1,445,423,955         6,292,480         7,431,126  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    925,131,626         1,569,913,470         18,353,439         5,440,238  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (48,418,743       (60,135,118       (1,240,362       (1,006,664
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

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

    (338,141,923       1,020,199,183         (1,212,909       28,325,140  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase in net assets

    538,570,960         2,529,977,535         15,900,168         32,758,714  

Beginning of period

    6,118,904,139         3,588,926,604         51,989,080         19,230,366  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 6,657,475,099       $ 6,118,904,139       $ 67,889,248       $ 51,989,080  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

60  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

    

 

    iShares
MSCI Indonesia ETF
          iShares
MSCI Peru ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/20

         

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21
(unaudited)

          Year Ended
08/31/20
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

             

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (145,670            $ 6,283,126              $ 741,308              $ 2,586,992  

Net realized loss

    (16,114,506       (42,943,033       (16,302,079       (34,670,086

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    74,480,166         (56,398,313       42,196,790         16,943,545  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    58,219,990         (93,058,220       26,636,019         (15,139,549
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (2,756,122       (4,209,575       (896,102       (2,716,932
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

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

    (3,040,906       14,974,393         81,477,343         (63,584,709
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    52,422,962         (82,293,402       107,217,260         (81,441,190

Beginning of period

    319,891,707         402,185,109         82,296,723         163,737,913  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 372,314,669       $ 319,891,707       $ 189,513,983       $ 82,296,723  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  61


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI Philippines ETF
          iShares
MSCI Poland ETF
 
 

 

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/20

         

 

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

             

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (86,104            $ 988,563              $ (227,194            $ 2,385,749  

Net realized loss

    (6,462,507       (39,081,237       (13,679,251       (24,785,466

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    21,757,968         (20,239,837       27,063,150         (2,150,036
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    15,209,357         (58,332,511       13,156,705         (24,549,753
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (326,016       (924,498       (1,475,580       (8,800,235
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

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

    13,530,984         (39,264,393       (19,537,838       26,365,968  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    28,414,325         (98,521,402       (7,856,713       (6,984,020

Beginning of period

    118,506,767         217,028,169         253,593,813         260,577,833  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 146,921,092       $ 118,506,767       $ 245,737,100       $ 253,593,813  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

62  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI Qatar ETF
          iShares
MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF
 
 

 

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/20

         

 

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

          Year Ended
08/31/20
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

             

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income

  $ 516,484              $ 2,345,460              $ 622,218              $ 12,975,640  

Net realized loss

    (186,523       (2,138,748       (1,476,201       (96,779,306

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,967,125         3,860,076         81,230,987         46,386,613  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,297,086         4,066,788         80,377,004         (37,417,053
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

From net investment income

            (2,263,201       (1,766,269       (19,204,482

Return of capital

            (191,392                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

            (2,454,593       (1,766,269       (19,204,482
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

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

    (4,867,593       35,035,708         80,629,347         (73,341,055
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (2,570,507       36,647,903         159,240,082         (129,962,590

Beginning of period

    87,223,475         50,575,572         516,628,638         646,591,228  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 84,652,968       $ 87,223,475       $ 675,868,720       $ 516,628,638  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  63


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI UAE ETF
 
 

 

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/20
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (57,571   $ 2,151,123  

Net realized loss

    (1,556,268     (11,560,584

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,686,121       (4,188,764
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,072,282       (13,598,225
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (8,763     (2,128,226
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

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

    (14,396,107     8,096,344  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total decrease in net assets

    (13,332,588     (7,630,107

Beginning of period

    38,176,988       45,807,095  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 24,844,400     $ 38,176,988  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

64  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF

 
    Six Months Ended                       Period From  
  02/28/21

 

    Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended         04/25/17 (a) 
    (unaudited)     08/31/20     08/31/19     08/31/18     to 08/31/17  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period.

    $ 22.01       $ 19.34       $ 22.20       $ 25.71       $ 25.23  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.10         0.17         0.27         0.63         0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      3.15         2.65         (2.88       (3.61       0.46  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      3.25         2.82         (2.61       (2.98       0.49  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                   

From net investment income

      (0.17       (0.15       (0.25       (0.53       (0.01
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.17              (0.15       (0.25       (0.53       (0.01
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

                   $ 25.09       $ 22.01              $ 19.34              $ 22.20              $ 25.71  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                   

Based on net asset value

      14.72 %(e)        14.65       (12.05 )%        (12.00 )%        2.00 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                   

Total expenses

      0.59 %(f)        0.59       0.59       0.59       0.59 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.24 %(f)        0.24       0.45       0.59 %(g)        0.59 %(f)(g) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.84 %(f)        0.85       1.14       2.22       0.34 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                   

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 7,526       $ 7,705       $ 8,704       $ 22,203       $ 15,428  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      13 %(e)         51       27       42       17 %(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) 

Revised from the previously reported value of 0.00% due to an error that was identified in the current year.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  65


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF  
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 13.62       $ 16.92       $ 11.87       $ 16.19       $ 11.51       $ 8.12  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

                         0.13         0.23         0.50         0.40         0.36         0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      1.34         (3.30       5.15         (4.01       4.74         3.35  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      1.47            (3.07          5.65            (3.61          5.10            3.59  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.11       (0.23       (0.60       (0.71       (0.42       (0.20
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.11       (0.23       (0.60       (0.71       (0.42       (0.20
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 14.98       $ 13.62       $ 16.92       $ 11.87       $ 16.19       $ 11.51  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      10.73 %(d)        (18.40 )%        48.35       (22.95 )%        45.92       45.17
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.57 %(e)         0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.63
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.74 %(e)         1.51       3.26       2.55       2.76       2.77
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 104,870       $ 97,375       $ 106,588       $ 48,679       $ 62,316       $ 50,087  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      21 %(d)(g)         65 %(g)         47 %(g)         67 %(g)         58 %(g)         38 %(g)  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

(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 includes portfolio transactions that are executed as a result of the Fund offering and redeeming Creation Units solely for cash in U.S. dollars (“cash creations”).

  

  

   

  

  

   

(g) Portfolio turnover rate excluding cash creations was as follows:

      21       26       30       25       26       28
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

66  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI China ETF  
 

 

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 75.92       $ 56.43       $ 60.85       $ 62.06       $ 46.87       $ 44.49  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.07       0.90         0.95         1.05         0.86         0.97  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      11.21         19.40         (4.49       (1.10       14.94         2.34  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

                           11.14         20.30         (3.54       (0.05       15.80         3.31  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                                            

From net investment income

      (0.60       (0.81       (0.88       (1.16              (0.61              (0.93
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.60       (0.81       (0.88       (1.16       (0.61       (0.93
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 86.46       $ 75.92       $ 56.43       $ 60.85       $ 62.06       $ 46.87  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      14.76 %(d)         36.29       (5.76 )%        (0.22 )%        34.13       7.63
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.57 %(e)         0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.64
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.17 )%(e)         1.43       1.63       1.57       1.70       2.24
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 6,657,475       $ 6,118,904       $ 3,588,927       $ 3,444,143       $ 2,594,247       $ 2,099,991  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      10 %(d)         16       14       14       6       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.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  67


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 45.21       $ 38.46       $ 47.23       $ 48.50       $ 43.79       $ 41.08  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.25         1.46         1.39         1.51         1.22         1.25  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      14.75         6.48         (7.78       (1.14       5.21         2.99  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      15.00         7.94         (6.39       0.37         6.43         4.24  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (1.18       (1.19       (2.38       (1.64       (1.72       (1.53
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.18       (1.19       (2.38       (1.64       (1.72       (1.53
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 59.03       $ 45.21       $ 38.46       $ 47.23       $ 48.50       $ 43.79  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                                                          

Based on net asset value

                       33.90 %(d)        21.21       (13.60 )%        0.58       15.29       10.50
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.57 %(e)        0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.64
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.01 %(e)        3.70       3.26       2.91       2.72       2.95
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 67,889       $ 51,989       $ 19,230       $ 25,977       $ 21,825       $ 19,706  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      25 %(d)         39       38       63       26       31
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF  
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 19.69       $ 25.22       $ 23.57       $ 26.89       $ 25.82       $ 20.18  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.01       0.36         0.41         0.43         0.31         0.34  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      3.69         (5.66       1.70         (3.27       1.11         5.59  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      3.68         (5.30       2.11         (2.84       1.42         5.93  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

                           (0.17              (0.23              (0.46              (0.48              (0.35              (0.27

Return of capital

                                              (0.02
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.17       (0.23       (0.46       (0.48       (0.35       (0.29
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 23.20       $ 19.69       $ 25.22       $ 23.57       $ 26.89       $ 25.82  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      18.76 %(d)        (21.04 )%        9.00       (10.67 )%        5.53       29.59
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.57 %(e)         0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.63
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.09 )%(e)        1.65       1.64       1.63       1.22       1.47
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 372,315       $ 319,892       $ 402,185       $ 414,758       $ 501,411       $ 702,198  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      5 %(d)         13       12       7       6       5
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  69


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Peru ETF  
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 31.65       $ 34.11       $ 37.44       $ 37.54       $ 32.79       $ 23.09  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.19         0.69         0.85         1.09         0.46         0.33  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      5.50         (2.34       (3.36       (0.06       4.99         9.73  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      5.69         (1.65       (2.51       1.03         5.45         10.06  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.18       (0.81       (0.82       (1.13       (0.70       (0.36
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

                           (0.18              (0.81       (0.82       (1.13              (0.70       (0.36
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 37.16       $ 31.65              $ 34.11              $ 37.44       $ 37.54              $ 32.79  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      18.02 %(d)        (4.78 )%        (6.75 )%        2.60       16.89       44.13
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.57 %(e)         0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.63
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.16 %(e)         2.15       2.33       2.65       1.37       1.23
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 189,514       $ 82,297       $ 163,738       $ 164,717       $ 170,794       $ 218,026  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      16 %(d)         26       18       11       13       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.

 

 

70  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Philippines ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 26.63       $ 34.45       $ 33.08       $ 35.88       $ 39.19       $ 35.50  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.02              0.17                0.28                0.14                0.15                0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

                     4.07         (7.80       1.35         (2.79       (3.26       3.74  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.05         (7.63       1.63         (2.65       (3.11       3.95  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.07       (0.19       (0.26       (0.15       (0.20       (0.26
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.07       (0.19       (0.26       (0.15       (0.20       (0.26
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 30.61       $ 26.63       $ 34.45       $ 33.08       $ 35.88       $ 39.19  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      15.20 %(d)        (22.16 )%        4.93       (7.40 )%        (7.87 )%        11.19
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.57 %(e)         0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.64
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.13 )%(e)        0.57       0.83       0.40       0.42       0.58
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 146,921       $ 118,507       $ 217,028       $ 172,013       $ 172,245       $ 317,403  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      13 %(d)         16       8       8       7       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.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  71


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Poland ETF  
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                       $ 18.24              $ 20.68              $ 24.31              $ 27.33              $ 18.06              $ 21.63  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.02       0.17 (b)         0.65 (b)         0.33 (b)         0.45 (b)         0.42  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      0.78         (1.95       (3.93       (2.90       9.25         (3.70
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      0.76         (1.78       (3.28       (2.57       9.70         (3.28
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.10       (0.66       (0.35       (0.45       (0.43       (0.29
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.10       (0.66       (0.35       (0.45       (0.43       (0.29
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 18.90       $ 18.24       $ 20.68       $ 24.31       $ 27.33       $ 18.06  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      3.99 %(e)         (8.76 )%(b)        (13.64 )%(b)        (9.53 )%(b)        54.79 %(b)        (15.17 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.57 %(f)         0.78       0.61       0.63       0.63       0.64
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      N/A         0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       N/A  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.18 )%(f)        0.93 %(b)         2.81 %(b)         1.28 %(b)         2.07 %(b)         2.24
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 245,737       $ 253,594       $ 260,578       $ 263,758       $ 363,537       $ 179,737  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      15 %(e)         15       5       7       6       10
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

Reflects the positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated professional fees, which resulted in the following increases for the years ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019, August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017, respectively:

   

Net investment income per share by $0.28, $0.05, $0.08 and $0.03, respectively.

   

Total return by 1.40%, 0.21%, 0.41% and 0.11%, respectiverly.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 1.54%, 0.22%, 0.32% and 0.14%, respectively.

(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.

 

 

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Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Qatar ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

               $ 17.62                $ 17.44                $ 17.82                $ 16.19                $ 20.18                $ 21.43  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.10         0.56         0.64         0.66         0.57         0.67  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      0.29         0.11         (0.26       1.71         (3.90       (1.24
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      0.39         0.67         0.38         2.37         (3.33       (0.57
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

              (0.45       (0.76       (0.74       (0.66       (0.66

From net realized gain

                                              (0.02

Return of capital

              (0.04                                
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

              (0.49       (0.76       (0.74       (0.66       (0.68
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 18.01       $ 17.62       $ 17.44       $ 17.82       $ 16.19       $ 20.18  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      2.21 %(d)        4.10       1.98       14.96       (16.52 )%        (2.32 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.58 %(e)        0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.64
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.11 %(e)        3.31       3.48       4.09       3.05       3.44
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 84,653       $ 87,223       $ 50,576       $ 55,253       $ 49,390       $ 53,486  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      11 %(d)(g)        24 %(g)         33 %(g)         58 %(g)         47 %(g)         29 %(g)  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

(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 includes portfolio transactions that are executed as a result of the Fund offering and redeeming Creation Units solely for cash in U.S. dollars (“cash creations”).

  

  

   

  

  

   

(g) Portfolio turnover rate excluding cash creations was as follows:

      4       14       23       22       20       12
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.    

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  73


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF  
    Six Months Ended                             Period From  
    02/28/21       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended         09/16/15 (a) 
    (unaudited)     08/31/20     08/31/19     08/31/18     08/31/17     to 08/31/16  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                       $ 28.70              $ 30.21              $ 29.72              $ 26.15              $ 21.52              $ 24.92  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.03         0.57         1.11         1.28         0.91         0.81  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      4.25         (1.26       0.12         2.92         4.24         (3.69
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.28         (0.69       1.23         4.20         5.15         (2.88
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.09       (0.82       (0.74       (0.63       (0.52       (0.52
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.09       (0.82       (0.74       (0.63       (0.52       (0.52
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 32.89       $ 28.70       $ 30.21       $ 29.72       $ 26.15       $ 21.52  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      14.91 %(e)        (2.21 )%        4.14       16.23       24.06       (11.64 )%(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.74 %(f)         0.74       0.74       0.74       0.74       0.74 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.22 %(f)         2.03       3.46       4.31       3.68       3.71 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 675,869       $ 516,629       $ 646,591       $ 257,099       $ 18,306       $ 4,305  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      10 %(e)(h)         64 %(h)         82 %(h)         20 %(h)         21 %(h)         17 %(e)(h) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

(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 includes portfolio transactions that are executed as a result of the Fund offering and redeeming Creation Units solely for cash in U.S. dollars (“cash creations”).

  

  

   

  

  

   

  

(h) Portfolio turnover rate excluding cash creations was as follows:

      2       20       14       10       21       17
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

74  

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Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI UAE ETF  
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                       $ 10.91                $ 14.09                $ 15.61                $ 17.74                $ 17.15                $ 18.34  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.03       0.53         0.57         0.70         0.50         0.68 (b)  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      1.87         (3.16       (1.54       (2.04       0.72         (1.19
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      1.84         (2.63       (0.97       (1.34       1.22         (0.51
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.01       (0.55       (0.55       (0.79       (0.63       (0.68
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.01       (0.55       (0.55       (0.79       (0.63       (0.68
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 12.74       $ 10.91       $ 14.09       $ 15.61       $ 17.74       $ 17.15  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      16.85 %(e)        (18.43 )%        (5.95 )%        (7.55 )%        7.33       (2.66 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.58 %(f)        0.59       0.59       0.59       0.62       0.64
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.58 )%(f)        4.46       3.95       4.18       2.94       4.09 %(b) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 24,844       $ 38,177       $ 45,807       $ 39,018       $ 49,663       $ 41,156  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      64 %(e)         67       55       33       33       55
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

Includes a special distribution from Mediclinic International PLC. Excluding such special distribution, the net investment income would have been $0.52 per share and 3.11% of average net assets.

(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.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  75


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

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

    Non-diversified  

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

    Diversified  

MSCI China

    Non-diversified  

MSCI China Small-Cap

    Diversified  

MSCI Indonesia

    Non-diversified  

MSCI Peru

    Non-diversified  

MSCI Philippines

    Non-diversified  

MSCI Poland

    Non-diversified  

MSCI Qatar

    Non-diversified  

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    Non-diversified  

MSCI UAE

    Non-diversified  

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at fair value. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers or as estimated by management, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain. Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, is recognized daily on an accrual basis.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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 February 28, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

The Funds file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. The statement of operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under

 

 

76  

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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 (“NAV”) 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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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 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 NAV.

   

Futures contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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.

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates 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, if any, are also disclosed in each Fund’s schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan and the value of any related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds 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 Funds, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. When the value of the collateral is greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, the lender is left 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 Funds can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities. Upon an event of default, the parties’ obligations to return the securities or collateral to the other party are extinguished, and the parties can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities or the collateral received in connection with the loaned securities in order to satisfy the defaulting party’s net payment obligation for all transactions under the MSLA. The defaulting party remains liable for any deficiency.

As of period end, the following table is a summary of the securities on loan by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of February 28, 2021:

 

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty

   
Market Value of
Securities on Loan
 
 
    

Cash Collateral

Received

 

(a)  

   

Non-Cash Collateral

Received

 

 

     Net Amount  

 

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

         

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $ 28,096      $ 28,096     $      $  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    89,121        89,121               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    8,505        8,505               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    14,598        14,598               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    11,414        11,414               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 151,734      $ 151,734     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI China

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 8,591,708      $ 8,591,708     $      $  

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    413,357        413,357               

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

    1,568,070        1,568,070               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    124,128        124,128               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    24,467,340        24,467,340               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    16,919,747        16,919,747               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    12,807,854        12,807,854               

HSBC Bank PLC

    45,780,000        45,780,000               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    32,285,705        32,285,705               

Macquarie Bank Limited

    5,546,176        5,546,176               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    32,629,746        32,629,746               

UBS AG

    1,595,648        1,592,500              (3,148 )(b)  

UBS Securities LLC

    2,706,696        2,706,696               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    9,928,595        9,928,595               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 195,364,770      $ 195,361,622     $      $ (3,148
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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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 China Small-Cap

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 165,526      $ 165,526     $      $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    372,209        372,209               

Citadel Clearing LLC

    219,656        219,656               

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    472,798        472,798               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    182,487        182,487               

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    424,526        424,526               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    133,063        133,063               

HSBC Bank PLC

    155,004        155,004               

Jefferies LLC

    222,341        222,341               

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    1,029,196        1,029,196               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    1,648,636        1,648,636               

SG Americas Securities LLC

    114        114               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    15,176        15,176               

UBS AG

    990,835        990,835               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 6,031,567      $ 6,031,567     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Poland

         

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $ 10,635,178      $ 10,635,178     $      $  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    1,179,878        1,179,878               

HSBC Bank PLC

    1,437,095        1,437,095               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    7,341,576        7,341,576               

UBS AG

    1,078,666        1,078,666               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 21,672,393      $ 21,672,393     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it 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, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree 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 (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. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

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).

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

For its investment advisory services to each of the iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap, iShares MSCI China, iShares MSCI China Small-Cap, iShares MSCI Indonesia, iShares MSCI Peru, iShares MSCI Philippines, iShares MSCI Poland, iShares MSCI Qatar and iShares MSCI UAE 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 $2 billion

    0.74

Over $2 billion, up to and including $4 billion

    0.69  

Over $4 billion, up to and including $8 billion

    0.64  

Over $8 billion, up to and including $16 billion

    0.57  

Over $16 billion, up to and including $24 billion

    0.51  

Over $24 billion, up to and including $32 billion

    0.48  

Over $32 billion

    0.45  

For its investment advisory services to each of the following Funds, 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

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

    0.59

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    0.74  

Expense Waivers: BFA may from time to time voluntarily waive and/or reimburse fees or expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any). BFA has elected to implement a voluntary fee waiver in order to limit the iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver to 0.24%, and currently intends to keep such voluntary fee waiver for the Fund in place through December 31, 2021. Any such voluntary waiver or reimbursement may be eliminated by BFA at any time.

This amount is included in investment advisory fees waived in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement were as follows:

 

iShares ETF  

 

Amounts waived    

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 12,497      

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 (the “collateral investment fees”). The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund, BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional or BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, 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 SL Agency Shares of such money market fund will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. The money market fund in which the cash collateral has been invested may, under certain circumstances, impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the value redeemed or temporarily restrict redemptions for up to 10 business days during a 90 day period, in the event that the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.

Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less the collateral investment fees. 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 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 that calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, 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 February 28, 2021, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

   
iShares ETF   Fees Paid
to BTC
 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 329  

MSCI China

    203,731  

MSCI China Small-Cap

    38,156  

MSCI Poland

    35,886  

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 February 28, 2021, 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)
 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 222,725      $ 270,242      $ 68,409  

MSCI China

    55,605,012        27,970,108        (2,060,679

MSCI China Small-Cap

    3,609,250        6,385,618        2,272,064  

MSCI Peru

    1,302,232        1,130,522        (188,079

MSCI Poland

    2,686,553                

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 February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 931,625      $ 1,124,451  

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

    21,541,148        22,985,932  

MSCI China

    616,061,401        699,005,059  

MSCI China Small-Cap

    28,015,822        13,864,127  

MSCI Indonesia

    17,713,581        18,627,032  

MSCI Peru

    24,640,508        20,553,218  

MSCI Philippines

    21,195,756        17,665,685  

MSCI Poland

    36,248,044        36,595,600  

MSCI Qatar

    10,471,015        14,822,240  

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    130,404,734        54,843,524  

MSCI UAE

    14,049,843        28,355,780  

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind

Sales

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $      $ 936,434  

MSCI China

    10,101,313        321,929,831  

MSCI China Small-Cap

    7,598,011        23,732,396  

MSCI Indonesia

    69,543,332        74,748,227  

MSCI Peru

    77,422,653        1,413,971  

MSCI Philippines

    27,086,384        13,575,281  

MSCI Poland

    69,717,353        89,997,271  

MSCI UAE

    184,933        234,635  

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

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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 each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021, 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 August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring  

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 4,831,664    

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

    58,026,412  

MSCI China

    512,292,866  

MSCI China Small-Cap

    8,952,665  

MSCI Indonesia

    129,565,553  

MSCI Peru

    117,476,150  

MSCI Philippines

    50,840,849  

MSCI Poland

    89,670,491  

MSCI Qatar

    17,080,529  

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    64,778,894  

MSCI UAE

    31,007,364  

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 February 28, 2021, 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)
 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 10,606,980      $ 1,902,077      $ (4,855,944   $ (2,953,867

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

    108,263,610        21,053,835        (25,360,998     (4,307,163

MSCI China

    4,579,505,718        2,613,878,414        (348,765,865     2,265,112,549  

MSCI China Small-Cap

    69,549,727        13,497,384        (7,839,176     5,658,208  

MSCI Indonesia

    463,439,178        24,287,484        (115,529,878     (91,242,394

MSCI Peru

    192,258,367        18,669,000        (22,880,238     (4,211,238

MSCI Philippines

    181,946,387        1,884,956        (37,016,936     (35,131,980

MSCI Poland

    352,932,892        14,684,547        (96,364,367     (81,679,820

MSCI Qatar

    80,971,208        14,345,520        (10,591,876     3,753,644  

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    629,700,782        123,579,778        (78,106,194     45,473,584  

MSCI UAE

    33,138,772        3,716,964        (12,018,008     (8,301,044

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Qatar ETF, iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF and iShares MSCI UAE ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), are parties to a $300 million credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company, which expires on July 15, 2021. The line of credit may be used for temporary or emergency purposes, including redemptions, settlement of trades and rebalancing of portfolio holdings in certain target markets. The Credit Agreement sets specific sub limits on aggregate borrowings based on two tiers of Participating Funds: $300 million with respect to the funds within Tier 1 and $200 million with respect to Tier 2, including the Funds. The Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum on the unused portion of the credit agreement and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) the one-month LIBOR rate (not less than zero) plus 1.00% per annum or (b) the U.S. Federal Funds rate (not less than zero) plus 1.00% per annum on amounts borrowed. The commitment fee is generally allocated to each Participating Fund based on the lesser of a Participating Fund’s relative exposure to certain target markets or a Participating Fund’s maximum borrowing amount as set forth by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

During the six months ended February 28, 2021, the Funds did not borrow under the credit agreement.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

10.

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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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.

The Funds may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Market Risk: An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause a fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a fund invests.

The price each Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from each Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation technique or a price provided by an independent pricing service. Changes to significant unobservable inputs and assumptions (i.e., publicly traded company multiples, growth rate, time to exit) due to the lack of observable inputs.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

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.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. securities and may be less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. Investment percentages in specific countries are presented in the schedule of investments.

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  83


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in China or with significant exposure to Chinese issuers or countries. Investments in Chinese securities, including certain Hong Kong-listed securities, involves risks specific to China. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or confrontations with other neighboring countries may disrupt economic development in China and result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency non-convertibility, interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Incidents involving China’s or the region’s security may cause uncertainty in Chinese markets and may adversely affect the Chinese economy and a fund’s investments. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy. In addition, measures may be taken to limit the flow of capital and/or sanctions may be imposed, which could prohibit or restrict the ability to own or transfer fund assets and may also include retaliatory actions, such as seizure of fund assets.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Asia or with significant exposure to Asian issuers or countries. The Asian financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns in several Asian countries regarding monetary policy, government intervention in the markets, rising government debt levels or economic downturns. These events may spread to other countries in Asia and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Investment percentages in specific sectors are presented in the schedule of investments.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

 

11.

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
02/28/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

       

Shares sold

        $       400,000     $ 8,087,879  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000     (1,067,643     (500,000     (8,532,436
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (50,000   $ (1,067,643     (100,000   $ (444,557
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

       

Shares sold

        $       4,200,000     $ 85,559,973  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000     (1,910,358     (3,350,000     (46,869,954
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (150,000   $ (1,910,358     850,000     $ 38,690,019  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI China

       

Shares sold

    400,000     $ 32,509,527       26,600,000     $ 1,641,516,575  

Shares redeemed

    (4,000,000     (370,651,450     (9,600,000     (621,317,392
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (3,600,000   $ (338,141,923     17,000,000     $ 1,020,199,183  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI China Small-Cap

       

Shares sold

    450,000     $ 23,985,802       750,000     $ 31,937,426  

Shares redeemed

    (450,000     (25,198,711     (100,000     (3,612,286
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

        $ (1,212,909     650,000     $ 28,325,140  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Indonesia

       

Shares sold

    3,350,000     $ 72,368,199       11,900,000     $ 252,571,048  

Shares redeemed

    (3,550,000     (75,409,105     (11,600,000     (237,596,655
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (200,000   $ (3,040,906     300,000     $ 14,974,393  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI Peru

       

Shares sold

    2,550,000     $ 82,969,579       350,000     $ 12,459,316  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000     (1,492,236     (2,550,000     (76,044,025
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    2,500,000     $ 81,477,343       (2,200,000   $ (63,584,709
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Philippines

       

Shares sold

    850,000     $ 27,154,110       1,400,000     $ 45,719,469  

Shares redeemed

    (500,000     (13,623,126     (3,250,000     (84,983,862
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    350,000     $ 13,530,984       (1,850,000   $ (39,264,393
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Poland

       

Shares sold

    4,000,000     $ 71,080,571       6,150,000     $ 112,952,003  

Shares redeemed

    (4,900,000     (90,618,409     (4,850,000     (86,586,035
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (900,000   $ (19,537,838     1,300,000     $ 26,365,968  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Qatar

       

Shares sold

    400,000     $ 7,260,720       2,500,000     $ 42,539,145  

Shares redeemed

    (650,000     (12,128,313     (450,000     (7,503,437
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (250,000   $ (4,867,593     2,050,000     $ 35,035,708  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Saudi Arabia

       

Shares sold

    3,900,000     $ 121,840,753       10,450,000     $ 298,650,503  

Shares redeemed

    (1,350,000     (41,211,406     (13,850,000     (371,991,558
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    2,550,000     $ 80,629,347       (3,400,000   $ (73,341,055
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI UAE

       

Shares sold

    1,000,000     $ 12,824,622       1,600,000     $ 21,787,453  

Shares redeemed

    (2,550,000     (27,220,729     (1,350,000     (13,691,109
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (1,550,000   $ (14,396,107     250,000     $ 8,096,344  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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.

 

12.

FOREIGN WITHHOLDING TAX CLAIMS

The iShares MSCI Poland ETF is expected to seek a closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to address any prior years’ U.S. income tax liabilities attributable to Fund shareholders resulting from the recovery of foreign taxes. The closing agreement would result in the Fund paying a compliance fee to the IRS, on behalf of its shareholders, representing the estimated tax savings generated from foreign tax credits claimed by Fund shareholders on their tax returns in prior years. The Fund has accrued a liability for the estimated IRS compliance fee related to foreign withholding tax claims, which is disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities. The actual IRS compliance fee may differ from the estimate and that difference may be material.

 

13.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management’s evaluation of the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds’ financial statements was completed through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and the following items were noted:

The iShares MSCI Poland ETF has filed claims to recover taxes withheld by Poland on dividend income on the basis that Poland had purportedly violated certain provisions in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. On April 16, 2021, the iShares MSCI Poland ETF recorded a receivable for the recovery of taxes withheld from the Polish tax authority. The receipt of this payment is not a guarantee of future payments and Management continues to evaluate developments in Poland for potential impacts to filed claims and associated professional and IRS compliance fees, if any.

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

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Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF, iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI China ETF, iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF, iShares MSCI Peru ETF, iShares MSCI Philippines ETF, iShares MSCI Poland ETF, iShares MSCI Qatar ETF, iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF and iShares MSCI UAE ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)

The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

  b)

Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

  c)

Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

  d)

The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

  e)

The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

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Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

     
    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
 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure(a)

  $   0.156333      $      $   0.014720      $   0.171053        91         9     100

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap(a)

    0.106100               0.006743        0.112843        94             6       100  

MSCI China Small-Cap(a)

    1.142392               0.038905        1.181297        97             3       100  

MSCI Indonesia(a)

    0.145054               0.026667        0.171721        84             16       100  

MSCI Peru(a)

    0.132662               0.050216        0.182878        73             27       100  

MSCI Philippines(a)

    0.054601               0.017847        0.072448        75             25       100  

MSCI UAE(a)

                  0.007620        0.007620                    100       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.

 

 

 

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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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

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Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations - Equity
ADR    American Depositary Receipt
JSC    Joint Stock Company
NVS    Non-Voting Shares
PJSC    Public Joint Stock Company
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

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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., 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.

©2021 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-806-0221

 

 

 

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  FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares MSCI Denmark ETF | EDEN | Cboe BZX

·  

iShares MSCI Finland ETF | EFNL | Cboe BZX

·  

iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF | EWGS | Cboe BZX

·  

iShares MSCI Ireland ETF | EIRL | NYSE Arca

·  

iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF | KWT | CBOE

·  

iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF | ENZL | NASDAQ

·  

iShares MSCI Norway ETF | ENOR | Cboe BZX

 


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large- and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021
      6-Month       12-Month   

U.S. large cap equities (S&P 500® Index)

      9.74%     31.29%

U.S. small cap equities (Russell 2000® Index)

  41.69   51.00

International equities (MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  14.33   22.46

Emerging market equities (MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  22.32   36.05

3-month Treasury bills (ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

    0.06     0.40

U.S. Treasury securities (ICE BofA 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index)

  (6.34)   (1.96)

U.S. investment grade bonds (Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (1.55)     1.38

Tax-exempt municipal bonds (S&P Municipal Bond Index)

    0.92     1.22

U.S. high yield bonds (Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

    6.08     9.31
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 

 

 

2  

H I S    A G E    I S    N  O T    A R T    O F    O U R    U N D     E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

 

The Markets in Review

     2  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     11  

Shareholder Expenses

     11  

Schedules of Investments

     12  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     31  

Statements of Operations

     33  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     35  

Financial Highlights

     39  

Notes to Financial Statements

     46  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     55  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     57  

Supplemental Information

     58  

General Information

     59  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     60  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® MSCI Denmark ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Denmark ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Danish equities, as represented by the MSCI Denmark IMI 25/50 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

    12.62      46.83      14.28      16.92        46.83      94.89      314.54

Fund Market

    12.38        44.31        14.12        16.81          44.31        93.55        310.97  

Index

    12.92        47.29        14.61        17.23                47.29        97.76        324.84  

The inception date of the Fund was 1/25/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 1/26/12.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the one-year period. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,126.20        $ 2.79             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.20        $ 2.66        0.53

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Health Care

    40.7

Industrials

    26.0  

Financials

    8.6  

Consumer Staples

    6.5  

Utilities

    6.3  

Materials

    5.7  

Consumer Discretionary

    3.0  

Information Technology

    2.5  

Energy

    0.7  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    22.6

DSV Panalpina A/S

    7.9  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    7.8  

Orsted A/S

    6.3  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    4.3  

Carlsberg AS, Class B

    4.0  

Genmab A/S

    3.8  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B

    3.3  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    3.2  

Danske Bank A/S

    3.2  

 

 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® MSCI Finland ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Finland ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Finnish equities, as represented by the MSCI Finland IMI 25/50 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

    11.10      33.93      12.54     10.19       33.93      80.51      141.63

Fund Market

    10.35        31.50        12.57       10.14         31.50        80.79        140.66  

Index

    11.25        33.53        11.83       9.68               33.53        74.87        131.89  

The inception date of the Fund was 1/25/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 1/26/12.

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
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)


 
   

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,111.00        $ 2.77             $ 1,000.00     $ 1,022.20        $ 2.66          0.53

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR  
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    27.7

Materials

    14.7  

Information Technology

    13.1  

Energy

    12.7  

Financials

    10.0  

Communication Services

    5.2  

Utilities

    4.4  

Consumer Discretionary

    4.1  

Consumer Staples

    3.6  

Health Care

    3.1  

Real Estate

    1.4  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS  
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Neste OYJ

    12.6

Kone OYJ, Class B

    12.3  

Nokia OYJ

    10.2  

Sampo OYJ, Class A

    9.4  

Stora Enso OYJ, Class R

    4.5  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    4.4  

Fortum OYJ

    4.4  

Elisa OYJ

    3.9  

Metso Outotec OYJ

    3.6  

Kesko OYJ, Class B

    3.6  
 

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization German equities, as represented by the MSCI Germany Small Cap 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

    24.70     48.88     17.82     15.09        48.88      126.99      259.03

Fund Market

    24.38       46.98       17.91       15.05          46.98        127.92        258.01  

Index

    24.72       48.97       17.57       14.94                48.97        124.68        255.06  

The inception date of the Fund was 1/25/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 1/26/12.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the six-months and one-year periods. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
   

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
   

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
   

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
   

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
   

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00     $ 1,247.00     $ 3.29             $ 1,000.00     $ 1,021.90     $ 2.96       0.59

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    25.0

Information Technology

    15.4  

Health Care

    11.9  

Real Estate

    9.9  

Communication Services

    9.3  

Materials

    9.1  

Consumer Discretionary

    7.7  

Financials

    7.4  

Consumer Staples

    2.3  

Utilities

    1.2  

Energy

    0.8  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Dialog Semiconductor PLC

    3.6

thyssenkrupp AG

    3.5  

Evotec SE

    3.4  

Rheinmetall AG

    2.8  

ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE

    2.8  

TAG Immobilien AG

    2.7  

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA

    2.5  

Siltronic AG

    2.2  

MorphoSys AG

    2.1  

Shop Apotheke Europe NV

    2.1  
 

 

 

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Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI Ireland ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Irish equities, as represented by the MSCI All Ireland Capped 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

    20.22     27.30     7.80     10.63        27.30      45.57      174.61

Fund Market

    20.34       26.18       7.91       10.59          26.18        46.33        173.53  

Index

    20.67       28.03       8.14       11.07                28.03        47.91        185.85  

Index performance through November 26, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI Ireland Investable Market Index 25/50. Index performance beginning on November 27, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI All Ireland Capped 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 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,202.20        $ 2.73             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.30        $ 2.51          0.50

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Consumer Discretionary

    24.9

Materials

    23.9  

Industrials

    16.4  

Consumer Staples

    15.9  

Financials

    8.9  

Health Care

    5.6  

Real Estate

    4.4  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

CRH PLC

    18.6

Flutter Entertainment PLC

    16.8  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    8.3  

Kingspan Group PLC

    5.1  

Ryanair Holdings PLC

    4.5  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

    4.4  

Grafton Group PLC

    4.4  

Glanbia PLC

    4.1  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    4.1  

ICON PLC

    3.9  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI Kuwait ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based equity index with exposure to Kuwait,as defined by the index provider, as represented by the MSCI All Kuwait Select Size Liquidity Capped 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

 

        Cumulative Total Returns  
         

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

      10.97

Fund Market

      11.29  

Index

        11.21  

The inception date of the Fund was 9/1/20. The first day of secondary market trading was 9/3/20.

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 11 for more information.

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
(a) 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During

the Period 

 
 

(b) 

           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (b) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,109.70        $ 3.85             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.10        $ 3.71          0.74

 

  (a) 

The beginning of the period (commencement of operations) is September 01, 2020.

 
  (b) 

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 (180 days for actual and 181 days for hypothetical expenses) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    64.2

Industrials

    12.6  

Real Estate

    7.1  

Communication Services

    4.6  

Materials

    3.9  

Consumer Discretionary

    3.5  

Utilities

    1.6  

Consumer Staples

    1.3  

Energy

    1.2  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

National Bank of Kuwait SAKP

    22.3

Kuwait Finance House KSCP

    16.6  

Ahli United Bank BSC

    5.8  

Mobile Telecommunications Co. KSC

    4.6  

Agility Public Warehousing Co. KSC

    4.1  

Mabanee Co. KPSC

    3.8  

Humansoft Holding Co. KSC

    3.5  

Gulf Bank KSCP

    3.4  

National Industries Group Holding SAK

    2.6  

Warba Bank KSCP

    2.5  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

8  

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI New Zealand ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of New Zealand equities, as represented by the MSCI New Zealand IMI 25/50 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

    5.53      22.07      15.87      12.96        22.07      108.83      238.29

Fund Market

    4.55        20.15        15.54        12.73          20.15        105.93        231.48  

Index

    5.78        22.89        16.40        13.38                22.89        113.72        251.18  

Index performance through February 11, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI New Zealand Investable Market Index. Index performance beginning on February 12, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI New Zealand IMI 25/50 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 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,055.30        $ 2.55             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.30        $ 2.51          0.50

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Health Care

    26.6

Utilities

    20.2  

Communication Services

    12.8  

Industrials

    11.8  

Real Estate

    8.9  

Consumer Staples

    8.2  

Materials

    4.7  

Consumer Discretionary

    3.5  

Energy

    1.7  

Information Technology

    1.6  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

 
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    17.3

Auckland International Airport Ltd.

    9.8  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    8.9  

a2 Milk Co. Ltd. (The)

    7.5  

Fletcher Building Ltd.

    4.7  

Infratil Ltd.

    4.6  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    4.6  

Contact Energy Ltd.

    4.5  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    4.4  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    4.3  
 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  9


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI Norway ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Norway ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Norwegian equities, as represented by the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 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

    18.02      29.54      10.41     3.04         29.54      64.08      31.29

Fund Market

    18.70        27.05        10.44       3.01           27.05        64.27        31.04  

Index

    18.32        30.03        10.79       3.36                 30.03        66.89        35.16  

The inception date of the Fund was 1/23/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 1/24/12.

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
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,180.20        $ 2.87             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.20        $ 2.66          0.53

 

   (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 11 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    22.7

Consumer Staples

    18.2  

Energy

    15.8  

Communication Services

    13.2  

Materials

    11.6  

Industrials

    9.1  

Information Technology

    3.6  

Utilities

    2.6  

Real Estate

    2.4  

Consumer Discretionary

    0.8  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

 
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Equinor ASA

    11.5

DNB ASA

    11.3  

Telenor ASA

    7.1  

Mowi ASA

    6.6  

Yara International ASA

    5.2  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    4.7  

Orkla ASA

    4.3  

Tomra Systems ASA

    3.0  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    2.9  

NEL ASA

    2.6  
 

 

 

10  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

 

B O U T    U N D    E R F O  R M A N C E / S H A R E H O L D E R    X P E N S E S

  11


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Denmark ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 
Air Freight & Logistics — 7.9%      

DSV Panalpina A/S

    77,231     $  14,270,637  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 6.1%            

Danske Bank A/S(a)

    310,164       5,756,482  

Jyske Bank A/S, Registered(a)(b)

    36,510       1,587,042  

Ringkjoebing Landbobank A/S

    16,877       1,663,939  

Spar Nord Bank A/S(a)

    82,825       866,612  

Sydbank A/S(a)

    47,471       1,091,029  
   

 

 

 
      10,965,104  
Beverages — 5.4%      

Carlsberg AS, Class B

    45,395       7,187,619  

Royal Unibrew A/S

    24,145       2,501,108  
   

 

 

 
      9,688,727  
Biotechnology — 5.0%      

Bavarian Nordic A/S(a)

    37,285       1,345,029  

Genmab A/S(a)

    20,432       6,903,773  

Zealand Pharma A/S(a)

    23,372       744,700  
   

 

 

 
      8,993,502  
Building Products — 0.9%      

ROCKWOOL International A/S, Class B

    4,687       1,709,163  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 5.5%      

Chr Hansen Holding A/S(a)

    47,624       4,110,765  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    93,025       5,782,317  
   

 

 

 
      9,893,082  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.9%      

ISS A/S(a)

    90,503       1,639,801  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.4%      

Per Aarsleff Holding A/S

    16,797       760,852  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 0.2%      

Brodrene Hartmann AS(a)

    3,496       291,036  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 6.3%      

Orsted A/S(c)

    69,629       11,342,949  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 8.4%      

NKT A/S(a)

    31,069       1,219,178  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    74,584       14,055,454  
   

 

 

 
      15,274,632  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5%      

Drilling Co. of 1972 A/S (The)(a)

    23,310       936,015  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 0.5%      

Schouw & Co. A/S

    9,561       973,852  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 10.4%      

Ambu A/S, Series B

    79,503       3,703,759  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    50,835       7,790,067  

Demant A/S(a)

    58,274       2,415,143  

GN Store Nord A/S

    58,674       4,961,132  
   

 

 

 
      18,870,101  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%      

NNIT A/S(c)

    20,760       355,813  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 2.6%      

Alm Brand A/S

    65,226       749,547  

Topdanmark A/S

    28,069       1,327,794  
Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance (continued)      

Tryg A/S

    80,117     $ 2,537,065  
   

 

 

 
      4,614,406  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.5%      

Chemometec A/S

    10,581       982,753  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 1.2%      

FLSmidth & Co. A/S(a)

    30,177       1,278,751  

Nilfisk Holding A/S(a)

    34,148       824,959  
   

 

 

 
      2,103,710  
Marine — 6.1%      

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    1,534       3,097,422  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B, NVS

    2,744       5,930,309  

D/S Norden A/S

    37,225       782,629  

Dfds A/S(a)

    25,156       1,221,203  
   

 

 

 
      11,031,563  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.2%      

TORM PLC(b)

    49,714       411,426  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 24.3%      

ALK-Abello A/S(a)

    3,939       1,670,438  

H Lundbeck A/S

    41,700       1,597,550  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    569,359       40,702,024  
   

 

 

 
      43,970,012  
Software — 2.5%      

Netcompany Group A/S(a)(c)

    22,130       1,994,003  

SimCorp A/S

    20,106       2,458,175  
   

 

 

 
      4,452,178  
Specialty Retail — 0.4%      

Matas A/S(a)

    51,074       681,959  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.6%      

Pandora A/S

    47,503       4,649,304  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 0.5%      

Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S(c)

    52,915       988,985  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.5%
(Cost: $162,126,663)

    179,851,562  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments      
Money Market Funds — 0.8%      

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(d)(e)(f)

    1,336,278       1,337,079  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    114,000       114,000  
   

 

 

 
      1,451,079  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.8%
(Cost: $1,451,134)

    1,451,079  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.3%
(Cost: $163,577,797)

    181,302,641  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.3)%

      (499,802
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  180,802,839  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

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.

 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Denmark ETF

 

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 624,875      $ 712,949 (a)     $      $ (746    $ 1      $ 1,337,079        1,336,278      $ 4,895 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     34,000        80,000 (a)                            114,000        114,000        35         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (746    $ 1      $ 1,451,079         $ 4,930      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

OMX Copenhagen 25 Index

     36          03/19/21        $ 942        $ (54,875
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 54,875  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 164,762  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (60,841
  

 

 

 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  13


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Denmark ETF

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 994,975  

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 179,851,562        $             —        $             —        $ 179,851,562  

Money Market Funds

     1,451,079                            1,451,079  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 181,302,641        $        $        $ 181,302,641  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (54,875      $        $        $ (54,875
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

14  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Finland ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 0.6%            

Finnair OYJ(a)

    222,857     $ 193,816  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 2.5%            

Nokian Renkaat OYJ

    20,787       739,781  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 0.6%            

Aktia Bank OYJ

    15,556       169,748  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 0.9%            

Uponor OYJ

    12,167       256,378  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 1.1%            

Kemira OYJ

    19,912       323,142  
   

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.6%            

Caverion OYJ(a)

    25,808       164,460  
   

 

 

 
Communications Equipment — 10.1%            

Nokia OYJ(a)

    745,582       2,986,458  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.7%            

YIT OYJ

    34,905       197,857  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 2.3%            

Huhtamaki OYJ

    14,985       678,078  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.8%        

Elisa OYJ

    18,988       1,137,401  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 4.4%            

Fortum OYJ

    51,686       1,298,017  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 0.4%            

Rovio Entertainment OYJ(b)

    17,444       131,699  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 3.5%            

Kesko OYJ, Class B

    40,898       1,044,468  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.3%            

Revenio Group OYJ

    1,294       80,732  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.5%            

Oriola OYJ, Class B

    55,848       136,593  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 9.4%            

Sampo OYJ, Class A

    61,907       2,770,512  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 1.8%            

TietoEVRY OYJ

    16,739       520,948  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 24.8%            

Cargotec OYJ, Class B

    7,613       402,893  

Kone OYJ, Class B

    45,061       3,614,248  

Konecranes OYJ

    10,952       488,936  

Metso Outotec OYJ

    94,168       1,064,715  

Neles OYJ

    17,342       215,549  

Valmet OYJ

    21,413       723,072  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    70,620       814,498  
   

 

 

 
      7,323,911  
Media — 0.9%            

Sanoma OYJ

    15,656       259,965  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Metals & Mining — 1.0%            

Outokumpu OYJ(a)(c)

    63,404     $ 311,225  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.8%            

Tokmanni Group Corp.

    10,984       239,983  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 12.6%            

Neste OYJ

    56,160       3,712,375  
   

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products — 10.2%            

Metsa Board OYJ

    33,103       370,865  

Stora Enso OYJ, Class R

    66,845       1,324,553  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    33,906       1,300,501  
   

 

 

 
      2,995,919  
Pharmaceuticals — 2.3%            

Orion OYJ, Class B

    16,500       680,341  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 1.4%        

Citycon OYJ

    18,438       167,850  

Kojamo OYJ

    12,713       245,045  
   

 

 

 
      412,895  
Software — 1.1%            

Admicom OYJ

    281       34,961  

BasWare OYJ(a)

    3,288       137,489  

F-Secure OYJ(a)

    34,152       153,793  
   

 

 

 
      326,243  
Specialty Retail — 0.8%            

Musti Group OYJ

    7,161       232,251  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.4%
(Cost: $29,521,228)

 

    29,325,196  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 1.7%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(d)(e)(f)

    336,240       336,442  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    165,000       165,000  
   

 

 

 
      501,442  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.7%
(Cost: $501,442)

 

    501,442  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.1%
(Cost: $30,022,670)

 

    29,826,638  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.1)%

 

    (337,670
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  29,488,968  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(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.

 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  15


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Finland ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 485,403      $      $ (148,777 )(a)     $ (149    $ (35    $ 336,442        336,240      $ 6,490 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     175,000               (10,000 )(a)                     165,000        165,000        65         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (149    $ (35    $ 501,442         $ 6,555      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     4          03/19/21        $ 176        $ 5,830  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 5,830  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 16,528  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 7,260  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 166,665  

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 February 28, 2021. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

16  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Finland ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 29,325,196        $        $        $ 29,325,196  

Money Market Funds

     501,442                            501,442  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 29,826,638        $        $        $ 29,826,638  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 5,830        $             —        $             —        $ 5,830  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  17


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 0.1%  

OHB SE(a)

    1,463     $ 62,241  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 0.3%  

ElringKlinger AG(a)

    7,857       132,180  
   

 

 

 
Biotechnology — 2.1%  

MorphoSys AG(a)

    9,031       914,216  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 2.4%  

AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co.
KGaA(a)(b)

    5,913       136,941  

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

    2,892       130,233  

Flatexdegiro AG(a)

    5,991       635,562  

MLP SE

    16,492       127,114  
   

 

 

 
      1,029,850  
Chemicals — 2.7%  

K+S AG, Registered

    52,556       589,315  

Wacker Chemie AG

    4,296       560,818  
   

 

 

 
      1,150,133  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.6%  

Befesa SA(c)

    9,354       638,088  

Bilfinger SE

    7,888       282,447  

Cewe Stiftung & Co. KGaA

    1,527       201,658  
   

 

 

 
      1,122,193  
Communications Equipment — 0.3%  

ADVA Optical Networking SE(a)

    11,910       131,987  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 2.3%            

Grenke AG(b)

    7,661       322,115  

Hypoport SE(a)

    981       691,818  
   

 

 

 
      1,013,933  
Electrical Equipment — 4.8%  

Nordex SE(a)

    17,576       473,609  

OSRAM Licht AG(a)

    10,637       662,086  

PNE AG

    10,479       95,777  

SGL Carbon SE(a)

    16,797       140,271  

Varta AG(a)

    4,995       691,780  
   

 

 

 
      2,063,523  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.8%  

Basler AG

    1,003       105,917  

Jenoptik AG

    14,145       456,014  

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG

    6,721       212,515  
   

 

 

 
      774,446  
Entertainment — 2.7%  

Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA(a)

    16,339       109,375  

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA(a)

    15,816       1,082,737  
   

 

 

 
      1,192,112  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.1%  

alstria office REIT-AG

    43,889       734,095  

Hamborner REIT AG

    17,619       185,651  
   

 

 

 
      919,746  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.9%  

METRO AG

    34,610       383,548  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.4%  

KWS Saat SE & Co. KGaA

    3,171       280,204  

Suedzucker AG(b)

    19,623       310,354  
   

 

 

 
      590,558  
Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.4%  

Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA

    851     $ 63,836  

Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen- und Medizintechnik AG

    3,779       260,768  

Stratec SE

    1,992       285,795  
   

 

 

 
      610,399  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.3%  

Medios AG(a)

    2,650       114,188  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Technology — 1.3%  

CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KgaA

    6,640       573,040  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.5%            

bet-at-home.com AG

    953       43,957  

Zeal Network SE

    3,713       184,780  
   

 

 

 
          228,737  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.2%  

Encavis AG

    24,709       526,056  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 3.4%  

Indus Holding AG

    5,068       205,154  

MBB SE

    566       86,563  

Rheinmetall AG

    11,961       1,199,499  
   

 

 

 
      1,491,216  
Insurance — 0.3%  

Wuestenrot & Wuerttembergische AG

    6,442       133,241  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 0.5%  

New Work SE

    768       206,016  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 3.9%            

Home24 SE(a)

    6,917       143,149  

Shop Apotheke Europe NV(a)(c)

    3,694       903,481  

Takkt AG(a)

    8,978       127,937  

Westwing Group AG(a)

    3,133       121,310  

zooplus AG(a)

    1,669       409,218  
   

 

 

 
      1,705,095  
IT Services — 3.5%  

Adesso SE

    760       104,241  

Allgeier SE(b)

    2,048       60,158  

Cancom SE

    10,585       680,948  

Datagroup SE

    1,166       91,427  

Nagarro SE(a)

    2,015       218,166  

S&T AG(a)(b)

    12,703       341,683  
   

 

 

 
      1,496,623  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 5.5%  

Evotec SE(a)

    38,214       1,487,539  

Gerresheimer AG

    8,622       895,837  
   

 

 

 
      2,383,376  
Machinery — 7.3%  

Deutz AG(a)

    33,187       243,910  

Duerr AG

    14,252       566,026  

JOST Werke AG(a)(c)

    3,682       214,299  

Koenig & Bauer AG(a)

    3,848       115,366  

Krones AG

    3,904       330,996  

Norma Group SE

    8,749       418,622  

Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG

    1,355       262,494  

Stabilus SA

    6,782       509,972  

Vossloh AG(a)

    2,409       124,126  

Wacker Neuson SE(a)

    8,714       178,329  

Washtec AG(a)

    3,082       182,557  
   

 

 

 
      3,146,697  
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Media — 4.4%            

ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE(a)

    57,581     $ 1,186,763  

Stroeer SE & Co. KGaA

    7,768       701,031  
   

 

 

 
      1,887,794  
Metals & Mining — 6.1%  

Aurubis AG

    9,258       812,461  

Salzgitter AG(a)

    10,726       322,096  

thyssenkrupp AG(a)

    111,111       1,504,436  
   

 

 

 
      2,638,993  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.8%  

CropEnergies AG

    7,158       97,136  

VERBIO Vereinigte BioEnergie AG

    6,051       243,477  
   

 

 

 
      340,613  
Pharmaceuticals — 0.9%  

Dermapharm Holding SE

    5,174       369,778  
   

 

 

 
Professional Services — 0.7%            

Amadeus Fire AG(a)

    1,565       223,772  

Bertrandt AG

    1,557       85,234  
   

 

 

 
      309,006  
Real Estate Management & Development — 8.2%  

ADLER Group SA(a)(c)

    22,587       644,278  

Corestate Capital Holding SA(a)(b)

    5,966       99,354  

Deutsche EuroShop AG(a)

    13,572       292,902  

DIC Asset AG

    13,239       238,150  

Grand City Properties SA

    30,675       757,326  

PATRIZIA AG

    12,679       348,578  

TAG Immobilien AG

    40,227       1,150,377  
   

 

 

 
      3,530,965  
Road & Rail — 1.1%  

Sixt SE(a)

    3,752       468,625  
   

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 8.1%  

Aixtron SE(a)

    31,008       709,467  

Dialog Semiconductor PLC(a)

    20,003       1,563,609  

Elmos Semiconductor SE

    2,472       99,017  

Siltronic AG(a)(b)

    5,766       966,530  

SMA Solar Technology AG(a)

    2,858       184,726  
   

 

 

 
      3,523,349  
Software — 1.7%  

Exasol AG(a)

    3,355       87,310  

Software AG

    14,224       636,046  
   

 

 

 
      723,356  
Specialty Retail — 1.5%  

Ceconomy AG(a)

    44,081       276,624  

Hornbach Baumarkt AG

    2,165       88,559  

Hornbach Holding AG & Co. KGaA

    2,855       270,994  
   

 

 

 
      636,177  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.4%  

Hugo Boss AG

    16,431       625,043  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 1.9%  

Aareal Bank AG(a)

    16,436       438,900  

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG(a)(c)

    36,925       404,721  
   

 

 

 
      843,621  
Security   Shares     Value  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.9%            

BayWa AG

    4,206     $ 161,326  

Kloeckner & Co. SE(a)

    20,543       220,052  
   

 

 

 
      381,378  
Transportation Infrastructure — 1.9%            

Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services
Worldwide(a)(b)

    10,156       644,721  

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG

    6,843       174,842  
   

 

 

 
      819,563  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.7%  

Freenet AG

    35,164       748,857  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 96.9%
(Cost: $37,899,071)

 

    41,942,468  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

 

Construction Materials — 0.3%

 

STO SE & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    694       119,955  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.4%  

Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    2,361       181,404  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 1.3%  

Jungheinrich AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    13,180       571,124  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 0.8%  

Sixt SE, Preference Shares, NVS

    4,549       343,442  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 2.8%
(Cost: $1,181,459)

      1,215,925  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 5.4%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(d)(e)(f)

    2,322,255       2,323,649  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    20,000       20,000  
   

 

 

 
      2,343,649  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 5.4%
(Cost: $2,342,719)

 

    2,343,649  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 105.1%
(Cost: $41,423,249)

 

    45,502,042  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (5.1)%

 

    (2,210,825
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  43,291,217  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

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.

(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.

 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  19


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 1,913,301      $ 411,719 (a)     $      $ (839    $ (532    $ 2,323,649        2,322,255      $ 91,388 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     10,000        10,000 (a)                            20,000        20,000        5         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (839    $ (532    $ 2,343,649         $ 91,393      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)  

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

  (b)  

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     2          03/19/21        $ 88        $ (489
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 489  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 11,598  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,380  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 125,260      

 

 

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.

 

 

20  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 41,942,468        $        $        $ 41,942,468  

Preferred Stocks

     1,215,925                            1,215,925  

Money Market Funds

     2,343,649                            2,343,649  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 45,502,042        $        $        $ 45,502,042  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (489      $             —        $             —        $ (489
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  21


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Ireland ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 4.5%            

Ryanair Holdings PLC, ADR(a)

    24,647     $ 2,650,045  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 8.8%            

AIB Group PLC(a)

    1,001,372       2,264,412  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC(a)

    638,488       2,619,489  

Permanent TSB Group Holdings PLC(a)

    208,378       278,222  
   

 

 

 
      5,162,123  
Building Products — 5.1%            

Kingspan Group PLC(a)

    40,921       2,992,612  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 18.6%            

CRH PLC(a)

    251,465       10,927,170  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 5.3%            

Ardagh Group SA

    28,641       725,763  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    50,603       2,405,282  
   

 

 

 
      3,131,045  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 4.5%  

Hibernia REIT PLC

    1,013,065       1,384,595  

Irish Residential Properties REIT PLC

    685,024       1,238,908  
   

 

 

 
      2,623,503  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.2%            

Total Produce PLC

    506,875       1,285,862  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 13.8%            

Glanbia PLC

    184,645       2,409,312  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    40,143       4,870,121  

Origin Enterprises PLC

    192,769       813,091  
   

 

 

 
      8,092,524  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.7%            

Uniphar PLC(a)

    335,228       1,000,973  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 19.6%            

Dalata Hotel Group PLC(a)

    323,938       1,637,661  

Flutter Entertainment PLC(a)

    51,079       9,885,850  
   

 

 

 
      11,523,511  
Household Durables — 4.0%            

Cairn Homes PLC(a)

    1,092,770       1,200,396  

Glenveagh Properties PLC(a)(b)

    1,136,752       1,145,225  
   

 

 

 
      2,345,621  
Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance — 0.1%            

FBD Holdings PLC(a)

    9,428     $ 84,455  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 3.9%            

ICON PLC(a)

    12,569       2,270,967  
   

 

 

 
Marine — 2.2%            

Irish Continental Group PLC(a)

    243,766       1,278,215  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 1.3%            

Applegreen PLC(a)

    110,897       773,989  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 4.6%            

Fly Leasing Ltd., ADR(a)

    8,772       104,299  

Grafton Group PLC

    188,549       2,608,426  
   

 

 

 
      2,712,725  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.2%
(Cost: $48,804,329)

      58,855,340  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments            

Money Market Funds — 0.0%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(c)(d)

    20,000       20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%

   

(Cost: $20,000)

      20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.2%
(Cost: $48,824,329)

      58,875,340  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.2)%

      (129,715
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  58,745,625  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 20,000      $ 0 (a)     $  —      $      $  —      $ 20,000        20,000      $ 6      $  —  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Ireland ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

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

Long Contracts

                 

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     1          03/19/21        $ 44        $ 375  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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

   $ 375  
  

 

 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 8,135  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 375  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

 

   $

 

42,626    

 

 

 

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 58,855,340        $        $        $ 58,855,340  

Money Market Funds

     20,000                            20,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 58,875,340        $             —        $             —        $ 58,875,340  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 375        $        $        $ 375  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E    O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  23


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Kuwait ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 4.1%            

Agility Public Warehousing Co. KSC

    286,356     $ 624,467  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 0.9%            

Jazeera Airways Co. KSCP(a)

    68,555       144,517  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 58.9%            

Ahli United Bank BSC

    1,199,380       891,659  

Ahli United Bank KSCP

    15,463       15,328  

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait KSCP

    311,173       200,491  

Boubyan Bank KSCP

    8,488       15,481  

Burgan Bank SAK

    504,822       371,965  

Gulf Bank KSCP

    737,486       526,341  

Kuwait Finance House KSCP

    1,072,766       2,559,184  

Kuwait International Bank KSCP

    482,726       315,810  

Kuwait Projects Co. Holding KSCP

    560,483       316,678  

National Bank of Kuwait SAKP

    1,258,957       3,431,817  

Warba Bank KSCP(a)

    508,585       391,542  
   

 

 

 
      9,036,296  
Capital Markets — 0.9%            

Noor Financial Investment Co. KSC

    236,041       142,724  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 4.0%            

Boubyan Petrochemicals Co. KSCP

    117,027       278,405  

Qurain Petrochemical Industries Co.

    268,483       328,230  
   

 

 

 
      606,635  
Construction & Engineering — 0.4%            

Combined Group Contracting Co. SAK(a)

    90,103       59,840  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 3.5%            

Humansoft Holding Co. KSC(a)

    43,066       544,568  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 4.6%            

A’ayan Leasing & Investment Co. KSCP(a)

    645,296       247,330  

Alimtiaz Investment Group KSC(a)

    763,112       279,879  

National Investments Co. KSCP

    319,078       181,336  
   

 

 

 
      708,545  
Electrical Equipment — 2.1%            

Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co. KSCP

    110,291       316,315  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.2%            

Heavy Engineering & Ship Building Co. KSCP

    123,566       184,134  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
Food Products — 1.3%            

Mezzan Holding Co. KSCC

    106,706     $ 205,550  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.6%  

Shamal Az-Zour Al-Oula for the First Phase of Az-Zour Power Plant KSC

    285,239       241,273  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 2.6%            

National Industries Group Holding SAK

    641,313       404,728  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 7.1%  

Kuwait Real Estate Co. KSC(a)

    597,287       240,770  

Mabanee Co. KPSC

    254,421       590,132  

National Real Estate Co. KPSC(a)

    889,233       258,264  
   

 

 

 
      1,089,166  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 2.5%            

ALAFCO Aviation Lease & Finance Co. KSCP

    271,968       178,826  

Integrated Holding Co. KCSC

    150,949       205,987  
   

 

 

 
      384,813  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 4.6%            

Mobile Telecommunications Co. KSC

    339,504       703,351  
   

 

 

 
Total Common Stocks — 100.3%            

(Cost: $14,518,883)

      15,396,922  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(b)(c)

    20,000       20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $20,000)

      20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.4%
(Cost: $14,538,883)

      15,416,922  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.4)%

      (67,090
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  15,349,832  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the period ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    
Value at
09/01/20
 
(a) 
   
Purchases
at Cost
 
 
   
Proceeds
from Sales
 
 
   
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
 
   

Change in
Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
 

 

 

   
Value at
02/28/21
 
 
   

Shares
Held at
02/28/21
 
 
 
    Income      





Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 
 
 
 
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 20,000 (b)    $     $     $     $ 20,000       20,000     $     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The Fund commenced operations on September 01, 2020.

  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

24  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Kuwait 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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 15,396,922        $             —        $             —        $ 15,396,922  

Money Market Funds

     20,000                            20,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 15,416,922        $        $        $ 15,416,922  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E    O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  25


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI New Zealand ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 1.3%            

Air New Zealand Ltd.(a)

    1,939,856     $ 2,242,646  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 4.7%            

Fletcher Building Ltd.

    1,764,299       8,287,027  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 12.8%  

Chorus Ltd.

    1,208,501       6,932,950  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    4,709,043       15,715,904  
   

 

 

 
      22,648,854  
Electric Utilities — 15.6%            

Contact Energy Ltd.

    1,614,146       8,027,734  

Genesis Energy Ltd.

    1,575,110       4,002,691  

Infratil Ltd.

    1,513,262       8,098,153  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    1,716,400       7,550,364  
   

 

 

 
      27,678,942  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 8.9%  

Argosy Property Ltd.

    2,694,664       2,919,341  

Goodman Property Trust

    3,137,716       5,019,152  

Kiwi Property Group Ltd.

    4,626,104       4,019,549  

Precinct Properties New Zealand Ltd.

    3,288,276       3,897,175  
   

 

 

 
      15,855,217  
Food Products — 8.2%            

a2 Milk Co. Ltd. (The)(a)

    1,892,367       13,332,856  

Synlait Milk Ltd.(a)

    404,232       1,181,546  
   

 

 

 
      14,514,402  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 17.3%            

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    1,446,492       30,763,514  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 9.2%            

Oceania Healthcare Ltd.

    2,361,718       2,489,947  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    737,985       7,861,025  

Summerset Group Holdings Ltd.

    644,499       6,021,704  
   

 

 

 
      16,372,676  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.5%            

Restaurant Brands New Zealand Ltd.(a)

    154,104       1,371,480  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)            

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Ltd.

    2,186,914     $ 4,833,918  
   

 

 

 
      6,205,398  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 4.5%  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    1,950,104       8,082,145  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 1.6%            

Pushpay Holdings Ltd.(a)

    2,290,770       2,848,208  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.8%            

Z Energy Ltd.(a)

    1,574,272       3,124,902  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 10.5%            

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(a)

    3,182,324       17,469,697  

Napier Port Holdings Ltd.

    483,415       1,205,614  
   

 

 

 
      18,675,311  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $165,049,134)

      177,299,242  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(b)(c)

    68,000       68,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $68,000)

      68,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $165,117,134)

      177,367,242  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      216,088  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  177,583,330  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds from
Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency
Shares(a)

   $      $ 1,750 (b)     $      $ (1,750    $      $             $ 5,145 (c)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     68,000        0 (b)                            68,000        68,000        50         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (1,750    $      $ 68,000         $ 5,195      $  —  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI New Zealand ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

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

Long Contracts

                 

ASX SPI 200 Index

     1          03/18/21        $ 128        $ (1,976
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 1,976  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 24,138  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (1,806
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 197,274  

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 177,299,242        $        $        $ 177,299,242  

Money Market Funds

     68,000                            68,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 177,367,242        $             —        $             —        $ 177,367,242  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (1,976      $        $        $ (1,976
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E    O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  27


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Norway ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 1.1%            

Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

    16,683     $ 342,881  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 15.5%            

DNB ASA

    172,438       3,376,877  

Norwegian Finans Holding ASA(a)

    24,233       215,261  

Sbanken ASA(a)(b)

    14,828       142,564  

SpareBank 1 Nord Norge

    17,681       157,881  

Sparebank 1 Oestlandet

    7,515       88,484  

SpareBank 1 SMN

    24,068       279,470  

SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA(a)

    33,187       384,972  
   

 

 

 
      4,645,509  
Chemicals — 6.9%            

Borregaard ASA

    17,610       334,942  

Elkem ASA(b)

    48,491       171,621  

Yara International ASA

    32,308       1,562,879  
   

 

 

 
      2,069,442  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 3.0%            

Tomra Systems ASA

    20,579       886,054  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.9%            

Veidekke ASA

    20,014       262,608  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 1.3%            

Aker ASA, Class A

    4,822       389,142  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 7.0%  

Telenor ASA

    129,711       2,110,891  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.5%            

Fjordkraft Holding ASA(b)

    18,007       134,446  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 2.5%            

NEL ASA(a)

    260,968       764,237  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 3.0%            

BW Offshore Ltd.

    17,143       70,149  

Ocean Yield ASA

    11,373       36,382  

Subsea 7 SA(a)

    41,709       437,722  

TGS NOPEC Geophysical Co. ASA

    21,745       343,269  
   

 

 

 
      887,522  
Food Products — 18.1%            

Austevoll Seafood ASA

    16,910       195,372  

Bakkafrost P/F(a)

    9,319       666,570  

Grieg Seafood ASA(a)

    9,315       89,343  

Leroy Seafood Group ASA

    55,220       446,915  

Mowi ASA

    81,480       1,981,179  

Norway Royal Salmon ASA

    2,423       56,270  

Orkla ASA

    139,228       1,291,076  

Salmar ASA

    10,501       695,515  
   

 

 

 
      5,422,240  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 2.1%  

Scatec ASA(b)

    22,013       641,577  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.4%            

Bonheur ASA

    3,942       104,134  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 5.7%            

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    37,075       856,703  

Protector Forsikring ASA(a)

    13,575       119,640  
Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance (continued)            

Storebrand ASA(a)

    86,720     $ 746,163  
   

 

 

 
      1,722,506  
Interactive Media & Services — 2.1%            

Adevinta ASA(a)

    44,441       624,919  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 0.9%            

Atea ASA

    15,310       261,330  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 0.4%            

Hexagon Composites ASA(a)

    20,556       122,329  
   

 

 

 
Marine — 0.7%            

Golden Ocean Group Ltd.

    17,264       103,841  

Stolt-Nielsen Ltd.

    4,755       63,496  

Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA(a)

    19,608       54,302  
   

 

 

 
      221,639  
Media — 4.0%            

Schibsted ASA, Class A(a)

    14,015       570,722  

Schibsted ASA, Class B(a)

    18,169       628,278  
   

 

 

 
      1,199,000  
Metals & Mining — 4.6%            

Norsk Hydro ASA

    249,299       1,389,498  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.6%            

Europris ASA(b)

    30,957       182,787  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 12.7%            

BW LPG Ltd.(b)

    14,471       86,537  

DNO ASA(a)

    90,409       85,475  

Equinor ASA

    181,166       3,434,202  

Flex LNG Ltd.

    5,517       47,790  

Frontline Ltd./Bermuda

    18,324       124,685  

Hafnia Ltd.

    19,803       38,539  
   

 

 

 
      3,817,228  
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.4%  

Entra ASA(b)

    32,059       671,556  

Selvaag Bolig ASA

    7,822       51,136  
   

 

 

 
      722,692  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.8%  

Nordic Semiconductor ASA(a)

    28,646       543,183  
   

 

 

 
Software — 0.9%            

Crayon Group Holding ASA(a)(b)

    6,777       110,169  

Pexip Holding ASA(a)

    13,179       164,355  
   

 

 

 
      274,524  
Specialty Retail — 0.2%            

XXL ASA(a)(b)

    25,737       58,216  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.3%
(Cost: $29,564,531)

      29,800,534  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

28  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Norway ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(c)(d)

    10,000     $ 10,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $10,000)

      10,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.3%
(Cost: $29,574,531)

      29,810,534  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.7%         200,474
 
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  30,011,008  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares(a)

   $ 126,224      $      $ (126,085 )(b)     $ (110    $ (29    $             $ 1,801 (c)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     10,000        0 (b)                            10,000        10,000        4         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (110    $ (29    $ 10,000         $ 1,805      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

  (c) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

Futures Contracts

 

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

Long Contracts

          

Euro STOXX 50 Index

    4        03/19/21      $ 176      $ (2,325
          

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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

   $ 2,325  
  

 

 

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  29


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Norway ETF

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ 4,054  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (1,881
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 99,666  

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 29,800,534      $                 —      $                 —      $ 29,800,534  

Money Market Funds

     10,000                      10,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 29,810,534      $      $      $ 29,810,534  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (2,325    $      $      $ (2,325
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

 

     iShares
MSCI
Denmark
ETF
     iShares
MSCI Finland
ETF
    iShares
MSCI
Germany
Small-Cap
ETF
     iShares
MSCI Ireland
ETF
 

ASSETS

         

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

         

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 179,851,562      $ 29,325,196     $ 43,158,393      $ 58,855,340  

Affiliated(c)

    1,451,079        501,442       2,343,649        20,000  

Cash

    9,551        1,747       1,949        3,977  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    309,344        45,545       55,886        103,982  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

         

Futures contracts(e)

    117,037        18,207       9,711        9,710  

Receivables:

         

Investments sold

    671,601        782,534       421,567        6,414,011  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    213        220       3,102         

Dividends

           225       2,102         

Tax reclaims

    668,195        119,303       35,599        14,740  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    183,078,582        30,794,419       46,031,958        65,421,760  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
         

LIABILITIES

         

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    1,337,884        336,442       2,321,490         

Payables:

         

Investments purchased

    863,438        780,553       397,851        6,652,519  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,363        2,960       1,480        1,434  

Investment advisory fees

    73,058        12,162       19,920        22,182  

Professional fees

           50,000               

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

           123,334               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,275,743        1,305,451       2,740,741        6,676,135  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 180,802,839      $ 29,488,968     $ 43,291,217      $ 58,745,625  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

         

Paid-in capital

  $ 159,211,850      $ 29,544,452     $ 40,904,492      $ 58,076,426  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    21,590,989        (55,484     2,386,725        669,199  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 180,802,839      $ 29,488,968     $ 43,291,217      $ 58,745,625  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    1,900,000        650,000       550,000        1,150,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 95.16      $ 45.37     $ 78.71      $ 51.08  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None       None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 1,263,568      $ 308,108     $ 2,204,514      $  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 162,126,663      $ 29,521,228     $ 39,080,530      $ 48,804,329  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 1,451,134      $ 501,442     $ 2,342,719      $ 20,000  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 307,110      $ 44,721     $ 55,703      $ 103,121  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 118,129      $ 18,446     $ 9,895      $ 9,732  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T  S

  31


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2020

 

     iShares
MSCI Kuwait
ETF
     iShares
MSCI New
Zealand ETF
     iShares
MSCI
Norway ETF
 

ASSETS

       

Investments in securities, at value:

       

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 15,396,922      $ 177,299,242      $ 29,800,534  

Affiliated(b)

    20,000        68,000        10,000  

Cash

    1,866        7,644        1,722  

Foreign currency, at value(c)

           50,900        13,011  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

       

Futures contracts(d)

           10,839        13,352  

Receivables:

       

Investments sold

    308,101        5,057,193        776,753  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

                  1  

Capital shares sold

           13        20,519  

Dividends

           159,075        149,844  

Tax reclaims

                  1,768  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    15,726,889        182,652,906        30,787,504  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

       

Payables:

       

Investments purchased

    368,285        4,996,553        761,991  

Variation margin on futures contracts

           1,899        2,280  

Investment advisory fees

    8,772        71,124        12,225  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    377,057        5,069,576        776,496  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 15,349,832      $ 177,583,330      $ 30,011,008  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Paid-in capital

  $ 14,553,456      $ 177,363,866      $ 38,264,398  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    796,376        219,464        (8,253,390
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 15,349,832      $ 177,583,330      $ 30,011,008  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    550,000        2,800,000        1,150,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 27.91      $ 63.42      $ 26.10  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 14,518,883      $ 165,049,134      $ 29,564,531  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 20,000      $ 68,000      $ 10,000  

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $      $ 51,571      $ 13,038  

(d) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $      $ 11,429      $ 13,338  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI

Denmark

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Finland
ETF

   

iShares

MSCI

Germany
Small-Cap

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Ireland
ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 260,192     $ 190,435     $ 111,490     $ 161,186  

Dividends — Affiliated

    35       65       5       6  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    4,895       6,490       91,388        

Foreign taxes withheld

    (32,468     (3,006     (11,759     (4,594

IRS Compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

          (1,249            
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    232,654       192,735       191,124       156,598  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    400,007       80,539       104,425       141,369  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    400,007       80,539       104,425       141,369  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (167,353     112,196       86,699       15,229  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    199,704       (257,470     (852,212     (1,622,112

Investments — Affiliated

    (746     (149     (839      

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    7,954,168       2,717,873       1,633,494       1,891,363  

Futures contracts

    164,762       16,528       11,598       8,135  

Foreign currency transactions

    12,482       648       2,770       (1,472
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    8,330,370       2,477,430       794,811       275,914  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    9,396,367       956,899       7,073,491       10,424,677  

Investments — Affiliated

    1       (35     (532      

Futures contracts

    (60,841     7,260       1,380       375  

Foreign currency translations

    (6,576     1,750       (1,512     (317
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    9,328,951       965,874       7,072,827       10,424,735  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    17,659,321       3,443,304       7,867,638       10,700,649  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 17,491,968     $ 3,555,500     $ 7,954,337     $ 10,715,878  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T  S

  33


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   


iShares
MSCI

Kuwait
ETF

 
 

 
(a)  

   


iShares

MSCI New
Zealand ETF

 

 
 

   


iShares

MSCI
Norway ETF

 

 
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

     

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 10,662     $ 1,762,094     $ 579,117  

Dividends — Affiliated

          50       4  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

          5,145       1,801  

Foreign taxes withheld

          (242,968     (132,839
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    10,662       1,524,321       448,083  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    36,528       448,266       67,555  

Commitment fees

    48              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    36,576       448,266       67,555  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (25,914     1,076,055       380,528  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (1,935     (1,229,220     (856,800

Investments — Affiliated

          (1,750     (110

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

          13,809,365       677,221  

Futures contracts

          24,138       4,054  

Foreign currency transactions

    (13,036     1,268       (174
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    (14,971     12,603,801       (175,809
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

    878,039       (4,768,755     2,672,476  

Investments — Affiliated

                (29

Futures contracts

          (1,806     (1,881

Foreign currency translations

    46       (13,008     (3,564
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    878,085       (4,783,569     2,667,002  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    863,114       7,820,232       2,491,193  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 837,200     $ 8,896,287     $ 2,871,721  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

For the period from September 01, 2020 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2021.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets  

 

    iShares
MSCI Denmark ETF
    iShares
MSCI Finland ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (167,353   $ 317,438     $ 112,196     $ 615,818  

Net realized gain (loss)

    8,330,370       (1,120,641     2,477,430       296,182  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    9,328,951       13,796,937       965,874       4,049,228  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    17,491,968       12,993,734       3,555,500       4,961,228  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (77,799     (292,573     (370,609     (1,036,942
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

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

    53,489,325       63,653,757       (8,835,299     4,490,297  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    70,903,494       76,354,918       (5,650,408     8,414,583  

Beginning of period

    109,899,345       33,544,427       35,139,376       26,724,793  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 180,802,839     $ 109,899,345     $ 29,488,968     $ 35,139,376  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T  S

  35


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF
    iShares
MSCI Ireland ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 86,699     $ 217,539     $ 15,229     $ 595,688  

Net realized gain

    794,811       640,891       275,914       267,001  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    7,072,827       4,427,396       10,424,735       2,797,460  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    7,954,337       5,285,826       10,715,878       3,660,149  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (348,730     (82,622     (15,526     (940,239
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

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

    3,823,113       (10,267,905     (5,074,189     (4,751,676
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    11,428,720       (5,064,701     5,626,163       (2,031,766

Beginning of period

    31,862,497       36,927,198       53,119,462       55,151,228  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 43,291,217     $ 31,862,497     $ 58,745,625     $ 53,119,462  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

36  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI Kuwait
ETF
    iShares
MSCI New Zealand ETF
 
   

Period From
09/01/20

to 02/28/21

(unaudited)

 
(a)  

 

 

   

Six Months
Ended
02/28/21

(unaudited



 

   
Year Ended
08/31/20
 
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

     

OPERATIONS

     

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (25,914   $ 1,076,055     $ 2,949,840  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (14,971     12,603,801       1,762,353  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    878,085       (4,783,569     21,645,361  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    837,200       8,896,287       26,357,554  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

     

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (40,824     (2,327,522     (4,674,204
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

     

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

    14,553,456       3,811,581       (20,231,374
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

     

Total increase in net assets

    15,349,832       10,380,346       1,451,976  

Beginning of period

          167,202,984       165,751,008  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 15,349,832     $ 177,583,330     $ 167,202,984  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T  S

  37


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI Norway ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 380,528     $ 333,272  

Net realized loss

    (175,809     (285,526

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,667,002       3,511,779  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    2,871,721       3,559,525  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (277,495     (358,083
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

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

    (3,946,736     5,529,593  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (1,352,510     8,731,035  

Beginning of period

    31,363,518       22,632,483  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 30,011,008     $ 31,363,518  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

38  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Denmark ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/20
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/19
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/18
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/17
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/16
 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 84.54     $ 60.99      $ 67.75      $ 67.57      $ 56.39      $ 53.99  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

    (0.10     0.50        0.97        0.90        0.94        0.76  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    10.77       23.52        (5.99      0.77        11.07        2.27  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    10.67       24.02        (5.02      1.67        12.01        3.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.05     (0.47      (1.74      (1.49      (0.83      (0.63
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.05     (0.47      (1.74      (1.49      (0.83      (0.63
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 95.16     $ 84.54      $ 60.99      $ 67.75      $ 67.57      $ 56.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

    12.62 %(d)       39.52      (7.41 )%       2.58      21.43      5.63
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

    0.53 %(e)       0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.22 )%(e)       0.71      1.59      1.34      1.66      1.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 180,803     $ 109,899      $ 33,544      $ 40,649      $ 67,567      $ 47,928  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    3 %(d)       21      14      13      14      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.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  39


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Finland ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
     Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.34     $ 35.63     $ 41.83      $ 39.79      $ 33.19      $ 31.32  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.16       0.85       1.30        1.39        1.02        1.51 (b)  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    4.44       6.25       (5.98      2.16        6.74        1.13  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    4.60       7.10       (4.68      3.55        7.76        2.64  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

              

From net investment income

    (0.57     (1.39     (1.52      (1.51      (1.16      (0.77
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.57     (1.39     (1.52      (1.51      (1.16      (0.77
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.37     $ 41.34     $ 35.63      $ 41.83      $ 39.79      $ 33.19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    11.10 %(e)      20.61     (11.24 )%       9.08      23.32      8.60 %(b) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses

    0.53 %(f)      0.53     0.53      0.53      0.55      0.72
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

    N/A       0.53     0.53      N/A        0.53      0.53
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.74 %(f)      2.36     3.40      3.38      2.84      4.72 %(b) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 29,489     $ 35,139     $ 26,725      $ 39,735      $ 45,753      $ 38,168  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

    7 %(e)       22     16      11      12      21
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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 for the year ended August 31, 2016:

   

Net investment income per share by $0.42.

   

Total return by 1.05%.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 1.32%.

(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.

 

 

40  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
          Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
     Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.72       $ 52.75      $ 63.43      $ 57.18      $ 43.23      $ 40.03  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.17         0.38        1.07        1.33        0.78        0.71  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    15.52         10.74        (10.06      6.19        13.87        3.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    15.69         11.12        (8.99      7.52        14.65        3.87  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                 

From net investment income

    (0.70       (0.15      (1.69      (1.27      (0.70      (0.67
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.70       (0.15      (1.69      (1.27      (0.70      (0.67
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 78.71       $ 63.72      $ 52.75      $ 63.43      $ 57.18      $ 43.23  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

                 

Based on net asset value

    24.70 %(d)        21.12      (14.08 )%       13.22      34.12      9.72
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                 

Total expenses

    0.59 %(e)        0.59      0.59      0.59      0.59      0.59
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.49 %(e)        0.69      1.95      2.09      1.65      1.73
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 43,291       $ 31,862      $ 36,927      $ 60,260      $ 40,025      $ 23,779  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    12 %(d)         25      13      14      14      12
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

FI N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  41


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Ireland ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
          Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
     Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.50       $ 39.39      $ 46.25      $ 43.80      $ 38.94      $ 40.34  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.01         0.43        0.61        0.61        0.47        0.49  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    8.58         3.34        (6.80      2.62        4.94        (1.33
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    8.59         3.77        (6.19      3.23        5.41        (0.84
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                 

From net investment income

    (0.01       (0.66      (0.67      (0.78      (0.55      (0.56
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.01       (0.66      (0.67      (0.78      (0.55      (0.56
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.08       $ 42.50      $ 39.39      $ 46.25      $ 43.80      $ 38.94  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

                 

Based on net asset value

    20.22 %(d)        9.59      (13.44 )%       7.38      13.99      (2.12 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                 

Total expenses

    0.50 %(e)        0.51      0.49      0.47      0.49      0.48
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.05 %(e)        1.06      1.49      1.31      1.19      1.27
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 58,746       $ 53,119      $ 55,151      $ 69,381      $ 67,883      $ 124,596  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    18 %(d)         47      24      20      14      31
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

42  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares
MSCI
Kuwait
ETF
 
   



Period
From
09/01/20

to
02/28/21
(unaudited)


 
(a)  


 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.22  
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss(b)

    (0.07

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

    2.83  
 

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    2.76  
 

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

 

From net investment income

    (0.07
 

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.07
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.91  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

 

Based on net asset value

    10.97 %(e
 

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

Total expenses

    0.74 %(f) 
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

    (0.53 )%(f) 
 

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 15,350  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

    10 %(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.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  43


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
           Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
     Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 60.80        $ 51.80      $ 49.11      $ 46.26      $ 46.90      $ 32.17  
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.38          1.06        1.58        1.71        1.96        1.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    3.00          9.49        2.70        2.86        (0.39      14.76  
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    3.38          10.55        4.28        4.57        1.57        15.97  
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                  

From net investment income

    (0.76        (1.55      (1.59      (1.72      (2.21      (1.24
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.76        (1.55      (1.59      (1.72      (2.21      (1.24
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.42        $ 60.80      $ 51.80      $ 49.11      $ 46.26      $ 46.90  
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

                  

Based on net asset value

    5.53 %(d)          20.71      9.00      10.02      3.95      50.49
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                  

Total expenses

    0.50 %(e)          0.51      0.50      0.47      0.49      0.48
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.21 %(e)          1.96      3.16      3.58      4.45      3.05
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                  

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 177,583        $ 167,203      $ 165,751      $ 142,406      $ 175,790      $ 171,183  
 

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    10 %(d)          12      15      14      9      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) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

 

44  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Norway ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
          Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
     Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.40       $ 22.63      $ 27.67      $ 25.07      $ 20.36      $ 20.40  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.34         0.34        0.67        0.72        0.69        0.64  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    3.67         (0.15      (4.91      2.56        4.70        (0.06
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    4.01         0.19        (4.24      3.28        5.39        0.58  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                 

From net investment income

    (0.31       (0.42      (0.80      (0.68      (0.68      (0.62
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.31       (0.42      (0.80      (0.68      (0.68      (0.62
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.10       $ 22.40      $ 22.63      $ 27.67      $ 25.07      $ 20.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return

                 

Based on net asset value

    18.02 %(d)        1.04      (15.42 )%       13.21      27.10      2.89
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                 

Total expenses

    0.53 %(e)        0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.99 %(e)        1.58      2.66      2.67      3.11      3.23
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 30,011       $ 31,364      $ 22,632      $ 30,434      $ 32,589      $ 26,462  
 

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    8 %(d)         16      13      13      10      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.

 

 

I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  45


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    

MSCI Denmark

   Non-diversified    

MSCI Finland

   Non-diversified    

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

   Diversified    

MSCI Ireland

   Non-diversified    

MSCI Kuwait(a)

   Non-diversified    

MSCI New Zealand

   Non-diversified    

MSCI Norway

   Non-diversified    

 

  (a) 

The Fund commenced operations on September 01, 2020.

 

 

2.  

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at fair value. Upon notification from issuers or as estimated by management, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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 February 28, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

The Funds file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. The statement of operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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 (“NAV”) per share.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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 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 NAV.

   

Futures contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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

 

 

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  47


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates 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, if any, are also disclosed in each Fund’s schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan and the value of any related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds 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 Funds, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. When the value of the collateral is greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, the lender is left 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 Funds can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities. Upon an event of default, the parties’ obligations to return the securities or collateral to the other party are extinguished, and the parties can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities or the collateral received in connection with the loaned securities in order to satisfy the defaulting party’s net payment obligation for all transactions under the MSLA. The defaulting party remains liable for any deficiency.

As of period end, the following table is a summary of the securities on loan by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of February 28, 2021:

 

 

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

 

 

MSCI Denmark

          

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 10,279      $ 10,279      $      $  

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    1,253,289        1,253,289                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,263,568      $ 1,263,568      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Finland

          

Credit Suisse AG

  $ 308,108      $ 308,108      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

          

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 98,355      $ 98,355      $      $  

Credit Suisse AG

    307,238        307,238                

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    868,512        868,512                

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    46,369        46,369                

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    400,607        400,607                

UBS AG

    483,433        483,433                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 2,204,514      $ 2,204,514      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

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: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it 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, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation (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. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

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, 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  

MSCI Denmark

    0.53

MSCI Finland

    0.53  

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    0.59  

MSCI Kuwait

    0.74  

MSCI Norway

    0.53  

For its investment advisory services to each of the iShares MSCI Ireland and iShares MSCI New Zealand 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 $7 billion

    0.59

Over $7 billion, up to and including $11 billion

    0.54  

Over $11 billion, up to and including $24 billion

    0.49  

Over $24 billion, up to and including $48 billion

    0.44  

Over $48 billion, up to and including $72 billion

    0.40  

Over $72 billion, up to and including $96 billion

    0.36  

Over $96 billion

    0.32  

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 (the “collateral investment fees”). The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund, BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional or BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, 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 SL Agency Shares of such money market fund will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. The money market fund in which the cash collateral has been invested may, under certain circumstances, impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the value redeemed or temporarily restrict redemptions for up to 10 business days during a 90 day period, in the event that the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.

Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less the collateral investment fees. 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 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 that calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, 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 February 28, 2021, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

 

O T E S    T O    I N A N C I A L     T A T E M E N T S

  49


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

iShares ETF   Fees Paid  
to BTC  
 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 1,426    

MSCI Finland

    1,506    

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    20,664    

MSCI New Zealand

    1,856    

MSCI Norway

    426    

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 February 28, 2021, 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)
 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 1,822,575      $ 1,759,549      $ 261,258  

MSCI Finland

    297,000        338,863        49,411  

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    1,631,069        1,582,665        131,811  

MSCI Ireland

    2,532,248        441,020        129,532  

MSCI New Zealand

    5,757,165        2,492,569        127,991  

MSCI Norway

    54,121        77,932        (4,367

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 February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

MSCI Denmark

  $  5,099,160      $  4,564,073  

MSCI Finland

    2,205,099        2,707,581  

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    7,502,972        4,304,029  

MSCI Ireland

    9,795,075        9,923,851  

MSCI Kuwait

    15,491,794        970,977  

MSCI New Zealand

    18,262,071        18,955,358  

MSCI Norway

    2,079,256        2,148,526  

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
     In-kind
Sales
 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 79,502,194      $ 26,494,895  

MSCI Finland

    5,324,928        13,888,811  

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    3,884,288        3,381,662  

MSCI Ireland

           5,066,739  

MSCI New Zealand

    47,228,096        43,893,600  

MSCI Norway

    6,061,443        9,987,926  

 

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 each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021, 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 August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Non-Expiring  

MSCI Denmark

  $  3,697,920  

MSCI Finland

    2,211,476  

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    2,064,715  

MSCI Ireland

    8,847,933  

MSCI New Zealand

    22,653,434  

MSCI Norway

    8,066,602  

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 February 28, 2021, 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)
 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 163,939,901      $ 20,228,488      $ (2,920,623   $ 17,307,865  

MSCI Finland

    30,236,146        3,221,713        (3,625,391     (403,678

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    41,881,217        7,268,627        (3,648,291     3,620,336  

MSCI Ireland

    49,651,407        13,070,084        (3,845,776     9,224,308  

MSCI Kuwait

    14,538,883        1,081,092        (203,053     878,039  

MSCI New Zealand

    167,160,954        24,561,996        (14,357,684     10,204,312  

MSCI Norway

    29,941,744        2,299,586        (2,433,121     (133,535

 

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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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.

The Funds may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Market Risk: An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause a fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a fund invests.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

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.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. securities and may be less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. Investment percentages in specific countries are presented in the schedule of investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns in, or rising government debt levels of, several European countries. These events may spread to other countries in Europe and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union, and one or more other countries may withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the Euro, the common currency of the European Union. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far reaching.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Investment percentages in specific sectors are presented in the schedule of investments.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

 

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
02/28/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI Denmark

       

Shares sold

    900,000     $ 80,212,470       1,050,000     $ 80,969,860  

Shares redeemed

    (300,000     (26,723,145     (300,000     (17,316,103
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    600,000     $ 53,489,325       750,000     $ 63,653,757  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

52  

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
           Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount            Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI Finland

          

Shares sold

    150,000     $ 5,869,455          550,000     $ 20,358,805  

Shares redeemed

    (350,000     (14,704,754        (450,000     (15,868,508
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (200,000   $ (8,835,299        100,000     $ 4,490,297  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

          

Shares sold

    100,000     $ 7,312,000          250,000     $ 14,941,898  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000     (3,488,887        (450,000     (25,209,803
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    50,000     $ 3,823,113          (200,000   $ (10,267,905
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Ireland

          

Shares sold

        $          100,000     $ 4,420,595  

Shares redeemed

    (100,000     (5,074,189        (250,000     (9,172,271
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (100,000   $ (5,074,189        (150,000   $ (4,751,676
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 
                       Period Ended
02/28/21
 
iShares ETF                      Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI Kuwait

          

Shares sold

           550,000     $ 14,553,456  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
           Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount            Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI New Zealand

          

Shares sold

    750,000     $ 48,345,841          1,800,000     $ 94,694,895  

Shares redeemed

    (700,000     (44,534,260        (2,250,000     (114,926,269
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    50,000     $ 3,811,581          (450,000   $ (20,231,374
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Norway

          

Shares sold

    250,000     $ 6,565,562          1,450,000     $ 27,971,333  

Shares redeemed

    (500,000     (10,512,298        (1,050,000     (22,441,740
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (250,000   $ (3,946,736        400,000     $ 5,529,593  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 MSCI Finland 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 made by the Finnish tax 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.

The Fund is expected to seek a closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to address any prior years’ U.S. income tax liabilities attributable to Fund shareholders resulting from the recovery of foreign taxes. The closing agreement would result in the Fund paying a compliance fee to the IRS, on behalf of its shareholders, representing the estimated tax savings generated from foreign tax credits claimed by Fund shareholders on their tax returns in prior years. The Fund has accrued a liability

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  53


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

for the estimated IRS compliance fee related to foreign withholding tax claims, which is disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities. The actual IRS compliance fee may differ from the estimate and that difference may be material.

 

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.

 

 

54  

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  

 

iShares ESG MSCI Kuwait ETF

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 to consider and approve the proposed Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the proposed Advisory Contract. At a meeting held on December 1-3, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, approved the selection of BFA as investment adviser and approved the proposed Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA. The Board also considered information previously provided by BFA, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), and BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), as applicable, at prior Board meetings. 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 of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services to be provided to the Fund and the availability of information related to profits to be 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 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 of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, 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.

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 of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the Advisory Contract.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided by BFA: The Board reviewed the scope of services to be provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract. 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 and have made significant investments into the iShares business, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board considered representations by BFA, BTC, and BlackRock that the scope and quality of services to be provided to the Fund would be similar to the scope and quality of services provided to other iShares funds. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to other iShares 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 relevant, and has provided information and made appropriate 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 who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources that will be available to them in managing the Fund. The Board also considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided throughout the year with respect to other iShares funds.

Based on review of this information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the Advisory Contract.

Costs of Services to be Provided to the Fund and Profits to be Realized by BFA and Affiliates: The Board did not consider the profitability of the Fund to BFA based on the fees payable under the Advisory Contract or revenue to be received by BFA or its affiliates in connection with services to be provided to the Fund since the proposed relationship had not yet commenced. The Board noted that it expects to receive profitability information from BFA periodically following the Fund’s launch and will thus be in a position to evaluate whether any new or additional breakpoints or other adjustments in Fund fees would be appropriate.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale or other efficiencies that may result from increases in the Fund’s assets. The Board considered information that it had previously received regarding economies of scale, efficiencies and scale benefits shared with the iShares funds through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints and 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 any breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund increase. However, the Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

This consideration 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 Advisory Contract.

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”), and acknowledged BFA’s assertion that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates

 

 

 

O A R D  E V I E W   A N D  P P R O V A L   O F   IN V E S T M E N T   A D V I S O R Y   C O N T R A C T

  55


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board further noted that BFA previously provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) generally differ from the iShares funds, including in terms of the different and generally more extensive services provided to the iShares 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 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 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: Except as noted below, the Board did not consider the “fallout” benefits or ancillary revenue to be received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services to be provided to the Fund by BFA since the proposed relationship had not yet commenced. However, 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 considered the potential payment of advisory fees and/or administration 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 and/or administration services. The Board also noted the potential revenue to be received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that would permit 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 also considered the potential for revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, and its affiliates in the event of any loaning of portfolio securities of 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), will be 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 Advisory Contract.

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 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 to be rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the Advisory Contract.

 

 

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2021  I S H A R E S  S E M I - A N N U A L  R E P O R T  T O  S H A R E H O L D E R S


Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares MSCI Denmark ETF, iShares MSCI Finland ETF, iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Ireland ETF, iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF, iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF and iShares MSCI Norway ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)

The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

  b)

Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

  c)

Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

  d)

The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

  e)

The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

T A T E M E N T   R E G A R D I N G   L I Q U I D I T Y   R I S KA N A G E M E N T   P R O G R A M

  57


Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

     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
 

MSCI Denmark(a)

  $ 0.000937     $     $ 0.046214     $ 0.047151       2         98     100

MSCI Finland(a)

    0.418787             0.151380       0.570167       73             27       100  

MSCI Kuwait(a)

                0.074225       0.074225                   100       100  

MSCI Norway(a)

    0.307458             0.000870       0.308328       100             0 (b)       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%.

 

 

 

58  

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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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

E N E R A L    N F O R M A T I O  N

  59


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations — Equity
ADR    American Depositary Receipt
NVS    Non-Voting Shares
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

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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., 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.

©2021 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-808-0221

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

 

    

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares MSCI India ETF | INDA | Cboe BZX

·  

iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF | SMIN | Cboe BZX

 


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large- and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021
     
    6-Month      12-Month   
   

U.S. large cap equities

(S&P 500® Index)

  9.74 %   31.29 %
   

U.S. small cap equities

(Russell 2000® Index)

  41.69   51.00
   

International equities

(MSCI Europe, Australasia,

Far East Index)

  14.33   22.46
   

Emerging market equities

(MSCI Emerging Markets

Index)

  22.32   36.05
   

3-month Treasury bills

(ICE BofA 3-Month

U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

  0.06   0.40
   

U.S. Treasury securities

(ICE BofA 10-Year

U.S. Treasury Index)

  (6.34 )   (1.96 )
   

U.S. investment grade bonds

(Bloomberg Barclays

U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (1.55 )   1.38
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds

(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

  0.92   1.22
   

U.S. high yield bonds

(Bloomberg Barclays

U.S. Corporate High Yield 2%

Issuer Capped Index)

  6.08   9.31

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

 

2  

H I S    A G E    I S     N O T    A R T    O F    O U R    U N D     E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

The Markets in Review

     2  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     6  

Shareholder Expenses

     6  

Consolidated Schedules of Investments

     7  

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     15  

Consolidated Statements of Operations

     16  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     17  

Consolidated Financial Highlights

     18  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     20  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     26  

Supplemental Information

     27  

General Information

     28  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     29  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI India ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI India ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Indian equities, as represented by the MSCI India 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

    22.30     26.89      12.29      6.14       26.89      78.53      71.67%  

Fund Market

 

 

23.06

 

 

 

27.59

 

  

 

12.27

 

  

 

6.20

 

   

 

27.59

 

  

 

78.37

 

  

 

72.63   

 

Index

 

 

25.18

 

 

 

29.10

 

  

 

13.44

 

  

 

6.99

 

         

 

29.10

 

  

 

87.84

 

  

 

84.73   

 

The inception date of the Fund was 2/2/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/3/12.

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 6 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
Beginning
    Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses   
Paid During   
the Period (a)
           Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses   
Paid During   
the Period (a)
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,223.00        $ 3.69                $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.50        $ 3.36             0.67

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 6 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 

   
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Financials

    27.2%  

Information Technology

    16.5     

Energy

    13.0     

Consumer Staples

    9.3     

Materials

    9.2     

Consumer Discretionary

    8.7     

Health Care

    5.3     

Communication Services

    3.7     

Industrials

    3.6     

Utilities

    3.2     

Real Estate

    0.3     

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

 

   
Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    10.6%  

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

    7.8     

Infosys Ltd.

    7.6     

ICICI Bank Ltd.

    5.5     

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    4.9     

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    3.1     

Axis Bank Ltd.

    2.9     

Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    2.6     

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    2.4     

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

    1.8     
 

 

 

4  

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization Indian equities, as represented by the MSCI India Small Cap 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

    36.79 %(a)      34.78      14.06      8.55       34.78      93.01      110.25

Fund Market

 

 

36.84

 

 

 

36.12

 

  

 

14.26

 

  

 

8.55

 

   

 

36.12

 

  

 

94.76

 

  

 

110.32

 

Index

 

 

40.03

 

 

 

38.44

 

  

 

15.53

 

  

 

9.55

 

         

 

38.44

 

  

 

105.79

 

  

 

128.49

 

The inception date of the Fund was 2/8/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/9/12.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the six-months and one-year periods. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

 

  (a) 

The NAV total return presented in the table for the six-months period differs from the same period return disclosed in the financial highlights. The total return in the financial highlights is calculated in the same manner but differs due to certain adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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 6 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
Beginning
    Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses   
Paid During   
the Period (a)
           Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses   
Paid During   
the Period (a)
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,367.90        $ 4.46                $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.00        $ 3.81             0.76

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 6 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)
 

Financials

    20.3%  

Industrials

    17.8     

Materials

    16.6     

Consumer Discretionary

    12.4     

Health Care

    9.7     

Information Technology

    6.5     

Utilities

    5.6     

Consumer Staples

    3.8     

Real Estate

    3.6     

Communication Services

    2.8     

Energy

    0.9     

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

 

   
Security   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)
 

Voltas Ltd.

    1.8%  

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. Ltd.

    1.8     

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd.

    1.5     

Max Financial Services Ltd.

    1.5     

Ashok Leyland Ltd.

    1.4     

Sundaram Finance Ltd.

    1.4     

SRF Ltd.

    1.3     

Astral Poly Technik Ltd.

    1.2     

IDFC First Bank Ltd.

    1.2     

Adani Total Gas Ltd.

    1.2     
 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  5


About Fund Performance

 

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

 

6  

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 0.3%            

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd.(a)(b)

    646,750     $ 14,257,368  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 1.3%            

Balkrishna Industries Ltd.

    584,856       12,399,886  

Bharat Forge Ltd.

    1,564,791       12,990,417  

Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd.

    8,491,879       24,729,701  

MRF Ltd.

    12,831       14,753,974  
   

 

 

 
      64,873,978  
Automobiles — 5.6%            

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    467,312       24,157,013  

Eicher Motors Ltd.

    918,528       31,231,327  

Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

    806,074       35,364,803  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    5,433,144       59,621,519  

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

    914,093       85,409,263  

Tata Motors Ltd.(b)

    11,438,819       50,271,029  
   

 

 

 
      286,054,954  
Banks — 12.1%            

Axis Bank Ltd.(b)

    15,247,535       150,390,057  

Bandhan Bank Ltd.(a)(b)

    4,871,967       22,889,659  

ICICI Bank Ltd.(b)

    34,326,346       279,221,247  

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.(b)

    3,726,850       90,291,861  

State Bank of India(b)

    12,000,108       63,711,535  

Yes Bank Ltd.(b)

    67,378,074       14,441,106  
   

 

 

 
      620,945,465  
Beverages — 0.3%            

United Spirits Ltd.(b)

    1,954,089       14,229,204  
   

 

 

 
Biotechnology — 0.3%            

Biocon Ltd.(b)

    2,823,678       14,993,525  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 0.3%            

HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd.(a)

    357,887       14,303,791  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 3.1%            

Asian Paints Ltd.

    2,580,065       79,952,698  

Berger Paints India Ltd.

    1,632,388       15,102,116  

PI Industries Ltd.

    560,987       16,620,056  

Pidilite Industries Ltd.

    1,024,858       23,513,089  

UPL Ltd.

    3,340,934       25,530,400  
   

 

 

 
      160,718,359  
Construction & Engineering — 1.8%            

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

    4,626,030       90,808,305  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 3.0%            

ACC Ltd.

    505,001       11,910,835  

Ambuja Cements Ltd.

    4,672,352       17,389,784  

Grasim Industries Ltd.

    1,995,083       32,601,152  

Shree Cement Ltd.

    72,817       26,260,792  

UltraTech Cement Ltd.

    777,511       64,700,004  
   

 

 

 
      152,862,567  
Consumer Finance — 3.3%            

Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    1,823,562       130,650,767  

Muthoot Finance Ltd.

    809,129       14,310,743  

Shriram Transport Finance Co. Ltd.

    1,277,050       22,295,588  
   

 

 

 
          167,257,098  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.5%            

Piramal Enterprises Ltd.

    682,337       16,985,303  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

Diversified Financial Services (continued)

           

REC Ltd.

    5,974,855     $ 11,017,117  
   

 

 

 
      28,002,420  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.3%            

Indus Towers Ltd.

    4,529,544       15,890,541  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.8%            

Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.

    14,076,940       41,051,755  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 0.4%            

Havells India Ltd.

    1,473,049       22,161,384  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.9%            

Avenue Supermarts Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,091,975       44,493,319  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 2.3%            

Britannia Industries Ltd.

    728,715       33,356,672  

Nestle India Ltd.

    226,872       49,710,855  

Tata Consumer Products Ltd.

    4,027,450       33,385,333  
   

 

 

 
           116,452,860  
Gas Utilities — 0.7%            

GAIL India Ltd.

    10,630,227       20,512,570  

Indraprastha Gas Ltd.

    2,117,758       14,177,465  
   

 

 

 
      34,690,035  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.5%            

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    607,974       25,305,568  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.4%            

Jubilant Foodworks Ltd.

    532,340       21,695,653  
   

 

 

 
Household Products — 3.1%            

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    5,528,658       160,405,189  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.7%  

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(b)

    2,628,733       41,490,590  

NTPC Ltd.

    29,934,686       43,709,489  
   

 

 

 
      85,200,079  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.2%            

Siemens Ltd.

    478,842       12,054,946  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 3.2%            

Bajaj Finserv Ltd.

    256,898       33,730,776  

HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    5,433,444       51,805,709  

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,497,359       29,056,732  

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    2,413,409       15,158,317  

SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    2,691,013       31,745,787  
   

 

 

 
      161,497,321  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.6%            

Info Edge India Ltd.

    475,462       31,770,903  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 16.5%            

HCL Technologies Ltd.

    7,301,539       90,363,811  

Infosys Ltd.

    22,909,433       390,724,534  

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd.(a)

    352,148       17,250,867  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    6,308,482       248,467,571  

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

    4,225,859       52,839,770  

Wipro Ltd.

    7,684,892       42,908,229  
   

 

 

 
      842,554,782  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.8%            

Divi’s Laboratories Ltd.

    892,609       40,850,967  
   

 

 

 
Media — 0.3%            

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

    5,811,761       15,896,631  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

O N S O L I D A T E D    C H E D  U L E    O F    N V E S T M E N T S

  7


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India ETF

    (Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

Metals & Mining — 3.1%

           

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

    10,572,218     $ 48,951,448  

JSW Steel Ltd.

    5,688,308       30,610,892  

Tata Steel Ltd.

    4,544,065       44,222,469  

Vedanta Ltd.

    12,503,822       35,273,080  
   

 

 

 
      159,057,889  
Multiline Retail — 0.3%            

Trent Ltd.

    1,218,878       13,412,883  
   

 

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 13.0%

           

Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    4,376,260       26,789,965  

Coal India Ltd.

    8,346,535       17,287,101  

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    4,610,126       15,210,247  

Indian Oil Corp. Ltd.

    12,660,898       16,893,258  

Oil & Natural Gas Corp. Ltd.

    16,969,413       25,632,508  

Petronet LNG Ltd.

    5,042,282       17,507,495  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    19,183,608       544,507,989  
   

 

 

 
      663,828,563  
Personal Products — 1.7%            

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    822,857       17,705,675  

Dabur India Ltd.

    3,564,733       24,405,214  

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

    2,749,687       25,683,951  

Marico Ltd.

    3,472,443       18,785,735  
   

 

 

 
      86,580,575  
Pharmaceuticals — 3.7%            

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.

    1,969,645       22,922,234  

Cipla Ltd.

    2,982,507       31,943,691  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.

    782,513       47,136,598  

Ipca Laboratories Ltd.

    468,967       11,803,469  

Lupin Ltd.

    1,524,795       21,130,503  

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

    5,647,253       45,694,450  

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    341,306       11,277,937  
   

 

 

 
          191,908,882  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.3%            

DLF Ltd.

    4,160,406       17,126,255  
   

 

 

 

 

Road & Rail — 0.3%

           

Container Corp. of India Ltd.

    1,843,340       13,993,430  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
         
Road & Rail (continued)            
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.2%            

Page Industries Ltd.

    37,494     $ 14,329,229  

Titan Co. Ltd.

    2,387,449       45,708,675  
   

 

 

 
      60,037,904  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 7.8%            

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

    11,488,736       397,012,944  
   

 

 

 

 

Tobacco — 1.1%

           

ITC Ltd.

    19,854,547       55,077,219  
   

 

 

 

 

Transportation Infrastructure — 0.6%

           

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd.

    3,414,888       31,409,441  
   

 

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.4%

           

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    16,505,074       124,947,577  
   

 

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.1%
(Cost: $3,388,007,779)

      5,115,672,529  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(c)(d)

    2,360,000       2,360,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $2,360,000)

      2,360,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.2%
(Cost: $3,390,367,779)

      5,118,032,529  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.2)%

      (9,340,755)  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   5,108,691,774  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Non-income producing security.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $      $ 2,360,000 (a)     $      $      $      $ 2,360,000        2,360,000      $ 8,252      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S    E M I - A N N U A  L    E P O R T    T O    H A R E H O L D E R  S


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

MSCI India NTR Index

     58          03/19/21          $  4,769          $     (253,618
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
            Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

     

Futures contracts

                      

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

        $253,618  
     

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. In the Consolidated 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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
            Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

     

Futures contracts

                       $ 2,328,785  
     

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

     

Futures contracts

      $ (1,246,400
     

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

     $4,983,558  

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

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1                    Level 2                    Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 5,115,672,529        $                  —        $                  —        $ 5,115,672,529  

Money Market Funds

     2,360,000                           —                           —          2,360,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 5,118,032,529        $                  —        $                  —        $ 5,118,032,529  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $        (253,618)        $                  —        $                  —        $        (253,618)  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

O N S O L I D A T E D    C H E D  U L E    O F    N V E S T M E N T S

  9


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.2%  

Blue Dart Express Ltd.(a)

    7,611     $ 486,344  
   

 

 

 

 

Airlines — 0.1%

           

SpiceJet Ltd.(a)

    337,269       379,333  
   

 

 

 

 

Auto Components — 3.9%

 

Apollo Tyres Ltd.

    458,040       1,446,705  

Ceat Ltd.

    32,147       697,492  

Endurance Technologies Ltd.(b)

    56,096       1,100,889  

Exide Industries Ltd.

    679,690       1,874,847  

Mahindra CIE Automotive Ltd.(a)

    182,060       447,686  

Minda Industries Ltd

    108,517       836,564  

Sundram Fasteners Ltd.

    151,417       1,476,978  

Tube Investments of India Ltd.

    150,251       2,209,140  
   

 

 

 
      10,090,301  
Banks — 4.8%  

AU Small Finance Bank Ltd.(a)(b)

    121,728       1,866,048  

City Union Bank Ltd.

    577,068       1,298,079  

DCB Bank Ltd.(a)

    244,332       387,021  

Federal Bank Ltd.(a)

    2,353,615       2,675,982  

IDFC First Bank Ltd.(a)

    3,619,392       3,125,133  

Karur Vysya Bank Ltd. (The)(a)

    627,999       509,766  

RBL Bank Ltd.(b)

    573,405       1,838,392  

Yes Bank Ltd., New,
(Acquired 03/16/20, Cost: $3,554,476)(a)(c)(d)

    4,044,378       688,714  
   

 

 

 
      12,389,135  
Beverages — 1.2%  

Radico Khaitan Ltd.

    106,648       826,727  

Varun Beverages Ltd.

    161,073       2,286,060  
   

 

 

 
      3,112,787  
Building Products — 2.4%  

Astral Poly Technik Ltd.

    108,157       3,131,600  

Blue Star Ltd.

    92,285       1,092,890  

Cera Sanitaryware Ltd.

    8,333       437,668  

Kajaria Ceramics Ltd.

    126,738       1,633,357  
   

 

 

 
      6,295,515  
Capital Markets — 4.2%            

Central Depository Services India Ltd.

    81,423       691,517  

CRISIL Ltd.

    23,072       611,234  

Dhani Services Ltd.

    373,765       1,841,232  

Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd.(a)

    746,121       701,091  

ICICI Securities Ltd.(b)

    102,460       566,922  

IDFC Ltd.(a)

    1,915,644       1,431,161  

IIFL Wealth Management Ltd.

    56,004       923,988  

Indian Energy Exchange Ltd.(b)

    234,146       934,704  

JM Financial Ltd.

    686,748       849,498  

Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

    58,287       478,685  

Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.

    39,807       818,973  

Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd.(b)

    196,130       880,230  

Tata Investment Corp. Ltd.

    20,104       303,605  
   

 

 

 
          11,032,840  
Chemicals — 11.0%            

Aarti Industries Ltd.

    138,969       2,335,534  

Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd.

    80,333       390,542  

Akzo Nobel India Ltd.

    14,620       429,359  

Alkyl Amines Chemicals

    8,052       553,499  

Atul Ltd.

    23,650       2,111,057  

BASF India Ltd.

    17,335       454,517  
Security   Shares     Value  
Chemicals (continued)            

Bayer CropScience Ltd./India

    17,960     $ 1,256,760  

Castrol India Ltd.

    631,791       1,115,102  

Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd.

    266,750       886,807  

Coromandel International Ltd.

    162,966       1,710,605  

Deepak Nitrite Ltd.

    108,628       2,023,185  

EID Parry India Ltd.(a)

    111,931       484,067  

Fine Organic Industries Ltd.

    12,306       390,012  

Finolex Industries Ltd.

    79,544       663,651  

Galaxy Surfactants Ltd.

    17,111       513,842  

Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd.(a)

    34,886       274,089  

Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd.

    23,761       236,058  

Linde India Ltd.

    34,217       726,480  

Navin Fluorine International Ltd.

    51,419       1,780,720  

Rallis India Ltd.

    125,229       435,664  

SRF Ltd.

    47,243       3,496,021  

Supreme Industries Ltd.

    101,196       2,792,134  

Tata Chemicals Ltd.

    264,150       2,658,215  

Vinati Organics Ltd.

    40,990       782,260  
   

 

 

 
      28,500,180  
Communications Equipment — 0.3%            

Sterlite Technologies Ltd.

    253,480       717,823  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 3.4%            

Dilip Buildcon Ltd.(b)

    54,451       503,460  

Engineers India Ltd.

    451,620       492,274  

IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd.

    224,571       330,202  

Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd.

    111,963       581,565  

KEC International Ltd.

    184,318       1,080,174  

NBCC India Ltd.

    1,008,947       588,329  

PNC Infratech Ltd.

    143,569       525,843  

Voltas Ltd.

    343,086       4,753,528  
   

 

 

 
      8,855,375  
Construction Materials — 3.1%            

Birla Corp. Ltd.

    37,034       428,120  

Dalmia Bharat Ltd.

    119,188       2,329,344  

HeidelbergCement India Ltd.

    108,689       343,660  

India Cements Ltd. (The)

    271,026       599,329  

JK Cement Ltd.

    49,443       1,808,638  

Ramco Cements Ltd. (The)

    188,124       2,479,008  
   

 

 

 
      7,988,099  
Consumer Finance — 5.9%            

Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Ltd.

    150,307       1,227,144  

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. Ltd.

    653,763       4,616,420  

CreditAccess Grameen Ltd.(a)

    74,756       692,982  

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd.(a)

    985,453       2,731,670  

Manappuram Finance Ltd.

    744,040       1,783,023  

MAS Financial Services Ltd.(b)

    26,143       311,681  

Spandana Sphoorty Financial Ltd.(a)

    25,451       216,690  

Sundaram Finance Ltd.

    97,478       3,511,317  

Ujjivan Financial Services Ltd.

    47,040       156,160  
   

 

 

 
          15,247,087  
Diversified Financial Services — 1.1%            

Aditya Birla Capital Ltd.(a)

    730,609       1,229,364  

L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.

    1,184,209       1,690,461  
   

 

 

 
      2,919,825  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.6%  

Tata Communications Ltd.

    113,603       1,672,237  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

10  

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Electric Utilities — 2.0%            

CESC Ltd.

    95,661     $ 788,486  

Tata Power Co. Ltd. (The)

      2,293,729       2,969,971  

Torrent Power Ltd.

    269,170       1,398,504  
   

 

 

 
            5,156,961  
Electrical Equipment — 2.4%            

Amara Raja Batteries Ltd.

    122,650       1,472,351  

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.(a)

    1,392,323       901,879  

Finolex Cables Ltd.

    109,164       579,876  

Graphite India Ltd.

    93,959       615,269  

HEG Ltd.

    18,343       360,969  

KEI Industries Ltd.

    86,500       588,791  

Polycab India Ltd.

    47,630       866,654  

V-Guard Industries Ltd.

    274,573       841,075  
   

 

 

 
      6,226,864  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.4%  

Redington India Ltd.

    405,163       1,008,979  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 0.7%            

Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.(a)(c)

    206,787       28  

Inox Leisure Ltd.(a)

    80,853       338,221  

PVR Ltd.

    72,881       1,351,946  
   

 

 

 
      1,690,195  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.4%            

Mindspace Business Parks REIT(b)

    236,400       980,408  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.1%            

Avanti Feeds Ltd.

    86,660       563,700  

Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd.

    185,400       446,817  

Bombay Burmah Trading Co.

    28,118       443,666  

CCL Products India Ltd.

    117,433       365,315  

Kaveri Seed Co. Ltd.

    38,340       264,522  

KRBL Ltd.

    73,247       196,262  

Zydus Wellness Ltd.

    20,137       523,724  
   

 

 

 
      2,804,006  
Gas Utilities — 3.1%            

Adani Total Gas Ltd.

    437,635       3,050,373  

Gujarat Gas Ltd.

    275,381       1,853,861  

Gujarat State Petronet Ltd.

    450,012       1,529,741  

Mahanagar Gas Ltd.

    94,869       1,495,492  
   

 

 

 
      7,929,467  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.1%            

Aster DM Healthcare Ltd.(a)(b)

    200,603       391,051  

Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd.(b)

    46,311       1,449,925  

Fortis Healthcare Ltd.(a)

    721,150       1,553,978  

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.

    40,790       1,087,567  

Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd.

    114,013       669,246  

Thyrocare Technologies Ltd.(b)

    29,658       366,502  
   

 

 

 
      5,518,269  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.1%            

EIH Ltd.(a)

    249,376       328,158  

Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. (The)

    1,138,114       1,902,665  

Westlife Development Ltd.(a)

    85,939       586,609  
   

 

 

 
      2,817,432  
Household Durables — 4.1%            

Amber Enterprises India Ltd.

    26,869       1,182,002  

Bajaj Electricals Ltd.(a)

    72,708       948,118  

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd.

    750,572       3,933,902  

Dixon Technologies India Ltd.

    9,336       2,521,730  

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd.(a)

    10,905       382,087  
Security   Shares     Value  
Household Durables (continued)            

Orient Electric Ltd.

    186,006     $ 685,072  

Symphony Ltd.

    28,028       427,810  

TTK Prestige Ltd.

    6,603       652,213  
   

 

 

 
          10,732,934  
Household Products — 0.2%            

Jyothy Labs Ltd.

    236,077       478,194  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.6%  

Adani Power Ltd.(a)

    1,233,870       926,851  

JSW Energy Ltd.

    527,861       516,475  
   

 

 

 
      1,443,326  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.8%            

3M India Ltd.(a)

    4,468       1,388,266  

Godrej Industries Ltd.(a)

    134,750       818,659  
   

 

 

 
      2,206,925  
Insurance — 1.5%            

Max Financial Services Ltd.(a)

    330,236       3,892,187  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 0.2%            

Just Dial Ltd.(a)

    54,595       530,794  
   

 

 

 
Internet Software & Services — 0.0%            

Suvidhaa Infoserve Pvt Ltd.(a)

    42,648       5,237  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 3.8%            

Coforge Ltd.

    29,018       1,003,813  

DRC Systems India Pvt Ltd.(a)

    788       5,235  

Firstsource Solutions Ltd.

    441,743       598,729  

Infibeam Avenues Ltd.(a)

    319,118       398,436  

Mindtree Ltd.

    91,929       2,001,271  

Mphasis Ltd.

    133,996       3,003,035  

Persistent Systems Ltd.

    73,385       1,654,296  

Sonata Software Ltd.

    92,897       604,270  

Vakrangee Ltd.

    765,910       554,486  
   

 

 

 
      9,823,571  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.6%            

Jubilant Ingrevia Ltd., NVS

    114,337       203,375  

Syngene International Ltd.(a)(b)

    192,060       1,461,391  
   

 

 

 
      1,664,766  
Machinery — 5.5%            

AIA Engineering Ltd.

    67,707       1,676,205  

Ashok Leyland Ltd.

      2,107,226       3,694,850  

Carborundum Universal Ltd.

    165,884       1,145,849  

Cochin Shipyard Ltd.(b)

    51,700       261,613  

Cummins India Ltd.

    198,984       2,133,084  

Escorts Ltd.

    96,789       1,726,620  

GMM Pfaudler Ltd.

    10,449       584,773  

Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd.

    5,990       525,703  

Schaeffler India Ltd.

    12,495       882,999  

Thermax Ltd.

    66,289       1,226,236  

Timken India Ltd.

    30,250       524,276  
   

 

 

 
      14,382,208  
Media — 0.5%            

Affle India Ltd.(a)

    14,288       1,010,941  

TV18 Broadcast Ltd.(a)

    709,534       280,492  
   

 

 

 
      1,291,433  
Metals & Mining — 2.4%            

APL Apollo Tubes Ltd.(a)

    79,850       1,165,613  

Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.(a)

    650,838       2,974,981  

Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd.(b)

    72,828       189,491  
 

 

 

O N S O L I D A T E D    C H E D  U L E    O F    N V E S T M E N T S

  11


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Metals & Mining (continued)            

National Aluminium Co. Ltd.

      1,484,460     $ 1,212,051  

Ratnamani Metals & Tubes Ltd.

    26,008       673,090  
   

 

 

 
      6,215,226  
Multiline Retail — 0.3%            

Future Retail Ltd.(a)

    302,160       286,391  

V-Mart Retail Ltd.(a)

    14,295       515,104  
   

 

 

 
      801,495  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.9%            

Aegis Logistics Ltd.

    221,413       929,522  

Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. (The)

    163,453       698,765  

Oil India Ltd.

    343,299       590,034  
   

 

 

 
            2,218,321  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.2%            

Century Textiles & Industries Ltd.

    71,689       469,634  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 1.3%            

Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd.

    153,812       508,206  

Emami Ltd.

    318,916       1,975,513  

Gillette India Ltd.

    10,454       786,856  
   

 

 

 
      3,270,575  
Pharmaceuticals — 6.9%            

Aarti Drugs Ltd.

    51,520       442,321  

Ajanta Pharma Ltd.

    41,294       982,099  

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    94,226       1,180,630  

AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.

    8,050       376,428  

Eris Lifesciences Ltd.(b)

    54,377       433,921  

FDC Ltd./India

    79,599       300,751  

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    247,115       1,567,735  

Granules India Ltd.

    197,151       868,312  

IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    32,760       247,043  

JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    57,583       876,537  

Jubilant Pharmova Ltd.

    114,462       1,198,747  

Laurus Labs Ltd.(b)

    513,008       2,444,441  

Natco Pharma Ltd.

    145,860       1,610,444  

Procter & Gamble Health Ltd.

    10,593       965,695  

Sanofi India Ltd.

    14,740       1,658,779  

Shilpa Medicare Ltd.

    45,172       226,582  

Strides Pharma Science Ltd.

    92,683       1,051,442  

Sun Pharma Advanced Research Co. Ltd.(a)

    103,620       230,760  

Suven Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    141,150       920,832  

Wockhardt Ltd.(a)

    53,188       362,947  
   

 

 

 
      17,946,446  
Professional Services — 1.3%            

L&T Technology Services Ltd.(b)

    41,910       1,464,412  

Quess Corp. Ltd.(a)(b)

    106,381       1,086,900  

TeamLease Services Ltd.(a)

    16,323       756,165  
   

 

 

 
      3,307,477  
Real Estate Management & Development — 3.2%            

Godrej Properties Ltd.(a)

    120,635       2,529,009  

Hemisphere Properties India Ltd.(a)

    113,630       270,757  

Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd.(a)

    327,676       397,974  

NESCO Ltd.

    33,519       270,168  

Oberoi Realty Ltd.(a)

    203,576       1,511,479  

Phoenix Mills Ltd. (The)(a)

    137,390       1,521,134  

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd.

    222,253       901,594  

Sobha Ltd.

    76,156       455,319  

Sunteck Realty Ltd.

    82,066       388,358  
   

 

 

 
            8,245,792  
Security   Shares     Value  
Software — 2.1%            

Birlasoft Ltd.

    220,816     $ 681,814  

Cyient Ltd.

    131,426       1,166,890  

Tanla Platforms Ltd.

    97,334       1,187,585  

Tata Elxsi Ltd.

    54,417       1,968,187  

Zensar Technologies Ltd.

    108,040       434,086  
   

 

 

 
      5,438,562  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 3.0%            

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.(a)

    495,325       1,237,554  

Bata India Ltd.

    92,510       1,810,545  

Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.

    15,844       557,424  

KPR Mill Ltd.

    27,497       346,627  

Rajesh Exports Ltd.

    93,926       650,011  

Relaxo Footwears Ltd.(a)

    78,710       915,632  

Vaibhav Global Ltd.

    15,542       741,642  

Vardhman Textiles Ltd.(a)

    36,892       594,384  

VIP Industries Ltd.

    90,825       495,252  

Welspun India Ltd.

    484,448       456,199  
   

 

 

 
      7,805,270  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 2.8%            

Aavas Financiers Ltd.(a)

    43,850       1,345,933  

Can Fin Homes Ltd.

    84,330       548,888  

IIFL Finance Ltd.

    180,137       680,370  

Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd.

    442,416       1,316,983  

LIC Housing Finance Ltd.

    483,020       2,823,122  

PNB Housing Finance Ltd.(a)(b)

    92,920       556,685  
   

 

 

 
      7,271,981  
Tobacco — 0.1%            

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd.

    19,719       241,198  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.8%            

IndiaMART Intermesh Ltd.(b)

    18,582       2,173,590  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.7%            

GMR Infrastructure Ltd.(a)

    3,372,775       1,195,629  

Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd.

    464,148       624,675  
   

 

 

 
      1,820,304  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.8%            

Vodafone Idea Ltd.(a)

    13,751,526       2,114,612  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.1%
(Cost: $166,501,527)

      259,611,520  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 1.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(e)(f)

    3,190,000       3,190,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.2%
(Cost: $3,190,000)

      3,190,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.3%
(Cost: $169,691,527)

      262,801,520  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.3)%

      (3,280,739)  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   259,520,781  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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.

 

 

 

12  

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

 

(c) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(d) 

Restricted security as to resale, excluding 144A securities. The Fund held restricted securities with a current value of $688,714, representing 0.3% of its net assets as of period end, and an original cost of $3,554,476.

(e) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(f) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 3,190,000 (a)    $     $     $     $ 3,190,000       3,190,000     $ 500     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

SGX Nifty 50 Index

     8          03/25/21        $ 232        $ (5,210
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
            Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

     

Futures contracts

     

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

                   $ 5,210  
     

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. In the Consolidated 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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
       

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

   

Futures contracts

             $ 179,785  
   

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

   

Futures contracts

    $ (10,035
   

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

     $121,257  

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

 

 

O N S O L I D A T E D    C H E D  U L E    O F    N V E S T M E N T S

  13


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. The breakdown of the Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 258,708,931      $     213,847      $     688,742      $ 259,611,520  

Money Market Funds

     3,190,000                      3,190,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 261,898,931      $     213,847      $     688,742      $ 262,801,520  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $        (5,210    $             —      $             —      $        (5,210
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

14  

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Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI India ETF

    

iShares

MSCI India
Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

    

Investments in securities, at value:

    

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 5,115,672,529      $ 259,611,520  

Affiliated(b)

    2,360,000        3,190,000  

Cash

    82,914,005        1,151,432  

Foreign currency, at value(c)

    2,657,029        330,011  

Cash pledged:

    

Futures contracts

    2,549,000        30,000  

Receivables:

    

Investments sold

    63,983,170        1,030,446  

Dividends

    2,289,452        89,655  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    5,272,425,185        265,433,064  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

    82,350,294        4,673,067  

Payables:

    

Investments purchased

    77,794,564        1,079,591  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,002,436        15,442  

Investment advisory fees

    2,586,117        144,183  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    163,733,411        5,912,283  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 5,108,691,774      $ 259,520,781  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

    

Paid-in capital

  $ 4,340,140,112      $ 263,133,789  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    768,551,662        (3,613,008
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 5,108,691,774      $ 259,520,781  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    125,250,000        5,500,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 40.79      $ 47.19  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 3,388,007,779      $ 166,501,527  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 2,360,000      $ 3,190,000  

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 2,682,146      $ 334,411  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

O N S O L I D A T E D    I N A N  C I A L    T A T E M E N T S

  15


Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) 

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

MSCI India
ETF

   

iShares

MSCI India
Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 22,068,987     $ 808,885  

Dividends — Affiliated

    8,252       500  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (4,900,821     (167,320
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    17,176,418       642,065  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory fees

    12,695,033       799,102  

Mauritius income taxes

    419,350       20,256  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    13,114,383       819,358  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    4,062,035       (177,293
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated(a)

    18,432,309       8,816,392  

Futures contracts

    2,328,785       179,785  

Foreign currency transactions

    (5,101,152     (173,525
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    15,659,942       8,822,652  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    720,038,425       60,194,594  

Futures contracts

    (1,246,400     (10,035

Foreign currency translations

    (117,515     (10,042
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    718,674,510       60,174,517  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    734,334,452       68,997,169  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 738,396,487     $ 68,819,876  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable

  $ 52,870     $ 2,318  

(b) Net of deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $ (82,350,294   $ (4,673,067

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

16  

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
MSCI India ETF
   

iShares

MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

 
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

         

OPERATIONS

         

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 4,062,035     $ 17,811,177       $ (177,293   $ 1,042,095  

Net realized gain (loss)

    15,659,942       (334,131,502       8,822,652       (56,924,723

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    718,674,510       31,694,408         60,174,517       51,180,604  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    738,396,487       (284,625,917       68,819,876       (4,702,024
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

         

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (3,124,353     (12,672,573       (269,939     (5,550,007
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

         

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

    1,279,586,872       (1,508,617,643       (2,799,124     (66,411,121
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

         

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    2,014,859,006       (1,805,916,133       65,750,813       (76,663,152

Beginning of period

    3,093,832,768       4,899,748,901         193,769,968       270,433,120  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 5,108,691,774     $ 3,093,832,768       $ 259,520,781     $ 193,769,968  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

O N S O L I D A T E D    I N A N  C I A L    T A T E M E N T S

  17


Consolidated Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI India ETF  
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 33.37     $ 32.38     $ 35.68     $ 34.20     $ 29.61     $ 28.12  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.04       0.14       0.29       0.25       0.26       0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      7.41       0.96       (3.00     1.54       4.53       1.64  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      7.45       1.10       (2.71     1.79       4.79       1.86  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.03     (0.11     (0.49     (0.31     (0.20     (0.37

Return of capital

                           (0.10                  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.03     (0.11     (0.59     (0.31     (0.20     (0.37
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 40.79     $ 33.37     $ 32.38     $ 35.68     $ 34.20     $ 29.61  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

             

Based on net asset value

      22.30 %(d)       3.40     (7.61 )%      5.26     16.27     6.73
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

             

Total expenses

      0.67 %(e)       0.69     0.69     0.68     0.68     0.71
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.21 %(e)       0.43     0.86     0.72     0.87     0.79
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 5,108,692     $ 3,093,833     $ 4,899,749     $ 5,082,120     $ 5,263,819     $ 4,112,252  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      14 %(d)(g)       25 %(g)       9 %(g)       10 %(g)       13 %(g)       25 %(g)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(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 includes portfolio transactions that are executed as a result of the Fund offering and redeeming Creation Units solely for cash in U.S. dollars (“cash creations”).

  

  

   

  

  

   

(g) Portfolio turnover rate excluding cash creations was as follows:

      12     19     6     5     5     15
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

18  

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Consolidated Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 34.60     $ 33.39     $ 44.10     $ 46.27     $ 36.01     $ 32.24  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.03     0.15       0.10       (0.00 )(b)       0.09       0.07  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

             12.67       1.88       (10.60     (1.06     10.55       4.36  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      12.64       2.03       (10.50     (1.06     10.64       4.43  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

             

From net investment income

      (0.05     (0.82     (0.21     (0.63     (0.38     (0.66

Return of capital

                        (0.48            
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.05     (0.82     (0.21     (1.11     (0.38     (0.66
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 47.19     $ 34.60     $ 33.39     $ 44.10     $ 46.27     $ 36.01  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

             

Based on net asset value

      36.55 %(e)      6.35     (23.88 )%      (2.36 )%      29.97     13.99
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

             

Total expenses

      0.76 %(f)       0.81     0.76     0.77     0.75     0.80
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.16 )%(f)      0.45     0.28     (0.00 )%(g)      0.21     0.23
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 259,521     $ 193,770     $ 270,433     $ 282,264     $ 205,914     $ 64,825  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      25 %(e)(i)       32 %(i)       24 %(i)       49 %(i)       38 %(i)       53 %(i)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) Rounds to less than $0.01.

(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) Rounds to less than 0.01%.

(h) Portfolio turnover rate includes portfolio transactions that are executed as a result of the Fund offering and redeeming Creation Units solely for cash in U.S. dollars (“cash creations”).

  

  

   

  

  

   

  

  

(i) Portfolio turnover rate excluding cash creations was as follows:

      24     28     19     31     22     25
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

O N S O L I D A T E D    I N A N  C I A L    I G H L I G H T S

  19


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

 

   
iShares ETF   Diversification    
Classification    

MSCI India

  Non-diversified    

MSCI India Small-Cap

  Diversified    

Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements for each Fund includes the accounts of its subsidiary in the Republic of Mauritius, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary (each, a “Subsidiary”) of the Fund that invests in Indian securities. Through this investment structure, each Fund expects to obtain certain benefits under a current tax treaty between Mauritius and India. The net assets of the Subsidiary of the iShares MSCI India ETF and iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF as of period end were $5,106,206,900 and $256,436,893, which is 100.0% and 98.8% of each respective Fund’s consolidated net assets. Intercompany accounts and transactions, if any, have been eliminated.

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at fair value. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers or as estimated by management, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the consolidated statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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 consolidated 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 February 28, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities.

The Funds file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. The consolidated statement of operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Each Fund conducts its investment activities in India through its Subsidiary and expects to obtain benefits under the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (“DTAA”) between India and Mauritius. In order to be eligible to claim benefits under the DTAA, each Subsidiary must have commercial substance, on an annual basis, to satisfy certain tests and conditions, including the establishment and maintenance of valid tax residence in Mauritius, have the place of effective management outside of India, and related requirements. Each Fund has obtained a current tax residence certificate issued by the Mauritian Revenue Authorities.

 

 

20  

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Based upon current interpretation and practice of the current tax laws in India and Mauritius and the DTAA, each Subsidiary is subject to tax in Mauritius on its net income at the rate of 15%. However, each Subsidiary is entitled to a tax credit equivalent to the higher of the actual foreign tax incurred or 80% of the Mauritius tax on its foreign source income, thus reducing its maximum effective tax rate to 3% up to June 30, 2021. After June 30, 2021, under the new tax regime and subject to meeting the necessary substance requirements as required under the Financial Services Act 2007 (as amended by the Finance Act 2018) and such guidelines issued by the FSC, each Subsidiary is entitled to either (a) a foreign tax credit equivalent to the actual foreign tax suffered on its foreign income against each Subsidiary’s tax liability computed at 15% on such income, or (b) a partial exemption of 80% of some of the income derived, including interest income or foreign source dividends. Taxes on income, if any, are paid by each Subsidiary and are disclosed in its consolidated statement of operations. Any dividends paid by a Subsidiary to its Fund are not subject to tax in Mauritius. Each Subsidiary is currently exempt from tax in Mauritius on any gains from the sale of securities.

The DTAA provides that capital gains will be taxable in India with respect to the sale of shares acquired on or after April 1, 2017. Capital gains arising from shares acquired before April 1, 2017, regardless of when they are sold, will continue to be exempt from taxation under the amended DTAA, assuming requirements for eligibility under the DTAA are satisfied. There can be no assurance, however, that the DTAA will remain in effect during the Subsidiary’s existence or that it will continue to enjoy its benefits on the shares acquired prior to April 1, 2017.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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 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 contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

 

 

O T E S    T O    O N S O L I D  A T E D    I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T S

  21


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Futures Contracts: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it 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, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree 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 (depreciation) and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on futures contracts in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the consolidated 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. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

5.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory Fees: Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) manages the investment of each Fund’s assets. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock, Inc. (“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 MSCI India ETF, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:

 

   
Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets   Investment Advisory Fee    

First $4 billion

  0.6500% 

Over $4 billion, up to and including $6 billion

  0.6175    

Over $6 billion, up to and including $8 billion

  0.5867    

Over $8 billion

  0.5573    

For its investment advisory services to the iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee of 0.74%, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.

Each Subsidiary has entered into a separate contract with BFA under which BFA provides investment advisory services to the Subsidiary but does not receive separate compensation from the Subsidiary for providing it with such services. Each Subsidiary has also entered into separate arrangements that provide for the provision of other services to the Subsidiary (including administrative, custody, transfer agency and other services), and BFA pays the costs and expenses related to the provision of those services.

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.

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

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 consolidated 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.

 

6.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases    Sales    

MSCI India

  $  1,765,510,531    $  553,199,389    

MSCI India Small-Cap

  54,355,317    61,821,356    

There were no in-kind transactions for the six months ended February 28, 2021.

 

7.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021, 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’ consolidated financial statements.

As of August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring    

MSCI India

  $  729,385,183    

MSCI India Small-Cap

  82,573,978    

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 February 28, 2021, 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)    

MSCI India

  $  3,552,248,687    $  1,793,456,921    $  (227,926,697)    $  1,565,530,224    

MSCI India Small-Cap

  187,227,385    100,426,555    (24,857,630)    75,568,925    

 

8.

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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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: An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

 

 

O T E S    T O    O N S O L I D  A T E D    I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T S

  23


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause a fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a fund invests.

The price each Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from each Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation technique or a price provided by an independent pricing service. Changes to significant unobservable inputs and assumptions (i.e., publicly traded company multiples, growth rate, time to exit) due to the lack of observable inputs.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

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 consolidated schedule of investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. securities and may be less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Asia or with significant exposure to Asian issuers or countries. The Asian financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns in several Asian countries regarding monetary policy, government intervention in the markets, rising government debt levels or economic downturns. These events may spread to other countries in Asia and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Investment percentages in specific sectors are presented in the schedule of investments.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

 

9.

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:

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
           Year Ended
08/31/20
 

 

iShares ETF

 

 

Shares

      

 

Amount

          

 

Shares

      

 

Amount

 

 

 

MSCI India

                

Shares sold

    33,800,000        $  1,321,848,743          8,400,000        $ 324,117,985  

Shares redeemed

    (1,250,000        (42,261,871        (67,000,000        (1,832,735,628
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    32,550,000        $  1,279,586,872          (58,600,000      $  (1,508,617,643
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI India Small-Cap

                

Shares sold

    50,000        $ 2,372,159          300,000        $ 10,982,558  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000        (5,171,283        (2,800,000        (77,393,679
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (100,000      $ (2,799,124        (2,500,000      $ (66,411,121
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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.

 

10.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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

 

 

O T E S    T O    O N S O L I D  A T E D    I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T S

  25


Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares MSCI India ETF and iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)  

The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

  b)  

Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

  c)  

Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

  d)  

The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

  e)  

The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

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Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

     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
 

MSCI India

  $ 0.031623     $     $     $ 0.031623               100             100

 

 

U P P L E M E N T A L    N F O R  M A T I O N

  27


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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

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Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations - Equity
NVS   Non-Voting Shares
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

L O S S A R Y    O F    E R M S     S E D    I N    T H I S    E P O R T

  29


 

 

 

 

 

 

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., 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.

©2021 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-809-0221

 

 

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LOGO   FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF  |  HEWC  |  NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF  |  HEZU  |  NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF  |  HEWG  |  NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF  |  HEWJ  |  NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF  |  HEWW  |  NYSE Arca


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large- and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021

 

     6-Month   12-Month

U.S. large cap equities
(S&P 500® Index)

  9.74%   31.29%

U.S. small cap equities
(Russell 2000® Index)

  41.69   51.00

International equities
(MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  14.33   22.46

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  22.32   36.05

3-month Treasury bills
(ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

  0.06   0.40

U.S. Treasury securities
(ICE BofA 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index)

  (6.34)   (1.96)

U.S. investment grade bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (1.55)   1.38

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

  0.92   1.22

U.S. high yield bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

  6.08   9.31
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 

 

2

 

H I S  A G E  I S  N O T  A R T  O F  O U R  U N D  E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

     Page  

 

 

The Markets in Review

     2  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     9  

Shareholder Expenses

     9  

Schedules of Investments

     10  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     27  

Statements of Operations

     29  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     31  

Financial Highlights

     34  

Notes to Financial Statements

     39  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     45  

Supplemental Information

     46  

General Information

     47  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     48  

 

 

 


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021    iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization Canadian equities while mitigating exposure to fluctuations between the value of the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar, as represented by the MSCI Canada 100% Hedged to USD 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. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in one underlying fund, the iShares MSCI Canada ETF.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    11.14     15.49      10.27      6.96       15.49      63.04      46.47

Fund Market

    10.96       15.65        10.25        6.98         15.65        62.86        46.59  

Index

    10.43       14.88        10.32        7.07               14.88        63.42        47.27  

The inception date of the Fund was 6/29/15. The first day of secondary market trading was 7/1/15.

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
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a)(b) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 (a)  
  $        1,000.00          $        1,111.40          $          0.16               $        1,000.00          $        1,024.60          $          0.15        0.03

 

  (a) 

Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

 
  (b) 

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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type   Percent of
Net Assets
 

Investment Companies

    99.4
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative depreciation     (0.3

Other assets less liabilities

    0.9  

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector   Percent of
Total Investment(a)
 

Financials

    36.7

Energy

    13.5  

Information Technology

    12.2  

Materials

    11.3  

Industrials

    10.1  

Consumer Discretionary

    4.2  

Consumer Staples

    4.0  

Utilities

    3.6  

Communication Services

    2.8  

Health Care

    1.1  

Real Estate

    0.5  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

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Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021    iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization equities from developed market countries which use the euro as their official currency while mitigating exposure to fluctuations between the value of the euro and the U.S. dollar, as represented by the MSCI EMU 100% Hedged to USD 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. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in one underlying fund, the iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    15.08     13.61      10.05      6.96       13.61      61.45      56.38

Fund Market

    14.84       13.45        10.03        6.96         13.45        61.26        56.32  

Index

    14.24       13.66        9.92        7.22               13.66        60.47        58.89  

The inception date of the Fund was 7/9/14. 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 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return         
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 (a)  
  $        1,000.00          $        1,150.80          $          0.16               $        1,000.00          $        1,024.60          $          0.15        0.03

 

  (a) 

Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

 
  (b) 

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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type   Percent of
Net Assets
 

Investment Companies

    99.3
Short-term Investments     0.1  
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative appreciation     0.8  

Other assets less liabilities

    (0.2

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector   Percent of
Total Investment(a)
 

Consumer Discretionary

    17.1

Financials

    14.8  

Industrials

    14.8  

Information Technology

    13.2  

Health Care

    8.0  

Consumer Staples

    7.5  

Materials

    7.4  

Utilities

    6.8  

Communication Services

    4.5  

Energy

    4.1  

Real Estate

    1.8  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y   5


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021    iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization German equities while mitigating exposure to fluctuations between the value of the euro and the U.S. dollar, as represented by the MSCI Germany 100% Hedged to USD 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. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in one underlying fund, the iShares MSCI Germany ETF.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    7.44     16.05      9.15      6.34       16.05      54.92      54.48

Fund Market

    6.89       15.70        9.09        6.29         15.70        54.52        54.01  

Index

    7.67       16.91        9.31        6.65               16.91        56.08        57.81  

The inception date of the Fund was 1/31/14. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/4/14.

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 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return         
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 (a)  
$         1,000.00        $           1,074.40        $           0.15             $         1,000.00        $         1,024.60        $           0.15        0.03

 

  (a) 

Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

 
  (b)

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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type   Percent of
Net Assets
 

Investment Companies

    99.4

Short-term Investments

    0.0 (a) 
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative appreciation     0.7  

Other assets less liabilities

    (0.1

 

  (a) 

Rounds to less than 0.1%.

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector   Percent of
Total Investment(a)
 

Consumer Discretionary

    20.0

Industrials

    16.1  

Financials

    14.4  

Information Technology

    13.7  

Health Care

    11.1  

Materials

    8.9  

Communication Services

    5.1  

Real Estate

    4.5  

Utilities

    3.7  

Consumer Staples

    2.5  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

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Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021    iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization Japanese equities while mitigating exposure to fluctuations between the value of the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar, as represented by the MSCI Japan 100% Hedged to USD 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. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in one underlying fund, the iShares MSCI Japan ETF.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    19.02     29.25      11.12      8.89       29.25      69.44      82.73

Fund Market

    19.01       28.98        11.06        8.87         28.98        68.98        82.53  

Index

    17.77       27.60        11.37        8.91               27.60        71.32        83.08  

The inception date of the Fund was 1/31/14. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/4/14.

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 9 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return         
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 (a)  
  $        1,000.00          $        1,190.20          $          0.00               $        1,000.00          $        1,024.80          $          0.00        0.00

 

  (a) 

Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

 
  (b) 

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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type   Percent of
Net Assets
 

Investment Companies

    99.9
Short-term Investments     0.0 (a) 
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative appreciation     1.8  

Other assets less liabilities

    (1.7

 

  (a) 

Rounds to less than 0.1%.

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector   Percent of
Total Investment(a)
 

Industrials

    21.1

Consumer Discretionary

    18.5  

Information Technology

    13.6  

Communication Services

    10.2  

Health Care

    10.0  

Financials

    8.9  

Consumer Staples

    7.1  

Materials

    5.1  

Real Estate

    3.6  

Utilities

    1.2  

Energy

    0.7  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y   7


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021    iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-, mid- and small-capitalization Mexican equities while mitigating exposure to fluctuations between the value of the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar, as represented by the MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 100% Hedged to USD 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. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in one underlying fund, the iShares MSCI Mexico ETF.

Performance

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
           1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    17.92     4.63      (2.25 )%       (2.30 )%        4.63      (10.76 )%       (12.38 )% 

Fund Market

    18.40       4.52        (2.39      (2.41       4.52        (11.39      (12.93

Index

    18.27       5.16        (2.22      (2.19             5.16        (10.62      (11.79

The inception date of the Fund was 6/29/15. The first day of secondary market trading was 7/1/15.

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
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)(b) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 (a) 
$         1,000.00        $         1,179.20        $           0.16             $         1,000.00        $         1,024.60        $           0.15        0.03

 

  (a) 

Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

 
  (b) 

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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 9 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type   Percent of
Net Assets
 

Investment Companies

    99.9
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative appreciation     3.0  

Other assets less liabilities

    (2.9

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector  

Percent of

Total Investment(a)

 

Consumer Staples

    30.7

Communication Services

    19.7  

Financials

    14.4  

Materials

    14.0  

Industrials

    10.9  

Real Estate

    6.6  

Consumer Discretionary

    1.5  

Utilities

    1.5  

Health Care

    0.7  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

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About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

A B O U T F U N D P E R F O R M A N C E / S H A R E H O L D E R E X P E N S E S   9


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.4%            

iShares MSCI Canada ETF(a)

    392,206     $ 12,617,267  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.4%
(Cost: $11,397,150)

      12,617,267  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.4%
(Cost: $11,397,150)

      12,617,267  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.6%

      71,058  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 12,688,325  
   

 

 

 

    

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income      Capital Gain
Distributions from
Underlying Funds
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares(a)

  $      $ 0 (b)     $     $      $      $             $ 1      $  

iShares MSCI Canada ETF

    11,540,157        599,767       (932,284     20,078        1,389,549        12,617,267        392,206        154,569         
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
         $ 20,078      $ 1,389,549      $ 12,617,267         $ 154,570      $  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency Purchased        Currency Sold        Counterparty      Settlement Date                  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
CAD     70,000        USD     54,802        MS        03/02/21             $ 204  
USD     12,977,380        CAD     16,428,000        MS        04/05/21               67,271  
                            

 

 

 
                               67,475  
                            

 

 

 
CAD     15,772,000        USD     12,458,175        MS        03/02/21               (64,608
USD     12,402,018        CAD     15,842,000        MS        03/02/21               (46,555
CAD     298,000        USD     234,436        MS        04/05/21               (249
                            

 

 

 
                               (111,412
                            

 

 

 
    Net unrealized depreciation        $ (43,937
                            

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 67,475  
  

 

 

 

 

10   2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

   iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure (continued)

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 111,412  
  

 

 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ (538,426
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 261,885  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 12,141,252      

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 24,123,670      

 

 

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

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of Period End

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

 

 
     Assets      Liabilities  

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments:

     

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 67,475      $ 111,412  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     67,475        111,412  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

             
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

     67,475        111,412  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following tables present the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received and pledged by the Fund:

 

 

 
     Derivative
Assets
Subject to
an MNA by
    

Derivatives
Available

    

Net Amount
of Derivative

 
Counterparty    Counterparty             for Offset(a)             Assets  

 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

                   $ 67,475                  $ (67,475                $  
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 
            Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to
an MNA by
            Derivatives
Available
            Net Amount
of Derivative
 
Counterparty           Counterparty             for Offset(a)             Liabilities(b)  

 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

      $ 111,412         $ (67,475       $ 43,937  
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivatives assets and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N T S   11


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Canada 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 February 28, 2021. 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

                 

Investment Companies

   $ 12,617,267        $        $        $ 12,617,267  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $        $ 67,475        $        $ 67,475  

Liabilities

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

              (111,412                 (111,412
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $        $ (43,937)        $             —        $ (43,937)  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

12   2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.3%            

iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF(a)

    11,022,905     $ 493,605,686  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.3%
(Cost: $481,972,652)

      493,605,686  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(a)(b)

    340,000       340,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $340,000)

      340,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.4%
(Cost: $482,312,652)

      493,945,686  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.6%

      2,896,528  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   496,842,214  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

Affiliated Issuer

  Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital Gain

Distributions from

Underlying Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 340,000 (a)     $     $     $     $ 340,000       340,000     $ 192     $  

iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF

    568,545,846       265,390,572       (414,515,746     11,181,146       63,003,868       493,605,686       11,022,905       8,309,284        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 11,181,146     $ 63,003,868     $ 493,945,686       $ 8,309,476     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency Purchased        Currency Sold        Counterparty      Settlement Date                 

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
USD     2,267,122        EUR     1,865,000        BNP        03/02/21             $ 16,905  
EUR     89,000        USD     106,507        BBP        03/03/21               879  
EUR     12,083,000        USD     14,566,761        JPM        03/03/21               12,301  
EUR     9,279,000        USD     11,171,342        SSB        03/03/21               24,479  
USD     7,462,460        EUR     6,155,000        JPM        03/03/21               35,983  
USD     50,904,144        EUR     41,873,834        MS        03/03/21               380,168  
USD         458,130,820        EUR         376,864,511        UBS        03/03/21               3,415,027  
USD     22,667,084        EUR     18,659,000        DB        04/07/21               134,921  
USD     50,868,233        EUR     41,873,834        MS        04/07/21               302,390  
USD     433,251,089        EUR     356,644,511        SSB        04/07/21               2,575,684  
                            

 

 

 
                               6,898,737  
                            

 

 

 
EUR     1,865,000        USD     2,263,737        SSB        03/02/21               (13,520

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N T S   13


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

   iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (continued)

 

 

 
Currency Purchased        Currency Sold          Counterparty        Settlement Date                  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
EUR     68,000        USD     82,288        BBP        03/03/21             $ (241
EUR     16,015,000        USD     19,461,109        DB        03/03/21               (137,789
EUR     41,873,834        USD     50,827,213        MS        03/03/21               (303,237
EUR     358,792,511        USD     435,497,303        SSB        03/03/21               (2,586,757
USD     7,823,553        EUR     6,496,000        BOA        03/03/21               (14,367
USD     3,259,331        EUR     2,706,000        CITI        03/03/21               (5,665
USD     4,948,162        EUR     4,105,000        SSB        03/03/21               (4,834
EUR     10,652,000        USD     12,878,023        UBS        04/07/21               (14,921
                            

 

 

 
                               (3,081,331
                            

 

 

 
    Net unrealized appreciation             $ 3,817,406  
                            

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 6,898,737  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 3,081,331  
  

 

 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 
Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ (12,214,648
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 8,438,232  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 605,072,964  

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 1,165,297,873  

 

 

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

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of Period End

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

 

 
     Assets        Liabilities  

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments:

       

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 6,898,737        $ 3,081,331  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     6,898,737          3,081,331  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

               
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

     6,898,737          3,081,331  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

14   2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

   iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

 

The following tables present the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received and pledged by the Fund:

 

 

 
Counterparty    Derivative
Assets
Subject to
an MNA by
Counterparty
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset(a)
   

Cash

Collateral
Received(b)

    Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets(c)(d)
 

 

 

Barclays Bank PLC

               $ 879        $ (241      $        $ 638  

BNP Paribas SA

        16,905                            16,905  

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

        134,921          (134,921                  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

        48,284                            48,284  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

        682,558          (303,237        (70,000        309,321  

State Street Bank and Trust Co

        2,600,163          (2,600,163                  

UBS AG

        3,415,027          (14,921                 3,400,106  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
      $ 6,898,737        $ (3,053,483      $ (70,000      $ 3,775,254  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
                    

 

 
Counterparty    Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to
an MNA by
Counterparty
   

Derivatives
Available

for Offset(a)

   

Cash

Collateral
Pledged

    Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities(d)(e)
 

 

 

Bank of America N.A

               $ 14,367        $        $        $ 14,367  

Barclays Bank PLC

        241          (241                  

Citibank N.A

        5,665                            5,665  

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

        137,789          (134,921                 2,868  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

        303,237          (303,237                  

State Street Bank and Trust Co

        2,605,111          (2,600,163                 4,948  

UBS AG

        14,921          (14,921                  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
      $ 3,081,331        $ (3,053,483      $        $ 27,848  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivatives assets and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b) 

Excess of collateral received from the individual counterparty is not shown for financial reporting purposes.

 
  (c)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 
  (d)

Net amount may also include forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not required to be collateralized.

 
  (e) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N T  S   15


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

   iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone 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 February 28, 2021. 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

                 

Investment Companies

   $ 493,605,686        $        $             —        $ 493,605,686  

Money Market Funds

     340,000                            340,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 493,945,686        $        $        $ 493,945,686  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $        $ 6,898,737        $        $ 6,898,737  

Liabilities

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

              (3,081,331                 (3,081,331
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $        $ 3,817,406        $        $ 3,817,406  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

16   2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.4%            

iShares MSCI Germany ETF(a)

    1,991,273     $  63,740,649  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.4%
(Cost: $64,878,149)

      63,740,649  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(a)(b)

    30,000       30,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $30,000)

      30,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.4%
(Cost: $64,908,149)

      63,770,649  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.6%

      387,175  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 64,157,824  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions 

from
Underlying 

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 30,000 (a)     $     $     $     $ 30,000       30,000     $ 21     $  

iShares MSCI Germany ETF

    75,787,255       204,046,971       (220,449,217     531,212       3,824,428       63,740,649       1,991,273       761,542        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 531,212     $ 3,824,428     $ 63,770,649       $ 761,563     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

 

 
Currency Purchased      Currency Sold     Counterparty   Settlement Date            Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 
EUR     2,529,000      USD     3,048,783     MS     03/03/21          $  2,648  
EUR     3,748,000      USD     4,512,360     SSB     03/03/21            9,888  
EUR     36,000      USD     43,082     UBS     03/03/21            355  
USD     825,420      EUR     679,000     BNP     03/03/21            6,156  
USD     1,521,354      EUR     1,255,000     JPM     03/03/21            7,101  
USD     5,574,753      EUR     4,585,800     MS     03/03/21            41,635  
USD     13,292      EUR     11,000     SSB     03/03/21            20  
USD     54,201,895      EUR             44,587,200     UBS     03/03/21            404,035  
USD     1,796,698      EUR     1,479,000     BOA     04/07/21            10,693  
USD     5,570,819      EUR     4,585,800     MS     04/07/21            33,116  
USD     57,941,248      EUR     47,696,200     SSB     04/07/21            344,454  
                 

 

 

 
                    860,101  
                 

 

 

 

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N T  S   17


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

   iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (continued)

 

           
Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date          Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

EUR

    1,254,000      USD      1,520,500      BNY    03/03/21       $ (7,454

EUR

    4,603,800      USD      5,588,109      MS    03/03/21         (33,273

EUR

    15,000      USD      18,206      RBS    03/03/21         (107

EUR

    47,696,200      USD              57,893,648      SSB    03/03/21         (344,542

USD

    1,520,057      EUR      1,262,000      CITI    03/03/21         (2,642

USD

    5,897,943      EUR      4,897,000      HSBC    03/03/21         (10,661

USD

    3,017,690      EUR      2,521,000      MS    03/03/21         (24,089

USD

    58,935      EUR      49,000      SSB    03/03/21         (188

USD

    42,145      EUR      35,000      UBS    03/03/21         (86

EUR

    1,269,000      USD      1,534,192      UBS    04/07/21         (1,777
                   

 

 

 
                      (424,819
                   

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

         $       435,282  
                   

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 860,101  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 424,819  
  

 

 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts    $(1,183,366)
  

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts    $ 1,064,924
  

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 93,651,370          

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 159,362,067          

 

 

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

 

18   2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments - Offsetting as of Period End

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

 

 
    Assets        Liabilities  

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments:

      

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 860,101        $ 424,819  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    860,101          424,819  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

              
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

    860,101          424,819  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

The following tables present the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received and pledged by the Fund:

 

 

 
Counterparty    Derivative
Assets
Subject to
an MNA by
Counterparty
     Derivatives
Available
for Offset(a)
     Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets(b)
 

 

 

Bank of America N.A

      $ 10,693         $         $ 10,693  

BNP Paribas SA

        6,156                     6,156  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

        7,101                     7,101  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

        77,399           (57,362         20,037  

State Street Bank and Trust Co

        354,362           (344,730         9,632  

UBS AG

        404,390           (1,863         402,527  
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 
      $ 860,101         $ (403,955       $ 456,146  
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 
                 

 

 
Counterparty   

Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to
an MNA by

Counterparty

     Derivatives
Available
for Offset(a)
     Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities(c)
 

 

 

Bank of New York

      $ 7,454         $         $ 7,454  

Citibank N.A

        2,642                     2,642  

HSBC Bank PLC

        10,661                     10,661  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

        57,362           (57,362          

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

        107                     107  

State Street Bank and Trust Co

        344,730           (344,730          

UBS AG

        1,863           (1,863          
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 
      $ 424,819         $ (403,955       $  20,864  
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivatives assets and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 
  (c) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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.

 

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N  T S

  19


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

                 

Investment Companies

   $ 63,740,649        $        $             —        $ 63,740,649  

Money Market Funds

     30,000                            30,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 63,770,649        $        $        $ 63,770,649  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $        $ 860,101        $        $ 860,101  

Liabilities

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

              (424,819                 (424,819
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $        $ 435,282        $        $ 435,282  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.9%            

iShares MSCI Japan ETF(a)

    4,950,107     $ 337,696,300  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.9%
(Cost: $304,708,375)

      337,696,300  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(a)(b)

    210,000       210,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0% (Cost: $210,000)

      210,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9% (Cost: $304,918,375)

      337,906,300  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      248,467  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   338,154,767  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
   

Purchases

at Cost

    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions 

from
Underlying 

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 210,000 (a)     $     $     $     $ 210,000       210,000     $ 68     $  

iShares MSCI Japan ETF

    247,444,914       225,397,618       (183,676,605     6,700,727       41,829,646       337,696,300       4,950,107       1,284,400        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 6,700,727     $ 41,829,646     $ 337,906,300       $ 1,284,468     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

 

 
Currency Purchased     Currency Sold     Counterparty    Settlement Date          Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 
USD     8,658,086     JPY     906,467,000     BNP    03/03/21        $ 154,171  
USD     1,908,677     JPY     200,298,000     CBA    03/03/21          29,604  
USD     4,500,457     JPY     471,188,000     JPM    03/03/21          80,061  
USD     29,939,024     JPY     3,139,727,800     MS    03/03/21          484,029  
USD     296,118,735     JPY     30,994,274,200     SSB    03/03/21          5,349,523  
USD     302,253,719     JPY             32,189,507,200     CITI    04/05/21          152,688  
USD     42,405,564     JPY     4,516,151,800     MS    04/05/21          21,128  
                 

 

 

 
                    6,271,204  
                 

 

 

 
JPY     597,042,000     USD     5,706,620     BNY    03/03/21          (105,539
JPY             32,189,507,200     USD     302,139,726     CITI    03/03/21          (157,573
JPY     2,538,678,800     USD     23,828,865     MS    03/03/21          (12,542
JPY     386,727,000     USD     3,682,690     UBS    03/03/21          (54,655

 

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N  T S

  21


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (continued)

 

 

 
Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date           Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 
JPY      314,031,000      USD              2,948,114      MS      04/05/21         $ (909
                    

 

 

 
                       (331,218
                    

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

 

      $ 5,939,986  
                    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 6,271,204  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 331,218  
  

 

 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

 

 
Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ (1,600,484
  

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:       

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 5,403,985  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 316,348,197          

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 623,164,620          

 

 

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

Derivative Financial Instruments - Offsetting as of Period End

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

 

 
     Assets        Liabilities  

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments:

       

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 6,271,204        $ 331,218  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     6,271,204          331,218  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

               
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

     6,271,204          331,218  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

 

The following tables present the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received and pledged by the Fund:

 

 

 
Counterparty   

Derivative

Assets

Subject to

an MNA by

Counterparty

   

Derivatives
Available

for Offset(a)

   

Net Amount

of Derivative
Assets(b)

 

 

 

BNP Paribas SA

                           $ 154,171        $        $ 154,171  

Citibank N.A

        152,688          (152,688         

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

        29,604                   29,604  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

        80,061                   80,061  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

        505,157          (13,451        491,706  

State Street Bank and Trust Co

        5,349,523                   5,349,523  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
      $ 6,271,204        $ (166,139      $ 6,105,065  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

    

 

 

 
Counterparty   

Derivative

Liabilities

Subject to

an MNA by

Counterparty

    Derivatives
Available
for Offset(a)
    Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities(c)
 

 

 

Bank of New York

      $ 105,539        $        $ 105,539  

Citibank N.A

        157,573          (152,688        4,885  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

        13,451          (13,451         

UBS AG

        54,655                   54,655  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
      $ 331,218        $ (166,139      $ 165,079  
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivatives assets and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b) 

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 
  (c)

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

                 

Investment Companies

   $ 337,696,300        $        $             —        $ 337,696,300  

Money Market Funds

     210,000                            210,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 337,906,300        $        $        $ 337,906,300  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $        $ 6,271,204        $        $ 6,271,204  

Liabilities

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

              (331,218                 (331,218
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $        $ 5,939,986        $        $ 5,939,986  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N  T S

  23


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.9%            

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF(a)

    19,601     $   796,977  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.9%
(Cost: $762,819)

      796,977  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $762,819)

      796,977  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      655  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 797,632  
   

 

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Affiliate of the Fund.

 
 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF

   $ 681,994      $ 63,456      $ (105,108    $ (26,803    $ 183,438      $ 796,977        19,601      $ 9,324      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

           
Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date           

Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
USD      816,086      MXN      16,557,000      MS    03/03/21         $  24,766  
MXN      101,000      USD      4,805      MS    04/07/21           4  
USD      793,533      MXN              16,657,000      MS    04/07/21           391  
                      

 

 

 
                         25,161  
                      

 

 

 
MXN              16,557,000      USD      792,156      MS    03/03/21           (836
                      

 

 

 
    

            Net unrealized appreciation

     $ 24,325  
                      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

   
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 25,161  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 836  
 

 

 

 

 

 

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

   
      Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $  (80,079)  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 36,827  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:        

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 767,570  

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 1,518,359  

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

Derivative Financial Instruments - Offsetting as of Period End

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

     
      Assets      Liabilities  

Derivative Financial Instruments:

     

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 25,161      $  836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     25,161        836  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

             
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

     25,161        836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following tables present the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received and pledged by the Fund:

 

Counterparty   

Derivative

Assets

Subject to

an MNA by
Counterparty

       Derivatives
Available
for Offset(a)
       Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets(b)
 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

     $25,161          $ (836        $24,325  

 

Counterparty   

Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to

an MNA by
Counterparty

       Derivatives
Available
for Offset(a)
       Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

     $ 836          $(836        $     —  

 

  (a)

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivatives assets and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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.

 

 

C H E D U L E  O F  N V E S T M E N  T S

  25


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

                 

Investment Companies

   $ 796,977        $        $        $ 796,977  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $        $ 25,161        $        $ 25,161  

Liabilities

                 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

              (836                 (836
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $        $ 24,325        $        $ 24,325  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

 

    

iShares

Currency

Hedged

MSCI

Canada ETF

    

iShares

Currency

Hedged

MSCI

Eurozone

ETF

   

iShares

Currency

Hedged

MSCI

Germany

ETF

   

iShares

Currency

Hedged

MSCI Japan

ETF

 

ASSETS

        

Investments in securities, at value:

        

Affiliated(a)

  $ 12,617,267      $ 493,945,686     $ 63,770,649     $ 337,906,300  

Cash

    6,708        3,995       2,362       987  

Receivables:

        

Investments sold

    196,316        531,754       71,216        

Dividends

           9             4  

Unrealized appreciation on:

        

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    67,475        6,898,737       860,101       6,271,204  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    12,887,766        501,380,181       64,704,328       344,178,495  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Cash received:

        

Collateral — OTC derivatives

           70,000              

Payables:

        

Investments purchased

    87,734        1,374,808       119,907       5,690,635  

Investment advisory fees

    295        11,828       1,778       1,875  

Unrealized depreciation on:

        

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    111,412        3,081,331       424,819       331,218  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    199,441        4,537,967       546,504       6,023,728  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 12,688,325      $ 496,842,214     $ 64,157,824     $ 338,154,767  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

        

Paid-in capital

  $ 11,752,044      $ 525,997,150     $ 109,812,131     $ 362,783,874  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    936,281        (29,154,936     (45,654,307     (24,629,107
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 12,688,325      $ 496,842,214     $ 64,157,824     $ 338,154,767  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    450,000        15,450,000       2,150,000       9,050,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 28.20      $ 32.16     $ 29.84     $ 37.37  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None       None       None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 11,397,150      $ 482,312,652     $ 64,908,149     $ 304,918,375  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  27


Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

 

     iShares
Currency
Hedged
MSCI Mexico
ETF
 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value:

 

Affiliated(a)

  $ 796,977  

Cash

    344  

Receivables:

 

Unrealized appreciation on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    25,161  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    822,482  
 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payables:

 

Investments purchased

    23,995  

Investment advisory fees

    19  

Unrealized depreciation on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    836  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    24,850  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 797,632  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 1,330,851  

Accumulated loss

    (533,219
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 797,632  
 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    50,000  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 15.95  
 

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited  
 

 

 

 

Par value

    None  
 

 

 

 

(a)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 762,819  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Statements of Operations  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

     iShares
Currency
Hedged
MSCI
Canada ETF
    iShares
Currency
Hedged
MSCI
Eurozone
ETF
    iShares
Currency
Hedged
MSCI
Germany
ETF
    iShares
Currency
Hedged
MSCI Japan
ETF
 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Affiliated

  $ 154,570     $ 8,309,476     $ 761,563     $ 1,284,468  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    154,570       8,309,476       761,563       1,284,468  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    36,902       1,669,341       175,808       774,474  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    36,902       1,669,341       175,808       774,474  

Less:

       

Investment advisory fees waived

    (35,116     (1,588,566     (167,227     (769,952
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    1,786       80,775       8,581       4,522  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    152,784       8,228,701       752,982       1,279,946  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Affiliated

    20,078       (1,206,966     (341,785     (72,706

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

          12,388,112       872,997       6,773,433  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (538,426     (12,214,648     (1,183,366     (1,600,484
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    (518,348     (1,033,502     (652,154     5,100,243  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Affiliated

    1,389,549       63,003,868       3,824,428       41,829,646  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    261,885       8,438,232       1,064,924       5,403,985  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,651,434       71,442,100       4,889,352       47,233,631  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,133,086       70,408,598       4,237,198       52,333,874  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 1,285,870     $ 78,637,299     $ 4,990,180     $ 53,613,820  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  29


Statements of Operations  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

  

 

     

iShares
Currency
Hedged
MSCI
Mexico

ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends — Affiliated

   $ 9,324  
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     9,324  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Investment advisory fees

     2,325  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     2,325  

Less:

  

Investment advisory fees waived

     (2,213
  

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

     112  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     9,212  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

  

Investments — Affiliated

     (26,803

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     (80,079
  

 

 

 

Net realized loss

     (106,882
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments — Affiliated

     183,438  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     36,827  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     220,265  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     113,383  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 122,595  
  

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF
    iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
 
     

Six Months
Ended

02/28/21
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

        

OPERATIONS

        

Net investment income

   $ 152,784     $ 989,114     $ 8,228,701     $ 8,794,540  

Net realized loss

     (518,348     (328,024     (1,033,502     (108,399,386

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,651,434       (1,262,236     71,442,100       44,690,383  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     1,285,870       (601,146     78,637,299       (54,914,463
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

        

From net investment income

     (153,398     (1,511,241     (7,568,672     (33,868,861

Return of capital

                       (28,592
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

     (153,398     (1,511,241     (7,568,672     (33,897,453
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

        

Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions

           (24,621,385     (144,196,005     (210,205,834
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     1,132,472       (26,733,772     (73,127,378     (299,017,750

Beginning of period

     11,555,853       38,289,625       569,969,592       868,987,342  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 12,688,325     $ 11,555,853     $ 496,842,214     $ 569,969,592  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  31


Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

     iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF
    iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
 
      Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

        

OPERATIONS

        

Net investment income

   $ 752,982     $ 966,557     $ 1,279,946     $ 6,964,612  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (652,154     (18,127,119     5,100,243       (23,725,922

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     4,889,352       23,875,659       47,233,631       36,205,304  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     4,990,180       6,715,097       53,613,820       19,443,994  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

        

From net investment income

     (774,353     (966,557     (1,155,492     (6,967,089

Return of capital

           (1,677            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

     (774,353     (968,234     (1,155,492     (6,967,089
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

        

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

     (16,014,639     (84,409,886     38,440,090       (94,358,704
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (11,798,812     (78,663,023     90,898,418       (81,881,799

Beginning of period

     75,956,636       154,619,659       247,256,349       329,138,148  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 64,157,824     $ 75,956,636     $ 338,154,767     $ 247,256,349  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

     iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI
Mexico ETF
 
     

Six

Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)

    Year
Ended
08/31/20
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 9,212     $ 12,524  

Net realized loss

     (106,882     (13,045

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     220,265       (108,067
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     122,595       (108,588
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

    

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

     (6,662     (13,652
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

            
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

    

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     115,933       (122,240

Beginning of period

     681,699       803,939  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 797,632     $ 681,699  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  33


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 25.68       $ 26.41       $ 26.79                $ 24.70       $ 23.54       $ 23.47  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.34         0.71         0.59         0.56         0.24         0.41  

Net realized and unrealized gain(b)

      2.52         0.30         0.30         2.10                  1.38                  1.07  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      2.86         1.01         0.89         2.66         1.62         1.48  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.34       (1.37       (0.64       (0.57       (0.46       (0.46

From net realized gain

              (0.37                (0.63                       (0.95

Return of capital

                                                                (0.00 )(d) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.34       (1.74       (1.27       (0.57       (0.46       (1.41
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 28.20       $ 25.68       $ 26.41       $ 26.79       $ 24.70       $ 23.54  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      11.14 %(e)        4.08       3.84       10.82       6.86       6.92
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses(f)

      0.62 %(g)        0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived(f)

      0.03 %(g)        0.03       0.03       0.03       0.03       0.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.57 %(g)        2.75       2.31       2.12       0.98       1.84
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 12,688       $ 11,556       $ 38,290       $ 5,357       $ 2,470       $ 10,593  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)(i)

      5 %(e)        15       12       10       8       13
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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)

Rounds to less than $0.01.

(e)

Not annualized.

(f)

The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.

(g)

Annualized.

(h)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

(i)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes the portfolio activity of the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. See the underlying fund’s financial highlights for its respective portfolio turnover rates.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended
08/31/20

   

Year Ended
08/31/19

   

Year Ended
08/31/18

   

Year Ended
08/31/17

   

Year Ended
08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 28.36       $ 29.86       $ 29.76       $ 28.83       $ 24.73       $ 25.90  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.46         0.35         0.76         0.79         0.64         0.60  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      3.81         (0.64       0.24         1.03         4.07         (0.93
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.27         (0.29       1.00         1.82         4.71         (0.33
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.47       (0.38       (0.90       (0.89       (0.61       (0.71

From net realized gain

              (0.83       (0.00 )(d)                         (0.13

Return of capital

              (0.00 )(d)                         (0.00 )(d)         (0.00 )(d)  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.47       (1.21       (0.90       (0.89       (0.61       (0.84
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 32.16       $ 28.36       $ 29.86       $ 29.76       $ 28.83       $ 24.73  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      15.08 %(e)        (1.21 )%        3.41       6.36       19.13       (1.02 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses(f)

      0.62 %(g)         0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived(f)

      0.03 %(g)         0.03       0.03       0.03       0.03       0.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      3.06 %(g)         1.18       2.63       2.61       2.32       2.42
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 496,842       $ 569,970       $ 868,987       $ 1,660,448       $ 1,791,673       $ 1,345,405  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)(i)

      7 %(e)        10       5       11       9       12
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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)

Rounds to less than $0.01.

(e)

Not annualized.

(f)

The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.

(g)

Annualized.

(h)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

(i)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes the portfolio activity of the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. See the underlying fund’s financial highlights for its respective portfolio turnover rates.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  35


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended
08/31/20

   

Year Ended
08/31/19

   

Year Ended
08/31/18

   

Year Ended
08/31/17

   

Year Ended
08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 28.13       $ 26.21       $ 27.64       $ 26.82       $ 24.03       $ 24.01  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.32         0.21         0.55         0.53         0.74         0.31  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      1.77         2.06         (1.25       1.02         2.62         0.46  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      2.09         2.27         (0.70       1.55         3.36         0.77  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

               (0.38                (0.35                (0.73                (0.73                (0.57                (0.54

From net realized gain

                                              (0.21

Return of capital

              (0.00 )(d)        (0.00 )(d)                          
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.38       (0.35       (0.73       (0.73       (0.57       (0.75
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 29.84       $ 28.13       $ 26.21       $ 27.64       $ 26.82       $ 24.03  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      7.44 %(e)        8.71       (2.65 )%        5.83       13.88       3.50
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses(f)

      0.53 %(g)        0.53       0.53       0.53       0.53       0.53
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived(f)

      0.03 %(g)        0.02       0.04       0.06       0.05       0.05
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.27 %(g)        0.77       2.09       1.87       2.75       1.33
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 64,158       $ 75,957       $ 154,620       $ 330,346       $ 791,051       $ 492,701  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)(i)

      8 %(e)        12       5       11       9       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)

Rounds to less than $0.01.

(e)

Not annualized.

(f)

The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.

(g)

Annualized.

(h)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

(i)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes the portfolio activity of the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. See the underlying fund’s financial highlights for its respective portfolio turnover rates.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

36  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF  
     Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 31.50     $ 29.13     $ 32.36     $ 29.56     $ 24.73     $ 29.46  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Netinvestment income(a)

    0.15       0.72       0.45       0.46       0.52       0.41  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    5.84       2.35       (3.04     2.81       4.78       (4.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    5.99       3.07       (2.59     3.27       5.30       (3.70
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

           

From net investment income

    (0.12     (0.70     (0.64     (0.47     (0.47     (0.44

From net realized gain

                                  (0.59
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.12     (0.70     (0.64     (0.47     (0.47     (1.03
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.37     $ 31.50     $ 29.13     $ 32.36     $ 29.56     $ 24.73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

    19.02 %(d)       10.52     (8.06 )%      11.07     21.50     (12.91 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses(e)

    0.53 %(f)       0.53     0.53     0.53     0.53     0.53
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived(e)

    0.00 %(f)(g)      0.00 %(g)       0.00 %(g)       0.01     0.00 %(g)       0.00 %(g)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.88 %(f)       2.31     1.47     1.41     1.84     1.57
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 338,155     $ 247,256     $ 329,138     $ 1,004,834     $ 1,198,726     $ 476,015  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)(i)

    3 %(d)      9     9     9     11     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)

The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.

(f)

Annualized.

(g)

Rounds to less than 0.01%.

(h)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

(i)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes the portfolio activity of the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. See the underlying fund’s financial highlights for its respective portfolio turnover rates.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  37


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF  
     Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
            Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
    Year Ended
08/31/16
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.63        $ 16.08     $ 19.45     $ 21.52     $ 23.54     $ 24.03  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.18          0.25       0.51       0.41       0.43       0.49  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    2.27          (2.43     (3.43     (1.95     0.09       1.15  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    2.45          (2.18     (2.92     (1.54     0.52       1.64  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

              

From net investment income

    (0.13        (0.27     (0.45     (0.53     (0.33     (0.71

In excess of net investment income

                               (2.21     (1.42
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.13        (0.27     (0.45     (0.53     (2.54     (2.13
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.95        $ 13.63     $ 16.08     $ 19.45     $ 21.52     $ 23.54  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

              

Based on net asset value

    17.92 %(d)         (13.71 )%      (15.02 )%      (7.10 )%      3.24     7.41
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

              

Total expenses(e)

    0.62 %(f)         0.66     0.62     0.62     0.62     0.62
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived(e)

    0.03 %(f)         0.07     0.03     0.03     0.03     0.03
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.46 %(f)         1.66     3.01     2.05     2.03     2.11
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 798        $ 682     $ 804     $ 972     $ 3,228     $ 1,177  
 

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)(h)

    9 %(d)         30     18     23     12     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)

The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.

(f)

Annualized.

(g)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

(h)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes the portfolio activity of the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. See the underlying fund’s financial highlights for its respective portfolio turnover rates.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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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

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  Diversified

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

  Diversified

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

  Diversified

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

  Diversified

Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico

  Diversified

Currently each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in an iShares fund (an “underlying fund”). The financial statements, including the accounting policies, and schedules of investments for the underlying funds are available on iShares.com and should be read in conjunction with the Funds’ financial statements.

 

2.   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions from the underlying funds, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recognized daily on an accrual basis.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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. However, each Fund has elected to treat realized gains (losses) from certain foreign currency contracts as capital gain (loss) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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 (“NAV”) 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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

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.

 

 

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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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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:

   

Exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds 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 fund is primarily traded. Funds traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day may be 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 NAV.

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued based on that day’s prevailing forward exchange rate for the underlying currencies.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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.   DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are entered into to gain or reduce exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a specified date. These contracts help to manage the overall exposure to the currencies in which some of the investments held by the Funds are denominated and in some cases, may be used to obtain exposure to a particular market.The contracts are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) and not on an organized exchange.

The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation 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 value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Non-deliverable forward foreign currency exchange contracts are settled with the counterparty in cash without the delivery of foreign currency. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a contract changes unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies, and such value may exceed the amount(s) reflected in the statement of assets and liabilities. Cash amounts pledged for forward foreign currency

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

exchange contracts are considered restricted and are included in cash pledged as collateral for OTC derivatives in the statement of assets and liabilities. A Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally limited to the aggregate unrealized gain netted against any collateral held by the Fund.

Master Netting Arrangements: In order to define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help mitigate its counterparty risk, a Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a Fund and a counterparty that governs certain OTC derivatives and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, a Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency, or other events.

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement, and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by a fund and the counterparty.

Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral and cash received as collateral, respectively. Non-cash collateral pledged by the Funds, if any, is noted in the Schedules of Investments. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty is subject to a certain minimum transfer amount threshold before a transfer is required, which is determined at the close of business of the Funds. Any additional required collateral is delivered to/pledged by the Funds on the next business day. Typically, the counterparty is not permitted to sell, re-pledge or use cash and non-cash collateral it receives. A Fund generally agrees not to use non-cash collateral that it receives but may, absent default or certain other circumstances defined in the underlying ISDA Master Agreement, be permitted to use cash collateral received. In such cases, interest may be paid pursuant to the collateral arrangement with the counterparty. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from the counterparty are not fully collateralized, each Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. Likewise, to the extent the Funds have delivered collateral to a counterparty and stand ready to perform under the terms of their agreement with such counterparty, each Fund bears the risk of loss from a counterparty in the amount of the value of the collateral in the event the counterparty fails to return such collateral. Based on the terms of agreements, collateral may not be required for all derivative contracts.

For financial reporting purposes, each Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements, if any, in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

5.

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  

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

    0.62

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    0.62  

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    0.53  

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    0.53  

Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico

    0.62  

Expense Waivers: A fund may incur its pro rata share of fees and expenses attributable to its investments in other investment companies (“acquired fund fees and expenses”). The total of the investment advisory fee and acquired fund fees and expenses is a fund’s total annual operating expenses.

For the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through December 31, 2025 so that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the acquired fund fees and expenses attributable to the Fund’s investment in the iShares MSCI Canada ETF (“EWC”), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWC, plus 0.03%.

For the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through December 31, 2025 so that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the acquired fund fees and expenses attributable to the Fund’s investment in the iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (“EZU”), after taking into account any fee waivers by EZU, plus 0.03%.

For the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through December 31, 2025 in an amount equal to the acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, attributable to the Fund’s investments in other iShares funds, provided that the waiver be no greater than the Fund’s investment advisory fee of 0.53%.

For the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through December 31, 2025 in an amount equal to the acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, attributable to the Fund’s investments in other iShares funds, provided that the waiver be no greater than

 

 

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  41


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

the Fund’s investment advisory fee of 0.53%. BFA has also contractually agreed to waive an additional portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through December 31, 2025 such that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver will be equal to the greater of the acquired fund fees and expenses or 0.48%.

For the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through December 31, 2025 so that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the acquired fund fees and expenses attributable to the Fund’s investment in the iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (“EWW”), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWW, plus 0.03%.

These amounts are included in investment advisory fees waived in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Amounts waived  

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  $ 35,116  

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    1,588,566  

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    167,227  

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    769,952  

Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico

    2,213  

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.

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

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.

 

6.   PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  $ 599,768      $ 932,284  

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    37,115,058        41,641,436  

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    5,536,265        5,713,220  

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    12,536,291        8,944,124  

Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico

    63,456        105,108  

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind

Sales

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

  $  228,275,514      $  372,874,310  

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    198,510,706        214,735,997  

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    212,861,328        174,732,481  

 

7.   INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021, 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 August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF    Non-Expiring  

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

   $  47,329,827  

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

     44,587,046  

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

     68,064,922  

Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico

     459,649  

As of February 28, 2021, 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:

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  $ 11,411,537      $ 1,287,592      $ (125,799   $ 1,161,793  

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    483,835,554        18,531,771        (4,604,233     13,927,538  

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    65,229,309        860,101        (1,883,479     (1,023,378

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    305,099,166        39,259,129        (512,009     38,747,120  

Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico

    803,042        59,319        (41,059     18,260  

 

8.   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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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: An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

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.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

 

9.   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
02/28/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares      Amount      Shares     Amount  

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

         

Shares sold

                    —      $                 —        350,000     $ 9,479,812  

Shares redeemed

                  (1,350,000     (34,101,197
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

         $        (1,000,000   $ (24,621,385
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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  43


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

       

Shares sold

    7,600,000     $ 227,654,509       19,500,000     $ 558,814,358  

Shares redeemed .

    (12,250,000     (371,850,514     (28,500,000     (769,020,192
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (4,650,000   $ (144,196,005     (9,000,000   $ (210,205,834
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

       

Shares sold

    6,900,000     $ 197,973,177       6,550,000     $ 173,708,899  

Shares redeemed .

    (7,450,000     (213,987,816     (9,750,000     (258,118,785
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (550,000   $ (16,014,639     (3,200,000   $ (84,409,886
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

       

Shares sold

    6,500,000     $ 213,233,890       16,550,000     $ 516,879,826  

Shares redeemed

    (5,300,000     (174,793,800     (20,000,000     (611,238,530
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,200,000     $ 38,440,090       (3,450,000   $ (94,358,704
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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.

 

10.

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.

 

 

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Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program  (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)   The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

  b)   Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

  c)   Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

  d)   The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

  e)   The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

S T A T E M E N T R E G A R D I N G L I Q U I D I T Y R I S K M A N A G E M E N T P R O G R A M

  45


Supplemental Information  (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

     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
 

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada(a)

    $0.210930      $      $ 0.129954      $ 0.340884        62         38     100

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone(a)

    0.465271               0.007771        0.473042        98             2       100  

Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico(a)

    0.128224               0.005016        0.133240        96             4       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.

 

 

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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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

  47


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Counterparty Abbreviations
BBP   Barclays Bank PLC Wholesale
BNP   BNP Paribas SA
BNY   Bank of New York
BOA   Bank of America N.A.
CBA   Commonwealth Bank of Australia
CITI   Citibank N.A.
DB   Deutsche Bank AG London

 

Currency Abbreviations

CAD   Canadian Dollar
EUR   Euro
JPY   Japanese Yen
MXN   Mexican Peso
USD   United States Dollar
Counterparty Abbreviations (continued)
HSBC   HSBC Bank PLC
JPM   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.
MS   Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC
RBS   Royal Bank of Scotland PLC
SSB   State Street Bank and Trust Co.
UBS   UBS AG
 
 

 

 

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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., 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.

©2021 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-801-0221

 

 

LOGO    LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF | HEWU | NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF | EWU | NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF | EWUS | Cboe BZX


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large- and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021
     
     6-Month     12-Month
   

U.S. large cap equities

(S&P 500® Index)

  9.74%   31.29%
   

U.S. small cap equities

(Russell 2000® Index)

  41.69      51.00   
   

International equities

(MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  14.33      22.46   
   

Emerging market equities

(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  22.32      36.05   
   

3-month Treasury bills

(ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

  0.06      0.40   
   

U.S. Treasury securities

(ICE BofA 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index)

  (6.34)     (1.96)   
   

U.S. investment grade bonds

(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (1.55)      1.38   
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds

(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

  0.92      1.22   
   

U.S. high yield bonds

(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

  6.08      9.31   
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 

 

 

2  

H I S   P A G E   I S   N O T   P A R T   O F   Y O U R   F U N D   R E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

 

      Page  

The Markets in Review

     2  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     7  

Shareholder Expenses

     7  

Schedules of Investments

     8  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     19  

Statements of Operations

     20  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     21  

Financial Highlights

     23  

Notes to Financial Statements

     26  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     34  

Supplemental Information

     35  

General Information

     36  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     37  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization United Kingdom equities while mitigating exposure to fluctuations between the value of the British pound and the U.S. dollar, as represented by the MSCI United Kingdom 100% Hedged to USD 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. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in one underlying fund, the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF.

Performance

 

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

Since

Inception

 

 

              1 Year        5 Years       

Since

Inception

 

 

Fund NAV

     11.22      (1.09 )%       5.46      3.60         (1.09 )%       30.47      22.18

Fund Market

     11.05        (0.77      5.46        3.59           (0.77      30.46        22.17  

Index

     10.64        0.85        5.93        4.09                 0.85        33.40        25.49  

The inception date of the Fund was 6/29/15. The first day of secondary market trading was 7/1/15.

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return         
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a)(b) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a)(b) 

    

Annualized

Expense

Ratio 

 

 

(a)  

    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,112.20        $ 0.00             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,024.80        $ 0.00        0.00

 

  (a) 

Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying fund in which the Fund invests.

 
  (b) 

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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 7 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type  

Percent of

Net Assets

 

Investment Companies

    99.6
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative depreciation     (1.5

Other assets less liabilities

    1.9  

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector  

Percent of

Total Investment(a)

 

Financials

    19.6

Consumer Staples

    19.3  

Materials

    13.2  

Energy

    10.4  

Health Care

    10.2  

Industrials

    10.2  

Consumer Discretionary

    7.0  

Communication Services

    4.5  

Utilities

    3.3  

Real Estate

    1.2  

Information Technology

    1.1  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.K. equities, as represented by the MSCI United Kingdom 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

     14.54      8.58      4.20      2.20         8.58      22.83      24.26

Fund Market

     15.31        6.39        4.35        2.08           6.39        23.73        22.91  

Index

     14.84        9.21        4.75        2.73                 9.21        26.10        30.89  

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,145.40        $ 2.66             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.30        $ 2.51          0.50

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 7 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Financials

    19.6

Consumer Staples

    19.3  

Materials

    13.2  

Energy

    10.4  

Health Care

    10.2  

Industrials

    10.2  

Consumer Discretionary

    7.0  

Communication Services

    4.5  

Utilities

    3.3  

Real Estate

    1.2  

Information Technology

    1.1  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Unilever PLC

    6.0

AstraZeneca PLC

    5.6  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    5.3  

Rio Tinto PLC

    4.3  

Diageo PLC

    4.0  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    3.7  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A

    3.6  

BP PLC

    3.6  

British American Tobacco PLC

    3.5  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B

    3.2  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of small-capitalization U.K. equities, as represented by the MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap 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

     25.48      20.30      7.52      9.24         20.30      43.72      123.47

Fund Market

     26.71        18.97        7.74        9.27           18.97        45.18        123.91  

Index

     25.79        20.98        8.17        9.90                 20.98        48.12        136.11  

The inception date of the Fund was 1/25/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 1/26/12.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the six-months period. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,254.80        $ 3.30             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.96          0.59

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 7 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Industrials

    23.0

Consumer Discretionary

    18.8  

Financials

    13.6  

Real Estate

    10.6  

Information Technology

    7.6  

Materials

    6.6  

Health Care

    6.6  

Communication Services

    5.3  

Consumer Staples

    3.6  

Utilities

    2.6  

Energy

    1.7  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

DS Smith PLC

    1.5

Weir Group PLC (The)

    1.4  

Intermediate Capital Group PLC

    1.4  

Rightmove PLC

    1.3  

B&M European Value Retail SA

    1.3  

Electrocomponents PLC

    1.2  

ASOS PLC

    1.1  

Howden Joinery Group PLC

    1.1  

Royal Mail PLC

    1.1  

ITV PLC

    1.1  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6  

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About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

 

B O U T  U N D  E R F O R M A N C E / S H A R E H O L D E R  X P E N S E S

  7


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.6%            

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF(a)

    239,245     $ 7,265,871  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.6%
(Cost: $7,994,697)

      7,265,871  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.6%
(Cost: $7,994,697)

      7,265,871  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.4%         26,747  
   

 

 

 
Net Assets — 100.0%         $  7,292,618  
   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

 
 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

                   
Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

08/31/20

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/21

   

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares(a)

  $     $     $     $     $     $           $ 23     $  

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF

    10,400,203       1,716,926       (6,220,942     (671,101     2,040,785       7,265,871       239,245       106,823        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (671,101   $ 2,040,785     $ 7,265,871       $ 106,846     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

           
Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date        

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

USD    

     7,445,068      GBP          5,324,000      MS    04/07/21      $ 26,002  
                   

 

 

 

GBP

     5,324,000      USD      7,443,459      MS    03/03/21        (26,032

USD

     7,307,520      GBP      5,324,000      MS    03/03/21        (109,908

GBP

     77,000      USD      107,431      MS    04/07/21        (131
                   

 

 

 
                      (136,071
                   

 

 

 

      Net unrealized depreciation

 

           $ (110,069
                   

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
 

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    $ 26,002  
   

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    $ 136,071  
   

 

 

 

 

 

8  

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
   

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ (429,638)  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 117,533  
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 11,296,193      

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 20,136,724      

 

 

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

Derivative Financial Instruments - Offsetting as of Period End

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

 

 
  

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments:

     

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $  26,002        $ 136,071  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     26,002        136,071  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

             
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

     26,002        136,071  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following tables present the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received and pledged by the Fund:

 

 

 
   

Derivative

Assets

Subject to

an MNA by

 

 

 

 

   

Derivatives

Available

 

 

   

Net Amount

of Derivative

 

 

Counterparty

    Counterparty         for Offset (a)        Assets  

 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

             $ 26,002                $ (26,002              $  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    

 

   

Derivative

Liabilities

Subject to

an MNA by

 

 

 

 

   

Derivatives

Available

 

 

   

Net Amount

of Derivative

 

 

Counterparty

    Counterparty         for Offset (a)        Liabilities (b) 

 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

             $ 136,071                $ (26,002              $ 110,069  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivatives assets and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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.

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F  N V E S T M E N T S

  9


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

           

Investment Companies

   $ 7,265,871      $      $      $ 7,265,871  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $      $ 26,002      $      $ 26,002  

Liabilities

           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

            (136,071             (136,071
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ (110,069    $      $ (110,069
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

10  

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 1.5%            

BAE Systems PLC

    4,402,797     $     29,786,726  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    11,413,354       17,185,710  
   

 

 

 
      46,972,436  
Banks — 9.9%            

Barclays PLC

    23,711,717       52,909,588  

HSBC Holdings PLC(a)

    27,832,825       165,847,613  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC(a)

    96,764,039       52,761,494  

Natwest Group PLC(a)

    6,615,168       17,036,054  

Standard Chartered PLC(a)

    3,659,192       23,640,663  
   

 

 

 
      312,195,412  
Beverages — 4.3%            

Coca-Cola HBC AG

    273,084       8,544,661  

Diageo PLC

    3,194,275       125,603,957  
   

 

 

 
      134,148,618  
Capital Markets — 3.9%            

3i Group PLC

    1,333,879       20,644,413  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    452,818       9,562,752  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    432,217       58,119,933  

Schroders PLC

    169,461       8,299,433  

St. James’s Place PLC

    734,853       12,061,659  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

    3,013,741       13,095,601  
   

 

 

 
      121,783,791  
Chemicals — 0.9%            

Croda International PLC

    190,910       16,463,097  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    263,967       11,274,553  
   

 

 

 
      27,737,650  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.5%  

Rentokil Initial PLC(a)

    2,529,231       16,503,072  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.3%  

M&G PLC

    3,546,107       9,117,422  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.7%  

BT Group PLC(a)

    12,173,832       21,028,512  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.8%            

SSE PLC

    1,423,073       26,352,246  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%  

Halma PLC

    517,807       16,411,865  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.2%  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    1,200,747       8,219,235  

Land Securities Group PLC

    962,904       8,952,475  

Segro PLC

    1,624,403       20,662,279  
   

 

 

 
      37,833,989  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.5%            

J Sainsbury PLC

    2,420,150       7,653,734  

Tesco PLC

    10,570,986       33,223,876  

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

    3,282,744       7,841,344  
   

 

 

 
      48,718,954  
Food Products — 0.5%            

Associated British Foods PLC(a)

    485,660       16,078,759  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.7%  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    1,194,222       23,132,900  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.0%  

NMC Health PLC(a)(b)

    122,262       2  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.0%  

Compass Group PLC(a)

    2,438,490     $     49,604,658  

Entain PLC(a)

    795,939       15,723,906  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(a)

    236,631       16,548,317  

Whitbread PLC(a)

    276,575       13,127,777  
   

 

 

 
      95,004,658  
Household Durables — 1.6%            

Barratt Developments PLC(a)

    1,394,533       12,953,792  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    172,218       9,758,737  

Persimmon PLC

    435,009       15,752,029  

Taylor Wimpey PLC(a)

    4,970,719       10,952,516  
   

 

 

 
      49,417,074  
Household Products — 2.6%  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    971,940       81,532,207  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.2%  

DCC PLC

    134,896       10,882,117  

Melrose Industries PLC(a)

    6,664,238       15,457,362  

Smiths Group PLC

    542,874       11,111,651  
   

 

 

 
      37,451,130  
Insurance — 5.3%            

Admiral Group PLC

    261,581       11,293,329  

Aviva PLC

    5,357,348       27,106,718  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

    1,861,153       8,342,267  

Legal & General Group PLC

    8,165,948       29,603,810  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    755,754       7,502,004  

Prudential PLC

    3,565,145       70,205,727  

RSA Insurance Group PLC

    1,411,047       13,324,196  
   

 

 

 
      167,378,051  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%  

Auto Trader Group PLC(c)

    1,325,687       10,197,649  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.6%  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    663,054       20,394,359  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 0.5%            

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    100,560       15,057,512  
   

 

 

 
Media — 1.5%            

Informa PLC(a)

    2,048,858       15,777,721  

Pearson PLC

    1,026,787       10,780,994  

WPP PLC

    1,680,677       20,062,216  
   

 

 

 
      46,620,931  
Metals & Mining — 11.6%            

Anglo American PLC

    1,676,410       64,981,583  

Antofagasta PLC

    537,805       13,402,717  

BHP Group PLC

    2,886,249       91,580,387  

Evraz PLC

    702,162       5,605,469  

Fresnillo PLC

    253,577       3,226,188  

Glencore PLC(a)

    13,657,475       55,507,790  

Rio Tinto PLC

    1,533,303       132,631,473  
   

 

 

 
      366,935,607  
Multi-Utilities — 1.7%            

National Grid PLC

    4,810,514       54,235,106  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.6%            

Next PLC(a)

    182,297       19,268,141  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 10.3%  

BP PLC

    27,691,508       112,952,530  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A

    5,604,603       113,211,639  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F  N V E S T M E N T S

  11


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B

    5,064,715     $     98,255,709  
   

 

 

 
      324,419,878  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.5%  

Mondi PLC

    662,221       15,966,313  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 6.0%  

Unilever PLC

    3,593,007       187,523,001  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 9.4%  

AstraZeneca PLC

    1,793,281       174,124,181  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    6,856,495       114,150,937  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    235,693       7,368,125  
   

 

 

 
      295,643,243  
Professional Services — 3.8%  

Experian PLC

    1,252,819       39,813,124  

Intertek Group PLC

    220,083       16,480,317  

RELX PLC

    2,639,812       62,465,492  
   

 

 

 
      118,758,933  
Software — 0.6%            

AVEVA Group PLC

    156,473       7,427,072  

Sage Group PLC (The)

    1,495,384       11,678,637  
   

 

 

 
      19,105,709  
Specialty Retail — 0.6%            

JD Sports Fashion PLC(a)

    704,581       8,180,065  

Kingfisher PLC(a)

    2,890,471       10,725,265  
   

 

 

 
      18,905,330  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.4%  

Burberry Group PLC(a)

    551,973       14,010,466  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 4.2%            

British American Tobacco PLC

    3,135,204       108,947,699  

Imperial Brands PLC

    1,295,517       24,144,141  
   

 

 

 
      133,091,840  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 2.7%  

Ashtead Group PLC

    614,934       33,357,902  

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors (continued)  

Bunzl PLC

    459,404     $ 14,368,097  

Ferguson PLC

    307,552       36,256,647  
   

 

 

 
      83,982,646  
Water Utilities — 0.7%            

Severn Trent PLC

    325,593       9,969,139  

United Utilities Group PLC

    934,864       11,230,037  
   

 

 

 
      21,199,176  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.0%  

Vodafone Group PLC

    36,656,714       62,534,984  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.9%
(Cost: $3,475,774,096)

 

    3,116,649,572  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.1%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    1,270,000       1,270,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $1,270,000)

      1,270,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.0%
(Cost: $3,477,044,096)

 

    3,117,919,572  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 1.0%

 

    32,424,943  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  3,150,344,515  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(c) 

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.

(d) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(e) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
       Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
       Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
       Value at
02/28/21
       Shares
Held at
02/28/21
       Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares(a)

   $ 1,317,900        $      $ (1,315,614 )(b)     $ (2,606      $ 320        $                 $ 1,680 (c)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     800,000          470,000 (b)                                1,270,000          1,270,000          500         
             

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

           

 

 

    

 

 

 
              $ (2,606      $ 320        $ 1,270,000             $ 2,180      $  
             

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 1   H A R E S  E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O  H A R E H O L D E R S 


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

FTSE 100 Index

     359          03/19/21        $ 32,321        $ (772,496
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 772,496  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 585,292  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (181,545
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

     $22,565,488      

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 3,116,649,570        $        $ 2        $ 3,116,649,572  

Money Market Funds

     1,270,000                            1,270,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 3,117,919,570        $        $ 2        $ 3,117,919,572  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (772,496      $        $        $ (772,496
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F  N V E S T M E N T S

  13


 

Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 2.1%

 

Avon Rubber PLC

    5,556     $     217,888  

Meggitt PLC(a)

    139,777       827,027  

QinetiQ Group PLC

    102,805       429,471  

Senior PLC(a)

    75,390       107,827  

Ultra Electronics Holdings PLC

    12,709       339,733  
   

 

 

 
      1,921,946  
Air Freight & Logistics — 1.1%  

Royal Mail PLC(a)

    161,122       1,019,774  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 1.0%            

easyJet PLC(a)

    24,922       343,417  

JET2 PLC(a)

    28,781       585,071  
   

 

 

 
      928,488  
Auto Components — 0.2%            

AB Dynamics PLC(b)

    2,619       69,205  

TI Fluid Systems PLC(c)

    41,629       154,467  
   

 

 

 
      223,672  
Automobiles — 0.4%  

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC(a)(b)(c)

    12,421       348,705  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 1.5%            

Bank of Georgia Group PLC(a)

    7,144       99,681  

Close Brothers Group PLC

    27,028       587,601  

TBC Bank Group PLC(a)

    7,505       113,951  

Virgin Money UK PLC(a)(b)

    231,696       595,392  
   

 

 

 
      1,396,625  
Beverages — 1.6%            

AG Barr PLC(a)

    18,354       128,561  

Britvic PLC

    47,692       539,760  

C&C Group PLC(a)

    56,325       202,776  

Fevertree Drinks PLC

    18,733       596,884  
   

 

 

 
      1,467,981  
Biotechnology — 2.2%            

Abcam PLC

    38,304       908,256  

Avacta Group PLC(a)

    45,886       125,099  

Genus PLC

    11,649       820,024  

Oxford Biomedica PLC(a)

    10,434       147,628  

Silence Therapeutics PLC(a)

    4,809       39,669  
   

 

 

 
      2,040,676  
Building Products — 0.3%  

Polypipe Group PLC(a)

    40,768       314,058  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 8.0%  

AJ Bell PLC

    51,396       303,595  

Alpha FX Group PLC(a)

    4,713       85,660  

Alternative Credit Investments PLC

    13,329       162,127  

Ashmore Group PLC

    76,555       441,398  

Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC

    54,874       225,171  

CMC Markets PLC(c)

    20,901       118,640  

Draper Esprit PLC(a)

    20,670       245,061  

IG Group Holdings PLC

    66,293       722,011  

IntegraFin Holdings PLC

    53,386       372,449  

Intermediate Capital Group PLC

    52,569       1,272,229  

Investec PLC

    124,623       341,066  

IP Group PLC(a)

    182,037       294,209  

Jupiter Fund Management PLC

    79,705       329,181  

Liontrust Asset Management PLC

    11,062       194,869  

Man Group PLC

    261,358       547,742  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Capital Markets (continued)            

Ninety One PLC

    67,504     $     207,064  

Numis Corp. PLC

    11,433       53,069  

Quilter PLC(c)

    320,162       653,523  

Rathbone Brothers PLC

    10,357       223,284  

Sanne Group PLC

    26,551       218,271  

TP ICAP Group PLC

    137,972       462,957  
   

 

 

 
      7,473,576  
Chemicals — 1.3%            

Elementis PLC(a)

    102,985       181,563  

Essentra PLC(a)

    53,850       220,593  

Synthomer PLC

    60,843       391,128  

Victrex PLC

    15,567       460,531  
   

 

 

 
      1,253,815  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 3.9%  

Aggreko PLC

    45,849       512,812  

Babcock International Group PLC(a)

    44,923       163,110  

Biffa PLC(a)(c)

    55,080       196,369  

Calisen PLC(a)

    22,501       82,013  

Clipper Logistics PLC

    13,622       112,746  

G4S PLC(a)

    277,629       942,436  

HomeServe PLC

    54,140       787,966  

Mitie Group PLC(a)

    207,412       151,661  

Restore PLC(a)

    19,833       95,386  

Serco Group PLC(a)

    221,564       402,699  

Smart Metering Systems PLC

    19,491       189,663  
   

 

 

 
      3,636,861  
Communications Equipment — 0.4%  

Spirent Communications PLC

    109,518       360,591  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 1.2%  

Balfour Beatty PLC(a)

    124,177       478,127  

John Laing Group PLC(c)

    88,662       373,859  

Keller Group PLC

    13,091       143,675  

Morgan Sindall Group PLC

    6,914       159,497  
   

 

 

 
      1,155,158  
Construction Materials — 1.5%  

Breedon Group PLC(a)

    271,881       354,269  

Forterra PLC(a)(c)

    41,455       150,112  

Ibstock PLC(a)(c)

    72,846       217,339  

Marshalls PLC(a)

    35,809       341,441  

Rhi Magnesita NV

    5,247       288,005  
   

 

 

 
      1,351,166  
Consumer Finance — 0.3%            

Funding Circle Holdings PLC(a)(c)

    31,739       61,680  

Provident Financial PLC(a)

    45,832       179,802  
   

 

 

 
      241,482  
Containers & Packaging — 1.5%  

DS Smith PLC(a)

    245,826       1,365,822  
   

 

 

 
Distributors — 0.8%            

Inchcape PLC(a)

    70,407       697,912  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.7%  

Burford Capital Ltd.(a)

    35,293       302,474  

Plus500 Ltd.

    16,723       319,610  
   

 

 

 
      622,084  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.2%  

TalkTalk Telecom Group PLC

    121,878       164,775  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 1   H A R E S  E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O  H A R E H O L D E R S 


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Electrical Equipment — 0.8%

 

Ceres Power Holdings PLC(a)

    15,485     $     270,187  

ITM Power PLC(a)

    69,006       494,929  
   

 

 

 
      765,116  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.6%  

Renishaw PLC(a)

    6,496       522,218  

Spectris PLC

    20,794       882,048  

Strix Group PLC

    35,125       124,735  
   

 

 

 
      1,529,001  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.7%            

Hunting PLC

    25,326       89,300  

John Wood Group PLC(a)

    122,448       512,043  

Petrofac Ltd.(a)(b)

    47,125       85,849  
   

 

 

 
      687,192  
Entertainment — 0.6%            

Cineworld Group PLC(a)

    185,741       254,906  

Frontier Developments PLC(a)

    3,875       133,816  

Team17 Group PLC(a)

    17,520       178,812  
   

 

 

 
      567,534  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 8.3%  

Assura PLC

    474,909       494,658  

Big Yellow Group PLC

    30,036       476,625  

BMO Commercial Property Trust

    141,067       140,030  

Capital & Counties Properties PLC

    129,296       306,765  

Civitas Social Housing PLC

    112,831       169,422  

Custodian REIT PLC

    72,729       93,955  

Derwent London PLC

    19,037       880,978  

Empiric Student Property PLC

    106,562       110,248  

GCP Student Living PLC

    82,239       177,297  

Great Portland Estates PLC

    41,015       389,016  

Hammerson PLC

    683,484       249,597  

LondonMetric Property PLC

    155,333       475,170  

LXI REIT PLC

    94,291       167,422  

Picton Property Income Ltd. (The)

    99,781       122,624  

Primary Health Properties PLC

    236,857       503,348  

RDI REIT PLC

    47,300       80,679  

Regional REIT Ltd.(c)

    71,578       76,556  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    37,676       420,872  

Shaftesbury PLC(a)

    34,338       296,929  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    307,419       774,075  

UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd.

    142,317       136,496  

UNITE Group PLC (The)(a)

    57,019       774,065  

Warehouse REIT PLC

    64,866       115,629  

Workspace Group PLC

    24,264       259,515  
   

 

 

 
      7,691,971  
Food Products — 1.8%            

Bakkavor Group PLC(a)(c)

    26,269       32,687  

Cranswick PLC

    9,386       446,430  

Greencore Group PLC(a)

    95,564       202,950  

Hotel Chocolat Group PLC(a)

    8,977       45,810  

Premier Foods PLC(a)

    104,849       132,517  

Tate & Lyle PLC

    83,857       852,339  
   

 

 

 
      1,712,733  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.9%  

Advanced Medical Solutions Group PLC

    35,184       115,598  

ConvaTec Group PLC(c)

    268,618       707,546  
   

 

 

 
      823,144  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.3%            

CVS Group PLC(a)

    11,955       283,976  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)  

Mediclinic International PLC(a)

    72,534     $     289,424  

Spire Healthcare Group PLC(a)(c)

    51,177       104,893  

UDG Healthcare PLC

    45,210       487,651  
   

 

 

 
      1,165,944  
Health Care Technology — 0.3%  

Craneware PLC

    3,682       107,589  

EMIS Group PLC

    10,263       152,383  
   

 

 

 
      259,972  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 5.5%  

888 Holdings PLC

    65,832       273,358  

Carnival PLC

    28,084       618,609  

Domino’s Pizza Group PLC

    79,595       340,745  

Gamesys Group PLC

    13,535       258,114  

Greggs PLC(a)

    18,206       530,967  

J D Wetherspoon PLC(a)

    15,213       262,889  

Marston’s PLC(a)

    115,008       153,798  

Mitchells & Butlers PLC(a)(b)

    35,080       149,098  

Mitchells & Butlers PLC, NVS

    11,693       15,367  

Patisserie Holdings PLC(d)

    6,053       0 (e)  

Playtech PLC(a)

    53,577       354,455  

Restaurant Group PLC (The)(a)

    107,144       163,130  

SSP Group PLC

    96,857       466,372  

TUI AG(a)

    138,087       833,631  

William Hill PLC(a)

    178,474       675,214  
   

 

 

 
      5,095,747  
Household Durables — 3.0%            

Bellway PLC

    22,076       866,674  

Countryside Properties PLC(a)(c)

    93,858       610,974  

Crest Nicholson Holdings PLC(a)

    45,661       205,050  

IG Design Group PLC

    12,644       87,681  

Redrow PLC

    50,624       385,737  

Victoria PLC(a)

    14,710       166,585  

Vistry Group PLC(a)

    40,029       471,222  
   

 

 

 
      2,793,923  
Household Products — 0.1%            

PZ Cussons PLC

    38,079       130,434  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.5%  

ContourGlobal PLC(c)

    36,259       104,936  

Drax Group PLC

    71,134       380,107  
   

 

 

 
      485,043  
Insurance — 2.3%            

Beazley PLC(a)

    108,839       526,196  

Hiscox Ltd.(a)

    61,996       818,227  

Just Group PLC(a)

    187,797       237,485  

Lancashire Holdings Ltd.

    43,411       373,262  

Sabre Insurance Group PLC(c)

    45,474       154,175  
   

 

 

 
      2,109,345  
Interactive Media & Services — 1.3%  

Rightmove PLC(a)

    156,349       1,235,043  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 3.5%            

AO World PLC(a)

    51,257       203,521  

ASOS PLC(a)

    13,385       1,047,960  

boohoo Group PLC(a)

    180,312       849,306  

Moneysupermarket.com Group PLC

    96,078       389,548  

On the Beach Group PLC(a)(c)

    26,299       145,604  

Trainline PLC(a)(c)

    81,669       590,889  
   

 

 

 
      3,226,828  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F  N V E S T M E N T S

  15


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
IT Services — 2.7%            

Capita PLC(a)

    296,899     $     187,789  

Computacenter PLC

    13,281       387,332  

Equiniti Group PLC(a)(c)

    66,211       131,449  

Finablr PLC(a)(c)(d)

    61,710       863  

iomart Group PLC

    16,870       72,409  

Kainos Group PLC

    14,380       264,578  

Keywords Studios PLC(a)

    12,562       441,532  

NCC Group PLC

    50,612       185,747  

Network International Holdings PLC(a)(c)

    83,893       435,149  

Softcat PLC

    21,362       437,241  
   

 

 

 
      2,544,089  
Leisure Products — 0.8%  

Games Workshop Group PLC

    5,555       742,084  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.4%  

Clinigen Group PLC

    24,013       239,541  

Ergomed PLC(a)

    6,625       115,780  
   

 

 

 
      355,321  
Machinery — 4.2%            

Bodycote PLC

    34,277       346,481  

IMI PLC

    48,730       891,815  

Judges Scientific PLC

    902       75,665  

Morgan Advanced Materials PLC

    50,791       220,134  

Rotork PLC

    156,252       779,451  

Vesuvius PLC

    38,735       282,150  

Weir Group PLC (The)(a)

    46,482       1,288,033  
   

 

 

 
      3,883,729  
Media — 3.0%            

Ascential PLC(a)

    72,103       360,487  

Daily Mail & General Trust PLC, Class A, NVS

    28,245       355,404  

Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC

    19,545       265,608  

Future PLC

    20,455       557,664  

ITV PLC(a)

    648,623       996,164  

S4 Capital PLC(a)

    48,447       300,738  
   

 

 

 
      2,836,065  
Metals & Mining — 2.3%            

Centamin PLC

    206,955       292,382  

Central Asia Metals PLC

    28,380       95,624  

Eurasia Mining PLC(a)

    317,838       127,978  

Ferrexpo PLC

    53,022       248,484  

Greatland Gold PLC(a)

    650,820       218,379  

Hill & Smith Holdings PLC

    14,200       252,531  

Hochschild Mining PLC

    60,410       181,587  

KAZ Minerals PLC

    42,383       494,548  

Petropavlovsk PLC(a)

    455,221       174,386  

SolGold PLC(a)

    150,555       45,256  
   

 

 

 
      2,131,155  
Multi-Utilities — 1.0%            

Centrica PLC(a)

    1,045,368       771,103  

Telecom Plus PLC

    11,361       187,112  
   

 

 

 
      958,215  
Multiline Retail — 2.1%            

B&M European Value Retail SA

    161,164       1,231,168  

Marks & Spencer Group PLC(a)

    349,723       693,817  
   

 

 

 
      1,924,985  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.9%  

Cairn Energy PLC

    89,107       237,949  

Diversified Gas & Oil PLC

    121,825       212,904  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

Energean PLC(a)

    17,288     $     218,573  

Serica Energy PLC

    31,594       53,006  

Tullow Oil PLC(a)

    248,780       152,762  
   

 

 

 
      875,194  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.5%            

Alliance Pharma PLC

    81,994       98,243  

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

    19,333       927,111  

Indivior PLC(a)

    132,767       238,524  

Vectura Group PLC(a)

    106,101       166,141  
   

 

 

 
      1,430,019  
Professional Services — 1.6%  

Hays PLC(a)

    300,141       638,673  

Pagegroup PLC(a)

    58,827       393,301  

RWS Holdings PLC

    51,929       439,242  
   

 

 

 
      1,471,216  
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.3%  

Grainger PLC

    121,309       455,891  

Helical PLC

    19,825       105,326  

IWG PLC(a)

    135,045       679,703  

Savills PLC(a)

    25,584       413,132  

Sirius Real Estate Ltd.

    167,311       216,374  

St. Modwen Properties PLC

    35,516       196,137  

Watkin Jones PLC

    37,003       103,985  
   

 

 

 
      2,170,548  
Road & Rail — 1.2%            

Firstgroup PLC(a)

    216,872       272,888  

Go-Ahead Group PLC (The)(a)

    7,876       129,274  

National Express Group PLC(a)

    98,941       413,605  

Redde Northgate PLC

    44,708       171,892  

Stagecoach Group PLC

    73,341       95,361  
   

 

 

 
      1,083,020  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.2%  

IQE PLC(a)

    134,632       138,160  
   

 

 

 
Software — 2.7%            

Alfa Financial Software Holdings PLC(c)

    17,575       32,091  

Avast PLC(c)

    119,298       770,573  

Blue Prism Group PLC(a)

    14,257       305,170  

Bytes Technology Group PLC(a)

    29,825       174,549  

First Derivatives PLC(a)

    3,919       159,169  

GB Group PLC

    33,163       382,977  

Ideagen PLC

    33,058       126,638  

Learning Technologies Group PLC

    91,829       209,911  

Micro Focus International PLC(a)

    59,921       350,685  
   

 

 

 
      2,511,763  
Specialty Retail — 2.3%            

Dixons Carphone PLC(a)

    187,854       332,763  

Dunelm Group PLC(a)

    18,107       318,215  

Frasers Group PLC(a)

    36,990       242,650  

Halfords Group PLC(a)

    36,167       146,386  

Pets at Home Group PLC

    89,255       492,162  

WH Smith PLC

    23,389       624,574  
   

 

 

 
      2,156,750  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.2%  

Coats Group PLC(a)

    258,134       224,478  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.8%            

OSB Group PLC(a)

    79,892       495,488  
 

 

 

16  

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (continued)            

Paragon Banking Group PLC

    45,749     $ 287,188  
   

 

 

 
      782,676  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 4.6%            

Diploma PLC

    22,302       722,763  

Electrocomponents PLC

    80,072       1,085,902  

Grafton Group PLC

    40,792       564,325  

Howden Joinery Group PLC(a)

    106,899       1,040,510  

Travis Perkins PLC(a)

    45,138       907,170  
   

 

 

 
      4,320,670  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.9%            

Signature Aviation PLC(a)

    148,253       827,847  
   

 

 

 
Water Utilities — 1.0%            

Pennon Group PLC

    75,448       921,929  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.2%            

Airtel Africa PLC(c)

    133,198       148,421  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $91,957,326)

      92,702,471  
   

 

 

 

Rights

   

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.0%

 

LXI REIT PLC, (Expires 03/10/21)(a)

    9,325       326  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

      326  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 1.1%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(f)(g)(h)

    921,834     $ 922,387  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(f)(g)

    90,000       90,000  
   

 

 

 
      1,012,387  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.1%
(Cost: $1,011,795)

      1,012,387  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.7%
(Cost: $92,969,121)

      93,715,184  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.7)%

      (673,445
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  93,041,739  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

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.

(d) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(e) 

Rounds to less than $1.

(f) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(g) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

(h) 

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

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer
   Value at
08/31/20
       Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
       Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
       Value at
02/28/21
       Shares
Held at
02/28/21
       Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 1,170,176        $      $ (247,080 )(a)      $ (478       $ (231      $ 922,387          921,834        $ 51,702 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     20,000          70,000 (a)                                90,000          90,000          11         
             

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

           

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ (478       $ (231      $ 1,012,387             $ 51,713      $  
             

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

FTSE 250 Index

     4          03/19/21        $ 234        $ 2,605  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F  N V E S T M E N T S

  17


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 2,605  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 38,678  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (2,305
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 259,487      

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 92,686,241      $ 15,367      $ 863      $ 92,702,471  

Rights

            326               326  

Money Market Funds

     1,012,387                      1,012,387  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 93,698,628      $ 15,693      $ 863      $ 93,715,184  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $ 2,605      $      $      $ 2,605  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

18  

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Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

       

 

   

iShares

Currency

Hedged

MSCI United
Kingdom

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI United

Kingdom ETF

   

iShares

MSCI United
Kingdom
Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

     

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

     

Unaffiliated(b)

  $     $ 3,116,649,572     $ 92,702,797  

Affiliated(c)

    7,265,871       1,270,000       1,012,387  

Cash

    3,639       2,326       9,803  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

          16,707,198       193,688  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

     

Futures contracts(e)

          3,698,368       26,564  

Receivables:

     

Investments sold

    190,551       189,398       84,761  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

                125  

Capital shares sold

          893,223       76,037  

Dividends

          13,410,826       24,961  

Tax reclaims

          41,491       13,664  

Unrealized appreciation on:

     

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    26,002              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    7,486,063       3,152,862,402       94,144,787  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

     

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

                922,544  

Payables:

     

Investments purchased

    57,374       405,859       143,043  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          943,646       3,074  

Investment advisory fees

          1,168,382       34,387  

Unrealized depreciation on:

     

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    136,071              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    193,445       2,517,887       1,103,048  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,292,618     $ 3,150,344,515     $ 93,041,739  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 15,678,395     $ 3,941,965,269     $ 101,625,752  

Accumulated loss

    (8,385,777     (791,620,754     (8,584,013
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,292,618     $ 3,150,344,515     $ 93,041,739  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    350,000       103,500,000       2,100,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 20.84     $ 30.44     $ 44.31  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $     $     $ 838,522  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $     $ 3,475,774,096     $ 91,957,326  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 7,994,697     $ 1,270,000     $ 1,011,795  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $     $ 16,613,623     $ 193,999  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $     $ 3,712,551     $ 26,805  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  19


 

Statements of Operations  (unaudited) 

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

    iShares
Currency
Hedged
MSCI United
Kingdom
ETF
   

iShares

MSCI United
Kingdom

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI United
Kingdom
Small-Cap
ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

     

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $     $ 43,060,628     $ 534,335  

Dividends — Affiliated

    106,846       500       11  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

          1,680       51,702  

Foreign taxes withheld

          (315,615     (29,208
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    106,846       42,747,193       556,840  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    28,344       6,529,515       185,797  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    28,344       6,529,515       185,797  

Less:

     

Investment advisory fees waived

    (28,344            
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

          6,529,515       185,797  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    106,846       36,217,678       371,043  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

          (73,134,495     (1,261,260

Investments — Affiliated

    (199,809     (2,606     (478

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

          28,287,407       847,223  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    (471,292            

Futures contracts

          585,292       38,678  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (429,638            

Foreign currency transactions

          524,256       6,110  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized loss

    (1,100,739     (43,740,146     (369,727
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

          381,736,291       14,010,278  

Investments — Affiliated

    2,040,785       320       (231

Futures contracts

          (181,545     (2,305

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    117,533              

Foreign currency translations

          (476,834     (8,603
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,158,318       381,078,232       13,999,139  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,057,579       337,338,086       13,629,412  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 1,164,425     $ 373,555,764     $ 14,000,455  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom
ETF
    iShares
MSCI United Kingdom ETF
 
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

         

OPERATIONS

                    

Net investment income

    $ 106,846     $ 1,298,543     $ 36,217,678     $ 68,412,471  

Net realized loss

      (1,100,739     (11,338,886     (43,740,146     (165,092,866

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      2,158,318       (1,651,356     381,078,232       (156,794,889
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      1,164,425       (11,691,699     373,555,764       (253,475,284
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

         

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (106,290     (1,298,842     (31,433,203     (75,813,059
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

         

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

      (4,185,893     (11,735,402     617,158,086       519,630,214  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

         

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (3,127,758     (24,725,943     959,280,647       190,341,871  

Beginning of period

      10,420,376       35,146,319       2,191,063,868       2,000,721,997  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 7,292,618     $ 10,420,376     $ 3,150,344,515     $ 2,191,063,868  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  21


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

    iShares
MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap
ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 371,043     $ 1,638,496  

Net realized loss

    (369,727     (12,000,108

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    13,999,139       (3,873,370
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    14,000,455       (14,234,982
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (655,859     (2,244,985
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    19,039,718       16,028,264  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    32,384,314       (451,703

Beginning of period

    60,657,425       61,109,128  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 93,041,739     $ 60,657,425  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 18.95                  $ 23.43                  $ 23.83                  $ 23.84                  $ 24.87                  $ 23.21  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.23         0.74         0.92         1.11         0.48         0.43  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      1.90         (4.46       (0.26       (0.05       2.39         2.48  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      2.13         (3.72       0.66         1.06         2.87         2.91  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.24       (0.76       (1.06       (1.07       (0.84       (1.01

From net realized gain

                                      (3.06       (0.24
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.24       (0.76       (1.06       (1.07       (3.90       (1.25
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 20.84       $ 18.95       $ 23.43       $ 23.83       $ 23.84       $ 24.87  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      11.22 %(d)        (16.34 )%        2.92       4.42       13.48       12.90
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses(e)

      0.62 %(f)        0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived(e)

      0.00 %(f)        0.00 %(g)        0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.34 %(f)        3.31       3.96       4.62       1.99       1.80
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 7,293       $ 10,420       $ 35,146       $ 22,643       $ 19,073       $ 114,398  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)(i)

      8 %(d)         15       11       17       20       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) 

The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.

(f) 

Annualized.

(g) 

Rounds to less than 0.01%.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

(i) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes the portfolio activity of the underlying fund in which the Fund is invested. See the underlying fund’s financial highlights for its respective portfolio turnover rates.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  23


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 
 

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

 

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

 

(a)  

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

(a)  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 26.88     $ 30.27     $ 33.62     $ 33.76     $ 31.36     $ 34.30  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.39       0.90       1.49       1.29       1.13       1.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      3.50       (3.30     (3.39     0.06       2.43       (2.73
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      3.89       (2.40     (1.90     1.35       3.56       (1.51
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

             

From net investment income

      (0.33     (0.99     (1.45     (1.49     (1.16     (1.43
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.33     (0.99     (1.45     (1.49     (1.16     (1.43
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 30.44     $ 26.88     $ 30.27     $ 33.62     $ 33.76     $ 31.36  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

             

Based on net asset value

      14.54 %(e)       (8.25 )%      (5.64 )%      3.90     11.60     (4.44 )% 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

             

Total expenses

      0.50 %(f)       0.51     0.50     0.47     0.49     0.48
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.79 %(f)       3.12     4.64     3.66     4.07     3.80
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 3,150,345     $ 2,191,064     $ 2,000,722     $ 1,986,971     $ 2,764,746     $ 1,928,881  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      6 %(e)       4     11     5     4     5
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Per share amounts reflect a one-for-two reverse stock split effective after the close of trading on November 4, 2016.

(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.

 

 

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Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

 
 

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

 

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/16

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 35.68                $ 35.95                $ 42.65                $ 39.92                $ 35.91                $ 40.91  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.23         0.72         1.05         1.15         0.92         1.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      8.81         0.03         (6.69       2.93         4.12         (4.89
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      9.04         0.75         (5.64       4.08         5.04         (3.87
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.41       (1.02       (1.06       (1.35       (1.03       (1.13
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.41       (1.02       (1.06       (1.35       (1.03       (1.13
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 44.31       $ 35.68       $ 35.95       $ 42.65       $ 39.92       $ 35.91  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      25.48 %(d)        1.90       (13.17 )%        10.22       14.40       (9.66 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.59 %(e)        0.59       0.59       0.59       0.59       0.59
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.18 %(e)        1.99       2.76       2.68       2.50       2.72
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 93,042       $ 60,657       $ 61,109       $ 57,571       $ 31,935       $ 25,135  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

      6 %(d)         25       20       20       19       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.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  25


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  

 

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

     Diversified    

MSCI United Kingdom

     Non-diversified    

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

     Diversified    

Currently the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial portion of its assets in the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (the “underlying fund”). The financial statements, including the accounting policies, and schedule of investments for the underlying fund are included in this report and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF.

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at fair value. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers or as estimated by management, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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. However, the currency hedged fund has elected to treat realized gains (losses) from certain foreign currency contracts as capital gain (loss) 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 February 28, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

The Funds file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. The statement of operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 (“NAV”) 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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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 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.

 

   

Exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds 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 fund is primarily traded. Funds traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day may be 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 NAV.

 

   

Futures contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

 

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued based on that day’s prevailing forward exchange rate for the underlying currencies.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

 

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates 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, if any, are also disclosed in each Fund’s schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan and the value of any related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds 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 Funds, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. When the value of the collateral is greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, the lender is left 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 Funds can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities. Upon an event of default, the parties’ obligations to return the securities or collateral to the other party are extinguished, and the parties can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities or the collateral received in connection with the loaned securities in order to satisfy the defaulting party’s net payment obligation for all transactions under the MSLA. The defaulting party remains liable for any deficiency.

As of period end, the following table is a summary of the securities on loan by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of February 28, 2021:

 

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty

    

Market Value of

Securities on Loan

 

 

    

Cash Collateral

Received

 

(a)  

    

Non-Cash Collateral

Received

 

 

     Net Amount  

 

 

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

           

Barclays Capital Inc.

   $ 303,079      $ 303,079      $      $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

     299,773        299,773                

HSBC Bank PLC

     121,412        121,412                

JPMorgan Securities LLC

     50,179        50,179                

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

     64,079        64,079                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 838,522      $ 838,522      $      $  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

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: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it 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, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree 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 (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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are entered into to gain or reduce exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a specified date. These contracts help to manage the overall exposure to the currencies in which some of the investments held by the Funds are denominated and in some cases, may be used to obtain exposure to a particular market. The contracts are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) and not on an organized exchange.

The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation 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 value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Non-deliverable forward foreign currency exchange contracts are settled with the counterparty in cash without the delivery of foreign currency. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a contract changes unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies, and such value may exceed the amount(s) reflected in the statement of assets and liabilities. Cash amounts pledged for forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered restricted and are included in cash pledged as collateral for OTC derivatives in the statement of assets and liabilities. A Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally limited to the aggregate unrealized gain netted against any collateral held by the Fund.

Master Netting Arrangements: In order to define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help mitigate its counterparty risk, a Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a Fund and a counterparty that governs certain OTC derivatives and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, a Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency, or other events.

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement, and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by a fund and the counterparty.

Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral and cash received as collateral, respectively. Non-cash collateral pledged by the Funds, if any, is noted in the Schedules of Investments. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty is subject to a certain minimum transfer amount threshold before a transfer is required, which is determined at the close of business of the Funds. Any additional required collateral is delivered to/pledged by the Funds on the next business day. Typically, the counterparty is not permitted to sell, re-pledge or use cash and non-cash collateral it receives. A Fund generally agrees not to use non-cash collateral that it receives but may, absent default or certain other circumstances defined in the underlying ISDA Master Agreement, be permitted to use cash collateral received. In such cases, interest may be paid pursuant to the collateral arrangement with the counterparty. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from the counterparty are not fully collateralized, each Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. Likewise, to the extent the Funds have delivered collateral to a counterparty and stand ready to perform under the terms of their agreement with such counterparty, each Fund bears the risk of loss from a counterparty in the amount of the value of the collateral in the event the counterparty fails to return such collateral. Based on the terms of agreements, collateral may not be required for all derivative contracts.

For financial reporting purposes, each Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements, if any, in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

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, 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  

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

     0.62

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

     0.59  

For its investment advisory services to the iShares MSCI United Kingdom 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:

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

   
Aggregate Average Daily Net Assets    Investment Advisory Fee  

First $7 billion

     0.59

Over $7 billion, up to and including $11 billion

     0.54  

Over $11 billion, up to and including $24 billion

     0.49  

Over $24 billion, up to and including $48 billion

     0.44  

Over $48 billion, up to and including $72 billion

     0.40  

Over $72 billion, up to and including $96 billion

     0.36  

Over $96 billion

     0.32  

Expense Waivers: A fund may incur its pro rata share of fees and expenses attributable to its investments in other investment companies (“acquired fund fees and expenses”). The total of the investment advisory fee and acquired fund fees and expenses are a fund’s total annual operating expenses.

For the iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through December 31, 2025 so that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver is equal to the acquired fund fees and expenses attributable to the Fund’s investment in the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (“EWU”), after taking into account any fee waivers by EWU, plus 0.03%. BFA has also contractually agreed to an additional reduction in its investment advisory fee of 0.03% through December 31, 2025.

This amount is included in investment advisory fees waived in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement were as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF    Amounts waived      

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

   $ 28,344      

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 (the “collateral investment fees”). The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund, BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional or BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, 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 SL Agency Shares of such money market fund will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. The money market fund in which the cash collateral has been invested may, under certain circumstances, impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the value redeemed or temporarily restrict redemptions for up to 10 business days during a 90 day period, in the event that the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.

Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less the collateral investment fees. 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 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 that calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, 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 February 28, 2021, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   
iShares ETF   

Fees Paid     

to BTC     

 

MSCI United Kingdom

   $ 620      

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

     11,504      

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 February 28, 2021, transactions executed by the Funds pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

       
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales      Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 

MSCI United Kingdom

  $   4,334,799      $   3,779,221      $ (2,351,681

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

    1,501        782,464        (9,817

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 February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

  $ 691,913      $ 965,732  

MSCI United Kingdom

    167,090,568        168,294,632  

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

    4,305,306        4,187,312  

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind

Sales

 

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

  $ 1,025,012      $ 5,255,209  

MSCI United Kingdom

    699,790,789          92,673,866  

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

    32,036,176        13,315,664  

 

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 each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021, 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 August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF    Non-Expiring      

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

   $ 6,536,821      

MSCI United Kingdom

     352,213,250      

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

     8,166,222      

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 February 28, 2021, 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)

 

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

  $ 8,132,181      $ 26,002      $ (1,002,381    $ (976,379

MSCI United Kingdom

      3,535,092,257        246,868,697          (664,813,878      (417,945,181

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

    93,756,218        8,609,859        (8,648,288      (38,429

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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.

The Funds may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Market Risk: An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause a fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a fund invests.

The price each Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from each Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation technique or a price provided by an independent pricing service. Changes to significant unobservable inputs and assumptions (i.e., publicly traded company multiples, growth rate, time to exit) due to the lack of observable inputs.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

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.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. securities and may be less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. Investment percentages in specific countries are presented in the schedule of investments.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns in, or rising government debt levels of, several European countries. These events may spread to other countries in Europe and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union, and one or more other countries may withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the Euro, the common currency of the European Union. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far reaching.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

 

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
02/28/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

 

 

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

          

Shares sold

    50,000      $ 1,028,139        1,400,000      $ 32,825,295  

Shares redeemed

    (250,000      (5,214,032      (2,350,000      (44,560,697
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (200,000    $ (4,185,893      (950,000    $ (11,735,402
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI United Kingdom

          

Shares sold

    25,100,000      $ 710,378,631        27,900,000      $ 816,367,221  

Shares redeemed

    (3,100,000      (93,220,545      (12,500,000      (296,737,007
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    22,000,000      $ 617,158,086        15,400,000      $ 519,630,214  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

          

Shares sold

    750,000      $ 32,444,732        1,600,000      $ 67,533,603  

Shares redeemed

    (350,000      (13,405,014      (1,600,000      (51,505,339
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    400,000      $ 19,039,718             $ 16,028,264  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

 

O T E S   T O  I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  33


 

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF, iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF and iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)

The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

  b)

Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

  c)

Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

  d)

The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

  e)

The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

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Supplemental Information  (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

     
    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
 

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom(a)

  $   0.216416     $     $   0.019784     $   0.236200       92         8     100

MSCI United Kingdom(a)

    0.304261             0.027663       0.331924       92             8       100  

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap(a)

    0.333527             0.076385       0.409912       81             19       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.

 

 

 

U P P L E M E N T A L  N F O R M A T I O N

  35


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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

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Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations - Equity
NVS    Non-Voting Shares
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust
Currency Abbreviations
GBP    British Pound
USD    United States Dollar
Counterparty Abbreviations
MS    Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC
 

 

 

L O S S A R Y   O F  E R M S  S E D   I N   T H I S  E P O R T

  37


 

 

 

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., 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.

©2021 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-813-0221

 

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

 

🌑  

iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF | ESGD | NASDAQ

 

🌑  

iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF | ESGU | NASDAQ

 

🌑  

iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF | ESML | Cboe BZX

 

🌑  

iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF | LDEM | NASDAQ

 

🌑  

iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF | SUSL | NASDAQ

 

🌑  

iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF | SDG | NASDAQ


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large-and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021

 

    

 

 6-Month   

 

 

 

 12-Month  

 

   

U.S. large cap equities
(S&P 500® Index)

      9.74%        31.29%  
   

U.S. small cap equities
(Russell 2000® Index)

  41.69    51.00 
   

International equities
(MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  14.33    22.46 
   

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  22.32    36.05 
   

3-month Treasury bills
(ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

  0.06   0.40
   

U.S. Treasury securities
(ICE BofA 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index)

  (6.34)   (1.96)
   

U.S. investment grade bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays
U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (1.55)   1.38
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

  0.92   1.22
   

U.S. high yield bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays
U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

  6.08   9.31

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

 

2  

T H I S   P A G E   I S   N O T   P A R T   O F   Y O U R   F U N D   R E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

    Page  

 

 

 

The Markets in Review

    2  

Fund Summary

    4  

About Fund Performance

    10  

Shareholder Expenses

    10  

Schedules of Investments

    11  

Financial Statements

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

    52  

Statements of Operations

    54  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    56  

Financial Highlights

    59  

Notes to Financial Statements

    65  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

    75  

Supplemental Information

    76  

General Information

    77  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

    78  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada that have positive environmental, social and governance characteristics, as identified by the index provider while exhibiting risk and return characteristics similar to those of the parent index, as represented by the MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus 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    

Since

Inception

            1 Year    

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

    14.51     22.89     10.68        22.89     60.67

Fund Market

    14.93       21.90       10.66          21.90       60.56  

Index

    14.56       22.90       10.79                22.90       61.41  

The inception date of the Fund was 6/28/16. The first day of secondary market trading was 6/30/16.

Index performance through May 31, 2018 reflects the performance of the MSCI EAFE ESG Focus Index. Index performance beginning on June 1, 2018 reflects the performance of the MSCI EAFE Extended ESG Focus 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 10 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning

  Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00           $      1,145.10           $        1.06                $      1,000.00           $      1,023.80           $        1.00           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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 10 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Financials

    17.6

Industrials

    15.9  

Health Care

    12.1  

Consumer Discretionary

    11.9  

Consumer Staples

    10.0  

Information Technology

    9.2  

Materials

    8.0  

Communication Services

    5.0  

Energy

    4.0  

Utilities

    3.2  

Real Estate

    3.1  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Japan

    25.0

United Kingdom

    14.1  

France

    10.9  

Switzerland

    9.3  

Germany

    8.9  

Australia

    7.0  

Netherlands

    4.6  

Sweden

    3.4  

Hong Kong

    3.2  

Denmark

    2.6  
 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA 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 identified by the index provider while exhibiting risk and return characteristics similar to those of the parent index, as represented by the MSCI USA Extended ESG Focus 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    

Since

Inception

           1 Year    

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

    10.84     35.21     17.21       35.21     96.26

Fund Market

    10.91       34.97       17.20         34.97       96.21  

Index

    10.94       35.37       17.43               35.37       97.85  

The inception date of the Fund was 12/1/16. The first day of secondary market trading was 12/2/16.

Index performance through May 31, 2018 reflects the performance of the MSCI USA ESG Focus Index. Index performance beginning on June 1, 2018 reflects the performance of the MSCI USA Extended ESG Focus Index.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the one-year period. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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 10 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning

  Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/20)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/21)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00           $      1,108.40           $        0.78                $      1,000.00           $      1,024.10           $        0.75          0.15

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 10 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Information Technology

    28.8

Health Care

    13.0  

Consumer Discretionary

    11.9  

Financials

    10.7  

Communication Services

    10.4  

Industrials

    9.2  

Consumer Staples

    5.8  

Real Estate

    2.8  

Energy

    2.7  

Materials

    2.5  

Utilities

    2.2  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Apple Inc.

    5.9

Microsoft Corp.

    5.1  

Amazon.com Inc.

    3.8  

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    2.2  

Facebook Inc., Class A

    1.7  

Tesla Inc.

    1.5  

Alphabet Inc., Class C

    1.3  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1.3  

Johnson & Johnson

    1.1  

NVIDIA Corp.

    1.1  
 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


 

Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an optimized index designed to produce investment results comparable to a capitalization weighted index of small-capitalization U.S. companies, while reflecting a higher allocation to those companies with favorable environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) profiles, (as determined by the index provider), as represented by the MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus 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    

Since

Inception

         1 Year    

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

    39.15     49.76     15.97       49.76     53.45

Fund Market

    38.95       49.41       15.97         49.41       53.45  

Index

    39.38       50.14       16.16           50.14       54.15  

The inception date of the Fund was 4/10/18. The first day of secondary market trading was 4/12/18.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the six-months and one-year periods. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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 10 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
  Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $        1,000.00           $      1,391.50           $        1.01                $      1,000.00           $      1,024.00           $        0.85          0.17

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 10 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments


(a) 

Industrials

    17.0

Health Care

    16.4  

Information Technology

    15.9  

Consumer Discretionary

    14.9  

Financials

    13.8  

Real Estate

    7.8  

Materials

    3.8  

Consumer Staples

    3.2  

Energy

    3.1  

Communication Services

    2.2  

Utilities

    1.9  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments


 

Penn National Gaming Inc.

    0.4

Caesars Entertainment Inc.

    0.4  

Comerica Inc.

    0.3  

Zions Bancorp NA

    0.3  

Novavax Inc.

    0.3  

Quanta Services Inc.

    0.3  

Cree Inc.

    0.3  

Toro Co. (The)

    0.3  

Five9 Inc.

    0.3  

Ingredion Inc.

    0.3  
 

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large and mid-capitalization stocks of emerging market companies with high environmental, social, and governance performance relative to their sector peers as determined by the index provider, as represented by the MSCI EM Extended ESG Leaders 5% Issuer Capped Net 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    

Since

Inception

         1 Year     Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    21.61     34.51     21.88       34.51     23.48

Fund Market

    21.77       32.53       22.15         32.53       23.77  

Index

    22.15       35.34       22.47           35.34       24.19  

The inception date of the Fund was 2/5/20. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/7/20.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the one-year period. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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 10 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
  Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $        1,000.00           $      1,216.10           $        0.88                $      1,000.00           $      1,024.00           $        0.80          0.16

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 10 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    20.8

Consumer Discretionary

    17.8  

Information Technology

    16.7  

Communication Services

    9.9  

Materials

    7.7  

Consumer Staples

    6.5  

Energy

    6.0  

Health Care

    5.3  

Industrials

    4.9  

Real Estate

    2.5  

Utilities

    1.9  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

China

    31.4

Taiwan

    15.5  

India

    13.2  

South Korea

    8.4  

South Africa

    7.3  

Brazil

    4.3  

Thailand

    3.1  

Russia

    2.7  

Malaysia

    2.6  

Indonesia

    2.0  
 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  7


 

Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. large- and mid-capitalization stocks of companies with high environmental, social, and governance performance relative to their sector peers, as determined by the index provider, as represented by the MSCI USA Extended ESG Leaders 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    

Since

Inception

           1 Year     Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    10.52     30.35     19.76       30.35     38.76

Fund Market

    10.32       29.95       19.66         29.95       38.55  

Index

    10.58       30.44       19.88               30.44       38.97  

The inception date of the Fund was 5/7/19. The first day of secondary market trading was 5/9/19.

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 10 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
  Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $          1,000.00           $      1,105.20           $        0.52                $      1,000.00           $      1,024.30           $        0.50          0.10

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 10 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Information Technology

    27.6

Consumer Discretionary

    13.5  

Health Care

    13.0  

Communication Services

    12.2  

Financials

    10.7  

Industrials

    9.1  

Consumer Staples

    6.0  

Materials

    2.9  

Real Estate

    2.7  

Energy

    1.3  

Utilities

    1.0  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Microsoft Corp.

    10.2

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    3.7  

Alphabet Inc., Class C

    3.7  

Tesla Inc.

    3.1  

Johnson & Johnson

    2.5  

Visa Inc., Class A

    2.2  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    2.1  

NVIDIA Corp.

    2.1  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    1.9  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    1.9  

 

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® MSCI Global Impact ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of positive impact companies that derive a majority of their revenue from products and services that address at least one of the world’s major social and environmental challenges as identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as represented by the MSCI ACWI Sustainable Impact 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    

Since

Inception

           1 Year     Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    14.85     49.01     16.47       49.01     109.89

Fund Market

    15.14       48.34       16.58         48.34       110.85  

Index

    15.01       49.34       16.72               49.34       112.03  

The inception date of the Fund was 4/20/16. The first day of secondary market trading was 4/22/16.

Certain sectors and markets performed exceptionally well based on market conditions during the one-year period. Achieving such exceptional returns involves the risk of volatility and investors should not expect that such exceptional returns will be repeated.

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 10 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
  Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $        1,000.00           $      1,148.50           $        2.61                $      1,000.00           $      1,022.40           $        2.46          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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 10 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Consumer Staples

    20.5

Health Care

    20.1  

Industrials

    19.9  

Materials

    12.3  

Real Estate

    8.8  

Consumer Discretionary

    8.3  

Utilities

    5.0  

Information Technology

    3.4  

Communication Services

    1.7  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

United States

    24.1

Japan

    14.7  

United Kingdom

    11.3  

China

    9.6  

Denmark

    7.3  

France

    7.3  

Belgium

    5.1  

Hong Kong

    4.4  

Sweden

    2.7  

Germany

    2.2  
 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  9


 

About Fund Performance        

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

 

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   

Australia — 6.9%

   

Afterpay Ltd.(a)

    63,038     $ 5,833,056  

APA Group

    803,445       5,778,631  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    220,216       5,176,113  

ASX Ltd.

    130,976       6,854,749  

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    1,493,129       4,404,285  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    760,871       15,415,865  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    348,943       4,506,130  

Brambles Ltd.

    917,965       7,035,816  

Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd.

    454,853       4,715,251  

Cochlear Ltd.

    42,278       6,919,793  

Coles Group Ltd.

    335,010       3,976,061  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    489,514       30,909,748  

CSL Ltd.

    133,737       27,188,353  

Dexus

    953,310       6,568,668  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    584,800       10,915,854  

Goodman Group

    492,114       6,309,271  

GPT Group (The)

    1,371,492       4,533,925  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

    1,171,187       4,524,597  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    147,648       4,173,424  

Lendlease Corp. Ltd.

    503,251       5,181,905  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    110,905       12,233,710  

Mirvac Group

    3,409,953       5,887,167  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    860,823       16,421,306  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    309,576       5,905,560  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    524,195       4,143,542  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    679,478       4,887,021  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    100,174       5,118,611  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

    157,350       15,494,332  

Seek Ltd.

    192,129       3,822,779  

Stockland

    1,358,179       4,384,764  

Sydney Airport(a)

    1,025,595       4,652,931  

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd.

    1,365,578       4,704,675  

Transurban Group

    990,772       9,818,312  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    242,051       9,227,373  

Westpac Banking Corp.

    987,316       18,207,531  

Woodside Petroleum Ltd.

    602,888       11,468,191  

Woolworths Group Ltd.

    320,126       9,764,956  
   

 

 

 
          317,064,256  
Austria — 0.2%            

OMV AG

    238,745       11,550,976  
   

 

 

 
Belgium — 0.8%            

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    253,099       14,580,260  

KBC Group NV(a)

    102,760       7,436,408  

Solvay SA

    40,775       5,003,711  

UCB SA

    44,765       4,479,440  

Umicore SA

    91,369       5,396,573  
   

 

 

 
      36,896,392  
Denmark — 2.6%            

Ambu A/S, Series B

    89,492       4,169,111  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    2,522       5,092,371  

Carlsberg AS, Class B

    62,982       9,972,257  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S(a)

    50,483       4,357,545  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    34,744       5,324,247  

DSV Panalpina A/S

    48,970       9,048,609  

Genmab A/S(a)

    18,997       6,418,901  

GN Store Nord A/S

    52,923       4,474,860  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    552,011       39,461,860  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Denmark (continued)            

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    71,563     $ 4,448,266  

Orsted A/S(b)

    60,909       9,922,413  

Pandora A/S

    46,876       4,587,937  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    59,669       11,244,703  
   

 

 

 
          118,523,080  
Finland — 1.1%            

Elisa OYJ

    78,527       4,703,848  

Kesko OYJ, Class B

    185,585       4,739,535  

Neste OYJ

    159,239       10,526,262  

Nokia OYJ(a)

    1,849,839       7,409,604  

Nordea Bank Abp

    612,294       5,563,062  

Stora Enso OYJ, Class R

    216,556       4,291,119  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    248,295       9,523,622  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    467,605       5,393,135  
   

 

 

 
      52,150,187  
France — 10.9%            

Air Liquide SA

    98,958       14,978,367  

Airbus SE(a)

    146,149       17,014,016  

Alstom SA(a)

    92,275       4,630,220  

Amundi SA(a)(b)

    59,156       4,523,624  

Atos SE(a)

    66,336       5,203,114  

AXA SA

    767,755       19,383,540  

BNP Paribas SA(a)

    320,600       19,175,083  

Bouygues SA

    114,158       4,650,240  

Capgemini SE

    50,544       8,168,793  

Carrefour SA

    265,307       4,651,718  

Cie. de Saint-Gobain(a)

    127,148       6,855,438  

Cie. Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    66,970       9,734,260  

CNP Assurances(a)

    275,643       4,988,520  

Credit Agricole SA(a)

    350,235       4,937,713  

Danone SA

    229,590       15,734,065  

Dassault Systemes SE

    47,857       9,985,469  

Edenred

    82,058       4,570,736  

Eiffage SA(a)

    47,164       4,875,211  

Electricite de France SA(a)

    369,497       4,443,693  

Engie SA(a)

    475,422       6,973,857  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    76,501       12,535,683  

Gecina SA

    39,255       5,465,193  

Hermes International

    5,392       6,042,168  

Kering SA

    23,565       15,013,817  

Legrand SA

    68,041       5,939,741  

L’Oreal SA

    92,249       33,905,070  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    75,648       48,206,307  

Orange SA

    410,059       4,752,322  

Pernod Ricard SA

    66,660       12,731,488  

Publicis Groupe SA

    82,319       4,850,058  

Renault SA(a)

    94,329       4,250,684  

Safran SA(a)

    90,694       12,467,055  

Sanofi

    279,089       25,677,872  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    9,492       4,170,743  

Schneider Electric SE

    176,132       26,263,980  

Societe Generale SA(a)

    273,183       6,809,191  

STMicroelectronics NV

    186,004       7,217,919  

Teleperformance

    20,815       7,405,244  

Thales SA

    49,784       4,739,958  

TOTAL SE

    809,701       37,715,526  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

    68,093       5,026,851  

Valeo SA

    118,634       4,210,500  

Vinci SA

    112,626       11,762,135  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  11


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
France (continued)            

Vivendi SE

    248,171     $ 8,606,140  

Worldline SA(a)(b)

    67,849       6,077,807  
   

 

 

 
      497,321,129  
Germany — 8.7%            

adidas AG(a)

    64,015       22,447,935  

Allianz SE, Registered

    149,714       36,308,224  

BASF SE

    294,571       24,216,879  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    128,137       11,120,587  

Beiersdorf AG

    53,694       5,337,732  

Brenntag SE

    60,610       4,727,506  

Commerzbank AG(a)

    716,941       4,725,311  

Continental AG(a)

    34,055       4,914,845  

Covestro AG(b)

    65,905       4,796,529  

Daimler AG, Registered

    231,253       18,596,036  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(b)

    38,437       4,931,415  

Deutsche Bank AG, Registered(a)

    583,668       7,236,171  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    81,457       13,402,168  

Deutsche Post AG, Registered

    336,504       16,770,897  

Deutsche Telekom AG, Registered

    704,350       12,849,748  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    107,170       5,066,731  

E.ON SE

    938,486       9,625,684  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    116,420       5,008,047  

HeidelbergCement AG

    74,492       5,920,596  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    51,712       4,048,538  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    57,774       5,147,254  

Infineon Technologies AG

    422,886       18,478,764  

Knorr-Bremse AG

    36,789       4,712,835  

LEG Immobilien AG

    33,310       4,574,440  

Merck KGaA

    62,833       10,261,683  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    20,420       4,882,802  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen, Registered

    48,266       14,236,220  

Puma SE(a)

    58,094       6,203,865  

SAP SE

    346,338       42,904,497  

Siemens AG, Registered

    238,668       37,075,192  

Symrise AG

    37,798       4,437,437  

TeamViewer AG(a)(b)

    84,019       4,538,210  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

    1,594,980       4,278,531  

Vonovia SE

    139,635       8,938,847  

Zalando SE(a)(b)

    48,238       4,978,030  
   

 

 

 
          397,700,186  
Hong Kong — 3.2%            

AIA Group Ltd.

    3,625,800       45,361,353  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    3,905,500       12,989,217  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.

    644,000       5,885,979  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.(c)

    448,200       8,666,619  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    337,700       20,599,772  

MTR Corp. Ltd.

    1,873,000       11,239,425  

Sands China Ltd.(a)

    1,720,800       8,052,368  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    479,000       7,693,787  

Swire Pacific Ltd., Class A

    949,500       6,958,443  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    2,186,400       7,032,128  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    402,500       6,143,335  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

    779,000       4,654,508  
   

 

 

 
      145,276,934  
Ireland — 0.7%            

CRH PLC(a)

    287,964       12,513,199  

Flutter Entertainment PLC(a)

    44,954       8,700,415  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    56,947       6,908,770  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Ireland (continued)            

Kingspan Group PLC(a)

    72,168     $ 5,277,750  
   

 

 

 
      33,400,134  
Israel — 0.6%            

Bank Hapoalim BM(a)

    671,128       4,760,922  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

    708,505       4,330,977  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(a)

    31,182       4,578,453  

Isracard Ltd.

    1       4  

Nice Ltd.(a)

    16,126       3,749,282  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., ADR(a)

    416,424       4,480,722  

Wix.com Ltd.(a)

    23,054       8,035,933  
   

 

 

 
          29,936,293  
Italy — 2.2%            

Amplifon SpA(a)

    106,228       4,255,005  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA(a)

    354,876       6,698,139  

CNH Industrial NV(a)

    390,296       5,798,593  

Enel SpA

    2,814,905       26,800,842  

Eni SpA

    1,279,149       14,722,047  

Ferrari NV

    23,273       4,562,176  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA(a)

    7,241,471       18,757,213  

Nexi SpA(a)(b)

    235,469       4,254,315  

Snam SpA

    870,741       4,540,465  

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA

    659,571       4,617,787  

UniCredit SpA(a)

    481,272       4,988,794  
   

 

 

 
      99,995,376  
Japan — 24.9%            

Advantest Corp.

    57,200       4,697,766  

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    245,600       7,383,676  

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    218,000       4,335,855  

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    227,600       4,387,933  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    170,700       7,389,416  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    652,700       7,020,783  

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    677,100       10,638,872  

Azbil Corp.

    103,400       4,391,637  

Bridgestone Corp.

    173,700       6,783,984  

Canon Inc.

    260,600       5,607,523  

Capcom Co. Ltd.

    71,200       4,330,543  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    34,800       5,686,766  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    227,700       10,179,605  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    250,900       4,507,439  

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

    43,600       4,166,022  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    348,300       6,110,125  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    505,300       14,275,887  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    76,800       14,936,137  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    192,800       5,434,376  

Denso Corp.

    154,300       9,251,628  

East Japan Railway Co.

    124,300       9,166,746  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    101,500       6,972,766  

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    1,775,700       7,795,146  

FANUC Corp.

    50,800       12,559,339  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

    18,800       18,528,252  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    121,700       6,933,724  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    74,800       10,784,006  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    152,000       5,043,364  

Hitachi Ltd.

    234,800       10,746,056  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    470,300       12,852,247  

Hoya Corp.

    107,400       12,197,672  

Ibiden Co. Ltd.

    99,300       4,035,752  

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

    181,700       4,748,008  

Inpex Corp.

    896,800       6,599,317  
 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Japan (continued)            

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    436,400     $ 4,563,071  

ITOCHU Corp.

    668,500           19,878,055  

Japan Exchange Group Inc.

    206,400       4,443,199  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

    562,600       4,808,556  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    4,466       4,414,021  

JFE Holdings Inc.(a)

    460,000       4,827,107  

Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

    161,900       4,227,575  

Kao Corp.

    170,900       11,459,636  

KDDI Corp.

    592,800       18,305,913  

Keio Corp.

    57,500       4,290,642  

Keyence Corp.

    50,300       23,870,546  

Kikkoman Corp.

    66,000       4,354,984  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    104,100       4,348,085  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

    297,900       5,839,724  

Komatsu Ltd.

    376,500       11,273,090  

Kubota Corp.

    350,300       7,915,780  

Kyocera Corp.

    102,300       6,585,070  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    157,300       4,382,076  

Kyushu Railway Co.

    192,400       5,005,940  

M3 Inc.

    108,600       8,587,901  

Marubeni Corp.

    661,800       4,917,844  

Mazda Motor Corp.

    527,800       4,156,413  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    654,900       4,547,541  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    346,200       9,758,200  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    467,400       6,881,142  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    356,300       6,146,794  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    161,200       4,642,027  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    2,893,400       15,154,094  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    311,000       7,005,819  

Miura Co. Ltd.

    82,100       4,246,020  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    763,800       11,176,687  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    263,900       7,431,012  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    185,200       15,785,632  

Nabtesco Corp.

    88,700       3,763,131  

NEC Corp.

    89,100       4,850,573  

Nexon Co. Ltd.

    142,200       4,484,625  

NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd.

    261,000       4,414,511  

Nidec Corp.

    123,800       15,710,306  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    32,508       19,756,833  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    771       4,711,104  

Nippon Express Co. Ltd.

    64,100       4,765,084  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    55,000       4,088,605  

Nippon Steel Corp.(a)

    332,100       4,886,116  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    379,800       9,831,879  

Nippon Yusen KK

    180,500       5,175,779  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    62,500       5,332,504  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    1,224,300       7,110,915  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    162,000       5,033,039  

Obayashi Corp.

    520,400       4,459,595  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    146,100       4,271,649  

Olympus Corp.

    262,000       5,483,950  

Omron Corp.

    113,400       9,132,457  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    160,000       4,301,108  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd.

    60,700       10,164,145  

ORIX Corp.

    443,400       7,497,514  

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

    255,400       4,569,105  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    111,300       4,412,720  

Panasonic Corp.

    787,700       10,095,779  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    388,200       19,242,390  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    1,660,600       6,666,403  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Japan (continued)            

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    43,700     $ 4,294,528  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    90,700       7,854,310  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    292,800       5,207,959  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    362,800       6,800,372  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    202,500       7,673,104  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    188,300       4,326,623  

Shimadzu Corp.

    113,600       4,083,799  

Shimano Inc.

    19,600       4,380,289  

Shimizu Corp.

    603,000       4,556,176  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    86,700       14,119,063  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    119,300       6,061,300  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    106,200       7,887,747  

SMC Corp.

    7,800       4,605,031  

Softbank Corp.

    847,300       11,460,102  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    440,400       40,902,553  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

    93,400       4,207,997  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    157,500       6,031,537  

Sony Corp.

    397,000       41,436,456  

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd.

    141,200       4,181,397  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    1,502,200       7,261,432  

Sumitomo Corp.

    333,400       4,820,750  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    149,800       7,229,882  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    347,100       12,191,179  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    227,100       7,464,841  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    97,400       4,204,455  

Sysmex Corp.

    66,800       6,950,235  

Taisei Corp.

    118,100       4,162,432  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    507,594       17,065,907  

TDK Corp.

    41,500       5,936,362  

Teijin Ltd.

    263,200       4,520,894  

Terumo Corp.

    208,800       7,743,278  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    182,100       8,978,518  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    63,100       4,110,325  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    51,700       21,133,236  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

    220,400       4,555,292  

Tokyu Corp.

    374,500       5,146,123  

Toray Industries Inc.

    782,300       5,114,982  

Toshiba Corp.

    135,000       4,251,220  

TOTO Ltd.

    70,100       4,217,580  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    601,400       44,441,733  

Unicharm Corp.

    104,600       4,139,230  

West Japan Railway Co.

    95,400       5,832,885  

Yamaha Corp.

    81,600       4,541,843  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    205,000       4,462,127  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    92,800       4,633,903  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    225,400       4,265,125  
   

 

 

 
      1,139,366,495  
Netherlands — 4.6%            

Adyen NV(a)(b)

    4,214       9,800,250  

Aegon NV

    1,012,930       4,863,880  

Akzo Nobel NV

    82,502       8,568,057  

ArcelorMittal SA(a)

    197,676       4,644,741  

Argenx SE(a)

    12,920       4,353,405  

ASM International NV

    15,462       4,196,474  

ASML Holding NV

    131,116       74,059,797  

Heineken NV

    94,379       9,359,325  

ING Groep NV

    1,153,382       12,654,374  

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV(a)(b)

    44,050       4,271,015  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    261,088       6,921,284  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    54,788       9,080,803  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  13


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Netherlands (continued)            

Koninklijke KPN NV

    1,389,066     $ 4,565,819  

Koninklijke Philips NV(a)

    101,963       5,563,751  

Koninklijke Vopak NV

    87,719       4,206,761  

NN Group NV

    107,747       4,995,922  

Prosus NV

    143,295       17,055,719  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    85,321       4,246,068  

Stellantis NV(a)

    298,915       4,870,536  

Stellantis NV

    110,287       1,798,361  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    117,188       9,342,506  
   

 

 

 
      209,418,848  
New Zealand — 0.4%            

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    207,816       4,419,762  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    1,069,234       4,431,407  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    424,136       4,517,902  

Xero Ltd.(a)

    49,009       4,493,562  
   

 

 

 
      17,862,633  
Norway — 0.9%            

DNB ASA

    242,657       4,751,986  

Equinor ASA

    728,940       13,817,865  

Mowi ASA

    211,234       5,136,136  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    956,656       5,332,035  

Orkla ASA

    619,782       5,747,305  

Telenor ASA

    376,282       6,123,539  
   

 

 

 
      40,908,866  
Portugal — 0.2%            

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    720,163       8,115,458  
   

 

 

 
Russia — 0.1%            

Evraz PLC

    591,088       4,718,748  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 1.1%            

CapitaLand Ltd.

    2,447,300       5,852,759  

City Developments Ltd.

    915,500       5,067,369  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    624,800       12,517,614  

Keppel Corp. Ltd.

    1,444,400       5,518,201  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

    1,540,100       12,728,961  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    258,700       1,943,606  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    4,313,400       7,623,141  
   

 

 

 
      51,251,651  
Spain — 2.5%            

Amadeus IT Group SA(a)

    135,139       9,431,823  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    2,283,298       12,757,062  

Banco Santander SA(a)

    3,809,060       13,396,408  

CaixaBank SA

    1,695,048       4,952,280  

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    86,031       4,704,320  

Iberdrola SA

    1,997,438       25,275,310  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    442,302       14,661,814  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    212,766       5,348,469  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

    174,858       2,942,744  

Repsol SA

    812,952       10,277,117  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA

    108,116       4,041,921  

Telefonica SA

    1,069,448       4,577,086  
   

 

 

 
        112,366,354  
Sweden — 3.4%            

Alfa Laval AB(a)

    155,522       4,837,787  

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    273,439       6,891,232  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    174,059       9,989,624  

Atlas Copco AB, Class B

    141,080       6,875,889  

Boliden AB

    254,396       10,130,292  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Sweden (continued)            

Epiroc AB, Class B

    341,115     $ 6,749,124  

Essity AB, Class B

    304,612       9,203,524  

Evolution Gaming Group AB(b)

    47,415       5,935,271  

Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B(a)

    290,886       6,891,146  

Hexagon AB, Class B

    53,395       4,472,414  

ICA Gruppen AB

    95,575       4,561,376  

Investor AB, Class B

    92,309       6,865,950  

Kinnevik AB, Class B

    89,929       4,200,919  

Nibe Industrier AB, Class B

    131,885       4,165,318  

Sandvik AB(a)

    359,437       9,700,404  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A(a)

    400,651       4,635,095  

SKF AB, Class B

    172,635       4,728,910  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B(a)

    268,956       4,650,642  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A(a)

    452,065       4,790,756  

Swedbank AB, Class A

    261,048       4,599,984  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    364,477       4,623,162  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    873,296       10,957,655  

Telia Co. AB

    1,445,107       5,868,097  

Volvo AB, Class B(a)

    353,377       9,099,349  
   

 

 

 
      155,423,920  
Switzerland — 9.3%            

ABB Ltd., Registered

    535,710       15,456,473  

Adecco Group AG, Registered

    73,899       4,659,400  

Alcon Inc.(a)

    162,798       11,246,423  

Barry Callebaut AG, Registered

    2,111       4,589,029  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG, Participation Certificates, NVS

    513       4,320,805  

Coca-Cola HBC AG

    143,615       4,493,641  

Credit Suisse Group AG, Registered

    688,893       9,987,541  

Geberit AG, Registered

    11,039       6,538,288  

Givaudan SA, Registered

    3,519       13,321,123  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    78,089       4,813,174  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Registered

    34,182       8,144,325  

LafargeHolcim Ltd., Registered

    85,449       4,734,477  

Logitech International SA, Registered

    52,547       5,631,404  

Lonza Group AG, Registered

    28,996       18,378,333  

Nestle SA, Registered

    855,779       89,803,386  

Novartis AG, Registered

    633,201       54,689,038  

Partners Group Holding AG

    4,261       5,132,686  

Roche Holding AG, Bearer

    25,348       8,506,266  

Roche Holding AG, NVS

    191,111       62,897,959  

SGS SA, Registered

    3,309       9,485,093  

Sika AG, Registered

    33,536       8,897,987  

Sonova Holding AG, Registered(a)

    22,124       5,689,238  

Straumann Holding AG, Registered

    3,730       4,528,079  

Swiss Re AG

    110,776       10,454,768  

Swisscom AG, Registered

    20,045       10,107,746  

UBS Group AG, Registered

    1,062,915       16,554,845  

Vifor Pharma AG

    33,980       4,245,154  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    44,423       18,229,476  
   

 

 

 
        425,536,157  
United Kingdom — 14.0%            

3i Group PLC

    370,776       5,738,491  

Antofagasta PLC

    369,644       9,211,953  

Ashtead Group PLC

    150,322       8,154,414  

Associated British Foods PLC(a)

    162,266       5,372,145  

AstraZeneca PLC

    397,277       38,574,843  

Aviva PLC

    1,251,331       6,331,393  

BAE Systems PLC

    1,159,952       7,847,551  
 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United Kingdom (continued)            

Barclays PLC

    4,485,922     $     10,009,747  

Barratt Developments PLC(a)

    517,785       4,809,696  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    80,666       4,570,941  

BP PLC

    9,820,265       40,056,460  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    722,746       4,947,270  

BT Group PLC(a)

    3,004,147       5,189,224  

Bunzl PLC

    144,384       4,515,684  

Burberry Group PLC(a)

    197,674       5,017,464  

Coca-Cola European Partners PLC

    100,398       5,115,278  

Compass Group PLC(a)

    498,249       10,135,564  

Croda International PLC

    75,076       6,474,168  

DCC PLC

    56,651       4,570,060  

Diageo PLC

    823,023       32,362,569  

Entain PLC(a)

    251,717       4,972,711  

Experian PLC

    239,569       7,613,223  

Ferguson PLC

    89,306       10,528,093  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    1,602,481       26,679,041  

Glencore PLC(a)

    3,221,490       13,093,034  

HSBC Holdings PLC(a)

    5,565,037       33,160,418  

Informa PLC(a)

    656,363       5,054,480  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(a)

    66,060       4,619,774  

Intertek Group PLC

    58,424       4,374,922  

J Sainsbury PLC

    1,474,171       4,662,072  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    113,113       4,831,280  

Kingfisher PLC(a)

    1,228,659       4,559,012  

Legal & General Group PLC

    1,995,879       7,235,611  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC(a)

    23,154,100       12,624,989  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    87,752       11,799,953  

Mondi PLC

    264,142       6,368,529  

National Grid PLC

    1,319,034       14,871,165  

Natwest Group PLC(a)

    1,933,231       4,978,653  

Next PLC(a)

    46,786       4,945,113  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    135,960       4,181,887  

Prudential PLC

    703,976       13,862,871  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    199,250       16,714,295  

RELX PLC

    706,338       16,713,975  

Rentokil Initial PLC(a)

    652,010       4,254,324  

Rio Tinto PLC

    382,033       33,046,045  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    3,394,243       5,110,897  

RSA Insurance Group PLC

    503,336       4,752,888  

Sage Group PLC (The)

    566,977       4,427,972  

Schroders PLC

    97,022       4,751,698  

Segro PLC

    658,444       8,375,356  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    245,478       4,755,078  

Smiths Group PLC

    225,180       4,609,028  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    28,497       4,267,044  

SSE PLC

    428,203       7,929,397  

St. James’s Place PLC

    279,841       4,593,227  

Standard Chartered PLC(a)

    869,856       5,619,813  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United Kingdom (continued)            

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

    1,055,314     $ 4,585,653  

Taylor Wimpey PLC(a)

    2,046,608       4,509,510  

Tesco PLC

    2,250,598       7,073,473  

Unilever PLC

    722,848       37,726,235  

United Utilities Group PLC

    373,105       4,481,917  

Vodafone Group PLC

    7,707,559       13,148,808  

Whitbread PLC(a)

    99,138       4,705,637  

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

    1,969,141       4,703,599  

WPP PLC

    431,674       5,152,886  
   

 

 

 
      640,030,501  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.3%
(Cost: $3,829,025,000)

 

    4,544,814,574  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.2%            

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    45,463       4,501,828  

Sartorius AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    10,712       5,531,147  
   

 

 

 
      10,032,975  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.2%
(Cost: $6,883,248)

 

    10,032,975  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.2%        

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(d)(e)(f)

    7,161,166       7,165,462  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    790,000       790,000  
   

 

 

 
      7,955,462  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $7,955,462)

 

    7,955,462  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.7%
(Cost: $3,843,863,710)

 

    4,562,803,011  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.3%

 

    12,688,800  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   4,575,491,811  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(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.

 

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  15


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

    

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
      Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

08/31/20

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/21

   

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

   

  

 
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 18,348,810     $     $ (11,175,485 )(a)    $ (8,723   $ 860     $ 7,165,462       7,161,166     $ 75,674 (b)    $    
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    430,000       360,000 (a)                        790,000       790,000       394          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ (8,723   $ 860     $ 7,955,462       $ 76,068     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description  

Number of

Contracts

   

Expiration

Date

   

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

       

ASX SPI 200 Index

    16       03/18/21     $ 2,053     $ (8,993

Euro STOXX 50 Index

    185       03/19/21       8,145       7,765  

FTSE 100 Index

    45       03/19/21       4,051       (69,411

TOPIX Index

    36       03/11/21       6,337       9,483  
       

 

 

 
        $ (6  1,156
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

  $ 17,248  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts
Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

  $ 78,404  
 

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ 2,781,934  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (137,000
 

 

 

 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

    

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 22,600,622      

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 February 28, 2021. 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

  $ 4,544,814,574     $      $      $ 4,544,814,574  

Preferred Stocks

    10,032,975                     10,032,975  

Money Market Funds

    7,955,462                     7,955,462  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 4,562,803,011     $      $      $ 4,562,803,011  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Assets

         

Futures Contracts

  $ 17,248     $      $      $ 17,248  

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

    (78,404                   (78,404
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ (61,156   $      $      $ (61,156
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  17


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 1.3%            

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

    514,439     $ 14,460,880  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    90,763       15,966,119  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    196,582       35,760,232  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    920,550       66,270,395  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    42,997       15,951,887  

Textron Inc.

    284,594       14,326,462  

TransDigm Group Inc.(a)

    29,391       16,948,908  
   

 

 

 
      179,684,883  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.8%            

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    184,063       16,722,124  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    409,514       37,609,766  

FedEx Corp.

    91,511       23,289,549  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    263,282       41,553,798  
   

 

 

 
          119,175,237  
Auto Components — 0.3%            

Aptiv PLC

    202,458       30,336,307  

BorgWarner Inc.

    333,477       15,006,465  
   

 

 

 
      45,342,772  
Automobiles — 1.6%            

General Motors Co.

    277,662       14,252,390  

Tesla Inc.(a)

    313,786       211,962,443  
   

 

 

 
      226,214,833  
Banks — 3.8%            

Bank of America Corp.

    2,992,852       103,881,893  

Citigroup Inc.

    1,170,747       77,128,812  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    1,780,872       27,318,577  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,273,032       187,352,119  

KeyCorp.

    737,747       14,858,225  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    177,713       29,919,761  

Regions Financial Corp.

    1,408,714       29,061,770  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    31,089       15,711,137  

Truist Financial Corp.

    718,864       40,946,493  

U.S. Bancorp.

    338,472       16,923,600  
   

 

 

 
      543,102,387  
Beverages — 1.8%            

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B, NVS

    213,504       15,282,616  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    2,118,795       103,799,767  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    604,942       18,462,830  

Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B

    385,733       17,145,832  

PepsiCo Inc.

    794,515       102,643,393  
   

 

 

 
      257,334,438  
Biotechnology — 2.2%            

AbbVie Inc.

    745,378       80,307,026  

Amgen Inc.

    307,543       69,172,572  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    70,772       19,312,263  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    171,881       13,308,746  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)

    94,630       12,881,036  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    758,691       46,583,627  

Moderna Inc.(a)

    99,177       15,353,591  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    36,606       16,493,565  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    190,486       40,487,799  
   

 

 

 
      313,900,225  
Building Products — 1.1%            

Allegion PLC

    132,959       14,463,280  

Carrier Global Corp.

    390,271       14,256,600  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    169,766       14,114,345  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    837,801       46,740,918  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Building Products (continued)            

Masco Corp.

    272,996     $ 14,528,847  

Owens Corning

    173,422       14,050,650  

Trane Technologies PLC

    212,053       32,495,002  
   

 

 

 
      150,649,642  
Capital Markets — 3.2%            

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    66,307       14,669,761  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    680,095       28,672,805  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    98,265       68,245,042  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    553,278       34,148,318  

CME Group Inc.

    139,574       27,872,928  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    47,193       14,342,425  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    103,534       33,077,042  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    129,871       14,326,070  

Invesco Ltd.

    639,216       14,331,223  

Moody’s Corp.

    98,340       27,032,683  

Morgan Stanley

    859,038       66,034,251  

Northern Trust Corp.

    237,872       22,628,763  

S&P Global Inc.

    115,834       38,151,086  

State Street Corp.

    307,387       22,368,552  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    152,367       24,704,785  
   

 

 

 
      450,605,734  
Chemicals — 2.0%            

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    55,997       14,313,953  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    578,152       15,806,676  

Corteva Inc.

    322,432       14,557,805  

Dow Inc.

    248,506       14,738,891  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    282,825       19,888,254  

Ecolab Inc.

    209,730       43,909,073  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    138,413       18,756,346  

Linde PLC

    258,504       63,144,772  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    148,993       15,359,688  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    476,338       14,004,337  

PPG Industries Inc.

    171,055       23,061,635  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    28,527       19,408,059  
   

 

 

 
          276,949,489  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.2%  

Copart Inc.(a)

    123,248       13,453,752  

Waste Management Inc.

    129,660       14,377,997  
   

 

 

 
      27,831,749  
Communications Equipment — 0.8%  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    2,233,416       100,213,376  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    109,091       19,143,289  
   

 

 

 
      119,356,665  
Consumer Finance — 0.7%            

Ally Financial Inc.

    390,363       16,200,064  

American Express Co.

    508,313       68,754,416  

Discover Financial Services

    152,238       14,321,029  
   

 

 

 
      99,275,509  
Containers & Packaging — 0.3%            

Amcor PLC

    1,704,861       18,651,179  

Ball Corp.

    161,904       13,824,983  

International Paper Co.

    296,802       14,736,219  
   

 

 

 
      47,212,381  
Distributors — 0.2%            

LKQ Corp.(a)

    389,742       15,351,937  

Pool Corp.

    43,806       14,664,935  
   

 

 

 
      30,016,872  
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.9%  

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B(a)

    471,746     $     113,459,630  

Voya Financial Inc.

    263,677       15,894,450  
   

 

 

 
      129,354,080  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.2%  

AT&T Inc.

    2,455,811       68,492,569  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    1,715,441       94,863,887  
   

 

 

 
      163,356,456  
Electric Utilities — 1.4%            

Edison International

    256,223       13,833,480  

Eversource Energy

    506,731       40,274,980  

Exelon Corp.

    907,308       35,022,089  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    1,439,536       105,777,105  
   

 

 

 
      194,907,654  
Electrical Equipment — 0.3%            

Emerson Electric Co.

    171,623       14,742,416  

Plug Power Inc.(a)

    247,454       11,971,824  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    61,270       14,905,766  
   

 

 

 
      41,620,006  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.8%  

Cognex Corp.

    161,325       13,323,832  

Corning Inc.

    474,382       18,140,368  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    153,817       21,768,182  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    202,820       26,372,685  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    282,217       20,923,568  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    35,615       17,787,199  
   

 

 

 
      118,315,834  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.3%  

Baker Hughes Co.

    628,505       15,385,803  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    1,163,242       32,466,084  
   

 

 

 
      47,851,887  
Entertainment — 2.1%            

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    260,648       24,920,555  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    105,813       14,175,768  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    174,478       94,017,470  

Roku Inc.(a)

    44,727       17,688,634  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    779,591       147,373,883  
   

 

 

 
      298,176,310  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.6%  

American Tower Corp.

    251,249       54,302,446  

Boston Properties Inc.

    157,464       15,609,406  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    170,916       26,620,167  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    106,412       14,336,889  

Equinix Inc.

    62,863       40,756,598  

Equity Residential

    359,852       23,537,919  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    860,014       25,017,807  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    935,280       15,516,295  

Prologis Inc.

    412,385       40,854,982  

Regency Centers Corp.

    279,532       15,312,763  

SBA Communications Corp.

    56,260       14,353,614  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    137,648       15,543,212  

UDR Inc.

    414,140       17,050,144  

Ventas Inc.

    290,080       15,345,232  

Welltower Inc.

    266,918       18,123,732  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    501,004       16,969,006  
   

 

 

 
      369,250,212  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.7%  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    126,493       41,869,183  

Kroger Co. (The)

    692,582       22,308,066  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing (continued)        

Sysco Corp.

    228,175     $ 18,169,575  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    414,644       19,873,887  
   

 

 

 
      102,220,711  
Food Products — 1.6%            

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    484,731       27,426,080  

Bunge Ltd.

    232,624       17,814,346  

Campbell Soup Co.

    316,627       14,400,196  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    430,672       14,612,701  

General Mills Inc.

    426,487       23,461,050  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    310,169       14,382,537  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    129,075       14,456,400  

Kellogg Co.

    587,557       33,907,914  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    190,299       15,180,151  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    196,661       16,574,589  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    529,335       28,139,449  
   

 

 

 
          220,355,413  
Gas Utilities — 0.1%            

UGI Corp.

    413,253       15,831,722  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 3.1%  

Abbott Laboratories

    604,973       72,463,666  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    30,214       17,134,661  

Baxter International Inc.

    187,661       14,579,383  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    136,017       32,800,500  

Danaher Corp.

    175,803       38,618,645  

DexCom Inc.(a)(c)

    55,817       22,202,886  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    412,011       34,238,114  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    223,330       16,099,860  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    61,911       32,204,245  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    52,085       13,495,223  

Intuitive Surgical Inc.(a)

    34,086       25,114,565  

Medtronic PLC

    331,068       38,725,024  

ResMed Inc.

    101,919       19,647,945  

STERIS PLC

    80,004       13,984,699  

Stryker Corp.

    58,651       14,234,011  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    125,635       35,259,463  
   

 

 

 
      440,802,890  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.5%  

Anthem Inc.

    95,459       28,942,214  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    282,123       14,534,977  

Centene Corp.(a)

    250,898       14,687,569  

Cigna Corp.

    227,615       47,776,389  

CVS Health Corp.

    497,181       33,872,942  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    140,137       14,312,192  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    153,283       26,369,274  

Humana Inc.

    56,973       21,629,799  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    61,766       14,818,281  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    140,728       16,266,750  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    342,146       113,667,744  
   

 

 

 
      346,878,131  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%  

Cerner Corp.

    284,271       19,654,497  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)

    67,915       15,015,327  
   

 

 

 
      34,669,824  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.6%  

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.(a)

    10,444       15,060,248  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    113,237       15,550,837  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    204,239       25,260,279  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A

    127,753       18,916,387  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  19


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)  

McDonald’s Corp.

    238,892     $ 49,245,197  

MGM Resorts International

    454,296       17,167,846  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    196,762       18,351,992  

Starbucks Corp.

    474,012       51,207,516  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    48,583       15,020,892  
   

 

 

 
          225,781,194  
Household Durables — 0.1%            

Newell Brands Inc.

    613,690       14,219,197  
   

 

 

 
Household Products — 1.6%            

Clorox Co. (The)

    124,523       22,544,889  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    576,926       43,384,835  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    295,935       37,977,338  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    999,254       123,437,847  
   

 

 

 
      227,344,909  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.5%  

3M Co.

    406,876       71,227,713  

General Electric Co.

    3,181,896       39,900,976  

Honeywell International Inc.

    380,310       76,955,728  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    64,837       24,483,748  
   

 

 

 
      212,568,165  
Insurance — 2.0%            

Aflac Inc.

    315,066       15,088,512  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    141,457       15,079,316  

American International Group Inc.

    367,569       16,154,657  

Aon PLC, Class A

    64,290       14,639,476  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    124,071       14,863,706  

Chubb Ltd.

    214,784       34,919,583  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    431,454       49,712,130  

MetLife Inc.

    708,747       40,823,827  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    200,487       17,231,858  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    321,044       27,840,936  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    196,105       28,533,277  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    64,004       14,121,842  
   

 

 

 
      289,009,120  
Interactive Media & Services — 5.8%  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    151,811       306,948,179  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    92,565       188,541,946  

Facebook Inc., Class A(a)

    923,560       237,927,527  

Match Group Inc.(a)

    88,556       13,535,785  

Pinterest Inc., Class A(a)

    189,958       15,306,816  

Snap Inc., Class A, NVS(a)(c)

    357,868       23,497,613  

Twitter Inc.(a)

    278,924       21,493,883  

Zillow Group Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    73,037       11,783,059  
   

 

 

 
      819,034,808  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 4.6%  

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    174,107       538,500,763  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    15,225       35,451,565  

eBay Inc.

    318,806       17,987,035  

Etsy Inc.(a)

    63,945       14,085,165  

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)

    19,574       32,064,365  

Wayfair Inc., Class A(a)

    52,601       15,200,637  
   

 

 

 
      653,289,530  
IT Services — 5.7%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    283,304       71,080,974  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    316,377       55,055,925  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    215,280       15,818,774  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    230,392       31,794,096  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    194,232       22,408,546  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
IT Services (continued)            

Global Payments Inc.

    74,230     $ 14,696,798  

GoDaddy Inc., Class A(a)

    171,740       13,931,549  

International Business Machines Corp.

    571,483       67,966,473  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    379,491       134,282,890  

MongoDB Inc.(a)

    35,765       13,802,786  

Okta Inc.(a)

    81,608       21,336,412  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    472,975       122,902,554  

Square Inc., Class A(a)

    150,929       34,718,198  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)

    64,033       25,157,285  

Visa Inc., Class A

    702,777       149,262,807  

Western Union Co. (The)

    610,870       14,184,401  
   

 

 

 
      808,400,468  
Leisure Products — 0.2%            

Hasbro Inc.

    163,281       15,301,062  

Peloton Interactive Inc., Class A(a)

    100,080       12,056,638  
   

 

 

 
      27,357,700  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.3%  

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    303,338       37,028,470  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    68,780       30,222,620  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    76,641       14,775,618  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    15,673       17,491,852  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    162,442       73,111,895  

Waters Corp.(a)

    65,472       17,931,471  
   

 

 

 
          190,561,926  
Machinery — 1.8%            

Caterpillar Inc.

    244,056       52,686,809  

Cummins Inc.

    150,138       38,014,942  

Deere & Co.

    141,685       49,465,067  

Fortive Corp.

    232,028       15,272,083  

IDEX Corp.

    74,002       14,442,970  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    116,154       23,484,016  

PACCAR Inc.

    150,319       13,677,526  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    52,855       15,167,271  

Xylem Inc./NY

    390,190       38,847,316  
   

 

 

 
      261,058,000  
Media — 1.2%            

Cable One Inc.

    7,107       13,608,839  

Charter Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    27,865       17,092,948  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    1,662,135       87,627,757  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    360,493       16,222,185  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    221,545       15,226,788  

ViacomCBS Inc., Class B, NVS

    254,950       16,441,726  
   

 

 

 
      166,220,243  
Metals & Mining — 0.2%            

Newmont Corp.

    401,352       21,825,522  
   

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities — 0.7%            

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    496,056       32,566,077  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    589,239       31,718,735  

Sempra Energy

    250,544       29,058,093  
   

 

 

 
      93,342,905  
Multiline Retail — 0.3%            

Target Corp.

    221,361       40,606,462  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.4%  

Cheniere Energy Inc.(a)

    212,824       14,342,209  

Chevron Corp.

    786,667       78,666,700  

ConocoPhillips

    827,818       43,054,814  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,573,319       85,541,354  
 

 

 

20  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

Hess Corp.

    321,078     $ 21,040,241  

Kinder Morgan Inc./DE

    971,149       14,275,890  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    339,133       18,523,445  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    551,765       14,682,467  

ONEOK Inc.

    317,733       14,072,395  

Phillips 66

    201,746       16,755,005  

Valero Energy Corp.

    218,038       16,784,565  
   

 

 

 
          337,739,085  
Personal Products — 0.1%            

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    49,367       14,112,051  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 3.6%            

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    987,165       60,542,829  

Catalent Inc.(a)

    118,910       13,521,256  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    368,617       75,525,937  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    167,890       15,262,880  

Johnson & Johnson

    1,020,016       161,631,735  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    1,070,925       77,770,574  

Pfizer Inc.

    1,687,596       56,517,590  

Zoetis Inc.

    266,748       41,409,960  
   

 

 

 
      502,182,761  
Professional Services — 0.6%            

IHS Markit Ltd.

    388,364       35,014,898  

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

    128,193       14,752,451  

Leidos Holdings Inc.

    138,756       12,272,968  

Robert Half International Inc.

    244,757       19,039,647  
   

 

 

 
      81,079,964  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.2%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    352,034       26,673,616  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 1.3%            

AMERCO

    28,827       16,567,453  

CSX Corp.

    405,525       37,125,814  

Kansas City Southern

    121,082       25,710,552  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    135,549       34,166,481  

Uber Technologies Inc.(a)

    361,613       18,713,473  

Union Pacific Corp.

    236,279       48,664,023  
   

 

 

 
      180,947,796  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.4%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    466,125       39,392,224  

Analog Devices Inc.

    117,024       18,234,680  

Applied Materials Inc.

    536,736       63,436,828  

Broadcom Inc.

    105,268       49,462,275  

Enphase Energy Inc.(a)

    75,449       13,283,551  

Intel Corp.

    1,802,257       109,541,180  

Lam Research Corp.

    80,537       45,679,781  

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    315,271       15,221,284  

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    159,174       14,830,242  

Micron Technology Inc.(a)

    419,406       38,388,231  

NVIDIA Corp.

    282,168       154,791,721  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    89,535       16,344,614  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    378,797       15,254,155  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    366,660       49,935,425  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    92,802       16,502,052  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    538,513       92,769,635  

Xilinx Inc.

    102,399       13,342,590  
   

 

 

 
      766,410,468  
Software — 9.7%            

Adobe Inc.(a)

    244,884       112,565,828  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Software (continued)            

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    118,793     $ 32,786,868  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    229,418       32,368,586  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    106,808       14,267,413  

Cloudflare Inc., Class A(a)

    177,893       13,158,745  

Coupa Software Inc.(a)(c)

    40,838       14,140,566  

Crowdstrike Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    60,227       13,009,032  

DocuSign Inc.(a)

    63,744       14,448,215  

HubSpot Inc.(a)

    27,672       14,251,080  

Intuit Inc.

    126,803       49,470,922  

Microsoft Corp.

    3,108,596       722,375,539  

NortonLifeLock Inc.

    682,551       13,316,570  

Oracle Corp.

    539,764       34,820,176  

Paycom Software Inc.(a)

    37,438       14,010,797  

PTC Inc.(a)

    99,909       13,681,538  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)

    33,406       12,632,813  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    414,280       89,691,620  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)

    86,847       46,329,401  

Slack Technologies Inc., Class A(a)

    329,712       13,495,112  

Splunk Inc.(a)

    92,331       13,204,256  

Trade Desk Inc. (The), Class A(a)

    16,800       13,530,552  

VMware Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    101,962       14,092,168  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    106,972       26,227,395  

Zoom Video Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    73,015       27,279,134  
   

 

 

 
      1,365,154,326  
Specialty Retail — 2.1%            

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    236,107       23,693,337  

CarMax Inc.(a)

    119,318       14,259,694  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    533,133       137,729,579  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    374,958       59,899,541  

Ross Stores Inc.

    120,968       14,109,708  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    488,095       32,209,389  

Tractor Supply Co.

    90,155       14,331,039  
   

 

 

 
      296,232,287  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 6.3%  

Apple Inc.

    6,891,362       835,646,556  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    1,748,215       25,454,011  

HP Inc.

    777,691       22,529,708  
   

 

 

 
      883,630,275  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%            

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)(c)

    62,577       19,504,000  

Nike Inc., Class B

    549,918       74,117,948  

VF Corp.

    275,633       21,810,839  
   

 

 

 
      115,432,787  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.3%  

Fastenal Co.

    380,587       17,647,819  

WW Grainger Inc.

    72,345       26,963,705  
   

 

 

 
      44,611,524  
Water Utilities — 0.1%            

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    94,247       13,371,764  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.1%  

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

    120,835       14,496,575  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $12,047,527,158)

      14,102,939,374  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  21


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.5%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(b)(d)(e)

    23,499,276     $ 23,513,375  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(b)(d)

    42,058,000       42,058,000  
   

 

 

 
      65,571,375  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.5%
(Cost: $65,570,293)

 

    65,571,375  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.2%
(Cost: $12,113,097,451)

 

    14,168,510,749  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.2)%

 

    (28,035,235
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   14,140,475,514  
   

 

 

 

 

    

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

08/31/20

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/21

   

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

       
 

 

   

  

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 3,563,398     $ 19,968,596 (a)    $     $ (12,596   $ (6,023   $ 23,513,375       23,499,276     $ 182,958 (b)    $           
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    16,098,000       25,960,000 (a)                        42,058,000       42,058,000       6,523          
 

BlackRock Inc.

    38,648,494       29,781,436       (8,305,783     2,577,223       5,543,672       68,245,042       98,265       550,558          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 2,564,627     $ 5,537,649     $ 133,816,417       $ 740,039     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description  

Number of

Contracts

    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

          

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

    160        03/19/21      $ 30,474      $ (199,517
          

 

 

 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

    

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

  $ 199,517  
 

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ 2,448,055  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (1,948,728
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 26,520,052      

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 February 28, 2021. 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

  $ 14,102,939,374     $      $      $ 14,102,939,374  

Money Market Funds

    65,571,375                     65,571,375  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 14,168,510,749     $      $      $ 14,168,510,749  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $ (199,517   $      $      $ (199,517
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  23


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 1.6%            

AAR Corp.

    8,699     $ 346,046  

Aerovironment Inc.(a)

    4,094       450,667  

Axon Enterprise Inc.(a)

    9,906       1,639,344  

BWX Technologies Inc.

    22,576       1,309,634  

Cubic Corp.

    8,833       613,452  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    8,584       948,446  

Ducommun Inc.(a)

    5,999       326,346  

Hexcel Corp.

    14,059       755,812  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.(a)

    15,912       437,580  

Maxar Technologies Inc.

    10,665       510,320  

Mercury Systems Inc.(a)

    14,242       930,857  

Moog Inc., Class A

    6,059       470,542  

PAE Inc.(a)

    39,012       318,728  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., Class A

    10,155       434,939  

Vectrus Inc.(a)

    6,947       379,306  

Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc.(a)

    18,999       707,333  
   

 

 

 
          10,579,352  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.2%            

Echo Global Logistics Inc.(a)

    17,013       473,982  

Hub Group Inc., Class A(a)

    10,045       578,391  
   

 

 

 
      1,052,373  
Airlines — 0.2%            

Alaska Air Group Inc.

    8,545       555,596  

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)(b)

    22,482       414,343  
   

 

 

 
      969,939  
Auto Components — 1.1%            

Adient PLC(a)

    10,448       387,412  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc.(a)

    34,222       334,349  

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

    8,749       500,793  

Dana Inc.

    25,128       598,298  

Dorman Products Inc.(a)

    4,206       419,380  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.(a)

    5,625       715,219  

Gentex Corp.

    25,717       909,867  

Gentherm Inc.(a)

    14,817       1,048,895  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    31,235       525,060  

LCI Industries

    4,019       566,438  

Veoneer Inc.(a)(b)

    14,591       400,961  

Visteon Corp.(a)

    4,063       516,692  
   

 

 

 
      6,923,364  
Automobiles — 0.4%            

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    23,499       838,209  

Thor Industries Inc.

    8,200       959,892  

Winnebago Industries Inc.

    4,873       339,161  

Workhorse Group Inc.(a)

    17,564       284,010  
   

 

 

 
      2,421,272  
Banks — 7.5%            

Amalgamated Bank, Class A

    27,798       488,133  

Ameris Bancorp

    12,211       581,732  

BancorpSouth Bank

    26,802       805,668  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    11,060       967,750  

Bank OZK

    31,042       1,279,551  

BankUnited Inc.

    9,917       398,564  

Banner Corp.

    8,763       453,748  

BOK Financial Corp.

    8,152       701,561  

Bryn Mawr Bank Corp.

    10,970       414,995  

Cadence BanCorp.

    17,008       349,004  

Camden National Corp.

    12,193       494,182  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Banks (continued)            

Cathay General Bancorp.

    10,569     $ 397,817  

CIT Group Inc.

    13,364       606,057  

Columbia Banking System Inc.

    13,123       581,218  

Comerica Inc.

    33,822       2,303,278  

Commerce Bancshares Inc.

    18,293       1,354,231  

Community Bank System Inc.

    4,958       352,960  

Community Trust Bancorp. Inc.

    10,169       415,505  

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    11,485       1,199,034  

CVB Financial Corp.

    11,127       238,229  

East West Bancorp. Inc.

    18,362       1,325,002  

First Busey Corp.

    31,952       731,381  

First Financial Bancorp

    36,203       812,033  

First Financial Bankshares Inc.

    9,871       440,839  

First Hawaiian Inc.

    17,549       489,442  

First Horizon Corp.

    82,782       1,341,068  

First Interstate BancSystem Inc., Class A

    14,373       652,822  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    98,796       1,526,398  

Glacier Bancorp. Inc.

    15,230       825,466  

Great Western Bancorp. Inc.

    21,596       579,421  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    13,460       508,115  

Heartland Financial USA Inc.

    8,660       404,768  

Heritage Financial Corp./WA

    10,090       261,230  

Hilltop Holdings Inc.

    11,115       367,240  

Independent Bank Corp.

    5,498       470,134  

International Bancshares Corp.

    17,349       756,070  

Investors Bancorp. Inc.

    26,381       351,923  

Live Oak Bancshares Inc.

    7,231       398,501  

National Bank Holdings Corp., Class A

    6,900       267,375  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

    28,459       618,414  

PacWest Bancorp

    11,880       430,531  

People’s United Financial Inc.

    89,095       1,598,364  

Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.

    15,907       1,291,171  

Popular Inc.

    10,541       704,350  

Prosperity Bancshares Inc.

    9,747       716,112  

QCR Holdings Inc.

    9,214       381,460  

ServisFirst Bancshares Inc.

    12,541       621,532  

Signature Bank/New York NY

    5,123       1,118,556  

Simmons First National Corp., Class A

    18,649       546,043  

South State Corp.

    9,904       781,030  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    20,373       861,982  

TCF Financial Corp.

    30,933       1,386,417  

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.(a)

    8,229       627,050  

TriState Capital Holdings Inc.(a)

    17,780       408,051  

Triumph Bancorp. Inc.(a)

    4,876       373,989  

Trustmark Corp.

    13,776       415,484  

UMB Financial Corp.

    5,052       426,237  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    54,698       933,695  

United Bankshares Inc./WV

    12,433       459,399  

United Community Banks Inc./GA

    9,182       303,557  

Univest Financial Corp.

    15,935       400,765  

Valley National Bancorp

    93,245       1,142,251  

Webster Financial Corp.

    22,943       1,268,977  

Western Alliance Bancorp

    18,660       1,707,577  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    11,929       878,690  

Zions Bancorp NA

    43,299       2,302,208  
   

 

 

 
          49,596,337  
Beverages — 0.2%            

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

    1,026       1,055,456  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

24  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Biotechnology — 6.6%            

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    23,475     $     1,149,571  

Acceleron Pharma Inc.(a)

    8,637       1,176,014  

Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    11,562       548,501  

Alder Biopharmaceuticals Inc.(b)(c)

    3,497       3,077  

Alkermes PLC(a)

    17,558       334,304  

Allakos Inc.(a)

    3,995       484,114  

Allogene Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    10,045       348,662  

Amicus Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    34,201       419,988  

AnaptysBio Inc.(a)

    10,583       303,732  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    7,787       375,100  

Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    4,975       262,033  

Arcus Biosciences Inc.(a)

    9,983       352,001  

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    9,222       740,988  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    14,688       1,170,046  

Atara Biotherapeutics Inc.(a)

    18,106       303,819  

Beam Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    3,195       284,770  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    35,425       381,882  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co. Ltd.(a)

    7,108       604,038  

Bluebird Bio Inc.(a)

    15,566       484,103  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    6,362       624,876  

CareDx Inc.(a)

    5,668       448,225  

ChemoCentryx Inc.(a)

    7,659       519,587  

Coherus Biosciences Inc.(a)

    19,253       312,669  

CRISPR Therapeutics AG(a)

    7,531       946,571  

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    7,066       309,349  

Denali Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    11,661       837,260  

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    14,285       385,409  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.(a)

    34,384       300,860  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals Inc./DE(a)

    9,357       416,386  

Editas Medicine Inc.(a)

    10,110       443,425  

Emergent BioSolutions Inc.(a)

    5,992       575,232  

Epizyme Inc.(a)

    31,399       301,116  

Esperion Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    11,834       324,133  

Exelixis Inc.(a)

    39,666       859,166  

Fate Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    9,724       872,437  

FibroGen Inc.(a)(b)

    13,988       699,820  

Frequency Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    6,316       310,810  

Global Blood Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    10,716       456,502  

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    18,540       838,935  

Heron Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    18,366       332,057  

ImmunoGen Inc.(a)

    39,012       341,355  

Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    33,705       374,126  

Insmed Inc.(a)

    15,740       563,020  

Intellia Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    8,668       524,067  

Invitae Corp.(a)

    22,999       922,950  

Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc.(a)

    15,943       594,674  

Karuna Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    2,757       344,515  

Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    22,359       309,001  

Kodiak Sciences Inc.(a)

    4,382       565,322  

Kura Oncology Inc.(a)

    11,034       308,952  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    3,069       454,887  

MacroGenics Inc.(a)

    16,967       424,345  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    2,785       337,514  

Mersana Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    15,257       277,372  

Mirati Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    5,332       1,071,305  

Myriad Genetics Inc.(a)

    11,252       343,073  

Natera Inc.(a)

    9,457       1,097,863  

Novavax Inc.(a)

    9,256       2,140,265  

OPKO Health Inc.(a)(b)

    80,073       360,329  

Prothena Corp. PLC(a)

    14,682       327,702  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Biotechnology (continued)            

PTC Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    8,282     $ 472,902  

REGENXBIO Inc.(a)

    7,342       300,361  

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    11,663       302,305  

Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    8,047       447,252  

Sage Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    8,375       711,875  

Sangamo Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    25,207       289,628  

Scholar Rock Holding Corp.(a)

    6,447       348,783  

Sorrento Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    33,008       319,187  

SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    3,846       330,948  

TG Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    13,717       600,393  

Turning Point Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    6,681       787,757  

Twist Bioscience Corp.(a)

    4,231       582,355  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    10,816       1,530,897  

uniQure NV(a)

    9,291       340,980  

United Therapeutics Corp.(a)

    4,985       833,392  

Veracyte Inc.(a)

    8,967       520,624  

Vericel Corp.(a)

    6,572       317,296  

Xencor Inc.(a)

    8,255       406,724  

Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    22,923       428,202  

Y-mAbs Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    7,299       256,706  

ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc.(a)

    70,817       377,455  

Zymeworks Inc.(a)(b)

    8,061       292,695  
   

 

 

 
        43,322,922  
Building Products — 1.3%            

AAON Inc.

    8,090       623,739  

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.

    11,419       1,256,319  

Armstrong World Industries Inc.

    9,848       842,792  

AZEK Co. Inc. (The)(a)

    12,683       559,447  

Builders FirstSource Inc.(a)

    30,012       1,298,469  

Gibraltar Industries Inc.(a)

    3,495       305,288  

JELD-WEN Holding Inc.(a)

    12,488       370,269  

Masonite International Corp.(a)

    3,235       354,944  

Resideo Technologies Inc.(a)

    23,976       575,904  

Trex Co. Inc.(a)

    19,064       1,747,025  

UFP Industries Inc.

    5,597       341,417  
   

 

 

 
      8,275,613  
Capital Markets — 1.8%            

Affiliated Managers Group Inc.

    10,627       1,487,461  

Ares Management Corp., Class A

    13,212       686,760  

Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc., Class A

    9,081       431,347  

Cohen & Steers Inc.

    5,127       330,076  

Cowen Inc., Class A

    11,543       390,731  

Diamond Hill Investment Group Inc.

    2,527       358,455  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    3,993       478,242  

Federated Hermes Inc.

    12,203       326,064  

Interactive Brokers Group Inc., Class A

    9,316       674,385  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    48,843       1,427,681  

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

    14,245       1,873,787  

Morningstar Inc.

    4,359       977,506  

Open Lending Corp., Class A(a)

    11,304       432,265  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    6,007       366,908  

StoneX Group Inc.(a)

    5,719       329,929  

Victory Capital Holdings Inc., Class A

    14,008       332,690  

Virtu Financial Inc., Class A

    11,657       317,886  

Virtus Investment Partners Inc.

    1,554       389,899  
   

 

 

 
      11,612,072  
Chemicals — 1.5%            

Amyris Inc.(a)

    23,665       326,577  

Avient Corp.

    12,986       561,255  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  25


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Chemicals (continued)            

Balchem Corp.

    4,613     $ 550,608  

Chemours Co. (The)

    24,625       579,426  

HB Fuller Co.

    14,540       815,258  

Ingevity Corp.(a)

    4,997       347,192  

Innospec Inc.

    5,574       559,908  

Koppers Holdings Inc.(a)

    9,494       317,194  

Livent Corp.(a)

    16,717       311,270  

Minerals Technologies Inc.

    11,295       804,543  

Orion Engineered Carbons SA

    19,778       350,071  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    1,191       336,315  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)

    5,304       1,130,548  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    4,443       345,887  

Stepan Co.

    4,114       496,519  

Trinseo SA

    9,288       601,026  

Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A

    17,819       326,800  

Valvoline Inc.

    29,534       737,169  

WR Grace & Co.

    5,623       333,219  
   

 

 

 
      9,830,785  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.9%  

ABM Industries Inc.

    10,813       466,905  

ACCO Brands Corp.

    38,772       314,053  

ADT Inc.

    36,289       276,159  

Brady Corp., Class A, NVS

    10,308       540,242  

Brink’s Co. (The)

    4,590       352,650  

Cimpress PLC(a)

    3,273       324,289  

Clean Harbors Inc.(a)

    6,504       553,816  

Covanta Holding Corp.

    33,348       468,539  

Deluxe Corp.

    8,699       343,872  

Healthcare Services Group Inc.

    15,844       450,762  

Herman Miller Inc.

    15,409       591,012  

HNI Corp.

    9,300       330,987  

IAA Inc.(a)

    23,453       1,375,049  

KAR Auction Services Inc.

    30,233       420,541  

Knoll Inc.

    21,505       350,747  

Matthews International Corp., Class A

    15,887       567,166  

Montrose Environmental Group Inc.(a)

    8,396       410,397  

MSA Safety Inc.

    6,297       1,013,754  

Pitney Bowes Inc.

    36,549       309,936  

SP Plus Corp.(a)

    10,403       344,859  

Steelcase Inc., Class A

    33,394       465,512  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    10,244       1,417,462  

UniFirst Corp./MA

    2,974       720,570  

Viad Corp.

    9,144       382,585  
   

 

 

 
        12,791,864  
Communications Equipment — 0.9%  

ADTRAN Inc.

    28,063       472,581  

Calix Inc.(a)

    9,148       361,438  

Ciena Corp.(a)

    26,749       1,395,495  

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

    34,860       508,607  

Harmonic Inc.(a)(b)

    45,655       353,598  

Infinera Corp.(a)

    31,738       311,826  

Lumentum Holdings Inc.(a)

    12,517       1,126,530  

NETGEAR Inc.(a)

    7,877       315,080  

Plantronics Inc.

    7,927       320,964  

Ribbon Communications Inc.(a)

    30,290       261,706  

ViaSat Inc.(a)(b)

    7,453       381,146  
   

 

 

 
      5,808,971  
Construction & Engineering — 2.0%  

AECOM(a)

    30,055       1,739,884  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Construction & Engineering (continued)  

Aegion Corp.(a)

    15,038     $ 388,732  

API Group Corp.(a)(d)

    17,469       323,176  

Arcosa Inc.

    7,920       449,302  

Argan Inc.

    7,593       379,802  

Comfort Systems USA Inc.

    11,904       737,334  

Dycom Industries Inc.(a)

    4,140       317,041  

EMCOR Group Inc.

    14,487       1,410,599  

Fluor Corp.

    22,230       381,467  

Granite Construction Inc.

    13,371       459,695  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.(a)

    25,647       389,578  

IES Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,406       339,491  

MasTec Inc.(a)(b)

    8,801       763,487  

MYR Group Inc.(a)

    6,924       408,170  

Primoris Services Corp.

    10,516       351,970  

Quanta Services Inc.

    25,385       2,128,532  

Valmont Industries Inc.

    3,809       900,943  

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.(a)

    33,477       928,317  
   

 

 

 
        12,797,520  
Construction Materials — 0.2%            

Summit Materials Inc., Class A(a)

    22,438       621,757  

U.S. Concrete Inc.(a)

    7,313       376,327  
   

 

 

 
      998,084  
Consumer Finance — 0.5%            

Credit Acceptance Corp.(a)

    947       343,780  

Encore Capital Group Inc.(a)

    10,112       337,943  

Green Dot Corp., Class A(a)

    6,189       292,492  

LendingTree Inc.(a)

    1,200       322,644  

OneMain Holdings Inc.

    11,441       536,697  

PRA Group Inc.(a)

    12,481       460,050  

PROG Holdings Inc.

    12,484       624,200  

SLM Corp.

    42,735       674,786  
   

 

 

 
      3,592,592  
Containers & Packaging — 0.7%            

AptarGroup Inc.

    12,382       1,610,527  

Berry Global Group Inc.(a)

    10,512       582,365  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    23,138       367,200  

Greif Inc., Class A, NVS

    8,104       391,423  

Myers Industries Inc.

    15,906       352,159  

O-I Glass Inc.

    25,411       296,800  

Sonoco Products Co.

    21,036       1,253,115  
   

 

 

 
      4,853,589  
Diversified Consumer Services — 1.3%  

American Public Education Inc.(a)

    11,326       333,437  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.(a)

    10,813       1,726,404  

Chegg Inc.(a)(b)

    16,645       1,606,742  

frontdoor Inc.(a)(b)

    12,551       657,296  

Graham Holdings Co., Class B

    650       390,540  

Grand Canyon Education Inc.(a)

    5,887       616,310  

H&R Block Inc.

    27,787       534,344  

Service Corp. International

    17,503       835,943  

Strategic Education Inc.

    3,708       337,131  

Terminix Global Holdings Inc.(a)

    26,403       1,188,399  

WW International Inc.(a)(b)

    11,706       345,210  
   

 

 

 
      8,571,756  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%  

Jefferies Financial Group Inc.

    11,747       341,133  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.4%  

Bandwidth Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    3,445       545,550  
 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)  

Cincinnati Bell Inc.(a)

    12,879     $ 196,791  

Cogent Communications Holdings Inc.

    6,755       404,287  

Globalstar Inc.(a)

    144,326       255,457  

Iridium Communications Inc.(a)

    14,662       561,701  

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

    29,137       319,342  

Vonage Holdings Corp.(a)

    23,163       306,215  
   

 

 

 
      2,589,343  
Electric Utilities — 0.1%            

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.

    26,911       940,809  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 1.0%            

Acuity Brands Inc.

    8,356       1,030,295  

Atkore Inc.(a)

    7,691       520,296  

Bloom Energy Corp., Class A(a)

    18,901       539,246  

EnerSys

    7,865       710,052  

FuelCell Energy Inc.(a)

    42,232       715,410  

Hubbell Inc.

    8,800       1,562,088  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    5,300       724,351  

TPI Composites Inc.(a)

    4,539       216,329  

Vertiv Holdings Co.

    33,169       694,227  
   

 

 

 
      6,712,294  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 3.5%  

Avnet Inc.

    13,239       504,009  

Badger Meter Inc.

    14,812       1,608,435  

Benchmark Electronics Inc.

    15,744       447,129  

Coherent Inc.(a)

    4,972       1,202,926  

CTS Corp.

    10,434       335,662  

Dolby Laboratories Inc., Class A

    13,628       1,330,502  

ePlus Inc.(a)

    6,741       637,429  

Fabrinet(a)

    7,420       655,408  

FARO Technologies Inc.(a)

    6,009       561,601  

Flex Ltd.(a)

    80,778       1,469,352  

FLIR Systems Inc.

    22,686       1,211,432  

II-VI Inc.(a)

    13,159       1,109,304  

Insight Enterprises Inc.(a)

    8,457       706,921  

Itron Inc.(a)

    9,592       1,124,566  

Jabil Inc.

    11,935       515,234  

Kimball Electronics Inc.(a)

    15,444       362,625  

Knowles Corp.(a)

    16,449       341,975  

Littelfuse Inc.

    3,312       861,849  

Methode Electronics Inc.

    16,017       623,542  

MTS Systems Corp.

    7,361       429,588  

National Instruments Corp.

    33,891       1,504,760  

Novanta Inc.(a)

    7,043       932,000  

OSI Systems Inc.(a)

    5,911       559,299  

PAR Technology Corp.(a)

    4,642       403,297  

Plexus Corp.(a)

    9,798       822,836  

Rogers Corp.(a)

    3,379       613,221  

SYNNEX Corp.

    6,122       545,837  

Vishay Intertechnology Inc.

    17,031       406,530  

Vishay Precision Group Inc.(a)

    11,968       386,806  

Vontier Corp.(a)

    24,226       760,696  
   

 

 

 
        22,974,771  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.7%        

Archrock Inc.

    41,153       424,287  

Cactus Inc., Class A

    11,324       360,896  

ChampionX Corp.(a)

    31,719       674,663  

Core Laboratories NV(b)

    13,084       465,005  

Dril-Quip Inc.(a)(b)

    9,494       322,416  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services (continued)  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

    12,408     $ 356,482  

NOV Inc.

    66,927       1,010,598  

Oceaneering International Inc.(a)

    34,526       407,407  

TechnipFMC PLC

    103,049       847,063  
   

 

 

 
      4,868,817  
Entertainment — 0.5%            

Cinemark Holdings Inc.

    21,580       484,471  

IMAX Corp.(a)

    21,377       441,863  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    25,133       364,931  

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.(a)

    1,824       350,846  

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Class A

    7,250       358,150  

Zynga Inc., Class A(a)

    133,280       1,486,072  
   

 

 

 
          3,486,333  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 6.9%  

Agree Realty Corp.

    6,011       388,070  

Alexander & Baldwin Inc.

    36,542       638,389  

American Assets Trust Inc.

    11,596       360,404  

American Campus Communities Inc.

    34,544       1,414,922  

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

    30,722       956,683  

Americold Realty Trust

    25,068       878,383  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    14,075       575,386  

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

    23,424       333,792  

Armada Hoffler Properties Inc.

    27,359       353,205  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    70,646       864,001  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

    50,409       992,049  

Centerspace

    4,721       324,002  

Colony Capital Inc.

    91,785       543,367  

Columbia Property Trust Inc.

    38,438       542,745  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    7,967       969,664  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    31,345       814,970  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    17,767       595,905  

CubeSmart

    22,136       818,147  

CyrusOne Inc.

    17,688       1,160,863  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.(a)

    41,011       415,031  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    43,492       1,424,363  

Easterly Government Properties Inc.

    27,325       600,603  

Empire State Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    48,753       536,771  

EPR Properties

    10,215       461,514  

Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc.

    22,745       527,684  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    12,844       1,299,427  

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.

    19,662       839,764  

Four Corners Property Trust Inc.

    15,338       415,506  

Franklin Street Properties Corp.

    78,570       389,707  

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

    26,136       1,160,438  

Healthcare Trust of America Inc., Class A

    18,338       498,060  

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.

    20,647       528,357  

Independence Realty Trust Inc.

    25,570       359,003  

Innovative Industrial Properties Inc.

    3,028       590,460  

iStar Inc.

    21,281       377,099  

JBG SMITH Properties

    24,082       764,603  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    30,089       1,909,448  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    69,709       1,277,766  

Lamar Advertising Co., Class A

    8,000       692,720  

Life Storage Inc.

    15,138       1,270,078  

Macerich Co. (The)

    32,615       421,386  

National Health Investors Inc.

    4,889       333,772  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    15,777       691,664  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    8,963       345,524  

Outfront Media Inc.

    28,133       570,537  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  27


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Paramount Group Inc.

    37,199     $ 344,835  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    41,460       901,755  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust(b)

    18,333       415,426  

Physicians Realty Trust

    26,968       458,456  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    34,466       587,990  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    6,692       339,619  

QTS Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    9,765       606,602  

Rayonier Inc.

    16,499       538,527  

Retail Properties of America Inc., Class A

    32,510       342,330  

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.

    18,023       860,058  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    28,669       450,103  

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.

    7,779       601,239  

Sabra Health Care REIT Inc.

    30,272       521,284  

Service Properties Trust

    27,198       349,222  

SITE Centers Corp.

    30,872       411,832  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    14,181       979,482  

Spirit Realty Capital Inc.

    9,476       407,657  

STAG Industrial Inc.

    12,774       403,020  

STORE Capital Corp.

    32,471       1,085,830  

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.

    37,974       501,637  

Uniti Group Inc.

    45,301       539,535  

Washington REIT

    23,988       540,210  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    13,279       337,154  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    20,665       412,680  
   

 

 

 
        45,162,715  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.9%            

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    20,291       815,292  

Casey’s General Stores Inc.

    4,636       936,287  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.(a)(b)

    9,671       348,059  

Performance Food Group Co.(a)

    20,509       1,112,408  

PriceSmart Inc.

    6,696       645,829  

SpartanNash Co.

    18,118       330,291  

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.(a)

    21,106       445,548  

U.S. Foods Holding Corp.(a)

    33,976       1,238,765  

United Natural Foods Inc.(a)

    13,107       346,680  
   

 

 

 
      6,219,159  
Food Products — 1.6%            

B&G Foods Inc.

    10,708       324,774  

Beyond Meat Inc.(a)

    3,957       575,664  

Cal-Maine Foods Inc.(a)

    8,619       328,384  

Darling Ingredients Inc.(a)

    25,409       1,601,783  

Flowers Foods Inc.

    34,301       746,047  

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

    12,955       333,462  

Freshpet Inc.(a)

    8,105       1,263,407  

Hain Celestial Group Inc. (The)(a)

    14,356       605,536  

Hostess Brands Inc.(a)

    22,859       328,941  

Ingredion Inc.

    21,319       1,922,974  

Post Holdings Inc.(a)

    8,237       791,246  

Sanderson Farms Inc.

    2,253       343,583  

Simply Good Foods Co. (The)(a)(b)

    13,264       386,911  

TreeHouse Foods Inc.(a)

    10,801       540,266  

Vital Farms Inc.(a)

    12,459       337,888  
   

 

 

 
      10,430,866  
Gas Utilities — 0.8%            

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    3,312       350,178  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    13,784       626,345  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    20,947       823,008  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    7,514       360,597  

ONE Gas Inc.

    13,986       936,642  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Gas Utilities (continued)            

South Jersey Industries Inc.

    32,813     $ 823,934  

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

    11,950       745,082  

Spire Inc.

    8,692       577,323  
   

 

 

 
          5,243,109  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 3.4%  

Alphatec Holdings Inc.(a)

    20,173       323,777  

AngioDynamics Inc.(a)

    16,442       344,460  

Antares Pharma Inc.(a)

    76,675       325,869  

AtriCure Inc.(a)

    8,057       525,880  

Atrion Corp.

    515       321,824  

Avanos Medical Inc.(a)

    6,433       295,789  

Cantel Medical Corp.

    4,381       325,421  

Cardiovascular Systems Inc.(a)

    12,773       527,525  

Cerus Corp.(a)(b)

    44,251       271,701  

CONMED Corp.

    3,906       480,672  

CryoPort Inc.(a)

    6,128       364,248  

Envista Holdings Corp.(a)(b)

    23,073       889,233  

GenMark Diagnostics Inc.(a)

    15,917       311,177  

Glaukos Corp.(a)

    6,157       582,206  

Globus Medical Inc., Class A(a)

    10,667       666,688  

Haemonetics Corp.(a)

    8,132       1,028,698  

Heska Corp.(a)

    2,448       461,203  

Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.

    10,345       1,103,501  

ICU Medical Inc.(a)

    1,932       400,890  

Inari Medical Inc.(a)

    4,042       422,793  

Inogen Inc.(a)

    6,754       354,518  

Integer Holdings Corp.(a)

    4,220       372,162  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)

    6,888       470,726  

Intersect ENT Inc.(a)

    14,161       323,012  

iRhythm Technologies Inc.(a)

    4,369       702,972  

LivaNova PLC(a)

    5,962       462,294  

Meridian Bioscience Inc.(a)

    12,913       272,206  

Merit Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    9,894       551,294  

Natus Medical Inc.(a)

    12,947       335,457  

Neogen Corp.(a)

    3,872       317,194  

Nevro Corp.(a)

    4,138       683,515  

NuVasive Inc.(a)

    5,732       345,812  

OraSure Technologies Inc.(a)

    24,809       262,975  

Orthofix Medical Inc.(a)

    8,476       394,219  

OrthoPediatrics Corp.(a)

    6,446       351,049  

Penumbra Inc.(a)

    5,198       1,478,467  

Quidel Corp.(a)(b)

    5,662       930,040  

Shockwave Medical Inc.(a)

    5,566       649,886  

SI-BONE Inc.(a)

    10,759       337,725  

Silk Road Medical Inc.(a)

    5,670       310,546  

STAAR Surgical Co.(a)

    5,593       581,728  

Tandem Diabetes Care Inc.(a)

    10,012       961,052  

Vapotherm Inc.(a)

    11,047       268,442  

Varex Imaging Corp.(a)

    18,055       414,001  
   

 

 

 
      22,104,847  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.9%  

1Life Healthcare Inc.(a)

    10,297       489,210  

Acadia Healthcare Co. Inc.(a)

    10,033       554,223  

Accolade Inc.(a)

    6,255       277,222  

Addus HomeCare Corp.(a)

    3,945       424,364  

Amedisys Inc.(a)

    5,308       1,346,321  

AMN Healthcare Services Inc.(a)

    10,095       735,623  

Brookdale Senior Living Inc.(a)

    65,507       381,251  

Chemed Corp.

    1,714       763,090  
 

 

 

28  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)  

CorVel Corp.(a)

    3,283     $ 333,224  

Covetrus Inc.(a)

    16,185       601,434  

Encompass Health Corp.

    19,646       1,580,324  

Ensign Group Inc. (The)

    8,241       675,927  

Fulgent Genetics Inc.(a)

    2,341       237,050  

Guardant Health Inc.(a)

    9,951       1,464,588  

Hanger Inc.(a)

    15,775       346,734  

HealthEquity Inc.(a)(b)

    8,991       740,409  

LHC Group Inc.(a)

    5,806       1,055,008  

Magellan Health Inc.(a)

    3,584       334,459  

MEDNAX Inc.(a)

    14,289       349,080  

ModivCare Inc.(a)

    3,152       404,275  

National Research Corp.

    8,464       437,335  

Owens & Minor Inc.

    13,884       472,195  

Patterson Companies Inc.

    20,964       651,142  

Pennant Group Inc. (The)(a)

    6,027       318,105  

PetIQ Inc.(a)

    9,796       337,668  

Premier Inc., Class A

    21,341       721,753  

R1 RCM Inc.(a)

    27,779       767,811  

RadNet Inc.(a)

    18,181       335,258  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.(a)

    21,222       671,676  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a)

    10,745       548,210  

Tivity Health Inc.(a)

    14,187       337,651  

U.S. Physical Therapy Inc.

    3,357       393,575  
   

 

 

 
        19,086,195  
Health Care Technology — 0.6%  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.(a)(b)

    41,686       643,215  

Change Healthcare Inc.(a)

    21,667       495,524  

HMS Holdings Corp.(a)

    11,676       429,502  

Inspire Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    2,857       665,081  

NextGen Healthcare Inc.(a)

    17,524       327,699  

Omnicell Inc.(a)

    3,423       434,379  

Schrodinger Inc.(a)

    4,943       506,558  

Simulations Plus Inc.(b)

    4,009       287,525  

Vocera Communications Inc.(a)

    8,346       357,543  
   

 

 

 
      4,147,026  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.2%  

Accel Entertainment Inc.(a)

    31,668       351,198  

Boyd Gaming Corp.(a)

    12,421       729,113  

Brinker International Inc.

    7,330       502,765  

Caesars Entertainment Inc.(a)

    26,832       2,507,182  

Cheesecake Factory Inc. (The)

    7,519       413,169  

Choice Hotels International Inc.

    2,992       313,771  

Churchill Downs Inc.

    4,712       1,086,729  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

    2,279       352,949  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc.

    8,977       364,556  

Dine Brands Global Inc.

    5,197       411,135  

El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc.(a)

    17,972       329,427  

Everi Holdings Inc.(a)

    23,014       347,742  

Extended Stay America Inc.

    29,844       480,190  

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.(a)

    17,132       676,885  

Jack in the Box Inc.

    3,924       401,621  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    5,265       893,523  

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

    45,583       1,347,433  

Papa John’s International Inc.

    3,282       296,004  

Penn National Gaming Inc.(a)

    22,938       2,655,762  

Planet Fitness Inc., Class A(a)

    13,161       1,133,030  

Red Rock Resorts Inc., Class A

    11,549       348,433  

Scientific Games Corp./DE, Class A(a)

    8,980       420,533  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)  

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.(a)(b)

    11,012     $ 546,856  

Shake Shack Inc., Class A(a)

    5,620       665,858  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    11,794       526,012  

Texas Roadhouse Inc.

    5,957       541,372  

Travel + Leisure Co.

    10,909       659,231  

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    30,916       631,614  

Wingstop Inc.

    4,359       593,478  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    11,823       771,805  
   

 

 

 
      21,299,376  
Household Durables — 1.5%            

Cavco Industries Inc.(a)

    1,553       327,543  

Century Communities Inc.(a)

    6,130       339,173  

Green Brick Partners Inc.(a)

    16,293       321,461  

Helen of Troy Ltd.(a)(b)

    5,456       1,182,861  

iRobot Corp.(a)(b)

    5,527       685,956  

KB Home

    15,207       614,059  

La-Z-Boy Inc.

    8,677       369,727  

Leggett & Platt Inc.

    17,307       748,874  

LGI Homes Inc.(a)(b)

    3,886       424,546  

MDC Holdings Inc.

    6,521       368,893  

Meritage Homes Corp.(a)

    5,967       503,078  

Skyline Champion Corp.(a)

    7,837       346,787  

Sonos Inc.(a)

    13,866       539,942  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.(a)

    19,489       536,142  

Tempur Sealy International Inc.

    19,701       658,210  

Toll Brothers Inc.

    12,647       675,603  

TopBuild Corp.(a)

    4,309       820,477  

TRI Pointe Homes Inc.(a)

    17,095       324,805  

Tupperware Brands Corp.(a)

    10,357       316,613  
   

 

 

 
        10,104,750  
Household Products — 0.2%            

Energizer Holdings Inc.

    10,776       450,437  

Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.

    5,759       446,610  

WD-40 Co.

    1,026       319,856  
   

 

 

 
      1,216,903  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.5%  

Clearway Energy Inc., Class C

    27,957       767,699  

NextEra Energy Partners LP

    16,022       1,163,838  

Ormat Technologies Inc.

    7,672       657,260  

Sunnova Energy International Inc.(a)(b)

    11,100       497,724  
   

 

 

 
      3,086,521  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.3%            

Carlisle Companies Inc.

    9,914       1,440,008  

Raven Industries Inc.

    18,583       728,454  
   

 

 

 
      2,168,462  
Insurance — 1.7%            

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    9,753       269,475  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    8,192       378,552  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    8,896       393,381  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    12,256       619,296  

Brighthouse Financial Inc.(a)

    10,462       417,329  

CNO Financial Group Inc.

    22,074       531,100  

eHealth Inc.(a)

    6,258       371,850  

First American Financial Corp.

    22,364       1,175,005  

Genworth Financial Inc., Class A(a)

    90,091       281,084  

Goosehead Insurance Inc., Class A

    2,301       298,072  

Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (The)

    8,736       1,007,698  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    8,040       309,862  

Kemper Corp.

    5,706       431,488  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  29


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Insurance (continued)            

Kinsale Capital Group Inc.

    2,149     $ 378,353  

Lemonade Inc.(a)

    4,417       555,614  

Palomar Holdings Inc.(a)

    3,225       274,544  

Primerica Inc.

    5,895       832,551  

ProAssurance Corp.

    13,123       324,794  

RLI Corp.

    3,418       356,634  

Selective Insurance Group Inc.

    6,229       422,513  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    4,948       233,546  

Trupanion Inc.(a)

    4,535       438,807  

Unum Group

    28,282       748,907  

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

    325       388,394  
   

 

 

 
        11,438,849  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%            

Cargurus Inc.(a)

    11,130       288,823  

TripAdvisor Inc.(a)

    13,846       687,038  

Yelp Inc.(a)

    9,412       354,927  

ZoomInfo Technologies Inc., Class A(a)

    13,018       682,404  
   

 

 

 
      2,013,192  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.7%  

1-800-Flowers.com Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    10,803       305,509  

Grubhub Inc.(a)

    12,860       823,940  

Magnite Inc.(a)(b)

    14,593       713,160  

Overstock.com Inc.(a)(b)

    6,155       413,431  

Quotient Technology Inc.(a)

    26,746       358,931  

Qurate Retail Inc., Series A

    32,858       408,096  

RealReal Inc. (The)(a)

    11,774       300,708  

Stamps.com Inc.(a)

    2,274       413,709  

Stitch Fix Inc., Class A(a)

    8,467       646,117  
   

 

 

 
      4,383,601  
IT Services — 1.7%            

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    6,065       585,273  

BigCommerce Holdings Inc., Series 1(a)

    4,495       265,700  

Concentrix Corp.(a)

    6,421       793,058  

Conduent Inc.(a)

    60,268       324,242  

CSG Systems International Inc.

    7,173       331,034  

DXC Technology Co.

    40,615       1,024,310  

Euronet Worldwide Inc.(a)

    4,327       650,391  

EVERTEC Inc.

    8,942       347,844  

ExlService Holdings Inc.(a)

    5,010       423,946  

Fastly Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    13,561       997,818  

LiveRamp Holdings Inc.(a)

    6,586       415,972  

MAXIMUS Inc.

    6,501       528,401  

Perficient Inc.(a)

    5,552       309,191  

Perspecta Inc.

    15,606       455,695  

Rackspace Technology Inc.(a)

    13,376       281,164  

Sabre Corp.

    51,712       759,649  

Sykes Enterprises Inc.(a)

    11,893       485,948  

TTEC Holdings Inc.

    4,264       358,773  

Verra Mobility Corp.(a)

    23,716       337,953  

WEX Inc.(a)

    7,201       1,500,328  
   

 

 

 
      11,176,690  
Leisure Products — 0.8%            

Brunswick Corp./DE

    10,054       888,472  

Callaway Golf Co.

    18,112       506,230  

Johnson Outdoors Inc., Class A

    3,819       460,877  

Malibu Boats Inc., Class A(a)

    5,534       412,504  

Mattel Inc.(a)

    50,494       1,019,979  

Polaris Inc.

    5,792       682,066  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Leisure Products (continued)            

YETI Holdings Inc.(a)

    13,746     $ 945,313  
   

 

 

 
      4,915,441  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.8%  

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.(a)(b)

    14,503       820,435  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    5,118       1,851,129  

Bruker Corp.

    13,639       831,706  

Charles River Laboratories International Inc.(a)

    5,089       1,456,167  

Luminex Corp.

    11,672       379,574  

Medpace Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,617       425,079  

NanoString Technologies Inc.(a)

    5,620       392,220  

NeoGenomics Inc.(a)

    17,122       872,708  

Pacific Biosciences of California Inc.(a)

    22,616       691,371  

Personalis Inc.(a)

    8,351       257,461  

PRA Health Sciences Inc.(a)

    7,885       1,162,328  

Quanterix Corp.(a)

    3,854       291,941  

Repligen Corp.(a)

    7,998       1,698,695  

Syneos Health Inc.(a)

    6,541       505,946  
   

 

 

 
          11,636,760  
Machinery — 4.6%            

AGCO Corp.

    7,093       918,402  

Alamo Group Inc.

    2,426       370,280  

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.

    23,816       903,103  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    7,654       443,320  

Astec Industries Inc.

    6,681       453,774  

Barnes Group Inc.

    11,212       586,948  

Chart Industries Inc.(a)

    5,552       794,436  

Columbus McKinnon Corp./NY

    7,148       359,830  

Crane Co.

    4,168       349,528  

Donaldson Co. Inc.

    23,815       1,402,942  

Douglas Dynamics Inc.

    7,272       350,365  

Enerpac Tool Group Corp.

    14,970       369,759  

EnPro Industries Inc.

    4,544       365,065  

ESCO Technologies Inc.

    6,546       691,716  

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.(a)

    14,622       358,970  

Federal Signal Corp.

    12,311       448,244  

Flowserve Corp.

    23,119       855,403  

Franklin Electric Co. Inc.

    9,590       719,825  

Graco Inc.

    21,211       1,470,983  

Hillenbrand Inc.

    12,344       573,502  

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc.

    3,368       288,132  

ITT Inc.

    17,331       1,438,126  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    4,470       659,638  

Kennametal Inc.

    8,714       325,555  

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

    6,390       754,723  

Lindsay Corp.

    2,816       451,264  

Luxfer Holdings PLC

    19,201       367,891  

Meritor Inc.(a)

    11,139       338,291  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    8,254       1,208,468  

Navistar International Corp.(a)

    9,365       412,622  

Nikola Corp.(a)

    18,733       339,067  

Oshkosh Corp.

    15,614       1,655,084  

Proto Labs Inc.(a)

    4,046       589,421  

Rexnord Corp.

    13,401       602,375  

Shyft Group Inc. (The)

    10,517       345,904  

SPX FLOW Inc.(a)

    5,673       349,230  

Tennant Co.

    5,981       455,752  

Terex Corp.

    11,320       466,158  

Timken Co. (The)

    9,250       724,738  

Toro Co. (The)

    19,380       1,952,923  
 

 

 

30  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Machinery (continued)            

TriMas Corp.(a)

    9,700     $ 325,823  

Trinity Industries Inc.

    10,324       331,400  

Wabash National Corp.

    20,184       334,651  

Watts Water Technologies Inc., Class A

    7,602       867,312  

Welbilt Inc.(a)

    29,170       466,137  

Woodward Inc.

    10,133       1,157,391  
   

 

 

 
        29,994,471  
Media — 0.8%            

Cardlytics Inc.(a)

    3,943       522,171  

Gray Television Inc.(a)

    18,416       334,250  

Iheartmedia Inc., Class A(a)

    22,839       321,345  

John Wiley & Sons Inc., Class A

    16,595       874,225  

New York Times Co. (The), Class A

    23,994       1,227,773  

Nexstar Media Group Inc., Class A

    6,022       828,326  

Scholastic Corp., NVS

    12,286       353,837  

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Class A

    10,378       320,991  

TEGNA Inc.

    37,017       674,820  
   

 

 

 
      5,457,738  
Metals & Mining — 1.2%            

Alcoa Corp.(a)

    30,304       743,963  

Allegheny Technologies Inc.(a)

    18,221       358,225  

Arconic Corp.(a)

    16,838       369,089  

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

    57,759       770,505  

Coeur Mining Inc.(a)

    36,949       332,910  

Commercial Metals Co.

    17,254       433,938  

Compass Minerals International Inc.

    7,975       503,143  

Hecla Mining Co.

    54,856       358,210  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    11,900       1,573,180  

Royal Gold Inc.

    11,906       1,234,771  

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc., Class A

    21,978       759,120  

United States Steel Corp.

    25,360       421,230  
   

 

 

 
      7,858,284  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 0.9%  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Inc.

    26,190       348,065  

Arbor Realty Trust Inc.

    21,279       354,721  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc., Class A

    18,213       531,820  

Chimera Investment Corp.

    29,415       339,449  

Ellington Financial Inc.

    20,834       327,510  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Inc.

    15,186       853,909  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.

    18,278       336,864  

MFA Financial Inc.

    83,347       335,055  

New Residential Investment Corp.

    47,843       491,826  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

    16,505       313,100  

Redwood Trust Inc.

    33,681       331,421  

Starwood Property Trust Inc.

    48,876       1,115,839  

Two Harbors Investment Corp.

    50,415       363,996  
   

 

 

 
      6,043,575  
Multi-Utilities — 0.4%            

Avista Corp.

    25,563       1,027,888  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    34,093       958,013  

Unitil Corp.

    8,423       352,419  
   

 

 

 
      2,338,320  
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Big Lots Inc.

    7,038       447,194  

Kohl’s Corp.

    21,871       1,208,373  

Macy’s Inc.

    43,355       659,430  

Nordstrom Inc.

    22,287       812,361  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Multiline Retail (continued)            

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

    5,601     $ 463,091  
   

 

 

 
      3,590,449  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.3%  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    47,685       420,582  

Antero Resources Corp.(a)

    36,373       327,357  

APA Corp.

    60,488       1,193,428  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    15,550       901,744  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.(a)

    34,008       443,464  

CNX Resources Corp.(a)

    37,430       471,992  

Delek U.S. Holdings Inc.

    15,346       376,898  

Diamondback Energy Inc.

    21,626       1,498,249  

EnLink Midstream LLC

    72,600       279,510  

EQT Corp.

    41,263       734,069  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    50,535       365,368  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    19,408       735,175  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.

    124,135       382,336  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    140,055       1,554,610  

Matador Resources Co.(a)

    16,805       351,056  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    22,851       373,157  

Ovintiv Inc.

    46,162       1,064,957  

PDC Energy Inc.(a)

    11,589       405,036  

Plains GP Holdings LP, Class A

    39,058       336,680  

Range Resources Corp.(a)

    38,118       367,458  

Renewable Energy Group Inc.(a)

    5,389       419,103  

Southwestern Energy Co.(a)

    101,313       410,318  

Targa Resources Corp.

    28,972       896,104  

Texas Pacific Land Corp.

    628       693,337  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    12,658       393,411  
   

 

 

 
        15,395,399  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.2%  

Domtar Corp.

    14,545       538,892  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    15,271       727,053  
   

 

 

 
      1,265,945  
Personal Products — 0.3%            

Coty Inc., Class A

    46,971       360,267  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    10,223       312,722  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.(a)

    13,504       607,410  

Medifast Inc.

    2,239       566,445  

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., Class A

    6,991       357,799  
   

 

 

 
      2,204,643  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.1%            

Arvinas Inc.(a)

    4,629       362,451  

Axsome Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    4,769       321,240  

Cara Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    17,256       316,648  

Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    13,745       324,244  

Corcept Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    16,697       419,929  

Endo International PLC(a)

    34,948       277,138  

Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc.(a)(b)

    12,920       457,755  

Nektar Therapeutics(a)

    24,960       566,342  

Pacira BioSciences Inc.(a)

    5,452       400,722  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    20,529       828,550  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.(a)

    7,818       326,089  

Provention Bio Inc.(a)(b)

    22,783       289,800  

Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    3,942       481,949  

Relmada Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    8,751       291,758  

Revance Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    11,345       297,920  

Theravance Biopharma Inc.(a)

    17,698       293,256  

Tilray Inc., Class 2 (a)

    19,072       464,594  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  31


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Pharmaceuticals (continued)            

Zogenix Inc.(a)

    14,975     $ 317,620  
   

 

 

 
          7,038,005  
Professional Services — 1.9%            

ASGN Inc.(a)

    8,881       825,667  

CACI International Inc., Class A(a)

    3,927       869,202  

CoreLogic Inc.

    9,147       774,385  

Exponent Inc.

    5,877       566,954  

FTI Consulting Inc.(a)

    6,827       782,033  

Heidrick & Struggles International Inc.

    10,119       363,171  

Huron Consulting Group Inc.(a)

    6,068       308,861  

ICF International Inc.

    5,563       464,232  

Insperity Inc.

    5,679       503,727  

KBR Inc.

    12,103       375,193  

Kelly Services Inc., Class A, NVS

    24,322       506,384  

Kforce Inc.

    7,292       374,444  

Korn Ferry

    13,122       807,659  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    9,120       861,293  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    57,561       1,289,942  

Science Applications International Corp.

    6,191       533,231  

TriNet Group Inc.(a)

    8,668       695,780  

TrueBlue Inc.(a)

    30,901       643,668  

Upwork Inc.(a)

    11,412       614,879  
   

 

 

 
      12,160,705  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.9%  

Cushman & Wakefield PLC(a)

    37,041       573,395  

eXp World Holdings Inc.(a)

    6,076       366,930  

Howard Hughes Corp. (The)(a)

    7,396       701,658  

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.(a)(b)

    8,798       1,530,676  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Inc.

    31,257       586,381  

Marcus & Millichap Inc.(a)

    12,358       467,997  

Realogy Holdings Corp.(a)

    22,933       345,830  

Redfin Corp.(a)

    11,804       894,035  

St. Joe Co. (The)

    6,360       320,099  

Tejon Ranch Co.(a)

    20,427       333,369  
   

 

 

 
      6,120,370  
Road & Rail — 0.7%            

ArcBest Corp.

    7,647       451,096  

Avis Budget Group Inc.(a)(b)

    10,476       581,942  

Landstar System Inc.

    8,533       1,366,475  

Ryder System Inc.

    12,819       868,744  

Saia Inc.(a)

    2,858       573,115  

Schneider National Inc., Class B

    15,041       347,898  

Werner Enterprises Inc.

    11,182       479,931  
   

 

 

 
      4,669,201  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.1%  

Advanced Energy Industries Inc.

    5,578       582,622  

Ambarella Inc.(a)

    2,625       295,286  

Amkor Technology Inc.

    16,941       404,720  

Brooks Automation Inc.

    8,979       746,694  

Cirrus Logic Inc.(a)

    11,268       921,497  

CMC Materials Inc.

    3,043       518,831  

Cree Inc.(a)

    18,391       2,086,643  

Entegris Inc.

    18,114       1,905,774  

First Solar Inc.(a)(b)

    13,125       1,063,387  

FormFactor Inc.(a)

    6,610       299,896  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.(a)

    9,044       386,721  

Inphi Corp.(a)(b)

    6,445       1,060,783  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc.

    16,444       819,898  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    18,466       888,584  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)  

MaxLinear Inc.(a)

    8,770     $ 348,783  

MKS Instruments Inc.

    4,949       816,090  

Onto Innovation Inc.(a)

    11,474       716,666  

Power Integrations Inc.

    8,723       770,852  

Rambus Inc.(a)

    22,137       464,434  

Semtech Corp.(a)

    9,140       670,053  

Silicon Laboratories Inc.(a)

    7,262       1,130,984  

SunPower Corp.(a)(b)

    13,365       464,701  

Synaptics Inc.(a)

    4,787       641,602  

Ultra Clean Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,542       349,798  

Universal Display Corp.

    7,414       1,569,470  

Veeco Instruments Inc.(a)

    15,358       330,197  
   

 

 

 
        20,254,966  
Software — 6.3%            

2U Inc.(a)

    10,001       396,340  

8x8 Inc.(a)

    17,287       591,388  

ACI Worldwide Inc.(a)

    28,334       1,084,059  

Alarm.com Holdings Inc.(a)

    4,295       377,445  

Altair Engineering Inc., Class A(a)

    6,875       423,431  

Alteryx Inc., Class A(a)

    7,933       758,395  

Anaplan Inc.(a)

    16,363       1,063,431  

Appian Corp.(a)

    4,637       797,100  

Aspen Technology Inc.(a)

    10,296       1,549,651  

Avaya Holdings Corp.(a)

    17,398       516,199  

Bill.Com Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,857       1,296,483  

Blackbaud Inc.

    10,015       689,232  

Blackline Inc.(a)

    9,480       1,175,710  

Bottomline Technologies DE Inc.(a)

    7,325       328,746  

Box Inc., Class A(a)

    24,765       454,438  

CDK Global Inc.

    18,095       907,283  

Cerence Inc.(a)

    5,409       601,589  

Cloudera Inc.(a)

    28,764       464,251  

CommVault Systems Inc.(a)

    5,949       379,130  

Cornerstone OnDemand Inc.(a)

    7,230       365,260  

Digital Turbine Inc.(a)

    9,951       821,654  

Elastic NV(a)

    9,196       1,235,850  

Envestnet Inc.(a)

    8,290       530,726  

Everbridge Inc.(a)

    4,942       757,263  

FireEye Inc.(a)

    28,221       545,230  

Five9 Inc.(a)

    10,404       1,927,237  

InterDigital Inc.

    5,011       317,547  

LivePerson Inc.(a)(b)

    8,479       556,392  

Manhattan Associates Inc.(a)

    8,946       1,099,911  

Medallia Inc.(a)(b)

    10,662       430,425  

MicroStrategy Inc., Class A(a)

    1,007       755,663  

Mimecast Ltd.(a)

    12,475       534,928  

Model N Inc.(a)

    8,107       343,331  

New Relic Inc.(a)

    10,543       644,599  

Nuance Communications Inc.(a)

    38,766       1,728,964  

Nutanix Inc., Class A(a)

    31,479       953,341  

Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)

    6,779       1,296,077  

Pegasystems Inc.

    3,718       492,077  

Progress Software Corp.

    11,862       504,609  

Proofpoint Inc.(a)

    7,584       917,057  

PROS Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    7,907       374,792  

Q2 Holdings Inc.(a)

    3,984       485,570  

Qualys Inc.(a)

    5,810       564,500  

Rapid7 Inc.(a)

    10,342       788,474  

RealPage Inc.(a)

    6,928       601,212  

SailPoint Technologies Holdings Inc.(a)

    13,171       742,581  
 

 

 

32  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Software (continued)            

Smartsheet Inc., Class A(a)

    18,090     $ 1,252,732  

Sprout Social Inc., Class A(a)

    4,740       322,178  

SPS Commerce Inc.(a)

    6,512       655,954  

SVMK Inc.(a)

    20,203       376,180  

Tenable Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,711       315,457  

Teradata Corp.(a)

    33,341       1,336,974  

Varonis Systems Inc.(a)

    4,000       734,160  

Verint Systems Inc.(a)

    6,600       325,314  

Workiva Inc.(a)

    7,781       787,048  

Xperi Holding Corp.

    15,975       337,072  

Yext Inc.(a)

    17,564       297,183  

Zuora Inc., Class A(a)

    23,287       347,675  
   

 

 

 
          41,257,498  
Specialty Retail — 3.3%            

Aaron’s Co. Inc. (The)(a)

    17,211       377,954  

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

    31,026       797,368  

Asbury Automotive Group Inc.(a)

    2,954       500,555  

At Home Group Inc.(a)

    13,302       335,077  

AutoNation Inc.(a)

    8,087       606,687  

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

    16,391       440,262  

Boot Barn Holdings Inc.(a)

    5,525       333,821  

Five Below Inc.(a)

    8,279       1,540,887  

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

    10,790       1,026,021  

Foot Locker Inc.

    16,324       785,021  

GameStop Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    9,247       940,790  

Gap Inc. (The)(a)

    47,210       1,177,889  

Group 1 Automotive Inc.

    2,832       431,710  

GrowGeneration Corp.(a)

    5,937       270,905  

Haverty Furniture Companies Inc.

    9,956       360,109  

Hibbett Sports Inc.(a)

    5,355       344,112  

L Brands Inc.

    33,223       1,815,969  

Lithia Motors Inc., Class A

    3,875       1,449,056  

MarineMax Inc.(a)

    8,241       367,961  

Monro Inc.

    7,071       438,331  

Murphy USA Inc.

    5,516       687,569  

National Vision Holdings Inc.(a)

    12,616       599,134  

ODP Corp. (The)

    8,258       316,034  

Rent-A-Center Inc./TX

    12,205       704,961  

RH(a)(b)

    2,138       1,048,411  

Sally Beauty Holdings Inc.(a)

    21,917       352,864  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    9,134       454,691  

Sleep Number Corp.(a)

    5,060       693,878  

Urban Outfitters Inc.(a)

    10,766       364,967  

Vroom Inc.(a)

    7,423       328,468  

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

    13,276       1,743,006  

Zumiez Inc.(a)

    7,323       330,121  
   

 

 

 
      21,964,589  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.4%  

3D Systems Corp.(a)

    15,671       561,649  

NCR Corp.(a)

    21,299       740,353  

Pure Storage Inc., Class A(a)

    29,720       694,854  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    36,259       923,879  
   

 

 

 
      2,920,735  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.0%  

Capri Holdings Ltd.(a)

    17,346       809,538  

Carter’s Inc.

    8,375       699,061  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    7,794       803,327  

Crocs Inc.(a)

    11,665       894,939  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    5,239       1,708,490  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (continued)  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    62,039     $ 1,097,470  

Kontoor Brands Inc.

    9,063       382,912  

Levi Strauss & Co., Class A

    25,304       588,571  

Oxford Industries Inc.

    4,607       351,238  

PVH Corp.

    12,926       1,292,083  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    6,916       809,725  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    12,014       444,398  

Tapestry Inc.

    40,155       1,692,132  

Under Armour Inc., Class A(a)

    26,853       587,812  

Under Armour Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    29,514       537,155  

Wolverine World Wide Inc.

    18,597       649,965  
   

 

 

 
          13,348,816  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 1.2%            

Essent Group Ltd.

    8,466       349,053  

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C, NVS

    5,128       442,290  

Flagstar Bancorp. Inc.

    12,006       520,940  

HomeStreet Inc.

    10,401       446,827  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    72,451       882,453  

Mr Cooper Group Inc.(a)

    15,415       484,802  

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

    82,735       1,010,194  

NMI Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    14,550       332,613  

PennyMac Financial Services Inc.

    10,203       604,120  

Premier Financial Corp.

    12,257       375,800  

Provident Financial Services Inc.

    16,873       341,341  

Radian Group Inc.

    23,520       479,808  

Rocket Companies Inc., Class A(a)

    16,348       357,204  

TFS Financial Corp.

    21,600       421,848  

Washington Federal Inc.

    12,763       385,698  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    7,997       424,960  
   

 

 

 
      7,859,951  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.3%  

Air Lease Corp.

    13,489       618,606  

Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.(a)

    10,163       486,096  

Boise Cascade Co.

    18,270       912,404  

GATX Corp.

    7,510       716,679  

GMS Inc.(a)

    10,238       374,711  

Herc Holdings Inc.(a)

    4,607       404,310  

McGrath RentCorp.

    6,989       542,766  

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Class A

    4,017       345,984  

Rush Enterprises Inc., Class A

    8,524       361,673  

SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc.(a)

    8,842       1,401,545  

Triton International Ltd.

    14,525       839,255  

Watsco Inc.

    1,827       444,144  

WESCO International Inc.(a)

    11,085       889,904  
   

 

 

 
      8,338,077  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.1%  

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

    14,397       451,202  
   

 

 

 
Water Utilities — 0.1%            

American States Water Co.

    8,681       634,147  

SJW Group

    4,902       307,257  
   

 

 

 
      941,404  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.1%  

Boingo Wireless Inc.(a)(b)

    26,787       305,372  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    8,017       355,554  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  33


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services (continued)  

Telephone and Data Systems Inc.

    16,799     $ 300,534  
   

 

 

 
          961,460  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $502,703,904)

      655,237,626  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 3.6%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(e)(f)(g)

    21,631,924       21,644,904  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(e)(f)

    2,080,000       2,080,000  
   

 

 

 
      23,724,904  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 3.6%
(Cost: $23,719,812)

 

    23,724,904  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 103.3%
(Cost: $526,423,716)

 

    678,962,530  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (3.3)%

      (21,730,985
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   657,231,545  
   

 

 

 

 

    

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(d) 

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.

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

08/31/20

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/21

   

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

      
 

 

   

  

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 13,849,687     $ 7,801,842 (a)    $     $ (3,788   $ (2,837   $ 21,644,904       21,631,924     $ 74,910 (b)    $    
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    360,000       1,720,000 (a)                        2,080,000       2,080,000       264          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ (3,788   $ (2,837   $ 23,724,904       $ 75,174     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

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.

 

 

34  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

    

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

  $ 655,234,549      $      $ 3,077      $ 655,237,626  

Money Market Funds

    23,724,904                      23,724,904  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 678,959,453      $      $ 3,077      $ 678,962,530  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  35


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Argentina — 0.2%            

Globant SA(a)

    9,435     $ 2,025,883  
   

 

 

 
Brazil — 2.8%            

Atacadao SA

    91,200       311,089  

B2W Cia. Digital(a)

    55,600       818,080  

B3 SA - Brasil, Bolsa, Balcao

    515,600       5,023,655  

Banco do Brasil SA

    214,200       1,078,101  

Banco Santander Brasil SA

    104,700       702,440  

Cosan SA

    39,900       582,780  

CPFL Energia SA

    55,800       288,960  

Energisa SA

    46,100       361,236  

Equatorial Energia SA

    219,500       791,658  

Klabin SA

    178,300       942,841  

Localiza Rent a Car SA

    151,290       1,574,509  

Lojas Renner SA

    201,900       1,328,115  

Natura & Co. Holding SA(a)

    223,241       1,849,443  

Notre Dame Intermedica Participacoes SA

    130,029       2,023,329  

Telefonica Brasil SA

    125,024       987,082  

TIM SA

    208,800       479,565  

Ultrapar Participacoes SA

    180,900       627,123  

Via Varejo SA(a)

    322,800       687,529  

WEG SA

    210,853       2,952,975  
   

 

 

 
          23,410,510  
Chile — 0.5%            

Cencosud Shopping SA

    118,063       233,459  

Empresas CMPC SA

    289,475       844,684  

Empresas COPEC SA

    96,128       1,084,808  

Enel Americas SA

    8,528,213       1,298,979  

Falabella SA

    191,928       795,929  
   

 

 

 
      4,257,859  
China — 31.4%            

360 Security Technology Inc., Class A

    68,200       169,451  

3SBio Inc.(a)(b)

    324,500       322,938  

51job Inc., ADR(a)

    6,862       450,147  

AAC Technologies Holdings Inc.

    183,500       988,778  

Air China Ltd., Class A

    82,100       102,501  

Air China Ltd., Class H

    464,000       382,811  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR(a)

    168,722       40,115,343  

Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd.(a)

    1,012,000       3,391,880  

A-Living Smart City Services Co. Ltd.(b)

    114,000       477,612  

Angel Yeast Co. Ltd., Class A

    11,700       96,419  

Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    210,900       272,744  

Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd., Class A

    325,000       377,169  

BBMG Corp., Class A

    133,300       58,834  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    1,224,000       484,403  

Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    34,850       254,013  

Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    12,500       67,768  

BOC Aviation Ltd.(b)

    52,800       510,484  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    27,600       840,244  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    196,000       4,982,526  

BYD Electronic International Co. Ltd.

    167,000       931,085  

By-Health Co. Ltd., Class A

    24,100       81,228  

CanSino Biologics Inc., Class H(a)(b)

    18,200       865,734  

Chacha Food Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,400       65,003  

Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,900       63,955  

China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd., Class H

    2,222,000       1,048,363  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
China (continued)            

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.

    409,000     $ 1,818,985  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class A

    131,000       146,772  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    24,095,000           19,350,919  

China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd., Class A

    160,400       116,837  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    791,000       342,612  

China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.

    918,000       525,427  

China Feihe Ltd.(b)

    287,000       786,190  

China Gas Holdings Ltd.

    652,800       2,629,764  

China Jushi Co. Ltd., Class A

    52,000       180,158  

China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd.

    279,000       515,751  

China Literature Ltd.(a)(b)

    75,800       706,471  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    334,000       521,838  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    694,000       3,793,254  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    977,000       7,500,029  

China Merchants Property Operation & Service Co. Ltd., Class A

    14,300       41,444  

China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,400       217,117  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class H

    1,471,000       877,971  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class A

    258,300       267,076  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class H

    840,000       649,706  

China National Accord Medicines Corp. Ltd., Class A

    4,000       23,994  

China National Medicines Corp. Ltd., Class A

    11,400       66,853  

China National Software & Service Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,100       63,748  

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.

    958,000       2,425,457  

China Overseas Property Holdings Ltd.

    310,000       204,206  

China Resources Gas Group Ltd.

    232,000       1,158,901  

China Resources Pharmaceutical Group
Ltd.(b)

    392,500       250,456  

China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    13,300       53,735  

China TransInfo Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    27,800       70,360  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class A

    147,700       754,473  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class H

    424,700       1,801,212  

CIFI Holdings Group Co. Ltd.

    822,000       778,836  

CITIC Ltd.

    1,460,000       1,236,531  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    35,100       1,745,453  

Country Garden Services Holdings Co. Ltd.

    369,000       3,034,825  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    2,243,360       2,342,451  

Dali Foods Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    531,000       323,090  

ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.

    197,700       3,030,227  

Eve Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    28,432       375,153  

Fosun International Ltd.

    636,500       955,076  

Fu Jian Anjoy Foods Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,500       119,948  

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

    1,473,000       4,785,088  

GEM Co. Ltd., Class A

    76,900       89,125  

Genscript Biotech Corp.(a)

    260,000       448,452  

GoerTek Inc., Class A

    47,500       234,573  

Gotion High-tech Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    20,900       118,984  

Greenland Holdings Corp. Ltd., Class A

    133,300       115,817  

Greentown Service Group Co. Ltd.

    362,000       367,724  

Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    18,900       84,206  

Guangzhou Kingmed Diagnostics Group Co. Ltd., Class A .

    6,400       135,233  

Guangzhou R&F Properties Co. Ltd., Class H

    419,600       560,379  

Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd., Class A

    12,700       74,085  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    296,000       1,507,216  

Huadong Medicine Co. Ltd., Class A

    29,300       143,971  

Huaxia Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    193,000       185,856  

Hutchison China MediTech Ltd., ADR(a)

    17,838       512,664  

Industrial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    312,900       1,191,752  
 

 

 

36  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
China (continued)            

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    92,000     $ 613,632  

Jinke Properties Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    79,100       90,943  

Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd.

    607,000       2,179,217  

KWG Group Holdings Ltd.

    316,000       479,050  

Laobaixing Pharmacy Chain JSC, Class A

    6,100       67,591  

Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.

    338,000       313,280  

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    1,796,000       2,271,234  

Logan Group Co. Ltd.

    357,000       555,932  

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    449,000       2,662,507  

Meituan, Class B(a)(b)

    806,500         35,348,412  

Microport Scientific Corp.

    180,000       1,059,253  

NARI Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    70,100       307,127  

NIO Inc., ADR(a)(c)

    320,758       14,684,301  

Oceanwide Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    49,400       23,023  

Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd., Class A

    79,100       59,815  

Ovctek China Inc., Class A

    8,600       123,707  

Ping An Healthcare and Technology Co.
Ltd.(a)(b)

    129,800       1,875,715  

Poly Developments and Holdings Group Co. Ltd., Class A .

    184,500       442,469  

Poly Property Services Co. Ltd.

    27,200       178,999  

Sangfor Technologies Inc., Class A

    6,200       253,842  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co. Ltd., Class H

    620,000       1,064,590  

Shanghai M&G Stationery Inc., Class A

    14,500       173,758  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    33,100       104,564  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class H

    200,500       367,537  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    25,800       339,588  

Shenzhen Investment Ltd.

    820,000       294,920  

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    15,200       980,517  

Siasun Robot & Automation Co. Ltd.,
Class A(a)

    18,600       34,876  

Sichuan Chuantou Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    60,100       99,520  

Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd.

    2,601,500       2,894,151  

Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    336,000       786,578  

Sinotrans Ltd., Class A

    52,100       36,342  

Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd.

    176,500       563,127  

Sun Art Retail Group Ltd.

    483,000       417,166  

Suning.com Co. Ltd., Class A

    142,500       153,939  

TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A

    203,400       258,337  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    475,500       40,609,068  

Topchoice Medical Corp., Class A(a)

    5,100       208,570  

Transfar Zhilian Co. Ltd., Class A

    66,800       63,400  

TravelSky Technology Ltd., Class H

    234,000       590,630  

Uni-President China Holdings Ltd.

    295,000       354,425  

Unisplendour Corp. Ltd., Class A

    42,800       141,943  

Vinda International Holdings Ltd.

    87,000       259,631  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)(c)

    111,456       4,159,538  

Wangsu Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    36,800       37,880  

Want Want China Holdings Ltd.

    1,170,000       844,618  

Weifu High-Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,800       34,815  

Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The)

    386,000       910,594  

Winning Health Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    30,100       78,085  

Wuhu Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    32,200       139,884  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class A

    31,860       706,443  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    69,500       1,448,710  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman Inc., New(a)(b)

    817,000       10,115,935  

Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    12,900       167,027  

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    52,000       121,577  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
China (continued)            

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class H

    188,000     $ 402,302  

Yifeng Pharmacy Chain Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,800       106,049  

Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    19,100       385,575  

Zhejiang Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    354,000       308,943  

Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    16,900       233,006  

Zhejiang Weixing New Building Materials Co. Ltd., Class A

    20,900       59,895  

Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd., Class A

    38,500       90,192  

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    103,100       228,798  

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Class H

    345,200       525,987  
   

 

 

 
          265,252,943  
Colombia — 0.1%            

Bancolombia SA

    62,560       543,233  
   

 

 

 
Czech Republic — 0.1%            

Komercni Banka AS(a)

    19,219       604,244  

Moneta Money Bank AS(a)(b)

    124,687       456,772  
   

 

 

 
      1,061,016  
Egypt — 0.2%            

Commercial International Bank Egypt SAE

    350,918       1,393,837  

EISewedy Electric Co.

    184,739       112,138  
   

 

 

 
      1,505,975  
Greece — 0.1%            

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA

    59,108       914,035  
   

 

 

 
Hungary — 0.5%            

MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC(a)

    103,638       748,471  

OTP Bank Nyrt(a)

    56,037       2,562,208  

Richter Gedeon Nyrt

    34,811       999,319  
   

 

 

 
      4,309,998  
India — 13.1%            

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(a)

    96,813       1,528,047  

Ambuja Cements Ltd.

    170,882       635,997  

Asian Paints Ltd.

    95,989       2,974,568  

Axis Bank Ltd.(a)

    564,697       5,569,741  

Berger Paints India Ltd.

    60,116       556,166  

Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    164,177       1,005,035  

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    611,226       4,627,135  

Britannia Industries Ltd.

    27,025       1,237,060  

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    30,724       661,098  

Dabur India Ltd.

    132,247       905,402  

Divi’s Laboratories Ltd.

    626       28,649  

DLF Ltd.

    157,357       647,758  

Eicher Motors Ltd.

    34,044       1,157,547  

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

    96,839       904,542  

Grasim Industries Ltd.

    74,721       1,220,997  

Havells India Ltd.

    55,623       836,824  

HCL Technologies Ltd.

    271,805       3,363,857  

Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

    30,464       1,336,544  

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

    396,709       1,836,841  

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    174,159       574,605  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    206,464       5,990,224  

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

    427,559       14,775,033  

Infosys Ltd.

    852,775       14,544,232  

Lupin Ltd.

    57,565       797,732  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    201,805       2,214,541  

Marico Ltd.

    130,425       705,592  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  37


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
India (continued)            

Nestle India Ltd.

    8,389     $ 1,838,148  

Pidilite Industries Ltd.

    38,628       886,234  

Piramal Enterprises Ltd.

    24,839       618,313  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    713,955       20,264,916  

Shree Cement Ltd.

    2,750       991,763  

Siemens Ltd.

    17,635       443,965  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    234,855       9,250,062  

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

    156,535       1,957,300  

Titan Co. Ltd.

    89,295       1,709,589  

UPL Ltd.

    125,198       956,725  

Wipro Ltd.

    286,254       1,598,286  
   

 

 

 
        111,151,068  
Indonesia — 2.0%            

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    2,469,000       5,817,061  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    4,652,400       2,009,288  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    1,881,500       786,160  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    13,899,200       4,597,278  

Barito Pacific Tbk PT(a)

    6,929,000       535,246  

Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Corp. Tbk PT

    680,300       629,421  

Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT

    1,113,300       472,996  

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

    5,293,200       546,419  

Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk PT

    2,737,000       276,775  

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    1,928,100       947,802  
   

 

 

 
      16,618,446  
Malaysia — 2.6%            

AMMB Holdings Bhd

    403,000       314,634  

Axiata Group Bhd

    696,100       610,539  

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd

    1,603,100       1,714,990  

Dialog Group Bhd

    996,900       795,550  

DiGi.Com Bhd

    796,100       727,751  

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd

    38,700       298,891  

HAP Seng Consolidated Bhd

    160,400       337,246  

Hartalega Holdings Bhd(c)

    433,600       1,071,279  

IHH Healthcare Bhd

    550,200       690,554  

Kossan Rubber Industries(c)

    325,100       317,269  

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd

    109,400       635,182  

Malayan Banking Bhd

    981,100       1,946,444  

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd

    268,063       396,713  

Maxis Bhd

    601,700       706,134  

MISC Bhd

    333,400       558,481  

Nestle Malaysia Bhd

    17,800       606,453  

Petronas Dagangan Bhd

    74,400       367,634  

Petronas Gas Bhd

    195,500       792,143  

PPB Group Bhd

    160,600       747,549  

Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd

    355,200       850,374  

Public Bank Bhd

    3,651,200       3,752,685  

QL Resources Bhd

    237,600       361,023  

RHB Bank Bhd

    394,900       528,810  

Sime Darby Bhd

    702,400       393,934  

Supermax Corp. Bhd

    377,387       451,279  

Telekom Malaysia Bhd

    290,200       440,229  

Top Glove Corp. Bhd(c)

    1,230,800       1,593,426  

Westports Holdings Bhd

    229,200       231,040  
   

 

 

 
      22,238,236  
Mexico — 1.3%            

Arca Continental SAB de CV

    111,000       503,071  

Cemex SAB de CV, CPO, NVS(a)

    3,772,676       2,515,057  

Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV

    132,900       557,963  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV

    486,500       3,330,270  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Mexico (continued)            

Gruma SAB de CV, Class B

    54,660     $ 596,044  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, Class B(a)

    52,465       982,108  

Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Series A

    391,400       735,612  

Industrias Penoles SAB de CV(a)

    34,910       479,396  

Infraestructura Energetica Nova SAB de CV(a)

    137,700       479,469  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A

    383,100       612,836  
   

 

 

 
        10,791,826  
Pakistan — 0.0%            

Oil & Gas Development Co. Ltd.

    166,763       110,458  
   

 

 

 
Philippines — 1.2%            

Ayala Corp.

    71,140       1,096,717  

Ayala Land Inc.

    2,018,900       1,624,857  

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    433,980       796,047  

BDO Unibank Inc.

    500,140       1,087,485  

JG Summit Holdings Inc.

    756,168       1,004,432  

Manila Electric Co.

    58,930       329,143  

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

    449,690       469,894  

Puregold Price Club Inc.

    212,900       162,352  

SM Investments Corp.

    61,395       1,276,743  

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    2,568,600       1,913,745  

Universal Robina Corp.

    201,920       531,434  
   

 

 

 
      10,292,849  
Poland — 1.1%            

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA(a)

    46,705       850,139  

CD Projekt SA(a)

    16,939       1,075,968  

Cyfrowy Polsat SA

    73,602       565,136  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA(a)

    34,794       1,768,751  

Orange Polska SA(a)

    163,316       276,885  

Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA

    75,345       1,190,212  

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA(a)

    220,131       1,781,236  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA(a)

    150,380       1,181,707  

Santander Bank Polska SA(a)

    8,949       505,496  
   

 

 

 
      9,195,530  
Qatar — 0.8%            

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

    504,243       584,455  

Ooredoo QPSC

    205,145       427,779  

Qatar Fuel QSC

    115,806       529,384  

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    1,141,940       5,334,579  
   

 

 

 
      6,876,197  
Russia — 2.7%            

Gazprom PJSC

    2,961,160       8,696,266  

LUKOIL PJSC

    104,011       7,819,227  

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC, ADR

    112,880       927,874  

Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS PJSC

    331,050       768,138  

Novolipetsk Steel PJSC

    297,320       893,027  

PhosAgro PJSC, GDR(d)

    34,016       596,641  

Polymetal International PLC

    58,932       1,173,303  

Polyus PJSC

    8,374       1,577,901  
   

 

 

 
      22,452,377  
Saudi Arabia — 1.6%            

Almarai Co. JSC

    62,528       850,268  

Bank AlBilad

    84,959       746,407  

Banque Saudi Fransi

    149,619       1,113,017  

Samba Financial Group

    247,700       2,229,003  

Saudi Arabian Mining Co.(a)

    107,527       1,473,640  

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

    226,121       6,427,009  

Savola Group (The)

    65,882       661,367  
   

 

 

 
      13,500,711  
 

 

 

38  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
South Africa — 7.3%            

Absa Group Ltd.

    179,015     $ 1,434,129  

Anglo American Platinum Ltd.

    13,222       1,601,175  

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.(a)

    97,751       919,345  

Bid Corp. Ltd.

    84,716       1,584,833  

Bidvest Group Ltd. (The)

    73,061       811,588  

Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.(a)

    16,976       1,500,478  

Clicks Group Ltd.

    62,337       1,007,352  

FirstRand Ltd.

    1,194,009       3,966,826  

Gold Fields Ltd.

    220,483       1,830,971  

Growthpoint Properties Ltd.

    830,665       749,703  

Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd.

    195,731       3,179,898  

Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.

    16,211       694,623  

Mr. Price Group Ltd.

    64,857       746,875  

MTN Group Ltd.

    422,952       2,029,835  

MultiChoice Group

    112,050       944,338  

Naspers Ltd., Class N

    109,000       25,317,146  

Nedbank Group Ltd.

    94,312       813,401  

NEPI Rockcastle PLC

    101,854       623,918  

Northam Platinum Ltd.(a)

    88,992       1,303,777  

Old Mutual Ltd.

    1,171,427       1,040,237  

Remgro Ltd.

    133,541       913,506  

Sanlam Ltd.

    444,758       1,784,758  

Shoprite Holdings Ltd.

    127,634       1,121,351  

SPAR Group Ltd. (The)

    48,525       609,868  

Standard Bank Group Ltd.

    324,111       2,846,035  

Vodacom Group Ltd.

    160,813       1,322,709  

Woolworths Holdings Ltd.

    245,378       747,333  
   

 

 

 
        61,446,008  
South Korea — 8.3%            

Amorepacific Corp.

    8,033       1,676,670  

AMOREPACIFIC Group

    7,345       422,983  

BGF retail Co. Ltd.

    1,859       263,089  

CJ CheilJedang Corp.

    2,071       749,320  

CJ Corp.

    4,043       333,588  

Doosan Bobcat Inc.(a)

    12,701       365,712  

GS Engineering & Construction Corp.

    15,425       499,064  

GS Holdings Corp.

    12,495       433,738  

GS Retail Co. Ltd.

    6,156       198,351  

Hana Financial Group Inc.

    74,894       2,469,802  

Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.

    18,529       785,854  

Hanwha Solutions Corp.(a)

    30,278       1,214,084  

Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,349       565,558  

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co. Ltd.

    15,383       299,856  

KB Financial Group Inc.

    98,916       3,856,271  

Korea Gas Corp.(a)

    7,310       207,231  

LG Chem Ltd.

    11,468       8,482,339  

LG Corp.

    23,936       2,000,526  

LG Display Co. Ltd.(a)

    57,847       1,163,633  

LG Electronics Inc.

    26,618       3,470,883  

LG Household & Health Care Ltd.

    2,355       3,171,442  

LG Innotek Co. Ltd.

    3,519       623,303  

Lotte Chemical Corp.

    4,329       1,225,298  

Lotte Corp.

    6,624       198,101  

NAVER Corp.

    30,842       10,294,393  

Samsung Card Co. Ltd.

    7,138       209,343  

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd.

    13,990       2,359,684  

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co. Ltd.

    7,692       1,184,438  

Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.

    13,765       8,257,775  

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    109,772       3,219,392  

SK Holdings Co. Ltd.

    8,780       2,051,402  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
South Korea (continued)            

SK Innovation Co. Ltd.(a)

    13,881     $ 3,218,514  

SK Telecom Co. Ltd.

    9,847       2,169,232  

S-Oil Corp.(a)

    11,265       852,270  

Woori Financial Group Inc.(a)

    134,613       1,147,835  

Yuhan Corp.

    12,446       686,829  
   

 

 

 
        70,327,803  
Taiwan — 15.5%            

Accton Technology Corp.

    126,000       1,187,506  

Acer Inc.

    717,000       691,193  

Advantech Co. Ltd.

    96,288       1,253,187  

ASE Technology Holding Co. Ltd.

    813,000       3,021,111  

AU Optronics Corp.(a)

    2,187,000       1,484,043  

Catcher Technology Co. Ltd.

    171,000       1,178,781  

Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    1,970,000       2,967,113  

Chailease Holding Co. Ltd.

    310,240       1,915,852  

Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co. Ltd.

    442,000       684,761  

Chicony Electronics Co. Ltd.

    148,000       498,426  

China Steel Corp.

    2,975,000       2,643,614  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

    954,000       3,750,579  

Compal Electronics Inc.

    1,062,000       846,473  

CTBC Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    4,417,000       3,171,708  

Delta Electronics Inc.

    488,000       4,914,604  

E.Sun Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    2,854,125       2,587,439  

Evergreen Marine Corp. Taiwan Ltd.(a)

    608,000       828,421  

Far Eastern New Century Corp.

    751,000       780,592  

Far EasTone Telecommunications Co. Ltd.

    393,000       872,001  

First Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    2,581,410       1,932,408  

Fubon Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    1,657,000       2,968,649  

Hiwin Technologies Corp.

    65,660       940,610  

Hotai Motor Co. Ltd.

    75,000       1,591,419  

Hua Nan Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,106,232       1,372,520  

Innolux Corp.

    2,070,000       1,263,441  

Inventec Corp.

    637,000       567,188  

Lite-On Technology Corp.

    539,000       1,149,505  

MediaTek Inc.

    378,000       12,160,057  

Micro-Star International Co. Ltd.

    167,000       893,385  

Nan Ya Plastics Corp.

    1,283,000       3,348,859  

President Chain Store Corp.

    143,000       1,345,158  

Quanta Computer Inc.

    726,000       2,215,600  

Ruentex Development Co. Ltd.

    203,000       303,926  

SinoPac Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,530,000       1,058,235  

Taishin Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    2,437,117       1,133,136  

Taiwan Business Bank

    1,394,700       474,206  

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp.

    494,000       534,749  

Taiwan Mobile Co. Ltd.

    413,000       1,439,810  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    2,023,000       44,015,367  

Uni-President Enterprises Corp.

    1,210,000       2,919,379  

United Microelectronics Corp.

    2,948,000       5,736,706  

Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp.

    225,000       937,079  

Win Semiconductors Corp.

    85,000       1,161,206  

Wistron Corp.

    706,000       811,130  

Yageo Corp.

    92,000       1,958,747  

Yuanta Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    2,455,720       1,873,586  
   

 

 

 
        131,383,465  
Thailand — 3.1%            

Advanced Info Service PCL, NVDR

    299,900       1,613,272  

Airports of Thailand PCL, NVDR(c)

    1,079,900       2,246,450  

B Grimm Power PCL, NVDR

    194,800       303,923  

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL, NVDR

    2,407,800       1,565,250  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  39


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Thailand (continued)            

Berli Jucker PCL, NVDR

    285,200     $ 345,310  

BTS Group Holdings PCL, NVDR

    1,986,600       606,976  

Bumrungrad Hospital PCL, NVDR

    108,300       445,300  

Central Pattana PCL, NVDR

    566,900       976,597  

Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, NVDR(c)

    974,900       911,027  

CP ALL PCL, NVDR(a)

    1,469,700       2,842,359  

Energy Absolute PCL, NVDR

    375,300       762,416  

Gulf Energy Development PCL, NVDR

    737,500       797,053  

Home Product Center PCL, NVDR

    1,481,500       640,452  

Indorama Ventures PCL, NVDR

    410,600       527,168  

Intouch Holdings PCL, NVDR

    567,200       1,027,814  

Kasikornbank PCL, Foreign

    287,600       1,322,752  

Kasikornbank PCL, NVDR

    153,300       705,069  

Land & Houses PCL, NVDR

    2,057,400       528,298  

Minor International PCL, NVDR(a)(c)

    793,400       780,101  

Muangthai Capital PCL, NVDR(a)

    181,800       385,574  

Osotspa PCL, NVDR

    157,100       177,445  

PTT Exploration & Production PCL, NVDR

    350,900       1,311,639  

PTT Global Chemical PCL, NVDR

    565,400       1,153,195  

Siam Cement PCL (The), NVDR

    194,400       2,312,654  

Siam Commercial Bank PCL (The), NVDR

    209,800       702,386  

Thai Oil PCL, NVDR(c)

    282,300       543,666  

Thai Union Group PCL, NVDR

    791,000       359,946  

Total Access Communication PCL, NVDR

    171,400       176,884  

True Corp. PCL, NVDR

    2,907,700       296,765  
   

 

 

 
      26,367,741  
Turkey — 0.3%            

KOC Holding AS

    190,395       553,886  

Turk Hava Yollari AO(a)

    138,327       251,554  

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

    305,456       652,666  

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS(a)

    573,872       690,070  

Turkiye Is Bankasi AS, Class C(a)

    378,060       292,031  
   

 

 

 
      2,440,207  
United Arab Emirates — 1.2%            

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

    698,525       1,194,271  

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

    321,649       436,962  

Aldar Properties PJSC

    976,054       967,245  

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC

    459,462       594,162  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

    638,054       1,945,525  

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

    435,979       2,362,000  

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

    691,241       2,766,357  
   

 

 

 
      10,266,522  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.0%
(Cost: $665,754,019)

 

      828,740,896  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 1.5%            

Banco Bradesco SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,114,610       4,600,000  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Brazil (continued)            

Cia. Energetica de Minas Gerais, Preference Shares, NVS

    240,548     $ 516,226  

Itau Unibanco Holding SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,214,600       5,568,410  

Itausa SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,112,100       1,985,519  
   

 

 

 
      12,670,155  
Chile — 0.2%            

Embotelladora Andina SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    94,596       256,016  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    28,681       1,538,812  
   

 

 

 
      1,794,828  
Colombia — 0.1%            

Bancolombia SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    112,365       963,280  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.1%            

LG Chem Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    1,948       675,341  

LG Household & Health Care Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    520       326,302  
   

 

 

 
      1,001,643  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 1.9%
(Cost: $23,271,181)

 

    16,429,906  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.5%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(e)(f)(g)

    3,768,217       3,770,478  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.5%
(Cost: $3,770,478)

 

    3,770,478  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.4%
(Cost: $692,795,678)

 

    848,941,280  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.4)%

 

    (3,293,043
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   845,648,237  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(d) 

This security may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

(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.

 

 

 

40  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

    

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income    

 

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

     
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 4,152,885      $      $ (380,733 )(a)    $ (1,753   $ 79      $ 3,770,478        3,768,217      $ 41,226 (b)    $       

  

 

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

    1,070,000               (1,070,000 )(a)                                 575          
           

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   
            $ (1,753   $ 79      $ 3,770,478         $ 41,801     $    
           

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 
  (c) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

          

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    10        03/19/21      $ 669      $ (41,068
          

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

  $ 41,068  
 

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ 107,683  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (64,357
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 663,177      

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.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  41


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

    

 

Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table summarizes the value of the Fund’s investments according to the fair value hierarchy as of February 28, 2021. 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

  $ 802,373,155     $ 26,367,741      $         —      $ 828,740,896  

Preferred Stocks

    16,429,906                     16,429,906  

Money Market Funds

    3,770,478                     3,770,478  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 822,573,539     $ 26,367,741      $      $ 848,941,280  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $ (41,068   $      $      $ (41,068
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

42  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 0.2%            

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

    71,808     $ 2,018,523  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    6,746       2,502,766  
   

 

 

 
      4,521,289  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.9%            

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    24,943       2,266,072  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    31,057       2,852,275  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    131,228       20,711,715  
   

 

 

 
      25,830,062  
Airlines — 0.0%            

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    29,105       1,395,294  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 0.3%            

Aptiv PLC

    49,544       7,423,673  

BorgWarner Inc.

    44,719       2,012,355  
   

 

 

 
          9,436,028  
Automobiles — 3.1%            

Tesla Inc.(a)

    139,137       93,987,043  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 2.2%            

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    78,083       3,391,925  

First Republic Bank/CA

    31,915       5,257,996  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    186,104       2,854,835  

KeyCorp.

    178,545       3,595,896  

M&T Bank Corp.

    23,466       3,541,958  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    77,655       13,073,996  

Regions Financial Corp.

    175,647       3,623,598  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    9,471       4,786,265  

Truist Financial Corp.

    247,353       14,089,227  

U.S. Bancorp

    248,762       12,438,100  
   

 

 

 
      66,653,796  
Beverages — 2.3%            

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    749,071       36,696,988  

PepsiCo Inc.

    253,562       32,757,675  
   

 

 

 
      69,454,663  
Biotechnology — 3.1%            

AbbVie Inc.

    323,930       34,900,218  

Amgen Inc.

    107,145       24,099,054  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    28,234       7,704,494  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    33,173       2,568,585  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    229,998       14,121,877  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    47,647       10,127,370  
   

 

 

 
      93,521,598  
Building Products — 0.8%            

Allegion PLC

    16,855       1,833,487  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    25,272       2,101,114  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    132,823       7,410,195  

Lennox International Inc.

    6,288       1,759,194  

Masco Corp.

    47,842       2,546,151  

Owens Corning

    19,728       1,598,363  

Trane Technologies PLC

    44,058       6,751,448  
   

 

 

 
      23,999,952  
Capital Markets — 4.2%            

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    22,003       4,867,944  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    145,850       6,149,036  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    27,982       19,433,499  

Carlyle Group Inc. (The)

    25,457       871,902  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    19,895       1,968,809  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Capital Markets (continued)  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    280,691     $ 17,324,249  

CME Group Inc.

    65,867       13,153,640  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    6,950       2,112,174  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    55,550       1,453,744  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    102,985       11,360,275  

Invesco Ltd.

    71,262       1,597,694  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    6,946       3,861,559  

Moody’s Corp.

    31,012       8,524,889  

Nasdaq Inc.

    21,035       2,908,930  

Northern Trust Corp.

    36,164       3,440,281  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    22,582       2,636,223  

S&P Global Inc.

    44,086       14,520,165  

State Street Corp.

    64,464       4,691,045  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    41,523       6,732,539  
   

 

 

 
          127,608,597  
Chemicals — 2.2%            

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    38,682       1,057,566  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    98,157       6,902,400  

Ecolab Inc.

    47,136       9,868,393  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    40,909       5,543,579  

Linde PLC

    96,301       23,523,445  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    65,761       1,933,373  

PPG Industries Inc.

    43,339       5,842,964  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    14,988       10,196,936  
   

 

 

 
      64,868,656  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.4%  

Copart Inc.(a)

    38,993       4,256,476  

Waste Management Inc.

    77,540       8,598,410  
   

 

 

 
      12,854,886  
Communications Equipment — 1.2%  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    775,299       34,787,666  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 0.8%            

Ally Financial Inc.

    68,390       2,838,185  

American Express Co.

    125,578       16,985,680  

Discover Financial Services

    56,055       5,273,094  
   

 

 

 
      25,096,959  
Containers & Packaging — 0.3%            

Amcor PLC

    286,929       3,139,003  

Ball Corp.

    60,019       5,125,023  
   

 

 

 
      8,264,026  
Distributors — 0.2%            

Genuine Parts Co.

    26,392       2,780,397  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    52,884       2,083,101  
   

 

 

 
          4,863,498  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%            

Equitable Holdings Inc.

    73,990       2,187,884  

Voya Financial Inc.

    23,087       1,391,685  
   

 

 

 
      3,579,569  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.5%        

Liberty Global PLC, Class A(a)

    30,043       739,809  

Liberty Global PLC, Class C, NVS(a)

    69,298       1,683,942  

Lumen Technologies Inc.

    170,663       2,097,448  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    759,260       41,987,078  
   

 

 

 
      46,508,277  
Electric Utilities — 0.3%            

Edison International

    69,192       3,735,676  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  43


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Electric Utilities (continued)            

Eversource Energy

    62,687     $ 4,982,363  
   

 

 

 
      8,718,039  
Electrical Equipment — 0.5%            

Eaton Corp. PLC

    73,191       9,528,736  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    21,317       5,186,000  
   

 

 

 
      14,714,736  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.4%  

Cognex Corp.

    32,042       2,646,349  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    34,300       4,854,136  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    45,771       3,393,462  
   

 

 

 
      10,893,947  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.3%  

Baker Hughes Co.

    125,834       3,080,416  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    255,410       7,128,493  
   

 

 

 
      10,208,909  
Entertainment — 2.8%            

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    141,804       13,557,880  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    53,224       7,130,419  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    332,189       62,797,009  
   

 

 

 
          83,485,308  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.6%  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    24,760       3,953,925  

American Tower Corp.

    81,504       17,615,460  

Boston Properties Inc.

    27,047       2,681,169  

Equinix Inc.

    16,348       10,599,062  

Equity Residential

    68,091       4,453,832  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    98,476       2,864,667  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    129,019       2,140,425  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    52,713       1,833,885  

Prologis Inc.

    135,633       13,437,161  

SBA Communications Corp.

    20,475       5,223,787  

UDR Inc.

    53,976       2,222,192  

Welltower Inc.

    76,340       5,183,486  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    136,517       4,623,831  
   

 

 

 
      76,832,882  
Food Products — 0.6%            

Bunge Ltd.

    25,547       1,956,389  

Campbell Soup Co.

    33,116       1,506,116  

General Mills Inc.

    112,168       6,170,362  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    54,226       2,514,459  

Kellogg Co.

    47,049       2,715,198  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    45,631       3,845,781  
   

 

 

 
      18,708,305  
Gas Utilities — 0.1%            

Atmos Energy Corp.

    23,098       1,954,322  

UGI Corp.

    38,030       1,456,929  
   

 

 

 
      3,411,251  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.3%            

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    8,241       2,674,617  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    13,744       7,794,360  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    53,215       12,832,797  

DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.

    39,971       2,121,261  

DexCom Inc.(a)

    17,619       7,008,486  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    114,354       9,502,817  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    47,379       3,415,552  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    15,651       8,141,181  

ResMed Inc.

    26,509       5,110,405  

STERIS PLC

    15,560       2,719,888  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)  

Varian Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    16,673     $ 2,922,277  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    13,508       3,791,020  
   

 

 

 
          68,034,661  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.8%            

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    28,008       2,834,970  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    53,499       2,756,268  

Centene Corp.(a)

    106,230       6,218,704  

Cigna Corp.

    66,285       13,913,221  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    14,597       1,490,792  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    49,668       8,544,386  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    26,072       1,612,553  

Humana Inc.

    24,282       9,218,661  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    17,816       4,274,237  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    24,569       2,839,931  
   

 

 

 
      53,703,723  
Health Care Technology — 0.3%            

Cerner Corp.

    56,253       3,889,332  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)

    21,278       4,704,353  
   

 

 

 
      8,593,685  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.3%            

Aramark

    41,568       1,543,004  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    23,798       3,268,179  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    7,198       2,494,179  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    50,906       6,296,054  

McDonald’s Corp.

    136,713       28,182,018  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    34,987       3,263,238  

Starbucks Corp.

    215,351       23,264,369  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    7,340       2,269,381  
   

 

 

 
      70,580,422  
Household Durables — 0.4%            

Garmin Ltd.

    26,238       3,254,037  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)

    11,072       1,937,489  

Newell Brands Inc.

    73,740       1,708,556  

NVR Inc.(a)

    654       2,943,549  

Whirlpool Corp.

    11,391       2,165,201  
   

 

 

 
      12,008,832  
Household Products — 2.6%            

Clorox Co. (The)

    23,091       4,180,626  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    149,410       11,235,632  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    62,389       8,006,380  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    455,438       56,260,256  
   

 

 

 
      79,682,894  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.9%            

3M Co.

    105,836       18,527,650  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    19,242       7,266,164  
   

 

 

 
      25,793,814  
Insurance — 3.2%            

Allstate Corp. (The)

    57,134       6,090,484  

American Financial Group Inc./OH

    13,732       1,465,204  

American International Group Inc.

    158,073       6,947,308  

Aon PLC, Class A

    42,376       9,649,439  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    74,266       2,660,208  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    35,287       4,227,383  

Assurant Inc.

    10,744       1,323,876  

Chubb Ltd.

    82,818       13,464,550  

Erie Indemnity Co., Class A, NVS

    4,648       1,125,281  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    65,528       3,321,614  

Lincoln National Corp.

    35,352       2,010,468  
 

 

 

44  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Insurance (continued)            

Loews Corp.

    46,173     $ 2,207,531  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    93,060       10,722,373  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    50,221       2,841,504  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    107,446       9,234,984  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    72,658       6,300,902  

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    12,415       1,517,486  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    46,477       6,762,404  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    23,573       5,201,147  
   

 

 

 
      97,074,146  
Interactive Media & Services — 7.4%            

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    55,162       111,532,599  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    54,472       110,951,838  
   

 

 

 
      222,484,437  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.3%            

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)(c)

    7,514       17,496,424  

eBay Inc.

    128,034       7,223,679  

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)

    8,220       13,465,264  
   

 

 

 
          38,185,367  
IT Services — 5.8%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    116,385       29,200,996  

International Business Machines Corp.

    163,492       19,444,104  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    163,414       57,824,044  

Visa Inc., Class A

    310,519       65,951,130  

Western Union Co. (The)

    75,187       1,745,842  
   

 

 

 
      174,166,116  
Leisure Products — 0.1%            

Hasbro Inc.

    23,814       2,231,610  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.5%            

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    56,488       6,895,490  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    4,383       4,891,647  

Waters Corp.(a)

    11,316       3,099,226  
   

 

 

 
      14,886,363  
Machinery — 3.0%            

Caterpillar Inc.

    99,677       21,518,271  

Cummins Inc.

    27,156       6,875,899  

Deere & Co.

    54,623       19,069,982  

Dover Corp.

    26,338       3,246,422  

IDEX Corp.

    13,815       2,696,274  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    58,075       11,741,604  

PACCAR Inc.

    63,565       5,783,779  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    23,632       6,781,439  

Pentair PLC

    30,340       1,696,916  

Snap-on Inc.

    9,468       1,923,045  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    29,398       5,139,946  

Xylem Inc./NY

    32,923       3,277,814  
   

 

 

 
      89,751,391  
Media — 0.4%            

Cable One Inc.

    880       1,685,068  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    29,269       1,552,135  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    59,119       2,660,355  

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

    29,102       4,351,040  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    39,309       2,701,708  
   

 

 

 
      12,950,306  
Metals & Mining — 0.4%            

Newmont Corp.

    147,401       8,015,667  

Nucor Corp.

    55,227       3,303,679  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Metals & Mining (continued)            

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    38,485     $ 1,600,206  
   

 

 

 
      12,919,552  
Multi-Utilities — 0.4%            

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    99,667       1,937,526  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    61,189       4,017,058  

Sempra Energy

    52,918       6,137,430  
   

 

 

 
      12,092,014  
Multiline Retail — 0.6%            

Target Corp.

    91,882       16,854,834  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.0%            

Cheniere Energy Inc.(a)

    41,531       2,798,774  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    119,037       6,501,801  

ONEOK Inc.

    81,259       3,598,961  

Phillips 66

    80,144       6,655,959  

Valero Energy Corp.

    74,595       5,742,323  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    222,003       5,070,549  
   

 

 

 
      30,368,367  
Personal Products — 0.4%            

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    41,565       11,881,771  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 5.0%            

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    414,620       25,428,645  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    10,146       1,704,934  

Johnson & Johnson

    483,020       76,539,349  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    464,212       33,711,075  

Zoetis Inc.

    87,202       13,537,239  
   

 

 

 
      150,921,242  
Professional Services — 0.3%            

IHS Markit Ltd.

    69,436       6,260,350  

Robert Half International Inc.

    20,922       1,627,522  
   

 

 

 
          7,887,872  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.2%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    61,333       4,647,201  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 1.8%            

AMERCO

    1,791       1,029,323  

CSX Corp.

    140,321       12,846,388  

Kansas City Southern

    17,260       3,664,988  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    46,666       11,762,632  

Union Pacific Corp.

    124,184       25,576,937  
   

 

 

 
      54,880,268  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.7%  

Applied Materials Inc.

    167,570       19,805,098  

Intel Corp.

    751,903       45,700,664  

Lam Research Corp.

    26,642       15,111,076  

NVIDIA Corp.

    113,574       62,304,425  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    168,424       29,014,403  
   

 

 

 
      171,935,666  
Software — 14.1%            

Adobe Inc.(a)

    88,019       40,459,694  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    40,233       11,104,308  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    51,178       7,220,704  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    21,467       2,867,562  

Intuit Inc.

    48,209       18,808,259  

Microsoft Corp.

    1,317,843       306,240,356  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    166,967       36,148,356  

VMware Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    15,591       2,154,832  
   

 

 

 
      425,004,071  
 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  45


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Specialty Retail — 3.8%            

Advance Auto Parts Inc.

    12,648     $ 2,028,107  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    42,742       4,289,160  

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)

    12,105       3,133,016  

CarMax Inc.(a)

    30,107       3,598,088  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    197,535       51,031,192  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    134,440       21,476,790  

Ross Stores Inc.

    65,320       7,618,925  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    220,004       14,518,064  

Tractor Supply Co.

    21,264       3,380,125  

Ulta Beauty Inc.(a)

    9,777       3,151,420  
   

 

 

 
        114,224,887  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.4%  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    235,253       3,425,283  

HP Inc.

    252,010       7,300,730  
   

 

 

 
      10,726,013  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.4%  

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    22,714       7,079,500  

Nike Inc., Class B

    230,233       31,030,804  

VF Corp.

    60,588       4,794,328  
   

 

 

 
      42,904,632  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.4%  

Fastenal Co.

    104,936       4,865,882  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    13,178       3,918,874  

WW Grainger Inc.

    8,331       3,105,047  
   

 

 

 
      11,889,803  
Water Utilities — 0.2%            

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    33,147       4,702,897  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Water Utilities (continued)            

Essential Utilities Inc.

    42,605     $ 1,791,966  
   

 

 

 
      6,494,863  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $2,337,228,034)

      2,999,966,059  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(b)(d)(e)

    3,267,676       3,269,636  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(b)(d)

    4,556,000       4,556,000  
   

 

 

 
      7,825,636  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $7,824,877)

      7,825,636  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.0%
(Cost: $2,345,052,911)

      3,007,791,695  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.0)%

      (765,768
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 3,007,025,927  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(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 affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
     Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

08/31/20

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/21

   

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

   

  

 
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 1,263,030     $ 2,014,848 (a)    $     $ (6,670   $ (1,572   $ 3,269,636       3,267,676     $ 21,718 (b)    $    
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    4,756,000             (200,000 )(a)                  4,556,000       4,556,000       1,571          
 

BlackRock Inc.

    15,006,268       2,706,879       (874,343     305,177       2,289,518       19,433,499       27,982       187,925          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 298,507     $ 2,287,946     $ 27,259,135       $ 211,214     $          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

 

 

46  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

    

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description  

Number of

Contracts

   

Expiration

Date

   

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

 (Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

       

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

    32       03/19/21     $ 6,095     $ (39,830
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

  $ 39,830  
 

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
   

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ 519,513  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (361,196
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 5,830,027      

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

  $ 2,999,966,059     $      $      $ 2,999,966,059  

Money Market Funds

    7,825,636                     7,825,636  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 3,007,791,695     $      $      $ 3,007,791,695  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $ (39,830   $      $      $ (39,830
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  47


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Global Impact ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 1.2%            

CSL Ltd.

    19,407     $ 3,945,388  

GPT Group (The)

    117,633       388,875  

Vicinity Centres

    483,751       614,213  
   

 

 

 
      4,948,476  
Austria — 0.2%            

Verbund AG

    9,385       719,944  
   

 

 

 
Belgium — 5.1%            

Elia Group SA/NV

    9,203       1,000,886  

Etablissements Franz Colruyt NV

    36,082       2,174,050  

Umicore SA

    290,486       17,157,121  
   

 

 

 
          20,332,057  
Canada — 2.0%            

Ballard Power Systems Inc.(a)

    2,368       66,588  

Northland Power Inc.

    41,550       1,386,641  

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

    94,671       6,505,827  
   

 

 

 
      7,959,056  
Chile — 1.5%            

Empresas CMPC SA

    2,069,039       6,037,427  
   

 

 

 
China — 9.6%            

3SBio Inc.(a)(b)

    198,000       197,047  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    6,196,000       2,452,090  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    27,300       831,110  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    100,000       2,542,105  

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.

    227,500       1,011,782  

China Education Group Holdings Ltd.

    215,000       399,660  

China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.

    7,836,000       4,485,016  

China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd., Class H

    819,000       1,218,362  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    143,000       223,422  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    622,000       3,399,718  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,100       452,525  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    933,520       974,754  

Gotion High-tech Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    9,100       51,807  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    32,000       162,942  

Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    4,647       273,615  

Koolearn Technology Holding Ltd.(a)(b)

    39,000       109,096  

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    29,900       482,010  

NIO Inc., ADR(a)

    154,811       7,087,248  

Shimao Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,958,500       6,450,615  

Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd.

    733,000       815,458  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    8,900       118,779  

Vinda International Holdings Ltd.

    182,000       543,136  

Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,100       117,825  

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,000       383,435  

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    127,504       272,847  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.

    400,000       840,493  

XPeng Inc., ADR(a)(c)

    11,844       403,999  

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    1,016,000       2,210,817  
   

 

 

 
      38,511,713  
Denmark — 7.3%            

Genmab A/S(a)

    1,731       584,888  

H Lundbeck A/S

    13,484       516,579  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    128,567       9,190,927  

Orsted A/S(b)

    19,589       3,191,156  

ROCKWOOL International A/S, Class B

    4,281       1,561,111  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Denmark (continued)            

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    75,810     $ 14,286,496  
   

 

 

 
      29,331,157  
France — 7.3%            

Alstom SA(a)

    271,716       13,634,298  

Covivio

    11,571       978,226  

Gecina SA

    3,098       431,313  

Ipsen SA

    6,924       593,767  

Klepierre SA

    79,272       1,881,108  

Suez SA

    401,197       8,400,282  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

    45,376       3,349,807  
   

 

 

 
          29,268,801  
Germany — 2.2%            

KION Group AG

    47,564       4,037,859  

Vonovia SE

    77,177       4,940,548  
   

 

 

 
      8,978,407  
Hong Kong — 4.4%            

Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd.

    229,000       994,837  

MTR Corp. Ltd.

    298,500       1,791,227  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    145,600       468,294  

WH Group Ltd.(b)

    15,899,500       14,265,248  
   

 

 

 
      17,519,606  
India — 0.5%            

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(a)

    6,497       102,545  

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    10,204       219,563  

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

    20,319       189,793  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    32,893       954,338  

Marico Ltd.

    32,438       175,488  

Nestle India Ltd.

    1,274       279,151  
   

 

 

 
      1,920,878  
Indonesia — 0.1%            

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    437,200       214,916  
   

 

 

 
Ireland — 0.2%            

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    9,203       836,645  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 14.7%            

Asahi Intecc Co. Ltd.

    9,100       260,939  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    60,200       9,837,451  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    28,800       1,287,539  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    100,100       2,828,055  

East Japan Railway Co.

    218,600       16,121,083  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    27,900       1,916,652  

GLP J-REIT

    146       236,527  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    78       475,145  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    608       600,924  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    19,900       554,376  

NH Foods Ltd.

    164,200       6,912,305  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    108       659,921  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    115       351,887  

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

    131,600       2,115,926  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    21,600       1,632,063  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    273       408,706  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    36,400       978,502  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    21,100       1,072,032  

Sysmex Corp.

    8,600       894,791  

Terumo Corp.

    39,600       1,468,553  

TOTO Ltd.

    54,600       3,285,020  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    62,000       2,642,012  
 

 

 

48  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Global Impact ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Japan (continued)            

Unicharm Corp.

    63,700     $ 2,520,736  
   

 

 

 
          59,061,145  
Malaysia — 0.1%            

PPB Group Bhd

    49,500       230,409  

QL Resources Bhd

    169,100       256,940  
   

 

 

 
      487,349  
Mexico — 0.5%            

Gruma SAB de CV, Class B

    92,030       1,003,548  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A

    510,200       816,154  
   

 

 

 
      1,819,702  
Netherlands — 0.3%            

JDE Peet’s NV(a)

    24,693       1,008,570  
   

 

 

 
Norway — 0.6%            

Mowi ASA

    97,860       2,379,457  
   

 

 

 
Saudi Arabia — 0.1%            

Almarai Co. JSC

    39,089       531,540  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 0.5%            

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    510,240       805,824  

City Developments Ltd.

    127,400       705,169  

Mapletree Commercial Trust(c)

    209,500       321,411  

Suntec REIT

    114,400       124,750  
   

 

 

 
      1,957,154  
South Korea — 1.2%            

Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.

    8,200       4,919,270  
   

 

 

 
Sweden — 2.7%            

Essity AB, Class B

    254,586       7,692,042  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B(a)

    177,498       3,069,200  
   

 

 

 
      10,761,242  
Switzerland — 0.5%            

Geberit AG, Registered

    3,735       2,212,203  
   

 

 

 
Taiwan — 1.6%            

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp.

    637,000       689,545  

Uni-President Enterprises Corp.

    2,459,000       5,932,853  
   

 

 

 
      6,622,398  
Thailand — 0.2%            

BTS Group Holdings PCL, NVDR

    2,460,200       751,677  
   

 

 

 
United Kingdom — 11.3%            

AstraZeneca PLC

    149,616       14,527,430  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    98,408       5,576,292  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    392,995       16,785,594  

Pearson PLC

    641,385       6,734,374  

United Utilities Group PLC

    141,143       1,695,478  
   

 

 

 
      45,319,168  
United States — 24.1%            

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    1,456       472,545  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    25,876       3,952,559  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    1,421       210,450  

Amgen Inc.

    55,855       12,562,907  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United States (continued)            

Baxter International Inc.

    50,662     $ 3,935,931  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    14,942       1,156,959  

Boston Properties Inc.

    25,785       2,556,067  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    22,414       2,994,062  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    84,376       6,345,075  

DexCom Inc.(a)

    3,280       1,304,718  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    39,089       5,266,461  

Enphase Energy Inc.(a)

    5,193       914,280  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    78,817       2,292,787  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    78,271       3,629,426  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    17,130       1,347,446  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    1,913       495,658  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    9,294       1,561,764  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    110,254       14,148,896  

Plug Power Inc.(a)

    10,843       524,584  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    9,749       4,392,607  

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    3,644       317,247  

Seagen Inc.(a)

    5,375       812,216  

SolarEdge Technologies Inc.(a)

    5,466       1,630,562  

Sunrun Inc.(a)

    14,396       900,902  

Tesla Inc.(a)

    21,138       14,278,719  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    19,771       4,202,326  

VMware Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    10,386       1,435,449  

Xylem Inc./NY

    32,256       3,211,407  
   

 

 

 
          96,854,010  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.0%
(Cost: $364,806,672)

      401,263,968  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.6%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 0.12%(d)(e)(f)

    944,635       945,202  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.00%(d)(e)

    1,490,000       1,490,000  
   

 

 

 
      2,435,202  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.6%
(Cost: $2,435,202)

      2,435,202  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.6%
(Cost: $367,241,874)

      403,699,170  
   

 

 

 

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.6)%

      (2,375,678
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 401,323,492  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(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.

 

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  49


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Global Impact ETF

    

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

08/31/20

    

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sales

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/21

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/21

     Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 798,117      $ 147,573 (a)    $      $ 1,007      $ (1,495   $ 945,202        944,635      $ 27,376 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    670,000        820,000 (a)                          1,490,000        1,490,000        185        
         

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 1,007      $ (1,495   $ 2,435,202         $ 27,561     $  
         

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description  

Number of

Contracts

    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

          

MSCI EAFE Index

    5        03/19/21      $ 541      $ (14,454

MSCI Emerging Markets E-Mini Index

    4        03/19/21        268        (8,479

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

    1        03/19/21        190        (3,967
          

 

 

 
           $ (26,900
          

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

  $ 26,900  
 

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
   

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ 96,567  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (28,629
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 741,782      

 

 

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

 

 

50  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Global Impact 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 February 28, 2021. 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

  $ 400,512,291     $ 751,677      $      $ 401,263,968  

Money Market Funds

    2,435,202                     2,435,202  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 402,947,493     $ 751,677      $      $ 403,699,170  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $ (26,900   $      $      $ (26,900
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  51


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

ESG Aware MSCI

EAFE ETF

    

iShares

ESG Aware MSCI

USA ETF

    

iShares

ESG Aware

MSCI USA

Small-Cap

ETF

    

iShares

ESG MSCI

EM Leaders

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

          

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

          

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 4,554,847,549      $ 14,034,694,332      $ 655,237,626      $ 845,170,802  

Affiliated(c)

    7,955,462        133,816,417        23,724,904        3,770,478  

Cash

    3,290        6,731        11,642        7,594,140  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    7,400,496                      1,233,542  

Cash pledged:

          

Futures contracts

           3,716,000               110,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

          

Futures contracts(e)

    1,210,914                       

Receivables:

          

Investments sold

    217,193,018        560,094,674        26,894,639        17,991,666  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    1,803        130,136        7,502        18,159  

Capital shares sold

    600,937        2,032,300        232,959         

Dividends

    5,518,021        18,863,646        359,088        1,282,902  

Tax reclaims

    1,914,042                      18,698  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    4,796,645,532        14,753,354,236        706,468,360        877,190,387  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

          

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    7,178,987        23,477,173        21,648,122        3,773,607  

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

                         2,598,173  

Payables:

          

Investments purchased

    211,244,213        581,851,553        27,192,558        19,758,570  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    275,608        309,596               20,695  

Bank borrowings

                         5,282,492  

Capital shares redeemed

    1,763,433        5,617,019        313,688         

Investment advisory fees

    691,480        1,623,381        82,447        108,613  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    221,153,721        612,878,722        49,236,815        31,542,150  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 4,575,491,811      $ 14,140,475,514      $ 657,231,545      $ 845,648,237  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

          

Paid-in capital

  $ 3,950,127,900      $ 11,631,897,980      $ 481,161,401      $ 702,805,904  

Accumulated earnings

    625,363,911        2,508,577,534        176,070,144        142,842,333  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 4,575,491,811      $ 14,140,475,514      $ 657,231,545      $ 845,648,237  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    61,800,000        161,150,000        17,400,000        13,600,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 74.04      $ 87.75      $ 37.77      $ 62.18  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a)  Securities loaned, at value

  $ 6,829,362      $ 23,645,610      $ 21,005,381      $ 3,590,298  

(b)  Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 3,835,908,248      $ 11,991,323,109      $ 502,703,904      $ 689,025,200  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 7,955,462      $ 121,774,342      $ 23,719,812      $ 3,770,478  

(d)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 7,387,045      $      $      $ 1,258,156  

(e)  Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 1,233,554      $      $      $  

See notes to financial statements

 

 

52  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

ESG MSCI USA

Leaders ETF

    

iShares

MSCI Global

Impact ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

    

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

    

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 2,980,532,560      $ 401,263,968  

Affiliated(c)

    27,259,135        2,435,202  

Cash

    8,868        698,176  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

           1,982,077  

Cash pledged:

    

Futures contracts

    456,000        163,000  

Receivables:

    

Investments sold

    8,975,071        44,435,515  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    12,397        1,802  

Capital shares sold

           2,365,068  

Dividends

    4,319,930        203,015  

Tax reclaims

           29,761  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    3,021,563,961        453,577,584  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    3,276,972        945,544  

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

           328  

Payables:

    

Investments purchased

    10,986,234        50,423,907  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    40,079        24,463  

Bank borrowings

           190,018  

Capital shares redeemed

           521,237  

Investment advisory fees

    234,749        148,595  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    14,538,034        52,254,092  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 3,007,025,927      $ 401,323,492  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

    

Paid-in capital

  $ 2,333,901,619      $ 350,255,570  

Accumulated earnings

    673,124,308        51,067,922  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 3,007,025,927      $ 401,323,492  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    45,300,000        4,300,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 66.38      $ 93.33  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a)  Securities loaned, at value

  $ 3,200,094      $ 892,854  

(b)  Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 2,322,908,136      $ 364,806,672  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 22,144,775      $ 2,435,202  

(d)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $      $ 1,978,996  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  53


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

ESG Aware

MSCI EAFE

ETF

    

iShares

ESG Aware MSCI

USA ETF

    

iShares

ESG Aware

MSCI USA

Small-Cap

ETF

    

iShares

ESG MSCI

EM Leaders

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

          

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 30,430,868      $ 92,326,797      $ 3,253,738      $ 4,301,657  

Dividends — Affiliated

    394        557,081        264        575  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    75,674        182,958        74,910        41,226  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (2,384,816      (8,705      (1,268      (603,078
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    28,122,120        93,058,131        3,327,644        3,740,380  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

          

Investment advisory fees

    3,663,878        8,792,237        396,214        609,300  

Commitment fees

                         12,125  

Interest expense

                         1,480  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    3,663,878        8,792,237        396,214        622,905  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    24,458,242        84,265,894        2,931,430        3,117,475  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

          

Net realized gain (loss) from:

          

Investments — Unaffiliated(a)

    (2,478,703      (82,059,405      (2,821,455      (2,009,047

Investments — Affiliated

    (8,723      (32,826      (3,788      (1,753

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    7,017,699        625,231,261        36,237,161        3,769,170  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

           2,597,453                

Futures contracts

    2,781,934        2,448,055               107,683  

Foreign currency transactions

    503,163                      (90,097
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    7,815,370        548,184,538        33,411,918        1,775,956  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

          

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    450,780,229        672,576,896        116,030,812        141,278,407  

Investments — Affiliated

    860        5,537,649        (2,837      79  

Futures contracts

    (137,000      (1,948,728             (64,357

Foreign currency translations

    (221,935                    (57,226
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    450,422,154        676,165,817        116,027,975        141,156,903  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    458,237,524        1,224,350,355        149,439,893        142,932,859  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 482,695,766      $ 1,308,616,249      $ 152,371,323      $ 146,050,334  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a)  Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable

  $      $      $      $ 42,106  

(b)  Net of deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $      $      $      $ (2,255,526

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

54  

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Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

   

iShares

ESG MSCI

USA Leaders

ETF

    

iShares

MSCI Global

Impact ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

    

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 22,278,195      $ 1,242,238  

Dividends — Affiliated

    189,496        185  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    21,718        27,376  

Foreign taxes withheld

           (45,682
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    22,489,409        1,224,117  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

    

Investment advisory fees

    1,358,665        653,694  

Commitment fees

           712  

Interest expense

           121  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,358,665        654,527  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    21,130,744        569,590  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investments — Unaffiliated(a)

    (9,418,842      (5,596,199

Investments — Affiliated

    (9,139      1,007  

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    39,916,340        24,342,696  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    307,646         

Futures contracts

    519,513        96,567  

Foreign currency transactions

           17,436  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    31,315,518        18,861,507  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

    

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    224,888,133        11,215,549  

Investments — Affiliated

    2,287,946        (1,495

Futures contracts

    (361,196      (28,629

Foreign currency translations

           (17,004
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    226,814,883        11,168,421  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    258,130,401        30,029,928  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 279,261,145      $ 30,599,518  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a)  Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable

  $      $ 2,602  

(b)  Net of deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $      $ 540  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  55


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF
        iShares
ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF
 
          

Six Months Ended
02/28/21

(unaudited)

    

Year Ended

08/31/20

       

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

    

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

             

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income

    $ 24,458,242      $ 43,750,799          $ 84,265,894      $ 71,524,731  

Net realized gain (loss)

      7,815,370        (76,351,480       548,184,538        120,900,974  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      450,422,154        256,704,002         676,165,817        1,360,676,148  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

      482,695,766        224,103,321         1,308,616,249        1,553,101,853  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (32,198,666      (35,253,292       (76,616,220      (48,261,940
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

      1,099,476,203        1,918,888,942         3,917,330,131        7,190,400,935  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase in net assets

      1,549,973,303        2,107,738,971         5,149,330,160        8,695,240,848  

Beginning of period

      3,025,518,508        917,779,537         8,991,145,354        295,904,506  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 4,575,491,811      $ 3,025,518,508       $ 14,140,475,514      $ 8,991,145,354  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF
        iShares
ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF
 
     

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

    

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

     

Six Months

Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

    

Period From

02/05/20

to 08/31/20

 

(a) 

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

             

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income

    $ 2,931,430      $ 2,070,608       $ 3,117,475      $ 9,624,890  

Net realized gain (loss)

      33,411,918        (7,511,367       1,775,956        (9,867,055

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      116,027,975        35,550,785         141,156,903        12,292,446  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

             152,371,323        30,110,026            146,050,334        12,050,281  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (3,045,839      (1,531,147       (10,903,446      (4,354,836
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

      141,567,015        280,096,417         62,532,810        640,273,094  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase in net assets

      290,892,499        308,675,296         197,679,698        647,968,539  

Beginning of period

      366,339,046        57,663,750         647,968,539         
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 657,231,545      $ 366,339,046       $ 845,648,237      $ 647,968,539  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  57


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF
   

iShares

MSCI Global Impact ETF

 
          

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

    

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Six Months Ended

02/28/21

(unaudited)

    

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                

OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income

    $ 21,130,744      $ 33,632,577       $ 569,590      $ 1,659,880  

Net realized gain (loss)

      31,315,518        (962,704       18,861,507        16,414,488  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      226,814,883        391,890,722         11,168,421        22,785,059  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

      279,261,145        424,560,595         30,599,518        40,859,427  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

             

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (20,692,320      (31,557,896       (1,243,796      (1,233,842
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

      184,229,455        592,159,848         196,363,922        81,803,802  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

             

Total increase in net assets

      442,798,280        985,162,547         225,719,644        121,429,387  

Beginning of period

      2,564,227,647        1,579,065,100         175,603,848        54,174,461  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 3,007,025,927      $ 2,564,227,647       $ 401,323,492      $ 175,603,848  
   

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58  

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Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF  
    Six Months Ended               Period From  
    02/28/21       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended         06/28/16 (a) 
    (unaudited)       08/31/20       08/31/19       08/31/18       08/31/17       to 08/31/16  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

              $ 65.21              $ 62.01              $ 65.51              $ 64.28              $ 55.84                $ 50.87  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.46         1.53         2.12         2.16         1.87         0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      8.98         2.85         (3.92       0.83         7.68         4.81  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      9.44         4.38         (1.80       2.99         9.55         4.97  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.61       (1.18       (1.70       (1.76       (1.11        
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.61       (1.18       (1.70       (1.76       (1.11        
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 74.04       $ 65.21       $ 62.01       $ 65.51       $ 64.28       $ 55.84  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      14.51 %(e)        7.12       (2.68 )%        4.64       17.16       9.79 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.20 %(f)        0.20       0.20       0.20       0.38       0.40 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.34 %(f)        2.47       3.39       3.22       3.10       1.67 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 4,575,492       $ 3,025,519       $ 917,780       $ 360,309       $ 122,123       $ 5,584  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      14 %(e)        30       26       24       9       5 %(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.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  59


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF  
    Six Months Ended                   Period From  
    02/28/21       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended         12/01/16 (a) 
    (unaudited)       08/31/20       08/31/19       08/31/18       to 08/31/17  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 79.74       $ 64.33       $ 63.85                $ 54.15                $ 47.79  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.59         1.22         1.17         1.09         0.71  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

      7.99         15.13         0.40         9.52         6.22  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      8.58         16.35         1.57         10.61         6.93  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                   

From net investment income

      (0.57       (0.94       (1.09       (0.80       (0.57

From net realized gain

                              (0.11        
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.57       (0.94       (1.09       (0.91       (0.57
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 87.75       $ 79.74       $ 64.33       $ 63.85       $ 54.15  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                   

Based on net asset value

      10.84 %(e)        25.79       2.59       19.79       14.55 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                   

Total expenses

      0.15 %(f)        0.15       0.15       0.15       0.27 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.44 %(f)        1.76       1.88       1.83       1.85 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                   

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 14,140,476       $ 8,991,145       $ 295,905       $ 98,974       $ 10,830  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      10 %(e)        38       27       28       22 %(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.

 

 

60  

2 0 2 1   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF  
    Six Months Ended             Period From  
    02/28/21       Year Ended       Year Ended         04/10/18 (a) 
    (unaudited)       08/31/20       08/31/19       to 08/31/18  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                $ 27.34              $ 26.21              $ 28.76               $ 25.47  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.20         0.33         0.36         0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      10.44         1.10         (2.58       3.23  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      10.64         1.43         (2.22       3.35  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

               

From net investment income

      (0.21       (0.30       (0.33       (0.06
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.21       (0.30       (0.33       (0.06
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 37.77       $ 27.34       $ 26.21       $ 28.76  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

               

Based on net asset value

      39.15 %(e)        5.57       (7.69 )%        13.16 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

               

Total expenses

      0.17 %(f)        0.17       0.17       0.17 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.26 %(f)        1.32       1.35       1.17 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 657,232       $ 366,339       $ 57,664       $ 11,506  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      17 %(e)        50       34       15 %(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.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  61


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

 iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

 
    Six Months Ended       Period From  
    02/28/21         02/05/20 (a) 
    (unaudited)       to 08/31/20  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 51.84       $ 51.43  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.24         0.79  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      10.88         (0.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      11.12         0.76  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

       

From net investment income

      (0.78       (0.35
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.78       (0.35
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 62.18       $ 51.84  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

       

Based on net asset value

      21.61 %(e)        1.54 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

       

Total expenses

      0.16 %(f)        0.16 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.82 %(f)        3.04 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 845,648       $ 647,969  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      11 %(e)        19 %(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.

 

 

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Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF  
    Six Months Ended           Period From  
    02/28/21       Year Ended         05/07/19 (a) 
    (unaudited)       08/31/20       to 08/31/19  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 60.55              $ 50.77              $ 49.23  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.48         0.94         0.32  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

      `5.83         9.75         1.34  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      6.31         10.69         1.66  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

           

From net investment income

      (0.48       (0.91       (0.12
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.48       (0.91       (0.12
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 66.38       $ 60.55       $ 50.77  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

      10.52 %(e)        21.45       3.38 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses

      0.10 %(f)        0.10       0.11 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.10 %(f)        0.10       0.10 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.56 %(f)        1.77       2.00 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 3,007,026       $ 2,564,228       $ 1,579,065  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      4 %(e)        9       4 %(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.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  63


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF  
    Six Months Ended                       Period From  
    02/28/21       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended         04/20/16 (a) 
    (unaudited)       08/31/20       08/31/19       08/31/18       08/31/17       to 08/31/16  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 81.68              $ 57.03              $ 58.35              $ 55.92                $ 49.61                 $ 48.70  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.19         1.19         1.02         1.32         1.05         0.49  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      11.87         24.32         (1.29       2.65         6.44         0.65  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      12.06         25.51         (0.27       3.97         7.49         1.14  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.41       (0.86       (1.05       (1.54       (1.18       (0.23
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.41       (0.86       (1.05       (1.54       (1.18       (0.23
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 93.33       $ 81.68       $ 57.03       $ 58.35       $ 55.92       $ 49.61  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

                       

Based on net asset value

      14.85 %(e)        45.10       (0.40 )%        7.16       15.27       2.38 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

                       

Total expenses

      0.49 %(f)        0.49       0.49       0.49       0.49       0.49 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.43 %(f)        1.82       1.79       2.26       2.05       2.76 %(f) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 401,323       $ 175,604       $ 54,174       $ 37,928       $ 25,164       $ 14,884  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      32 %(e)        47       43       36       32       28 %(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.

 

 

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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 
 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

     Diversified   

ESG Aware MSCI USA

     Diversified   

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

     Non-diversified   

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

     Non-diversified   

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

     Non-diversified   

MSCI Global Impact

     Diversified   

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at fair value. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers or as estimated by management, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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 February 28, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

The Funds file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. The statement of operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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 (“NAV”) per share.

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  65


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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 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 NAV.

   

Futures contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates 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, if any, are also disclosed in each Fund’s schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan and the value of any related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds 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 Funds, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. When the value of the collateral is greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, the lender is left 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 Funds can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities. Upon an event of default, the parties’ obligations to return the securities or collateral to the other party are extinguished, and the parties can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities or the collateral received in connection with the loaned securities in order to satisfy the defaulting party’s net payment obligation for all transactions under the MSLA. The defaulting party remains liable for any deficiency.

As of period end, the following table is a summary of the securities on loan by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of February 28, 2021:

 

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty

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

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

         

HSBC Bank PLC

  $ 2,836,858      $ 2,836,858     $      $  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    3,992,504        3,992,504               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 6,829,362      $ 6,829,362     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 1,129,176      $ 1,129,176     $      $  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    17,672,323        17,392,801              (279,522 )(b) 

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    4,728,497        4,728,497               

UBS AG

    115,614        113,546              (2,068 )(b) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 23,645,610      $ 23,364,020     $      $ (281,590
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

         

Barclays Capital Inc.

  $ 42,518      $ 42,518     $      $  

BMO Capital Markets

    83,008        82,727              (281 )(b) 

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,361,195        2,348,833              (12,362 )(b) 

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

    2,765,433        2,765,433               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    1,312,062        1,312,062               

HSBC Bank PLC

    918,257        918,257               

Jefferies LLC

    143,488        136,778              (6,710 )(b) 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    9,471,624        9,471,624               

National Financial Services LLC

    1,373,778        1,360,208              (13,570 )(b) 

Pershing LLC

    139,184        139,184               

State Street Bank & Trust Company

    129,508        129,508               

TD Prime Services LLC

    736,960        736,960               

UBS AG

    1,528,366        1,528,366               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 21,005,381      $ 20,972,458     $      $ (32,923
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

         

JPMorgan Securities LLC

  $ 66,596      $ 66,596     $      $  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    1,001,698        1,001,698               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    48,237        48,237               

Nomura Securities International Inc.

    197,631        197,631               

Virtu Americas LLC

              2,276,136                  2,276,136                      —  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 3,590,298      $ 3,590,298     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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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  

 

 

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

         

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

  $ 516,883      $ 511,371     $      $ (5,512 )(b) 

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,337,415        2,337,415               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    329,051        324,922              (4,129 )(b) 

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    8,591        8,499              (92 )(b) 

UBS Securities LLC

    8,154        8,154               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 3,200,094      $ 3,190,361     $      $ (9,733
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Global Impact

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 188,109      $ 188,109     $      $  

JPMorgan Securities LLC

    406,624        406,624               

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    76,709        76,709               

Nomura Securities International Inc.

    13,821        13,821               

SG Americas Securities LLC

    207,591        207,591               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 892,854      $ 892,854     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it 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, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree 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 (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. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

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).

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

For its investment advisory services to each Fund, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund as follows:

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Investment Advisory Fee      

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

    0.20%   

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    0.15      

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    0.17      

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    0.16      

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    0.10      

MSCI Global Impact

    0.49      

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 (the “collateral investment fees”). The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund, BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional or BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, 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 SL Agency Shares of such money market fund will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. The money market fund in which the cash collateral has been invested may, under certain circumstances, impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the value redeemed or temporarily restrict redemptions for up to 10 business days during a 90 day period, in the event that the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.

Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less the collateral investment fees. 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 the iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF and iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (the “Group 1 Funds”), retains 77% 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, each of the iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF and iShares MSCI Global Impact 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.

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 81% 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.

Prior to January 1, 2021, each Group 1 Fund retained 75% 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. Each Group 2 Fund retained 82% 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. In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across the iShares ETF Complex in a calendar year exceeded a specified threshold: (1) each Group 1 Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, retained for the remainder of that calendar year 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained could never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees, and (2) each Group 2 Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, retained for the remainder of that calendar year 85% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained could never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  69


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 February 28, 2021, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   
iShares ETF  

Fees Paid    

to BTC    

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $     19,795  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    62,137  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    27,541  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    9,939     

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    7,896  

MSCI Global Impact

    6,403  

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 February 28, 2021, 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)    

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $   132,347,607      $   185,935,708      $ (4,403,373

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    253,939,921        406,434,155        (28,955,650

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    17,364,061        16,277,147        (817,808 )  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    10,813,244        1,884,095        (153,905

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    60,949,980        42,441,970        (7,514,866

MSCI Global Impact

    22,902,852        22,772,487        (2,641,882

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 February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $ 541,299,606      $ 495,255,362  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    1,214,748,100        1,202,065,765  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    82,537,757        78,794,622  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    122,253,460        79,965,604  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    117,120,264        118,936,055   

MSCI Global Impact

    131,217,843        87,578,636  

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF  

In-kind

Purchases

    

In-kind  

Sales  

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $   1,064,169,397      $ 20,448,993  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    6,032,702,887        2,130,792,988  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    228,779,880        91,481,111  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    24,454,912        13,161,202  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    306,545,395        120,899,008  

MSCI Global Impact

    211,102,664        57,735,928   

 

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 each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021, 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 August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring     

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $    97,367,379  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    120,119,946  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    10,085,592  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    10,436,510      

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    26,461,692  

MSCI Global Impact

    3,080,222  

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 February 28, 2021, 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)  

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $ 3,857,882,371      $ 756,951,153      $ (52,091,669   $ 704,859,484  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    12,118,294,015        2,179,489,302        (129,472,085     2,050,017,217  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    527,695,101        155,539,744        (4,272,315     151,267,429    

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    694,190,581        194,376,232        (39,666,601     154,709,631  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    2,346,720,263        687,684,060        (26,652,458     661,031,602  

MSCI Global Impact

    368,363,506        40,993,040        (5,684,276     35,308,764  

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF and iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), are parties to a $300 million credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company, which expires on July 15, 2021. The line of credit may be used for temporary or emergency purposes, including redemptions, settlement of trades and rebalancing of portfolio holdings in certain target markets. The Credit Agreement sets specific sub limits on aggregate borrowings based on two tiers of Participating Funds: $300 million with respect to the funds within Tier 1, including the Funds, and $200 million with respect to Tier 2. The Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum on the unused portion of the credit agreement and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) the one-month LIBOR rate (not less than zero) plus 1.00% per annum or (b) the U.S. Federal Funds rate (not less than zero) plus 1.00% per annum on amounts borrowed. The commitment fee is generally allocated to each Participating Fund based on the lesser of a Participating Fund’s relative exposure to certain target markets or a Participating Fund’s maximum borrowing amount as set forth by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the maximum amount borrowed, the average daily borrowing and the weighted average interest rate, if any, under the credit agreement were as follows:

 

       
iShares ETF  

Maximum

Amount

Borrowed

    

Average

Borrowing

    

Weighted

Average

Interest Rates

 

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

  $   5,282,000      $     248,291        1.14

MSCI Global Impact

    190,000        20,746        1.15  

 

10.

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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

The Funds may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Market Risk: Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional risks that do not generally apply to investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or nonexistent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities; (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments; (iii) lack of publicly available or reliable information about issuers as a result of not being subject to the same degree of regulatory requirements and accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; and (iv) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments.

An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause a fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a fund invests.

The price each Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from each Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation technique or a price provided by an independent pricing service. Changes to significant unobservable inputs and assumptions (i.e., publicly traded company multiples, growth rate, time to exit) due to the lack of observable inputs.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

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.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. securities and may be less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. Investment percentages in specific countries are presented in the schedule of investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns in, or rising government debt levels of, several European countries. These events may spread to other countries in Europe and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union, and one or more other countries may withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the Euro, the common currency of the European Union. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far reaching.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in China or with significant exposure to Chinese issuers or countries. Investments in Chinese securities, including certain Hong Kong-listed securities, involves risks specific to China. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or confrontations with other neighboring countries may disrupt economic development in China and result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency non-convertibility, interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Incidents involving China’s or the region’s security may cause uncertainty in Chinese markets and may adversely affect the Chinese economy and a fund’s investments. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy. In addition, measures may be taken to limit the flow of capital and/or sanctions may be imposed, which could prohibit or restrict the ability to own or transfer fund assets and may also include retaliatory actions, such as seizure of fund assets.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Asia or with significant exposure to Asian issuers or countries. The Asian financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns in several Asian countries regarding monetary policy, government intervention in the markets, rising government debt levels or economic downturns. These events may spread to other countries in Asia and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Investment percentages in specific sectors are presented in the schedule of investments.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

 

11.

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
02/28/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount      Shares     Amount  

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

        

Shares sold

    15,700,000     $ 1,121,688,646        32,200,000     $ 1,957,484,272  

Shares redeemed

    (300,000     (22,212,443      (600,000     (38,595,330
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    15,400,000     $ 1,099,476,203        31,600,000     $ 1,918,888,942  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA

        

Shares sold

    73,300,000     $ 6,061,346,263        127,450,000     $ 8,513,896,093  

Shares redeemed

    (24,900,000     (2,144,016,132      (19,300,000     (1,323,495,158
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    48,400,000     $ 3,917,330,131        108,150,000     $ 7,190,400,935  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

        

Shares sold

    6,900,000     $ 234,533,207        11,500,000     $ 286,941,456  

Shares redeemed

    (2,900,000     (92,966,192      (300,000     (6,845,039
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    4,000,000     $ 141,567,015        11,200,000     $ 280,096,417  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

        

Shares sold

    1,600,000     $ 92,937,974        12,500,000     $ 640,273,094  

Shares redeemed

    (500,000     (30,405,164             
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    1,100,000     $ 62,532,810        12,500,000     $ 640,273,094  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

N O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

  73


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount      Shares     Amount  

 

 

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

        

Shares sold

    4,850,000     $ 307,015,697        14,250,000     $ 755,760,037  

Shares redeemed

    (1,900,000     (122,786,242      (3,000,000     (163,600,189
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    2,950,000     $ 184,229,455        11,250,000     $ 592,159,848  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Global Impact

        

Shares sold

    2,800,000     $ 254,946,865        1,550,000     $ 107,653,071  

Shares redeemed

    (650,000     (58,582,943      (350,000     (25,849,269
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    2,150,000     $ 196,363,922        1,200,000     $ 81,803,802  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF, iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF, iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF and iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)

The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

  b)

Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

  c)

Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

  d)

The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

  e)

The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

S T A T E M E N T   R E G A R D I N G   L I Q U I D I T Y   R I S K   M A N A G E M E N T   P R O G R A M

  75


Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

     
    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

 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE(a)

  $  0.589851      $      $  0.017671      $  0.607522        97         3     100

ESG Aware MSCI USA(a)

    0.527329               0.047283        0.574612        92             8       100  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap(a)

    0.163971               0.050911        0.214882        76             24       100  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders(a)

    0.603726               0.177883        0.781609        77             23       100  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders(a)

    0.440481               0.042254        0.482735        91             9       100  

MSCI Global Impact(a)

    0.362280               0.045522        0.407802        89             11       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.

 

 

 

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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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

G E N E R A L   I N F O R M A T I O N

  77


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations - Equity
ADR    American Depositary Receipt
CPO    Certificates of Participation (Ordinary)
GDR    Global Depositary Receipt
JSC    Joint Stock Company
NVDR    Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
NVS    Non-Voting Shares
PJSC    Public Joint Stock Company
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

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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., 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.

©2021 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-817-0221

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO   FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF | EWJE | NASDAQ

·  

iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF | EWJV | NASDAQ


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large- and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021  
     6-Month     12-Month  

U.S. large cap equities (S&P 500® Index)

    9.74     31.29

U.S. small cap equities (Russell 2000® Index)

    41.69       51.00  

International equities (MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

    14.33       22.46  

Emerging market equities (MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

    22.32       36.05  

3-month Treasury bills

(ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

    0.06       0.40  

U.S. Treasury securities (ICE BofA 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index)

    (6.34     (1.96

U.S. investment grade bonds

(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

    (1.55     1.38  

Tax-exempt municipal bonds

(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

    0.92       1.22  

U.S. high yield bonds (Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

    6.08       9.31  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

 

2  

H I S   P A G E   I S   N O T   P A R T   O F   Y O U R   F U N D   R E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

 

      Page  

The Markets in Review

     2  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     6  

Shareholder Expenses

     6  

Schedules of Investments

     7  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     16  

Statements of Operations

     17  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     18  

Financial Highlights

     19  

Notes to Financial Statements

     21  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     27  

Supplemental Information

     28  

General Information

     29  

 

 

 


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of equal weighted Japanese equities, as represented by the MSCI Japan Equal Weighted Index (USD) (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

    14.08      24.59      10.41        24.59     21.77

Fund Market

    15.53        28.20        11.05          28.20       23.17  

Index

    14.11        24.24        10.19                24.24       21.26  

The inception date of the Fund was 3/5/19. The first day of secondary market trading was 3/7/19.

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 6 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses
Paid During
the Period (a)
           Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses
Paid During
the Period (a)
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
$  1,000.00        $  1,140.80        $ 0.80             $  1,000.00        $  1,024.10        $ 0.75          0.15

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 6 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of
Total Investments(a)
 

Industrials

    23.3

Consumer Discretionary

    14.5  

Information Technology

    11.9  

Consumer Staples

    10.2  

Financials

    8.9  

Materials

    8.3  

Health Care

    7.7  

Real Estate

    6.1  

Communication Services

    5.1  

Utilities

    2.8  

Energy

    1.2  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

 

Security   Percent of
Total Investments(a)
 

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    0.5

Sharp Corp.

    0.5  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    0.5  

SUMCO Corp.

    0.5  

Nippon Yusen KK

    0.4  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    0.4  

ABC-Mart Inc.

    0.4  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    0.4  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    0.4  

Lixil Corp.

    0.4  
 
 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 1   H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2021     iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization Japanese equities with value characteristics and relatively lower valuations, as represented by the MSCI Japan Value Index (USD) (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

    17.80      18.68      8.35        18.68     17.30

Fund Market

    19.55        22.47        9.20          22.47       19.14  

Index

    17.90        18.63        8.21                18.63       16.97  

The inception date of the Fund was 3/5/19. The first day of secondary market trading was 3/7/19.

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 6 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses
Paid During
the Period (a)
           Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
       Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
       Expenses
Paid During
the Period (a)
       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
$  1,000.00        $  1,178.00        $ 0.81             $  1,000.00        $  1,024.10        $ 0.75          0.15

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 6 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector   Percent of
Total Investments(a)
 

Industrials

    20.6

Consumer Discretionary

    18.8  

Financials

    17.1  

Communication Services

    11.3  

Information Technology

    7.8  

Real Estate

    6.9  

Materials

    5.8  

Consumer Staples

    4.8  

Health Care

    3.5  

Utilities

    2.4  

Energy

    1.0  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security   Percent of
Total Investments(a)
 

Toyota Motor Corp.

    7.7

SoftBank Group Corp.

    4.8  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    3.1  

KDDI Corp.

    2.4  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    2.2  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    2.2  

Softbank Corp.

    1.9  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    1.9  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    1.7  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    1.7  
 

 

 

U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

 

6  

2 0 2 1   H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O  H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.6%

 

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,000     $ 22,977  

Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,000       26,300  
   

 

 

 
      49,277  
Airlines — 0.6%  

ANA Holdings Inc.(a)

    800       19,178  

Japan Airlines Co. Ltd.(a)

    1,000       23,747  
   

 

 

 
      42,925  
Auto Components — 3.1%  

Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd.

    800       27,220  

Bridgestone Corp.

    600       23,433  

Denso Corp.

    400       23,983  

Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    400       26,657  

NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd.

    1,400       23,679  

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd.

    800       23,691  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    2,000       29,031  

Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.

    1,000       25,915  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    400       34,166  
   

 

 

 
      237,775  
Automobiles — 2.6%  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    800       21,862  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    2,400       25,095  

Mazda Motor Corp.

    3,000       23,625  

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.(a)

    4,600       24,814  

Subaru Corp.

    1,200       22,397  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    600       25,900  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    400       29,559  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    1,400       30,473  
   

 

 

 
      203,725  
Banks — 3.9%  

Bank of Kyoto Ltd. (The)

    400       23,991  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    4,200       26,767  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    6,600       25,461  

Fukuoka Financial Group Inc.

    1,200       21,569  

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd.

    2,600       24,746  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    5,400       28,282  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    1,680       24,583  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    6,400       25,693  

Shinsei Bank Ltd.

    1,800       25,681  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd. (The)

    3,200       23,368  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    800       28,098  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    800       26,296  
   

 

 

 
      304,535  
Beverages — 1.5%  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    600       25,973  

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings Inc.

    1,200       20,612  

Ito En Ltd.

    400       22,076  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,200       23,524  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    600       20,528  
   

 

 

 
      112,713  
Biotechnology — 0.4%  

PeptiDream Inc.(a)

    600       28,553  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 1.4%  

AGC Inc.

    800       29,285  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    100       19,448  

Lixil Corp.

    1,200       33,644  
Security   Shares     Value  
Building Products (continued)  

TOTO Ltd.

    400     $ 24,066  
   

 

 

 
      106,443  
Capital Markets — 1.3%            

Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

    5,400       26,235  

Japan Exchange Group Inc.

    1,000       21,527  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    4,800       27,879  

SBI Holdings Inc.

    1,000       27,764  
   

 

 

 
      103,405  
Chemicals — 6.0%  

Air Water Inc.

    1,600       26,311  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    2,600       27,967  

JSR Corp.

    1,000       29,801  

Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

    1,000       26,112  

Kuraray Co. Ltd.

    2,200       24,614  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    4,200       29,164  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc.

    1,400       32,576  

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

    1,000       30,787  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    200       14,868  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    1,400       26,268  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

    400       21,738  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    400       34,128  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    200       32,570  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    6,800       32,870  

Teijin Ltd.

    1,400       24,047  

Toray Industries Inc.

    4,600       30,077  

Tosoh Corp.

    1,400       25,624  
   

 

 

 
      469,522  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.2%  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    1,200       21,558  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    200       17,319  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

    600       27,032  

Toppan Printing Co. Ltd.

    1,800       28,249  
   

 

 

 
      94,158  
Construction & Engineering — 1.2%  

Kajima Corp.

    1,800       22,943  

Obayashi Corp.

    2,600       22,281  

Shimizu Corp.

    3,200       24,179  

Taisei Corp.

    600       21,147  
   

 

 

 
      90,550  
Construction Materials — 0.3%  

Taiheiyo Cement Corp.

    1,000       24,892  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 0.3%  

Acom Co. Ltd.

    5,400       24,075  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 1.1%  

Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co. Ltd.

    5,400       28,941  

ORIX Corp.

    1,800       30,437  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    400       26,056  
   

 

 

 
      85,434  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.3%  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    1,000       25,887  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 1.9%  

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    2,000       24,545  

Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc. (The)

    2,200       26,246  

Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc. (The)

    2,600       25,929  

Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    2,600       22,330  

Tohoku Electric Power Co. Inc.

    2,600       22,866  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S  T M E N T S

  7


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,000     $ 22,470  
   

 

 

 
      144,386  
Electrical Equipment — 1.1%  

Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.

    800       33,189  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    1,800       26,500  

Nidec Corp.

    200       25,380  
   

 

 

 
      85,069  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 3.6%  

Azbil Corp.

    600       25,483  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    400       23,540  

Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.

    200       29,172  

Hitachi Ltd.

    600       27,460  

Ibiden Co. Ltd.

    400       16,257  

Kyocera Corp.

    400       25,748  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    400       34,094  

Omron Corp.

    200       16,107  

Shimadzu Corp.

    800       28,759  

TDK Corp.

    200       28,609  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    1,400       26,492  
   

 

 

 
      281,721  
Entertainment — 1.9%  

Capcom Co. Ltd.

    400       24,329  

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400       22,489  

Konami Holdings Corp.

    400       25,643  

Nexon Co. Ltd.

    1,000       31,537  

Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400       22,677  

Toho Co. Ltd.

    600       22,527  
   

 

 

 
      149,202  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 3.0%  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    10       26,244  

GLP J-REIT

    16       25,921  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    4       24,366  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    32       31,628  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    4       24,441  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    8       24,479  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    18       26,948  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    12       20,420  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    20       27,445  
   

 

 

 
      231,892  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.5%  

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    800       24,051  

Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corp.

    200       28,628  

Kobe Bussan Co. Ltd.

    800       20,537  

Lawson Inc.

    400       18,678  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    800       30,313  

Sundrug Co. Ltd.

    600       22,527  

Tsuruha Holdings Inc.

    200       25,737  

Welcia Holdings Co. Ltd.

    800       25,568  
   

 

 

 
      196,039  
Food Products — 3.2%  

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    1,200       23,867  

Calbee Inc.

    800       21,025  

Kikkoman Corp.

    400       26,394  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400       25,380  

NH Foods Ltd.

    600       25,258  

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

    1,200       19,294  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400       30,224  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    600       25,568  
Security   Shares     Value  
Food Products (continued)  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    600     $ 29,679  

Yamazaki Baking Co. Ltd.

    1,400       23,561  
   

 

 

 
      250,250  
Gas Utilities — 0.9%  

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

    1,200       21,468  

Toho Gas Co. Ltd.

    400       23,503  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

    1,200       24,802  
   

 

 

 
      69,773  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.5%  

Asahi Intecc Co. Ltd.

    800       22,940  

Hoya Corp.

    200       22,714  

Olympus Corp.

    1,200       25,117  

Sysmex Corp.

    200       20,809  

Terumo Corp.

    600       22,251  
   

 

 

 
      113,831  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.9%  

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    1,200       23,135  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    1,200       23,766  

Suzuken Co. Ltd.

    600       22,864  
   

 

 

 
      69,765  
Health Care Technology — 0.4%  

M3 Inc.

    400       31,631  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.8%  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

    600       29,735  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd.

    200       33,490  
   

 

 

 
      63,225  
Household Durables — 2.8%  

Casio Computer Co. Ltd.

    1,400       26,964  

Iida Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,200       27,167  

Panasonic Corp.

    2,400       30,760  

Rinnai Corp.

    200       20,237  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    1,400       24,901  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    1,400       26,242  

Sharp Corp.

    2,000       37,789  

Sony Corp.

    200       20,875  
   

 

 

 
      214,935  
Household Products — 0.9%  

Lion Corp.

    1,200       23,045  

Pigeon Corp.

    600       21,682  

Unicharm Corp.

    600       23,743  
   

 

 

 
      68,470  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.7%  

Keihan Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       26,920  

Toshiba Corp.

    800       25,192  
   

 

 

 
      52,112  
Insurance — 2.2%  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    1,400       24,560  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,800       23,932  

Japan Post Insurance Co. Ltd.

    1,400       28,633  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    800       22,527  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    600       22,977  

T&D Holdings Inc.

    2,200       29,653  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    400       19,722  
   

 

 

 
      172,004  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.7%  

Kakaku.com Inc.

    800       25,380  
 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 1   H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O  H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Interactive Media & Services (continued)  

Z Holdings Corp.

    4,400     $ 26,783  
   

 

 

 
      52,163  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.1%  

Mercari Inc.(a)

    600       28,834  

Rakuten Inc.

    2,400       26,829  

ZOZO Inc.

    1,000       31,256  
   

 

 

 
      86,919  
IT Services — 3.2%  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    200       28,834  

GMO Payment Gateway Inc.

    200       26,488  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    800       24,554  

NEC Corp.

    400       21,776  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    800       24,855  

NTT Data Corp.

    1,800       27,455  

Obic Co. Ltd.

    100       16,876  

Otsuka Corp.

    600       27,877  

SCSK Corp.

    400       23,540  

TIS Inc.

    1,200       24,937  
   

 

 

 
      247,192  
Leisure Products — 1.2%  

Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.

    200       15,294  

Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.

    1,800       30,225  

Shimano Inc.

    100       22,348  

Yamaha Corp.

    400       22,264  
   

 

 

 
      90,131  
Machinery — 7.0%  

Amada Co. Ltd.

    2,600       31,506  

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

    200       19,110  

FANUC Corp.

    100       24,723  

Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.

    400       30,749  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    2,800       26,281  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

    800       24,592  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    200       17,533  

Komatsu Ltd.

    1,000       29,942  

Kubota Corp.

    1,400       31,636  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    800       32,363  

Makita Corp.

    600       25,540  

MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.

    1,200       29,454  

MISUMI Group Inc.

    800       24,404  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    800       23,037  

Miura Co. Ltd.

    600       31,031  

Nabtesco Corp.

    600       25,455  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    1,600       28,234  

NSK Ltd.

    2,800       27,411  

THK Co. Ltd.

    1,000       32,241  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    600       29,961  
   

 

 

 
      545,203  
Marine — 0.4%  

Nippon Yusen KK

    1,200       34,410  
   

 

 

 
Media — 1.0%  

CyberAgent Inc.

    400       24,103  

Dentsu Group Inc.

    800       27,558  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.

    1,800       29,634  
   

 

 

 
      81,295  
Metals & Mining — 1.5%  

Hitachi Metals Ltd.

    1,800       28,536  

JFE Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,600       27,284  

Nippon Steel Corp.(a)

    2,000       29,425  
Security   Shares     Value  
Metals & Mining (continued)  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    600     $ 28,958  
   

 

 

 
      114,203  
Multiline Retail — 0.9%  

Marui Group Co. Ltd.

    1,200       22,763  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    1,000       23,418  

Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd.

    1,200       27,010  
   

 

 

 
      73,191  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.1%  

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    6,800       29,852  

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

    1,200       31,357  

Inpex Corp.

    3,800       27,963  
   

 

 

 
      89,172  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.4%  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    5,000       31,491  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 1.7%            

Kao Corp.

    400       26,822  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    200       18,885  

Kose Corp.

    200       32,044  

Pola Orbis Holdings Inc.

    1,200       27,404  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    400       29,709  
   

 

 

 
      134,864  
Pharmaceuticals — 4.5%  

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    1,600       25,140  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    600       26,824  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    800       22,602  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    400       27,479  

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc.

    400       24,929  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    1,000       27,858  

Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd.

    400       27,145  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    800       21,505  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       23,788  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    1,600       21,956  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    400       20,323  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

    1,800       28,434  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400       24,517  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    800       26,897  
   

 

 

 
      349,397  
Professional Services — 1.0%  

Nihon M&A Center Inc.

    400       21,814  

Persol Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400       27,687  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       29,741  
   

 

 

 
      79,242  
Real Estate Management & Development — 3.0%  

Aeon Mall Co. Ltd.

    1,600       26,912  

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

    200       22,170  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    800       22,549  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    2,400       26,762  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    1,400       24,152  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    1,200       27,032  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    1,200       27,021  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    800       27,558  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

    5,200       32,506  
   

 

 

 
      236,662  
Road & Rail — 4.9%  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    200       32,683  

East Japan Railway Co.

    400       29,499  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    800       26,544  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S  T M E N T S

  9


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Road & Rail (continued)  

Keikyu Corp.

    1,400     $ 22,129  

Keio Corp.

    400       29,848  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    600       21,626  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       25,061  

Kyushu Railway Co.

    1,000       26,018  

Nagoya Railroad Co. Ltd.

    1,000       25,380  

Nippon Express Co. Ltd.

    400       29,735  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    800       23,390  

Seibu Holdings Inc.

    1,800       21,626  

Tobu Railway Co. Ltd.

    800       22,752  

Tokyu Corp.

    1,600       21,986  

West Japan Railway Co.

    400       24,456  
   

 

 

 
      382,733  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.8%  

Advantest Corp.

    400       32,851  

Disco Corp.

    100       31,350  

Lasertec Corp.

    200       24,348  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    2,800       30,723  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    200       19,654  

SUMCO Corp.

    1,600       36,493  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    100       40,877  
   

 

 

 
      216,296  
Software — 0.5%  
Oracle Corp. Japan   200     20,274  

Trend Micro Inc.(a)

    400       19,223  
   

 

 

 
      39,497  
Specialty Retail — 1.9%  

ABC-Mart Inc.

    600       34,128  

Hikari Tsushin Inc.

    100       19,795  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

    100       18,655  

Shimamura Co. Ltd.

    200       19,918  

USS Co. Ltd.

    1,600       30,396  

Yamada Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,400       25,799  
   

 

 

 
      148,691  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.8%        

Brother Industries Ltd.

    1,400       27,503  
Security   Shares     Value  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (continued)        

Canon Inc.

    1,200     $ 25,821  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    400       22,790  

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

    3,600       31,155  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    1,800       29,465  
   

 

 

 
      136,734  
Tobacco — 0.3%  

Japan Tobacco Inc.

    1,200       21,682  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 2.6%  

ITOCHU Corp.

    1,000       29,735  

Marubeni Corp.

    4,200       31,210  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    1,000       28,187  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    1,400       29,744  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

    400       22,977  

Sumitomo Corp.

    2,000       28,919  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    800       33,490  
   

 

 

 
      204,262  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.4%  

Japan Airport Terminal Co. Ltd.

    600       28,891  
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication
Services — 1.1%

   

KDDI Corp.

    800       24,704  

Softbank Corp.

    2,000       27,051  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    400       37,151  
   

 

 

 
      88,906  

Total Common Stocks — 99.1%
(Cost: $6,979,961)

      7,711,401  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.1%
(Cost: $6,979,961)

      7,711,401  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.9%

      67,056  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 7,778,457  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/20
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/21
     Shares
Held at
02/28/21
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency
Shares(a)

   $      $ 0 (b)     $      $      $      $             $ 20 (c)     $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

 

 

10  

2 0 2 1   H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O  H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

Mini TOPIX Index

     3        03/11/21      $ 53      $ 1,570  
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 1,570  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 5,670  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,590  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 39,519  

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 7,711,401      $         —      $         —      $ 7,711,401  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $ 1,570      $      $      $ 1,570  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S  T M E N T S

  11


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 0.2%            

ANA Holdings Inc.(a)

    600     $ 14,384  

Japan Airlines Co. Ltd.(a)

    600       14,248  
   

 

 

 
      28,632  
Auto Components — 3.0%  

Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd.

    1,200       40,830  

Bridgestone Corp.

    4,200       164,034  

Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    600       39,985  

NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd.

    1,200       20,296  

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,200       35,536  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    6,000       87,094  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    1,200       102,497  
   

 

 

 
      490,272  
Automobiles — 12.1%  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    13,200       360,727  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    4,200       43,916  

Mazda Motor Corp.

    4,500       35,437  

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.(a)

    17,400       93,859  

Subaru Corp.

    4,800       89,589  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    1,200       51,800  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    16,800       1,241,472  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    2,400       52,240  
   

 

 

 
      1,969,040  
Banks — 9.3%  

Bank of Kyoto Ltd. (The)

    600       35,987  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    4,200       26,767  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    8,400       32,405  

Fukuoka Financial Group Inc.

    1,200       21,569  

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd.

    3,600       34,263  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    97,200       509,082  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    19,250       281,685  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    16,800       67,443  

Shinsei Bank Ltd.

    1,200       17,120  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd. (The)

    3,600       26,289  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    10,200       358,254  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    3,000       98,611  
   

 

 

 
        1,509,475  
Beverages — 1.1%  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    3,600       155,840  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    600       20,528  
   

 

 

 
      176,368  
Biotechnology — 0.2%  

PeptiDream Inc.(a)

    600       28,553  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 1.0%            

AGC Inc.

    1,800       65,891  

Lixil Corp.

    2,400       67,287  

TOTO Ltd.

    600       36,099  
   

 

 

 
      169,277  
Capital Markets — 1.5%  

Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

    11,400       55,384  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    25,200       146,365  

SBI Holdings Inc.

    1,800       49,976  
   

 

 

 
      251,725  
Chemicals — 3.9%  

Air Water Inc.

    1,200       19,733  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    10,200       109,717  

JSR Corp.

    1,800       53,642  
Security   Shares     Value  
Chemicals (continued)            

Kuraray Co. Ltd.

    2,400     $ 26,852  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    10,200       70,827  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc.

    1,200       27,922  

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

    1,200       36,944  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    1,200       22,515  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    1,200       102,384  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    6,000       29,003  

Teijin Ltd.

    1,200       20,612  

Toray Industries Inc.

    11,400       74,538  

Tosoh Corp.

    2,400       43,927  
   

 

 

 
      638,616  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.7%  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    1,800       32,337  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    600       51,958  

Toppan Printing Co. Ltd.

    2,400       37,665  
   

 

 

 
      121,960  
Construction & Engineering — 1.1%  

Kajima Corp.

    3,600       45,887  

Obayashi Corp.

    5,400       46,276  

Shimizu Corp.

    4,200       31,734  

Taisei Corp.

    1,800       63,441  
   

 

 

 
      187,338  
Construction Materials — 0.1%  

Taiheiyo Cement Corp.

    600       14,935  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 1.4%  

Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co. Ltd.

    3,000       16,079  

ORIX Corp.

    10,200       172,473  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    600       39,084  
   

 

 

 
      227,636  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.6%  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    10,200       264,047  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 1.5%            

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    5,400       66,271  

Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc. (The)

    2,400       28,632  

Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc. (The)

    5,400       53,853  

Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    3,000       25,765  

Tohoku Electric Power Co. Inc.

    3,000       26,384  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc.(a)

    11,400       36,595  
   

 

 

 
          237,500  
Electrical Equipment — 1.6%  

Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,200       49,784  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    14,400       211,999  
   

 

 

 
      261,783  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 3.0%  

Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.

    200       29,172  

Hitachi Ltd.

    4,800       219,681  

Kyocera Corp.

    2,400       154,489  

Omron Corp.

    600       48,320  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    1,800       34,060  
   

 

 

 
      485,722  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.6%  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    18       47,239  

GLP J-REIT

    36       58,322  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    12       73,099  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    48       47,441  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    12       73,324  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    6       18,359  
 

 

 

12  

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

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

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    30     $ 44,913  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    18       30,631  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    24       32,934  
   

 

 

 
      426,262  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.6%  

Lawson Inc.

    600       28,018  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    6,000       227,351  
   

 

 

 
      255,369  

Food Products — 1.0%

   

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    1,200       23,867  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    800       50,760  

NH Foods Ltd.

    600       25,258  

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

    1,800       28,941  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    600       25,568  

Yamazaki Baking Co. Ltd.

    600       10,098  
   

 

 

 
      164,492  
Gas Utilities — 0.9%  

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

    3,000       53,670  

Toho Gas Co. Ltd.

    600       35,254  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

    3,000       62,005  
   

 

 

 
      150,929  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.6%  

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    1,800       34,702  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    1,800       35,649  

Suzuken Co. Ltd.

    600       22,865  
   

 

 

 
      93,216  
Household Durables — 2.6%  

Casio Computer Co. Ltd.

    1,800       34,669  

Iida Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,200       27,167  

Panasonic Corp.

    17,400       223,012  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    3,000       53,360  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    4,800       89,972  
   

 

 

 
          428,180  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.2%  

Keihan Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       26,919  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 4.8%  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    8,400       147,359  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

    12,600       107,693  

Japan Post Insurance Co. Ltd.

    1,800       36,814  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    3,600       101,370  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    2,400       91,909  

T&D Holdings Inc.

    4,200       56,610  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    4,800       236,666  
   

 

 

 
      778,421  
IT Services — 1.3%  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    1,500       216,257  
   

 

 

 
Leisure Products — 0.3%  

Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.

    1,200       20,150  

Yamaha Corp.

    600       33,396  
   

 

 

 
      53,546  
Machinery — 4.0%  

Amada Co. Ltd.

    2,400       29,082  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    2,400       22,527  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

    600       18,444  

Komatsu Ltd.

    7,200       215,581  

Kubota Corp.

    8,400       189,816  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    600       24,272  
Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)  

Makita Corp.

    600     $ 25,540  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    2,400       69,112  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    1,800       31,763  

NSK Ltd.

    3,000       29,369  
   

 

 

 
      655,506  
Marine — 0.2%  

Nippon Yusen KK

    1,200       34,410  
   

 

 

 
Media — 0.6%            

Dentsu Group Inc.

    1,800       62,005  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.

    1,800       29,634  
   

 

 

 
      91,639  
Metals & Mining — 1.5%  

Hitachi Metals Ltd.

    600       9,512  

JFE Holdings Inc.(a)

    4,200       44,074  

Nippon Steel Corp.(a)

    6,600       97,104  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    1,800       86,874  
   

 

 

 
      237,564  
Multiline Retail — 0.2%  

Marui Group Co. Ltd.

    1,800       34,145  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.0%  

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    24,600       107,992  

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

    1,292       33,761  

Inpex Corp.

    3,000       22,076  
   

 

 

 
      163,829  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.3%  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    7,200       45,346  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 0.1%  

Pola Orbis Holdings Inc.

    600       13,702  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 2.7%  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    4,800       135,611  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    1,200       33,430  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,000       118,941  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    2,400       121,937  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

    1,200       18,956  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    200       12,259  
   

 

 

 
          441,134  
Real Estate Management & Development — 4.2%  

Aeon Mall Co. Ltd.

    600       10,092  

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

    600       66,510  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    4,800       135,296  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    600       6,690  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    9,600       165,617  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    7,200       162,192  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    1,200       27,021  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    2,400       82,673  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

    4,800       30,006  
   

 

 

 
      686,097  
Road & Rail — 4.9%  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    1,200       196,095  

East Japan Railway Co.

    2,400       176,993  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    1,800       59,724  

Keikyu Corp.

    1,200       18,967  

Keio Corp.

    200       14,924  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    600       21,626  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       25,061  

Kyushu Railway Co.

    1,200       31,222  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S  T M E N T S

  13


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Road & Rail (continued)  

Nagoya Railroad Co. Ltd.

    600     $ 15,228  

Nippon Express Co. Ltd.

    600       44,603  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    1,200       35,085  

Seibu Holdings Inc.

    600       7,209  

Tobu Railway Co. Ltd.

    600       17,064  

Tokyu Corp.

    4,200       57,714  

West Japan Railway Co.

    1,200       73,370  
   

 

 

 
      794,885  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.6%  

Disco Corp.

    100       31,350  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    200       19,654  

SUMCO Corp.

    1,800       41,055  
   

 

 

 
      92,059  
Software — 0.2%  

Trend Micro Inc.(a)

    600       28,834  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 0.5%  

ABC-Mart Inc.

    200       11,376  

Shimamura Co. Ltd.

    200       19,918  

USS Co. Ltd.

    1,200       22,797  

Yamada Holdings Co. Ltd.

    6,000       28,665  
   

 

 

 
      82,756  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 2.8%  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    1,800       35,361  

Canon Inc.

    7,800       167,838  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    3,000       170,922  

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

    4,200       36,347  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    2,400       39,287  
   

 

 

 
      449,755  
Security   Shares     Value  
Tobacco — 1.1%  

Japan Tobacco Inc.

    9,600     $ 173,456  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 6.5%  

ITOCHU Corp.

    5,400       160,571  

Marubeni Corp.

    13,200       98,089  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    10,800       304,415  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    13,200       280,441  

Sumitomo Corp.

    9,600       138,810  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    1,800       75,352  
   

 

 

 
      1,057,678  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 9.1%  

KDDI Corp.

    12,600       389,093  

Softbank Corp.

    22,800       308,380  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    8,400       780,158  
   

 

 

 
      1,477,631  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $14,660,097)

   

 

16,216,896

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.7%
(Cost: $14,660,097)

      16,216,896  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.3%

      51,487  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 16,268,383  
   

 

 

 

 

(a)

  Non-income producing security.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

Affiliated Issuer

   
Value at
08/31/20
 
 
    
Purchases
at Cost
 
 
   
Proceeds
from Sales
 
 
    
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
 
    


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 
    
Value at
02/28/21
 
 
    

Shares
Held at
02/28/21
 
 
 
     Income       





Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds:
Treasury,
SL Agency Shares(a)

  $        $        0 (b)     $      $      $      $             $ 1      $  
         

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

Futures Contracts

 

 

 

Description

    
Number of
Contracts
 
 
      
Expiration
Date
 
 
      

Notional
Amount
(000)
 
 
 
      


Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

Mini TOPIX Index

     2          03/11/21        $ 35        $ 1,462  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 1   H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O  H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 1,462  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    
Equity
Contracts
 
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 14,253  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,597  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 84,156  

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 16,216,896        $        $             —        $ 16,216,896  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 1,462        $        $        $ 1,462  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S  T M E N T S

  15


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

 

     iShares
MSCI Japan
Equal
Weighted
ETF
     iShares
MSCI Japan
Value ETF
 

ASSETS

    

Investments in securities, at value:

    

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 7,711,401      $ 16,216,896  

Cash

    979        2,321  

Foreign currency, at value(b)

    24,570        10,947  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

    

Futures contracts(c)

    1,812        1,821  

Receivables:

    

Investments sold

    155,551         

Dividends

    14,931        33,311  

Tax reclaims

           5,483  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    7,909,244        16,270,779  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Payables:

    

Investments purchased

    129,472         

Variation margin on futures contracts

    388        496  

Investment advisory fees

    927        1,900  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    130,787        2,396  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,778,457      $ 16,268,383  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

    

Paid-in capital

  $ 7,211,098      $ 14,780,870  

Accumulated earnings

    567,359        1,487,513  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,778,457      $ 16,268,383  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    200,000        600,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 38.89      $ 27.11  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 6,979,961      $ 14,660,097  

(b) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 24,901      $ 11,048  

(c)  Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 1,858      $ 1,877  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

16  

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Statements of Operations   (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

     iShares
MSCI Japan
Equal
Weighted
ETF
    iShares
MSCI Japan
Value ETF
 

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 71,028     $ 187,815  

Dividends — Affiliated

          1  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    20        

Foreign taxes withheld

    (7,003     (19,236
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    64,045       168,580  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory fees

    5,549       9,751  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    5,549       9,751  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    58,496       158,829  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (129,646     (258,409

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

          390,906  

Futures contracts

    5,670       14,253  

Foreign currency transactions

    1,153       2,366  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    (122,823     149,116  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — Unaffiliated

    1,028,065       1,907,815  

Futures contracts

    1,590       1,597  

Foreign currency translations

    (811     (1,013
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,028,844       1,908,399  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    906,021       2,057,515  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 964,517     $ 2,216,344  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  17


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF
    iShares
MSCI Japan Value ETF
 
     Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 58,496     $ 132,744     $ 158,829     $ 212,145  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (122,823     600,883       149,116       37,327  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,028,844       (186,121     1,908,399       (106,226
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    964,517       547,506       2,216,344       143,246  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (44,432     (182,059     (137,702     (280,402
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

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

          (25,928     7,225,008       (8,724
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    920,085       339,519       9,303,650       (145,880

Beginning of period

    6,858,372       6,518,853       6,964,733       7,110,613  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 7,778,457     $ 6,858,372     $ 16,268,383     $ 6,964,733  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

18  

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Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF
     Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
  Year Ended
08/31/20
 

Period From
03/05/19(a)

to 08/31/19

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 34.29     $ 32.59     $ 33.43
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.29       0.66       0.44

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      4.53       1.95       (0.82 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.82       2.61       (0.38 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

           

From net investment income

      (0.22 )       (0.91 )       (0.46 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.22 )       (0.91 )       (0.46 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 38.89     $ 34.29     $ 32.59
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

      14.08 %(e)       7.98 %       (1.14 )%(e)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses

      0.15 %(f)       0.15 %       0.15 %(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.58 %(f)       1.98 %       2.68 %(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 7,778     $ 6,858     $ 6,519
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      13 %(e)       17 %       6 %(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.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  19


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF
     Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
  Year Ended
08/31/20
 

Period From
03/05/19(a)

to 08/31/19

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 23.22     $ 23.70     $ 24.67
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.31       0.71       0.46

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      3.81       (0.26 )       (0.97 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.12       0.45       (0.51 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

           

From net investment income

      (0.23 )       (0.93 )       (0.46 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.23 )       (0.93 )       (0.46 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 27.11     $ 23.22     $ 23.70
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return

           

Based on net asset value

      17.80 %(e)       1.71 %       (2.10 )%(e)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

           

Total expenses

      0.15 %(f)       0.15 %       0.15 %(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.44 %(f)       2.98 %       3.83 %(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 16,268     $ 6,965     $ 7,111
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

      12 %(e)       35 %       9 %(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.

 

 

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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    

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

  Non-diversified    

MSCI Japan Value

  Non-diversified    

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at fair value. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers or as estimated by management, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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 February 28, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

The Funds file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. The statement of operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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 (“NAV”) 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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

 

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  21


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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 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 NAV.

   

Futures contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates 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, if any, are also disclosed in each Fund’s schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan and the value of any related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

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: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it 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, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree 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 (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. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

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 of 0.15%, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Funds, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund.

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 (the “collateral investment fees”). The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund, BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional or BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, 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 SL Agency Shares of such money market fund will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. The money market fund in which the cash collateral has been invested may, under certain circumstances, impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the value redeemed or temporarily restrict redemptions for up to 10 business days during a 90 day period, in the event that the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.

Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less the collateral investment fees. 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 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.

 

 

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  23


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, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 85% of securities lending income 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 February 28, 2021, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

iShares ETF   Fees Paid    
to BTC    
 

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

  $ 5      

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 February 28, 2021, 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)    
 

MSCI Japan Value

  $ 619,411     $ 383,279     $ (125,088)      

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 February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales      

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

  $ 923,959      $ 961,472      

MSCI Japan Value

    4,280,668        1,569,836      

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
     In-kind    
Sales    
 

MSCI Japan Value

  $ 6,965,137      $ 2,435,687      

 

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 each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021, 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 August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Non-Expiring      

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

  $ 22,791      

MSCI Japan Value

    123,662      

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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

As of February 28, 2021, 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)     
 

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

  $ 6,994,177      $ 964,516      $ (245,722   $ 718,794      

MSCI Japan Value

    14,763,210        1,801,242        (346,094     1,455,148      

 

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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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.

The Funds may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Market Risk: An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause a fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a fund invests.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

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.

 

 

O T E S   T O   F I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  25


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. securities and may be less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Asia or with significant exposure to Asian issuers or countries. The Asian financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns in several Asian countries regarding monetary policy, government intervention in the markets, rising government debt levels or economic downturns. These events may spread to other countries in Asia and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

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
02/28/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

       

Shares sold

        $       100,000     $ 3,403,244  

Shares redeemed

                (100,000     (3,429,172
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

        $           $ (25,928
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Japan Value

       

Shares sold

    400,000     $ 9,696,716       100,000     $ 2,629,581  

Shares redeemed

    (100,000     (2,471,708     (100,000     (2,638,305
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    300,000     $ 7,225,008           $ (8,724
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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. 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.

 

 

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Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program  (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF and iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)

The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

  b)

Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

  c)

Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

  d)

The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

  e)

The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

T A T E M E N T  E G A R D I N G  I Q U I D I T Y  I S K  A N A G E M E N T  R O G R A M

  27


Supplemental Information  (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

     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
 

MSCI Japan Value(a)

  $  0.217275     $     $ 0.012228     $ 0.229503       95         5     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.

 

 

 

28  

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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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

E N E R A L  N F O R M A T I O N

  29


 

 

 

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., 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.

©2021 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-819-0221

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2021

 

    

  

2021 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF | DMXF | NASDAQ

·  

iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF | EMXF | NASDAQ

·  

iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF | USXF | NASDAQ

 


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2021 reflected a remarkable period of disruption and adaptation, as the global economy dealt with the implications of the coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic. As the period began, the threat from the virus was becoming increasingly apparent, and countries around the world took economically disruptive countermeasures. Stay-at-home orders and closures of non-essential businesses became widespread, many workers were laid off, and unemployment claims spiked, causing a global recession and a sharp fall in equity prices.

After markets hit their lowest point of the reporting period in late March 2020, a steady recovery ensued, as businesses began to re-open and governments learned to adapt to life with the virus. Equity prices continued to rise throughout the summer, fed by strong fiscal and monetary support and improving economic indicators. Many equity indices neared or surpassed all-time highs late in the reporting period following the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns and progress of additional stimulus through the U.S. Congress. In the United States, both large- and small-capitalization stocks posted a significant advance. International equities also gained, as both developed countries and emerging markets rebounded substantially from lows in late March 2020.

During the market downturn, the performance of different types of fixed-income securities initially diverged due to a reduced investor appetite for risk. U.S. Treasuries benefited from the risk-off environment, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) dropped to historic lows. However, inflation risk from a rapidly expanding economy raised yields late in the reporting period, leading to a negative overall return for most U.S. Treasuries. In the corporate bond market, support from the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) assuaged credit concerns and both investment-grade and high-yield bonds recovered to post positive returns.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Fed instituted two emergency interest rate cuts, pushing short-term interest rates, already low as the year began, close to zero. To stabilize credit markets, the Fed also implemented a new bond-buying program, as did several other central banks around the world, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.

Looking ahead, while coronavirus-related disruptions have clearly hindered worldwide economic growth, we believe that the global expansion will continue to accelerate as vaccination efforts ramp up and pent-up consumer demand leads to higher spending. In early 2021, Congress passed one of the largest economic rescue packages in U.S. history, which should provide a solid tailwind for economic growth. Inflation is likely to increase somewhat as the expansion continues, but a shift in central bank policy means that moderate inflation is less likely to be followed by interest rate hikes that could threaten the equity expansion.

Overall, we favor a positive stance toward risk, with an overweight in equities. We see U.S. and Asian equities outside of Japan benefiting from structural growth trends in tech, while emerging markets should be particularly helped by a vaccine-led economic expansion. While we are neutral overall on credit, rising inflation should provide tailwinds for inflation-protected bonds, and global high-yield and Asian bonds also present attractive opportunities. We believe that international diversification and a focus on sustainability can help provide portfolio resilience, and the disruption created by the coronavirus appears to be accelerating the shift toward sustainable investments.

In this environment, our view is that investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit iShares.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of February 28, 2021

 

     
     6-Month    12-Month 

U.S. large cap equities
(S&P 500® Index)

   9.74%   31.29%

U.S. small cap equities
(Russell 2000® Index)

  41.69       51.00    

International equities
(MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  14.33       22.46    

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  22.32       36.05    

3-month Treasury bills
(ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

  0.06     0.40  

U.S. Treasury securities (ICE BofA 10-Year U.S. Treasury Index)

  (6.34)     (1.96)  

U.S. investment grade bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (1.55)     1.38  

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

  0.92     1.22  

U.S. high yield bonds
(Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

  6.08     9.31  

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

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H I S    A G E    I S    N  O T    A R T    O F    O U R    U N D     E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

The Markets in Review

     2  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     7  

Shareholder Expenses

     7  

Schedules of Investments

     8  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     25  

Statements of Operations

     26  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     27  

Financial Highlights

     29  

Notes to Financial Statements

     32  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     40  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     42  

Supplemental Information

     43  

General Information

     44  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     45  


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market companies excluding the U.S. and Canada that have a favorable environmental, social and governance rating while applying extensive screens for company involvement in controversial activities, as represented by the MSCI EAFE Choice ESG Screened 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

 

              Cumulative Total Returns      
     6 Months     Since    
Inception    
 

Fund NAV

    14.28     24.11%   

Fund Market

    14.52       24.24      

Index

    14.48       24.32      

The inception date of the Fund was 6/16/20. The first day of secondary market trading was 6/18/20.

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized  

Expense  

Ratio  

 

 

 

 

 

 
  $    1,000.00          $     1,142.80          $        0.64         $     1,000.00          $     1,024.20          $        0.60          0.12%  

 

 

 

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 7 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

Financials

    20.0%  

Industrials

    17.3     

Information Technology

    13.6     

Consumer Discretionary

    12.4     

Health Care

    10.8     

Communication Services

    8.1     

Materials

    7.5     

Consumer Staples

    5.3     

Real Estate

    4.5     

Utilities

    0.5     

 

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

 
Country/Geographic Region  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

Japan

    31.2%  

United Kingdom

    10.0     

France

    9.8     

Germany

    9.3     

Netherlands

    6.0     

Switzerland

    5.6     

Australia

    5.6     

Sweden

    4.9     

Hong Kong

    4.1     

Denmark

    3.4     

 

 
 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization emerging market companies that have a favorable environmental, social and governance rating while applying extensive screens for company involvement in controversial activities, as represented by the MSCI Emerging Markets Choice ESG Screened 5% Issuer Capped 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

 

    Cumulative Total Returns  
     Since
Inception
 

Fund NAV

    22.87

Fund Market

    22.02  

Index

    23.41  

The inception date of the Fund was 10/6/20. The first day of secondary market trading was 10/8/20.

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(10/06/20)
 
 
(a)  
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(b) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(b) 
      

Annualized   

Expense   

Ratio   

 

 

 

 

 

 
  $       1,000.00          $       1,228.70          $        0.71         $       1,000.00          $       1,024.00          $        0.80          0.16%  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The beginning of the period (commencement of operations) is October 6, 2020.

 

 

  (b) 

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 (145 days for actual and 181 days for hypothetical expenses) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 7 for more information.

 

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

Financials

    32.5%  

Information Technology

    22.9     

Consumer Discretionary

    16.6     

Communication Services

    9.2     

Health Care

    5.0     

Consumer Staples

    4.9     

Materials

    3.9     

Industrials

    3.4     

Real Estate

    1.1     

Utilities

    0.5     

 

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

 
Country/Geographic Region  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

China

    29.1%  

Taiwan

    17.5     

India

    11.3     

South Korea

    10.9     

South Africa

    7.3     

Brazil

    4.8     

Thailand

    3.3     

Indonesia

    2.4     

Malaysia

    2.2     

Saudi Arabia

    1.5     

 

 
 

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2021    iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization U.S. companies that have a favorable environmental, social and governance rating while applying extensive screens for company involvement in controversial activities, as represented by the MSCI USA Choice ESG Screened 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

 

              Cumulative Total Returns    
     6 Months     Since    
Inception    

Fund NAV

    10.93   26.67% 

Fund Market

    10.98     26.95    

Index

    10.83     26.57    

The inception date of the Fund was 6/16/20. The first day of secondary market trading was 6/18/20.

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/20)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/21)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized   

Expense   

Ratio   

 

 

 

 

 

 
  $       1,000.00          $       1,109.30          $        0.52         $       1,000.00          $       1,024.30          $        0.50          0.10%  

 

 

 

 

  (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 (181 days) and divided by the number of days in the year (365 days). Other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, may be paid which are not reflected in the tables and examples above. See “Shareholder Expenses” on page 7 for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

Information Technology

    31.0%  

Consumer Discretionary

    12.3     

Industrials

    11.7     

Communication Services

    11.4     

Financials

    10.7     

Health Care

    10.0     

Consumer Staples

    5.5     

Real Estate

    4.0     

Materials

    3.2     

Utilities

    0.2     

 

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

 
Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    4.3%  

Alphabet Inc., Class C

    4.3     

Tesla Inc.

    3.6     

Visa Inc., Class A

    2.6     

NVIDIA Corp.

    2.4     

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    2.2     

PayPal Holdings Inc.

    2.1     

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    2.0     

Verizon Communications Inc.

    1.6     

Adobe Inc.

    1.6     

 

 
 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the fund’s investments. As a result, 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. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was 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 and other fees 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.

 

 

B O U T    U N D    E R F O  R M A N C E / S H A R E H O L D E R    X P E N S E S

  7


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Australia — 5.5%  

Afterpay Ltd.(a)

    2,101     $ 194,411  

ASX Ltd.

    2,385       124,821  

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    20,865       61,546  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    27,916       565,601  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    5,445       70,315  

Brambles Ltd.

    14,710       112,746  

Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd.

    4,727       49,003  

Cochlear Ltd.

    667       109,170  

Coles Group Ltd.

    13,068       155,097  

Computershare Ltd.

    4,441       45,625  

CSL Ltd.

    4,489       912,601  

Dexus

    9,902       68,229  

Evolution Mining Ltd.

    13,035       42,385  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    16,634       310,490  

Goodman Group

    16,443       210,812  

GPT Group (The)

    18,740       61,951  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

    24,059       92,946  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    4,411       124,681  

Lendlease Corp. Ltd.

    6,636       68,330  

Magellan Financial Group Ltd.

    1,526       51,321  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

    26,552       56,942  

Mirvac Group

    36,968       63,824  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    7,918       151,046  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    10,542       83,330  

Orica Ltd.

    3,775       36,708  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    14,650       105,367  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    1,784       91,157  

REA Group Ltd.

    486       51,473  

Scentre Group

    49,508       110,388  

Seek Ltd.

    3,525       70,137  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    4,556       111,920  

Stockland

    23,288       75,183  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    13,980       107,584  

Sydney Airport(a)

    11,461       51,996  

Transurban Group

    26,563       263,233  

Vicinity Centres

    36,922       46,879  

WiseTech Global Ltd.

    1,379       29,114  
   

 

 

 
      4,938,362  
Austria — 0.2%  

Erste Group Bank AG(a)

    2,776       91,954  

Raiffeisen Bank International AG(a)

    1,307       26,684  

voestalpine AG

    992       39,542  
   

 

 

 
      158,180  
Belgium — 0.7%  

Ageas SA/NV

    1,747       98,519  

Elia Group SA/NV

    291       31,648  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    1,019       101,620  

KBC Group NV(a)

    2,451       177,371  

Proximus SADP

    1,260       24,776  

Solvay SA

    696       85,410  

Umicore SA

    1,950       115,174  
   

 

 

 
      634,518  
Denmark — 3.4%  

Ambu A/S, Series B

    1,710       79,663  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    30       60,575  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B, NVS

    61       131,833  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S(a)

    1,051       90,719  

Demant A/S(a)

    1,051       43,558  
Security   Shares     Value  
Denmark (continued)  

DSV Panalpina A/S

    2,041     $ 377,133  

Genmab A/S(a)

    650       219,629  

GN Store Nord A/S

    1,298       109,751  

H Lundbeck A/S

    512       19,615  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    17,101       1,222,507  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    2,084       129,539  

Pandora A/S

    983       96,210  

ROCKWOOL International A/S, Class B

    90       32,819  

Tryg A/S

    1,260       39,901  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    1,935       364,653  
   

 

 

 
      3,018,105  
Finland — 1.5%  

Elisa OYJ

    1,391       83,322  

Kesko OYJ, Class B

    2,606       66,553  

Kone OYJ, Class B

    3,354       269,017  

Nokia OYJ(a)

    55,707       223,137  

Nordea Bank Abp

    31,665       287,696  

Orion OYJ, Class B

    991       40,862  

Sampo OYJ, Class A

    4,699       210,293  

Stora Enso OYJ, Class R

    6,420       127,214  
   

 

 

 
      1,308,094  
France — 9.8%  

Accor SA(a)

    1,807       75,802  

Aeroports de Paris(a)

    281       35,881  

Air Liquide SA

    4,676       707,763  

Alstom SA(a)

    2,674       134,177  

Amundi SA(a)(b)

    630       48,176  

Arkema SA

    667       74,079  

Atos SE(a)

    924       72,475  

AXA SA

    18,960       478,684  

BioMerieux

    380       48,523  

BNP Paribas SA(a)

    11,004       658,149  

Bouygues SA

    2,490       101,430  

Bureau Veritas SA(a)

    2,845       77,319  

Capgemini SE

    1,602       258,911  

Carrefour SA

    5,993       105,077  

Cie. Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    1,636       237,797  

CNP Assurances(a)

    1,875       33,933  

Covivio

    447       37,790  

Danone SA

    6,113       418,931  

Dassault Systemes SE

    1,341       279,803  

Edenred

    2,491       138,752  

Eiffage SA(a)

    819       84,658  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    2,811       460,619  

Eurazeo SE(a)

    435       32,393  

Gecina SA

    425       59,170  

Getlink SE(a)

    4,860       80,050  

Hermes International

    317       355,224  

Ipsen SA

    353       30,272  

Klepierre SA

    1,819       43,164  

Legrand SA

    2,564       223,828  

L’Oreal SA

    2,507       921,419  

Natixis SA(a)

    11,055       54,157  

Orpea SA(a)

    540       65,204  

Publicis Groupe SA

    2,142       126,202  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    272       119,516  

Schneider Electric SE

    5,325       794,039  

SCOR SE(a)

    1,549       51,667  

SEB SA

    255       46,025  
 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
France (continued)  

SES SA

    4,155     $ 33,367  

Societe Generale SA(a)

    7,812       194,717  

Sodexo SA(a)

    849       81,638  

STMicroelectronics NV

    6,304       244,628  

Suez SA

    3,436       71,943  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(a)

    852       69,888  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

    1,349       99,588  

Valeo SA

    2,202       78,152  

Wendel SE

    285       32,760  

Worldline SA(a)(b)

    2,401       215,078  
   

 

 

 
      8,692,818  
Germany — 8.9%  

adidas AG(a)

    1,860       652,240  

Allianz SE, Registered

    4,042       980,255  

Bechtle AG

    229       43,445  

Beiersdorf AG

    997       99,112  

Brenntag SE

    1,529       119,260  

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Bearer

    420       63,368  

Commerzbank AG(a)

    9,568       63,062  

Covestro AG(b)

    1,839       133,842  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    1,956       321,822  

Deutsche Post AG, Registered

    9,671       481,989  

Deutsche Telekom AG, Registered

    32,600       594,735  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    3,316       156,772  

Evonik Industries AG

    2,045       69,229  

GEA Group AG

    1,414       49,121  

Hannover Rueck SE

    620       105,584  

HeidelbergCement AG

    1,435       114,053  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    1,479       115,791  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    1,059       94,349  

Infineon Technologies AG

    12,854       561,679  

KION Group AG

    658       55,860  

Knorr-Bremse AG

    696       89,161  

LANXESS AG

    774       57,609  

LEG Immobilien AG

    696       95,581  

Merck KGaA

    1,285       209,862  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen, Registered

    1,390       409,985  

Nemetschek SE

    536       33,929  

Rational AG

    45       38,726  

SAP SE

    10,283       1,273,862  

Scout24 AG(b)

    1,140       86,414  

Symrise AG

    1,282       150,505  

TeamViewer AG(a)(b)

    1,635       88,313  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

    9,596       25,741  

Vonovia SE

    5,228       334,675  

Zalando SE(a)(b)

    1,524       157,273  
   

 

 

 
      7,927,204  
Hong Kong — 4.1%  

AIA Group Ltd.

    119,400       1,493,780  

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd.

    3,200       44,510  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    38,000       126,383  

ESR Cayman Ltd.(a)(b)

    19,600       62,029  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    30,000       77,733  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    9,100       175,962  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.

    47,000       63,859  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    8,100       494,102  

Link REIT

    21,100       199,104  

MTR Corp. Ltd.

    17,500       105,013  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hong Kong (continued)  

PCCW Ltd.

    45,000     $ 25,814  

Sino Land Co. Ltd.

    44,000       66,590  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    15,000       240,933  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    12,000       38,596  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    15,000       228,944  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

    16,000       95,600  

Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.

    30,000       83,920  
   

 

 

 
      3,622,872  
Ireland — 0.7%  

CRH PLC(a)

    7,776       337,899  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    1,617       196,173  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    2,370       112,652  
   

 

 

 
      646,724  
Israel — 0.7%  

Bank Hapoalim BM(a)

    12,405       88,000  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

    16,020       97,928  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(a)

    420       61,669  

Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Class A

    11,458       42,578  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.

    1,137       27,238  

Nice Ltd.(a)

    617       143,452  

Wix.com Ltd.(a)

    544       189,622  
   

 

 

 
      650,487  
Italy — 1.5%  

Amplifon SpA(a)

    1,142       45,743  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA(a)

    11,394       215,057  

CNH Industrial NV(a)

    10,140       150,649  

DiaSorin SpA

    285       56,179  

Ferrari NV

    1,241       243,272  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA(a)

    2,866       50,685  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA(b)

    2,974       31,099  

Moncler SpA(a)

    1,963       122,232  

Nexi SpA(a)(b)

    4,274       77,220  

Poste Italiane SpA(b)

    5,412       61,776  

Prysmian SpA

    2,409       78,043  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

    1,230       62,914  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano

    93,975       44,817  

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA

    16,991       118,957  
   

 

 

 
      1,358,643  
Japan — 31.2%  

Advantest Corp.

    1,400       114,980  

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    7,000       210,447  

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    4,200       83,535  

Amada Co. Ltd.

    3,000       36,353  

ANA Holdings Inc.(a)

    1,500       35,958  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    12,100       130,154  

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    19,600       307,963  

Azbil Corp.

    1,400       59,461  

Bridgestone Corp.

    5,600       218,712  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    1,400       27,503  

Canon Inc.

    10,500       225,936  

Capcom Co. Ltd.

    1,400       85,151  

Casio Computer Co. Ltd.

    1,400       26,965  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    1,400       228,778  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    5,600       35,690  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    7,000       312,944  

CyberAgent Inc.

    1,400       84,363  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    2,800       50,302  

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

    1,400       133,771  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    10,600       185,953  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  9


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    16,600     $     468,988  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    2,800       544,547  

Denso Corp.

    4,200       251,827  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    2,800       192,352  

FANUC Corp.

    1,900       469,739  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

    600       591,327  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    2,800       159,527  

GMO Payment Gateway Inc.

    300       39,732  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.

    2,800       46,097  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    2,800       92,904  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    3,000       28,158  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

    1,400       43,035  

Hitachi Metals Ltd.

    1,500       23,780  

Hoya Corp.

    4,200       477,004  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    3,000       33,452  

Ibiden Co. Ltd.

    1,400       56,899  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    5,600       58,555  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    1,400       42,970  

Japan Exchange Group Inc.

    5,600       120,552  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    14       85,283  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    58       57,325  

JFE Holdings Inc.(a)

    4,200       44,074  

JSR Corp.

    1,400       41,721  

Kajima Corp.

    4,200       53,535  

Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

    1,400       36,557  

Kao Corp.

    4,200       281,629  

KDDI Corp.

    15,400       475,558  

Keihan Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400       62,812  

Keikyu Corp.

    1,400       22,129  

Keio Corp.

    1,400       104,468  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    1,400       50,460  

Keyence Corp.

    1,800       854,214  

Kikkoman Corp.

    1,400       92,378  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400       58,476  

Kobe Bussan Co. Ltd.

    1,400       35,940  

Komatsu Ltd.

    9,000       269,476  

Kubota Corp.

    10,500       237,270  

Kuraray Co. Ltd.

    3,000       33,565  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    1,400       56,636  

Kyocera Corp.

    2,800       180,237  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    2,800       78,003  

Kyushu Railway Co.

    1,500       39,028  

Lion Corp.

    1,400       26,886  

Lixil Corp.

    2,800       78,502  

Marui Group Co. Ltd.

    1,500       28,454  

Mazda Motor Corp.

    5,600       44,100  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    1,500       29,707  

Mercari Inc.(a)

    1,400       67,280  

MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.

    2,800       68,725  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    12,100       84,021  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    18,100       266,471  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    12,100       208,746  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    121,000       633,734  

Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co. Ltd.

    4,500       24,118  

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

    1,400       43,101  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    9,100       204,993  

Miura Co. Ltd.

    1,400       72,405  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

    1,400       80,421  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    4,200       118,265  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    5,600       477,319  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)  

Nabtesco Corp.

    1,400     $ 59,396  

Nagoya Railroad Co. Ltd.

    1,400       35,532  

NEC Corp.

    2,800       152,431  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    2,800       49,409  

NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd.

    1,500       25,371  

Nidec Corp.

    4,200       532,983  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    1,100       668,528  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    14       85,545  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400       104,074  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    14       42,838  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    13,500       349,474  

Nippon Yusen KK

    1,400       40,145  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

    800       149,240  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    1,400       119,448  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    1,500       33,776  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    42       62,878  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    2,800       86,991  

NSK Ltd.

    2,800       27,411  

NTT Data Corp.

    6,100       93,040  

Obayashi Corp.

    6,100       52,274  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    2,800       81,866  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    9,000       56,683  

Omron Corp.

    1,400       112,746  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    4,200       112,904  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd.

    2,000       334,898  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    28       47,648  

Otsuka Corp.

    1,400       65,046  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    4,200       166,518  

Panasonic Corp.

    22,600       289,659  

Persol Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,500       29,665  

Rakuten Inc.

    9,000       100,610  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    12,600       624,560  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    21,200       85,106  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    1,400       137,582  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    2,800       38,423  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    2,000       173,193  

Seibu Holdings Inc.

    2,800       33,640  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    2,800       45,834  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    2,800       49,803  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    6,100       114,339  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,800       64,336  

Sharp Corp.

    1,500       28,341  

Shimadzu Corp.

    1,400       50,329  

Shimizu Corp.

    5,600       42,313  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    3,500       569,974  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    2,800       142,260  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    4,200       311,945  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd. (The)

    4,500       32,861  

Softbank Corp.

    28,700       388,180  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    15,400       1,430,289  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

    1,400       63,075  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    2,800       107,227  

Sony Corp.

    12,600       1,315,112  

Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400       79,369  

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,400       41,459  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    14,000       67,674  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

    1,500       23,695  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    2,800       135,138  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    13,600       477,672  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    1,400       47,898  
 

 

 

10  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)  

Suzuken Co. Ltd.

    700     $ 26,675  

Sysmex Corp.

    1,400       145,664  

T&D Holdings Inc.

    5,600       75,480  

Taiheiyo Cement Corp.

    1,500       37,338  

Taisei Corp.

    1,400       49,343  

TDK Corp.

    1,400       200,263  

Terumo Corp.

    7,000       259,593  

THK Co. Ltd.

    1,400       45,138  

TIS Inc.

    1,400       29,093  

Tobu Railway Co. Ltd.

    1,400       39,816  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    7,000       345,138  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    1,400       572,273  

Tokyu Corp.

    4,200       57,714  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

    6,000       37,507  

Toppan Printing Co. Ltd.

    2,800       43,942  

Toray Industries Inc.

    14,000       91,537  

Tosoh Corp.

    2,800       51,248  

TOTO Ltd.

    1,400       84,231  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    1,400       59,658  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    21,100       1,559,229  

Unicharm Corp.

    4,200       166,202  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    28       38,423  

USS Co. Ltd.

    1,400       26,597  

West Japan Railway Co.

    1,400       85,598  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    1,400       69,251  

Yamada Holdings Co. Ltd.

    7,500       35,832  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    2,800       60,946  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    2,800       139,816  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    2,800       52,983  

Z Holdings Corp.

    25,700       156,434  

ZOZO Inc.

    1,400       43,758  
   

 

 

 
      27,721,760  
Netherlands — 6.0%  

ABN AMRO Bank NV, CVA(a)(b)

    3,949       45,632  

Aegon NV

    17,440       83,743  

Akzo Nobel NV

    1,892       196,489  

Argenx SE(a)

    453       152,639  

ASM International NV

    462       125,389  

ASML Holding NV

    4,202       2,373,465  

EXOR NV

    1,074       86,691  

ING Groep NV

    38,391       421,208  

JDE Peet’s NV(a)

    672       27,447  

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV(a)(b)

    1,267       122,846  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    10,689       283,359  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    1,708       283,091  

NN Group NV

    2,893       134,140  

Prosus NV

    4,821       573,821  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    2,295       114,213  

Randstad NV(a)

    1,110       74,561  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    2,790       222,426  
   

 

 

 
      5,321,160  
New Zealand — 0.6%  

a2 Milk Co. Ltd. (The)(a)

    7,266       51,194  

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(a)

    12,053       66,166  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    5,791       123,161  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    8,475       37,281  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    12,640       52,386  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    3,764       40,094  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    18,795       62,726  
Security   Shares     Value  
New Zealand (continued)  

Xero Ltd.(a)

    1,221     $ 111,952  
   

 

 

 
      544,960  
Norway — 0.8%  

Adevinta ASA(a)

    720       10,124  

DNB ASA

    9,172       179,617  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    2,040       47,139  

Mowi ASA

    4,288       104,262  

Orkla ASA

    7,348       68,139  

Schibsted ASA, Class A(a)

    1,275       51,921  

Schibsted ASA, Class B(a)

    466       16,114  

Telenor ASA

    6,954       113,168  

Yara International ASA

    1,724       83,397  
   

 

 

 
      673,881  
Portugal — 0.0%  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    2,412       37,621  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 1.6%  

Ascendas REIT

    33,799       74,730  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    43,244       68,295  

CapitaLand Ltd.

    25,800       61,701  

City Developments Ltd.

    3,200       17,712  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    18,100       362,626  

Mapletree Commercial Trust

    17,000       26,081  

Mapletree Logistics Trust

    31,859       44,325  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

    34,700       286,796  

Singapore Airlines Ltd.(a)

    12,200       45,692  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    1,400       10,518  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    84,700       149,692  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    13,500       250,568  

UOL Group Ltd.

    3,200       17,785  
   

 

 

 
      1,416,521  
Spain — 1.7%  

Aena SME SA(a)(b)

    684       116,981  

Amadeus IT Group SA(a)

    4,487       313,164  

CaixaBank SA

    36,600       106,931  

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    3,217       175,911  

Ferrovial SA

    5,042       126,316  

Grifols SA

    3,055       77,204  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    10,971       363,676  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

    111       1,868  

Telefonica SA

    50,333       215,418  
   

 

 

 
      1,497,469  
Sweden — 4.9%  

Alfa Laval AB(a)

    3,117       96,960  

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    9,891       249,274  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    6,373       365,760  

Atlas Copco AB, Class B

    4,200       204,698  

Boliden AB

    2,608       103,853  

Electrolux AB, Series B

    2,217       52,640  

EQT AB

    3,045       85,368  

Essity AB, Class B

    6,063       183,187  

Fastighets AB Balder, Class B(a)

    914       44,046  

Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B(a)

    7,872       186,489  

Hexagon AB, Class B

    2,764       231,515  

Husqvarna AB, Class B

    3,789       46,595  

ICA Gruppen AB

    899       42,905  

Industrivarden AB, Class A(a)

    795       28,392  

Industrivarden AB, Class C(a)

    1,835       60,926  

Investment AB Latour, Class B

    1,680       38,460  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  11


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden (continued)  

Investor AB, Class B

    4,453     $ 331,214  

Kinnevik AB, Class B

    2,384       111,366  

L E Lundbergforetagen AB, Class B(a)

    614       30,714  

Nibe Industrier AB, Class B

    3,066       96,833  

Sandvik AB(a)

    11,069       298,728  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A(a)

    16,094       186,190  

SKF AB, Class B

    3,678       100,750  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B(a)

    5,888       101,812  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A(a)

    15,075       159,757  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    4,566       57,917  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    28,826       361,693  

Telia Co. AB

    26,535       107,750  

Volvo AB, Class B(a)

    13,715       353,157  
   

 

 

 
      4,318,949  
Switzerland — 5.6%  

ABB Ltd., Registered

    17,977       518,678  

Adecco Group AG, Registered

    1,484       93,568  

Alcon Inc.(a)

    4,867       336,222  

Baloise Holding AG, Registered

    409       71,788  

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise, Registered

    345       36,356  

Clariant AG, Registered

    1,698       35,656  

Coca-Cola HBC AG

    1,956       61,202  

Geberit AG, Registered

    349       206,709  

Givaudan SA, Registered

    91       344,479  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    2,282       140,656  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Registered

    515       122,706  

Logitech International SA, Registered

    1,658       177,686  

Lonza Group AG, Registered

    740       469,029  

Partners Group Holding AG

    198       238,506  

SGS SA, Registered

    63       180,587  

Sika AG, Registered

    1,406       373,049  

Sonova Holding AG, Registered(a)

    544       139,891  

Straumann Holding AG, Registered

    106       128,680  

Swiss Life Holding AG, Registered

    302       150,883  

Swiss Prime Site AG, Registered

    687       64,579  

Swiss Re AG

    2,785       262,842  

Swisscom AG, Registered

    243       122,533  

Temenos AG, Registered

    666       90,303  

Vifor Pharma AG

    396       49,473  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    1,468       602,410  
   

 

 

 
      5,018,471  
United Kingdom — 10.0%  

3i Group PLC

    11,160       172,723  

Admiral Group PLC

    1,876       80,993  

Antofagasta PLC

    3,770       93,953  

Ashtead Group PLC

    4,433       240,474  

AstraZeneca PLC

    12,866       1,249,264  

Auto Trader Group PLC(b)

    9,200       70,770  

AVEVA Group PLC

    1,172       55,630  

Aviva PLC

    39,242       198,554  

Barratt Developments PLC(a)

    10,065       93,494  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    1,211       68,621  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    8,527       58,368  

BT Group PLC(a)

    87,185       150,599  

Bunzl PLC

    3,268       102,208  

Burberry Group PLC(a)

    3,980       101,022  

Coca-Cola European Partners PLC

    2,025       103,174  

Compass Group PLC(a)

    17,551       357,029  

Croda International PLC

    1,358       117,107  
Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

    13,498     $ 60,502  

Ferguson PLC

    2,194       258,646  

Halma PLC

    4,185       132,643  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    1,670       52,207  

Informa PLC(a)

    14,648       112,800  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(a)

    1,691       118,257  

Intertek Group PLC

    1,618       121,160  

J Sainsbury PLC

    16,073       50,831  

JD Sports Fashion PLC(a)

    4,785       55,553  

Kingfisher PLC(a)

    20,291       75,291  

Land Securities Group PLC

    6,659       61,911  

Legal & General Group PLC

    58,001       210,270  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC(a)

    699,903       381,629  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    3,176       427,075  

M&G PLC

    25,943       66,702  

Mondi PLC

    4,692       113,125  

Next PLC(a)

    1,284       135,714  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    4,784       147,147  

Pearson PLC

    7,399       77,688  

Persimmon PLC

    3,157       114,318  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    5,280       52,412  

Prudential PLC

    25,588       503,885  

RELX PLC

    19,045       450,659  

Rentokil Initial PLC(a)

    18,292       119,354  

RSA Insurance Group PLC

    10,206       96,373  

Sage Group PLC (The)

    9,451       73,810  

Schroders PLC

    1,529       74,883  

Segro PLC

    11,727       149,166  

Severn Trent PLC

    2,391       73,209  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    728       109,008  

St. James’s Place PLC

    6,600       108,330  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

    24,720       107,416  

Taylor Wimpey PLC(a)

    35,952       79,217  

United Utilities Group PLC

    7,105       85,349  

Vodafone Group PLC

    259,308       442,370  

Whitbread PLC(a)

    1,970       93,507  

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

    22,621       54,034  

WPP PLC

    11,623       138,744  
   

 

 

 
      8,899,178  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.4%
(Cost: $82,343,904)

      88,405,977  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.4%            

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,765       174,773  

Sartorius AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    362       186,919  
   

 

 

 
      361,692  
Italy — 0.0%            

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano, Preference Shares, NVS

    59,272       31,958  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.4%
(Cost: $375,265)

      393,650  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.8%
(Cost: $82,719,169)

      88,799,627  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.2%

      150,216  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   88,949,843  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

 

  (a) 

Non-income producing security.

 
  (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.

 

    

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency
Shares(a)

  $       $        6 (b)    $     $ (6   $     $           $ 122 (c)    $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 
  (b)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

Mini TOPIX Index

     6        03/11/21      $ 106      $ (1,556
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of February 28, 2021, 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)

   $ 1,556  
  

 

 

 

 

  (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 February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 21,290  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (2,229
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 118,320  

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  13


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 88,405,977        $             —        $             —        $88,405,977

Preferred Stocks

     393,650                          393,650
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

   $ 88,799,627        $        $        $88,799,627
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (1,556      $        $        $ (1,556)
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

  (a)

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

14  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Argentina — 0.3%            

Globant SA(a)

    168     $ 36,073  
   

 

 

 

Brazil — 3.2%

   

Atacadao SA

    1,500       5,117  

B2W Cia. Digital(a)

    1,200       17,656  

B3 SA - Brasil, Bolsa, Balcao

    9,600       93,536  

Banco Bradesco SA

    5,700       21,059  

Banco do Brasil SA

    3,900       19,629  

Banco Santander Brasil SA

    2,100       14,089  

Energisa SA

    300       2,351  

Klabin SA

    3,300       17,450  

Localiza Rent a Car SA

    2,700       28,100  

Lojas Renner SA

    3,900       25,655  

Natura & Co. Holding SA(a)

    4,500       37,280  

Notre Dame Intermedica Participacoes SA

    2,400       37,345  

Telefonica Brasil SA

    2,100       16,580  

TIM SA

    2,700       6,201  

TOTVS SA

    2,400       13,514  

WEG SA

    3,900       54,619  
   

 

 

 
      410,181  
Chile — 0.3%            

Banco de Credito e Inversiones SA

    207       8,988  

Banco Santander Chile

    275,142       15,751  

Cencosud Shopping SA

    2,856       5,648  

Falabella SA

    3,549       14,718  
   

 

 

 
      45,105  
China — 29.3%            

360 Security Technology Inc., Class A

    2,000       4,969  

3SBio Inc.(a)(b)

    6,000       5,971  

AAC Technologies Holdings Inc.

    3,000       16,165  

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    13,200       6,641  

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    126,000       45,804  

Air China Ltd., Class H

    6,000       4,950  

Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd.(a)

    18,000       60,330  

A-Living Smart City Services Co. Ltd.(b)

    2,250       9,427  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class A

    8,400       5,924  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class H

    36,000       20,327  

Bank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,100       5,192  

Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,500       1,940  

Baozun Inc., ADR(a)

    270       12,401  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    18,000       7,124  

Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    900       6,560  

Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       1,626  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    400       12,177  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,000       76,263  

CanSino Biologics Inc., Class H(a)(b)

    300       14,270  

Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       1,760  

China Bohai Bank Co. Ltd., Class H(a)(b)

    12,000       6,621  

China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd., Class H

    33,000       15,570  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class A

    1,200       1,344  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    429,000       344,534  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    11,700       7,403  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    12,000       5,198  

China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.

    15,000       8,585  

China Feihe Ltd.(b)

    6,000       16,436  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,500       2,493  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    16,500       10,188  
Security   Shares     Value  
China (continued)            

China International Capital Corp. Ltd., Class H(a)(b)

    4,800     $ 11,076  

China International Captial, NVS

    900       8,028  

China Jushi Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,200       4,158  

China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd.

    6,000       11,091  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    6,000       9,374  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,700       44,950  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    18,000       138,179  

China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800       5,557  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class A

    6,900       5,516  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class H

    27,000       16,115  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,300       3,412  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class H

    18,000       13,922  

China National Medicines Corp. Ltd., Class A

    300       1,759  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,300       16,857  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,500       31,809  

China Zheshang Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,700       3,615  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    600       29,837  

Country Garden Services Holdings Co. Ltd.

    6,000       49,347  

Eve Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       3,958  

Everbright Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    44       105  

Founder Securities Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    2,700       3,583  

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

    27,000       87,710  

Genscript Biotech Corp.(a)

    6,000       10,349  

GoerTek Inc., Class A

    1,200       5,926  

Greentown Service Group Co. Ltd.

    6,000       6,095  

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    12,000       11,138  

Guolian Securities Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    900       2,068  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,300       6,157  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    12,000       10,968  

Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       1,750  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    6,000       30,552  

Huatai Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,300       8,744  

Huatai Securities Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    6,000       8,926  

Hundsun Technologies Inc., Class A

    400       5,395  

Hutchison China MediTech Ltd., ADR(a)

    345       9,915  

Industrial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,700       21,710  

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000       13,340  

Jafron Biomedical Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       3,634  

JD Health International Inc.(a)(b)

    1,350       24,677  

Jinxin Fertility Group Ltd.(b)

    6,000       13,551  

Joyoung Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       1,386  

Kingboard Laminates Holdings Ltd.

    4,500       7,680  

Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd.

    12,000       43,082  

Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    279       16,428  

Kingsoft Corp. Ltd.

    3,000       21,038  

Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.

    6,000       5,561  

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    30,000       37,938  

Meituan, Class B(a)(b)

    12,300       539,102  

Microport Scientific Corp.

    3,000       17,654  

NetEase Inc., ADR

    1,872       205,639  

NIO Inc., ADR(a)

    5,778       264,517  

Orient Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800       4,144  

Ovctek China Inc., Class A

    300       4,315  

Pharmaron Beijing Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    900       15,384  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class A

    2,700       35,493  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class H

    27,000       331,698  

Postal Savings Bank of China Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,500       4,250  

Postal Savings Bank of China Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    45,000       33,472  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co. Ltd., Class H

    24,000       41,210  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  15


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
China (continued)            

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    900     $ 6,395  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,500       7,077  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class H

    4,200       7,699  

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,300       10,247  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       3,949  

Shenzhen Investment Ltd.

    12,000       4,316  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

    3,600       74,763  

Sinotrans Ltd., Class A

    3,600       2,511  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    300       4,004  

Suning.com Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,700       6,158  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    3,300       82,528  

TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A

    5,200       6,604  

Tongcheng-Elong Holdings Ltd.(a)

    4,800       11,274  

TravelSky Technology Ltd., Class H

    3,000       7,572  

Unisplendour Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,200       3,980  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    2,013       75,125  

Wangsu Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,100       2,162  

Weifu High-Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    900       3,197  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class A

    800       17,739  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    1,200       25,014  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman Inc., New(a)(b)

    15,000       185,727  

Xiamen Intretech Inc., Class A

    300       2,982  

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    900       2,104  

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,600       7,704  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.

    18,000       37,822  

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    6,000       13,056  

Yum China Holdings Inc.

    1,809       108,251  

Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    400       8,075  

Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd., Class A

    900       2,108  

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000       4,438  

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,000       9,142  
   

 

 

 
      3,806,760  
Colombia — 0.3%            

Bancolombia SA

    1,347       11,696  

Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana SA

    1,143       7,482  

Interconexion Electrica SA ESP

    2,259       14,868  
   

 

 

 
      34,046  
Czech Republic — 0.2%            

Komercni Banka AS(a)

    414       13,016  

Moneta Money Bank AS(a)(b)

    2,541       9,309  
   

 

 

 
      22,325  
Egypt — 0.2%            

Commercial International Bank Egypt SAE

    5,991       23,796  
   

 

 

 
Greece — 0.1%            

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA

    1,134       17,536  
   

 

 

 
Hungary — 0.5%            

OTP Bank Nyrt(a)

    1,044       47,735  

Richter Gedeon Nyrt

    540       15,502  
   

 

 

 
      63,237  
India — 11.4%            

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(a)

    1,773       27,984  

Asian Paints Ltd.

    1,726       53,486  

Axis Bank Ltd.(a)

    10,092       99,540  

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    303       15,663  

Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    1,223       87,623  

Bandhan Bank Ltd.(a)(b)

    3,102       14,574  
Security   Shares     Value  
India (continued)            

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    10,950     $ 82,894  

Biocon Ltd.(a)

    1,845       9,797  

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    465       10,006  

Dabur India Ltd.

    2,199       15,055  

Eicher Motors Ltd.

    633       21,523  

Havells India Ltd.

    915       13,766  

HCL Technologies Ltd.

    5,035       62,313  

HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    3,636       34,668  

Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

    540       23,691  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    3,681       106,798  

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    999       19,386  

Info Edge India Ltd.

    357       23,855  

Infosys Ltd.

    15,336       261,558  

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.(a)

    2,463       59,672  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    3,686       40,449  

Marico Ltd.

    2,103       11,377  

Nestle India Ltd.

    147       32,210  

Piramal Enterprises Ltd.

    465       11,575  

Shriram Transport Finance Co. Ltd.

    869       15,172  

Siemens Ltd.

    252       6,344  

State Bank of India(a)

    7,788       41,348  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    4,254       167,549  

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

    2,937       36,724  

Titan Co. Ltd.

    1,632       31,245  

Trent Ltd.

    804       8,848  

Wipro Ltd.

    5,328       29,749  
   

 

 

 
      1,476,442  
Indonesia — 2.4%            

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    43,800       103,194  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    84,900       36,667  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    35,100       14,666  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    249,300       82,458  

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

    99,600       10,282  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    220,500       54,041  

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    30,900       15,190  
   

 

 

 
      316,498  
Kuwait — 1.3%            

Gulf Bank KSCP

    10,125       7,226  

Kuwait Finance House KSCP

    24,734       59,005  

National Bank of Kuwait SAKP

    38,655       105,371  
   

 

 

 
      171,602  
Malaysia — 2.2%            

AMMB Holdings Bhd

    8,800       6,870  

Axiata Group Bhd

    15,600       13,683  

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd

    30,300       32,415  

DiGi.Com Bhd

    13,500       12,341  

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd

    1,200       9,268  

HAP Seng Consolidated Bhd

    3,200       6,728  

IHH Healthcare Bhd

    10,800       13,555  

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd

    2,400       13,935  

Malayan Banking Bhd

    19,200       38,092  

Maxis Bhd

    10,800       12,674  

Nestle Malaysia Bhd

    400       13,628  

PPB Group Bhd

    4,000       18,619  

Public Bank Bhd

    67,200       69,068  

RHB Bank Bhd

    8,400       11,248  

Sime Darby Bhd

    16,000       8,973  

Supermax Corp. Bhd

    40       48  
 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Malaysia (continued)            

Telekom Malaysia Bhd

    5,700     $ 8,647  
   

 

 

 
      289,792  
Mexico — 0.8%            

Arca Continental SAB de CV

    2,100       9,518  

Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV

    2,100       8,817  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV,
Class B(a)

    900       16,847  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O(a)

    12,300       61,798  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A

    6,600       10,558  
   

 

 

 
      107,538  
Pakistan — 0.0%            

Habib Bank Ltd.

    3,348       2,619  

MCB Bank Ltd.

    2,013       2,331  
   

 

 

 
      4,950  
Peru — 0.4%            

Credicorp Ltd.

    300       48,003  
   

 

 

 
Philippines — 0.5%            

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    7,110       13,042  

BDO Unibank Inc.

    8,940       19,439  

Globe Telecom Inc.

    150       6,263  

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    42,600       31,739  
   

 

 

 
      70,483  
Poland — 1.2%            

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA(a)

    948       17,256  

Cyfrowy Polsat SA

    1,182       9,076  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA(a)

    681       34,618  

LPP SA(a)

    6       12,605  

Orange Polska SA(a)

    4,377       7,421  

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA(a)

    4,302       34,810  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA(a)

    3,207       25,201  

Santander Bank Polska SA(a)

    210       11,862  
   

 

 

 
      152,849  
Qatar — 0.9%            

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

    8,061       9,343  

Ooredoo QPSC

    4,604       9,601  

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    20,256       94,626  
   

 

 

 
      113,570  
Russia — 0.8%            

Mail.Ru Group Ltd., GDR(a)(c)

    561       15,143  

Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS PJSC

    5,460       12,669  

Novolipetsk Steel PJSC

    5,760       17,301  

PhosAgro PJSC, GDR(c)

    567       9,945  

Polymetal International PLC

    1,008       20,069  

Polyus PJSC

    150       28,264  
   

 

 

 
      103,391  
Saudi Arabia — 1.5%            

Almarai Co. JSC

    1,284       17,460  

Bank AlBilad

    1,936       17,009  

Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group Co.

    231       7,329  

Samba Financial Group

    4,659       41,925  

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

    4,104       116,648  
   

 

 

 
      200,371  
South Africa — 7.4%            

Absa Group Ltd.

    3,276       26,245  

Bid Corp. Ltd.

    1,458       27,276  

Bidvest Group Ltd. (The)

    1,203       13,363  

Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.(a)

    324       28,638  

Clicks Group Ltd.

    1,140       18,422  
Security   Shares     Value  
South Africa (continued)            

FirstRand Ltd.

    21,540     $ 71,562  

Gold Fields Ltd.

    3,999       33,209  

Growthpoint Properties Ltd.

    12,930       11,670  

Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.

    318       13,626  

Mr. Price Group Ltd.

    1,185       13,646  

MTN Group Ltd.

    7,635       36,642  

MultiChoice Group

    2,034       17,142  

Naspers Ltd., Class N

    1,953       453,618  

Nedbank Group Ltd.

    1,749       15,084  

NEPI Rockcastle PLC

    1,962       12,018  

Remgro Ltd.

    2,259       15,453  

Sanlam Ltd.

    7,824       31,397  

Shoprite Holdings Ltd.

    2,265       19,900  

SPAR Group Ltd. (The)

    876       11,010  

Standard Bank Group Ltd.

    5,844       51,316  

Vodacom Group Ltd.

    2,757       22,677  

Woolworths Holdings Ltd.

    4,272       13,011  
   

 

 

 
      956,925  
South Korea — 11.0%            

Amorepacific Corp.

    141       29,430  

AMOREPACIFIC Group

    120       6,910  

CJ CheilJedang Corp.

    39       14,111  

CJ Corp.

    84       6,931  

Coway Co. Ltd.

    213       12,266  

DB Insurance Co. Ltd.

    219       8,070  

GS Engineering & Construction Corp.

    303       9,803  

Hana Financial Group Inc.

    1,356       44,717  

Hanon Systems

    903       12,418  

Hanwha Solutions Corp.(a)

    70       2,807  

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co. Ltd.

    252       4,912  

Kakao Corp.

    261       113,367  

LG Corp.

    423       35,353  

LG Display Co. Ltd.(a)

    988       19,874  

LG Electronics Inc.

    477       62,199  

LG Household & Health Care Ltd.

    45       60,601  

LG Innotek Co. Ltd.

    64       11,336  

Mirae Asset Daewoo Co. Ltd.

    1,365       11,348  

NAVER Corp.

    552       184,246  

NCSoft Corp.

    75       62,483  

Samsung Card Co. Ltd.

    108       3,167  

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd.

    249       41,999  

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co. Ltd.

    129       19,864  

Samsung Life Insurance Co. Ltd.

    321       21,429  

Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.

    249       149,378  

Samsung SDS Co. Ltd.

    156       27,007  

Samsung Securities Co. Ltd.

    288       9,369  

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    1,932       56,662  

SK Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.(a)

    84       8,822  

SK Hynix Inc.

    2,445       307,937  

SK Telecom Co. Ltd.

    162       35,688  

Woori Financial Group Inc.(a)

    2,307       19,672  

Yuhan Corp.

    225       12,416  
   

 

 

 
      1,426,592  
Taiwan — 17.6%            

Accton Technology Corp.

    3,000       28,274  

Acer Inc.

    16,000       15,424  

Advantech Co. Ltd.

    3,000       39,045  

ASE Technology Holding Co. Ltd.

    15,000       55,740  

Asustek Computer Inc.

    3,000       32,744  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  17


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Taiwan (continued)            

AU Optronics Corp.(a)

    39,000     $ 26,464  

Catcher Technology Co. Ltd.

    4,000       27,574  

Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    33,000       49,703  

Chailease Holding Co. Ltd.

    6,000       37,052  

Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co. Ltd.

    12,000       18,591  

China Development Financial Holding Corp.

    72,000       24,041  

China Life Insurance Co. Ltd.

    10,000       8,150  

China Steel Corp.

    55,000       48,874  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

    18,000       70,766  

Compal Electronics Inc.

    18,000       14,347  

CTBC Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    78,000       56,009  

Delta Electronics Inc.

    9,000       90,638  

E.Sun Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    51,000       46,235  

Evergreen Marine Corp. Taiwan Ltd.(a)

    12,000       16,350  

Far Eastern New Century Corp.

    12,000       12,473  

Far EasTone Telecommunications Co. Ltd.

    6,000       13,313  

First Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    45,000       33,686  

Fubon Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    30,000       53,747  

Hua Nan Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    39,000       25,414  

Innolux Corp.

    40,000       24,414  

Inventec Corp.

    12,000       10,685  

Lite-On Technology Corp.

    9,000       19,194  

MediaTek Inc.

    6,000       193,017  

Mega Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    48,000       50,322  

Micro-Star International Co. Ltd.

    4,000       21,398  

President Chain Store Corp.

    3,000       28,220  

Quanta Computer Inc.

    12,000       36,622  

Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd. (The)

    15,000       21,488  

SinoPac Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    45,000       18,822  

Taishin Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    45,000       20,923  

Taiwan Business Bank

    24,000       8,160  

Taiwan Cooperative Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    42,000       30,084  

Taiwan Mobile Co. Ltd.

    8,000       27,890  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    30,000       652,724  

Unimicron Technology Corp.

    6,000       21,004  

United Microelectronics Corp.

    51,000       99,244  

Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp.

    4,000       16,659  

Win Semiconductors Corp.

    3,000       40,984  

Yageo Corp.

    3,000       63,872  

Yuanta Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    48,000       36,622  
   

 

 

 
      2,287,002  
Thailand — 3.4%            

Advanced Info Service PCL, NVDR

    5,700       30,662  

Airports of Thailand PCL, NVDR

    20,100       41,813  

Asset World Corp. PCL, NVDR

    48,300       7,630  

Bangkok Bank PCL, Foreign

    3,200       12,689  

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL, NVDR

    43,200       28,083  

BTS Group Holdings PCL, NVDR

    44,000       13,444  

Bumrungrad Hospital PCL, NVDR

    2,100       8,635  

Central Pattana PCL, NVDR

    10,500       18,088  

CP ALL PCL, NVDR(a)

    27,300       52,797  

Delta Electronics Thailand PCL, NVDR

    900       11,701  

Energy Absolute PCL, NVDR

    7,200       14,627  

Home Product Center PCL, NVDR

    34,800       15,044  

Indorama Ventures PCL, NVDR

    8,700       11,170  

Intouch Holdings PCL, NVDR

    10,800       19,571  

Kasikornbank PCL, Foreign

    5,100       23,456  

Kasikornbank PCL, NVDR

    2,700       12,418  

Krungthai Card PCL, NVDR

    3,900       8,050  

Land & Houses PCL, NVDR

    46,800       12,017  
Security   Shares     Value  
Thailand (continued)            

Minor International PCL, NVDR(a)

    15,900     $ 15,634  

Siam Cement PCL (The), NVDR

    3,600       42,827  

Siam Commercial Bank PCL (The), NVDR

    4,500       15,065  

Thai Union Group PCL, NVDR

    19,200       8,737  

Total Access Communication PCL, NVDR

    4,400       4,541  

True Corp. PCL, NVDR

    71,100       7,257  
   

 

 

 
      435,956  
Turkey — 0.2%            

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

    4,725       10,096  

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS(a)

    10,629       12,781  

Turkiye Is Bankasi AS, Class C(a)

    7,551       5,833  
   

 

 

 
      28,710  
United Arab Emirates — 1.3%            

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

    13,137       22,460  

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

    6,327       8,595  

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC

    8,835       11,425  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

    11,616       35,419  

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

    7,311       39,609  

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

    12,819       51,302  
   

 

 

 
      168,810  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.7%
(Cost: $10,947,614)

 

    12,818,543  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 1.7%            

Banco Bradesco SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    20,400       84,191  

Itau Unibanco Holding SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    21,600       99,026  

Itausa SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    19,500       34,815  
   

 

 

 
      218,032  
Chile — 0.3%            

Embotelladora Andina SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    987       2,671  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    537       28,812  
   

 

 

 
      31,483  
Colombia — 0.1%            

Bancolombia SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    2,025       17,360  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.0%            

LG Household & Health Care Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    3       1,882  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 2.1%
(Cost: $234,234)

 

    268,757  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.6%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,
0.12%(d)(e)

    80,951       81,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.6%
(Cost: $81,000)

 

    81,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.4%
(Cost: $11,262,848)

 

    13,168,300  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.4)%

 

    (183,484
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 12,984,816  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(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) 

This security may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

(d) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(e) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period-end.

    

 

 

Affiliates    

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the period ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:    

 

Affiliated Issuer  

Value at   

10/06/20(a)

    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $       $81,000 (b)    $     $     $     $  81,000       80,951     $ 255 (c)    $  

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

          0 (b)                                     10        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $     $     $ 81,000       $ 265     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The Fund commenced operations on October 6, 2020.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c)

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 
  (d) 

As of period end, the entity is no longer held.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure    

For the period ended February 28, 2021, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:    

 

 

 
    

 

Equity
Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (6,130
  

 

 

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 12,382,587        $ 435,956        $             —        $12,818,543

Preferred Stocks

     268,757                          268,757

Money Market Funds

     81,000                          81,000
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

   $ 12,732,344        $  435,956        $        $13,168,300
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  19


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 0.2%            

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

    3,549     $ 99,762  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    335       124,285  
   

 

 

 
      224,047  
Air Freight & Logistics — 1.0%            

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    1,249       113,472  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    1,554       142,719  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    6,505       1,026,684  
   

 

 

 
      1,282,875  
Auto Components — 0.4%            

Aptiv PLC

    2,455       367,857  

Autoliv Inc.

    768       69,120  

BorgWarner Inc.

    2,222       99,990  
   

 

 

 
      536,967  
Automobiles — 3.6%            

Tesla Inc.(a)

    6,897       4,658,924  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 2.0%            

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    3,883       168,678  

First Republic Bank/CA

    1,586       261,293  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    9,252       141,926  

KeyCorp

    8,881       178,863  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    3,853       648,691  

Regions Financial Corp.

    8,735       180,203  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    469       237,014  

Truist Financial Corp.

    12,261       698,387  
   

 

 

 
      2,515,055  
Beverages — 2.8%            

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    37,132       1,819,097  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    5,120       156,262  

PepsiCo Inc.

    12,569       1,623,789  
   

 

 

 
      3,599,148  
Biotechnology — 2.1%            

Amgen Inc.

    5,295       1,190,951  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    1,399       381,759  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    1,650       127,760  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    952       428,943  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    2,364       502,468  
   

 

 

 
      2,631,881  
Building Products — 0.9%            

A O Smith Corp.

    1,254       74,450  

Allegion PLC

    836       90,940  

Carrier Global Corp.

    7,488       273,537  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    1,280       106,419  

Lennox International Inc.

    316       88,407  

Masco Corp.

    2,379       126,611  

Owens Corning

    1,000       81,020  

Trane Technologies PLC

    2,183       334,523  
   

 

 

 
      1,175,907  
Capital Markets — 4.8%            

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    1,072       237,169  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    7,252       305,744  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    1,387       963,272  

Carlyle Group Inc. (The)

    1,292       44,251  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    13,912       858,649  

CME Group Inc.

    3,264       651,821  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    345       104,849  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    2,754       72,072  
Security   Shares     Value  
Capital Markets (continued)            

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    5,034     $ 555,300  

Invesco Ltd.

    3,619       81,138  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    345       191,799  

Moody’s Corp.

    1,537       422,506  

Nasdaq Inc.

    1,044       144,375  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,797       170,949  

S&P Global Inc.

    2,188       720,640  

State Street Corp.

    3,209       233,519  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    2,058       333,684  
   

 

 

 
      6,091,737  
Chemicals — 2.2%            

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    2,010       513,796  

Albemarle Corp.

    1,045       164,284  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)

    1,961       53,614  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    4,877       342,951  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    2,035       275,763  

Linde PLC

    4,772       1,165,656  

PPG Industries Inc.

    2,147       289,459  
   

 

 

 
      2,805,523  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.0%            

Cintas Corp.

    809       262,391  

Copart Inc.(a)

    1,933       211,006  

Republic Services Inc.

    2,029       180,764  

Waste Connections Inc.

    2,389       233,382  

Waste Management Inc.

    3,844       426,261  
   

 

 

 
      1,313,804  
Communications Equipment — 1.8%            

Arista Networks Inc.(a)

    515       144,117  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    38,432       1,724,444  

F5 Networks Inc.(a)

    568       107,909  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    2,998       69,793  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    1,541       270,415  
   

 

 

 
      2,316,678  
Construction Materials — 0.1%            

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.

    566       190,668  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 0.8%            

Ally Financial Inc.

    3,399       141,059  

American Express Co.

    6,223       841,723  
   

 

 

 
      982,782  
Containers & Packaging — 0.5%            

Ball Corp.

    2,975       254,035  

International Paper Co.

    3,396       168,612  

Packaging Corp. of America

    861       113,669  

Sealed Air Corp.

    1,443       60,462  
   

 

 

 
      596,778  
Distributors — 0.3%            

Genuine Parts Co.

    1,312       138,219  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    2,628       103,517  

Pool Corp.

    364       121,856  
   

 

 

 
      363,592  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%            

Equitable Holdings Inc.

    3,639       107,605  

Voya Financial Inc.

    1,169       70,468  
   

 

 

 
      178,073  
Diversified Telecommunication Services —1.6%            

Verizon Communications Inc.

    37,637       2,081,326  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

20  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Electrical Equipment — 1.4%            

Eaton Corp. PLC

    3,625     $ 471,939  

Emerson Electric Co.

    5,437       467,038  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)

    571       188,179  

Plug Power Inc.(a)

    4,257       205,953  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    1,056       256,904  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC(a)

    1,458       83,529  

Sunrun Inc.(a)

    1,090       68,212  
   

 

 

 
      1,741,754  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.4%  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    2,721       341,975  

Cognex Corp.

    1,604       132,474  

Corning Inc.

    6,947       265,653  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    1,685       238,461  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    3,007       391,000  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    2,275       168,669  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    485       242,224  
   

 

 

 
      1,780,456  
Entertainment — 0.8%            

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    7,028       671,947  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    2,636       353,145  
   

 

 

 
      1,025,092  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 3.8%  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    1,168       186,518  

American Tower Corp.

    4,039       872,949  

Boston Properties Inc.

    1,343       133,132  

Camden Property Trust

    886       92,277  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    3,923       611,007  

Duke Realty Corp.

    3,382       132,744  

Equinix Inc.

    810       525,155  

Equity Residential

    3,385       221,413  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    4,896       142,425  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    6,415       106,425  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    2,620       91,150  

Prologis Inc.

    6,723       666,048  

Regency Centers Corp.

    1,572       86,114  

SBA Communications Corp.

    1,009       257,426  

UDR Inc.

    2,677       110,212  

Ventas Inc.

    3,406       180,177  

VICI Properties Inc.

    4,881       139,108  

Welltower Inc.

    3,795       257,680  
   

 

 

 
      4,811,960  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.2%            

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    6,693       320,796  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 0.9%            

Campbell Soup Co.

    1,648       74,951  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    4,442       150,717  

General Mills Inc.

    5,559       305,801  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    2,698       125,106  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    1,036       116,032  

Kellogg Co.

    2,344       135,272  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    1,345       107,291  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    2,261       190,557  
   

 

 

 
      1,205,727  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.5%            

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    411       133,390  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    680       385,635  

Baxter International Inc.

    4,646       360,948  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)

    485       187,273  
Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)            

DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.

    1,986     $ 105,397  

DexCom Inc.(a)

    872       346,864  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    2,337       168,474  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    774       402,612  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    599       155,201  

Novocure Ltd.(a)

    794       118,385  

ResMed Inc.

    1,317       253,891  

STERIS PLC

    775       135,470  

Teleflex Inc.

    423       168,405  

Varian Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    830       145,474  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    672       188,597  
   

 

 

 
      3,256,016  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.3%            

Centene Corp.(a)

    5,272       308,623  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    711       72,614  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    2,461       423,366  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    1,323       81,827  

Humana Inc.

    1,204       457,099  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    886       212,560  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    1,225       141,598  
   

 

 

 
      1,697,687  
Health Care Technology — 0.3%            

Cerner Corp.

    2,787       192,693  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)

    1,057       233,692  
   

 

 

 
      426,385  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.5%            

Aramark

    2,070       76,839  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    1,183       162,461  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    357       123,704  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    2,522       311,921  

Starbucks Corp.

    10,674       1,153,112  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    370       114,397  
   

 

 

 
      1,942,434  
Household Durables — 0.5%            

Garmin Ltd.

    1,304       161,722  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)

    549       96,069  

Newell Brands Inc.

    3,734       86,517  

NVR Inc.(a)

    31       139,526  

PulteGroup Inc.

    2,437       109,933  
   

 

 

 
      593,767  
Household Products — 1.0%            

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    2,259       177,896  

Clorox Co. (The)

    1,146       207,483  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    7,405       556,856  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    3,092       396,797  
   

 

 

 
      1,339,032  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.3%            

Roper Technologies Inc.

    952       359,494  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 3.0%            

Aflac Inc.

    6,068       290,597  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    2,764       294,642  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    3,693       132,283  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    1,748       209,410  

Assurant Inc.

    524       64,567  

Chubb Ltd.

    4,105       667,391  

Lincoln National Corp.

    1,756       99,864  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    4,612       531,395  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    2,498       141,337  
 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  21


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance (continued)            

Progressive Corp. (The)

    5,325     $ 457,684  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    3,602       312,366  

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    628       76,760  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    2,302       334,941  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    1,171       258,369  
   

 

 

 
      3,871,606  
Interactive Media & Services — 8.6%            

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    2,734       5,527,902  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    2,699       5,497,485  
   

 

 

 
      11,025,387  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.8%            

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    371       863,877  

eBay Inc.

    6,269       353,697  

Etsy Inc.(a)

    1,104       243,178  

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)

    407       666,711  

Wayfair Inc., Class A(a)

    601       173,677  
   

 

 

 
      2,301,140  
IT Services — 10.9%            

Akamai Technologies Inc.(a)

    1,480       139,860  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    3,899       678,504  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    1,051       149,757  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    4,861       357,186  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    5,643       778,734  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    5,182       597,847  

Gartner Inc.(a)

    812       145,381  

GoDaddy Inc., Class A(a)

    1,545       125,330  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    693       102,869  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    8,091       2,863,000  

Okta Inc.(a)

    1,090       284,981  

Paychex Inc.

    2,941       267,837  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    10,123       2,630,462  

Square Inc., Class A(a)

    3,443       791,993  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)

    1,274       500,529  

VeriSign Inc.(a)

    933       181,030  

Visa Inc., Class A

    15,392       3,269,107  

Western Union Co. (The)

    3,810       88,468  
   

 

 

 
      13,952,875  
Leisure Products — 0.1%            

Hasbro Inc.

    1,182       110,765  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 2.8%            

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    2,804       342,284  

Avantor Inc.(a)

    4,734       131,937  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    1,327       583,097  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    1,742       335,840  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    215       239,951  

PerkinElmer Inc.

    1,017       128,234  

PPD Inc.(a)

    1,111       38,952  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    3,605       1,622,538  

Waters Corp.(a)

    564       154,468  
   

 

 

 
      3,577,301  
Machinery — 4.0%            

Caterpillar Inc.

    4,940       1,066,447  

Cummins Inc.

    1,345       340,554  

Deere & Co.

    2,706       944,719  

Dover Corp.

    1,310       161,471  

Fortive Corp.

    2,759       181,597  

IDEX Corp.

    687       134,082  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    2,877       581,672  
Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)            

Ingersoll Rand Inc.(a)

    3,228     $ 149,586  

Nordson Corp.

    507       97,552  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    3,742       238,403  

PACCAR Inc.

    3,150       286,618  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    1,170       335,743  

Pentair PLC

    1,537       85,964  

Snap-on Inc.

    467       94,852  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    1,457       254,742  

Xylem Inc./NY

    1,638       163,079  
   

 

 

 
      5,117,081  
Media — 0.4%            

Cable One Inc.

    43       82,339  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    1,484       78,696  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    2,801       126,045  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    1,954       134,298  

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.(c)

    9,661       56,517  
   

 

 

 
      477,895  
Metals & Mining — 0.4%            

Newmont Corp.

    7,306       397,300  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    1,949       81,040  
   

 

 

 
      478,340  
Multiline Retail — 0.6%            

Target Corp.

    4,553       835,202  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 0.5%            

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    2,059       588,586  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 1.0%            

Catalent Inc.(a)

    1,497       170,224  

Elanco Animal Health Inc.(a)

    3,862       126,905  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    2,007       182,456  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    513       86,205  

Zoetis Inc.

    4,323       671,103  
   

 

 

 
      1,236,893  
Professional Services — 0.7%            

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    1,253       96,657  

IHS Markit Ltd.

    3,442       310,331  

Robert Half International Inc.

    1,035       80,513  

TransUnion

    1,730       145,683  

Verisk Analytics Inc.

    1,404       230,045  
   

 

 

 
      863,229  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.2%            

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    3,051       231,174  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 1.8%            

AMERCO

    91       52,299  

CSX Corp.

    6,954       636,639  

Kansas City Southern

    850       180,489  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    852       182,984  

Union Pacific Corp.

    6,128       1,262,123  
   

 

 

 
      2,314,534  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 7.8%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    10,889       920,229  

Analog Devices Inc.

    3,361       523,711  

Applied Materials Inc.

    8,305       981,568  

Lam Research Corp.

    1,309       742,452  

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    6,095       294,267  

Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

    2,430       226,403  

Micron Technology Inc.(a)

    10,124       926,650  
 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)  

NVIDIA Corp.

    5,629     $ 3,087,957  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    3,739       150,569  

Qorvo Inc.(a)

    1,035       180,846  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    1,509       268,330  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    8,348       1,438,110  

Xilinx Inc.

    2,228       290,308  
   

 

 

 
      10,031,400  
Software — 8.2%            

Adobe Inc.(a)

    4,362       2,005,080  

ANSYS Inc.(a)

    780       265,972  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    1,993       550,068  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    2,536       357,804  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    1,063       141,996  

Cloudflare Inc., Class A(a)

    1,807       133,664  

Coupa Software Inc.(a)(c)

    620       214,681  

Datadog Inc., Class A(a)

    1,608       153,419  

DocuSign Inc.(a)

    1,600       362,656  

Dropbox Inc., Class A(a)

    2,924       65,922  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

    264       120,793  

Fortinet Inc.(a)

    1,254       211,738  

Guidewire Software Inc.(a)

    770       85,462  

HubSpot Inc.(a)

    395       203,425  

Intuit Inc.

    2,388       931,654  

NortonLifeLock Inc.

    5,112       99,735  

Paycom Software Inc.(a)

    451       168,782  

PTC Inc.(a)

    1,007       137,899  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)

    687       259,796  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    8,276       1,791,754  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)

    1,777       947,958  

Slack Technologies Inc., Class A(a)

    4,174       170,842  

Splunk Inc.(a)

    1,458       208,509  

Tyler Technologies Inc.(a)

    366       169,612  

VMware Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    776       107,251  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    1,640       402,095  

Zendesk Inc.(a)

    1,070       156,370  

Zscaler Inc.(a)

    665       136,345  
   

 

 

 
      10,561,282  
Specialty Retail — 3.2%            

Advance Auto Parts Inc.

    616       98,776  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    2,118       212,541  

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)

    601       155,551  

CarMax Inc.(a)

    1,491       178,189  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    9,791       2,529,407  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    10,905       719,621  

Tractor Supply Co.

    1,059       168,339  
   

 

 

 
      4,062,424  
Security   Shares     Value  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.8%  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    2,242     $ 181,759  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    11,700       170,352  

HP Inc.

    12,492       361,893  

NetApp Inc.

    2,019       126,389  

Seagate Technology PLC

    2,103       154,003  
   

 

 

 
      994,396  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.3%            

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    1,126       350,952  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.5%            

Fastenal Co.

    5,221       242,098  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    656       195,081  

WW Grainger Inc.

    415       154,675  
   

 

 

 
      591,854  
Water Utilities — 0.2%            

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    1,648       233,818  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $120,563,482)

      127,854,499  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.2%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares,
0.12%(b)(d)(e)

    171,761       171,864  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares,
0.00%(b)(d)

    110,000       110,000  
   

 

 

 
      281,864  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $281,864)

      281,864  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.1%
(Cost: $120,845,346)

      128,136,363  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.1)%

      (86,831
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 128,049,532  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(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.

 

 

 

C H E D U L E    O F    N V E S T  M E N T S

  23


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2021

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2021 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/20
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/21
    Shares
Held at
02/28/21
    Income     Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

  $ 10,183     $ 161,708 (a)    $     $ (27   $     $ 171,864       171,761     $ 1,303 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

          110,000 (a)                        110,000       110,000       3        

BlackRock Inc.

    36,840       920,246       (35,114     962       40,338       963,272       1,387       3,071        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 935     $ 40,338     $ 1,245,136       $ 4,377     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
(b) 

All or a portion represents securities lending income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral from loaned securities, net of fees and collateral investment expenses, and other payments to and from borrowers of securities.

 

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 February 28, 2021. 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

   $ 127,854,499        $        $        $127,854,499

Money Market Funds

     281,864                          281,864
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

   $ 128,136,363        $             —        $             —        $128,136,363
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

February 28, 2021

 

     iShares
ESG
Advanced
MSCI EAFE
ETF
     iShares
ESG
Advanced
MSCI EM
ETF
     iShares
ESG
Advanced
MSCI USA
ETF
 

ASSETS

       

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

       

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 88,799,627      $ 13,087,300      $ 126,891,227  

Affiliated(c)

           81,000        1,245,136  

Cash

    3,389        373,608        5,058  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    330,234        717,308         

Cash pledged:

       

Futures contracts

    19,000                

Receivables:

       

Investments sold

    3,893,314        2,605,980        3,053,269  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

           91        1,157  

Variation margin on futures contracts

           11,397         

Capital shares sold

    854,322               66,549  

Dividends

    52,873        19,465        92,718  

Tax reclaims

    5,382                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    93,958,141        16,896,149        131,355,114  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

       

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

           81,000        171,892  

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

           33,899         

Payables:

       

Investments purchased

    4,828,234        1,543,528        3,075,669  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    6,379                

Bank borrowings

           95,009         

Capital shares redeemed

    165,496        2,156,164        49,219  

Investment advisory fees

    8,189        1,733        8,802  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    5,008,298        3,911,333        3,305,582  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 88,949,843      $ 12,984,816      $ 128,049,532  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Paid-in capital

  $ 80,997,625      $ 10,765,641      $ 120,192,566  

Accumulated earnings

    7,952,218        2,219,175        7,856,966  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 88,949,843      $ 12,984,816      $ 128,049,532  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    1,400,000        300,000        4,000,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 63.54      $ 43.28      $ 32.01  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $      $      $ 167,412  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 82,719,169      $ 11,181,848      $ 119,643,263  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $      $ 81,000      $ 1,202,083  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 330,322      $ 717,205      $  

See notes to financial statements.    

 

 

I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T  S

  25


Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2021

 

     



iShares
ESG
Advanced
MSCI EAFE
ETF




 
   



iShares
ESG
Advanced
MSCI EM
ETF
 
 
 
 
(a)  
 

iShares

ESG

Advanced

MSCI USA

ETF

INVESTMENT INCOME

     

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 243,718     $ 52,915     $   401,019

Dividends — Affiliated

          10     3,074

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    122       255     1,303

Foreign taxes withheld

    (29,597     (8,599  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Total investment income

    214,243       44,581     405,396
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    30,992       7,909     31,002

Commitment fees

          203    

Interest expense

          43    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Total expenses

    30,992       8,155     31,002
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Net investment income

    183,251       36,426     374,394
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (565,665     (56,743   (320,997)

Investments — Affiliated

    (6         (999)

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    2,416,346       433,362     714,825

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

              1,934

Futures contracts

    21,290       (6,130  

Foreign currency transactions

    5,625       (18,925  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Net realized gain

    1,877,590       351,564     394,763
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    5,208,477       1,871,553     6,559,271

Investments — Affiliated

              40,338

Futures contracts

    (2,229        

Foreign currency translations

    (1,708     11,641    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    5,204,540       1,883,194     6,599,609
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    7,082,130       2,234,758     6,994,372
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 7,265,381     $ 2,271,184     $7,368,766
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(a) For the period from October 6, 2020 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2021.

     

(b) Net of deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $     $ (33,899   $—

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

26  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF
    iShares
ESG
Advanced
MSCI EM ETF
 
   

Six Months
Ended
02/28/21

(unaudited

 

 

   

Period From
06/16/20

to 08/31/20

 
(a)  

 

   

Period From
10/06/20

to 02/28/21

(unaudited

 
(a)  

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

     

OPERATIONS

     

Net investment income

  $ 183,251     $ 36,320     $ 36,426  

Net realized gain (loss)

    1,877,590       (25,528     351,564  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    5,204,540       873,204       1,883,194  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    7,265,381       883,996       2,271,184  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

     

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (197,159           (52,009
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

     

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    70,723,939       10,273,686       10,765,641  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

     

Total increase in net assets

    77,792,161       11,157,682       12,984,816  

Beginning of period

    11,157,682              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 88,949,843     $ 11,157,682     $ 12,984,816  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T  S

  27


Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF
 
   

Six Months
Ended
02/28/21

(unaudited


 
 

   

Period From
06/16/20

to 08/31/20

 
(a)

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 374,394     $ 12,921  

Net realized gain

    394,763       17,694  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    6,599,609       691,408  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    7,368,766       722,023  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (233,823      
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    115,107,046       5,085,520  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total increase in net assets

    122,241,989       5,807,543  

Beginning of period

    5,807,543        
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 128,049,532     $ 5,807,543  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

28  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
 

 
   

Period From
06/16/20

to 08/31/20

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.79     $ 51.37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.22       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

    7.73       4.24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    7.95       4.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

   

From net investment income

    (0.20      
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.20      
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.54     $ 55.79  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

   

Based on net asset value

    14.28 %(e)      8.60 %(e) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

   

Total expenses

    0.12 %(f)      0.12 %(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.71 %(f)      1.64 %(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

   

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 88,950     $ 11,158  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

    15 %(e)       6 %(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.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    I G H L I G H T  S

  29


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

    iShares
ESG
Advanced
MSCI EM
ETF
 
   


Period From
10/06/20

to

02/28/21
(unaudited)

 
(a)  

 

 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 35.39  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

    7.94  
 

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    8.06  
 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

From net investment income

    (0.17
 

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.17
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.28  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

 

Based on net asset value

    22.87 %(d) 
 

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

Total expenses

    0.16 %(e) 
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.74 %(e) 
 

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 12,985  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(f)

    33 %(d)  
 

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

The amount 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) 

Not annualized.

(e) 

Annualized.

(f) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30  

2 0 2 1    H A R E S     E M I - A N N U A L    E P O R T    T O     H A R E H O L D E R S


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/21
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   

Period From
06/16/20

to 08/31/20

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.04     $ 25.43  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.19       0.06  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

    2.96       3.55  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    3.15       3.61  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

   

From net investment income

    (0.17      

From net realized gain

    (0.01      
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.18      
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 32.01     $ 29.04  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

   

Based on net asset value

    10.93 %(e)      14.20 %(e) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

   

Total expenses

    0.10 %(f)       0.10 %(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.21 %(f)       1.16 %(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

   

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 128,050     $ 5,808  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(g)

    12 %(e)       4 %(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.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    I G H L I G H T  S

  31


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  

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  Non-diversified  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM(a)

  Non-diversified  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

  Non-diversified  

 

  (a)

The Fund commenced operations on October 6, 2020.

 

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure 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. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at fair value. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers or as estimated by management, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain.

Foreign Currency Translation: Each Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more data service providers. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

Each Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the statement of operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Each Fund reports realized currency gains (losses) 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 February 28, 2021, if any, are disclosed in the statement of assets and liabilities.

The Funds file withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. The statement of operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and record cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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 (“NAV”) per share.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

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. 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. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value. 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 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 NAV.

   

Futures contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

If events (e.g., a market closure, market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such 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 a policy 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 cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

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/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access;

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (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 active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (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 judgment 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. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested in money market funds managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, or its affiliates 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, if any, are also disclosed in each Fund’s schedule of investments. The market value of any securities on loan and the value of any related cash collateral are disclosed in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds 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 Funds, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. When the value of the collateral is greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, the lender is left 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 Funds can reinvest cash collateral received in connection with loaned securities. Upon an event of default, the parties’ obligations to return the securities or collateral to the other party are extinguished, and the parties can resell or re-pledge the loaned securities or the collateral received in connection with the loaned securities in order to satisfy the defaulting party’s net payment obligation for all transactions under the MSLA. The defaulting party remains liable for any deficiency.

As of period end, the following table is a summary of the securities on loan by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA as of February 28, 2021:

 

 

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

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EM(b)

          

Virtu Americas, LLC

  $      $      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

          

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 85,690      $ 85,690      $      $  

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

    9,439        9,343               (96 )(c) 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    2,685        2,685                

UBS AG

    69,598        68,952               (646 )(c) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 167,412      $ 166,670      $      $ (742
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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) 

Securities loaned with a value of $78,900 have been sold and are pending settlement as of February 28, 2021.

 
  (c) 

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: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it 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, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the schedule of investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree 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 (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. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

 

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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 Fund, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF  

 

Investment Advisory Fee

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

    0.12

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    0.16  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    0.10  

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 (the “collateral investment fees”). The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund, BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional or BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, 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 SL Agency Shares of such money market fund will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. The money market fund in which the cash collateral has been invested may, under certain circumstances, impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the value redeemed or temporarily restrict redemptions for up to 10 business days during a 90 day period, in the event that the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.

Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less the collateral investment fees. 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, the iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (the “Group 1 Fund”), retains 77% 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 ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM 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 81% 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.

Prior to January 1, 2021, the Group 1 Fund retained 75% 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. Each Group 2 Fund retained 82% 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. In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across the iShares ETF Complex in a calendar year exceeded a specified threshold: (1) the Group 1 Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, retained for the remainder of that calendar year 80% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained could never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees, and (2) each Group 2 Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, retained for the remainder of that calendar year 85% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained could never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 February 28, 2021, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:    

 

   
iShares ETF   Fees Paid
to BTC
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $ 28  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    60  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    416  

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 February 28, 2021, 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)
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $   3,264,718      $   3,901,372      $ (345,976

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    3,698,037        5,292,865        (166,283

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 February 28, 2021, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $   16,192,656      $   7,666,698  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    14,093,474        3,939,745  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    9,734,712        7,673,797  

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, in-kind transactions were as follows:    

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
     In-kind
Sales
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $ 73,605,529      $ 11,527,469  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    2,824,180        2,173,662  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

      124,774,226          11,776,036  

 

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 each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of February 28, 2021 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 August 31, 2020, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring  

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $ 30,583  

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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

As of February 28, 2021, 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)
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $ 82,736,800      $ 7,118,040      $ (1,056,769   $ 6,061,271  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    11,262,848        1,962,577        (57,125     1,905,452  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    120,845,712        9,557,125        (2,266,474     7,290,651  

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), is a party to a $300 million credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company, which expires on July 15, 2021. The line of credit may be used for temporary or emergency purposes, including redemptions, settlement of trades and rebalancing of portfolio holdings in certain target markets. The Credit Agreement sets specific sub limits on aggregate borrowings based on two tiers of Participating Funds: $300 million with respect to the funds within Tier 1, including the Fund, and $200 million with respect to Tier 2. The Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum on the unused portion of the credit agreement and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) the one-month LIBOR rate (not less than zero) plus 1.00% per annum or (b) the U.S. Federal Funds rate (not less than zero) plus 1.00% per annum on amounts borrowed. The commitment fee is generally allocated to each Participating Fund based on the lesser of a Participating Fund’s relative exposure to certain target markets or a Participating Fund’s maximum borrowing amount as set forth by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

For the six months ended February 28, 2021, the maximum amount borrowed, the average daily borrowing and the weighted average interest rate, if any, under the credit agreement were as follows:

 

       
iShares ETF   Maximum
Amount
Borrowed
     Average
Borrowing
     Weighted
Average
Interest Rates
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

  $ 151,000      $ 7,414        1.14

 

10.

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. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments. 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.

The Funds may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Market Risk: Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional risks that do not generally apply to investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or nonexistent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities; (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments; (iii) lack of publicly available or reliable information about issuers as a result of not being subject to the same degree of regulatory requirements and accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; and (iv) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments.

An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has developed into a global pandemic and has resulted in closing borders, quarantines, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this pandemic, and other global health crises that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. This pandemic may result in substantial market volatility and may adversely impact the prices and liquidity of a fund’s investments. The duration of this pandemic and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

 

 

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  37


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause a fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a fund invests.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the statement of assets and liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

With exchange-traded futures, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

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.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in issuers located in a single country or a limited number of countries. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the same uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as used in the United States. Foreign securities markets may also be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. securities and may be less subject to governmental supervision not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. Investment percentages in specific countries are presented in the schedule of investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns in, or rising government debt levels of, several European countries. These events may spread to other countries in Europe and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union, and one or more other countries may withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the Euro, the common currency of the European Union. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far reaching.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Asia or with significant exposure to Asian issuers or countries. The Asian financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns in several Asian countries regarding monetary policy, government intervention in the markets, rising government debt levels or economic downturns. These events may spread to other countries in Asia and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Funds’ investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities within a single or limited number of market sectors. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, 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. Investment percentages in specific sectors are presented in the schedule of investments.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) by the end of 2021, and it is expected that LIBOR will cease to be published after that time. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

11.

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
02/28/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares      Amount  

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

        

Shares sold

    1,400,000     $ 83,117,981       200,000      $ 10,273,686  

Shares redeemed

    (200,000     (12,394,042             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    1,200,000     $ 70,723,939       200,000      $ 10,273,686  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 
           Period Ended
02/28/21
 
iShares ETF                 Shares     Amount  

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

         

Shares sold

          400,000     $   15,095,468  

Shares redeemed

          (100,000     (4,329,827
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

          300,000     $ 10,765,641  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares      Amount  

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

        

Shares sold

    4,200,000     $ 127,049,285       200,000      $   5,085,520  

Shares redeemed

    (400,000     (11,942,239             
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    3,800,000     $   115,107,046       200,000      $ 5,085,520  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

O T E S    T O    I N A N C I A L     T A T E M E N T S

  39


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

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 to consider and approve the proposed Investment Advisory Contract between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Contract”) on behalf of the Fund. The Independent Trustees requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Trustees, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the proposed Advisory Contract. At a meeting held on December 1-3, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, approved the selection of BFA as investment adviser and approved the proposed Advisory Contract for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA. The Board also considered information previously provided by BFA, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), and BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), as applicable, at prior Board meetings. 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 of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services to be provided to the Fund and the availability of information related to profits to be 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 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 of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, 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.

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 of the Fund supported the Board’s approval of the Advisory Contract.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided by BFA: The Board reviewed the scope of services to be provided by BFA under the Advisory Contract. 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 and have made significant investments into the iShares business, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board considered representations by BFA, BTC, and BlackRock that the scope and quality of services to be provided to the Fund would be similar to the scope and quality of services provided to other iShares funds. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to other iShares 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 relevant, and has provided information and made appropriate 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 who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources that will be available to them in managing the Fund. The Board also considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies, which were provided throughout the year with respect to other iShares funds.

Based on review of this information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided to the Fund under the Advisory Contract supported the Board’s approval of the Advisory Contract.

Costs of Services to be Provided to the Fund and Profits to be Realized by BFA and Affiliates: The Board did not consider the profitability of the Fund to BFA based on the fees payable under the Advisory Contract or revenue to be received by BFA or its affiliates in connection with services to be provided to the Fund since the proposed relationship had not yet commenced. The Board noted that it expects to receive profitability information from BFA periodically following the Fund’s launch and will thus be in a position to evaluate whether any new or additional breakpoints or other adjustments in Fund fees would be appropriate.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information regarding potential economies of scale or other efficiencies that may result from increases in the Fund’s assets. The Board considered information that it had previously received regarding economies of scale, efficiencies and scale benefits shared with the iShares funds through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints and 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 any breakpoints in the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate as the assets of the Fund increase. However, the Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

This consideration 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 Advisory Contract.

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”), and acknowledged BFA’s assertion that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board noted that BFA and its affiliates

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract (continued)

 

do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board further noted that BFA previously provided the Board with detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) generally differ from the iShares funds, including in terms of the different and generally more extensive services provided to the iShares 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 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 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: Except as noted below, the Board did not consider the “fallout” benefits or ancillary revenue to be received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services to be provided to the Fund by BFA since the proposed relationship had not yet commenced. However, 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 considered the potential payment of advisory fees and/or administration 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 and/or administration services. The Board also noted the potential revenue to be received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that would permit 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 also considered the potential for revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, and its affiliates in the event of any loaning of portfolio securities of 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), will be 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 Advisory Contract.

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 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 to be rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the Advisory Contract.

 

 

O A R D    E V I E W    A N D     P P R O V A L    O F    N V E S T M E N T    D V I S O R Y    O N T R A C T

  41


Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program (unaudited)

 

In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”), iShares Trust (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (the “Funds” or “ETFs”), each a series of the Trust, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, met on December 2, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Program. The Board previously appointed BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), the investment adviser to the Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program. BlackRock also previously delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the management of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually. The Report also discussed notable events affecting liquidity over the Program Reporting Period, including extended market holidays and closures in certain countries and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Funds and the overall market.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

 

  a)

The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure, with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Derivative exposure was also considered in the calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Finally, a factor for consideration under the Liquidity Rule is a Fund’s use of borrowings for investment purposes. However, the Funds do not borrow for investment purposes.

 

 

  b)

Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each ETF’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

 

 

  c)

Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered that ETFs generally do not hold more than de minimis amounts of cash. While the ETFs generally do not engage in borrowing, certain of the ETFs have the flexibility to draw on a line of credit to meet redemption requests or facilitate settlements.

 

 

  d)

The relationship between an ETF’s portfolio liquidity and the way in which, and the prices and spreads at which, ETF shares trade, including the efficiency of the arbitrage function and the level of active participation by market participants, including authorized participants. The Committee monitored the prevailing bid/ask spread and the ETF price premium (or discount) to NAV for all ETFs and reviewed any persistent deviations from long-term averages.

 

 

  e)

The effect of the composition of baskets on the overall liquidity of an ETF’s portfolio. In reviewing the linkage between the composition of custom baskets accepted by an ETF and any significant change in the liquidity profile of such ETF, the Committee reviewed changes in the proportion of each ETF’s portfolio comprised of less liquid and illiquid holdings to determine if applicable thresholds were met requiring enhanced review.

 

As part of BlackRock’s continuous review of the effectiveness of the Program, the Committee made the following enhancements to the Program: (1) certain single country emerging market ETFs were added to a $300 million credit agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company; and (2) certain updates were made to the RATS and HLIM calculation methodology. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

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Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Funds will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

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.

February 28, 2021

 

       
    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
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE(a)

  $   0.174992      $      $   0.022167      $   0.197159           89         11     100

ESG Advanced MSCI
EM(a)

    0.032547               0.140816        0.173363           19             81       100  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA(a)

    0.150191        0.007686        0.022731        0.180608                 83       4       13       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.

 

 

 

U P P L E M E N T A L    N F O R M  A T I O N

  43


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 and Rule 30e-3 notices 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 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 their reports on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, each Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at ishares.com/fundreports.

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.

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund Prospectus. The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily and provides information regarding its top holdings in Fund fact sheets at iShares.com.

 

 

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Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations - Equity
ADR    American Depositary Receipt
GDR    Global Depositary Receipt
NVDR    Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
NVS    Non-Voting Shares
PJSC    Public Joint Stock Company
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

L O S S A R Y    O F    E R M S     S E D    I N    T H I S    E P O R T

  45


 

 

 

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., 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.

©2021 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-820-0221

 

 

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(b) Not Applicable

 

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: May 06, 2021

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: May 06, 2021

 

  By:     

/s/ Trent Walker                            

       Trent Walker, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: May 06, 2021

EX-99.CERT

N-CSR Exhibit for Item 13(a)(2): SECTION 302 CERTIFICATIONS    

 

 

I, Armando Senra, certify that:

1.            I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of iShares Trust for the following thirty-nine series: iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF, iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF, iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF, iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF, iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF, iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF, iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI China ETF, iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Denmark ETF, iShares MSCI Finland ETF, iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF, iShares MSCI India ETF, iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF, iShares MSCI Ireland ETF, iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF, iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF, iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF, iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF, iShares MSCI Norway ETF, iShares MSCI Peru ETF, iShares MSCI Philippines ETF, iShares MSCI Poland ETF, iShares MSCI Qatar ETF, iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF, iShares MSCI UAE ETF, iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF and iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap 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: May 06, 2021

/s/ Armando Senra        

Armando Senra

President (Principal Executive Officer)


EX-99.CERT

N-CSR Exhibit for Item 13(a)(2): SECTION 302 CERTIFICATIONS    

 

 

I, Trent Walker, certify that:

1.            I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of iShares Trust for the following thirty-nine series: iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Mexico ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF, iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF, iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF, iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF, iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF, iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF, iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI China ETF, iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Denmark ETF, iShares MSCI Finland ETF, iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF, iShares MSCI India ETF, iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF, iShares MSCI Ireland ETF, iShares MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF, iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF, iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF, iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF, iShares MSCI Norway ETF, iShares MSCI Peru ETF, iShares MSCI Philippines ETF, iShares MSCI Poland ETF, iShares MSCI Qatar ETF, iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF, iShares MSCI UAE ETF, iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF and iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap 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: May 06, 2021

/s/ Trent Walker        

Trent Walker

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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 Trent Walker, 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 February 28, 2021 (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: May 06, 2021

/s/ Armando Senra        

Armando Senra

President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 06, 2021

/s/ Trent Walker        

Trent Walker

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)