N-CSRS 1 d309778dncsrs.htm ISHARES TRUST iShares Trust

 

 

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, 2022

Date of reporting period: February 28, 2022

 

 

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

(a) The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

  

2022 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, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers.

Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022

 

       6-Month     12-Month
   

U.S. large cap equities

(S&P 500® Index)

  (2.62)%   16.39%
   

U.S. small cap equities

(Russell 2000® Index)

  (9.46)      (6.01) 
   

International equities

(MSCI Europe, Australasia,

Far East Index)

  (6.78)      2.83 
   

Emerging market equities

(MSCI Emerging Markets

Index)

  (9.81)      (10.69)  
   

3-month Treasury bills

(ICE BofA 3-Month

U.S. Treasury Bill Index)

  0.02      0.04 
   

U.S. Treasury securities

(ICE BofA 10-Year

U.S. Treasury Index)

  (3.94)      (1.67) 
   

U.S. investment grade bonds (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate

Bond Index)

  (4.07)      (2.64) 
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds (Bloomberg Municipal Bond

Index)

  (3.09)      (0.66) 
   

U.S. high yield bonds

(Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped 

Index)

  (3.07)      0.64 

Past performance is not an indication 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

     54  

Statements of Operations

     57  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     60  

Financial Highlights

     66  

Notes to Financial Statements

     77  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     88  

Supplemental Information

     89  

General Information

     90  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     91  

 

 

 


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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 defined by the index provider 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

    (10.97 )%       11.25      3.02       11.25      15.50

Fund Market

    (10.56      11.78        3.02         11.78        15.54  

Index

    (10.75      11.68        3.03               11.68        15.58  

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

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

     

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      


Expenses

Paid During
the Period

 

 
 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

      $      1,000.00          $      890.30          $       1.59         $       1,000.00        $     1,023.10          $       1.71          0.34

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector  

Percent of    

Total Investments(a)

 

Consumer Discretionary

    32.5

Consumer Staples

    18.9  

Materials

    13.0  

Financials

    12.2  

Utilities

    8.2  

Energy

    7.7  

Communication Services

    3.2  

Real Estate

    3.0  

Industrials

    1.3  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

Country/Geographic Region  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Argentina

    48.9

United States

    22.5  

Chile

    13.6  

Canada

    9.7  

Brazil

    5.3  
 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 2  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


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

    (14.25 )%       0.94      4.04     (3.55 )%         0.94      21.91      (30.32 )% 

Fund Market

    (13.53      2.48        4.48       (3.55        2.48        24.53        (30.34

Index

    (14.37      2.13        4.99       (2.97              2.13        27.55        (26.05

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

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

     

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      


Expenses

Paid During
the Period

 

 
 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

      $      1,000.00          $      857.50          $       2.67         $       1,000.00        $     1,021.90          $       2.91          0.58

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Consumer Discretionary

    19.2

Industrials

    17.9  

Utilities

    16.8  

Consumer Staples

    13.5  

Materials

    8.4  

Real Estate

    7.4  

Financials

    5.6  

Health Care

    4.7  

Information Technology

    3.5  

Energy

    2.2  

Communication Services

    0.8  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Embraer SA

    3.6

Sendas Distribuidora SA

    3.2  

Sul America SA

    2.9  

Eneva SA

    2.7  

Marfrig Global Foods SA

    2.5  

Cia. de Locacao das Americas

    2.4  

Transmissora Alianca de Energia Eletrica SA

    2.4  

BR Malls Participacoes SA

    2.4  

Bradespar SA (Preferred)

    2.2  

Metalurgica Gerdau SA (Preferred)

    2.2  
 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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      10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (16.74 )%       (31.58 )%       5.14      4.13        (31.58 )%       28.51      49.82

Fund Market

    (16.59      (32.07      5.17        4.17          (32.07      28.64        50.52  

Index

    (16.79      (31.29      5.70        4.67                (31.29      31.94        57.86  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 832.60        $ 2.64             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.91        0.58

 

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Consumer Discretionary

    27.9

Communication Services

    18.2  

Financials

    16.1  

Information Technology

    6.5  

Industrials

    6.1  

Health Care

    6.1  

Consumer Staples

    6.1  

Real Estate

    4.5  

Materials

    3.9  

Utilities

    2.6  

Energy

    2.0  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    13.0

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

    8.4  

Meituan, Class B

    3.8  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    3.0  

JDcom Inc, Class A

    3.0  

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

    2.1  

Baidu Inc.

    1.8  

NetEase Inc.

    1.7  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    1.4  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    1.4  
 

 

 

 

6  

2 0 2 2  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


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     (16.81 )%       (22.71 )%       3.68      4.43         (22.71 )%       19.78      54.26

Fund Market

     (15.58      (22.49      3.79        4.65           (22.49      20.42        57.54  

Index

     (23.29      (30.08      1.20        2.92                 (30.08      6.13        33.35  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 831.90        $ 2.63             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.91        0.58

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Real Estate

    18.1

Consumer Discretionary

    17.7  

Health Care

    14.0  

Industrials

    11.0  

Information Technology

    9.4  

Materials

    7.1  

Utilities

    6.1  

Communication Services

    6.0  

Financials

    5.4  

Consumer Staples

    3.4  

Energy

    1.8  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Xtep International Holdings Ltd.

    2.3

JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd.

    2.1  

Lifetech Scientific Corp.

    1.6  

Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd., Class H

    1.1  

Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Co. Ltd., Class B

    1.1  

COFCO Joycome Foods Ltd.

    1.1  

China Everbright Ltd.

    1.1  

China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Ltd.

    1.1  

Yuexiu REIT

    1.0  

Differ Group Holding Co. Ltd.

    1.0  
 

 

  (a)

 Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D   S U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     14.19      5.66      1.20      (0.81 )%          5.66      6.16      (7.77 )% 

Fund Market

     15.25        7.91        1.55        (0.57         7.91        7.97        (5.52

Index

     13.85        5.69        1.69        (0.36               5.69        8.75        (3.54

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,141.90        $ 3.03             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.00        $ 2.86        0.57

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    48.7

Communication Services

    14.9  

Consumer Staples

    9.1  

Materials

    8.7  

Energy

    5.3  

Consumer Discretionary

    5.1  

Real Estate

    2.6  

Health Care

    2.2  

Industrials

    1.8  

Utilities

    1.0  

Information Technology

    0.6  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    20.9

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    14.4  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    9.8  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    4.4  

Astra International Tbk PT

    4.1  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    3.2  

Bank Jago Tbk PT

    2.8  

Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT

    2.3  

Adaro Energy Tbk PT

    2.0  

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

    2.0  
 

 

  (a)

 Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

 

8  

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Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     30.95      (4.01 )%       2.91      (0.22 )%          (4.01 )%       15.43      (2.16 )% 

Fund Market

     32.69        (2.97      3.05        (0.04         (2.97      16.18        (0.36

Index

     31.60        (4.90      3.17        0.21                 (4.90      16.86        2.12  

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 15 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return         

 

 

     

 

 

    
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,309.50        $ 3.32             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.91        0.58

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Materials

    53.2

Financials

    26.7  

Consumer Staples

    7.7  

Industrials

    5.5  

Energy

    2.7  

Consumer Discretionary

    2.2  

Real Estate

    2.0  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Southern Copper Corp.

    22.3

Credicorp Ltd.

    21.8  

Cia. de Minas Buenaventura SAA

    4.8  

Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde SAA

    4.5  

Alicorp SAA

    4.2  

Ferreycorp SAA

    3.7  

Union Andina de Cementos SAA

    3.6  

Hochschild Mining PLC

    3.1  

Volcan Cia. Minera SAA, Class B

    3.1  

PetroTal Corp.

    2.7  
 

 

  (a)

 Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D   S U M M A R Y

  9


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     6.83      7.18      (0.07 )%       2.55         7.18      (0.36 )%       28.59

Fund Market

     10.02        10.29        0.54        2.79           10.29        2.71        31.67  

Index

     6.96        7.73        0.60        3.27                 7.73        3.05        37.95  

Index performance through November 30, 2020 reflects the performance of the MSCI Philippines Investible Market Index (IMI). Index performance beginning on December 1, 2020 reflects the performance of the MSCI Philippines 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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,068.30        $ 2.97             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.91        0.58

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    29.9

Real Estate

    23.0  

Financials

    17.4  

Consumer Staples

    8.1  

Consumer Discretionary

    6.9  

Communication Services

    6.7  

Utilities

    5.9  

Energy

    1.2  

Materials

    0.9  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    10.8

Ayala Land Inc.

    8.3  

Ayala Corp.

    6.1  

BDO Unibank Inc.

    6.0  

SM Investments Corp.

    5.5  

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    4.6  

JG Summit Holdings Inc.

    4.6  

International Container Terminal Services Inc.

    4.4  

PLDT Inc.

    4.4  

Jollibee Foods Corp.

    3.5  
 

 

  (a) 

 Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     (21.31 )%      (3.56 )%       (1.47 )%       (1.53 )%        (3.56 )%       (7.12 )%       (14.27 )% 

Fund Market

     (21.63     (2.78      (1.44      (1.51       (2.78      (7.01      (14.08

Index

     (20.70     (2.55      (1.20      (1.14             (2.55      (5.87      (10.85

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 786.90        $ 2.53             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.00        $ 2.86        0.57

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments

(a) 

Financials

    41.2

Energy

    13.7  

Materials

    11.1  

Communication Services

    10.2  

Consumer Discretionary

    8.4  

Consumer Staples

    5.5  

Utilities

    5.2  

Information Technology

    2.4  

Industrials

    1.3  

Health Care

    1.0  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA

    13.0

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

    8.3  

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA

    7.7  

Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA

    7.6  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA

    6.8  

Dino Polska SA

    5.0  

Santander Bank Polska SA

    4.4  

CD Projekt SA

    4.3  

Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA

    3.9  

Allegro.eu SA

    3.8  
 

 

  (a) 

 Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D   S U M M A R Y

  11


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

    16.83      29.96      6.60      2.48        29.96      37.67      21.19

Fund Market

    16.82        30.98        6.89        2.57          30.98        39.56        21.97  

Index

    15.64        29.19        7.21        3.08                29.19        41.66        26.81  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,168.30        $ 3.12             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.91        0.58

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments

(a) 

Financials

    50.3

Industrials

    14.9  

Materials

    9.2  

Energy

    8.6  

Real Estate

    6.2  

Communication Services

    4.3  

Utilities

    3.5  

Consumer Staples

    2.1  

Health Care

    0.9  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    22.9

Industries Qatar QSC

    8.8  

Qatar Islamic Bank SAQ

    7.6  

Masraf Al Rayan QSC

    6.4  

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

    4.4  

Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Co.

    4.3  

Qatar Gas Transport Co. Ltd.

    3.8  

Qatar Fuel QSC

    3.7  

Qatar Electricity & Water Co. QSC

    3.5  

Qatar International Islamic Bank QSC

    3.2  
 

 

  (a) 

 Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

12  

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Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     12.48      42.29      15.98      12.36         42.29      109.84      112.14

Fund Market

     13.80        47.37        16.04        12.56           47.37        110.43        114.60  

Index

     12.53        43.02        16.68        13.13                 43.02        116.30        121.75  

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

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,124.80        $ 3.90             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.10        $ 3.71          0.74

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    46.7

Materials

    24.3  

Communication Services

    7.1  

Energy

    5.9  

Consumer Staples

    3.5  

Health Care

    3.2  

Consumer Discretionary

    3.1  

Utilities

    2.4  

Real Estate

    1.9  

Industrials

    1.8  

Information Technology

    0.1  

 

  (a)

 Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Al Rajhi Bank

    15.8

Saudi National Bank (The)

    11.9  

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

    8.9  

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.

    4.9  

Saudi Telecom Co.

    4.3  

Riyad Bank

    4.1  

Saudi Arabian Mining Co.

    4.0  

Alinma Bank

    3.1  

Saudi British Bank (The)

    2.8  

Banque Saudi Fransi

    2.8  
 

 

 

U N D   U M M A R Y

  13


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     19.96      44.49      5.09      (0.45 )%          44.49      28.18      (3.45 )% 

Fund Market

     19.58        44.06        5.39        (0.41         44.06        29.99        (3.16

Index

     20.52        45.35        5.97        0.28                 45.35        33.64        2.18  

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

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,199.60        $ 3.16             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.91          0.58

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    46.3

Communication Services

    25.5  

Real Estate

    10.8  

Industrials

    9.0  

Consumer Discretionary

    4.0  

Energy

    2.8  

Consumer Staples

    1.6  

Health Care

    0.0 (b)  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

    23.5

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

    21.7  

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

    4.9  

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

    4.6  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

    4.5  

Aldar Properties PJSC

    4.4  

Emaar Properties PJSC

    4.3  

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC

    4.2  

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. for Distribution PJSC

    4.0  

Dubai Investments PJSC

    2.8  
 

 

  (a) 

 Excludes money market funds.

 
  (b) 

 Rounds to less than 0.1%.

 

 

 

14  

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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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses 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

  15


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Argentina — 48.8%            

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    50,179     $ 387,884  

Banco BBVA Argentina SA, ADR(a)

    35,693       115,288  

Banco Macro SA, ADR(a)

    20,866       301,096  

Bioceres Crop. Solutions Corp.(a)

    5,131       64,599  

Central Puerto SA, ADR(a)(b)

    49,139       180,830  

Corp. America Airports SA(a)(b)

    16,040       88,541  

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

    17,728       115,764  

Despegar.com Corp.(a)(b)

    25,980       299,030  

Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte, ADR(a)(b)

    9,744       64,018  

Grupo Financiero Galicia SA, ADR

    38,693       366,423  

Grupo Supervielle SA, ADR(b)

    31,556       58,694  

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

    13,156       62,491  

IRSA Propiedades Comerciales SA, ADR(a)

    13,512       30,132  

Loma Negra Cia Industrial Argentina SA, ADR(a)(b)

    29,509       167,316  

Pampa Energia SA, ADR(a)(b)

    15,165       317,707  

Telecom Argentina SA, ADR(b)

    43,905       220,403  

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

    34,710       194,376  

YPF SA, ADR(a)

    80,288       337,210  
   

 

 

 
      3,371,802  
Brazil — 5.3%            

Adecoagro SA(a)

    38,033       363,595  
   

 

 

 
Canada — 9.7%            

SSR Mining Inc

    16,746       331,485  

Yamana Gold Inc.

    68,318       335,796  
   

 

 

 
      667,281  
Chile — 8.8%            

Cencosud SA

    170,499       313,606  

Cia. Cervecerias Unidas SA

    36,733       291,221  
   

 

 

 
      604,827  
United States — 22.5%            

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)(b)

    1,381       1,555,904  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 95.1%
(Cost: $9,036,191)

      6,563,409  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Preferred Stocks

   
Chile — 4.8%            

Embotelladora Andina SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    152,086     $ 331,183  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 4.8%
(Cost: $346,524)

      331,183  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 27.2%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(c)(d)(e)

    1,868,044       1,868,418  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares,
0.03%(c)(d)

    10,000       10,000  
   

 

 

 
      1,878,418  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 27.2%
(Cost: $1,878,519)

 

    1,878,418  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 127.1%
(Cost: $11,261,234)

 

    8,773,010  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (27.1)%

 

    (1,869,302
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 6,903,708  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

(e) 

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

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income     Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
       
 

 

   
  BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares   $ 114,864     $ 1,753,863 (a)    $     $ (188   $ (121   $ 1,868,418       1,868,044     $ 2,943 (b)    $    
  BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares           10,000 (a)                         10,000       10,000                
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ (188   $ (121   $ 1,878,418       $ 2,943     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (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.

 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 6,563,409        $        $        $ 6,563,409  

Preferred Stocks

              331,183                   331,183  

Money Market Funds

     1,878,418                            1,878,418  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 8,441,827        $ 331,183        $        $ 8,773,010  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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) 

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

 

  
Aerospace & Defense — 3.6%         

Embraer SA(a)

    1,179,508      $ 4,016,925  
    

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%             

Sequoia Logistica e Transportes SA(a)

    105,207        303,343  
    

 

 

 
Auto Components — 0.7%             

Mahle-Metal Leve SA

    64,543        335,547  

Tupy SA

    120,876        430,863  
    

 

 

 
       766,410  
Biotechnology — 0.3%             

Blau Farmaceutica SA(a)

    60,160        346,969  
    

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.5%             

Ambipar Participacoes e Empreendimentos S/A

    75,747        499,288  

GPS Participacoes e Empreendimentos SA(b)

    391,729        1,148,366  
    

 

 

 
       1,647,654  
Communications Equipment — 0.8%             

Intelbras SA Industria de Telecomunicacao Eletronica Brasileira

    137,332        885,998  
    

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 4.2%             

Anima Holding SA(a)

    507,895        703,768  

Cogna Educacao(a)

    3,146,631        1,380,622  

Cruzeiro do Sul Educacional SA

    288,102        283,704  

MPM Corporeos SA

    225,239        187,466  

YDUQS Participacoes SA

    518,270        2,126,805  
    

 

 

 
       4,682,365  
Electric Utilities — 6.9%             

Alupar Investimento SA

    245,677        1,226,338  

Cia Paranaense de Energia

    108,530        733,304  

EDP - Energias do Brasil SA

    487,239        1,956,529  

Light SA

    562,219        1,068,533  

Transmissora Alianca de Energia Eletrica SA

    347,761        2,664,903  
    

 

 

 
       7,649,607  
Electrical Equipment — 0.4%             

Aeris Industria E Comercio De Equipamentos Para Geracao De Energia SA(a)

    385,428        422,076  
    

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 5.2%             

Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao

    270,969        1,242,331  

Grupo Mateus SA(a)

    926,139        1,067,037  

Sendas Distribuidora SA

    1,354,659        3,526,255  
    

 

 

 
       5,835,623  
Food Products — 8.1%             

Camil Alimentos SA

    217,141        385,118  

M. Dias Branco SA

    142,106        627,575  

Marfrig Global Foods SA

    637,596        2,743,852  

Minerva SA

    501,076        1,054,601  

Sao Martinho SA

    296,797        2,294,412  

SLC Agricola SA

    178,092        1,512,934  

Tres Tentos Agroindustrial SA(a)

    207,130        402,514  
    

 

 

 
       9,021,006  
Health Care Providers & Services — 4.3%             

CM Hospitalar SA

    167,917        543,663  

Fleury SA

    319,871        1,110,281  

Hospital Mater Dei SA(a)

    148,837        452,678  

Instituto Hermes Pardini SA

    87,848        313,680  

Odontoprev SA

    445,429        992,807  

Oncoclinicas do Brasil Servicos Medicos SA(a)

    249,180        481,503  
Security   Shares      Value  
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)  

Qualicorp Consultoria e Corretora de Seguros SA

    380,981      $ 945,867  
    

 

 

 
       4,840,479  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.1%             

CVC Brasil Operadora e Agencia de Viagens SA(a)

    377,163        904,020  

Smartfit Escola de Ginastica e Danca SA(a)

    393,197        1,400,476  
    

 

 

 
       2,304,496  
Household Durables — 3.0%             

Cyrela Brazil Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes, NVS

    502,707        1,467,786  

Ez Tec Empreendimentos e Participacoes SA

    190,313        641,620  

MRV Engenharia e Participacoes SA

    526,285        1,209,658  
    

 

 

 
       3,319,064  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 4.5%  

AES Brasil Energia SA

    412,574        917,738  

Eneva SA(a)

    1,167,568        3,034,727  

Omega Energia SA(a)

    493,245        1,036,909  
    

 

 

 
       4,989,374  
Insurance — 3.7%             

IRB Brasil Resseguros S/A(a)

    1,594,467        940,763  

Sul America SA

    463,989        3,160,449  
    

 

 

 
       4,101,212  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.8%             

Infracommerce CXAAS SA(a)

    186,629        527,652  

Meliuz SA(b)

    875,840        396,515  
    

 

 

 
       924,167  
IT Services — 2.2%             

Cielo SA, NVS

    2,049,959        1,020,098  

Locaweb Servicos de Internet SA(a)(b)

    741,443        1,441,507  
    

 

 

 
       2,461,605  
Machinery — 0.5%             

Iochpe Maxion SA, NVS

    219,089        552,184  
    

 

 

 
Marine — 0.4%             

Hidrovias do Brasil SA(a)

    701,241        408,143  
    

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 0.9%             

Cia Brasileira de Aluminio(a)

    249,768        953,731  
    

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.2%             

3R Petroleum Oleo E Gas SA(a)

    271,761        1,801,061  

Enauta Participacoes SA

    178,278        597,705  
    

 

 

 
       2,398,766  
Paper & Forest Products — 1.4%             

Dexco SA

    574,181        1,529,815  
    

 

 

 
Professional Services — 0.3%             

Boa Vista Servicos SA

    356,441        355,005  
    

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 7.4%  

Aliansce Sonae Shopping Centers SA

    243,313        1,037,609  

BR Malls Participacoes SA(a)

    1,464,054        2,653,826  

BR Properties SA

    357,775        520,014  

Iguatemi SA(a)

    233,594        862,374  

Iguatemi SA

    289,924        148,739  

JHSF Participacoes SA

    517,787        549,660  

LOG Commercial Properties e Participacoes SA

    77,084        412,464  

Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA, NVS

    473,842        2,014,210  
    

 

 

 
       8,198,896  
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Road & Rail — 4.8%        

Cia. de Locacao das Americas, NVS

    554,463     $ 2,705,494  

Movida Participacoes SA

    242,998       767,457  

SIMPAR SA

    477,776       970,397  

Vamos Locacao de Caminhoes Maquinas e
Equipamentos SA

    409,545       871,330  
   

 

 

 
      5,314,678  
Software — 0.1%        

Clear Sale SA(a)

    91,909       163,194  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 4.2%        

C&A Modas Ltda(a)

    176,124       175,395  

Grupo SBF SA(a)

    162,980       719,562  

Lojas Quero Quero S/A

    298,340       463,048  

Pet Center Comercio e Participacoes SA

    510,565       1,720,934  

Via S/A(a)

    2,144,150       1,570,955  
   

 

 

 
      4,649,894  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.3%        

Multilaser Industrial SA(a)

    343,963       378,215  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 4.9%        

Arezzo Industria e Comercio SA

    101,220       1,587,201  

Grendene SA

    529,449       857,103  

GRUPO DE MODA SOMA SA(a)

    723,711       1,818,225  

Guararapes Confeccoes SA

    167,408       392,900  

Vivara Participacoes SA

    158,419       801,639  
   

 

 

 
      5,457,068  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.5%        

Armac Locacao Logistica E Servicos SA

    173,927       513,316  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 1.5%        

EcoRodovias Infraestrutura e Logistica SA(a)

    583,795       731,319  

Santos Brasil Participacoes SA, NVS

    795,721       992,671  
   

 

 

 
      1,723,990  
Water Utilities — 1.6%        

Cia. de Saneamento de Minas Gerais-COPASA

    318,798       875,376  

Cia. de Saneamento do Parana

    247,553       967,423  
   

 

 

 
      1,842,799  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 83.6%
(Cost: $88,138,031)

 

    92,958,067  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   

Airlines — 3.1%

   

Azul SA, Preference Shares, NVS(a)

    475,528       2,297,878  

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

    342,622       1,119,556  
   

 

 

 
      3,417,434  

Banks — 1.8%

   

Banco ABC Brasil SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    141,659       425,827  

Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul SA, Class B,

   

Preference Shares, NVS

    339,607       656,235  
Security   Shares      Value  
Banks (continued)             

Banco Pan SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    504,912      $ 974,417  
    

 

 

 
       2,056,479  

Chemicals — 1.2%

    

Unipar Carbocloro SA, Class B, Preference Shares, NVS

    74,662        1,362,458  
    

 

 

 

Electric Utilities — 1.9%

    

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

    23,687        265,665  

Cia. Paranaense de Energia, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,368,787        1,828,964  
    

 

 

 
       2,094,629  

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.3%

 

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

    318,340        1,404,476  
    

 

 

 

Machinery — 1.0%

    

Marcopolo SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    811,913        454,339  

Randon SA Implementos e Participacoes, Preference Shares, NVS

    307,533        627,711  
    

 

 

 
       1,082,050  

Metals & Mining — 4.9%

    

Bradespar SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    427,763        2,462,313  

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

    64,173        548,494  

Metalurgica Gerdau SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,210,847        2,433,563  
    

 

 

 
       5,444,370  

Water Utilities — 0.5%

    

Cia. de Saneamento do Parana, Preference Shares, NVS

    704,259        544,254  
    

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 15.7%
(Cost: $14,435,413)

 

     17,406,150  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

    

Money Market Funds — 0.1%

    

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    120,000        120,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $120,000)

 

     120,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.4%
(Cost: $102,693,444)

 

     110,484,217  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.6%

 

     707,774  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

   $ 111,191,991  
    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 100,000      $ 20,000 (a)     $      $      $      $ 120,000        120,000      $ 6      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

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

Long Contracts

              

MSCI Brazil Index

     11          03/18/22        $544   $ 85,048  
              

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 85,048  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (161,763
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 114,240  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 550,970  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

     

 

Level 1

 

      

 

Level 2

 

      

 

Level 3

 

      

 

Total

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 3,780,761        $ 89,177,306        $        $ 92,958,067  

Preferred Stocks

              17,406,150                   17,406,150  

Money Market Funds

     120,000                            120,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 3,900,761        $ 106,583,456        $        $ 110,484,217  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ 85,048        $        $        $ 85,048  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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, 2022

  

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

    438,476     $ 3,520,580  

AVIC Electromechanical Systems Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,200       1,518,114  

AviChina Industry & Technology Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,576,000       4,082,627  

Kuang-Chi Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    383,600       1,236,223  
   

 

 

 
      10,357,544  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.7%            

SF Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,283       7,361,686  

Yunda Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,557       1,689,574  

ZTO Express Cayman Inc., ADR

    1,177,652       34,670,075  
   

 

 

 
      43,721,335  
Airlines — 0.2%            

Air China Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,096,089       1,716,630  

Air China Ltd., Class H(a)(b)

    4,384,000       3,371,642  

China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd., Class A(a)

    2,192,096       1,877,163  

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

    2,137,234       2,346,635  

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

    4,384,000       2,773,604  
   

 

 

 
      12,085,674  
Auto Components — 0.5%            

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

    54,895       1,346,978  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,098       1,923,745  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    1,753,600       8,603,326  

Huayu Automotive Systems Co. Ltd., Class A

    602,872       2,431,844  

Huizhou Desay Sv Automotive Co. Ltd., Class A

    110,100       2,319,283  

Mianyang Fulin Precision Machining Co. Ltd., Class A, NVS(a)

    109,600       464,953  

Minth Group Ltd

    2,192,000       7,925,844  

Ningbo Tuopu Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,400       1,589,059  

Sailun Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,400       840,946  

Shandong Linglong Tyre Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,028       1,220,099  

Shenzhen Kedali Industry Co. Ltd., Class A, NVS

    54,800       1,380,034  
   

 

 

 
      30,046,111  
Automobiles — 4.9%            

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,059       11,020,407  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,191,500       67,908,764  

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,067,893       2,208,041  

Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,234,000       6,226,493  

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

    15,892,000       29,601,116  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,800       1,920,330  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class H

    8,494,000       17,882,420  

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,672,400       7,596,074  

Li Auto Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    1,493,848       45,487,671  

NIO Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    3,549,639       81,073,755  

SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,424,876       4,108,704  

XPeng Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    1,053,256       38,306,921  

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.(c)

    2,790,000       4,139,059  
   

 

 

 
      317,479,755  
Banks — 10.0%            

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    12,275,200       5,799,260  

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    67,953,000       25,735,097  

Bank of Beijing Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,384,099       3,135,197  

Bank of Chengdu Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,293       1,754,750  

Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    5,589,600       2,745,087  

Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    210,983,000       82,136,039  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,685,622       5,068,152  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class H

    21,922,200       15,028,310  

Bank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,150,860       2,615,877  
Security   Shares     Value  
Banks (continued)            

Bank of Jiangsu Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,959,255     $ 3,123,877  

Bank of Nanjing Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,968,804       3,048,451  

Bank of Ningbo Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,095,332       6,622,977  

Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,740,010       3,036,893  

China Bohai Bank Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    8,768,000       1,458,603  

China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd., Class H

    22,469,800       10,558,854  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class A

    1,361,514       1,302,576  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    257,015,000       192,752,140  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,343,200       3,891,343  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,124,000       2,649,471  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,342,868       26,424,452  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    10,412,650       87,771,415  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class A

    5,918,470       3,667,913  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class H

    13,702,660       5,337,166  

China Zheshang Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,161,900       1,718,201  

Huaxia Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,740,061       2,445,872  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    10,466,800       7,732,521  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    149,607,000       89,308,655  

Industrial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,267,100       11,445,864  

Ping An Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,233,255       8,090,653  

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

    4,438,800       3,932,180  

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

    21,372,000       17,548,204  

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,877,298       6,492,072  
   

 

 

 
      644,378,122  
Beverages — 3.0%            

Anhui Gujing Distillery Co. Ltd., Class A

    65,596       2,304,752  

Anhui Gujing Distillery Co. Ltd., Class B

    329,230       4,827,456  

China Resources Beer Holdings Co. Ltd

    3,924,000       31,114,972  

Chongqing Brewery Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    109,600       2,327,239  

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

    219,203       1,818,593  

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

    219,276       5,751,399  

JiuGui Liquor Co. Ltd., Class A

    55,400       1,505,406  

Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd., Class A

    203,005       57,732,441  

Luzhou Laojiao Co. Ltd., Class A

    239,700       8,278,794  

Nongfu Spring Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    4,712,800       29,556,393  

Shanghai Bairun Investment Holding Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    144,540       1,041,605  

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

    219,286       10,206,223  

Sichuan Swellfun Co. Ltd., Class A

    76,752       1,214,431  

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,663       1,635,032  

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,428,000       13,738,560  

Wuliangye Yibin Co. Ltd., Class A

    657,677       19,908,674  
   

 

 

 
      192,961,970  
Biotechnology — 1.3%            

3SBio Inc.(a)(c)

    3,562,000       2,830,969  

Akeso Inc.(a)(b)(c)

    748,000       1,975,277  

BeiGene Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    126,588       26,649,306  

Beijing Tiantan Biological Products Corp. Ltd., Class A

    219,272       952,435  

Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co. Ltd., Class A

    54,800       2,184,435  

BGI Genomics Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,699       1,483,944  

Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,040       5,608,519  

Hualan Biological Engineering Inc., Class A

    315,872       1,289,763  

I-Mab, ADR(a)(b)

    96,996       2,397,741  

Imeik Technology Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    30,300       2,341,794  

Innovent Biologics Inc.(a)(c)

    3,148,500       14,209,119  

Legend Biotech Corp., ADR(a)

    94,256       3,731,595  

Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,479,600       1,567,026  
 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Biotechnology (continued)

 

Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,655     $ 1,465,816  

Walvax Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,097       2,042,843  

Zai Lab Ltd., ADR(a)

    207,144       11,330,777  
   

 

 

 
          82,061,359  
Building Products — 0.1%            

Beijing New Building Materials PLC, Class A

    328,870       1,559,796  

China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd.

    3,288,000       5,062,154  

Guangdong Kinlong Hardware Products Co. Ltd., Class A

    55,400       930,000  

Zhuzhou Kibing Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,400       1,096,101  
   

 

 

 
      8,648,051  
Capital Markets — 1.9%            

Changjiang Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,589,236       1,742,979  

China Cinda Asset Management Co. Ltd., Class H

    21,927,000       3,958,120  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    787,800       1,265,152  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    9,042,000       5,175,488  

China International Capital Corp. Ltd., Class A

    164,400       1,110,186  

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

    3,860,400       9,392,052  

China Merchants Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,260,468       3,171,520  

CITIC Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,974,251       7,316,832  

CITIC Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,856,300       16,610,767  

CSC Financial Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,299       3,141,560  

Dongxing Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,211       1,255,245  

East Money Information Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,698,881       7,241,092  

Everbright Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    657,699       1,388,883  

First Capital Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,889       886,896  

Founder Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,808,499       2,064,363  

GF Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,072,999       3,177,999  

GF Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,849,600       4,278,053  

Guosen Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,315,233       2,163,650  

Guotai Junan Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,477,359       3,924,260  

Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    986,420       1,109,144  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,698,859       3,033,145  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    6,795,200       5,847,192  

Hithink RoyalFlush Information Network Co. Ltd., Class A

    86,587       1,487,076  

Huatai Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,534,493       3,867,532  

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

    3,616,800       5,921,795  

Huaxi Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    822,073       1,160,486  

Industrial Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,315,240       1,710,772  

Noah Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    93,708       2,657,559  

Orient Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,150,864       2,251,113  

SDIC Capital Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,407,414       1,655,976  

Sealand Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,698,860       1,055,796  

Shanxi Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    929,431       871,611  

Shenwan Hongyuan Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,702,579       3,424,276  

Sinolink Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    602,826       971,330  

SooChow Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,133,435       1,414,180  

Western Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,260,430       1,521,626  

Zheshang Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    712,400       1,307,275  
   

 

 

 
      120,532,981  
Chemicals — 1.1%            

Beijing Easpring Material Technology Co. Ltd., Class A .

    92,000       1,260,464  

Do-Fluoride New Materials Co. Ltd., Class A, NVS

    109,600       788,290  

Dongyue Group Ltd.

    4,451,000       6,457,242  

Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,800       2,796,865  

Hengli Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,041,210       4,141,555  
Security   Shares     Value  

Chemicals (continued)

 

Hengyi Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    986,476     $ 1,573,061  

Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    67,900       1,615,124  

Huabao International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    2,497,000       1,432,549  

Huafon Chemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    919,200       1,405,890  

Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group Co. Ltd., Class A, NVS

    219,200       1,437,904  

Inner Mongolia Junzheng Energy & Chemical Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,751,370       1,378,521  

Inner Mongolia Yuan Xing Energy Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    657,600       941,932  

Jiangsu Eastern Shenghong Co. Ltd., Class A

    714,100       2,167,059  

Kingfa Sci & Tech Co. Ltd., Class A

    602,800       1,030,452  

LB Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,400       1,851,779  

Ningbo Shanshan Co. Ltd.

    54,700       259,004  

Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,192,700       3,322,140  

Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,698,842       5,105,393  

Satellite Chemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    317,764       2,278,582  

Shandong Hualu Hengsheng Chemical Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,470       2,463,164  

Shanghai Putailai New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       2,549,567  

Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    54,800       841,684  

Shenzhen Senior Technology Co. Ltd., Class A, NVS

    109,600       665,006  

Sinoma Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,000       1,303,318  

Skshu Paint Co. Ltd., Class A

    72,200       1,016,568  

Tongkun Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    493,264       1,719,902  

Transfar Zhilian Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,893       1,073,556  

Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,073       8,298,102  

Weihai Guangwei Composites Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       1,277,108  

Yunnan Energy New Material Co. Ltd., Class A

    160,404       6,647,487  

Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,041,271       2,035,525  

Zhejiang Yongtai Technology Co. Ltd., Class A, NVS(a)

    164,400       977,071  
   

 

 

 
      72,111,864  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.1%            

Beijing Originwater Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,096,097       1,162,417  

China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.

    9,864,148       7,082,215  

Shanghai M&G Stationery Inc., Class A

    164,400       1,417,125  
   

 

 

 
      9,661,757  
Communications Equipment — 0.3%            

BYD Electronic International Co. Ltd.

    1,919,000       5,415,056  

Fiberhome Telecommunication Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A

    253,277       692,136  

Guangzhou Haige Communications Group Inc. Co., Class A

    876,884       1,387,586  

Yealink Network Technology Corp. Ltd., Class A

    139,094       1,686,105  

Zhongji Innolight Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,477       1,002,713  

ZTE Corp., Class A

    632,156       2,925,415  

ZTE Corp., Class H

    2,082,440       5,130,187  
   

 

 

 
          18,239,198  
Construction & Engineering — 1.0%            

China Communications Services Corp. Ltd., Class H

    7,672,800       4,209,459  

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.

    4,658,000       22,415,405  

China Energy Engineering Corp. Ltd.(a)

    4,704,200       2,010,724  

China National Chemical Engineering Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,096,095       1,818,781  

China Railway Group Ltd., Class A

    3,836,098       3,784,774  

China Railway Group Ltd., Class H

    10,412,000       6,113,467  

China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd., Class A

    7,014,498       5,666,631  

China State Construction International Holdings Ltd

    5,480,000       7,717,574  

Metallurgical Corp. of China Ltd., Class A

    3,890,800       2,523,493  

Power Construction Corp. of China Ltd., Class A

    2,794,897       3,412,536  

 

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Construction & Engineering (continued)

 

Sichuan Road & Bridge Co. Ltd., Class A

    712,400     $ 1,411,712  
   

 

 

 
      61,084,556  
Construction Materials — 0.7%  

Anhui Conch Cement Co. Ltd., Class A

    744,191       4,764,108  

Anhui Conch Cement Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,288,000       17,645,135  

China Jushi Co. Ltd., Class A

    822,005       2,231,635  

China National Building Material Co. Ltd., Class H

    10,960,000       14,059,797  

China Resources Cement Holdings Ltd.

    6,576,000       5,627,016  
   

 

 

 
      44,327,691  
Consumer Finance — 0.2%            

360 DigiTech Inc., ADR

    235,092       4,407,975  

Lufax Holding Ltd., ADR(a)

    1,409,072       9,116,696  
   

 

 

 
      13,524,671  
Distributors — 0.0%            

Wuchan Zhongda Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,041,203       934,591  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.2%  

China Education Group Holdings Ltd.

    2,192,000       1,877,942  

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

    4,228,368       6,384,835  

TAL Education Group, ADR(a)

    1,145,320       3,252,709  
   

 

 

 
      11,515,486  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%  

AVIC Industry-Finance Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,137,282       1,319,990  

Far East Horizon Ltd.

    4,816,000       4,104,440  
   

 

 

 
      5,424,430  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.2%  

China Tower Corp. Ltd., Class H(c)

    108,514,000       12,647,687  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 1.3%  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    388,571       33,284,719  

Dongfang Electric Corp. Ltd., Class A

    438,400       1,136,314  

Eve Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    337,236       4,839,593  

Fangda Carbon New Material Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,847       1,437,679  

Ginlong Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A

    54,800       2,212,679  

Gotion High-tech Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    311,900       2,140,252  

Hongfa Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,400       1,643,018  

Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,400       1,303,015  

Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Ltd., Class A

    328,800       1,352,034  

NARI Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    931,677       5,258,569  

Ningbo Ronbay New Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

    54,700       1,277,268  

Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,150,800       805,409  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    242,600       4,697,706  

Sunwoda Electronic Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,808       1,928,726  

Suzhou Maxwell Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A

    16,620       1,451,060  

TBEA Co. Ltd., Class A

    712,457       2,295,758  

Titan Wind Energy Suzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,000       905,562  

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

    636,720       1,519,818  

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

    2,006,920       3,283,683  

Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd., Class A

    383,668       3,057,963  

Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,479,600       7,712,446  
   

 

 

 
          83,543,271  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.8%  

AAC Technologies Holdings Inc.(b)

    1,918,000       5,244,196  

Avary Holding Shenzhen Co. Ltd., Class A

    261,800       1,442,712  

BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,192,400       4,621,635  

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

    382,977       2,121,019  
Security   Shares     Value  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (continued)

 

China Zhenhua Group Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    54,800     $ 1,021,405  

Foxconn Industrial Internet Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,479,686       2,622,519  

GoerTek Inc., Class A

    548,000       3,836,796  

Guangzhou Shiyuan Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,619       1,492,927  

Kingboard Holdings Ltd.

    1,918,000       8,972,688  

Kingboard Laminates Holdings Ltd.

    2,740,000       4,565,790  

Lens Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,888       2,028,556  

Lingyi iTech Guangdong Co., Class A(a)

    1,479,600       1,412,133  

Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,150,824       7,981,061  

Maxscend Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    55,520       2,385,854  

Raytron Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    70,314       709,567  

Shengyi Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    493,200       1,525,147  

Shennan Circuits Co. Ltd., Class A

    72,424       1,350,085  

Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    313,104       678,395  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    1,918,000       45,962,857  

Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Class A

    219,200       774,667  

Tianma Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    657,636       1,222,051  

Unisplendour Corp. Ltd., Class A

    485,127       1,691,112  

Universal Scientific Industrial Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    306,200       682,553  

Westone Information Industry Inc., Class A

    109,600       802,364  

Wingtech Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    219,200       4,084,969  

Wuhan Guide Infrared Co. Ltd., Class A

    449,264       1,597,820  

Wuhu Token Science Co. Ltd., Class A

    383,600       589,291  

WUS Printed Circuit Kunshan Co. Ltd., Class A

    602,818       1,611,727  

Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    657,600       1,958,177  
   

 

 

 
      114,990,073  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1%  

China Oilfield Services Ltd., Class H

    5,480,000       6,247,181  

Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd., Class A

    856,198       670,444  

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

    164,492       1,178,455  
   

 

 

 
      8,096,080  
Entertainment — 2.4%  

Alibaba Pictures Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    38,360,000       3,835,205  

Beijing Enlight Media Co. Ltd., Class A

    582,100       872,170  

Bilibili Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    443,880       14,031,047  

Giant Network Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,271       1,164,725  

iQIYI Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    770,488       3,189,820  

Kingsoft Corp. Ltd.

    2,630,400       9,837,189  

Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,061       767,913  

Mango Excellent Media Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,880       1,792,055  

NetEase Inc.

    5,485,560       106,100,043  

Perfect World Co. Ltd., Class A

    404,000       848,423  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR(a)

    1,799,632       9,700,016  

Wuhu Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network

   

Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,400       1,455,899  

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

    1,534,498       1,591,036  
   

 

 

 
          155,185,541  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.1%  

DaShenLin Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,436       929,637  

Sun Art Retail Group Ltd.

    5,480,000       1,977,086  

Yifeng Pharmacy Chain Co. Ltd., Class A

    174,398       1,370,798  

Yonghui Superstores Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,411,234       1,396,494  
   

 

 

 
      5,674,015  
Food Products — 2.4%  

Angel Yeast Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,424       1,304,155  
 

 

 

24  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Food Products (continued)

 

Anjoy Foods Group Co Ltd., Class A

    55,400     $ 1,086,763  

Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,800       1,153,395  

China Feihe Ltd.(c)

    9,317,000       11,117,599  

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

    1,366,667       2  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    8,533,000       55,485,129  

Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,423       917,780  

Dali Foods Group Co. Ltd.(c)

    6,302,000       3,319,151  

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

    548,014       8,636,851  

Guangdong Haid Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    308,097       3,225,302  

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

    555,708       2,543,144  

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

    986,423       6,187,244  

Jiangxi Zhengbang Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    712,400       780,020  

Juewei Food Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       920,622  

Muyuan Foods Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,816       7,978,279  

New Hope Liuhe Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    822,099       2,011,126  

Tingyi Cayman Islands Holding Corp.

    5,480,000       12,123,963  

Tongwei Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,299       5,262,316  

Uni-President China Holdings Ltd.

    4,384,000       4,558,810  

Want Want China Holdings Ltd.(b)

    12,605,000       13,418,344  

Wens Foodstuffs Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,370,016       4,236,653  

Yihai International Holding Ltd.(b)

    1,293,000       5,410,038  

Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    216,992       1,845,979  
   

 

 

 
      153,522,665  
Gas Utilities — 1.1%            

Beijing Enterprises Holdings Ltd.

    1,370,000       4,683,348  

China Gas Holdings Ltd.

    8,220,000       12,990,659  

China Resources Gas Group Ltd.

    2,604,000       11,960,144  

ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.

    2,137,200       30,951,770  

Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd.

    10,960,000       10,781,169  
   

 

 

 
      71,367,090  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.5%  

Autobio Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,656       900,434  

Intco Medical Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    78,200       634,211  

Jafron Biomedical Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,420       1,196,812  

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

    238,300       1,108,219  

Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,800       1,122,984  

Microport Scientific Corp.

    1,753,600       4,877,781  

Ovctek China Inc., Class A

    144,640       944,069  

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

    6,758,400       9,331,950  

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

    219,295       11,403,514  

Venus MedTech Hangzhou Inc., Class H(a)(b)(c)

    548,000       1,523,563  
   

 

 

 
      33,043,537  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.5%  

Aier Eye Hospital Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,874       5,070,188  

Guangzhou Kingmed Diagnostics Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    88,994       1,186,249  

Huadong Medicine Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,880       1,984,163  

Hygeia Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)(c)

    876,800       4,786,823  

Jinxin Fertility Group Ltd.(a)(c)

    3,655,000       4,273,724  

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

    767,281       874,733  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    383,597       1,139,324  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,137,200       3,857,782  

Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,726,400           9,033,476  
Security   Shares     Value  

Health Care Providers & Services (continued)

 

Topchoice Medical Corp., Class A(a)

    54,800     $ 1,405,986  
   

 

 

 
      33,612,448  
Health Care Technology — 0.0%            

Winning Health Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    480,156       872,819  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.1%            

Haidilao International Holding Ltd.(b)(c)

    2,740,000       6,309,339  

Huazhu Group Ltd., ADR(a)

    487,720       20,172,099  

Jiumaojiu International Holdings Ltd.(b)(c)

    2,192,000       4,924,330  

Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       980,461  

Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,589,238       1,738,626  

Songcheng Performance Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,077       1,344,857  

Tongcheng Travel Holdings Ltd.(a)

    2,849,600       5,307,233  

Trip.com Group Ltd., ADR(a)

    1,378,220       35,585,640  

Yum China Holdings Inc.

    1,138,744       59,237,463  
   

 

 

 
      135,600,048  
Household Durables — 0.6%            

Beijing Roborock Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    8,720       875,065  

Ecovacs Robotics Co. Ltd., Class A

    110,000       2,359,058  

Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai, Class A

    437,600       2,547,263  

Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,150,846       4,665,570  

Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,918,400       20,738,544  

Hang Zhou Great Star Industrial Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    164,400       523,216  

Jason Furniture Hangzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,400       1,840,288  

Oppein Home Group Inc., Class A

    109,620       2,198,355  

TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A

    2,575,600       2,276,305  

Zhejiang Supor Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,496       1,320,973  
   

 

 

 
      39,344,637  
Household Products — 0.0%  

Vinda International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    1,096,000       3,120,569  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.3%  

CECEP Solar Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    493,200       787,961  

CECEP Wind Power Corp, Class A

    822,000       738,111  

CGN Power Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    26,305,000       7,457,757  

China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd., Class H

    9,016,000       18,605,325  

China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,014,076       3,545,605  

China Power International Development Ltd.

    14,579,000       8,263,919  

China Resources Power Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,480,000       12,239,963  

China Three Gorges Renewables Group Co. Ltd.

    4,540,100       5,124,574  

China Yangtze Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,836,041       14,113,228  

Huaneng Power International Inc., Class A

    1,150,800       1,610,834  

Huaneng Power International Inc., Class H

    9,864,000       5,790,322  

SDIC Power Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,260,496       1,999,457  

Shenzhen Energy Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    712,480       818,270  

Sichuan Chuantou Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    858,562       1,638,036  
   

 

 

 
      82,733,362  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.4%            

China Baoan Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,400       961,421  

CITIC Ltd.

    15,892,000       18,544,760  

Fosun International Ltd.

    6,850,000       7,432,274  
   

 

 

 
      26,938,455  
Insurance — 3.9%            

China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,005       2,502,583  

China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class H

    19,728,000       32,681,992  

China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,150,847       4,840,050  

China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    7,014,600           19,532,692  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance (continued)            

China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co. Ltd.

    4,384,124     $ 5,189,082  

New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class A

    420,324       2,543,182  

New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,137,200       6,116,395  

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

    23,016,000       7,401,612  

PICC Property & Casualty Co. Ltd., Class H

    18,632,462       19,668,172  

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

    1,753,643       14,136,304  

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

    16,988,000       131,719,216  

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

    1,370,000       4,509,265  
   

 

 

 
      250,840,545  
Interactive Media & Services — 15.4%  

Autohome Inc., ADR

    207,144       6,336,536  

Baidu Inc., ADR(a)

    749,664       114,278,780  

Hello Group Inc., ADR

    417,576       3,979,499  

JOYY Inc., ADR

    150,700       6,975,903  

Kanzhun Ltd.(a)(b)

    175,869       5,680,569  

Kuaishou Technology(a)(c)

    1,260,400       14,585,868  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    15,453,800       833,907,314  

Weibo Corp., ADR(a)(b)

    173,168       4,749,998  
   

 

 

 
          990,494,467  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 16.6%  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.(a)

    40,662,268       535,272,963  

Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd.(a)(b)

    10,960,000       7,674,539  

China Ruyi Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    8,768,000       2,609,566  

Dada Nexus Ltd., ADR(a)

    163,852       1,361,610  

JD Health International Inc.(a)(b)(c)

    959,000       7,157,698  

JDcom Inc, Class A(a)

    5,393,405       192,649,307  

Meituan, Class B(a)(c)

    10,960,200       243,482,568  

Pinduoduo Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    1,183,132       61,357,225  

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

    1,260,400       3,905,870  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    1,205,052       10,447,801  
   

 

 

 
      1,065,919,147  
IT Services — 0.4%            

Beijing Sinnet Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,096       1,305,501  

China TransInfo Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,047       1,210,807  

Chinasoft International Ltd.

    6,576,000       5,999,947  

Chindata Group Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    248,792       1,365,868  

DHC Software Co. Ltd., Class A

    986,428       1,293,271  

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

    240,572       10,710,265  

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

    153,440       1,034,186  

TravelSky Technology Ltd., Class H

    2,192,000       4,128,969  
   

 

 

 
      27,048,814  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.9%  

Genscript Biotech Corp.(a)

    3,000,000       11,895,054  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co. Ltd., Class A

    54,837       889,648  

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

    348,700       3,923,241  

Pharmaron Beijing Co. Ltd., Class A

    110,100       2,113,004  

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

    383,600       4,650,784  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class A

    456,164       7,550,553  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    876,881       12,481,921  

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

    9,561,500       79,087,151  
   

 

 

 
      122,591,356  
Machinery — 0.9%            

China CSSC Holdings Ltd., Class A

    876,800       3,048,228  

CRRC Corp. Ltd., Class A

    3,881,800       3,568,147  

CRRC Corp. Ltd., Class H

    9,378,000       4,167,902  

Haitian International Holdings Ltd.

    1,644,000       4,380,108  

Hefei Meiya Optoelectronic Technology Inc., Class A

    151,423       868,969  
Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)            

Jiangsu Hengli Hydraulic Co. Ltd., Class A

    237,004     $ 2,526,226  

North Industries Group Red Arrow Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    219,200       783,898  

Sany Heavy Equipment International Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,288,000       3,409,645  

Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,415,593       4,423,481  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,430       4,462,261  

Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd.

    1,918,000       2,862,935  

Weichai Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,041,268       2,519,425  

Weichai Power Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,480,000       9,272,867  

Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    173,396       1,869,202  

Wuxi Shangji Automation Co. Ltd., Class A

    55,400       1,398,689  

XCMG Construction Machinery Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,707,599       1,501,322  

Zhejiang Dingli Machinery Co. Ltd., Class A

    127,005       1,160,807  

Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd., Class A

    712,487       2,279,576  

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

    1,315,216       1,473,328  

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

    3,616,800       2,405,908  
   

 

 

 
      58,382,924  
Marine — 0.4%            

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

    2,077,670       5,833,633  

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

    9,042,100           18,276,116  
   

 

 

 
      24,109,749  
Media — 0.1%            

China Literature Ltd.(a)(c)

    1,096,000       5,948,154  

Focus Media Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,575,638       3,133,700  
   

 

 

 
      9,081,854  
Metals & Mining — 1.9%            

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

    2,192,000       2,268,022  

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

    10,960,000       7,746,789  

Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,943,493       4,519,892  

Chengtun Mining Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    493,200       862,315  

China Hongqiao Group Ltd.

    6,302,000       8,822,852  

China Minmetals Rare Earth Co. Ltd., Class A

    159,650       957,775  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,452,400       3,311,869  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class H

    8,220,000       4,947,640  

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

    602,800       4,741,590  

Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., Class A

    186,144       4,526,106  

Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    698,600       11,856,774  

GEM Co. Ltd., Class A

    986,400       1,506,916  

Hunan Valin Steel Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,192,700       1,103,762  

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

    8,055,692       3,438,364  

Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd., Class A

    272,800       967,029  

Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,288,000       5,918,401  

MMG Ltd.(a)

    8,768,000       3,176,029  

Shandong Gold Mining Co. Ltd., Class A

    493,291       1,610,205  

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

    1,735,500       3,258,916  

Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,396,100       1,858,409  

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

    822,000       1,878,941  

Shanxi Taigang Stainless Steel Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,260,400       1,463,984  

Shenghe Resources Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,000       856,432  

Tianshan Aluminum Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    767,200       1,164,853  

Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,123,600       1,979,938  

Western Superconducting Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A

    66,456       910,810  

YongXing Special Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    54,800       1,299,402  

Yunnan Aluminium Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    591,000       1,360,740  

Yunnan Tin Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    328,800       1,312,157  
 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Metals & Mining (continued)            

Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd., Class A

    198,528     $ 3,926,353  

Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,726,400       6,668,982  

Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    15,344,000       22,773,279  
   

 

 

 
          122,995,526  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.9%            

China Coal Energy Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,480,000       3,415,870  

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class A

    5,315,888       3,671,708  

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class H

    62,477,000       31,081,480  

China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    986,405       3,949,298  

China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Class H

    9,316,000       25,674,750  

China Suntien Green Energy Corp. Ltd., Class H

    4,384,000       2,920,315  

PetroChina Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,497,991       3,224,990  

PetroChina Co. Ltd., Class H

    56,992,000       30,526,375  

Shaanxi Coal Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,918,088       4,333,456  

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

    602,800       1,328,359  

Yankuang Energy Group Co Ltd, Class H

    4,384,000       10,748,783  

Yankuang Energy Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,803       1,650,053  
   

 

 

 
      122,525,437  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.1%            

Chengxin Lithium Group Co Ltd., Class A, NVS(a)

    109,600       1,027,418  

Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.

    3,836,000       2,465,992  

Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd.

    4,384,000       4,199,726  
   

 

 

 
      7,693,136  
Personal Products — 0.2%            

By-Health Co Ltd, Class A

    328,800       1,294,552  

Hengan International Group Co. Ltd.

    1,644,000       8,718,580  

Shanghai Jahwa United Co. Ltd., Class A

    101,581       624,708  
   

 

 

 
      10,637,840  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.8%            

Apeloa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       492,062  

Asymchem Laboratories Tianjin Co. Ltd., Class A

    37,300       2,010,083  

Betta Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Class A

    88,998       852,920  

CanSino Biologics Inc., Class H(a)(b)(c)

    219,200       3,961,680  

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

    64,696       1,877,279  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    3,836,000       6,830,586  

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

    328,894       1,864,503  

China Traditional Chinese Medicine Holdings Co. Ltd.

    7,672,000       4,373,498  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    24,112,400       28,581,939  

Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,788       991,948  

Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    438,495       2,067,940  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(c)

    3,288,000       7,018,873  

Humanwell Healthcare Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    219,500       650,073  

Hutchmed China Ltd, ADR(a)(b)

    213,772       5,825,287  

Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,041,288       6,631,415  

Joincare Pharmaceutical Group Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    474,962       924,064  

Kangmei Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    162,415       74,446  

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

    204,104       1,125,726  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,884       2,217,504  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,370,000       5,493,027  

Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    218,529       867,503  
Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals (continued)            

Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    300,560     $ 1,146,703  

Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,865       906,352  

Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd.

    26,306,000           16,792,823  

Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    219,173       3,131,390  

Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,709       6,315,821  

Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,046       1,004,766  

Zhejiang NHU Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,093       2,954,076  

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

    92,706       671,435  
   

 

 

 
      117,655,722  
Professional Services — 0.1%            

51job Inc., ADR(a)

    82,748       4,286,346  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 4.5%  

Agile Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    3,288,000       1,498,086  

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

    1,507,000       2,701,328  

China Evergrande Group

    5,220,000       1,068,373  

China Jinmao Holdings Group Ltd.

    15,258,000       5,073,948  

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

    1,589,233       3,409,022  

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.

    10,412,000       31,789,572  

China Overseas Property Holdings Ltd.

    3,450,000       3,745,782  

China Resources Land Ltd.

    8,928,665       43,431,684  

China Resources Mixc Lifestyle Services
Ltd.(c)

    1,534,400       7,892,434  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,644,009       5,003,854  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class H

    4,493,631       10,673,190  

CIFI Ever Sunshine Services Group Ltd.

    1,666,000       3,029,733  

CIFI Holdings Group Co. Ltd.

    9,142,400       6,369,613  

Country Garden Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)

    20,824,727       16,179,389  

Country Garden Services Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,417,000       32,404,264  

Gemdale Corp., Class A

    932,697       1,876,675  

Greenland Holdings Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,777,856       1,218,699  

Greentown China Holdings Ltd.

    2,466,000       3,704,136  

Greentown Service Group Co. Ltd.

    4,384,000       4,403,828  

Guangzhou R&F Properties Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    4,822,400       2,052,896  

Hopson Development Holdings Ltd.

    1,972,800       4,061,114  

Jinke Properties Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,152,081       820,726  

Jinmao Property Services Co. Ltd.

    229,244       58,260  

KE Holdings Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    980,920       19,039,657  

KWG Group Holdings Ltd.

    3,562,000       1,667,812  

Logan Group Co. Ltd.

    3,836,000       1,276,278  

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd.(c)

    4,932,000       26,373,985  

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

    1,972,875       4,940,967  

Powerlong Real Estate Holdings Ltd.

    3,836,000       1,838,672  

RiseSun Real Estate Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,698,830       1,061,091  

Seazen Group Ltd.(b)

    5,480,000       2,891,557  

Seazen Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    383,664       1,835,083  

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

    3,666,978       3,267,277  

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

    548,009       1,205,902  

Shimao Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    3,014,000       1,808,695  

Shimao Services Holdings Ltd.(c)

    1,644,000       1,201,469  

Sunac China Holdings Ltd.

    8,311,000       6,793,405  

Sunac Services Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    2,192,000       1,873,429  

Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The)(b)

    3,836,000       13,878,612  

Yuexiu Property Co. Ltd.

    4,384,600       4,385,787  
   

 

 

 
      287,806,284  
 

 

 

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

  27


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Road & Rail — 0.2%            

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

    6,734,251     $ 5,517,153  

Daqin Railway Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,352,100       2,535,746  

DiDi Global Inc., ADR(a)

    779,340       3,195,294  
   

 

 

 
      11,248,193  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.7%  

Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc., Class A(a)

    109,788       2,239,877  

China Resources Microelectronics Ltd.

    164,100       1,524,149  

Daqo New Energy Corp., ADR(a)

    159,468       7,648,085  

Flat Glass Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    219,200       1,716,114  

Flat Glass Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,096,000       4,532,150  

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

    1,205,645       702,925  

Gigadevice Semiconductor Beijing Inc., Class A

    119,687       2,930,683  

Hangzhou First Applied Material Co. Ltd., Class A

    164,800       3,127,507  

Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    219,200       2,003,656  

Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd.(a)(c)

    1,377,000       7,173,852  

Ingenic Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Class A

    110,000       1,951,653  

JA Solar Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    274,050       4,151,925  

JCET Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    328,900       1,469,317  

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    876,825       10,914,279  

Montage Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       1,347,271  

National Silicon Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    301,029       1,169,972  

NAURA Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    77,200       3,742,341  

SG Micro Corp., Class A

    43,400       2,402,040  

Shenzhen SC New Energy Technology Corp., Class A

    54,800       768,641  

StarPower Semiconductor Ltd., Class A

    22,000       1,268,717  

Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Class A

    493,298       3,776,867  

Tianshui Huatian Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    602,829       1,148,935  

TongFu Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    313,296       906,369  

Trina Solar Co. Ltd.

    273,500       3,346,444  

Unigroup Guoxin Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    91,200       3,202,803  

Will Semiconductor Co. Ltd. Shanghai, Class A

    138,100       5,419,434  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.

    13,152,000       23,888,843  

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

    219,093       2,270,753  
   

 

 

 
          106,745,602  
Software — 0.8%        

360 Security Technology Inc., Class A(a)

    1,315,200       2,189,201  

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

    180,520       804,750  

Beijing Kingsoft Office Software Inc., Class A

    51,052       1,732,023  

Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    228,204       866,894  

Hundsun Technologies Inc., Class A

    261,468       2,173,018  

Iflytek Co. Ltd., Class A

    366,462       2,863,634  

Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    7,124,000       17,607,976  

Ming Yuan Cloud Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,644,000       3,244,734  

NavInfo Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    657,618       1,790,496  

Sangfor Technologies Inc., Class A

    66,200       1,535,458  

Shanghai Baosight Software Co. Ltd., Class A

    204,180       1,746,579  

Shanghai Baosight Software Co. Ltd., Class B

    704,350       3,041,774  

Thunder Software Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       2,441,629  

Weimob Inc.(a)(b)(c)

    4,932,000       3,261,797  

Yonyou Network Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    602,812       3,008,280  
   

 

 

 
          48,308,243  
Specialty Retail — 0.6%        

China Meidong Auto Holdings Ltd.

    1,470,000       6,921,477  

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

    328,889       10,622,750  

GOME Retail Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    33,976,000       2,528,352  
Security   Shares     Value  
Specialty Retail (continued)            

Suningcom Co Ltd, Class A(a)

    2,356,471     $ 1,344,256  

Topsports International Holdings Ltd.(c)

    4,384,000       4,557,289  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,644,000       11,479,925  
   

 

 

 
      37,454,049  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.6%        

China Greatwall Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    548,000       1,159,288  

Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    288,280       1,507,433  

Lenovo Group Ltd.(b)

    19,728,000       21,968,488  

Ninestar Corp., Class A

    218,426       1,738,140  

Shenzhen Transsion Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    89,551       1,919,801  

Xiaomi Corp., Class B(a)(c)

    38,579,400       72,614,803  
   

 

 

 
          100,907,953  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.4%            

ANTA Sports Products Ltd.(b)

    2,998,200       45,792,113  

Bosideng International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    8,768,000       4,988,704  

Li Ning Co. Ltd.

    6,149,500       61,422,124  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

    2,246,800       37,738,618  

SuZhou TA&A Ultra Clean Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       1,564,677  
   

 

 

 
      151,506,236  
Tobacco — 0.4%            

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

    1,571,318       4,839,659  

Smoore International Holdings Ltd.(c)

    4,932,000       18,307,855  
   

 

 

 
      23,147,514  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.1%        

Beijing United Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    109,600       2,056,245  

BOC Aviation Ltd.(c)

    602,800       5,240,140  

COSCO SHIPPING Development Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,041,200       551,939  
   

 

 

 
      7,848,324  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.5%  

Beijing Capital International Airport Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    5,480,000       3,509,992  

China Merchants Port Holdings Co. Ltd.

    4,384,000       8,265,578  

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Ltd.

    4,386,000       3,614,387  

Jiangsu Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,288,000       3,517,970  

Shanghai International Airport Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    219,499       1,826,130  

Shanghai International Port Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,411,277       2,182,722  

Shenzhen International Holdings Ltd.

    3,288,000       3,387,894  

Zhejiang Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    3,288,000       2,966,129  
   

 

 

 
      29,270,802  
Water Utilities — 0.2%            

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.(b)

    12,056,000       4,763,131  

Guangdong Investment Ltd.

    7,672,000       10,324,169  
   

 

 

 
      15,087,300  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.0%  

China United Network Communications Ltd., Class A

    4,454,400       2,698,738  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $6,415,611,106)

      6,415,681,544  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

28  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 1.9%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(e)(f)(g)

    124,927,481     $ 124,952,466  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.9%
(Cost: $124,885,384)

 

    124,952,466  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.8%
(Cost: $6,540,496,490)

 

    6,540,634,010  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.8)%

 

    (118,761,438
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  6,421,872,572  
   

 

 

 

 

(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)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(f)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

(g)

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

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of
Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

08/31/21

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/22

   

Shares

Held at

02/28/22

    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 148,079,490     $     $ (23,079,797 )(a)    $ (7,381   $ (39,846   $ 124,952,466       124,927,481     $ 909,652 (b)    $  

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

    6,820,000             (6,820,000 )(a)                              211        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (7,381   $ (39,846   $ 124,952,466       $ 909,863     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   

Number of

Contracts

    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI China Index

     73        03/18/22      $ 2,102      $ (146,211
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 146,211  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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).

 

 

 

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

  29


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China ETF

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (2,405,752
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,488,876  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 7,740,348  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 780,344,949        $ 5,635,336,593        $ 2        $ 6,415,681,544  

Money Market Funds

     124,952,466                            124,952,466  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 905,297,415        $ 5,635,336,593        $ 2        $ 6,540,634,010  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $        $ (146,211      $               —        $ (146,211
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 0.4%            

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

    16,275     $ 241,847  
   

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.1%            

BEST Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    140,554       98,402  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 2.2%            

Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings Co. Ltd.

    372,000       142,334  

Nexteer Automotive Group Ltd.

    620,000       620,979  

Prinx Chengshan Holdings Ltd.

    108,500       101,355  

Tianneng Power International Ltd.(b)

    498,000       456,859  

Wuling Motors Holdings Ltd.(b)

    930,000       140,162  
   

 

 

 
      1,461,689  
Automobiles — 0.6%            

Niu Technologies, ADR(a)

    21,762       270,719  

Qingling Motors Co. Ltd., Class H

    558,000       107,890  
   

 

 

 
      378,609  
Beverages — 0.4%            

China Foods Ltd.

    620,000       267,211  

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

    81,000        
   

 

 

 
      267,211  
Biotechnology — 3.2%            

Alphamab Oncology(a)(b)(d)

    285,000       338,711  

Ascentage Pharma Group International(a)(b)(d)

    105,400       247,378  

Beyondspring Inc.(a)(b)

    15,252       36,757  

Burning Rock Biotech Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    31,372       264,466  

CStone Pharmaceuticals(a)(d)

    341,000       282,680  

Essex Bio-Technology Ltd.

    217,000       131,609  

Everest Medicines Ltd.(a)(b)(d)

    114,500       353,744  

Genetron Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    12,369       41,436  

Genor Biopharma Holdings Ltd.(a)(d)

    108,500       76,068  

Immunotech Biopharm Ltd.(a)(b)

    67,000       57,272  

JW Cayman Therapeutics Co. Ltd.(a)(b)(d)

    124,000       157,530  

Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc.(a)(b)(d)

    58,900       171,799  

Untrade Cteg(c)

    600,000       9,472  
   

 

 

 
      2,168,922  
Building Products — 0.5%            

Luoyang Glass Co. Ltd., Class H, NVS(a)

    186,000       321,991  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 2.1%            

China Everbright Ltd.

    650,000       715,841  

China Renaissance Holdings Ltd.(a)(d)

    117,800       175,763  

Glory Sun Financial Group Ltd.(a)

    7,936,000       176,703  

Up Fintech Holding Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    70,649       318,627  
   

 

 

 
      1,386,934  
Chemicals — 2.1%            

China BlueChemical Ltd., Class H

    1,302,000       389,859  

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

    96,000        

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

    21,700        

China XLX Fertiliser Ltd.

    310,000       239,221  

Fufeng Group Ltd.(a)

    1,085,600       406,476  

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

    288,393       184,629  

Sinofert Holdings Ltd.

    1,488,000       213,590  
   

 

 

 
          1,433,775  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.5%  

Binjiang Service Group Co. Ltd.

    62,000       184,628  

Dynagreen Environmental Protection Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    279,000       137,078  
   

 

 

 
      321,706  
Security   Shares     Value  
Communications Equipment — 0.1%  

Eastern Communications Co. Ltd., Class B

    217,000     $ 101,122  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 1.6%  

Changsha Broad Homes Industrial Group Co Ltd., Class H(a)(b)(d)

    83,700       117,724  

Greentown Management Holdings Co. Ltd.(d)

    341,000       278,053  

ReneSola Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    27,497       165,257  

Sinopec Engineering Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    1,054,000       504,218  
   

 

 

 
          1,065,252  
Construction Materials — 0.7%            

Asia Cement China Holdings Corp.

    341,000       213,170  

MH Development Ltd.(a)(c)

    112,000       7,154  

West China Cement Ltd.

    1,550,000       266,094  
   

 

 

 
      486,418  
Consumer Finance — 2.2%            

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

    2,108,000       650,843  

FinVolution Group, ADR

    77,190       314,163  

LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    72,168       256,197  

Qudian Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    129,456       106,542  

Yixin Group Ltd.(a)(d)

    930,000       139,556  
   

 

 

 
      1,467,301  
Containers & Packaging — 0.5%  

CPMC Holdings Ltd.

    279,000       154,293  

Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co. Ltd.

    589,000       209,533  
   

 

 

 
      363,826  
Distributors — 0.8%            

China Tobacco International HK Co. Ltd.(b)

    155,000       289,841  

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

    310,000       231,681  
   

 

 

 
      521,522  
Diversified Consumer Services — 4.4%        

China East Education Holdings Ltd.(b)(d)

    387,500       225,465  

China Kepei Education Group Ltd.

    298,000       89,397  

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

    1,054,000       55,584  

China New Higher Education Group Ltd.(d)

    620,000       227,768  

China Yuhua Education Corp. Ltd.(d)

    1,302,000       336,555  

Edvantage Group Holdings Ltd.

    238,000       97,943  

Fu Shou Yuan International Group Ltd.

    837,000       620,452  

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

    93,682       163,943  

Hope Education Group Co. Ltd.(d)

    1,984,000       201,572  

JH Educational Technology Inc.(a)

    356,000       151,245  

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

    248,000       155,576  

Minsheng Education Group Co. Ltd.(d)

    744,000       80,329  

Tianli Education International Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    1,056,000       209,449  

Wisdom Education International Holdings Co. Ltd.

    558,000       30,654  

Youdao Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    26,536       314,717  
   

 

 

 
      2,960,649  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.8%        

CSSC Hong Kong Shipping Co. Ltd.

    868,000       124,751  

Haitong UniTrust International Leasing Co. Ltd., Class H(d)

    1,054,000       117,860  

National Agricultural Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)(c)

    108,900       139  

SY Holdings Group Ltd.

    325,500       302,399  
   

 

 

 
      545,149  
Electrical Equipment — 1.6%        

China Fiber Optic Network System Group Ltd.(c)

    181,600        

China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    279,000       211,673  

Hangzhou Steam Turbine Co. Ltd., Class B

    198,423       377,823  

Harbin Electric Co. Ltd., Class H

    512,000       180,929  
 

 

 

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

  31


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Electrical Equipment (continued)            

Sun King Technology Group Ltd.

    744,000     $ 303,380  

Trony Solar Holdings Co. Ltd.(c)

    216,000        
   

 

 

 
          1,073,805  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.3%  

Anxin-China Holdings Ltd.(a)(c)

    672,000       1  

FIH Mobile Ltd., NVS(a)(b)

    2,294,000       338,420  

Truly International Holdings Ltd.

    1,302,000       451,779  

Zepp Health Corp., ADR(a)

    20,863       75,941  
   

 

 

 
      866,141  
Entertainment — 3.8%            

Archosaur Games Inc.(d)

    124,000       128,955  

Cathay Media And Education Group Inc.(d)

    310,000       70,713  

CMGE Technology Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    682,000       241,156  

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

    104,966       216,230  

Fire Rock Holdings Ltd.

    1,488,000       94,561  

Huanxi Media Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,240,000       232,962  

HUYA Inc., ADR(a)

    58,776       308,574  

iDreamSky Technology Holdings Ltd.(a)(d)

    384,400       277,890  

IMAX China Holding Inc.(d)

    86,800       121,071  

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Ltd.

    170,500       382,339  

Untrade SMI Holdings(a)(c)

    267,200        

XD Inc.(a)

    136,400       443,602  
   

 

 

 
      2,518,053  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.0%  

Yuexiu REIT

    1,643,000       668,587  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.1%            

111 Inc.(a)(b)

    17,701       47,262  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 2.8%            

China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd.

    2,263,000       418,206  

China Youran Dairy Group Ltd.(a)(d)

    558,000       303,633  

COFCO Joycome Foods Ltd.(a)

    1,674,000       730,308  

Zhou Hei Ya International Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)(d)

    604,500       403,871  
   

 

 

 
      1,856,018  
Gas Utilities — 1.2%            

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

    3,264,000       25,190  

Tian Lun Gas Holdings Ltd.

    217,000       179,454  

Towngas Smart Energy Co. Ltd.(a)

    806,000       572,662  
   

 

 

 
      777,306  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.9%  

AK Medical Holdings Ltd.(d)

    372,000       256,210  

Beijing Chunlizhengda Medical Instruments Co. Ltd., Class H(a)(b)

    62,100       85,335  

China Isotope & Radiation Corp.(b)

    39,600       116,551  

Kangji Medical Holdings Ltd.

    217,000       217,431  

Lifetech Scientific Corp., NVS(a)

    2,666,000       1,058,030  

Peijia Medical Ltd.(a)(d)

    124,000       195,173  

Untrade Hosa International Ltd.(c)

    220,000        
   

 

 

 
      1,928,730  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.9%  

China Resources Medical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    604,500       340,775  

Genertec Universal Medical Group Co. Ltd.(d)

    682,000       482,020  

IVD Medical Holding Ltd.

    589,000       250,105  

New Horizon Health Ltd.(a)(d)

    62,000       232,624  
   

 

 

 
      1,305,524  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.9%  

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,612,000       316,630  

Haichang Ocean Park Holdings Ltd.(a)(d)

    868,000       320,343  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)  

Huangshan Tourism Development Co. Ltd., Class B(a)

    151,900     $ 113,773  

Shanghai Jin Jiang Capital Co. Ltd., Class H

    930,000       353,454  

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

    310,000       195,069  
   

 

 

 
          1,299,269  
Household Durables — 1.9%            

Konka Group Co. Ltd., Class B

    390,600       107,881  

Q Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    310,000       292,758  

Skyworth Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    1,054,000       595,434  

TCL Electronics Holdings Ltd.

    620,000       290,648  
   

 

 

 
      1,286,721  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 3.8%  

Beijing Energy International Holding Co. Ltd.(a)

    4,836,000       161,342  

Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy Co. Ltd., Class H

    992,000       302,999  

Canvest Environmental Protection Group Co. Ltd.

    341,000       165,981  

CGN New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)

    930,000       618,949  

China Datang Corp. Renewable Power Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    1,612,000       610,863  

China Everbright Greentech Ltd.(d)

    434,000       143,459  

Concord New Energy Group Ltd.

    4,160,000       390,105  

GCL New Energy Holdings Ltd.(a)

    6,014,000       132,983  
   

 

 

 
      2,526,681  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.7%  

Shanghai Industrial Holdings Ltd.

    310,000       471,272  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 0.3%            

Fanhua Inc., ADR

    29,016       193,827  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 1.4%            

Meitu Inc.(a)(d)

    1,565,500       252,442  

Sohu.com Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    21,204       388,881  

Tongdao Liepin Group(a)

    130,200       313,229  
   

 

 

 
      954,552  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.5%  

Baozun Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    39,029       410,975  

Cango Inc./KY, ADR(b)

    27,094       91,849  

Maoyan Entertainment(a)(b)(d)

    285,200       311,690  

Uxin Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    178,932       184,300  
   

 

 

 
      998,814  
IT Services — 2.1%            

Digital China Holdings Ltd.

    558,000       304,622  

Hi Sun Technology China Ltd.(a)

    1,302,000       165,148  

Vnet Group Inc., ADR(a)

    70,215       552,592  

Yeahka Ltd.(a)(b)

    148,800       411,305  
   

 

 

 
      1,433,667  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.3%  

Viva Biotech Holdings(b)(d)

    480,500       184,964  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 2.8%            

China Yuchai International Ltd.

    10,106       125,011  

CIMC Enric Holdings Ltd.

    510,000       609,998  

First Tractor Co. Ltd., Class H

    310,000       149,305  

Lonking Holdings Ltd.

    1,395,000       371,803  

Shanghai Highly Group Co. Ltd., Class B

    192,284       96,112  

Shanghai Mechanical and Electrical Industry Co. Ltd., Class B

    151,900       198,630  

Shanghai New Power Automotive Technology Co. Ltd., Class B

    248,065       139,909  
 

 

 

32  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)            

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

    167,400     $ 175,754  
   

 

 

 
      1,866,522  
Media — 0.8%            

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

    45,508       110,129  

Joy Spreader Group Inc.(a)(b)

    465,000       136,124  

Mobvista Inc.(a)(b)(d)

    372,000       299,319  
   

 

 

 
      545,572  
Metals & Mining — 3.7%            

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

    184,800        

China Oriental Group Co. Ltd.

    806,000       234,288  

China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)(c)

    1,271,200       199,897  

Jinchuan Group International Resources Co. Ltd.

    2,263,000       404,350  

Shougang Fushan Resources Group Ltd.

    1,426,000       471,528  

Tiangong International Co. Ltd.(b)

    806,000       380,407  

Untrade Real Gold Mining(c)

    126,000        

Youyuan International Holdings Ltd.(b)(c)

    120,000       1,796  

Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd., Class H

    852,500       752,259  
   

 

 

 
          2,444,525  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.8%  

CGN Mining Co. Ltd.

    1,705,000       199,144  

Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Co. Ltd., Class B

    762,687       734,740  

Sinopec Kantons Holdings Ltd.

    744,000       278,475  
   

 

 

 
      1,212,359  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%            

China Forestry Holdings Co. Ltd.(c)

    306,000        

Qunxing Paper Holdings Co. Ltd.(c)

    148,000        

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

    2,975       1  
   

 

 

 
      1  
Personal Products — 0.1%            

Yatsen Holding Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    63,550       86,428  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 5.7%            

Antengene Corp. Ltd.(a)(d)

    139,500       104,608  

Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd.

    186,000       258,009  

China Animal Healthcare Ltd.(a)(c)

    140,000        

China Shineway Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    217,000       177,719  

Grand Pharmaceutical Group Ltd., Class A

    759,500       601,002  

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

    651,960       1  

Hua Medicine(a)(d)

    496,000       241,189  

Luye Pharma Group Ltd., NVS(a)(d)

    1,271,000       513,450  

Ocumension Therapeutics(a)(b)(d)

    108,500       122,965  

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

    186,000       92,321  

Shanghai Haixin Group Co., Class B

    310,063       105,421  

Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd.

    2,728,000       584,961  

SSY Group Ltd.(b)

    992,000       463,255  

Tianjin ZhongXin Pharmaceutical Group Corp. Ltd., Class S(b)

    142,600       152,582  

Tong Ren Tang Technologies Co. Ltd., Class H

    434,000       375,601  
   

 

 

 
      3,793,084  
Professional Services — 0.1%            

SOS Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    131,037       95,395  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 17.1%  

C&D International Investment Group Ltd.

    310,000       576,489  

C&D Property Management Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    372,000       190,234  

Central China Management Co. Ltd.

    683,038       91,551  

Central China New Life Ltd.(a)

    244,000       148,961  
Security   Shares     Value  
Real Estate Management & Development (continued)  

Central China Real Estate Ltd.

    620,038     $ 50,906  

China Aoyuan Group Ltd.

    899,000       149,850  

China Logistics Property Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)(d)

    496,000       274,829  

China Merchants Land Ltd.

    930,000       92,943  

China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Ltd.

    1,240,000       715,349  

China SCE Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,209,800       242,895  

China South City Holdings Ltd.

    2,356,000       196,671  

China Vast Industrial Urban Development Co. Ltd.(d)

    99,000       21,580  

Colour Life Services Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    341,000       34,143  

Cosmopolitan International Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,364,000       235,229  

DaFa Properties Group Ltd.(b)

    186,000       88,780  

Datang Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    248,000       131,527  

Dexin China Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)

    589,000       217,824  

Excellence Commercial Property & Facilities Management Group Ltd.(a)

    217,000       130,072  

Ganglong China Property Group Ltd.(b)

    341,000       205,535  

Gemdale Properties & Investment Corp. Ltd., NVS

    4,774,000       525,381  

Greenland Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    589,000       100,827  

Huijing Holdings Co. Ltd.

    558,000       137,811  

Jiayuan International Group Ltd.

    1,054,000       334,031  

Jingrui Holdings Ltd.

    403,000       96,952  

JY Grandmark Holdings Ltd.

    372,000       123,768  

Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    2,015,000       183,551  

KWG Living Group Holdings Ltd.

    651,000       269,678  

Leading Holdings Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    217,000       132,734  

LVGEM China Real Estate Investment Co.
Ltd.(a)(b)

    744,000       127,577  

Midea Real Estate Holding Ltd.(d)

    223,200       327,048  

Nam Tai Property Inc.(a)(b)

    12,679       96,868  

Poly Property Group Co. Ltd.

    1,511,000       409,915  

Powerlong Commercial Management Holdings Ltd.

    108,500       189,881  

Radiance Holdings Group Co. Ltd.(a)(b)

    589,000       325,606  

Redco Properties Group Ltd.(b)(d)

    744,000       203,742  

Redsun Properties Group Ltd.(b)

    713,000       204,376  

Road King Infrastructure Ltd.

    155,000       147,472  

Ronshine China Holdings Ltd.(b)

    418,500       134,023  

SCE Intelligent Commercial Management Holdings Ltd.(a)

    372,000       108,037  

Shanghai Industrial Urban Development Group Ltd.

    1,364,000       129,790  

Shanghai Jinqiao Export Processing Zone Development Co. Ltd., Class B

    198,400       177,922  

Shenzhen Investment Ltd.

    1,922,000       433,282  

Shinsun Holdings Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    527,000       59,345  

Shoucheng Holdings Ltd.

    1,551,600       256,665  

Shui On Land Ltd.

    2,619,500       382,595  

Sino-Ocean Group Holding Ltd.

    2,201,000       473,429  

Skyfame Realty Holdings Ltd.

    1,860,000       202,314  

SOHO China Ltd.(a)

    1,503,500       305,910  

Sunkwan Properties Group Ltd.(b)

    434,000       105,520  

Times Neighborhood Holdings Ltd.

    403,000       137,593  

Yincheng International Holding Co. Ltd.(b)

    310,000       117,421  

Yuzhou Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,612,907       128,146  

Zhenro Properties Group Ltd.

    1,271,000       109,429  

Zhongliang Holdings Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    511,500       200,290  

Zhuguang Holdings Group Co. Ltd.

    1,302,000       253,249  
   

 

 

 
          11,447,546  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.5%  

BOE Varitronix Ltd., Class A(b)

    217,000       253,361  

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

    27,466       1,390,054  
   

 

 

 
      1,643,415  
 

 

 

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

  33


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Software — 2.7%            

Agora Inc., ADR(a)

    31,186     $ 376,727  

AsiaInfo Technologies Ltd.(d)

    136,400       255,742  

Bit Digital Inc.(a)(b)

    44,826       176,166  

BIT Mining Ltd., SP ADR(a)(b)

    32,395       93,622  

China Youzan Ltd.(a)

    10,416,000       331,889  

Cloopen Group Holding Ltd., ADR(a)(b)

    37,727       85,640  

Inspur International Ltd.(a)

    310,000       148,120  

Newborn Town Inc.(a)

    310,000       174,877  

OneConnect Financial Technology Co. Ltd., ADR(a)

    83,886       132,540  
   

 

 

 
        1,775,323  
Specialty Retail — 0.9%            

Boshiwa International Holding Ltd.(a)(c)

    67,000        

China Harmony Auto Holding Ltd.

    558,000       263,484  

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

    170,500       99,054  

Pou Sheng International Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,550,000       229,054  
   

 

 

 
      591,592  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.7%  

Canaan Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    70,029       369,053  

Coolpad Group Ltd.(a)

    3,348,000       117,967  
   

 

 

 
      487,020  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 3.5%  

361 Degrees International Ltd.(a)

    589,000       289,569  

China Dongxiang Group Co. Ltd.

    2,108,000       159,153  

China Lilang Ltd.

    310,000       172,208  

Fuguiniao Co. Ltd.(c)

    43,200        

JNBY Design Ltd.

    108,500       146,466  

Xtep International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    945,500       1,568,656  
   

 

 

 
      2,336,052  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.4%            

China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Ltd.

    186,000       134,424  

CITIC Resources Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,984,000       137,575  
   

 

 

 
      271,999  
Transportation Infrastructure — 2.2%            

Anhui Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    310,000       295,537  

COSCO SHIPPING International Hong Kong Co. Ltd.

    372,000       117,258  

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

    132,000       373,384  

Sichuan Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    558,000       154,385  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure (continued)            

Tianjin Port Development Holdings Ltd.

    1,302,000     $ 104,906  

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Ltd.

    744,000       461,751  
   

 

 

 
      1,507,221  
Water Utilities — 1.2%            

China Everbright Water Ltd.

    629,300       146,219  

China Water Affairs Group Ltd.(b)

    570,000       629,716  
   

 

 

 
      775,935  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $85,766,541)

      66,863,507  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 21.8%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(e)(f)(g)

    14,435,813       14,438,700  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(e)(f)

    140,000       140,000  
   

 

 

 
      14,578,700  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 21.8%
(Cost: $14,577,199)

 

    14,578,700  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 121.7%
(Cost: $100,343,740)

 

    81,442,207  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (21.7)%

        (14,521,245
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 66,920,962  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

08/31/21

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sales

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

02/28/22

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/22

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares

   $ 22,118,371      $      $ (7,674,971 )(a)     $ (2,529    $ (2,171    $ 14,438,700        14,435,813      $ 404,353 (b)     $  —  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     50,000        90,000 (a)                            140,000        140,000        7         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (2,529    $ (2,171    $ 14,578,700         $ 404,360      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

 

 

34  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   

Number of

Contracts

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI China Index

     6        03/18/22      $ 173      $ (11,080
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 11,080  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

     Equity
Contracts
 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (1,269
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (7,402
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 286,581      

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                       

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 18,892,012      $ 47,518,395      $ 453,100      $ 66,863,507  

Money Market Funds

     14,578,700                      14,578,700  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 33,470,712      $ 47,518,395      $ 453,100      $ 81,442,207  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $      $ (11,080    $      $ (11,080
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  35


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Indonesia ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Automobiles — 4.1%  

Astra International Tbk PT

    45,229,830     $ 18,342,276  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 47.7%            

Bank Aladin Syariah Tbk PT(a)

    9,400,400       1,472,186  

Bank BTPN Syariah Tbk PT

    9,078,100       2,278,292  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    165,732,290       93,566,769  

Bank Jago Tbk PT(a)

    11,209,500       12,680,964  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    36,350,360       19,652,498  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    25,286,758       14,168,512  

Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat Dan Banten Tbk PT

    16,341,336       1,586,703  

Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk PT

    25,145,000       1,347,647  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    202,019,054       64,597,641  

Bank Tabungan Negara Persero Tbk PT(a)

    21,127,426       2,626,330  
   

 

 

 
        213,977,542  
Capital Markets — 0.5%            

Pacific Strategic Financial Tbk PT(a)

    28,832,000       2,317,879  

Pool Advista Indonesia Tbk PT(a)(b)

    7,126,300        
   

 

 

 
      2,317,879  
Chemicals — 1.4%            

Barito Pacific Tbk PT

    100,947,500       6,294,607  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 1.1%            

PP Persero Tbk PT(a)

    17,681,922       1,190,865  

Waskita Karya Persero Tbk PT(a)

    58,456,419       2,334,387  

Wijaya Karya Persero Tbk PT(a)

    16,999,770       1,206,945  
   

 

 

 
      4,732,197  
Construction Materials — 2.4%            

Berkah Beton Sadaya Tbk(a)

    3,044,300       939,447  

Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT

    5,746,044       4,401,951  

Semen Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    10,892,455       5,502,118  
   

 

 

 
      10,843,516  
Consumer Finance — 0.1%            

BFI Finance Indonesia Tbk PT

    7,347,800       657,195  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 12.6%  

Inovisi Infracom Tbk PT(a)(b)

    9,476,400        

Link Net Tbk PT

    6,240,800       1,898,259  

Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk PT

    62,178,100       4,496,360  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    145,196,890       43,836,814  

Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT

    30,352,800       6,242,035  
   

 

 

 
      56,473,468  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.4%  

Erajaya Swasembada Tbk PT

    46,201,500       1,799,297  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1%            

Pelayaran Tamarin Samudra Tbk PT(a)

    87,360,300       304,031  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 6.1%            

Astra Agro Lestari Tbk PT

    523,400       415,361  

Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT

    25,948,325       10,507,019  

Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk PT

    8,741,854       5,182,039  

Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT

    15,999,230       6,920,122  

Inti Agri Resources Tbk PT(a)(b)

    190,840,700        

Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk PT

    19,405,300       2,131,423  

Perusahaan Perkebunan London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk PT

    18,560,000       1,840,214  

Sawit Sumbermas Sarana Tbk PT

    5,714,700       447,667  
   

 

 

 
      27,443,845  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Gas Utilities — 1.0%  

Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk PT(a)

    43,707,307     $ 4,419,146  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.2%            

Metro Healthcare Indonesia TBK PT(a)

    17,910,000       699,584  

Siloam International Hospitals Tbk PT

    740,800       402,188  
   

 

 

 
      1,101,772  
Household Products — 1.5%            

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    26,706,920       6,872,383  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 0.2%            

Panin Financial Tbk PT(a)

    88,989,578       1,046,790  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 0.1%            

M Cash Integrasi PT(a)

    519,800       427,830  
   

 

 

 
Marine — 0.2%            

Berlian Laju Tanker Tbk PT(a)

    20,933,614       72,853  

Trada Alam Minera Tbk PT(a)(b)

    163,879,000        

Transcoal Pacific Tbk PT(a)

    1,018,800       638,889  
   

 

 

 
      711,742  
Media — 0.8%            

Media Nusantara Citra Tbk PT

    26,382,500       1,605,936  

MNC Vision Networks Tbk PT(a)

    39,470,500       349,695  

Surya Citra Media Tbk PT(a)

    98,600,200       1,780,075  
   

 

 

 
      3,735,706  
Metals & Mining — 3.1%            

Aneka Tambang Tbk

    32,142,554       5,007,757  

Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk PT(a)

    30,557,300       8,274,161  

Timah Tbk PT(a)

    4,266,700       474,895  
   

 

 

 
      13,756,813  
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk PT(a)

    41,456,100       2,278,572  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 5.2%            

Adaro Energy Tbk PT

    52,994,439       9,079,618  

AKR Corporindo Tbk PT

    44,957,200       2,378,138  

Bukit Asam Tbk PT

    16,064,900       3,529,229  

Indika Energy Tbk PT(a)

    3,992,100       619,641  

Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk PT

    2,081,700       3,865,062  

Medco Energi Internasional Tbk PT(a)

    41,147,286       1,737,159  

Sekawan Intipratama Tbk PT(a)(b)

    30,572,100        

Sugih Energy Tbk PT(a)(b)

    39,886,700       28  

United Tractors Tbk PT

    1,348,696       2,353,453  
   

 

 

 
        23,562,328  
Paper & Forest Products — 1.8%            

Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Tbk PT

    10,050,500       5,679,707  

Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tbk PT

    4,442,700       2,317,655  
   

 

 

 
      7,997,362  
Personal Products — 0.5%            

Industri Jamu Dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk PT

    34,079,537       2,316,148  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 2.0%            

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

    76,898,485       8,804,761  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.6%  

Bumi Serpong Damai Tbk PT(a)

    34,552,722       2,219,922  

Ciputra Development Tbk PT

    41,191,013       2,656,879  

Hanson International Tbk PT(a)(b)

    372,896,535        

Lippo Karawaci Tbk PT(a)

    131,795,142       1,192,550  

Pakuwon Jati Tbk PT(a)

    79,002,377       2,543,507  

Puradelta Lestari Tbk PT

    71,718,700       943,470  
 

 

 

36  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Indonesia ETF

    (Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development (continued)  

Rimo International Lestari Tbk PT(a)(b)

    54,096,000     $  

Summarecon Agung Tbk PT(a)

    46,997,286       2,282,169  
   

 

 

 
      11,838,497  
Road & Rail — 0.1%            

Adi Sarana Armada Tbk PT(a)

    2,179,700       386,744  
   

 

 

 
Software — 0.1%            

Digital Mediatama Maxima Tbk PT(a)

    2,539,700       335,869  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 0.5%            

Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk PT

    30,707,779       2,294,741  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 0.9%            

Gudang Garam Tbk PT

    1,785,342       3,912,421  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.5%            

Jasa Marga Persero Tbk PT(a)

    9,659,708       2,280,383  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.4%  

Indosat Tbk PT

    6,442,700       2,453,599  

Smartfren Telecom Tbk PT(a)

    124,351,100       688,334  

XL Axiata Tbk PT

    15,760,600       3,148,824  
   

 

 

 
    6,290,757  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $514,110,312)

 

      447,556,618  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

  
Money Market Funds — 0.1%         

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    300,000      $ 300,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $300,000)

       300,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.8%
(Cost: $514,410,312)

       447,856,618  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.2%

       786,264  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $   448,642,882  
    

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 20,000      $ 280,000 (a)     $      $      $      $ 300,000        300,000      $ 19      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     16        03/18/22      $ 940      $ (16,567
           

 

 

 

 

 

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

  37


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Indonesia ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 16,567  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (73,858
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (16,913
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 704,603      

 

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

 

Common Stocks

   $ 27,294,914        $ 420,261,676        $ 28        $ 447,556,618  

Money Market Funds

     300,000                            300,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 27,594,914        $ 420,261,676        $ 28        $ 447,856,618  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (16,567      $        $        $ (16,567
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

38  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Peru ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

 

Banks — 26.6%  

Banco BBVA Peru SA

    8,845,887      $ 5,209,372  

Banco de Credito del Peru, Class C

    55,764        44,326  

Credicorp Ltd.

    294,626        44,562,182  

Intercorp Financial Services Inc.

    147,380        4,760,374  
    

 

 

 
         54,576,254  
Construction & Engineering — 1.7%             

Aenza SAA(a)

    9,907,774        3,506,065  
    

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 5.4%             

Cementos Pacasmayo SAA

    2,950,728        3,857,212  

Union Andina de Cementos SAA

    11,794,740        7,288,587  
    

 

 

 
       11,145,799  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.5%             

InRetail Peru Corp.(b)

    147,605        5,223,741  
    

 

 

 
Food Products — 5.2%             

Alicorp SAA

    5,350,263        8,647,004  

Casa Grande SAA

    816,816        1,962,931  
    

 

 

 
       10,609,935  
Metals & Mining — 47.5%             

Aclara Resources Inc.(a)

    364,173        307,165  

Cia. de Minas Buenaventura SAA, ADR(a)

    997,136        9,871,646  

Corp. Aceros Arequipa SA, NVS

    4,570,118        2,268,947  

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.(a)

    1,199,051        4,474,565  

Hochschild Mining PLC

    4,136,559        6,413,211  

MMG Ltd.(a)

    11,780,000        4,267,064  

Pan American Silver Corp.

    184,449        4,362,746  

Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde SAA

    211,324        9,192,594  

Southern Copper Corp.

    656,858        45,579,377  

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

    32,243,347        6,386,170  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    104,525        4,580,133  
    

 

 

 
       97,703,618  

 

Security   Shares      Value  
Multiline Retail — 2.2%  

Falabella SA

    1,370,546      $ 4,510,180  
    

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.7%             

PetroTal Corp.(a)

    10,702,939        5,596,704  
    

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.0%  

Parque Arauco SA(a)

    4,120,512        4,112,212  
    

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 3.7%         

Ferreycorp SAA

    12,272,076        7,648,375  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.5%
(Cost: $213,976,611)

 

     204,632,883  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

  
Money Market Funds — 0.1%         

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    170,000        170,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $170,000)

       170,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.6%
(Cost: $214,146,611)

 

     204,802,883  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.4%

       763,435  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $   205,566,318  
    

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 540,000      $        $(370,000 )(a)     $      $      $ 170,000        170,000      $ 10      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

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

  39


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Peru ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     12        03/18/22      $ 705      $ (21,601
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 21,601  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (9,173
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (28,890
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 737,400      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

 

Common Stocks

   $ 183,936,527      $ 20,696,356      $      $ 204,632,883  

Money Market Funds

     170,000                      170,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 184,106,527      $ 20,696,356      $      $ 204,802,883  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (21,601    $      $      $ (21,601
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

40  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Philippines ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

 

Airlines — 0.3%             

Cebu Air Inc.(a)

    469,140      $ 423,775  
    

 

 

 
Banks — 15.5%             

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    3,743,905        7,317,125  

BDO Unibank Inc.

    3,819,964        9,680,418  

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

    4,960,474        5,524,538  

Security Bank Corp.

    1,077,990        2,460,489  
    

 

 

 
         24,982,570  
Chemicals — 0.9%             

D&L Industries Inc.

    9,448,400        1,481,705  
    

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 1.8%         

Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

    38,026,050        2,877,431  
    

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 2.9%             

Manila Electric Co.

    653,790        4,704,474  
    

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.7%  

AREIT Inc.

    431,550        414,968  

Filinvest REIT Corp.

    4,909,500        722,971  
    

 

 

 
       1,137,939  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.7%             

Cosco Capital Inc., NVS

    10,537,600        1,047,593  

Puregold Price Club Inc.

    2,763,160        1,894,384  

Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.

    1,104,570        1,329,276  
    

 

 

 
       4,271,253  
Food Products — 5.5%             

Century Pacific Food Inc.

    3,005,800        1,568,269  

Monde Nissin Corp.(a)(b)

    10,381,200        3,344,986  

Universal Robina Corp.

    1,656,888        3,878,029  
    

 

 

 
       8,791,284  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.7%  

Bloomberry Resorts Corp.(a)

    13,347,265        1,926,463  

Jollibee Foods Corp.

    1,192,531        5,605,617  
    

 

 

 
       7,532,080  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 2.7%  

AC Energy Corp.

    18,118,954        3,003,922  

First Gen Corp.

    2,501,347        1,361,178  
    

 

 

 
       4,365,100  
Industrial Conglomerates — 25.2%             

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.

    4,638,817        5,419,644  

Alliance Global Group Inc.

    10,184,339        2,542,609  

Ayala Corp.

    591,188        9,801,244  

DMCI Holdings Inc.

    13,594,900        2,248,581  

GT Capital Holdings Inc.

    290,516        3,290,012  

JG Summit Holdings Inc.

    6,185,461        7,305,969  

LT Group Inc.

    5,316,400        1,003,760  

SM Investments Corp.

    507,556        8,830,504  
    

 

 

 
       40,442,323  
Security   Shares     Value  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.2%

 

Semirara Mining & Power Corp.

    3,647,800     $ 1,970,822  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 22.2%        

Ayala Land Inc.

    17,554,550       13,382,470  

Filinvest Land Inc.

    48,333,590       1,036,999  

Megaworld Corp.

    35,420,960       2,225,531  

Robinsons Land Corp.

    2,130,406       802,084  

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    22,242,135       17,359,795  

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.

    14,967,900       893,345  
   

 

 

 
        35,700,224  
Specialty Retail — 2.3%            

AllHome Corp.

    5,664,600       975,534  

Wilcon Depot Inc.

    4,647,400       2,651,384  
   

 

 

 
      3,626,918  
Transportation Infrastructure — 4.4%            

International Container Terminal Services Inc.

    1,719,753       7,064,170  
   

 

 

 
Water Utilities — 0.2%            

Manila Water Co. Inc., NVS

    967,629       377,464  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 6.6%  

Globe Telecom Inc.

    73,545       3,695,405  

PLDT Inc.

    199,539       7,001,573  
   

 

 

 
      10,696,978  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $179,681,077)

      160,446,510  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    120,000       120,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $120,000)

      120,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $179,801,077)

      160,566,510  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%         128,213  
   

 

 

 
Net Assets — 100.0%         $  160,694,723  
   

 

 

 
(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.

 

 

 

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

  41


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Philippines ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from

Underlying
Funds

       
 

 

   

   

  BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares   $ 140,000     $     $ (20,000 )(a)    $     $     $ 120,000       120,000     $ 6     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   

Number of

Contracts

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     3        03/18/22      $ 176      $ (6,467
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 6,467  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (4,635
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (11,514
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 291,168      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

 

 

42  

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Philippines ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 81,416,700        $ 79,029,810        $        $ 160,446,510  

Money Market Funds

     120,000                            120,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $   81,536,700        $   79,029,810        $        $ 160,566,510  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (6,467      $        $             —        $ (6,467
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  43


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Poland ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Banks — 31.5%  

Alior Bank SA(a)

    234,053      $ 2,607,238  

Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA

    148,249        2,044,348  

Bank Millennium SA(a)(b)

    2,312,847        3,857,109  

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA

    584,248        16,028,269  

mBank SA(a)

    54,791        5,354,832  

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA(a)

    2,838,625        27,280,689  

Santander Bank Polska SA

    121,632        9,118,054  
    

 

 

 
       66,290,539  
Capital Markets — 0.9%             

Warsaw Stock Exchange

    139,918        1,281,197  

XTB SA(c)

    138,326        518,922  
    

 

 

 
       1,800,119  
Chemicals — 1.5%             

Ciech SA

    146,673        1,411,527  

Grupa Azoty SA(a)

    227,718        1,764,738  
    

 

 

 
       3,176,265  
Construction & Engineering — 1.3%             

Budimex SA

    50,295        2,735,907  
    

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 1.9%             

KRUK SA

    64,641        4,031,209  
    

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.2%  

Orange Polska SA(a)

    2,498,753        4,636,800  
    

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 5.2%             

Enea SA(a)

    1,060,190        2,211,342  

PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna SA(a)

    3,129,511        6,070,736  

Tauron Polska Energia SA(a)(b)

    4,547,712        2,671,254  
    

 

 

 
       10,953,332  
Entertainment — 5.0%             

CD Projekt SA(b)

    225,514        8,957,338  

HUUUGE Inc.(a)(b)(c)

    81,834        389,871  

PlayWay SA

    5,050        367,978  

TEN Square Games SA(b)

    16,661        852,605  
    

 

 

 
         10,567,792  
Food & Staples Retailing — 5.4%             

Dino Polska SA(a)(c)

    149,055        10,481,082  

Eurocash SA

    411,018        929,881  
    

 

 

 
       11,410,963  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.9%  

Neuca SA(b)

    9,966        1,775,193  
    

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.9%             

AmRest Holdings SE(a)(b)

    352,347        1,932,931  
    

 

 

 
Insurance — 6.8%             

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA

    1,908,385        14,317,946  
    

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 3.8%  

Allegro.eu SA(a)(b)(c)

    1,081,131        8,057,223  
    

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Media — 2.9%  

Cyfrowy Polsat SA

    938,530     $ 6,085,466  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 9.5%            

Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA(a)

    230,662       2,694,453  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

    441,852       17,350,195  
   

 

 

 
      20,044,648  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 13.7%            

Grupa Lotos SA(a)

    354,887       4,553,322  

Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA

    946,210       15,983,220  

Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA

    6,257,854       8,247,281  
   

 

 

 
      28,783,823  
Pharmaceuticals — 0.2%            

Celon Pharma SA(b)

    56,868       316,413  
   

 

 

 
Software — 2.4%            

Asseco Poland SA

    226,114       3,985,811  

LiveChat Software SA

    47,558       1,102,423  
   

 

 

 
      5,088,234  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 3.6%  

CCC SA(a)(b)

    148,396       1,888,202  

LPP SA

    2,767       5,690,725  
   

 

 

 
      7,578,927  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $302,512,609)

 

    209,583,730  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

 
Money Market Funds — 9.8%        

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    18,021,814       18,025,419  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    2,500,000       2,500,000  
   

 

 

 
      20,525,419  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 9.8%
(Cost: $20,525,979)

 

    20,525,419  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 109.4%
(Cost: $323,038,588)

      230,109,149  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (9.4)%

      (19,678,629
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   210,430,520  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

 

44  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Poland ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 13,507,125      $ 4,524,594 (a)     $      $ (4,391    $ (1,909    $ 18,025,419        18,021,814      $ 155,134 (b)     $  —  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     2,310,000        190,000 (a)                             2,500,000        2,500,000        141         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (4,391    $ (1,909    $ 20,525,419         $ 155,275      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     17        03/18/22      $ 999      $ (25,440
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 25,440  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (145,465
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (11,807
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,103,817  

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative 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

  45


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Poland ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1     Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

         

Assets

 

Common Stocks

  $ 29,658,738     $ 179,924,992      $      $ 209,583,730  

Money Market Funds

    20,525,419                     20,525,419  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $   50,184,157     $ 179,924,992      $      $ 230,109,149  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $ (25,440   $      $      $ (25,440
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

46  

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Qatar ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.9%            

Gulf Warehousing Co.

    736,400     $ 897,971  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 47.1%            

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

    2,378,815       4,511,793  

Doha Bank QPSC

    2,757,244       2,152,338  

Masraf Al Rayan QSC(a)

    4,775,733       6,542,638  

Qatar First Bank(a)

    1,754,985       862,658  

Qatar International Islamic Bank QSC

    1,147,325       3,225,127  

Qatar Islamic Bank SAQ

    1,345,048       7,772,436  

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    3,899,446       23,344,023  
   

 

 

 
      48,411,013  
Chemicals — 4.2%            

Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Co.

    5,953,600       4,356,240  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 2.0%        

Qatar National Cement Co. QSC

    748,328       1,270,452  

Qatari Investors Group QSC

    1,198,900       727,283  
   

 

 

 
      1,997,735  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.9%        

Salam International Investment Ltd. QSC(a)

    3,407,335       941,225  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.6%  

Ooredoo QPSC

    1,290,297       2,713,382  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.1%  

Gulf International Services QSC, NVS(a)

    2,321,593       1,138,952  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.2%  

Al Meera Consumer Goods Co. QSC

    221,908       1,212,748  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 0.9%            

Baladna

    2,325,905       936,639  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.8%  

Medicare Group

    402,540       862,499  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 11.7%        

Aamal Co.

    4,000,710       1,314,314  

Industries Qatar QSC

    1,785,382       8,951,548  

Mannai Corp. QSC

    473,538       1,032,787  

Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Co. QSC

    845,242       740,865  
   

 

 

 
      12,039,514  
Insurance — 1.9%            

Qatar Insurance Co. SAQ(a)

    2,788,102       1,917,455  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Marine — 2.2%            

Qatar Navigation QSC

    980,193     $ 2,274,772  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 3.0%            

Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Co.

    4,988,753       3,049,285  
   

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities — 3.5%            

Qatar Electricity & Water Co. QSC

    722,451       3,567,004  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 7.4%            

Qatar Fuel QSC

    729,659       3,718,568  

Qatar Gas Transport Co. Ltd.

    3,779,167       3,906,253  
   

 

 

 
      7,624,821  
Real Estate Management & Development — 6.2%  

Barwa Real Estate Co.

    3,027,975       3,012,032  

Ezdan Holding Group QSC(a)

    3,026,913       1,137,881  

Mazaya Real Estate Development QPSC

    2,530,466       634,976  

United Development Co. QSC

    3,445,358       1,575,555  
   

 

 

 
      6,360,444  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.6%  

Vodafone Qatar QSC

    3,443,205       1,643,440  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.2%
(Cost: $68,832,526)

      101,945,139  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.2%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(b)(c)

    150,000       150,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.2%
(Cost: $150,000)

 

    150,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.4%
(Cost: $68,982,526)

 

    102,095,139  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.6%

      654,189  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   102,749,328  
   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 20,000      $ 130,000 (a)     $      $      $      $ 150,000        150,000      $ 4      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

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

  47


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Qatar ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     7        03/18/22      $ 411      $ (6,249
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 6,249  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 2,410  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (6,077
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 200,653  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

 

Common Stocks

   $   36,248,006      $ 65,697,133      $      $ 101,945,139  

Money Market Funds

     150,000                      150,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $   36,398,006      $ 65,697,133      $      $ 102,095,139  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (6,249    $      $      $ (6,249)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

48  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Banks — 45.0%            

Al Rajhi Bank

    4,456,970     $ 191,211,630  

Alinma Bank

    3,915,214       37,124,326  

Arab National Bank

    2,461,448       18,401,346  

Bank AlBilad(a)

    1,507,394       23,722,772  

Bank Al-Jazira

    1,791,954       12,875,336  

Banque Saudi Fransi

    2,360,910       33,531,155  

Riyad Bank(a)

    5,282,528       50,070,047  

Saudi British Bank (The)(a)

    3,275,903       33,894,254  

Saudi National Bank (The)

    7,941,045       144,660,719  
   

 

 

 
        545,491,585  
Building Products — 0.3%            

Saudi Ceramic Co.

    248,933       3,260,593  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 17.3%            

Advanced Petrochemical Co.

    471,382       9,457,330  

Alujain Holding

    114,886       1,873,954  

National Industrialization Co.(a)

    1,537,812       9,315,641  

National Petrochemical Co.

    151,250       1,825,224  

SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co.

    694,618       29,596,189  

Sahara International Petrochemical Co.

    1,524,850       19,073,044  

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

    3,218,412       107,293,220  

Saudi Industrial Investment Group

    980,271       9,255,632  

Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co.(a)

    1,709,009       9,343,090  

Yanbu National Petrochemical Co.

    668,968       12,279,374  
   

 

 

 
      209,312,698  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.4%  

Saudi Airlines Catering Co.(a)

    197,733       4,476,394  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 3.0%  

Arabian Cement Co./Saudi Arabia

    286,279       3,066,627  

City Cement Co.

    385,950       2,192,258  

Eastern Province Cement Co.

    245,265       2,737,953  

Najran Cement Co.

    553,199       2,694,576  

Northern Region Cement Co.

    620,968       2,142,466  

Qassim Cement Co. (The)

    220,468       4,530,768  

Riyadh Cement Co.

    87,955       775,501  

Saudi Cement Co.

    359,154       5,338,149  

Southern Province Cement Co.

    311,617       5,648,094  

Yamama Cement Co.(a)

    507,725       3,561,303  

Yanbu Cement Co.

    388,517       3,941,336  
   

 

 

 
      36,629,031  
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.1%  

Ataa Educational Co.

    44,120       782,667  

National Co. for Learning & Education Ltd.

    43,508       722,476  
   

 

 

 
      1,505,143  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 4.3%  

Saudi Telecom Co.

    1,711,655       52,224,758  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 2.0%            

Saudi Electricity Co.

    3,369,882       24,871,887  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.2%  

Jadwa REIT Saudi Fund

    531,042       2,239,274  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.5%        

Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co.

    209,059       6,217,856  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 2.9%            

Al Jouf Agricultural Development Co.

    46,964       715,468  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Food Products (continued)            

Almarai Co. JSC

    1,045,378     $ 14,015,789  

Aseer Trading Tourism & Manufacturing Co.(a)

    471,059       2,595,721  

Halwani Brothers Co.

    47,025       1,115,960  

National Agriculture Development Co. (The)(a)

    293,827       2,422,665  

Saudi Fisheries Co.(a)

    61,568       772,327  

Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Co.

    83,494       3,811,942  

Savola Group (The)

    1,128,185       10,220,951  
   

 

 

 
      35,670,823  
Gas Utilities — 0.3%            

National Gas & Industrialization Co.

    240,393       3,541,866  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 3.0%  

Al Hammadi Co. for Development and Investment, NVS

    342,046       3,740,495  

Dallah Healthcare Co.

    204,269       4,475,272  

Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group Co.

    193,837       8,864,127  

Middle East Healthcare Co.(a)

    223,214       1,921,524  

Mouwasat Medical Services Co.

    214,295       11,887,371  

National Medical Care Co.

    143,517       2,690,396  

Saudi Chemical Co. Holding

    269,761       2,484,295  
   

 

 

 
        36,063,480  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.1%  

Dur Hospitality Co.(a)

    281,267       2,467,844  

Herfy Food Services Co.

    145,249       2,247,623  

Leejam Sports Co. JSC

    124,946       4,237,149  

Seera Group Holding(a)

    738,062       4,176,583  
   

 

 

 
      13,129,199  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.1%            

Astra Industrial Group

    69,811       732,576  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 1.6%            

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

    106,643       2,419,501  

Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co.

    255,467       11,077,957  

Co for Cooperative Insurance (The)

    297,444       6,251,335  
   

 

 

 
      19,748,793  
IT Services — 0.1%            

Al Moammar Information Systems Co.

    25,158       1,024,192  
   

 

 

 
Media — 0.9%            

Saudi Research & Media Group(a)

    166,632       11,114,493  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 4.0%            

Saudi Arabian Mining Co.(a)

    1,695,723       48,407,035  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 5.9%  

Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services Co.

    199,044       4,455,902  

Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Co.(a)

    1,065,335       6,993,671  

Saudi Arabia Refineries Co.

    22,435       797,029  

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.(b)

    5,377,559       59,661,352  
   

 

 

 
      71,907,954  
Pharmaceuticals — 0.3%            

Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corp.

    322,452       3,344,752  
   

 

 

 
Professional Services — 0.2%  

Maharah Human Resources Co.

    109,038       2,259,220  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 1.7%  

Arriyadh Development Co.

    513,640       3,579,234  

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Co.(a)

    2,527,979       7,386,668  

Emaar Economic City(a)

    1,958,378       6,488,983  
 

 

 

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

  49


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development (continued)  

Saudi Real Estate Co.(a)

    586,081     $ 3,306,218  
   

 

 

 
      20,761,103  
Road & Rail — 0.4%            

Saudi Public Transport Co.(a)

    416,219       2,417,248  

United International Transportation Co.

    220,018       2,865,946  
   

 

 

 
      5,283,194  
Specialty Retail — 1.9%            

Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair & Co.(a)

    427,033       1,788,718  

Jarir Marketing Co.

    249,174       13,912,584  

Saudi Co. For Hardware CJSC

    122,898       1,457,210  

United Electronics Co.

    158,596       5,512,391  
   

 

 

 
      22,670,903  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.0%  

Amlak International for Real Estate Finance Co.

    119,665       654,174  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.4%            

Saudi Ground Services Co.(a)

    451,673       4,229,872  

Saudi Industrial Services Co.

    131,965       1,024,968  
   

 

 

 
      5,254,840  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Water Utilities — 0.1%            

AlKhorayef Water & Power Technologies Co.

    28,178     $ 735,345  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.8%  

Etihad Etisalat Co.(a)

    1,595,490       14,870,343  

Mobile Telecommunications Co.(a)

    2,047,845       7,355,750  
   

 

 

 
      22,226,093  

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $ 809,057,324)

      1,210,759,254  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.8%
(Cost: $ 809,057,324)

 

    1,210,759,254  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.2%

 

    2,313,843  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 1,213,073,097  
   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

 

 

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

   $ 3,190,000      $      $ (3,190,000 )(b)     $      $      $             $ 64      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     24        03/18/22      $ 1,411      $ 12,710  
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 
    

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 12,710  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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).

 

 

 

50  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (8,631
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (33,924
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,952,550  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

 

Common Stocks

   $ 12,418,136      $ 1,198,341,118      $      $ 1,210,759,254  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $ 12,710      $      $      $ 12,710  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  51


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI UAE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Air Freight & Logistics — 1.5%  

Aramex PJSC

    490,094     $ 535,297  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 2.4%  

Air Arabia PJSC, NVS(a)

    1,938,782       868,696  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 39.8%  

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

    565,540       1,658,685  

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

    719,028       1,734,679  

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC

    902,787       1,500,359  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

    414,601       1,617,375  

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

    1,379,374       7,766,149  
   

 

 

 
      14,277,247  
Building Products — 2.0%  

National Central Cooling Co. PJSC

    214,682       144,950  

Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics, NVS

    651,880       565,446  
   

 

 

 
      710,396  
Capital Markets — 2.9%  

Dubai Financial Market PJSC(a)

    1,277,802       814,975  

SHUAA Capital PSC

    1,330,755       214,760  
   

 

 

 
      1,029,735  
Construction & Engineering — 0.2%  

Arabtec Holding PJSC(a)(b)

    2,433,366       7  

Drake & Scull International PJSC(a)(b)

    2,972,998       89,844  
   

 

 

 
      89,851  
Diversified Financial Services — 2.9%  

Al Waha Capital PJSC

    1,276,084       555,440  

Amanat Holdings PJSC(a)

    1,332,910       415,238  

Gulf General Investment Co.(a)(b)

    7,295,803       82,730  
   

 

 

 
          1,053,408  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 25.4%  

Al Yah Satellite Communications Co.(a)

    1,002,380       717,150  

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

    877,202       8,377,655  
   

 

 

 
      9,094,805  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5%  

Lamprell PLC(a)

    373,165       172,707  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.6%  

Agthia Group PJSC

    424,099       563,456  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.0%  

NMC Health PLC(b)

    112,588       2  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 2.8%        

Dubai Investments PJSC, NVS

    1,610,655     $ 991,389  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.3%        

Dana Gas PJSC

    2,831,443       818,461  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 10.8%        

Aldar Properties PJSC

    1,362,539       1,557,190  

Deyaar Development PJSC(a)

    955,891       121,555  

Emaar Development PJSC(a)

    49,368       57,751  

Emaar Properties PJSC

    1,103,575       1,528,667  

Eshraq Investments PJSC(a)

    1,459,225       130,861  

RAK Properties PJSC(a)

    1,295,257       273,662  

Union Properties PJSC(a)

    2,750,161       201,806  
   

 

 

 
      3,871,492  
Specialty Retail — 4.0%        

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. for Distribution PJSC

    1,285,850       1,443,668  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.5%        

Amlak Finance PJSC(a)

    813,662       181,707  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $29,219,440)

 

    35,702,317  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.1%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    20,000       20,000  
   

 

 

 

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

 

    20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.7%
(Cost: $29,239,440)

 

    35,722,317  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.3%

 

    122,911  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  35,845,228  
   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 70,000      $  —      $ (50,000 )(a)     $      $      $ 20,000        20,000      $ 2      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

52  

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI UAE ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

For the period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (2,461
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 40,410    

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                       

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 8,647,262      $ 26,882,472      $ 172,583      $ 35,702,317  

Money Market Funds

     20,000                      20,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 8,667,262      $ 26,882,472      $ 172,583      $ 35,722,317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  53


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) 

February 28, 2022

 

   

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)

  $ 6,894,592      $ 110,364,217      $ 6,415,681,544      $ 66,863,507  

Affiliated(c)

    1,878,418        120,000        124,952,466        14,578,700  

Cash

    277        15,606        5,742,679        7,103  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    7,015        91,127        4,942,065        75,822  

Cash pledged:

          

Futures contracts

           63,000        206,000         

Receivables:

          

Investments sold

    414,635        5,356,421        38,362,618        1,615,510  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    634               90,048        28,171  

Variation margin on futures contracts

           6,934        9,068        85  

Capital shares sold

                  2,994,478         

Dividends

           311,597        58,191        28,752  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    9,195,571        116,328,902        6,593,039,157        83,197,650  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

          

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    1,868,138               124,801,877        14,443,931  

Payables:

          

Investments purchased

    420,722        5,087,673        43,492,451        1,802,460  

Investment advisory fees

    3,003        49,238        2,872,257        30,297  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,291,863        5,136,911        171,166,585        16,276,688  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 6,903,708      $ 111,191,991      $ 6,421,872,572      $ 66,920,962  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

          

Paid-in capital

  $ 13,782,740      $ 168,706,176      $ 7,376,502,194      $ 95,989,808  

Accumulated loss

    (6,879,032      (57,514,185      (954,629,622      (29,068,846
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 6,903,708      $ 111,191,991      $ 6,421,872,572      $ 66,920,962  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    250,000        7,650,000        109,600,000        1,550,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 27.61      $ 14.53      $ 58.59      $ 43.17  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 1,819,776      $      $ 119,489,404      $ 13,485,696  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 9,382,715      $ 102,573,444      $ 6,415,611,106      $ 85,766,541  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 1,878,519      $ 120,000      $ 124,885,384      $ 14,577,199  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 6,976      $ 90,983      $ 4,954,846      $ 75,916  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

54  

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Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

 

   

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)

  $ 447,556,618      $ 204,632,883      $ 160,446,510      $ 209,583,730  

Affiliated(c)

    300,000        170,000        120,000        20,525,419  

Cash

    749        5,050        4,839        9,896  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    635,399        118,073        218,906        115,858  

Cash pledged:

          

Futures contracts

    50,000        32,000        8,000        34,000  

Receivables:

          

Investments sold

    16,714,509        7,699,349        1,543,358        4,258,051  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

                         21,052  

Capital shares sold

           385,059        11,291        373,570  

Dividends

    13,752        703,772        31,029        151  

Tax reclaims

                         593,629  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    465,271,027        213,746,186        162,383,933        235,515,356  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

          

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

                         18,027,612  

Payables:

          

Investments purchased

    16,434,966        8,081,719        1,626,587        4,438,458  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    16,071        8,820        2,205        6,952  

Investment advisory fees

    177,108        89,329        60,418        104,308  

Professional fees

                         50,000  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                         2,457,506  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    16,628,145        8,179,868        1,689,210        25,084,836  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 448,642,882      $ 205,566,318      $ 160,694,723      $ 210,430,520  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

          

Paid-in capital

  $ 680,822,449      $ 363,921,861      $ 243,638,426      $ 428,987,162  

Accumulated loss

    (232,179,567      (158,355,543      (82,943,703      (218,556,642
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 448,642,882      $ 205,566,318      $ 160,694,723      $ 210,430,520  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    18,550,000        5,950,000        4,950,000        11,700,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 24.19      $ 34.55      $ 32.46      $ 17.99  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $      $      $      $ 16,981,244  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 514,110,312      $ 213,976,611      $ 179,681,077      $ 302,512,609  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 300,000      $ 170,000      $ 120,000      $ 20,525,979  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 638,762      $ 116,362      $ 222,935      $ 120,845  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  55


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

 

   

iShares

MSCI Qatar

ETF

    

iShares

MSCI Saudi Arabia

ETF

    

iShares

MSCI UAE

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

       

Investments in securities, at value:

       

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 101,945,139      $ 1,210,759,254      $ 35,702,317  

Affiliated(b)

    150,000               20,000  

Cash

    6,441        435,680        1,958  

Foreign currency, at value(c)

    404,678        532,388        5,314  

Cash pledged:

       

Futures contracts

    13,000        3,000         

Receivables:

       

Investments sold

    1,639,706        5,695,108        1,094,529  

Variation margin on futures contracts

           14,131         

Capital shares sold

           11,389,203         

Dividends

    2        518,356         
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    104,158,966        1,229,347,120        36,824,118  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

       

Payables:

       

Investments purchased

    1,364,429        15,629,639        963,661  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    2,491                

Investment advisory fees

    42,718        644,384        15,229  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    1,409,638        16,274,023        978,890  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 102,749,328      $ 1,213,073,097      $ 35,845,228  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Paid-in capital

  $ 95,112,823      $ 947,232,169      $ 68,830,793  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    7,636,505        265,840,928        (32,985,565
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 102,749,328      $ 1,213,073,097      $ 35,845,228  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    4,500,000        26,350,000        2,050,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 22.83      $ 46.04      $ 17.49  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 68,832,526      $ 809,057,324      $ 29,219,440  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 150,000      $      $ 20,000  

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 404,589      $ 532,388      $ 5,250  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56  

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Statements of Operations (unaudited) 

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

   

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

  $ 104,200      $ 1,586,923      $ 14,644,025      $ 599,425  

Dividends — Affiliated

    66        6        9,967        1,130  

Interest — Unaffiliated

                  2,515         

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    2,877               899,896        403,230  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (27,738      (146,413      (619,739      (4,140
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    79,405        1,440,516        14,936,664        999,645  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

          

Investment advisory fees

    20,786        279,171        17,736,568        222,213  

Commitment fees

           481        19,090         

Professional fees

    217        217        217        217  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    21,003        279,869        17,755,875        222,430  

 

Less:

          

Investment advisory fees waived

    (8,874                     
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    12,129        279,869        17,755,875        222,430  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    67,276        1,160,647        (2,819,211      777,215  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

          

Net realized gain (loss) from:

          

Investments — Unaffiliated

    2,236        (447,158      (134,270,317      (4,349,334

Investments — Affiliated

    (188             (7,381      (2,529

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    497,809                      723,287  

Futures contracts

           (161,763      (2,405,752      (1,269

Foreign currency transactions

    503        132,328        4,477        (1,604
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    500,360        (476,593      (136,678,973      (3,631,449
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

          

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (1,511,352      (14,379,280      (1,038,539,469      (11,305,111

Investments — Affiliated

    (121             (39,846      (2,171

Futures contracts

           114,240        1,488,876        (7,402

Foreign currency translations

    (484      15,397        (22,695      (286
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,511,957      (14,249,643      (1,037,113,134      (11,314,970
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,011,597      (14,726,236      (1,173,792,107      (14,946,419
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (944,321    $ (13,565,589    $ (1,176,611,318    $ (14,169,204
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  57


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

   

iShares

MSCI

Indonesia

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Peru

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI

Philippines

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Poland

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 2,620,528     $ 3,666,552     $ 615,952     $ 2,878,282  

Dividends — Affiliated

    19       10       6       1,478  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

                      153,797  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (421,380     (111,895     (124,059     (431,470

IRS Compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                      (30,909
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    2,199,167       3,554,667       491,899       2,571,178  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    1,119,817       418,282       354,625       782,598  

Professional fees

    217       217       217       217  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,120,034       418,499       354,842       782,815  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,079,133       3,136,168       137,057       1,788,363  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (10,846,178     (13,550,265     (3,354,995     (8,870,362

Investments — Affiliated

                      (4,391

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    8,954,728       8,618,085       2,631,890       9,458,997  

Futures contracts

    (73,858     (9,173     (4,635     (145,465

Foreign currency transactions

    (2,911     (3,700     1,396       (96,155
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    (1,968,219     (4,945,053     (726,344     342,624  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    49,439,837       43,839,820       8,531,060       (66,430,243

Investments — Affiliated

                      (1,909

Futures contracts

    (16,913     (28,890     (11,514     (11,807

Foreign currency translations

    (11,972     6,606       (9,501     (56,586
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    49,410,952       43,817,536       8,510,045       (66,500,545
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    47,442,733       38,872,483       7,783,701       (66,157,921
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 48,521,866     $ 42,008,651     $ 7,920,758     $ (64,369,558
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58  

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Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

   

iShares

MSCI Qatar

ETF

    

iShares

MSCI Saudi

Arabia ETF

    

iShares

MSCI UAE

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 928,294      $ 4,603,782      $ 54,629  

Dividends — Affiliated

    4        64        2  

Foreign taxes withheld

           (160,011       
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    928,298        4,443,835        54,631  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    263,377        3,659,394        80,672  

Commitment fees

    451        4,577        132  

Professional fees

    217        217        217  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    264,045        3,664,188        81,021  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    664,253        779,647        (26,390
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    321,541        (3,477,425      1,138,494  

Futures contracts

    2,410        (8,631      (2,461

Foreign currency transactions

    (39,678      (53,820      (1,687
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    284,273        (3,539,876      1,134,346  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    13,276,340        124,009,106        3,988,348  

Futures contracts

    (6,077      (33,924       

Foreign currency translations

    468        99        104  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    13,270,731        123,975,281        3,988,452  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    13,555,004        120,435,405        5,122,798  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 14,219,257      $ 121,215,052      $ 5,096,408  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  59


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

iShares

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
         

Six Months

Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

          Year Ended
08/31/21
          

Six Months

Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                

OPERATIONS

                

Net investment income

             $ 67,276             $ 44,780              $ 1,160,647             $ 2,487,826  

Net realized gain (loss)

      500,360         229,623          (476,593       6,485,872  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (1,511,957       2,543,515          (14,249,643       18,749,589  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (944,321       2,817,918          (13,565,589       27,723,287  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

                

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (58,451       (64,808        (2,442,567       (2,361,269
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                

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

      (1,483,573       (1,067,643        19,224,165         (14,760,639
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

                

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (2,486,345       1,685,467          3,216,009         10,601,379  

Beginning of period

      9,390,053         7,704,586          107,975,982         97,374,603  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 6,903,708       $ 9,390,053        $ 111,191,991       $ 107,975,982  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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 China ETF

         

iShares

MSCI China Small-Cap ETF

 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 
         

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/21

         

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

               

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

             $ (2,819,211           $ 61,419,028                 $ 777,215                $ 2,147,257  

Net realized gain (loss)

      (136,678,973       89,362,120         (3,631,449       16,601,968  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (1,037,113,134       (537,758,595       (11,314,970       (8,325,517
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (1,176,611,318       (386,977,447       (14,169,204       10,423,708  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

               

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (44,692,034       (64,101,259       (2,842,339       (2,247,618
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

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

      1,460,706,908         514,643,583         (4,888,344       28,655,679  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

               

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      239,403,556         63,564,877         (21,899,887       36,831,769  

Beginning of period

      6,182,469,016         6,118,904,139         88,820,849         51,989,080  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 6,421,872,572       $ 6,182,469,016       $ 66,920,962       $ 88,820,849  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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

  61


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

         

iShares

MSCI Indonesia ETF

         

iShares

MSCI Peru ETF

 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 
         

Six Months

Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/21

            

Six Months

Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

               

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income

    $ 1,079,133       $ 4,335,677       $ 3,136,168       $ 3,460,080  

Net realized loss

      (1,968,219             (19,687,162             (4,945,053                (17,601,355

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      49,410,952         46,416,147         43,817,536         (9,103,638
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      48,521,866         31,064,662         42,008,651         (23,244,913
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

               

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (2,830,791       (4,987,704       (3,197,453       (2,273,885
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

      50,994,087         5,989,055         70,893,350         39,083,845  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

               

Total increase in net assets

      96,685,162         32,066,013         109,704,548         13,565,047  

Beginning of period

      351,957,720         319,891,707         95,861,770         82,296,723  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 448,642,882       $ 351,957,720       $ 205,566,318       $ 95,861,770  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

62  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

         

iShares

MSCI Philippines ETF

         

iShares

MSCI Poland ETF

 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 
          Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
          Year Ended
08/31/21
          Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
          Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

               

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income

    $ 137,057       $ 1,131,105       $ 1,788,363       $ 2,087,648  

Net realized gain (loss)

      (726,344       (10,531,238       342,624         (13,048,272

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

               8,510,045               23,537,100                  (66,500,545                79,176,026  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      7,920,758         14,136,967         (64,369,558       68,215,402  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

               

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (452,910       (1,185,812       (2,982,099       (2,299,648
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

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

      28,183,678         (6,414,725       (6,364,058       (35,363,332
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

               

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      35,651,526         6,536,430         (73,715,715       30,552,422  

Beginning of period

      125,043,197         118,506,767         284,146,235         253,593,813  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 160,694,723       $ 125,043,197       $ 210,430,520       $ 284,146,235  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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

  63


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

         

iShares

MSCI Qatar ETF

  

iShares

MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

 
   

 

 

  

 

 

 
          Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
08/31/21
         Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
         Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                 

OPERATIONS

                 

Net investment income

             $ 664,253       $ 1,764,915        $ 779,647        $ 14,061,663  

Net realized gain (loss)

      284,273            (341,109           (3,539,876           1,956,363  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      13,270,731         9,448,605          123,975,281          244,575,468  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

      14,219,257         10,872,411          121,215,052          260,593,494  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

                 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (278,602       (1,877,384        (6,678,052        (9,483,509
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                 

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

      2,574,718         (9,984,547        199,852,440          130,945,034  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

                 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      16,515,373         (989,520        314,389,440          382,055,019  

Beginning of period

      86,233,955         87,223,475          898,683,657          516,628,638  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 102,749,328       $ 86,233,955        $ 1,213,073,097        $ 898,683,657  
   

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

64  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   

iShares

MSCI UAE ETF

 
 

 

 

 
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
          Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

     

OPERATIONS

     

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (26,390     $ 752,809  

Net realized gain (loss)

    1,134,346         (1,734,153

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    3,988,452                5,887,761  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    5,096,408         4,906,417  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

     

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (523,297       (741,238
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

     

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

    7,554,587         (18,624,637
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

     

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    12,127,698         (14,459,458

Beginning of period

    23,717,530         38,176,988  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 35,845,228       $ 23,717,530  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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

  65


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended                        Period From  
   

02/28/22

(unaudited)

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

 

 

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

 

 

       04/25/17 (a)  
           to 08/31/17  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  31.30        $ 22.01        $ 19.34        $ 22.20        $ 25.71        $ 25.23  
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.26          0.15          0.17          0.27          0.63          0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

               (3.72        9.36          2.65          (2.88        (3.61        0.46  
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (3.46        9.51          2.82          (2.61        (2.98        0.49  
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                            

From net investment income

      (0.23        (0.22        (0.15        (0.25        (0.53        (0.01
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.23        (0.22               (0.15               (0.25               (0.53        (0.01
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  27.61        $ 31.30        $ 22.01        $ 19.34        $ 22.20               $ 25.71  
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                            

Based on net asset value

      (10.97 )%(f)         43.35        14.65        (12.05 )%         (12.00 )%         2.00 %(f) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                            

Total expenses

      0.60 %(h)         0.59        0.59        0.59        0.59        0.59 %(h) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.34 %(h)         0.24        0.24        0.45        0.59        0.59 %(h) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.91 %(h)         0.59        0.85        1.14        2.22        0.34 %(h) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                            

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $  6,904        $ 9,390        $ 7,705        $ 8,704        $ 22,203        $ 15,428  
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      25 %(f)         30        51        27        42        17 %(f)  
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

66  

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Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 17.42     $ 13.62     $ 16.92     $ 11.87     $ 16.19     $ 11.51  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.17       0.37       0.23       0.50       0.40       0.36  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

               (2.68     3.79       (3.30     5.15       (4.01     4.74  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (2.51     4.16       (3.07     5.65       (3.61     5.10  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.38     (0.36     (0.23     (0.60     (0.71     (0.42
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.38     (0.36     (0.23     (0.60     (0.71     (0.42
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 14.53     $ 17.42     $ 13.62     $ 16.92     $ 11.87     $ 16.19  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      (14.25 )%(e)      30.34     (18.40 )%      48.35     (22.95 )%      45.92
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.58 %(g)       0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.39 %(g)       2.26     1.51     3.26     2.55     2.76
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 111,192     $ 107,976     $ 97,375     $ 106,588     $ 48,679     $ 62,316  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      19 %(e)(i)       40 %(i)       65 %(i)       47 %(i)       67 %(i)       58 %(i)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(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)   Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e)   Not annualized.

(f)   Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g)   Annualized.

(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:

      19     39     26     30     25     26
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
See notes to financial statements.              

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  67


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI China ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 70.90     $ 75.92     $ 56.43     $ 60.85     $ 62.06     $ 46.87  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

               (0.03     0.74       0.90       0.95       1.05       0.86  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (11.80     (4.98     19.40       (4.49     (1.10     14.94  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (11.83     (4.24     20.30       (3.54     (0.05     15.80  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.48     (0.78     (0.81     (0.88     (1.16     (0.61
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.48     (0.78     (0.81     (0.88     (1.16     (0.61
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 58.59     $ 70.90     $ 75.92     $ 56.43     $ 60.85     $ 62.06  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      (16.74 )%(e)      (5.69 )%      36.29     (5.76 )%      (0.22 )%      34.13
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.58 %(g)       0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.09 )%(g)       0.93     1.43     1.63     1.57     1.70
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 6,421,873     $ 6,182,469     $ 6,118,904     $ 3,588,927     $ 3,444,143     $ 2,594,247  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      3 %(e)       18     16     14     14     6
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

68  

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Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 53.83     $ 45.21     $ 38.46     $ 47.23     $ 48.50     $ 43.79  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.49       1.50       1.46       1.39       1.51       1.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (9.37     8.86       6.48       (7.78     (1.14     5.21  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (8.88     10.36       7.94       (6.39     0.37       6.43  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (1.78     (1.74     (1.19     (2.38     (1.64     (1.72
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.78     (1.74     (1.19     (2.38     (1.64     (1.72
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 43.17     $ 53.83     $ 45.21     $ 38.46     $ 47.23     $ 48.50  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      (16.81 )%(e)      23.33     21.21     (13.60 )%      0.58     15.29
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.58 %(g)      0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.01 %(g)      2.82     3.70     3.26     2.91     2.72
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 66,921     $ 88,821     $ 51,989     $ 19,230     $ 25,977     $ 21,825  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      37 %(e)       51     39     38     63     26
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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

  69


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 21.33     $ 19.69     $ 25.22     $ 23.57     $ 26.89     $ 25.82  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

               0.06       0.27       0.36       0.41       0.43       0.31  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      2.96       1.68       (5.66     1.70       (3.27     1.11  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      3.02       1.95       (5.30     2.11       (2.84     1.42  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.16     (0.31     (0.23     (0.46     (0.48     (0.35
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.16     (0.31     (0.23     (0.46     (0.48     (0.35
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 24.19     $ 21.33     $ 19.69     $ 25.22     $ 23.57     $ 26.89  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      14.19 %(e)      9.88     (21.04 )%      9.00     (10.67 )%      5.53
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.57 %(g)       0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.55 %(g)       1.26     1.65     1.64     1.63     1.22
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 448,643     $ 351,958     $ 319,892     $ 402,185     $ 414,758     $ 501,411  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      9 %(e)       10     13     12     7     6
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

70  

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Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Peru ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 27.00     $ 31.65     $ 34.11     $ 37.44     $ 37.54     $ 32.79  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.65       0.79       0.69       0.85       1.09       0.46  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      7.57       (5.00     (2.34     (3.36     (0.06     4.99  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      8.22       (4.21     (1.65     (2.51     1.03       5.45  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.67     (0.44     (0.81     (0.82     (1.13     (0.70
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.67     (0.44     (0.81     (0.82     (1.13     (0.70
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 34.55     $ 27.00     $ 31.65     $ 34.11     $ 37.44     $ 37.54  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      30.95 %(e)      (13.49 )%      (4.78 )%      (6.75 )%      2.60     16.89
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.58 %(g)       0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      4.31 %(g)       2.42     2.15     2.33     2.65     1.37
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 205,566     $ 95,862     $ 82,297     $ 163,738     $ 164,717     $ 170,794  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      14 %(e)       33     26     18     11     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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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

  71


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Philippines ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 30.50     $ 26.63     $ 34.45     $ 33.08     $ 35.88     $ 39.19  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.04       0.26       0.17       0.28       0.14       0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      2.04       3.90       (7.80     1.35       (2.79     (3.26
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      2.08       4.16       (7.63     1.63       (2.65     (3.11
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.12     (0.29     (0.19     (0.26     (0.15     (0.20
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.12     (0.29     (0.19     (0.26     (0.15     (0.20
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 32.46     $ 30.50     $ 26.63     $ 34.45     $ 33.08     $ 35.88  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      6.83 %(e)       15.57     (22.16 )%      4.93     (7.40 )%      (7.87 )% 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.58 %(g)       0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.22 %(g)       0.87     0.57     0.83     0.40     0.42
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 160,695     $ 125,043     $ 118,507     $ 217,028     $ 172,013     $ 172,245  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      6 %(e)       20     16     8     8     7
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

72  

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Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Poland ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 23.10     $ 18.24     $ 20.68     $ 24.31     $ 27.33     $ 18.06  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.14       0.16 (b)       0.17 (b)       0.65 (b)       0.33 (b)       0.45 (b)  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (5.03     4.86       (1.95     (3.93     (2.90     9.25  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (4.89     5.02       (1.78     (3.28     (2.57     9.70  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

             

From net investment income

      (0.22     (0.16     (0.66     (0.35     (0.45     (0.43
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.22     (0.16     (0.66     (0.35     (0.45     (0.43
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 17.99     $ 23.10     $ 18.24     $ 20.68     $ 24.31     $ 27.33  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

             

Based on net asset value

      (21.31 )%(f)      27.65 %(b)      (8.76 )%(b)      (13.64 )%(b)      (9.53 )%(b)      54.79 %(b) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

             

Total expenses

      0.57 %(h)       0.61     0.78     0.61     0.63     0.63
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      N/A       0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.31 %(h)       0.80 %(b)       0.93 %(b)       2.81 %(b)       1.28 %(b)       2.07 %(b)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 210,431     $ 284,146     $ 253,594     $ 260,578     $ 263,758     $ 363,537  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      5 %(f)       22     15     5     7     6
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2021, August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019, August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017, respectively:

 

• Net investment income per share by $0.07, $0.28, $0.05, $0.08 and $0.03, respectively.

 

• Total return by 0.38%, 1.40%, 0.21%, 0.41% and 0.11%, respectively.

 

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.34%, 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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

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

  73


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Qatar ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 19.60     $ 17.62     $ 17.44     $ 17.82     $ 16.19     $ 20.18  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

               0.15       0.37       0.56       0.64       0.66       0.57  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      3.14       2.03       0.11       (0.26     1.71       (3.90
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      3.29       2.40       0.67       0.38       2.37       (3.33
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.06     (0.42     (0.45     (0.76     (0.74     (0.66

Return of capital

                  (0.04                  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.06     (0.42     (0.49     (0.76     (0.74     (0.66
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 22.83     $ 19.60     $ 17.62     $ 17.44     $ 17.82     $ 16.19  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      16.83 %(e)      13.70     4.10     1.98     14.96     (16.52 )% 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.58 %(g)       0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.45 %(g)       1.98     3.31     3.48     4.09     3.05
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 102,749     $ 86,234     $ 87,223     $ 50,576     $ 55,253     $ 49,390  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      18 %(e)(i)      26 %(i)       24 %(i)       33 %(i)       58 %(i)       47 %(i)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(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)   Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e)   Not annualized.

(f)   Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g)   Annualized.

(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:

      4     9     14     23     22     20
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

74  

2 0 2 2   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 Saudi Arabia ETF

 
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 41.22     $ 28.70     $ 30.21     $ 29.72     $ 26.15     $ 21.52  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.03       0.71       0.57       1.11       1.28       0.91  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      5.07       12.27       (1.26     0.12       2.92       4.24  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      5.10       12.98       (0.69     1.23       4.20       5.15  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.28     (0.46     (0.82     (0.74     (0.63     (0.52
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.28     (0.46     (0.82     (0.74     (0.63     (0.52
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 46.04     $ 41.22     $ 28.70     $ 30.21     $ 29.72     $ 26.15  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      12.48 %(e)       45.37     (2.21 )%      4.14     16.23     24.06
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.74 %(g)       0.74     0.74     0.74     0.74     0.74
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.16 %(g)       2.06     2.03     3.46     4.31     3.68
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 1,213,073     $ 898,684     $ 516,629     $ 646,591     $ 257,099     $ 18,306  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      8 %(e)(i)       13 %(i)       64 %(i)       82 %(i)       20 %(i)       21 %(i)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(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)   Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e)   Not annualized.

(f)   Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g)   Annualized.

(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:

      3     6     20     14     10     21
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  I G H L I G H T S

  75


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares MSCI UAE ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 14.82     $ 10.91     $ 14.09     $ 15.61     $ 17.74     $ 17.15  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.01     0.46       0.53       0.57       0.70       0.50  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      2.96       3.96       (3.16     (1.54     (2.04     0.72  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      2.95       4.42       (2.63     (0.97     (1.34     1.22  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (0.28     (0.51     (0.55     (0.55     (0.79     (0.63
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.28     (0.51     (0.55     (0.55     (0.79     (0.63
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 17.49     $ 14.82     $ 10.91     $ 14.09     $ 15.61     $ 17.74  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      19.96 %(e)      40.74     (18.43 )%      (5.95 )%      (7.55 )%      7.33
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.58 %(g)      0.57     0.59     0.59     0.59     0.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.19 )%(g)      3.61     4.46     3.95     4.18     2.94
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 35,845     $ 23,718     $ 38,177     $ 45,807     $ 39,018     $ 49,663  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      21 %(e)       112     67     55     33     33
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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 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 Statements 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 Statements 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, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the Statements 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 Statements 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

 

 

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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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each business day, the Funds use current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

If events (e.g., 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 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 Schedule 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:

 

 

 

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

         

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 1,213,402      $ 1,213,402     $      $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    143,037        143,037               

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    754        754               

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    75,954        75,954               

Scotia Capital (USA), Inc.

    172,650        172,650               

Toronto Dominion Bank

    6,024        6,024               

UBS AG

    191,326        191,326               

UBS Securities LLC

    16,629        16,629               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $         1,819,776      $         1,819,776     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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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

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 589,245      $ 589,245     $      $  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    4,826,898        4,826,898               

BNP Paribas SA

    6,463,823        6,463,823               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    17,268,254        17,268,254               

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    9,476,035        9,476,035               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    983,147        983,147               

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    7,073,572        7,073,572               

HSBC Bank PLC

    313,107        313,107               

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    2,701,066        2,701,066               

Macquarie Bank Ltd.

    4,686,660        4,686,660               

Morgan Stanley

    57,537,360        57,537,360               

National Financial Services LLC

    58,374        58,374               

RBC Capital Markets LLC

    74,934        74,934               

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    103,720        103,720               

Toronto Dominion Bank

    1,236,417        1,236,417               

UBS AG

    5,750,954        5,384,251              (366,703 )(b) 

UBS Securities LLC

    152,542        152,542               

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    193,296        193,296               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 119,489,404      $ 119,122,701     $      $ (366,703
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI China Small-Cap

         

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 407,730      $ 407,730     $      $  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    351,521        351,521               

BNP Paribas SA

    459,175        459,175               

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,116,702        2,116,702               

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    407,816        407,816               

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    228,078        228,078               

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    2,575,835        2,575,835               

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    2,579,875        2,579,875               

Macquarie Bank Ltd.

    468,863        468,863               

Morgan Stanley

    2,936,543        2,936,543               

National Financial Services LLC

    115,897        115,897               

Scotia Capital (USA), Inc.

    366,397        366,397               

SG Americas Securities LLC

    7,418        7,418               

UBS AG

    408        408               

UBS Securities LLC

    463,438        463,438               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 13,485,696      $ 13,485,696     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Poland

         

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $ 2,854,176      $ 2,854,176     $      $  

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    4,646,470        4,646,470               

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    370,133        370,133               

Morgan Stanley

    9,110,465        9,110,465               
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 16,981,244      $ 16,981,244     $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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) 

The market value of the loaned securities is determined as of February 28, 2022. 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).

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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 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

    0.7400

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

    0.6900  

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

    0.6400  

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

    0.5700  

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

    0.5100  

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

    0.4800  

Over $32 billion, up to and including $40 billion

    0.4500  

Over $40 billion

    0.4275  

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 had 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. The voluntary waiver was discontinued after December 31, 2021.

This amount is included in investment advisory fees waived in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement were as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Amounts waived    

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 8,874    

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, including any custodial costs. 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   
iShares ETF   Fees Paid  
to BTC   
 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $ 781    

MSCI China

    232,044    

MSCI China Small-Cap

    92,230    

MSCI Poland

    37,321    

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, 2022, 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

  $ 404,104      $      $  

MSCI China

     13,847,224         17,981,064         (20,860,290

MSCI China Small-Cap

    8,538,595        2,803,195        717,066  

MSCI Peru

    1,666,808        2,467,968        (2,015,184

MSCI Poland

    5,859,309        1,237,718        (665,261

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 Statements 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, 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

  $ 1,761,447      $ 2,041,450    

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

    37,106,143        19,322,098    

MSCI China

     1,470,460,753         199,154,629    

MSCI China Small-Cap

    28,880,454        28,915,999    

MSCI Indonesia

    39,152,958        35,594,571    

MSCI Peru

    27,617,932        20,915,483    

MSCI Philippines

    8,202,043        7,738,780    

MSCI Poland

    12,959,456        15,656,567    

MSCI Qatar

    18,591,174        16,241,848    

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    273,686,622        79,622,420    

MSCI UAE

    12,914,589        6,037,662    

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind   

Sales   

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

  $      $ 1,188,715    

MSCI China

     177,982,046        —    

MSCI China Small-Cap

    257,286        6,639,894    

MSCI Indonesia

    111,884,802         66,957,386    

MSCI Peru

    140,750,080        76,233,987    

MSCI Philippines

    69,901,541        42,123,737    

MSCI Poland

    93,491,502        99,498,541    

MSCI UAE

    35,106        —    

 

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, 2022, 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, 2021, 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

  $ 4,727,042    

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

    55,778,419    

MSCI China

     649,443,403    

MSCI China Small-Cap

    4,605,075    

MSCI Indonesia

    161,291,249    

MSCI Peru

    140,440,764    

MSCI Philippines

    60,067,144    

MSCI Poland

    121,342,231    

MSCI Qatar

    18,006,638    

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    65,216,720    

MSCI UAE

    36,039,405    

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, 2022, 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

  $ 11,434,186      $ 723,406      $ (3,384,582   $ (2,661,176

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

    111,796,848        20,470,886        (21,698,469     (1,227,583

MSCI China

    6,729,058,503        975,873,702        (1,164,444,406     (188,570,704

MSCI China Small-Cap

    102,956,405        5,830,490        (27,355,768     (21,525,278

MSCI Indonesia

    516,374,084        35,384,004        (103,918,037     (68,534,033

MSCI Peru

    219,313,323        8,703,017        (23,235,058     (14,532,041

MSCI Philippines

    182,610,579        4,115,725        (26,166,261     (22,050,536

MSCI Poland

    327,733,098        1,265,956        (98,915,345     (97,649,389

MSCI Qatar

    77,394,886        33,278,159        (8,584,155     24,694,004  

MSCI Saudi Arabia

    875,678,522        403,379,717        (68,286,275     335,093,442  

MSCI UAE

    33,776,492        11,086,132        (9,140,307     1,945,825  

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF, iShares MSCI China 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 $800 million credit agreement (“Syndicated Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which expires on August 12, 2022. 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 Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Syndicated Credit Agreement. The Syndicated Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.15% 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 Syndicated Credit Agreement.

During the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds did not borrow under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

 

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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may cause uncertainty in the markets and as a result adversely affect the Fund’s investments. 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 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.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBORTransition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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

02/28/22

          

Year Ended

08/31/21

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares            Amount            Shares            Amount  

 

 

MSCI Argentina and Global Exposure

                

Shares redeemed

    (50,000      $ (1,483,573        (50,000      $ (1,067,643
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI Brazil Small-Cap

                

Shares sold

    1,450,000        $ 19,224,165          50,000        $ 1,032,617  

Shares redeemed

                      (1,000,000        (15,793,256
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,450,000        $ 19,224,165          (950,000      $ (14,760,639
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI China

                

Shares sold

    22,400,000        $ 1,460,706,908          12,600,000        $ 1,029,902,450  

Shares redeemed

                      (6,000,000        (515,258,867
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase

    22,400,000        $ 1,460,706,908          6,600,000        $ 514,643,583  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI China Small-Cap

                

Shares sold

    50,000        $ 2,296,743          1,200,000        $ 67,193,631  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000        (7,185,087        (700,000        (38,537,952
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (100,000      $ (4,888,344        500,000        $ 28,655,679  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI Indonesia

                

Shares sold

    5,050,000        $ 120,265,415          6,350,000        $ 136,719,963  

Shares redeemed

    (3,000,000        (69,271,328        (6,100,000        (130,730,908
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase

    2,050,000        $ 50,994,087          250,000        $ 5,989,055  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI Peru

                

Shares sold

    5,050,000        $ 150,964,981          4,650,000        $ 150,213,900  

Shares redeemed

    (2,650,000        (80,071,631        (3,700,000        (111,130,055
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase

    2,400,000        $ 70,893,350          950,000        $ 39,083,845  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI Philippines

                

Shares sold

    2,200,000        $ 70,428,839          1,150,000        $ 36,356,001  

Shares redeemed

    (1,350,000        (42,245,161        (1,500,000        (42,770,726
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    850,000        $ 28,183,678          (350,000      $ (6,414,725
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI Poland

                

Shares sold

    4,200,000        $ 94,194,809          5,200,000        $ 94,082,451  

Shares redeemed

    (4,800,000        (100,558,867        (6,800,000        (129,445,783
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (600,000      $ (6,364,058        (1,600,000      $ (35,363,332
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI Qatar

                

Shares sold

    750,000        $ 16,010,889          900,000        $ 16,893,879  

Shares redeemed

    (650,000        (13,436,171        (1,450,000        (26,878,426
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    100,000        $ 2,574,718          (550,000      $ (9,984,547
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI Saudi Arabia

                

Shares sold

    5,750,000        $ 253,229,563          5,350,000        $ 178,705,972  

Shares redeemed

    (1,200,000        (53,377,123        (1,550,000        (47,760,938
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase

    4,550,000        $ 199,852,440          3,800,000        $ 130,945,034  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

MSCI UAE

                

Shares sold

    450,000        $ 7,554,587          1,600,000        $ 21,193,301  

Shares redeemed

                      (3,500,000        (39,817,938
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    450,000        $ 7,554,587          (1,900,000      $ (18,624,637
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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 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

  87


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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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.

 

 

88  

2 0 2 2   I S 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


Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted 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, 2022

 

       
   

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 Brazil Small-Cap(a)

  $ 0.343545     $     $ 0.032206     $ 0.375751         91         9     100

MSCI Indonesia(a)

    0.140026             0.023132       0.163158         86             14       100  

MSCI Peru(a)

    0.468040             0.198096       0.666136         70             30       100  

MSCI Philippines(a)

    0.109634             0.008005       0.117639         93             7       100  

MSCI Qatar(a)

    0.028816             0.029837       0.058653         49             51       100  

MSCI UAE(a)

    0.278215             0.004648       0.282863               98             2       100  

 

  (a) 

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

 

 

 

U P P L E M E N T A L  N F O R M A T I O N

  89


General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail 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 Trust’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.

 

 

90  

2 0 2 2   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 


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

    

 

 

 

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

  91


 

 

    

 

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.

©2022 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-806-0222

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

  

2022 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 BZX

·  

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, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers.

Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022  
      6-Month         12-Month     

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

        (2.62 )%        16.39

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

    (9.46     (6.01

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

    (6.78     2.83  

Emerging market equities (MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

    (9.81     (10.69

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

      0.02           0.04  

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

    (3.94     (1.67

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

    (4.07     (2.64

Tax-exempt municipal bonds (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

    (3.09     (0.66

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

    (3.07     0.64  
Past performance is not an indication 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     F 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  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     56  

Supplemental Information

     57  

General Information

     58  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     59  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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      10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (14.01 )%       4.76      14.73      14.37        4.76      98.80      282.98

Fund Market

    (14.55      4.93        14.68        14.29          4.93        98.38        280.28  

Index

    (13.40      5.47        15.14        14.72                5.47        102.33        294.80  

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
(09/01/21)

 

 
 

      


Ending

Account Value
(02/28/22)

 

 
 

      


Expenses

Paid During
the Period

 

 
 (a)  

           


Beginning

Account Value
(09/01/21)

 

 
 

      


Ending

Account Value
(02/28/22)

 

 
 

      


Expenses

Paid During
the Period
 

 

 
(a) 

    

Annualized
Expense

Ratio

 
 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 859.90        $ 2.44             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.20        $ 2.66        0.53

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Health Care

    38.7

Industrials

    28.1  

Financials

    10.3  

Consumer Staples

    6.3  

Utilities

    5.4  

Materials

    5.2  

Consumer Discretionary

    2.9  

Information Technology

    2.3  

Energy

    0.8  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    22.8

DSV A/S

    8.4  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    7.3  

Orsted AS

    5.4  

Genmab A/S

    4.5  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    4.2  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B

    4.0  

Carlsberg A/S, Class B

    3.5  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    3.2  

Danske Bank A/S

    2.9  
 
  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 2    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


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (20.44 )%       (7.36 )%       7.91     7.53       (7.36 )%       46.30      106.59

Fund Market

    (21.10      (7.73      7.82       7.45         (7.73      45.74        105.24  

Index

    (19.64      (7.01      7.54       7.12               (7.01      43.81        98.93  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 795.60        $ 2.36             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.20        $ 2.66        0.53

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    23.9

Materials

    19.0  

Information Technology

    18.4  

Financials

    12.2  

Communication Services

    5.4  

Energy

    4.4  

Consumer Staples

    4.0  

Utilities

    3.9  

Health Care

    3.7  

Consumer Discretionary

    3.3  

Real Estate

    1.8  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Nokia Oyj

    14.9

Sampo Oyj, Class A

    11.6  

Kone Oyj, Class B

    9.9  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    9.0  

Stora Enso Oyj, Class R

    4.4  

Neste Oyj

    4.4  

Elisa Oyj

    4.0  

Fortum Oyj

    3.9  

Kesko Oyj, Class B

    3.9  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    2.9  
 

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (14.52 )%      (6.81 )%      12.25     11.84        (6.81 )%       78.20      206.14

Fund Market

    (15.17     (7.25     12.22       11.77          (7.25      77.93        204.37  

Index

    (13.78     (6.04     12.37       11.77                (6.04      79.13        204.27  

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

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$ 1,000.00        $ 854.80        $ 2.71             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.96          0.59

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    27.3

Information Technology

    14.2  

Materials

    11.6  

Health Care

    9.8  

Communication Services

    9.4  

Consumer Discretionary

    8.5  

Real Estate

    7.8  

Financials

    5.8  

Consumer Staples

    2.8  

Energy

    1.4  

Utilities

    1.4  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Rheinmetall AG

    4.3

K+S AG

    3.3  

thyssenkrupp AG

    2.9  

Evotec SE

    2.7  

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA

    2.7  

TAG Immobilien AG

    2.5  

Aurubis AG

    2.4  

Hugo Boss AG

    2.4  

Freenet AG

    2.3  

Befesa SA

    1.9  
 

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6  

2 0 2 2    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


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

    (14.54 )%      3.01      7.29      10.50       3.01      42.15      171.42

Fund Market

    (16.19     1.85        7.04        10.40         1.85        40.53        168.85  

Index

    (14.18     3.82        7.72        11.01               3.82        45.05        184.17  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 854.60        $ 2.25             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.40        $ 2.46        0.49

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Materials

    25.5

Consumer Discretionary

    21.0  

Consumer Staples

    19.9  

Industrials

    13.5  

Financials

    8.8  

Health Care

    7.3  

Real Estate

    4.0  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

CRH PLC

    20.9

Flutter Entertainment PLC, Class DI

    13.9  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    10.0  

ICON PLC

    4.7  

Glanbia PLC

    4.7  

Kingspan Group PLC

    4.5  

Grafton Group PLC

    4.4  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    4.4  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

    4.3  

Ryanair Holdings PLC

    4.1  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

 

          Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
     6 Months     1 Year     

Since

Inception

           1 Year     

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

    14.95     41.95      35.49       41.95      57.52

Fund Market

    15.20       42.43        36.06         42.43        58.51  

Index

    14.80       42.40        35.94               42.40        58.36  

The inception date of the Fund was 9/1/20. The first day of secondary market trading was 9/3/20.

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 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return         
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,149.50        $ 3.94             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.10        $ 3.71        0.74

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    66.3

Industrials

    13.1  

Real Estate

    6.8  

Communication Services

    4.4  

Materials

    3.5  

Consumer Discretionary

    2.4  

Utilities

    1.2  

Energy

    1.2  

Consumer Staples

    1.1  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

National Bank of Kuwait SAKP

    22.2

Kuwait Finance House KSCP

    17.1  

Ahli United Bank BSC

    5.4  

Agility Public Warehousing Co. KSC

    4.4  

Mobile Telecommunications Co. KSCP

    4.4  

Gulf Bank KSCP

    3.5  

Mabanee Co. KPSC

    3.3  

National Industries Group Holding SAK

    2.5  

Humansoft Holding Co. KSC

    2.4  

Warba Bank KSCP

    2.3  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 2    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


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

    (12.91 )%      (12.04 )%       7.89      10.15       (12.04 )%       46.20      162.89

Fund Market

    (12.44     (10.70      8.00        10.31         (10.70      46.96        166.78  

Index

    (13.07     (12.12      8.28        10.54               (12.12      48.82        172.30  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
    

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 870.90        $ 2.27             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.40        $ 2.46        0.49

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Health Care

    26.5

Utilities

    22.6  

Industrials

    15.8  

Communication Services

    13.4  

Real Estate

    9.7  

Consumer Staples

    5.5  

Consumer Discretionary

    2.8  

Energy

    2.5  

Information Technology

    1.2  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    17.6

Auckland International Airport Ltd.

    9.9  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    9.4  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    7.2  

a2 Milk Co. Ltd. (The)

    4.8  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    4.6  

Infratil Ltd.

    4.6  

Fletcher Building Ltd.

    4.5  

Contact Energy Ltd.

    4.5  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    4.4  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  9


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    2.67      14.33      8.17      2.78       14.33      48.11      31.50

Fund Market

    1.96        14.19        8.17        2.75         14.19        48.12        31.17  

Index

    3.12        15.05        8.67        3.13               15.05        51.51        36.14  

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 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a)  
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
$ 1,000.00        $ 1,026.70        $ 2.66             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.20        $ 2.66          0.53

 

  (a)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Energy

    21.8

Financials

    20.1  

Consumer Staples

    16.3  

Materials

    12.9  

Industrials

    11.6  

Communication Services

    9.8  

Information Technology

    4.6  

Utilities

    1.1  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.8  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Equinor ASA

    16.0

DNB Bank ASA

    10.9  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    6.6  

Mowi ASA

    5.9  

Telenor ASA

    5.4  

Yara International ASA

    4.4  

Orkla ASA

    3.7  

Tomra Systems ASA

    2.9  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    2.6  

Nordic Semiconductor ASA

    2.4  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

10  

2 0 2 2    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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses 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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Denmark ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 8.3%            

DSV A/S

    71,256     $    13,115,141  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 6.6%            

Danske Bank A/S

    269,191       4,559,561  

Jyske Bank A/S, Registered(a)

    31,974       1,733,427  

Ringkjoebing Landbobank A/S

    14,507       1,803,361  

Spar Nord Bank A/S

    79,127       1,050,774  

Sydbank AS

    39,163       1,274,161  
   

 

 

 
      10,421,284  
Beverages — 4.9%            

Carlsberg A/S, Class B

    37,524       5,502,881  

Royal Unibrew A/S

    21,419       2,270,848  
   

 

 

 
      7,773,729  
Biotechnology — 5.4%            

Bavarian Nordic A/S(a)(b)

    35,984       904,095  

Genmab A/S(a)

    20,917       7,030,126  

Zealand Pharma A/S(a)

    35,617       546,261  
   

 

 

 
      8,480,482  
Building Products — 0.9%            

Rockwool International A/S, Class B

    4,000       1,371,242  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 5.2%            

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    42,417       3,092,381  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    77,478       5,085,082  
   

 

 

 
      8,177,463  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.9%            

ISS A/S(a)

    81,430       1,486,402  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.5%            

Per Aarsleff Holding A/S

    19,791       781,983  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 5.3%            

Orsted AS(c)

    65,461       8,471,576  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 8.0%            

NKT A/S(a)

    26,304       1,103,368  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    356,624       11,499,945  
   

 

 

 
      12,603,313  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.6%            

Drilling Co. of 1972 A/S (The)(a)

    23,648       929,177  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 0.6%            

Schouw & Co. A/S

    10,668       930,146  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 8.0%            

Ambu A/S, Class B(b)

    76,180       1,404,817  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    43,690       6,572,639  

Demant A/S(a)

    47,524       2,008,394  

GN Store Nord AS

    50,992       2,695,595  
   

 

 

 
      12,681,445  
Health Care Technology — 0.1%            

NNIT A/S(c)

    16,915       242,354  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 3.7%            

Alm Brand A/S

    607,278       989,874  

Topdanmark AS

    26,439       1,510,194  

Tryg A/S

    145,601       3,294,340  
   

 

 

 
      5,794,408  
Security   Shares     Value  
IT Services — 0.2%            

Trifork Holding AG, NVS(a)

    12,023     $ 365,521  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.7%            

Chemometec A/S

    9,380       1,094,896  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 1.2%            

FLSmidth & Co. A/S

    38,377       1,101,763  

Nilfisk Holding A/S(a)

    25,302       849,409  
   

 

 

 
      1,951,172  
Marine — 7.3%            

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    1,108       3,322,302  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B, NVS

    2,001       6,330,187  

D/S Norden A/S

    32,443       846,302  

Dfds A/S(a)

    22,739       1,056,916  
   

 

 

 
      11,555,707  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.2%            

TORM PLC, Class A(a)(b)

    32,926       266,750  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 24.2%            

ALK-Abello A/S(a)

    3,520       1,347,001  

H Lundbeck A/S

    44,253       1,073,848  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    346,390       35,845,616  
   

 

 

 
      38,266,465  
Road & Rail — 0.4%            

NTG Nordic Transport Group A/S, Class A(a)

    9,202       579,380  
   

 

 

 
Software — 2.0%            

cBrain A/S

    11,984       367,806  

Netcompany Group A/S(c)

    18,398       1,212,271  

SimCorp A/S

    18,375       1,659,447  
   

 

 

 
      3,239,524  
Specialty Retail — 0.4%            

Matas A/S

    44,054       640,254  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.5%            

Pandora A/S

    38,759       3,968,817  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 0.7%            

Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Class A(c)

    50,527        1,139,400  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.5%            

Solar A/S, Class B

    6,605       768,534  
   

 

 

 
Total Common Stocks — 99.3%
    (Cost: $151,780,019)
        157,096,565  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 1.5%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    2,366,467       2,366,940  
 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Denmark ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    60,000     $ 60,000  
   

 

 

 
      2,426,940  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 1.5%
(Cost: $2,427,107)

    2,426,940  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.8%
(Cost: $154,207,126)

      159,523,505  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.8)%

      (1,216,819
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  158,306,686  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 3,386,728      $      $ (1,018,609 )(a)     $ (1,046    $ (133    $ 2,366,940        2,366,467      $ 26,552 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     90,000               (30,000 )(a)                      60,000        60,000        4         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (1,046    $ (133    $ 2,426,940         $ 26,556      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

OMX Copenhagen 25 Index

     45          03/18/22        $ 1,173        $ 12,395  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 12,395  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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).

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Denmark ETF

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (155,909
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 19,655  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,149,411  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 640,254        $ 156,456,311        $        $ 157,096,565  

Money Market Funds

     2,426,940                            2,426,940  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $  3,067,194        $ 156,456,311        $        $ 159,523,505  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $              —        $ 12,395        $             —        $ 12,395  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

14  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Finland ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 0.4%            

Finnair Oyj(a)(b)

    246,891     $ 123,707  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 1.4%            

Nokian Renkaat Oyj

    26,046       490,906  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 0.6%            

Aktia Bank Oyj

    18,483       210,581  
   

 

 

 
Beverages — 0.1%            

Anora Group Oyj

    3,306       35,252  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 0.9%            

Uponor Oyj

    13,810       307,206  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 1.0%            

Kemira Oyj

    26,030       344,219  
   

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.6%            

Caverion Oyj

    32,579       207,872  
   

 

 

 
Communications Equipment — 14.9%            

Nokia Oyj(a)

    960,243       5,192,359  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.5%            

YIT Oyj

    42,339       183,966  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 2.0%            

Huhtamaki Oyj

    19,507       710,929  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.9%        

Elisa Oyj

    24,794       1,373,765  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 3.9%            

Fortum Oyj

    64,460       1,349,006  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 0.6%            

Remedy Entertainment Oyj

    921       34,286  

Rovio Entertainment Oyj(c)

    20,662       172,731  
   

 

 

 
      207,017  
Food & Staples Retailing — 3.9%            

Kesko Oyj, Class B

    45,767       1,346,909  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.4%            

Revenio Group Oyj

    3,142       152,401  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.4%            

Oriola Oyj, Class B

    70,048       155,275  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 11.5%            

Sampo Oyj, Class A

    85,204       4,020,309  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 1.5%            

TietoEVRY Oyj

    19,286       538,049  
   

 

 

 
Leisure Products — 0.2%            

Harvia Oyj(b)

    1,293       52,147  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 21.3%            

Cargotec Oyj, Class B

    8,857       348,517  

Kone Oyj, Class B

    58,847          3,433,934  

Konecranes Oyj

    12,990       451,934  

Metso Outotec Oyj

    119,306       1,005,101  

Neles Oyj

    22,650       294,767  

Valmet Oyj

    26,351       914,039  
Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)            

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    90,491     $    1,013,460  
   

 

 

 
      7,461,752  
Media — 0.8%            

Sanoma Oyj

    20,130       293,516  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 1.3%            

Outokumpu Oyj(a)

    79,315       467,531  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.8%            

Puuilo Oyj(a)

    5,340       44,173  

Tokmanni Group Corp.

    12,709       235,869  
   

 

 

 
      280,042  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 4.4%            

Neste Oyj

    39,015       1,521,375  
   

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products — 14.5%            

Metsa Board Oyj, Class B

    40,822       397,623  

Stora Enso Oyj, Class R

    81,177       1,545,939  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    90,865       3,139,678  
   

 

 

 
      5,083,240  
Pharmaceuticals — 2.9%            

Orion Oyj, Class B

    21,249       997,829  
   

 

 

 
Professional Services — 0.1%            

Talenom Oyj

    2,728       28,267  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 1.8%        

Citycon Oyj

    24,134       190,609  

Kojamo Oyj

    19,324       448,052  
   

 

 

 
      638,661  
Software — 1.9%            

Admicom Oyj

    432       29,547  

BasWare Oyj(a)

    4,311       109,065  

F-Secure Oyj(a)

    36,329       211,002  

QT Group Oyj(a)

    2,622       321,893  
   

 

 

 
      671,507  
Specialty Retail — 0.8%            

Kamux Corp.

    3,163       37,945  

Musti Group Oyj

    8,808       230,629  
   

 

 

 
      268,574  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.2%            

Marimekko Oyj

    414       34,494  

Spinnova Oyj(a)

    2,389       25,257  
   

 

 

 
      59,751  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.5%
(Cost: $40,256,295)

      34,773,920  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 0.6%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    154,954       154,985  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Finland ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

      45,000     $ 45,000  
   

 

 

 
      199,985  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.6%
(Cost: $199,995)

      199,985  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.1%
(Cost: $40,456,290)

      34,973,905  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.1)%

      (19,626
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  34,954,279  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 143,228      $ 11,801 (a)     $      $ (34    $ (10    $ 154,985        154,954      $ 1,186 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     165,000               (120,000 )(a)                     45,000        45,000        2         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (34    $ (10    $ 199,985         $ 1,188      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     4          03/18/22        $ 175        $ (7,867
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 7,867  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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).

 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Finland ETF

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 8,386  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (15,877
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 171,377  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $  275,801        $ 34,498,119        $             —        $ 34,773,920  

Money Market Funds

     199,985                            199,985  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $  475,786        $ 34,498,119        $        $ 34,973,905  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $              —        $ (7,867      $        $ (7,867
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Aerospace & Defense — 5.1%  

Hensoldt AG

    10,129     $ 237,174  

OHB SE

    1,243       48,403  

Rheinmetall AG

    10,473       1,558,834  
   

 

 

 
      1,844,411  
Auto Components — 1.2%            

ElringKlinger AG(a)

    6,922       73,504  

SAF-Holland SE(a)

    10,948       130,351  

Vitesco Technologies Group AG(a)

    5,309       223,132  
   

 

 

 
      426,987  
Biotechnology — 0.6%            

MorphoSys AG(a)

    8,256       226,667  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 0.4%            

Steico SE

    1,359       136,307  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 1.7%            

AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA

    7,180       215,065  

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

    3,175       124,180  

flatexDEGIRO AG(a)(b)

    7,937       164,350  

MLP SE

    15,821       128,610  
   

 

 

 
      632,205  
Chemicals — 4.9%            

K+S AG, Registered(a)

    46,018       1,180,462  

Wacker Chemie AG

    3,760       582,536  
   

 

 

 
      1,762,998  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.9%            

Befesa SA(c)

    9,617       669,752  

Bilfinger SE

    6,413       240,210  

Cewe Stiftung & Co. KGaA

    1,343       152,480  
   

 

 

 
      1,062,442  
Communications Equipment — 0.5%            

ADVA Optical Networking Tend(a)

    10,415       176,335  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.9%            

HOCHTIEF AG

    5,088       343,155  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 1.5%            

GRENKE AG(b)

    6,728       193,043  

Hypoport SE(a)

    856       356,664  
   

 

 

 
      549,707  
Electrical Equipment — 3.3%            

Energiekontor AG

    1,535       117,993  

Nordex SE(a)(b)

    24,961       439,718  

PNE AG

    8,368       85,722  

SGL Carbon SE(a)

    14,753       95,026  

Varta AG(b)

    4,369       440,615  
   

 

 

 
      1,179,074  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.8%  

Basler AG

    887       112,683  

Jenoptik AG

    12,371       440,820  

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG(b)

    5,912       102,549  
   

 

 

 
      656,052  
Entertainment — 3.2%            

Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA(a)

    18,716       84,108  

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA(a)

    13,849       965,039  

Media and Games Invest SE(a)(b)

    21,777       96,700  
   

 

 

 
      1,145,847  
Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.5%  

Hamborner REIT AG

    16,675     $ 180,436  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.6%            

METRO AG(a)

    30,235       282,380  

Shop Apotheke Europe NV(a)(b)(c)

    3,254       310,383  
   

 

 

 
      592,763  
Food Products — 1.2%            

KWS Saat SE & Co. KGaA

    2,786       202,470  

Suedzucker AG

    17,236       234,820  
   

 

 

 
      437,290  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.5%            

Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA

    723       37,934  

Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen- und Medizintechnik AG

    3,574       262,910  

Stratec SE

    1,899       243,865  
   

 

 

 
      544,709  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.2%            

Medios AG(a)

    3,039       108,181  

Synlab AG(a)

    16,028       327,358  
   

 

 

 
      435,539  
Health Care Technology — 1.0%            

CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KgaA

    6,447       362,198  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.4%            

Zeal Network SE(b)

    3,511       146,226  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.4%  

Encavis AG

    28,936       491,496  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.6%            

Indus Holding AG

    4,541       161,952  

MBB SE

    493       63,324  
   

 

 

 
      225,276  
Insurance — 0.3%            

Wuestenrot & Wuerttembergische AG

    5,653       111,792  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%            

New Work SE

    678       121,381  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.3%            

ABOUT YOU Holding SE(a)(b)

    8,979       130,075  

Bike24 Holding AG(a)(b)

    4,716       56,565  

Global Fashion Group SA(a)(b)

    18,337       53,538  

Home24 SE(a)(b)

    6,250       54,328  

Takkt AG

    7,912       135,871  

Westwing Group AG(a)(b)

    2,728       54,705  
   

 

 

 
      485,082  
IT Services — 4.3%            

Adesso SE

    704       159,368  

CANCOM SE

    9,265       526,630  

Datagroup SE(a)

    1,011       98,781  

GFT Technologies SE

    4,127       188,272  

Nagarro SE(a)

    1,987       282,825  

S&T AG(b)

    11,956       187,550  

Secunet Security Networks AG

    314       128,899  
   

 

 

 
      1,572,325  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 4.2%            

Evotec SE(a)

    33,739       993,565  

Gerresheimer AG(b)

    7,549       542,739  
   

 

 

 
      1,536,304  
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery — 6.7%            

Deutz AG(a)

    29,149     $ 166,579  

Duerr AG

    12,472       449,165  

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG(a)

    62,419       174,085  

JOST Werke AG(c)

    3,414       157,707  

Koenig & Bauer AG(a)

    3,400       87,596  

Krones AG

    3,410       312,309  

Norma Group SE

    7,684       267,036  

Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG

    952       189,571  

Stabilus SA

    5,929       348,198  

Vossloh AG

    2,122       94,195  

Wacker Neuson SE

    7,612       179,224  
   

 

 

 
      2,425,665  
Media — 2.9%            

ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE

    39,214       536,066  

Stroeer SE & Co. KGaA

    6,810       513,695  
   

 

 

 
      1,049,761  
Metals & Mining — 6.3%            

Aurubis AG

    7,566       885,272  

Salzgitter AG(a)

    8,650       377,846  

thyssenkrupp AG(a)

    97,288       1,031,422  
   

 

 

 
      2,294,540  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.4%            

CropEnergies AG

    6,346       88,841  

VERBIO Vereinigte BioEnergie AG

    5,306       413,141  
   

 

 

 
      501,982  
Pharmaceuticals — 0.9%            

Dermapharm Holding SE

    4,520       329,434  
   

 

 

 
Professional Services — 0.8%            

Amadeus Fire AG

    1,379       222,441  

Bertrandt AG

    1,355       73,281  
   

 

 

 
      295,722  
Real Estate Management & Development — 7.2%            

ADLER Group SA(c)

    18,422       259,227  

Corestate Capital Holding SA(a)(b)

    4,864       63,911  

Deutsche EuroShop AG

    11,921       224,166  

DIC Asset AG

    10,859       182,372  

Grand City Properties SA

    25,413       554,981  

Instone Real Estate Group SE(c)

    11,333       217,560  

PATRIZIA AG

    11,137       214,275  

TAG Immobilien AG

    35,222       907,846  
   

 

 

 
      2,624,338  
Road & Rail — 1.4%            

Sixt SE(a)

    3,285       491,057  
   

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.8%  

AIXTRON SE

    27,204       582,306  

Elmos Semiconductor SE

    1,915       123,340  

PVA TePla AG(a)

    4,721       129,205  

Siltronic AG

    3,964       450,492  

SMA Solar Technology AG

    2,524       99,216  
   

 

 

 
      1,384,559  
Software — 3.7%            

Atoss Software AG

    959       186,038  

Northern Data AG(a)(b)

    1,200       71,062  

Software AG

    12,444       469,484  

TeamViewer AG(a)(c)

    38,674       617,167  
   

 

 

 
      1,343,751  
Security   Shares     Value  
Specialty Retail — 2.4%            

Ceconomy AG

    38,717     $ 153,691  

Fielmann AG

    6,048       358,247  

Hornbach Holding AG & Co. KGaA

    2,302       301,528  

Mister Spex SE(a)

    3,710       41,598  
   

 

 

 
      855,064  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.4%            

Hugo Boss AG

    14,387       877,923  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 2.2%            

Aareal Bank AG

    14,379       439,427  

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG(c)

    32,289       350,133  
   

 

 

 
      789,560  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.1%            

BayWa AG

    3,297       135,622  

Kloeckner & Co. SE(a)

    18,043       244,092  
   

 

 

 
      379,714  
Transportation Infrastructure — 2.1%            

Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide(a)

    8,893       602,269  

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG

    7,256       143,770  
   

 

 

 
      746,039  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 3.0%            

1&1 AG

    10,658       254,739  

Freenet AG

    30,789       819,891  
   

 

 

 
      1,074,630  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 96.1%
(Cost: $35,557,729)

      34,848,743  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Auto Components — 0.6%            

Schaeffler AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    30,027       199,779  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 0.4%            

STO SE & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    612       139,686  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.3%            

Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    2,074       117,497  
   

 

 

 
Household Durables — 0.2%            

Einhell Germany AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    408       86,233  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 1.1%            

Jungheinrich AG, Preference Shares, NVS(b)

    11,530       415,744  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 0.9%            

Sixt SE, Preference Shares, NVS

    3,977       324,305  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 3.5%
(Cost: $1,383,173)

      1,283,244  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 7.4%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    2,677,841       2,678,377  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Money Market Funds (continued)            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    10,000     $ 10,000  
   

 

 

 
      2,688,377  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 7.4%
(Cost: $2,687,974)

      2,688,377  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 107.0%
(Cost: $39,628,876)

      38,820,364  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (7.0)%

      (2,546,349
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  36,274,015  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 3,634,912      $      $ (955,605 )(a)     $ (523    $ (407    $ 2,678,377        2,677,841      $ 40,574 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     10,000        0 (a)                             10,000        10,000        1         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (523    $ (407    $ 2,688,377         $ 40,575      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
      

Notional

Amount
(000)

      

Value/
Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Long Contracts

                 

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     3          03/18/22        $ 131        $ (2,561
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 2,561  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)  

Net cumulative unrealized 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).

 

 

 

20  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

   iShares® MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (19,261
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (3,827
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 90,945      
   

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3       

Total

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 476,618        $ 34,372,125        $        $ 34,848,743  

Preferred Stocks

     86,233          1,197,011                   1,283,244  

Money Market Funds

     2,688,377                            2,688,377  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $  3,251,228        $ 35,569,136        $        $ 38,820,364  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $        $ (2,561      $             —          $ (2,561)  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.    

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Ireland ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 4.1%            

Ryanair Holdings PLC, ADR(a)

    26,972     $ 2,689,378  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 8.6%            

AIB Group PLC(a)

    1,006,623       2,655,751  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC(a)

    426,179       2,827,803  

Permanent TSB Group Holdings PLC(a)

    55,570       107,297  
   

 

 

 
      5,590,851  
Beverages — 2.8%            

C&C Group PLC(a)

    637,820       1,803,680  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 4.5%            

Kingspan Group PLC

    30,250       2,954,282  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 20.8%            

CRH PLC

    298,841       13,584,782  
   

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 4.4%            

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    57,042       2,848,805  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 4.0%        

Hibernia REIT PLC

    1,074,391       1,397,406  

Irish Residential Properties REIT PLC

    728,661       1,202,640  
   

 

 

 
      2,600,046  
Food Products — 17.0%            

Dole PLC

    45,341       695,077  

Glanbia PLC

    218,374       3,057,025  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    54,907       6,541,571  

Origin Enterprises PLC

    203,894       825,529  
   

 

 

 
      11,119,202  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.2%            

Uniphar PLC(a)

    376,733       1,410,855  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 16.2%            

Dalata Hotel Group PLC(a)

    325,622       1,538,912  

Flutter Entertainment PLC, Class DI(a)

    62,736       9,034,490  
   

 

 

 
      10,573,402  
Household Durables — 4.8%            

Cairn Homes PLC(a)

    1,156,576       1,641,762  

Glenveagh Properties PLC(a)(b)

    1,086,805       1,487,813  
   

 

 

 
      3,129,575  
Security   Shares     Value  
Insurance — 0.2%            

FBD Holdings PLC(a)

    10,028     $ 117,499  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 4.7%            

ICON PLC(a)

    12,981       3,089,608  
   

 

 

 
Marine — 0.4%            

Irish Continental Group PLC(a)

    63,408       286,518  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 0.3%            

Kenmare Resources PLC

    33,403       189,389  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 0.4%            

GH Research PLC(a)

    16,890       278,685  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 4.4%            

Grafton Group PLC

    199,776       2,868,810  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $59,066,145)

      65,135,367  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments            
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    30,000       30,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $30,000)

      30,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $59,096,145)

      65,165,367  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      92,192  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  65,257,559  
   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
    

Purchases

at Cost

     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 30,000      $ 0 (a)     $      $      $      $ 30,000        30,000      $ 1      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Ireland ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

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

Long Contracts

                 

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     2          03/18/22        $ 88        $ (6,851
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 6,851  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (2,191
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (6,851
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 105,982      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 16,152,020        $ 48,983,347        $        $ 65,135,367  

Money Market Funds

     30,000                            30,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 16,182,020        $ 48,983,347        $        $ 65,165,367  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $        $ (6,851      $             —        $ (6,851
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Kuwait ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 4.4%            

Agility Public Warehousing Co. KSC

    261,755     $ 890,839  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 1.6%            

Jazeera Airways Co. KSCP(a)

    54,778       315,123  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 58.5%            

Ahli United Bank BSC

    1,106,352       1,098,712  

Ahli United Bank KSCP(a)

    21,912       22,935  

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait KSCP(a)

    392,906       388,338  

Boubyan Bank KSCP(a)

    8,170       22,242  

Burgan Bank SAK

    493,673       446,018  

Gulf Bank KSCP

    677,605       695,677  

Kuwait Finance House KSCP

    1,105,217       3,457,351  

Kuwait International Bank KSCP(a)

    420,489       321,142  

Kuwait Projects Co. Holding KSCP

    650,338       420,815  

National Bank of Kuwait SAKP

    1,275,838       4,472,402  

Warba Bank KSCP(a)

    509,571       467,658  
   

 

 

 
      11,813,290  
Capital Markets — 3.3%            

Boursa Kuwait Securities Co. KPSC

    53,211       421,137  

Noor Financial Investment Co. KSC

    216,371       239,615  
   

 

 

 
      660,752  
Chemicals — 3.5%            

Boubyan Petrochemicals Co. KSCP

    129,298       401,843  

Qurain Petrochemical Industries Co.

    228,960       297,724  
   

 

 

 
      699,567  
Construction & Engineering — 0.6%            

Combined Group Contracting Co. SAK

    83,724       116,120  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services — 2.4%            

Humansoft Holding Co. KSC

    39,887       485,509  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 4.5%            

A’ayan Leasing & Investment Co. KSCP(a)

    510,516       272,635  

Alimtiaz Investment Group KSC(a)

    673,571       299,125  

National Investments Co. KSCP

    286,146       342,729  
   

 

 

 
      914,489  
Security   Shares     Value  
Electrical Equipment — 2.1%            

Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co. KSCP

    87,196     $ 426,970  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.2%            

Heavy Engineering & Ship Building Co. KSCP

    116,821       233,411  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.1%            

Mezzan Holding Co. KSCC

    112,987       221,017  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.2%  

Shamal Az-Zour Al-Oula for the First Phase of Az-Zour Power Plant KSC

    341,482       249,232  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 2.5%            

National Industries Group Holding SAK(a)

    535,128       510,233  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 6.8%  

Kuwait Real Estate Co. KSC(a)

    578,634       324,860  

Mabanee Co. KPSC(a)

    240,877       674,583  

National Real Estate Co. KPSC(a)

    506,494       370,656  
   

 

 

 
      1,370,099  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.9%            

ALAFCO Aviation Lease & Finance Co. KSCP(a)

    250,663       186,094  

Integrated Holding Co. KCSC(a)

    161,918       207,531  
   

 

 

 
      393,625  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 4.3%            

Mobile Telecommunications Co. KSCP

    428,479       878,480  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $14,028,926)

      20,178,756  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $14,028,926)

      20,178,756  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      21,194  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  20,199,950  
   

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.    

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    
Value at
08/31/21
 
 
   
Purchases
at Cost
 
 
   
Proceeds
from Sales
 
 
   
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
 
   


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 
   
Value at
02/28/22
 
 
   

Shares
Held at
02/28/22
 
 
 
    Income      




Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 
 
 
 
 

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

    $ 10,000     $       $(10,000)(b)     $     $     $           $ 1     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

 

 

24  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

   iShares® MSCI Kuwait ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $  1,482,086        $ 18,696,670        $             —        $ 20,178,756  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See 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)

February 28, 2022

  

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)(b)

    1,651,153     $ 1,676,062  
   

 

 

 
Building Products — 4.6%            

Fletcher Building Ltd.

    1,298,286       5,930,356  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 13.4%  

Chorus Ltd.

    1,050,870       5,211,230  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    4,009,046       12,308,975  
   

 

 

 
      17,520,205  
Electric Utilities — 15.4%            

Contact Energy Ltd.

    1,073,891       5,926,021  

Genesis Energy Ltd.

    1,325,458       2,470,698  

Infratil Ltd.

    1,108,091       5,975,474  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    1,486,926       5,792,035  
   

 

 

 
      20,164,228  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 9.7%  

Argosy Property Ltd.

    2,274,403       2,124,444  

Goodman Property Trust

    2,649,959       4,338,413  

Kiwi Property Group Ltd.

    3,905,814       2,859,471  

Precinct Properties New Zealand Ltd.

    3,081,780       3,348,264  
   

 

 

 
      12,670,592  
Food Products — 5.5%            

a2 Milk Co. Ltd. (The)(a)(b)

    1,536,840       6,223,003  

Synlait Milk Ltd.(a)

    425,117       969,327  
   

 

 

 
      7,192,330  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 17.6%            

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    1,225,144       23,022,919  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 8.9%            

Oceania Healthcare Ltd.

    2,009,841       1,434,426  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.(b)

    888,590       6,044,089  

Summerset Group Holdings Ltd.

    519,239       4,162,623  
   

 

 

 
      11,641,138  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.8%            

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Ltd.

    1,819,719       3,656,990  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 7.2%  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    2,778,049     $ 9,431,733  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 1.2%            

Pushpay Holdings Ltd.(a)(b)

    2,494,204       1,582,846  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.5%            

Z Energy Ltd.

    1,328,905       3,272,859  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 9.9%            

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(a)

    2,681,242       12,982,636  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.0%
(Cost: $148,898,929)

      130,744,894  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.9%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(c)(d)(e)

    1,107,046       1,107,267  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    50,000       50,000  
   

 

 

 
      1,157,267  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.9%
(Cost: $1,157,299)

      1,157,267  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.9%
(Cost: $150,056,228)

      131,902,161  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.9)%

      (1,203,978
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  130,698,183  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

(e) 

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

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 6,794,552      $      $ (5,686,694 )(a)     $ (559    $ (32    $ 1,107,267        1,107,046      $ 22,806 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     50,000        0 (a)                             50,000        50,000        3         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (559    $ (32    $ 1,157,267         $ 22,809      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI New Zealand ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

For the period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (11,818
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (447
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 133,354  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 6,712,884        $ 124,032,010        $        $ 130,744,894  

Money Market Funds

     1,157,267                            1,157,267  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $     7,870,151        $ 124,032,010        $             —        $ 131,902,161  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  27


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Norway ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

    
Aerospace & Defense — 1.6%             

Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

    23,826      $ 840,321  
    

 

 

 
Airlines — 0.4%             

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA(a)(b)

    160,600        197,178  
    

 

 

 
Banks — 14.7%             

DNB Bank ASA

    246,912        5,527,930  

Sbanken ASA(b)(c)

    21,378        220,914  

SpareBank 1 Nord Norge

    25,412        311,316  

Sparebank 1 Oestlandet

    10,818        170,222  

SpareBank 1 SMN

    34,594        571,663  

SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA

    47,706        706,896  
    

 

 

 
       7,508,941  
Biotechnology — 0.4%             

Nykode Therapeutics AS(a)

    34,357        181,220  
    

 

 

 
Chemicals — 6.1%             

Borregaard ASA

    25,312        559,703  

Elkem ASA(c)

    76,668        289,487  

Yara International ASA

    44,124        2,247,231  
    

 

 

 
       3,096,421  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 3.4%             

Aker Carbon Capture ASA(a)

    72,453        139,525  

Aker Horizons Holding AS(a)

    30,969        63,156  

Quantafuel ASA(a)(b)

    30,771        56,879  

Tomra Systems ASA

    31,590        1,486,670  
    

 

 

 
       1,746,230  
Construction & Engineering — 0.9%             

Veidekke ASA

    28,773        444,529  
    

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging — 0.1%             

Elopak ASA(a)

    32,306        73,284  
    

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 5.4%         

Telenor ASA

    185,552        2,745,355  
    

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.2%             

Fjordkraft Holding ASA(c)

    25,901        107,834  
    

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 1.4%             

NEL ASA(a)(b)

    389,155        713,213  
    

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 2.1%             

Aker Solutions ASA(a)

    65,608        208,246  

BW Offshore Ltd

    23,792        75,604  

Subsea 7 SA

    59,955        411,517  

TGS ASA

    31,273        353,520  
    

 

 

 
       1,048,887  
Entertainment — 0.4%             

Kahoot! ASA(a)

    69,267        216,862  
    

 

 

 
Food Products — 16.2%             

Atlantic Sapphire ASA(a)(b)

    19,415        68,739  

Austevoll Seafood ASA

    24,306        343,197  

Bakkafrost P/F

    13,397        910,418  

Grieg Seafood ASA(a)

    13,615        171,473  

Leroy Seafood Group ASA

    79,370        692,930  

Mowi ASA

    116,480        2,999,221  

Norway Royal Salmon ASA(b)

    2,935        67,417  

Orkla ASA

    200,367        1,876,910  
Security   Shares      Value  
Food Products (continued)             

Salmar ASA

    15,696      $ 1,153,253  
    

 

 

 
       8,283,558  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.9%  

Scatec ASA(c)

    31,745        457,437  
    

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.5%             

Aker ASA, Class A

    6,931        574,628  

Bonheur ASA

    5,102        201,996  
    

 

 

 
       776,624  
Insurance — 5.4%             

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    53,394        1,320,681  

Protector Forsikring ASA

    15,389        194,462  

Storebrand ASA

    124,642        1,233,478  
    

 

 

 
       2,748,621  
Interactive Media & Services — 1.5%             

Adevinta ASA(a)

    73,948        792,191  
    

 

 

 
IT Services — 0.7%             

Atea ASA

    22,407        351,331  
    

 

 

 
Machinery — 0.3%             

Hexagon Composites ASA(a)

    29,566        94,901  

Hexagon Purus ASA(a)

    15,270        41,543  
    

 

 

 
       136,444  
Marine — 2.0%             

Golden Ocean Group Ltd.

    34,711        449,632  

MPC Container Ships AS

    70,987        223,826  

Stolt-Nielsen Ltd

    6,842        121,538  

Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA(a)

    28,203        212,909  
    

 

 

 
       1,007,905  
Media — 2.4%             

Schibsted ASA, Class A

    19,485        559,959  

Schibsted ASA, Class B

    25,938        671,414  
    

 

 

 
       1,231,373  
Metals & Mining — 6.6%             

Norsk Hydro ASA

    356,381        3,384,224  
    

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.5%             

Europris ASA(c)

    42,264        269,429  
    

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 19.7%             

Aker BP ASA

    33,594        1,052,184  

BW Energy Ltd.(a)

    20,637        54,628  

BW LPG Ltd.(c)

    20,816        124,047  

DNO ASA

    117,017        148,452  

Equinor ASA

    259,472        8,156,631  

Flex LNG Ltd.

    7,931        198,983  

Frontline Ltd./Bermuda(a)

    26,318        252,101  

Hafnia Ltd.(a)

    24,675        59,338  
    

 

 

 
       10,046,364  
Professional Services — 0.1%             

Meltwater Holding BV(a)(b)

    35,476        74,360  
    

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.8%         

Entra ASA(c)

    16,993        359,490  

Selvaag Bolig ASA

    11,251        64,541  
    

 

 

 
       424,031  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.7%  

Nordic Semiconductor ASA(a)

    46,230        1,235,504  
 

 

 

28  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Norway ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)

 

REC Silicon ASA(a)

    72,914     $ 129,265  
   

 

 

 
      1,364,769  
Software — 1.2%            

Crayon Group Holding ASA(a)(c)

    17,035       381,928  

LINK Mobility Group Holding ASA(a)

    46,764       87,627  

Pexip Holding ASA(a)(b)

    19,498       84,528  

Volue ASA(a)

    13,406       63,973  
   

 

 

 
      618,056  
Specialty Retail — 0.1%            

XXL ASA(c)

    37,016       50,067  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $50,170,144)

      50,937,059  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 2.4%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    1,132,833       1,133,060  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    70,000       70,000  
   

 

 

 
      1,203,060  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.4%
(Cost: $1,203,152)

      1,203,060  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 102.1%
(Cost: $51,373,296)

      52,140,119  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (2.1)%         (1,071,409)  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  51,068,710  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 775,553      $ 357,844 (a)     $      $ (245    $ (92    $ 1,133,060        1,132,833      $ 16,468 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     20,000        50,000 (a)                            70,000        70,000        2         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (245    $ (92    $ 1,203,060         $ 16,470      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

  29


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Norway ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

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

Long Contracts

          

Euro STOXX 50 Index

    2        03/18/22      $ 88      $ 46  
          

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

      Equity
Contracts
 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 46  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 31,037  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 279  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 45,635  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $   2,974,351        $ 47,962,708        $             —        $ 50,937,059  

Money Market Funds

     1,203,060                            1,203,060  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 4,177,411        $ 47,962,708        $        $ 52,140,119  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $        $ 46        $        $ 46  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

 

     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)

  $ 157,096,565      $ 34,773,920     $ 36,131,987     $ 65,135,367  

Affiliated(c)

    2,426,940        199,985       2,688,377       30,000  

Cash

    4,444              5,980       902  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    113,494        5,819       142,788       87,553  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

        

Futures contracts(e)

    96,186        7,849       23,546       7,848  

Receivables:

        

Investments sold

    1,535,017        1,698,961       238,865       5,093,668  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    1,060        187       7,292        

Variation margin on futures contracts

    61,312                     

Dividends

           821             6  

Tax reclaims

    896,194        236,778       1,155       23,043  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    162,231,212        36,924,320       39,239,990       70,378,387  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        

LIABILITIES

        

Bank overdraft

           1,786              

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    2,369,097        155,003       2,677,551        

Payables:

        

Investments purchased

    1,491,362        1,624,286       268,140       5,087,049  

Variation margin on futures contracts

           531       3,578       1,282  

Capital shares redeemed

                       5,089  

Investment advisory fees

    64,067        12,583       16,706       27,408  

Professional fees

           50,000              

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

           125,852              
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    3,924,526        1,970,041       2,965,975       5,120,828  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 158,306,686      $ 34,954,279     $ 36,274,015     $ 65,257,559  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

        

Paid-in capital

  $ 153,628,211      $ 42,883,893     $ 39,720,694     $ 67,145,001  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    4,678,475        (7,929,614     (3,446,679     (1,887,442
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 158,306,686      $ 34,954,279     $ 36,274,015     $ 65,257,559  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    1,600,000        850,000       500,000       1,250,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 98.94      $ 41.12     $ 72.55     $ 52.21  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None       None       None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 2,396,206      $ 120,240     $ 2,533,640     $  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 151,780,019      $ 40,256,295     $ 36,940,902     $ 59,066,145  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 2,427,107      $ 199,995     $ 2,687,974     $ 30,000  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 112,810      $ 5,066     $ 144,175     $ 88,093  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 100,895      $ 8,718     $ 23,894     $ 7,957  

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, 2022

 

     iShares
MSCI Kuwait
ETF
     iShares
MSCI New
Zealand ETF
    iShares
MSCI
Norway ETF
 

ASSETS

      

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

      

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 20,178,756      $ 130,744,894     $ 50,937,059  

Affiliated(c)

           1,157,267       1,203,060  

Cash

           3,235        

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    26,427        46,233       660,962  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

      

Futures contracts(e)

                 7,849  

Receivables:

      

Investments sold

    2,272,306        1,661,673       120,743  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

           188       4,862  

Capital shares sold

                 118,754  

Dividends

                 15,878  

Tax reclaims

                 2,843  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    22,477,489        133,613,490       53,072,010  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

      

Bank overdraft

    11,379              52,784  

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

           1,108,298       1,133,391  

Payables:

      

Investments purchased

    435,154        1,758,124       797,133  

Variation margin on futures contracts

           2       1,311  

Capital shares redeemed

    1,818,947               

Investment advisory fees

    12,059        48,883       18,681  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,277,539        2,915,307       2,003,300  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 20,199,950      $ 130,698,183     $ 51,068,710  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

      

Paid-in capital

  $ 14,378,929      $ 176,734,360     $ 56,468,401  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    5,821,021        (46,036,177     (5,399,691
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 20,199,950      $ 130,698,183     $ 51,068,710  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    550,000        2,400,000       1,750,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 36.73      $ 54.46     $ 29.18  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None       None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $      $ 1,033,271     $ 1,122,980  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 14,028,926      $ 148,898,929     $ 50,170,144  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $      $ 1,157,299     $ 1,203,152  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 26,404      $ 45,748     $ 662,626  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $      $     $ 7,841  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

 

    iShares
MSCI
Denmark
ETF
    iShares
MSCI Finland
ETF
    iShares
MSCI
Germany
Small-Cap
ETF
    iShares
MSCI Ireland
ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 278,292     $ 117,166     $ 70,956     $ 295,431  

Dividends — Affiliated

    262       13       260       1  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    26,294       1,175       40,315        

Foreign taxes withheld

    (41,898     (65     (9,333     (11,881

IRS Compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

          (1,249            
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    262,950       117,040       102,198       283,551  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    449,121       76,812       116,480       202,606  

Professional fees

    217       217       217       217  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    449,338       77,029       116,697       202,823  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (186,388     40,011       (14,499     80,728  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (837,087     (812,114     (130,042     (2,032,171

Investments — Affiliated

    (1,046     (34     (523      

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    2,693,149       746,224             4,811,414  

Futures contracts

    (155,909     8,386       (19,261     (2,191

Foreign currency transactions

    (27,996     (1,235     (12,673     (12,988
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    1,671,111       (58,773     (162,499     2,764,064  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (26,731,976     (7,093,032     (5,997,829     (15,323,961

Investments — Affiliated

    (133     (10     (407      

Futures contracts

    19,655       (15,877     (3,827     (6,851

Foreign currency translations

    (50,489     (12,081     (1,804     (2,764
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (26,762,943     (7,121,000     (6,003,867     (15,333,576
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (25,091,832     (7,179,773     (6,166,366     (12,569,512
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (25,278,220   $ (7,139,762   $ (6,180,865   $ (12,488,784
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2022

 

   

iShares
MSCI Kuwait
ETF


 
   

iShares
MSCI New
Zealand ETF


 
   

iShares
MSCI
Norway ETF


 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

     

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 23,430     $ 1,711,237     $ 815,051  

Dividends — Affiliated

    1       23       106  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

          22,786       16,364  

Foreign taxes withheld

          (233,973     (177,790
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    23,431       1,500,073       653,731  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    72,687       339,757       135,047  

Commitment fees

    93              

Professional fees

          217       217  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    72,780       339,974       135,264  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (49,349     1,160,099       518,467  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

    605,368       (695,990     (878,046

Investments — Affiliated

          (559     (245

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

          523,991       3,923,077  

Futures contracts

          (11,818     31,037  

Foreign currency transactions

    (767     (10,246     (33,239
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    604,601       (194,622     3,042,584  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

    2,278,907       (19,798,592     (3,047,477

Investments — Affiliated

          (32     (92

Futures contracts

          (447     279  

Foreign currency translations

    (1,077     (3,951     2,419  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,277,830       (19,803,022     (3,044,871
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    2,882,431       (19,997,644     (2,287
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 2,833,082     $ (18,837,545   $ 516,180  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34  

2 0 2 2    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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (186,388   $ 1,236,501     $ 40,011     $ 796,078  

Net realized gain (loss)

    1,671,111       25,780,084       (58,773     5,459,015  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (26,762,943     23,679,075       (7,121,000     2,768,929  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (25,278,220     50,695,660       (7,139,762     9,024,022  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (45,539     (1,262,684     (160,905     (1,012,192
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

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

    16,762,636       7,535,488       11,056,514       (11,952,774
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (8,561,123     56,968,464       3,755,847       (3,940,944

Beginning of period

    166,867,809       109,899,345       31,198,432       35,139,376  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 158,306,686     $ 166,867,809     $ 34,954,279     $ 31,198,432  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (14,499   $ 515,265     $ 80,728     $ 382,349  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (162,499     2,938,871       2,764,064       897,808  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (6,003,867     8,182,752       (15,333,576     21,766,178  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (6,180,865     11,636,888       (12,488,784     23,046,335  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (186,923     (638,366     (195,746     (400,086
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

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

          (219,216     (4,687,449     6,863,827  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (6,367,788     10,779,306       (17,371,979     29,510,076  

Beginning of period

    42,641,803       31,862,497       82,629,538       53,119,462  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 36,274,015     $ 42,641,803     $ 65,257,559     $ 82,629,538  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

36  

2 0 2 2    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
 
   


Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   

Period From
09/01/20

to 08/31/21


(a)  

 

   


Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (49,349   $ 304,140     $ 1,160,099     $ 2,806,128  

Net realized gain (loss)

    604,601       248,230       (194,622     23,039,126  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,277,830       3,870,920       (19,803,022     (15,378,739
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,833,082       4,423,290       (18,837,545     10,466,515  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (1,120,625     (314,726     (2,132,042     (3,787,802
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

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

    (174,527     14,553,456       8,811,694       (31,025,621
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,537,930       18,662,020       (12,157,893     (24,346,908

Beginning of period

    18,662,020             142,856,076       167,202,984  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 20,199,950     $ 18,662,020     $ 130,698,183     $ 142,856,076  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 518,467     $ 889,347  

Net realized gain (loss)

    3,042,584       (293,143

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,044,871     6,244,495  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    516,180       6,840,699  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (475,398     (908,885
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    5,160,405       8,572,191  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total increase in net assets

    5,201,187       14,504,005  

Beginning of period

    45,867,523       31,363,518  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 51,068,710     $ 45,867,523  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

 

38  

2 0 2 2    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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/20
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/19
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/18
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/17
 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 115.08     $ 84.54      $ 60.99      $ 67.75      $ 67.57      $ 56.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

    (0.12     0.76        0.50        0.97        0.90        0.94  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (15.99     30.62        23.52        (5.99      0.77        11.07  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (16.11     31.38        24.02        (5.02      1.67        12.01  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.03     (0.84      (0.47      (1.74      (1.49      (0.83
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.03     (0.84      (0.47      (1.74      (1.49      (0.83
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 98.94     $ 115.08      $ 84.54      $ 60.99      $ 67.75      $ 67.57  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

    (14.01 )%(e)       37.21      39.52      (7.41 )%       2.58      21.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

    0.53 %(g)       0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.22 )%(g)       0.77      0.71      1.59      1.34      1.66
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 158,307     $ 166,868      $ 109,899      $ 33,544      $ 40,649      $ 67,567  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    5 %(e)       11      21      14      13      14
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 52.00     $ 41.34     $ 35.63      $ 41.83      $ 39.79      $ 33.19  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

     0.06       1.10       0.85        1.30        1.39        1.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

     (10.65     10.93       6.25        (5.98      2.16        6.74  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

     (10.59     12.03       7.10        (4.68      3.55        7.76  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

     (0.29     (1.37     (1.39      (1.52      (1.51      (1.16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.29     (1.37     (1.39      (1.52      (1.51      (1.16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 41.12     $ 52.00     $ 41.34      $ 35.63      $ 41.83      $ 39.79  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

     (20.44 )%(e)      29.37     20.61      (11.24 )%       9.08      23.32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

     0.53 %(g)      0.55     0.53      0.53      0.53      0.55
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

     N/A       0.53     0.53      0.53      N/A        0.53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

     0.28 %(g)      2.39     2.36      3.40      3.38      2.84
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

   $ 34,954     $ 31,198     $ 35,139      $ 26,725      $ 39,735      $ 45,753  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

     7 %(e)       12     22      16      11      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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

40  

2 0 2 2    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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 85.28     $ 63.72      $ 52.75      $ 63.43      $ 57.18      $ 43.23  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

    (0.03     0.99        0.38        1.07        1.33        0.78  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (12.33     21.79        10.74        (10.06      6.19        13.87  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (12.36     22.78        11.12        (8.99      7.52        14.65  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.37     (1.22      (0.15      (1.69      (1.27      (0.70
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.37     (1.22      (0.15      (1.69      (1.27      (0.70
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 72.55     $ 85.28      $ 63.72      $ 52.75      $ 63.43      $ 57.18  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

    (14.52 )%(e)      35.96      21.12      (14.08 )%       13.22      34.12
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

    0.59 %(g)      0.59      0.59      0.59      0.59      0.59
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07 )%(g)      1.30      0.69      1.95      2.09      1.65
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 36,274     $ 42,642      $ 31,862      $ 36,927      $ 60,260      $ 40,025  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    12 %(e)       24      25      13      14      14
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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

  41


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Ireland ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.21     $ 42.50      $ 39.39      $ 46.25      $ 43.80      $ 38.94  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.06       0.32        0.43        0.61        0.61        0.47  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (8.93     18.74        3.34        (6.80      2.62        4.94  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (8.87     19.06        3.77        (6.19      3.23        5.41  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.13     (0.35      (0.66      (0.67      (0.78      (0.55
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.13     (0.35      (0.66      (0.67      (0.78      (0.55
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 52.21     $ 61.21      $ 42.50      $ 39.39      $ 46.25      $ 43.80  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

    (14.54 )%(e)      44.90      9.59      (13.44 )%       7.38      13.99
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

    0.49 %(g)      0.50      0.51      0.49      0.47      0.49
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    0.20 %(g)      0.62      1.06      1.49      1.31      1.19
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 65,258     $ 82,630      $ 53,119      $ 55,151      $ 69,381      $ 67,883  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    13 %(e)       40      47      24      20      14
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

42  

2 0 2 2    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  
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   

Period From
09/01/20

to 08/31/21

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.93     $ 25.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(b)

    (0.09     0.66  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

    4.93       8.62  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    4.84       9.28  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

   

From net investment income

    (2.04     (0.57
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.04     (0.57
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.73     $ 33.93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

   

Based on net asset value

    14.95 %(f)       37.03 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

   

Total expenses

    0.74 %(h)       0.74 %(h)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.50 )%(h)       2.24 %(h)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

   

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 20,200     $ 18,662  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

    9 %(f)       16 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
     Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.49     $ 60.80      $ 51.80      $ 49.11      $ 46.26      $ 46.90  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.50       1.04        1.06        1.58        1.71        1.96  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    (8.64     2.97        9.49        2.70        2.86        (0.39
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (8.14     4.01        10.55        4.28        4.57        1.57  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.89     (1.32      (1.55      (1.59      (1.72      (2.21
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.89     (1.32      (1.55      (1.59      (1.72      (2.21
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 54.46     $ 63.49      $ 60.80      $ 51.80      $ 49.11      $ 46.26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

    (12.91 )%(e)      6.58      20.71      9.00      10.02      3.95
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

    0.49 %(g)       0.50      0.51      0.50      0.47      0.49
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.69 %(g)       1.64      1.96      3.16      3.58      4.45
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 130,698     $ 142,856      $ 167,203      $ 165,751      $ 142,406      $ 175,790  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    4 %(e)       16      12      15      14      9
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

44  

2 0 2 2    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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
     Year Ended
08/31/20
     Year Ended
08/31/19
     Year Ended
08/31/18
    

Year Ended

08/31/17

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.67     $ 22.40      $ 22.63      $ 27.67      $ 25.07      $ 20.36  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.30       0.69        0.34        0.67        0.72        0.69  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

    0.45       6.30        (0.15      (4.91      2.56        4.70  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    0.75       6.99        0.19        (4.24      3.28        5.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

    (0.24     (0.72      (0.42      (0.80      (0.68      (0.68
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.24     (0.72      (0.42      (0.80      (0.68      (0.68
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.18     $ 28.67      $ 22.40      $ 22.63      $ 27.67      $ 25.07  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

    2.67 %(e)      31.42      1.04      (15.42 )%       13.21      27.10
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

    0.53 %(g)      0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53      0.53
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.03 %(g)      2.61      1.58      2.66      2.67      3.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 51,069     $ 45,868      $ 31,364      $ 22,632      $ 30,434      $ 32,589  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    13 %(e)       12      16      13      13      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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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

  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

   Non-diversified    

MSCI New Zealand

   Non-diversified    

MSCI Norway

   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 Statements 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 Statements 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, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the Statements 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 Statements 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.

 

 

46  

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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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each business day, the Funds use current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

If events (e.g., 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.

 

 

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

  47


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 Schedule 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:

 

 

 
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

  $ 57,318      $ 56,302      $      $ (1,016 )(b) 

BNP Paribas SA

    895,051        895,051                

BofA Securities, Inc

    881,486        848,355               (33,131 )(b) 

Morgan Stanley

    509,278        490,137               (19,141 )(b) 

UBS AG

    53,073        52,132               (941 )(b)  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 2,396,206      $ 2,341,977      $      $ (54,229
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Finland

          

Barclays Capital, Inc

  $ 28,796      $ 28,796      $      $  

Morgan Stanley

    91,444        91,444                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 120,240      $ 120,240      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

          

Barclays Capital, Inc

  $ 193,781      $ 193,781      $      $  

BNP Paribas SA

    202        202                

BofA Securities, Inc

    397,955        397,955                

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    40,102        40,102                

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    834,543        834,543                

Morgan Stanley

    996,706        996,706                

UBS AG

    70,351        70,351                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 2,533,640      $ 2,533,640      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI New Zealand

          

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

  $ 641,406      $ 641,406      $      $  

Morgan Stanley

    391,865        391,865                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,033,271      $ 1,033,271      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

48  

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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 Norway

          

Barclays Capital, Inc

  $ 65,207      $ 65,207      $      $  

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    609,974        547,109               (62,865 )(b) 

Morgan Stanley

    204,187        204,187                

SG Americas Securities LLC

    243,612        243,612                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,122,980      $ 1,060,115      $      $ (62,865
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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) 

The market value of the loaned securities is determined as of February 28, 2022. 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 Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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  

 

 

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  49


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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, including any custodial costs. 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 Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

iShares ETF  

 

Fees Paid  
to BTC  

 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 6,651    

MSCI Finland

    285    

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    9,519    

MSCI New Zealand

    5,765    

MSCI Norway

    3,791    

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

 

 

50  

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, 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

  $ 1,128,815      $ 923,980      $    23,536  

MSCI Finland

      1,482,495        79,447        (18,535

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    515,083        935,101        (236,099

MSCI Ireland

    632,463          1,431,043        (338,098

MSCI New Zealand

    1,009,372        338,527        (39,765

MSCI Norway

    271,524        759,530        (154,032

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 Statements 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, 2022, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

 

iShares ETF

 

 

Purchases

    

 

Sales    

 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 7,980,111      $ 9,730,397      

MSCI Finland

    2,025,439        2,060,255      

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    5,218,560        4,600,423      

MSCI Ireland

      10,118,706          10,727,633      

MSCI Kuwait

    1,725,018        3,080,035      

MSCI New Zealand

    5,471,187        6,035,314      

MSCI Norway

    7,796,761        6,672,275      

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF  

 

In-kind
Purchases

    

 

In-kind    
Sales    

 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 27,228,406      $ 10,602,513      

MSCI Finland

      18,244,717        7,232,675      

MSCI Ireland

    8,972,650          13,664,355      

MSCI New Zealand

    11,662,713        2,888,018      

MSCI Norway

    22,325,313        18,078,456      

 

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, 2022, 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, 2021, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

 

iShares ETF

 

 

Non-Expiring    

 

MSCI Denmark

  $ 1,855,801      

MSCI Finland

    2,246,283      

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    1,629,412      

MSCI Ireland

    9,782,016      

MSCI New Zealand

      25,824,419      

MSCI Norway

    8,910,431      

 

 

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  51


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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, 2022, 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

  $ 154,455,117      $   18,991,457      $ (13,910,674    $    5,080,783  

MSCI Finland

    40,569,599        316,550        (5,920,111      (5,603,561

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

    40,453,868        5,195,160        (6,831,225      (1,636,065

MSCI Ireland

    59,989,735        9,046,848        (3,878,067      5,168,781  

MSCI Kuwait

    14,838,968        6,219,182        (879,394      5,339,788  

MSCI New Zealand

      152,330,285        4,851,848        (25,279,972      (20,428,124

MSCI Norway

    51,646,978        5,030,656        (4,537,469      493,187  

 

9.  

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares Kuwait ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), is a party to a $800 million credit agreement (“Syndicated Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which expires on August 12, 2022. 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 Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Syndicated Credit Agreement. The Syndicated Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.15% 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 Syndicated Credit Agreement.

During the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Fund did not borrow under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

 

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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may cause uncertainty in the markets and as a result adversely affect the Fund’s investments. 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 as well as acts of war in the region. 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. 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. In addition, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions in the region are impossible to predict, but could be significant and have a severe adverse effect on the region, including significant negative impacts on the economy and the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas, as well as other sectors.

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.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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.

 

 

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

  53


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
02/28/22
            Year Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount            Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI Denmark

          

Shares sold

    250,000     $    27,447,329          1,000,000     $ 91,288,280  

Shares redeemed

    (100,000     (10,684,693        (850,000     (83,752,792
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    150,000     $ 16,762,636          150,000     $ 7,535,488  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Finland

          

Shares sold

    400,000     $ 18,329,774          350,000     $    15,197,344  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000     (7,273,260        (600,000     (27,150,118
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    250,000     $ 11,056,514          (250,000   $ (11,952,774
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Germany Small-Cap

          

Shares sold

        $          100,000     $ 7,312,000  

Shares redeemed

                   (100,000     (7,531,216
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

        $              $ (219,216
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Ireland

          

Shares sold

    150,000     $ 9,005,152          200,000     $ 11,938,016  

Shares redeemed

    (250,000     (13,692,601        (100,000     (5,074,189
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (100,000   $ (4,687,449        100,000     $ 6,863,827  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

 

     Six Months Ended
02/28/22
            Period Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount            Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI Kuwait

          

Shares sold

    50,000     $ 1,655,850          550,000     $ 14,553,456  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000)       (1,830,377               
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

        $ (174,527        550,000     $ 14,553,456  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

 

     Six Months Ended
02/28/22
            Year Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount            Shares     Amount  

 

 

MSCI New Zealand

          

Shares sold

    200,000     $ 11,701,014          1,100,000     $ 70,195,179  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000     (2,889,320        (1,600,000     (101,220,800
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    150,000     $ 8,811,694          (500,000   $ (31,025,621
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Norway

          

Shares sold

    850,000     $ 25,549,393          700,000     $ 19,084,489  

Shares redeemed

    (700,000     (20,388,988        (500,000     (10,512,298
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    150,000     $ 5,160,405          200,000     $ 8,572,191  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

12.  

FOREIGN WITHHOLDING TAX CLAIMS

The iShares MSCI Finland 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

 

 

54  

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

has accrued a liability for the estimated IRS compliance fee related to foreign withholding tax claims, which is disclosed in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The actual IRS compliance fee may differ from the estimate and that difference may be material.

 

13.  

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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

 

 

 

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

  55


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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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 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, 2022

 

     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)

  $  0.004070     $     $  0.024392     $  0.028462       14         86     100

MSCI Germany Small-Cap(a)

    0.312507             0.061339       0.373846       84             16       100  

MSCI Kuwait(a)

    1.641295             0.396205       2.037500       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     I N F O R M A T I O N

  57


General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail 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 Trust’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
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

  59


 

 

 

 

 

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.

©2022 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-808-0222

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

 

   

 

2022 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, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers.

Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022
     
     6-Month    12-Month 
 

U.S. large cap equities

(S&P 500® Index)

      (2.62)%    16.39%
 

U.S. small cap equities

(Russell 2000® Index)

  (9.46)   (6.01)
 

International equities

(MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  (6.78)   2.83
 

Emerging market equities

(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  (9.81)   (10.69)  
 

3-month Treasury bills

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

  0.02   0.04
 

U.S. Treasury securities

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

  (3.94)   (1.67)
 

U.S. investment grade bonds

(Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (4.07)   (2.64)
 

Tax-exempt municipal bonds

(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

  (3.09)   (0.66)
 

U.S. high yield bonds

(Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

  (3.07)   0.64

Past performance is not an indication 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

   6

Shareholder Expenses

   6

Consolidated Schedules of Investments

   7

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   17

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   18

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   19

Consolidated Financial Highlights

   20

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   22

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

   28

Supplemental Information

   29

General Information

   30

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

   31

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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     10 Years           1 Year     5 Years     10 Years    

Fund NAV

    (4.56 )%       14.36     10.25   6.70%       14.36     62.90   91.30% 

Fund Market

    (4.13      13.67       10.23     6.80          13.67       62.73     93.05    

Index

    (4.95      16.29       11.58     7.66            16.29       72.92     109.24    

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     

(09/01/21)     

 

 

 

      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
       

Beginning   
Account Value   
(09/01/21)   
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized    

Expense    

Ratio    

      $       1,000.00               $          954.40          $        3.10           $      1,000.00             $      1,021.60          $        3.21        0.64% 

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector   Percent of    
Total Investments(a)

Financials

  24.4%

Information Technology

  18.3   

Energy

  11.8   

Materials

  10.2   

Consumer Discretionary

  8.4   

Consumer Staples

  8.4   

Utilities

  5.3   

Health Care

  4.8   

Industrials

  4.7   

Communication Services

  3.1   

Real Estate

  0.6   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security   Percent of    
Total Investments(a)

Reliance Industries Ltd.

  9.7%

Infosys Ltd.

  8.2   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

  5.8   

ICICI Bank Ltd.

  5.5   

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

  4.7   

Bajaj Finance Ltd.

  2.7   

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

  2.6   

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

  2.4   

Axis Bank Ltd.

  2.4   

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

  1.8   
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022    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     10 Years           1 Year     5 Years     10 Years    

Fund NAV

    (3.80 )%       17.93     8.87   9.01%       17.93     52.94   136.90% 

Fund Market

    (3.64      18.41       8.86     9.15          18.41       52.89     140.06    

Index

    (4.34      19.68       10.43     10.15            19.68       64.24     162.91    

The inception date of the Fund was 2/8/12. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/9/12.

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     

(09/01/21)     

 

 

 

      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
       

Beginning   
Account Value   
(09/01/21)   
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

Annualized    

Expense    

Ratio    

      $       1,000.00               $          962.00          $        3.60           $      1,000.00             $      1,021.10          $        3.71        0.74% 

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector   Percent of    
Total Investments(a)

Materials

  18.7%

Industrials

  17.8   

Financials

  15.3   

Consumer Discretionary

  13.8   

Health Care

  9.4   

Information Technology

  9.1   

Communication Services

  5.0   

Real Estate

  3.9   

Consumer Staples

  3.4   

Utilities

  2.9   

Energy

  0.7   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security   Percent of    
Total Investments(a)

Voltas Ltd.

  1.6%

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd.

  1.4   

Tata Elxsi Ltd.

  1.3   

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

  1.2   

Persistent Systems Ltd.

  1.2   

Max Financial Services Ltd.

  1.1   

Aarti Industries Ltd.

  1.1   

Astral Ltd.

  1.0   

Ashok Leyland Ltd.

  1.0   

Laurus Labs Ltd.

  1.0   
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F 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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses would have been higher.

 

 

6  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments   (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 0.4%            

Bharat Electronics Ltd.

    7,293,486     $ 20,496,785  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 0.3%            

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd.(a)(b)

    576,449           14,430,791  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 1.0%            

Balkrishna Industries Ltd.

    521,024       12,669,569  

Bharat Forge Ltd.

    1,394,702       12,634,221  

Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd.

    7,563,377       15,206,472  

Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd.(b)

    7,635,201       4,708,952  

MRF Ltd.

    11,421       9,993,431  
   

 

 

 
      55,212,645  
Automobiles — 5.0%            

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    415,763       19,564,824  

Eicher Motors Ltd.

    818,119       28,258,199  

Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

    717,441       24,302,714  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    5,211,252       55,013,416  

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

    814,032       90,222,064  

Tata Motors Ltd.(b)

    9,942,270       60,271,844  
   

 

 

 
      277,633,061  
Banks — 11.1%            

Axis Bank Ltd.(b)

    13,652,649       135,449,951  

Bandhan Bank Ltd.(a)

    3,883,628       15,885,313  

ICICI Bank Ltd.

    31,009,244       307,138,293  

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.

    3,325,392       81,858,158  

State Bank of India

    10,685,432       69,030,070  

Yes Bank Ltd.(b)

    67,539,495       11,931,676  
   

 

 

 
      621,293,461  
Beverages — 0.4%            

United Spirits Ltd.(b)

    1,740,081       20,546,323  
   

 

 

 
Biotechnology — 0.2%            

Biocon Ltd.(b)

    2,517,122       11,698,553  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 0.2%            

HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd.(a)

    318,658       8,860,929  
   

 

 

 
Chemicals — 3.8%            

Asian Paints Ltd.

    2,297,198       97,082,143  

Berger Paints India Ltd.

    1,454,570       13,359,284  

PI Industries Ltd.

    499,356       16,434,515  

Pidilite Industries Ltd.

    912,365       29,206,330  

SRF Ltd.

    886,430       28,210,058  

UPL Ltd.

    2,972,210       26,415,441  
   

 

 

 
      210,707,771  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.3%  

Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corp. Ltd.

    1,437,260       15,595,599  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 1.8%            

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

    4,122,197       99,933,131  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 2.5%            

ACC Ltd.

    450,011       12,534,192  

Ambuja Cements Ltd.

    4,160,388       17,436,618  

Grasim Industries Ltd.

    1,576,672       33,647,174  

Shree Cement Ltd.

    64,803       21,096,908  

UltraTech Cement Ltd.

    604,648       52,919,858  
   

 

 

 
      137,634,750  
Security   Shares     Value  
Consumer Finance — 3.9%            

Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    1,625,572     $ 152,194,512  

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. Ltd.

    2,455,609       22,654,270  

Muthoot Finance Ltd.

    719,670       13,038,575  

SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd.(b)

    1,409,052       14,773,875  

Shriram Transport Finance Co. Ltd.

    1,215,006           18,262,774  
   

 

 

 
      220,924,006  
Diversified Financial Services — 1.2%            

Bajaj Finserv Ltd.

    228,413       48,969,118  

Piramal Enterprises Ltd.

    714,938       19,764,818  
   

 

 

 
      68,733,936  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.2%  

Indus Towers Ltd.(b)

    4,035,434       11,582,538  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 2.2%            

Adani Transmission Ltd.(b)

    1,645,924       46,903,311  

Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.

    18,785,806       52,309,376  

Tata Power Co. Ltd. (The)

    8,605,474       25,661,656  
   

 

 

 
      124,874,343  
Electrical Equipment — 0.4%            

Havells India Ltd.

    1,499,444       23,688,850  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.0%            

Avenue Supermarts Ltd.(a)(b)

    969,199       56,072,350  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 2.4%            

Britannia Industries Ltd.

    648,704       29,610,215  

Marico Ltd.

    3,090,342       21,156,725  

Nestle India Ltd.

    202,074       47,458,040  

Tata Consumer Products Ltd.

    3,581,074       34,290,209  
   

 

 

 
      132,515,189  
Gas Utilities — 1.1%            

Adani Total Gas Ltd.

    1,648,099       34,745,748  

GAIL India Ltd.

    9,305,446       17,993,075  

Indraprastha Gas Ltd.

    1,675,929       7,748,751  
   

 

 

 
      60,487,574  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.7%            

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    602,371       38,554,714  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.3%            

Jubilant Foodworks Ltd.

    474,169       18,435,365  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 2.0%  

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(b)

    2,341,460       57,616,453  

NTPC Ltd.

    29,015,978       51,652,280  
   

 

 

 
      109,268,733  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.2%            

Siemens Ltd.

    426,709       13,349,481  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 2.0%            

HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)

    5,455,271       38,028,267  

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)

    1,343,096       22,605,946  

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)

    2,165,120       13,831,854  

SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)

    2,693,664       38,091,062  
   

 

 

 
      112,557,129  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.5%  

Info Edge India Ltd.

    461,653       27,442,433  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.2%            

Zomato Ltd.(b)

    9,404,715       10,047,317  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

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

  7


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
IT Services — 18.2%            

HCL Technologies Ltd.

    6,497,329     $ 97,701,814  

Infosys Ltd.

    20,146,101       459,126,956  

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd.(a)

    314,525       24,582,308  

Mindtree Ltd.

    394,624       20,477,382  

Mphasis Ltd.

    504,627       20,964,873  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    5,537,780       262,334,180  

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

    3,776,462       71,102,478  

Wipro Ltd.

    8,197,984       60,622,007  
   

 

 

 
      1,016,911,998  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.8%  

Divi’s Laboratories Ltd.

    796,105       45,243,839  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 3.9%            

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

    9,434,474       72,505,104  

JSW Steel Ltd.

    5,047,453       42,346,770  

Tata Steel Ltd.

    4,324,969       70,815,853  

Vedanta Ltd.

    6,673,932       33,968,199  
   

 

 

 
      219,635,926  
Multiline Retail — 0.3%            

Trent Ltd.

    1,085,762       16,057,558  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 11.8%            

Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    5,192,972       24,222,328  

Coal India Ltd.

    9,222,978       20,860,905  

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    3,823,008       13,907,470  

Indian Oil Corp. Ltd.

    11,273,097       17,302,994  

Oil & Natural Gas Corp. Ltd.

    15,057,923       32,431,217  

Petronet LNG Ltd.

    4,484,399       12,868,021  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    17,093,744       538,140,125  
   

 

 

 
      659,733,060  
Personal Products — 3.7%            

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    733,143       14,143,385  

Dabur India Ltd.

    3,703,053       27,763,387  

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.(b)

    2,142,085       21,906,945  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    4,924,543       142,409,474  
   

 

 

 
      206,223,191  
Pharmaceuticals — 3.0%            

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.

    1,754,358       14,604,064  

Cipla Ltd.

    2,898,784       35,678,355  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.

    697,494       37,659,849  

Lupin Ltd.

    1,359,755       13,508,482  

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

    5,028,674       56,489,240  

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    303,577       11,110,650  
   

 

 

 
      169,050,640  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.6%  

DLF Ltd.

    3,717,294       17,442,561  
Security   Shares     Value  
Real Estate Management & Development (continued)  

Godrej Properties Ltd.(b)

    749,190     $ 15,007,811  
   

 

 

 
      32,450,372  
Road & Rail — 0.2%            

Container Corp. of India Ltd.

    1,457,434       11,664,692  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.6%  

Page Industries Ltd.

    33,393       18,796,709  

Titan Co. Ltd.

    2,126,545       72,231,278  
   

 

 

 
      91,027,987  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 5.8%            

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

    10,297,280       325,453,770  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 0.9%            

ITC Ltd.

    17,709,739       50,993,522  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.6%  

Adani Enterprises Ltd.

    1,645,527       36,186,332  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.5%            

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd.

    3,054,844       28,885,621  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.4%  

Bharti Airtel Ltd.(b)

    14,822,778       135,543,811  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $3,083,141,765)

 

    5,567,640,076  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 3.5%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    198,120,000       198,120,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 3.5%
(Cost: $198,120,000)

 

    198,120,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 103.1%
(Cost: $3,281,261,765)

 

    5,765,760,076  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (3.1)%

      (173,602,753
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  5,592,157,323  
   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
   

Shares

Held at
02/28/22

    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ 138,250,000     $ 59,870,000 (a)    $     $     $     $ 198,120,000       198,120,000     $ 10,731     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

       

SGX Nifty 50 Index

    632       03/31/22     $ 21,325     $ 21,508  
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 21,508  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (1,254,896
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:                                                                                                          

 

Futures contracts

  $ (45,926
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 14,141,036     

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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.

 

 

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

  9


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 34,745,748      $ 5,532,894,328      $      $ 5,567,640,076  

Money Market Funds

     198,120,000                      198,120,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 232,865,748      $ 5,532,894,328      $      $ 5,765,760,076  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $      $ 21,508      $      $ 21,508  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

10  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.5%            

Allcargo Logistics Ltd.

    115,704     $ 497,092  

Blue Dart Express Ltd.

    7,486       598,270  

Mahindra Logistics Ltd.(a)

    45,506       243,406  

TCI Express Ltd.

    21,229       500,184  
   

 

 

 
      1,838,952  
Airlines — 0.1%            

SpiceJet Ltd.(b)

    379,933       305,909  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 3.4%            

Apollo Tyres Ltd.

    503,598       1,242,908  

Asahi India Glass Ltd.

    96,412       603,460  

Ceat Ltd.

    34,882       454,287  

Endurance Technologies Ltd.(a)

    55,285       970,771  

Exide Industries Ltd.

    601,927       1,196,423  

Mahindra CIE Automotive Ltd.(b)

    180,373       468,129  

Minda Industries Ltd.

    113,195       1,391,734  

Sundaram Clayton Ltd.

    8,026       416,050  

Sundram Fasteners Ltd.

    149,785       1,704,603  

Suprajit Engineering Ltd.

    108,981       456,204  

Tube Investments of India Ltd.

    168,301       3,408,877  
   

 

 

 
      12,313,446  
Automobiles — 0.7%            

TVS Motor Co. Ltd.

    300,817       2,475,214  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 3.7%            

AU Small Finance Bank Ltd.(a)(b)

    123,943       1,991,151  

Canara Bank(b)

    571,864       1,680,177  

City Union Bank Ltd.

    574,408       958,438  

Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd.(a)(b)

    363,092       250,763  

Federal Bank Ltd.

    2,454,004       3,181,369  

IDFC First Bank Ltd.(b)

    4,804,463       2,705,178  

Karur Vysya Bank Ltd. (The)

    620,855       393,295  

RBL Bank Ltd.(a)(b)

    707,035       1,262,013  

Yes Bank Ltd., (Acquired 03/16/20,
Cost: $3,554,476)(b)(c)

    4,044,378       635,547  
   

 

 

 
          13,057,931  
Beverages — 1.2%            

Radico Khaitan Ltd.

    115,916       1,386,889  

Varun Beverages Ltd.

    239,260       3,010,058  
   

 

 

 
      4,396,947  
Building Products — 2.1%            

Astral Ltd.

    142,718       3,699,043  

Blue Star Ltd.

    91,521       1,304,828  

Cera Sanitaryware Ltd.

    8,163       470,340  

Kajaria Ceramics Ltd.

    125,984       1,816,493  

Prince Pipes and Fittings Ltd.

    43,599       374,587  
   

 

 

 
      7,665,291  
Capital Markets — 4.0%            

Angel One Ltd.

    32,893       587,152  

BSE Ltd.

    34,932       915,811  

Central Depository Services India Ltd.

    81,156       1,469,954  

CRISIL Ltd.

    23,101       886,826  

Dhani Services Ltd.(b)

    381,696       400,444  

Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd., NVS

    817,535       596,111  

ICICI Securities Ltd.(a)

    133,017       1,181,095  

IDFC Ltd.(b)

    1,759,231       1,359,234  

IIFL Wealth Management Ltd.

    56,072       1,146,091  

Indian Energy Exchange Ltd., NVS(a)

    694,760       1,913,140  

JM Financial Ltd.

    680,942       618,294  
Security   Shares     Value  
Capital Markets (continued)            

Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

    58,074     $ 681,875  

Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.

    40,899       695,440  

Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd.(a)

    196,644       806,876  

Tata Investment Corp. Ltd.

    20,023       354,799  

UTI Asset Management Co. Ltd.

    70,470       784,309  
   

 

 

 
      14,397,451  
Chemicals — 12.6%            

Aarti Industries Ltd.

    314,788       3,889,215  

Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd.

    70,468       300,467  

Akzo Nobel India Ltd.

    14,432       361,926  

Alkyl Amines Chemicals

    20,278       812,742  

Atul Ltd.

    23,355       2,882,205  

Balaji Amines Ltd., NVS

    15,358       586,131  

BASF India Ltd.

    17,086       626,600  

Bayer CropScience Ltd./India

    21,245       1,245,809  

Carborundum Universal Ltd.

    165,230       1,773,082  

Castrol India Ltd.

    627,691       903,083  

Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd.

    261,959       1,321,884  

Chemplast Sanmar Ltd.(b)

    63,177       397,878  

Clean Science and Technology(b)

    33,390       816,388  

Coromandel International Ltd.

    185,058       1,906,989  

Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd.

    86,135       652,866  

Deepak Nitrite Ltd.

    107,952       2,884,581  

EID Parry India Ltd.

    111,853       616,779  

Fine Organic Industries Ltd.

    12,155       694,788  

Finolex Industries Ltd.

    392,094       800,922  

Galaxy Surfactants Ltd.

    16,757       620,184  

Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd.(b)

    34,844       1,197,121  

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.

    122,605       905,857  

Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.

    284,120       476,908  

Indigo Paints Ltd.(b)

    15,078       359,452  

Jubilant Ingrevia Ltd.

    101,015       674,050  

Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd.

    212,162       1,283,147  

Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd.

    84,118       460,302  

Linde India Ltd.

    33,556       1,230,857  

Navin Fluorine International Ltd.

    50,953       2,642,673  

NOCIL Ltd.

    156,265       436,890  

Polyplex Corporation Ltd.

    19,984       482,160  

Rain Industries Ltd.

    265,637       658,336  

Rallis India Ltd.

    123,292       384,270  

Rossari Biotech Ltd.

    21,798       285,190  

Solar Industries India Ltd.

    43,054       1,327,363  

Sumitomo Chemical India Ltd.

    158,181       794,396  

Supreme Industries Ltd.

    100,539       2,738,556  

Supreme Petrochem Ltd.

    52,181       460,597  

Tata Chemicals Ltd.

    261,258       2,935,177  

Vinati Organics Ltd.

    40,367       996,873  
   

 

 

 
          44,824,694  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.1%            

SIS Ltd.(b)

    58,004       351,222  
   

 

 

 
Communications Equipment — 0.3%            

Sterlite Technologies Ltd.

    250,809       591,533  

Tejas Networks Ltd.(a)(b)

    90,941       495,744  
   

 

 

 
      1,087,277  
Construction & Engineering — 3.4%            

Dilip Buildcon Ltd.(a)

    57,940       208,218  

Engineers India Ltd.

    400,172       329,082  

GMR Power and Urban Infrastructure Ltd., NVS(b)

    300,381       133,551  
 

 

 

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

  11


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Construction & Engineering (continued)            

IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd.(b)

    142,481     $ 409,874  

Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd.

    104,936       547,535  

KEC International Ltd.

    183,447       1,138,726  

KNR Constructions Ltd.

    200,074       827,237  

NBCC India Ltd.

    1,136,315       591,209  

NCC Ltd./India

    624,307       520,964  

PNC Infratech Ltd.

    140,828       497,682  

Praj Industries Ltd.

    175,065       796,392  

Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd.(b)

    60,056       255,969  

Voltas Ltd.

    339,722       5,711,481  
   

 

 

 
      11,967,920  
Construction Materials — 2.8%            

Birla Corp. Ltd.

    42,831       625,843  

Dalmia Bharat Ltd.

    118,095       2,466,191  

HeidelbergCement India Ltd.

    107,091       265,132  

India Cements Ltd. (The)

    219,618       592,734  

JK Cement Ltd.

    55,058       2,086,426  

JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd.

    93,342       555,982  

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd.(b)

    170,107       785,247  

Prism Johnson Ltd.(b)

    198,642       312,542  

Ramco Cements Ltd. (The)

    205,467       2,154,575  
   

 

 

 
      9,844,672  
Consumer Finance — 2.7%            

Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Ltd.

    148,869       1,276,246  

CreditAccess Grameen Ltd.(b)

    74,335       743,035  

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd.

    973,268       1,890,816  

Manappuram Finance Ltd.

    804,935       1,223,248  

MAS Financial Services Ltd.(a)

    26,239       198,272  

Paisalo Digital Ltd.

    40,404       356,700  

Poonawalla Fincorp Ltd.(b)

    239,684       762,926  

Shriram City Union Finance Ltd.

    36,546       772,033  

Spandana Sphoorty Financial Ltd.(b)

    30,416       151,010  

Sundaram Finance Ltd.

    95,694       2,428,095  
   

 

 

 
      9,802,381  
Containers & Packaging — 0.1%            

EPL Ltd.

    197,604       416,892  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 1.3%            

Aditya Birla Capital Ltd.(b)

    721,829       1,018,475  

L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.(b)

    1,173,910       1,034,207  

REC Ltd.

    1,563,076       2,546,189  
   

 

 

 
      4,598,871  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.4%  

HFCL Ltd.

    909,217       887,017  

Tata Communications Ltd.

    179,933       2,839,613  

Tata Teleservices Maharastra Ltd.(b)

    774,194       1,210,209  
   

 

 

 
            4,936,839  
Electric Utilities — 0.7%            

CESC Ltd.

    946,215       986,925  

Torrent Power Ltd.

    265,133       1,678,601  
   

 

 

 
      2,665,526  
Electrical Equipment — 3.1%            

Amara Raja Batteries Ltd.

    149,070       1,115,068  

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.(b)

    1,382,175       921,826  

CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd.(b)

    852,441       1,953,615  

Finolex Cables Ltd.

    108,697       598,764  

Graphite India Ltd.

    91,832       572,094  

HEG Ltd.

    18,363       278,637  

Hitachi Energy India Ltd.

    13,510       595,796  
Security   Shares     Value  
Electrical Equipment (continued)            

KEI Industries Ltd.

    85,769     $ 1,133,109  

Olectra Greentech Ltd.(b)

    51,663       437,653  

Polycab India Ltd.

    58,835       1,863,828  

Suzlon Energy Ltd.(b)

    7,701,727       969,749  

V-Guard Industries Ltd.

    271,681       707,948  
   

 

 

 
      11,148,087  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%  

Redington India Ltd.

    804,254       1,646,825  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 0.8%            

Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.(d)

    206,787       27  

Inox Leisure Ltd.(b)

    96,993       530,331  

Nazara Technologies Ltd.(b)

    12,931       299,910  

PVR Ltd.(b)

    72,235       1,582,720  

Saregama India Ltd.

    10,656       556,943  
   

 

 

 
      2,969,931  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.4%  

Brookfield India Real Estate Trust(a)

    167,107       675,151  

Embassy Office Parks REIT

    673,205       3,350,617  

Mindspace Business Parks REIT(a)

    234,944       1,112,459  
   

 

 

 
      5,138,227  
Food Products — 1.1%            

Avanti Feeds Ltd.

    85,766       547,409  

Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd.

    193,181       1,024,912  

Bombay Burmah Trading Co.

    27,650       352,665  

CCL Products India Ltd.

    116,033       693,717  

Kaveri Seed Co. Ltd.

    37,068       240,367  

Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd.(b)

    840,323       371,057  

Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd.

    114,421       379,888  

Zydus Wellness Ltd.

    19,905       419,290  
   

 

 

 
      4,029,305  
Gas Utilities — 1.3%            

Gujarat Gas Ltd.

    271,296       2,109,287  

Gujarat State Petronet Ltd.

    446,839       1,724,803  

Mahanagar Gas Ltd.

    86,231       835,964  
   

 

 

 
      4,670,054  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.1%            

Poly Medicure Ltd.

    38,360       406,472  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.8%            

Aster DM Healthcare Ltd.(a)(b)

    194,809       444,371  

Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd.(a)

    52,336       1,757,026  

Fortis Healthcare Ltd.(b)

    717,028       2,350,402  

Krishna Institute Of Medical Sciences Ltd.(a)(b)

    45,137       762,994  

Max Healthcare Institute Ltd.(b)

    458,708       2,287,764  

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.(a)

    40,280       1,051,169  

Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd.(b)

    113,110       1,032,573  

Thyrocare Technologies Ltd.(a)

    29,335       335,598  
   

 

 

 
          10,021,897  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.5%            

Chalet Hotel Ltd.(b)

    96,772       339,008  

Delta Corp. Ltd.

    101,256       357,438  

Devyani International Ltd.(b)

    381,829       790,723  

EIH Ltd.(b)

    248,151       429,925  

Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. (The)

    1,028,281       2,744,773  

Restaurant Brands Asia Ltd.(b)

    244,650       341,949  

Westlife Development Ltd.(b)

    85,967       529,994  
   

 

 

 
      5,533,810  
 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Household Durables — 4.1%            

Amber Enterprises India Ltd.(b)

    26,538     $ 1,230,204  

Bajaj Electricals Ltd.(b)

    72,771       1,112,037  

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd.

    842,832       4,820,488  

Dixon Technologies India Ltd.

    51,578       2,969,283  

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd.(b)

    10,598       255,876  

Orient Electric Ltd.

    201,974       888,348  

Sheela Foam Ltd.(b)

    23,002       1,046,941  

Symphony Ltd.

    27,636       361,797  

TTK Prestige Ltd.

    66,052       697,272  

Whirlpool of India Ltd.

    50,342       1,122,279  
   

 

 

 
      14,504,525  
Household Products — 0.1%            

Jyothy Labs Ltd.

    232,809       424,348  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.9%  

Adani Power Ltd.(b)

    1,221,052       2,032,824  

NLC India Ltd.

    438,038       365,199  

Reliance Power Ltd.(b)

    3,753,754       657,142  
   

 

 

 
            3,055,165  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.5%            

3M India Ltd.(b)

    4,434       1,252,617  

Godrej Industries Ltd.(b)

    79,515       550,030  
   

 

 

 
      1,802,647  
Insurance — 1.1%            

Max Financial Services Ltd.(b)

    355,738       3,934,368  
   

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%            

Brightcom Group Ltd.

    574,060       912,736  

Just Dial Ltd.(b)

    26,510       263,960  
   

 

 

 
      1,176,696  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.1%            

CarTrade Tech Ltd.(b)

    28,930       208,481  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 3.7%            

Coforge Ltd.

    33,609       2,034,420  

Computer Age Management Services Ltd.

    42,602       1,418,842  

eClerx Services Ltd.

    24,840       713,019  

Firstsource Solutions Ltd.

    438,020       743,636  

Happiest Minds Technologies Ltd.

    92,543       1,212,191  

Infibeam Avenues Ltd.

    527,915       275,888  

Mastek Ltd.

    21,164       793,122  

NIIT Ltd.

    116,079       654,422  

Persistent Systems Ltd.

    78,587       4,131,211  

Sonata Software Ltd.

    98,961       970,222  

Vakrangee Ltd.

    667,451       278,880  
   

 

 

 
      13,225,853  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.4%            

Syngene International Ltd.(a)(b)

    188,280       1,359,274  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 5.7%            

AIA Engineering Ltd.

    67,244       1,452,742  

Ashok Leyland Ltd., NVS

    2,317,342       3,673,317  

BEML Ltd.

    29,707       619,122  

Cochin Shipyard Ltd.(a)

    51,094       197,075  

Cummins India Ltd.

    196,671       2,512,283  

Escorts Ltd.

    106,722       2,630,967  

GMM Pfaudler Ltd.

    10,364       604,531  

Grindwell Norton Ltd.

    70,203       1,505,654  

ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd.

    40,481       308,352  

Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd.

    5,045       695,768  
Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)            

MTAR Technologies Ltd.

    17,227     $ 415,755  

Schaeffler India Ltd.

    61,612       1,497,398  

SKF India Ltd.

    35,248       1,685,931  

Thermax Ltd.

    66,071       1,597,537  

Timken India Ltd.

    29,748       803,546  
   

 

 

 
      20,199,978  
Marine — 0.1%            

Shipping Corp. of India Ltd.

    184,059       255,901  
   

 

 

 
Media — 1.9%            

Affle India Ltd.(b)

    83,945       1,371,310  

Sun TV Network Ltd.

    125,018       746,345  

TV18 Broadcast Ltd.(b)

    705,770       578,190  

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

    1,365,266       4,182,171  
   

 

 

 
      6,878,016  
Metals & Mining — 2.8%            

APL Apollo Tubes Ltd.(b)

    178,102       2,029,647  

Jindal Stainless Hisar Ltd.(b)

    148,635       700,073  

Jindal Stainless Ltd.(b)

    279,639       724,342  

Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.(b)

    644,000       3,672,591  

National Aluminium Co. Ltd.

    1,308,265       2,127,376  

Ratnamani Metals & Tubes Ltd.

    25,786       767,680  
   

 

 

 
          10,021,709  
Multiline Retail — 0.3%            

Future Retail Ltd.(b)

    335,925       218,459  

V-Mart Retail Ltd.(b)

    15,295       694,575  
   

 

 

 
      913,034  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.7%            

Aegis Logistics Ltd.

    221,713       500,007  

Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. (The)

    162,333       703,473  

Oil India Ltd.

    429,989       1,282,524  
   

 

 

 
      2,486,004  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.4%            

Century Plyboards India Ltd.

    87,778       697,843  

Century Textiles & Industries Ltd.

    70,842       724,977  
   

 

 

 
      1,422,820  
Personal Products — 0.9%            

Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd.

    151,701       327,806  

Emami Ltd.

    316,638       2,088,307  

Gillette India Ltd.

    10,308       710,530  
   

 

 

 
      3,126,643  
Pharmaceuticals — 6.0%            

Aarti Drugs Ltd.

    51,380       311,566  

Ajanta Pharma Ltd.

    40,845       936,291  

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    93,538       903,831  

AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.

    7,879       272,878  

Caplin Point Laboratories Ltd.

    29,765       264,729  

Eris Lifesciences Ltd.(a)

    54,210       487,895  

FDC Ltd./India(b)

    79,694       286,991  

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    53,741       1,086,225  

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    223,730       1,335,726  

Granules India Ltd.

    216,264       838,867  

Hikal Ltd.

    58,625       287,425  

IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    36,221       170,059  

Ipca Laboratories Ltd.

    221,041       2,887,137  

JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    55,163       1,185,367  

Jubilant Pharmova Ltd.

    101,123       533,421  

Laurus Labs Ltd.(a)

    508,223       3,672,739  
 

 

 

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

  13


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals (continued)            

Natco Pharma Ltd., NVS

    144,379     $ 1,670,038  

Procter & Gamble Health Ltd.

    11,845       719,464  

Sanofi India Ltd.

    12,699       1,224,309  

Shilpa Medicare Ltd.

    51,653       279,694  

Solara Active Pharma Sciences Ltd.

    19,693       179,586  

Strides Pharma Science Ltd.

    91,793       391,312  

Sun Pharma Advanced Research Co. Ltd.(b)

    103,929       372,775  

Suven Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    141,445       965,715  

Wockhardt Ltd., NVS(b)

    52,262       236,248  
   

 

 

 
          21,500,288  
Professional Services — 1.2%            

L&T Technology Services Ltd.(a)

    41,624       2,521,133  

Quess Corp. Ltd.(a)

    104,492       880,523  

TeamLease Services Ltd.(b)

    17,562       960,384  
   

 

 

 
      4,362,040  
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.4%  

Brigade Enterprises Ltd.

    163,644       1,084,046  

Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd.(b)

    284,785       411,668  

NESCO Ltd.

    33,514       248,929  

Oberoi Realty Ltd.(b)

    200,638       2,429,574  

Phoenix Mills Ltd. (The)

    149,891       1,914,555  

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd.

    221,057       1,341,183  

Sobha Ltd.

    60,154       620,719  

Sunteck Realty Ltd.

    81,775       531,483  
   

 

 

 
      8,582,157  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.2%  

Borosil Renewables Ltd.(b)

    71,684       561,664  
   

 

 

 
Software — 4.4%            

Birlasoft Ltd.

    220,352       1,201,165  

Cyient Ltd.

    131,020       1,430,284  

Intellect Design Arena Ltd.(b)

    126,676       1,107,197  

KPIT Technologies Ltd.

    260,389       1,983,453  

Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd.

    33,964       1,535,383  

Route Mobile Ltd.

    34,739       690,591  

Tanla Platforms Ltd.

    105,094       2,203,659  

Tata Elxsi Ltd.

    54,103       4,643,241  

Zensar Technologies Ltd.

    177,451       823,567  
   

 

 

 
      15,618,540  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 3.7%  

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.(b)

    520,882       1,871,124  

Alok Industries Ltd.(b)

    1,954,986       630,444  

Bata India Ltd.

    81,381       1,967,655  

Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.

    14,622       575,492  

Indo Count Industries Ltd.

    125,152       291,770  

KPR Mill Ltd.

    135,432       1,142,884  

Lux Industries Ltd.

    11,925       393,406  

Rajesh Exports Ltd.

    93,651       873,646  

Relaxo Footwears Ltd.

    78,781       1,276,275  

Trident Ltd.

    1,577,974       1,067,759  

Vaibhav Global Ltd.

    77,077       422,141  

Vardhman Textiles Ltd.

    36,555       1,243,897  
Security   Shares     Value  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (continued)  

VIP Industries Ltd.(b)

    89,629     $ 768,640  

Welspun India Ltd.

    392,777       550,881  
   

 

 

 
          13,076,014  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 2.4%            

Aavas Financiers Ltd.(b)

    75,716       2,823,308  

Can Fin Homes Ltd.

    94,970       736,656  

Home First Finance Company India Ltd.(a)(b)

    41,816       379,239  

IIFL Finance Ltd.

    179,883       714,746  

Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd.

    509,921       1,022,826  

LIC Housing Finance Ltd.

    523,512       2,398,805  

PNB Housing Finance Ltd.(a)(b)

    93,109       507,593  
   

 

 

 
      8,583,173  
Tobacco — 0.1%            

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd.

    19,657       267,901  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.3%            

IndiaMART Intermesh Ltd.(a)

    19,103       1,218,606  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.5%            

GMR Infrastructure Ltd.(b)

    2,854,878       1,446,498  

Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd.

    417,666       467,766  
   

 

 

 
      1,914,264  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.5%  

Vodafone Idea Ltd.(b)

    13,593,733       1,875,671  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.4%
(Cost: $245,566,604)

 

    355,067,823  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 2.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(e)(f)

    7,200,000       7,200,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.0%
(Cost: $7,200,000)

 

    7,200,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.4%
(Cost: $252,766,604)

      362,267,823  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.4)%         (5,160,045)  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   357,107,778  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Restricted security as to resale, excluding 144A securities. The Fund held restricted securities with a current value of $635,547, representing 0.2% of its net assets as of period end, and an original cost of $3,554,476.

(d) 

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

(e) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(f) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
    

Shares

Held at

02/28/22

     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 7,290,000      $        $(90,000 )(a)    $      $      $ 7,200,000        7,200,000      $ 560      $  
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Date
   

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

       

SGX Nifty 50 Index

    67       03/31/22     $ 2,261     $ 27,722  
       

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 27,722  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (136,432
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 16,718  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,174,131      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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.

 

 

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

  15


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 5,881,812      $ 349,185,984      $ 27      $ 355,067,823  

Money Market Funds

     7,200,000                      7,200,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $   13,081,812      $ 349,185,984      $           27      $ 362,267,823  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $      $ 27,722      $      $ 27,722  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

 

   

iShares

MSCI India ETF

      

iShares

MSCI India

Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

      

Investments in securities, at value:

      

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 5,567,640,076        $ 355,067,823  

Affiliated(b)

    198,120,000          7,200,000  

Cash

    7,326,525           

Foreign currency, at value(c)

    21,639,111          15,462,451  

Cash pledged:

      

Futures contracts

    1,054,000          180,000  

Receivables:

      

Investments sold

    47,281,847          1,153,369  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    265,506          39,190  

Dividends

    3,086,884          346,768  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total assets

    5,846,413,949          379,449,601  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

      

Bank overdraft

             12,416,425  

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

    177,314,876          6,426,566  

Payables:

      

Investments purchased

    26,533,787          2,632,297  

Capital shares redeemed

    47,581,562          645,915  

Investment advisory fees

    2,826,401          220,620  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    254,256,626          22,341,823  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 5,592,157,323        $ 357,107,778  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

      

Paid-in capital

  $ 4,448,854,574        $ 322,635,320  

Accumulated earnings

    1,143,302,749          34,472,458  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 5,592,157,323        $ 357,107,778  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    127,800,000          6,500,000  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 43.76        $ 54.94  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited          Unlimited  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Par value

    None          None  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 3,083,141,765        $ 245,566,604  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 198,120,000        $ 7,200,000  

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 21,638,956        $ 15,463,462  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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

  17


Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

   

iShares

MSCI India

ETF

    

iShares

MSCI India

Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

  

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 36,948,828      $ 1,605,222  

Dividends — Affiliated

    10,731        560  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (8,039,834      (314,731
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    28,919,725        1,291,051  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

    

Investment advisory fees

    19,422,827        1,421,194  

Commitment fees

    19,090        1,873  

Professional fees

    217        217  

Mauritius income taxes

    295        295  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    19,442,429        1,423,579  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    9,477,296        (132,528
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investments — Unaffiliated(a)

    83,138,424        16,986,503  

Futures contracts

    (1,254,896      (136,432

Foreign currency transactions

    (2,671,710      (352,941
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    79,211,818        16,497,130  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

    

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    (362,090,418      (35,178,935

Futures contracts

    (45,926      16,718  

Foreign currency translations

    (96,408      (31,376
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (362,232,752      (35,193,593
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (283,020,934      (18,696,463
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (273,543,638    $ (18,828,991
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable

  $ (1,721,817    $ (1,688,647

(b) Net of reduction in deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $ 399,010      $ 2,329,003  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

iShares

MSCI India ETF

   

iShares

MSCI India Small-Cap ETF

 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

   

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

            

OPERATIONS

            

Net investment income (loss)

    $ 9,477,296     $ 16,931,383              $ (132,528   $ (33,382

Net realized gain

      79,211,818       6,980,789          16,497,130       20,967,516  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (362,232,752 )         1,743,084,666          (35,193,593 )         110,021,003  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (273,543,638     1,766,996,838          (18,828,991     130,955,137  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

            

From net investment income

      (374,889,807     (8,540,172        (5,222,074     (268,669

Return of capital

                           (1,270
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (374,889,807     (8,540,172        (5,222,074     (269,939
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

            

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

      (110,000,980     1,498,302,314          51,693,085       5,010,592  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

            

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (758,434,425     3,256,758,980          27,642,020       135,695,790  

Beginning of period

      6,350,591,748       3,093,832,768          329,465,758       193,769,968  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 5,592,157,323     $ 6,350,591,748        $ 357,107,778     $ 329,465,758  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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

  19


Consolidated Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI India ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 48.79     $ 33.37     $ 32.38     $ 35.68     $ 34.20     $ 29.61  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.07       0.14       0.14       0.29       0.25       0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (2.19     15.35       0.96       (3.00     1.54       4.53  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (2.12     15.49       1.10       (2.71     1.79       4.79  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

             

From net investment income

      (2.91     (0.07     (0.11     (0.49     (0.31     (0.20

Return of capital

                        (0.10            
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (2.91     (0.07     (0.11     (0.59     (0.31     (0.20
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 43.76     $ 48.79     $ 33.37     $ 32.38     $ 35.68     $ 34.20  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      (4.56 )%(e)      46.54     3.40     (7.61 )%      5.26     16.27
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.64 %(g)      0.65     0.69     0.69     0.68     0.68
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.31 %(g)      0.35     0.43     0.86     0.72     0.87
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 5,592,157     $ 6,350,592     $ 3,093,833     $ 4,899,749     $ 5,082,120     $ 5,263,819  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      6 %(e)(i)      25 %(i)      25 %(i)      9 %(i)      10 %(i)      13 %(i) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(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)   Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e)   Not annualized.

(f) Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g)   Annualized.

(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:

      6     17     19     6     5     5
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

20  

2 0 2 2   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


Consolidated Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
 

 

 

 
   

 

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

   

Year Ended

08/31/20

   

Year Ended

08/31/19

   

Year Ended

08/31/18

   

Year Ended

08/31/17

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

               $ 57.80       $ 34.60       $ 33.39       $ 44.10       $ 46.27       $ 36.01  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

      (0.02       (0.01       0.15         0.10         (0.00 )(b)        0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (2.07       23.26         1.88         (10.60       (1.06       10.55  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (2.09       23.25         2.03         (10.50       (1.06       10.64  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.77       (0.05       (0.82       (0.21       (0.63       (0.38

Return of capital

              (0.00 )(b)                        (0.48        
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.77       (0.05       (0.82       (0.21       (1.11       (0.38
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 54.94       $ 57.80       $ 34.60       $ 33.39       $ 44.10       $ 46.27  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                       

Based on net asset value

      (3.80 )%(f)        67.25       6.35       (23.88 )%        (2.36 )%        29.97
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                       

Total expenses

      0.74 %(h)        0.74       0.81       0.76       0.77       0.75
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

      (0.07 )%(h)        (0.01 )%        0.45       0.28       (0.00 )%(i)        0.21
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 357,108       $ 329,466       $ 193,770       $ 270,433       $ 282,264       $ 205,914  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      28 %(f)(k)        55 %(k)        32 %(k)        24 %(k)        49 %(k)        38 %(k) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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)   Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) Not annualized.

(g)   Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h)   Annualized.

(i) Rounds to less than 0.01%.

(j) 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”).

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

      21       37       28       19       31       22
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  21


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 iShares MSCI India ETF and iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF as of period end were $5,443,582,894 and $350,549,119, which is 97.3% and 98.2% of each 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 Statements 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 Statements 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, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the Consolidated Statements 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 Statements of Operations includes tax reclaims recorded as well as professional and other fees, if any, associated with recovery of foreign withholding taxes.

Each Fund has conducted 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.

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2   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


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 Financial Services Commission (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 Statements 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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each business day, the Funds use current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

If events (e.g., 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.

 

 

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

  23


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the Consolidated Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statements 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.

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Consolidated Statements 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, 2022, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     

iShares ETF

  Purchases     Sales  

MSCI India

  $   389,080,310       $   926,284,886    

MSCI India Small-Cap

    146,405,355       102,857,184  

There were no in-kind transactions for the six months ended February 28, 2022.

 

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, 2022, 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, 2021, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring  

MSCI India

  $   655,989,828    

MSCI India Small-Cap

    62,205,401  

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, 2022, 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

  $   3,502,127,841      $ 2,547,912,380      $ (284,258,637   $ 2,263,653,743    

MSCI India Small-Cap

    269,406,521       126,195,671       (33,306,647     92,889,024  

 

8.

LINE OF CREDIT

The Funds, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), are parties to a $800 million credit agreement (“Syndicated Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which expires on August 12, 2022. 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 Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Syndicated Credit Agreement. The Syndicated Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.15% 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 Syndicated Credit Agreement.

During the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds did not borrow under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

 

 

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  25


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

The Funds, along with certain other iShares funds (“Mauritius Participating Funds”), are parties to a $750,000,000 unsecured and uncommitted line of credit (“Uncommitted Liquidity Facility”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company, which may be used solely to facilitate trading associated with the closure of each Fund’s Mauritius subsidiary. The Uncommitted Liquidity Facility has interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) the U.S. Federal Funds rate (not less than zero) plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Overnight Bank Funding rate (not less than zero) plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. Each Mauritius Participating Fund will be removed from the Uncommitted Liquidity Facility once trading out of its holdings in the Mauritius subsidiary is complete. During the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds did not borrow under the Uncommitted Liquidity Facility.

 

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.

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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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 Consolidated Statements 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.

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

The 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. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may cause uncertainty in the markets and as a result adversely affect the Fund’s investments. 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.

The 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.

The 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 Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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

02/28/22

    

Year Ended

08/31/21

 
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

 

 

MSCI India

          

Shares sold

    2,900,000      $ 130,200,916        44,850,000      $ 1,805,890,047  

Shares redeemed

    (5,250,000      (240,201,896      (7,400,000      (307,587,733
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (2,350,000    $   (110,000,980      37,450,000      $ 1,498,302,314  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI India Small-Cap

          

Shares sold

    1,100,000      $ 67,571,866        1,000,000      $ 49,353,215  

Shares redeemed

    (300,000      (15,878,781      (900,000      (44,342,623
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

    800,000      $ 51,693,085        100,000      $ 5,010,592  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

 

11.

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.

 

 

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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 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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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 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, 2022

 

     
   

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(a)

  $ 0.062088      $      $   2.847406      $   2.909494        2         98     100

MSCI India Small-Cap(a)

                  0.767952        0.767952                    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.

 

 

 

S U P P L E M E N T A L   I N F O R M A T I O N

  29


General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail 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 Trust’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

  31


 

 

 

 

 

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.

©2022 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-809-0222

 

 

 

 

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  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

  

2022 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


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers.

Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022

 

     
   

  6-Month  

 

 

  12-Month  

 

   

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

  (2.62)%      16.39%
   

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

  (9.46)        (6.01)
   

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

  (6.78)        2.83
   

Emerging market equities (MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  (9.81)        (10.69)
   

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

  0.02        0.04
   

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

  (3.94)        (1.67)
   

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

  (4.07)        (2.64)
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

  (3.09)        (0.66)
   

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

  (3.07)        0.64

Past performance is not an indication 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

    8  

Shareholder Expenses

    8  

Schedules of Investments

    9  

Financial Statements

    23  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

    23  

Statements of Operations

    24  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    25  

Financial Highlights

    27  

Notes to Financial Statements

    31  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

    37  

Supplemental Information

    38  

General Information

    39  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

    40  

 

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022     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

    4.37     20.95     9.80     8.95        20.95     59.59     77.17

Fund Market

    4.21       20.91       9.81       8.96          20.91       59.67       77.25  

Index

    4.28       20.37       9.77       8.96                20.37       59.39       77.26  

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 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $        1,000.00          $        1,043.70          $        0.15               $        1,000.00          $        1,024.60          $        0.15          0.03

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information. The fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests are not included in the Fund’s annualized expense ratio.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

Investment Type    
Percent of
Net Assets
 
 

Investment Companies

    100.0
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative depreciation     (0.3

Other assets less liabilities

    0.3  

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

Sector    

Percent of

Total Investment(a)

 

 

Financials

    38.7

Energy

    16.5  

Materials

    11.6  

Industrials

    11.2  

Information Technology

    7.6  

Consumer Staples

    3.9  

Utilities

    3.6  

Consumer Discretionary

    3.4  

Communication Services

    2.5  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.0  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

 

4  

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

    (7.16 )%      8.95     8.01     7.22        8.95     46.98     70.38

Fund Market

    (7.15     8.96       8.01       7.22          8.96       47.00       70.33  

Index

    (6.02     10.31       8.33       7.62                10.31       49.19       75.28  

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 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $        1,000.00          $          928.40          $        0.14               $      1,000.00          $        1,024.60          $        0.15          0.03

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information. The fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests are not included in the Fund’s annualized expense ratio.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type    
Percent of
Net Assets
 
 

Investment Companies

    99.8

Short-term Investments

    0.0 (a)  
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative appreciation     0.0 (a)  

Other assets less liabilities

    0.2  

 

  (a) 

Rounds to less than 0.1%.

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector    

Percent of
Total Investment(a)
 
 

Consumer Discretionary

    16.6

Industrials

    15.4  

Financials

    15.0  

Information Technology

    13.4  

Consumer Staples

    8.1  

Health Care

    7.7  

Materials

    7.1  

Utilities

    6.5  

Communication Services

    4.3  

Energy

    4.3  

Real Estate

    1.6  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

 

U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022   

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

    (11.09 )%      1.05     4.45     5.67        1.05     24.32     56.11

Fund Market

    (11.03     1.37       4.45       5.67          1.37       24.33       56.11  

Index

    (9.71     2.81       5.11       6.17                2.81       28.32       62.24  

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 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)

 

 
 
 

      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
         

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)

 

 
 
 

      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $        1,000.00          $        889.10          $        0.19               $      1,000.00          $      1,024.60          $        0.20          0.04

 

  (a)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information. The fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests are not included in the Fund’s annualized expense ratio.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type    
Percent of
Net Assets
 
 

Investment Companies

    99.8

Short-term Investments

    0.0 (a)  
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative depreciation     (0.1

Other assets less liabilities

    0.3  

(a) Rounds to less than 0.1%.

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector    

Percent of
Total Investment(a)
 
 
 

Consumer Discretionary

    18.5

Industrials

    17.1  

Financials

    15.3  

Information Technology

    12.6  

Health Care

    11.6  

Materials

    8.1  

Communication Services

    5.1  

Utilities

    4.7  

Real Estate

    4.0  

Consumer Staples

    3.0  

 

(a)

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

    (2.46 )%      1.69     7.67     7.97        1.69     44.69     85.81

Fund Market

    (2.40     1.78       7.67       7.97          1.78       44.72       85.78  

Index

    (2.77     2.87       8.14       8.15                2.87       47.90       88.33  

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 8 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual         Hypothetical 5% Return         
 

Beginning
  Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
    

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
    

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
       

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
    

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
    

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
 (a) 
    

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 

 
  $        1,000.00      $ 975.40      $ 0.00         $ 1,000.00      $ 1,024.80      $ 0.00        0.00

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information. The fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests are not included in the Fund’s annualized expense ratio.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type    
Percent of
Net Assets
 
 

Investment Companies

    100.1

Short-term Investments

    0.1  
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative depreciation     (0.2

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR (of the UNDERLYING FUND)

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investment(a)
 
 

Industrials

    22.0

Consumer Discretionary

    19.4  

Information Technology

    14.0  

Financials

    10.1  

Health Care

    9.4  

Communication Services

    8.1  

Consumer Staples

    6.9  

Materials

    5.0  

Real Estate

    3.4  

Utilities

    0.9  

Energy

    0.8  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 
 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  7


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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses would have been higher.

 

 

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 100.0%            

iShares MSCI Canada ETF(a)

    528,168     $ 20,186,581  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 100.0%
(Cost: $18,070,279)

 

 

 

20,186,581

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.0%
(Cost: $18,070,279)

 

    20,186,581  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.0)%

 

    (3,632
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   20,182,949  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of
Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

     
 

 

   
 

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

  $ 420,000     $     $ (420,000 )(b)    $     $     $           $ 1     $      
 

iShares MSCI Canada ETF

    16,587,362       6,527,545       (3,446,556     623,096       (104,866     20,186,581       528,168       232,839          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 623,096     $ (104,866   $ 20,186,581       $ 232,840     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

 

 

 

   
    Currency Purchased         Currency Sold      Counterparty      Settlement Date    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

 

 

   
  CAD         26,323,000     USD         20,751,696        MS         

      03/02/22

   $ 16,024    
  USD 1,676,601     CAD 2,124,000        MS         

      03/02/22

     856    
            

 

 

   
               16,880    
            

 

 

   
  USD 19,027,515     CAD 24,199,000        MS         

      03/02/22

     (64,460  
  USD 20,241,720     CAD 25,670,000        MS         

      04/04/22

     (13,732  
            

 

 

   
                             (78,192)      
            

 

 

   
   

                Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (61,312  
            

 

 

   

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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

  $ 16,880  
 

 

 

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

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

  $ 78,192  
 

 

 

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, 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

  $ 220,101  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ (204,288
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:      

Average amounts purchased — in USD

  $ 17,728,202      

Average amounts sold — in USD

  $ 35,750,713      

 

 

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

  $ 16,880      $ 78,192  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    16,880        78,192  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

            
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

    16,880        78,192  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

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) 
   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets
 
 
 

 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

  $ 16,880      $ (16,880   $      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty

   



Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to an
MNA by

Counterparty
 
 
 
 
 
    

Derivatives
Available
for Offset
 
 
(a) 
   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 
 
(b)(c) 

 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

  $ 78,192      $ (16,880   $      $      $ 61,312  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivative 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) 

Net amount may also include forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not required to be collateralized.

 

 

 

10  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

   iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

 

 

 

Investments

                                                   

Assets

         

Investment Companies

  $ 20,186,581      $     $      $ 20,186,581  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Assets

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

  $      $ 16,880     $      $ 16,880  

Liabilities

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

           (78,192            (78,192
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $      $ (61,312   $      $ (61,312
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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

  11


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

 

 

Investment Companies

    
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.8%             

iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF(a)

    11,132,204      $ 488,481,112  
    

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.8%
(Cost: $538,979,455)

       488,481,112  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

    
Money Market Funds — 0.0%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(a)(b)

    220,000        220,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.0%
(Cost: $220,000)

       220,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.8%
(Cost: $539,199,455)

       488,701,112  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.2%

       882,449  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $  489,583,561  
    

 

 

 

 

  (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, 2022 for purposes of
Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

     
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ 1,160,000     $     $ (940,000 )(a)     $     $     $ 220,000       220,000     $ 16     $    
 

iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF

    744,520,226       196,456,630       (368,504,276     32,929,129       (116,920,597     488,481,112       11,132,204       8,509,478          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 32,929,129     $ (116,920,597   $ 488,701,112       $ 8,509,494     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

 

 

 

   
    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

 

 

   
  USD         1,848,021      EUR 1,639,000      BB       

      03/03/22

   $ 10,224    
  USD 82,685      EUR 73,000      BNP       

      03/03/22

     831    
  USD 140,017      EUR 123,000      BOA       

      03/03/22

     2,098    
  USD 1,788,748      EUR 1,579,000      DBS       

      03/03/22

     18,228    
  USD 12,714,755      EUR 11,224,000      JPM       

      03/03/22

     129,381    
  USD 54,286,676      EUR 48,335,734      MS       

      03/03/22

     88,233    
  USD 479,823,581      EUR       427,793,611      SSB       

      03/03/22

     142,282    
  USD 3,658,572      EUR 3,201,000      UBS       

      03/03/22

     69,319    
  USD 50,668,334      EUR 45,051,734      MS         

      04/05/22

     83,127    
  USD 475,261,181      EUR 422,521,611      SSB       

      04/05/22

     843,419    
             

 

 

   
                1,387,142    
             

 

 

   
  EUR 11,025,000      USD 12,525,035      BB         

      03/03/22

     (162,797  

 

 

12  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (continued)

 

 

 

 

   
    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

 

 

   
  EUR 109,000      USD         123,653      BNP         

      03/03/22

   $ (1,433  
  EUR 50,000      USD 57,219      BSCH       

      03/03/22

     (1,155  
  EUR 9,239,000      USD 10,363,029      CITI       

      03/03/22

     (3,417  
  EUR 59,000      USD 67,422      JPM         

      03/03/22

     (1,266  
  EUR 45,051,734      USD 50,603,955      MS          

      03/03/22

     (87,833  
  EUR     422,521,611      USD 474,576,274      SSB         

      03/03/22

     (806,422  
  EUR 5,913,000      USD 6,714,731      UBS         

      03/03/22

     (84,535  
  EUR 3,118,000      USD 3,501,940      JPM         

      04/05/22

     (972  
  EUR 19,566,000      USD 22,006,956      MS          

      04/05/22

     (37,765  
  USD 2,798,758      EUR 2,494,000      MS          

      04/05/22

     (1,567  
             

 

 

   
    

 

 

 

(1,189,162

 

 
             

 

 

   
   

                Net unrealized appreciation

  

 

$

 

197,980

 

 

 
             

 

 

   

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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

  $ 1,387,142  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 1,189,162  
 

 

 

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, 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

  $ 41,297,276  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ (3,293,072
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:      

Average amounts purchased — in USD

  $ 681,529,290      

Average amounts sold — in USD

  $ 1,341,522,324      

 

 

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

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone 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

  $ 1,387,142      $ 1,189,162  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    1,387,142        1,189,162  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

            
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

    1,387,142        1,189,162  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

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)  

   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets
 
 
(b)(c)  

 

 

Bank of America N.A.

  $ 2,098      $     $      $      $ 2,098  

Barclays Bank PLC

    10,224        (10,224                    

BNP Paribas SA

    831        (831                    

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

    18,228                            18,228  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

    129,381        (2,238                   127,143  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    171,360        (127,165                   44,195  

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

    985,701        (806,422                   179,279  

UBS AG

    69,319        (69,319                    
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,387,142      $ (1,016,199   $      $      $ 370,943  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty

   



Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to an
MNA by

Counterparty
 
 
 
 
 
    

Derivatives
Available
for Offset
 
 
(a)  
   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 
 
(c)(d) 

 

 

Banco Santander Central Hispano

  $ 1,155      $     $      $      $ 1,155  

Barclays Bank PLC

    162,797        (10,224                   152,573  

BNP Paribas SA

    1,433        (831                   602  

Citibank N.A.

    3,417                            3,417  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

    2,238        (2,238                    

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    127,165        (127,165                    

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

    806,422        (806,422                    

UBS AG

    84,535        (69,319                   15,216  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,189,162      $ (1,016,199   $      $      $ 172,963  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivative 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 may also include forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not required to be collateralized.

 
  (d) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

         

Assets

         

Investment Companies

  $ 488,481,112      $     $           —      $ 488,481,112  

Money Market Funds

    220,000                     220,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 488,701,112      $     $      $ 488,701,112  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Assets

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

  $      $ 1,387,142     $      $ 1,387,142  

Liabilities

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

           (1,189,162            (1,189,162
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $      $ 197,980     $      $ 197,980  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

 

 

Investment Companies

    
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.8%             

iShares MSCI Germany ETF(a)

    1,715,876      $   49,897,674  
    

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.8%
(Cost: $60,394,563)

       49,897,674  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

    
Money Market Funds — 0.0%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(a)(b)

    20,000        20,000  
    

 

 

 

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

       20,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.8%
(Cost: $60,414,563)

       49,917,674  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.2%

       89,777  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $ 50,007,451  
    

 

 

 

 

  (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, 2022 for purposes of
Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income     Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
     
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ 30,000     $     $ (10,000 )(a)     $     $     $ 20,000       20,000     $ 2     $    
 

iShares MSCI Germany ETF

    63,381,021       112,060,033       (115,259,432     (268,822     (10,015,126     49,897,674       1,715,876       556,163          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ (268,822   $ (10,015,126   $ 49,917,674       $ 556,165     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

 

 

 

   
    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

 

 

   
  USD 1,630,846      EUR 1,442,000      BNP   

      03/03/22

   $ 13,944    
  USD 114,172      EUR 100,000      CBA   

      03/03/22

     2,043    
  USD 3,141,755      EUR 2,765,000      JPM   

      03/03/22

     41,384    
  USD 9,121,824      EUR 8,107,400      MS   

      03/03/22

     31,066    
  USD 50,544,666      EUR       45,062,600      SSB   

      03/03/22

     16,359    
  USD 1,588,172      EUR 1,402,000      UBS   

      03/03/22

     16,121    
  USD 5,942,111      EUR 5,283,400      MS   

      04/05/22

     9,779    
  USD 48,621,063      EUR 43,225,600      SSB   

      04/05/22

     86,286    
             

 

 

   
                216,982    
             

 

 

   
  EUR 42,000      USD 47,876      BNP   

      03/03/22

     (781  
  EUR 2,882,000      USD 3,296,430      CBA   

      03/03/22

     (64,868  
  EUR 176,000      USD 197,412      CITI   

      03/03/22

     (66  

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (continued)

 

 

 

 

   
    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

 

 

   
  EUR 1,376,000      USD 1,559,029      JPM   

      03/03/22

   $ (16,132  
  EUR 5,283,400      USD 5,934,530      MS   

      03/03/22

     (10,299  
  EUR 43,225,600      USD       48,550,994      SSB   

      03/03/22

     (82,500  
  EUR 5,894,000      USD 6,719,796      UBS   

      03/03/22

     (110,905  
  EUR 2,797,000      USD 3,145,940      MS   

      04/05/22

     (5,399  
  USD 153,741      EUR 137,000      MS   

      04/05/22

     (86  
             

 

 

   
       (291,036  
             

 

 

   
   

        Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (74,054  
             

 

 

   

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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

  $ 216,982  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 291,036  
 

 

 

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, 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

  $ 3,824,055  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ (348,252
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:      

Average amounts purchased — in USD

  $ 73,441,134      

Average amounts sold — in USD

  $ 133,393,160      

 

 

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

  $ 216,982      $ 291,036  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    216,982        291,036  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

            
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

    216,982        291,036  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Germany 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) 

   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets
 
 
(b)(c)  

 

 

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 13,944      $ (781   $      $      $ 13,163  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    2,043        (2,043                    

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

    41,384        (16,132                   25,252  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    40,845        (15,784                   25,061  

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

    102,645        (82,500                   20,145  

UBS AG

    16,121        (16,121                    
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 216,982      $ (133,361   $      $      $ 83,621  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty

   



Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to

an MNA by
Counterparty

 
 
 

 
 

    

Derivatives
Available

for Offset

 
 

(a) 

   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 
 
(c)(d) 

 

 

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 781      $ (781   $      $      $  

Citibank N.A.

    66                            66  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    64,868        (2,043                   62,825  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

    16,132        (16,132                    

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    15,784        (15,784                    

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

    82,500        (82,500                    

UBS AG

    110,905        (16,121                   94,784  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 291,036      $ (133,361   $      $      $ 157,675  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivative 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 may also include forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not required to be collateralized.

 
  (d) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

         

Assets

         

Investment Companies

  $ 49,897,674      $     $           —      $ 49,897,674  

Money Market Funds

    20,000                     20,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 49,917,674      $     $      $ 49,917,674  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Assets

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

  $      $ 216,982     $      $ 216,982  

Liabilities

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

           (291,036            (291,036
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $      $ (74,054   $      $ (74,054
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

 

 

Investment Companies

    
Exchange-Traded Funds — 100.1%             

iShares MSCI Japan ETF(a)

    8,232,037      $   518,124,409  
    

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 100.1%
(Cost: $565,842,661)

       518,124,409  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

    
Money Market Funds — 0.1%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(a)(b)

    290,000        290,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $290,000)

       290,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.2%
(Cost: $566,132,661)

       518,414,409  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.2)%

       (997,902
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $ 517,416,507  
    

 

 

 

 

  (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, 2022 for purposes of
Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income     Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
     
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ 210,000     $ 80,000 (a)     $     $     $     $ 290,000       290,000     $ 24     $    
 

iShares MSCI Japan ETF

    534,387,175       384,819,377       (336,345,935     (6,140,304     (58,595,904     518,124,409       8,232,037       9,920,083          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ (6,140,304   $ (58,595,904   $ 518,414,409       $ 9,920,107     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

 

 

 

   
    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

 

 

   
  JPY       54,519,500,800      USD 473,385,014      BNP   

      03/03/22

   $ 849,887    
  JPY 216,292,000      USD 1,878,068      BNY   

      03/03/22

     3,336    
  JPY 5,257,640,000      USD 45,639,723      BOA   

      03/03/22

     93,571    
  JPY 449,223,000      USD 3,871,677      BSCH   

      03/03/22

     35,864    
  JPY 281,195,000      USD 2,445,905      JPM   

      03/03/22

     55    
  JPY 6,675,092,200      USD 57,957,218      MS   

      03/03/22

     105,707    
  USD 3,790,465      JPY 433,766,000      ANZ   

      03/03/22

     17,375    
  JPY 192,112,000      USD 1,669,334      RBS   

      04/05/22

     3,013    
  USD 10,029,078      JPY       1,151,619,000      BOA   

      04/05/22

     4,158    
             

 

 

   
                1,112,966    
             

 

 

   
  JPY 4,384,000      USD 38,179      CBA   

      03/03/22

     (45  
  JPY 657,098,000      USD 5,717,873      UBS   

      03/03/22

     (2,142  

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (continued)

 

 

 

 

   
    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     
 

 

 

   
  USD 521,491,578      JPY         60,075,829,800      BOA   

      03/03/22

   $ (1,074,747  
  USD 1,859,778      JPY 214,056,000      CITI   

      03/03/22

     (2,176  
  USD 3,801,439      JPY 439,260,000      JPM   

      03/03/22

     (19,440  
  USD 59,869,521      JPY 6,897,513,200      MS   

      03/03/22

     (128,121  
  JPY 654,075,000      USD 5,695,798      HSBC   

      04/05/22

     (2,031  
  USD             464,374,847      JPY 53,445,661,800      BNP   

      04/05/22

     (873,221  
  USD 57,997,003      JPY 6,675,092,200      MS   

      04/05/22

     (110,122  
             

 

 

   
       (2,212,045  
             

 

 

   
   

        Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (1,099,079  
             

 

 

   

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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

  $ 1,112,966  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ 2,212,045  
 

 

 

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, 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

  $ 31,043,874  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ (2,517,472
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:      

Average amounts purchased — in USD

  $ 595,649,675      

Average amounts sold — in USD

  $ 1,141,269,536      

 

 

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

  $ 1,112,966      $ 2,212,045  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

    1,112,966        2,212,045  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

            
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

    1,112,966        2,212,045  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

20  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

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) 

   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets
 
 
(b)(c)  

 

 

Australia and New Zealand Bank Group

  $ 17,375      $     $      $      $ 17,375  

Banco Santander Central Hispano

    35,864                            35,864  

Bank of America N.A.

    97,729        (97,729                    

Bank of New York

    3,336                            3,336  

BNP Paribas SA

    849,887        (849,887                    

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

    55        (55                    

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    105,707        (105,707                    

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    3,013                            3,013  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,112,966      $ (1,053,378   $      $      $ 59,588  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty

   



Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to

an MNA by
Counterparty

 
 
 

 
 

    

Derivatives
Available

for Offset

 
 

(a) 

   

Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 
 
(c)(d) 

 

 

Bank of America N.A.

  $ 1,074,747      $ (97,729   $      $      $ 977,018  

BNP Paribas SA

    873,221        (849,887                   23,334  

Citibank N.A.

    2,176                            2,176  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    45                            45  

HSBC Bank PLC

    2,031                            2,031  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

    19,440        (55                   19,385  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    238,243        (105,707                   132,536  

UBS AG

    2,142                            2,142  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 2,212,045      $ (1,053,378   $      $      $ 1,158,667  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivative 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 may also include forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not required to be collateralized.

 
  (d) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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

  21


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

         

Assets

         

Investment Companies

  $ 518,124,409      $     $           —      $ 518,124,409  

Money Market Funds

    290,000                     290,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 518,414,409      $     $      $ 518,414,409  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Assets

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

  $      $ 1,112,966     $      $ 1,112,966  

Liabilities

         

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

           (2,212,045            (2,212,045
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $      $ (1,099,079   $      $ (1,099,079
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

 

    

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)

  $ 20,186,581      $ 488,701,112     $ 49,917,674     $ 518,414,409  

Cash

    10,226        7,684       7,304       427  

Receivables:

        

Investments sold

    47,917        691,771       157,686       94,083  

Capital shares sold

                       8,392  

Dividends

                 1       8  

Unrealized appreciation on:

        

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    16,880        1,387,142       216,982       1,112,966  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    20,261,604        490,787,709       50,299,647       519,630,285  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Payables:

        

Capital shares redeemed

           3,009              

Investment advisory fees

    463        11,977       1,160       1,733  

Unrealized depreciation on:

        

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    78,192        1,189,162       291,036       2,212,045  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    78,655        1,204,148       292,196       2,213,778  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 20,182,949      $ 489,583,561     $ 50,007,451     $ 517,416,507  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

        

Paid-in capital

  $ 17,917,235      $ 503,843,148     $ 100,925,580     $ 595,638,115  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    2,265,714        (14,259,587     (50,918,129     (78,221,608
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 20,182,949      $ 489,583,561     $ 50,007,451     $ 517,416,507  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    610,000        14,300,000       1,700,000       13,900,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 33.09      $ 34.24     $ 29.42     $ 37.22  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None       None       None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a)   Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 18,070,279      $ 539,199,455     $ 60,414,563     $ 566,132,661  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S   23


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

     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

  $ 232,840     $ 8,509,494     $ 556,165     $ 9,920,107  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    232,840       8,509,494       556,165       9,920,107  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    55,226       2,002,081       160,642       1,640,256  

Commitment fees

          2,983       305       3,286  

Professional fees

    217       217       217       217  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    55,443       2,005,281       161,164       1,643,759  

Less:

       

Investment advisory fees waived

    (52,773     (1,908,407     (149,971     (1,634,275
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    2,670       96,874       11,193       9,484  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    230,170       8,412,620       544,972       9,910,623  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Affiliated

    (980     (721,707     (160,265     (1,190,024

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    624,076       33,650,836       (108,557     (4,950,280

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    220,101       41,297,276       3,824,055       31,043,874  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    843,197       74,226,405       3,555,233       24,903,570  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Affiliated

    (104,866     (116,920,597     (10,015,126     (58,595,904

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (204,288     (3,293,072     (348,252     (2,517,472
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (309,154     (120,213,669     (10,363,378     (61,113,376
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    534,043       (45,987,264     (6,808,145     (36,209,806
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 764,213     $ (37,574,644   $ (6,263,173   $ (26,299,183
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24  

2 0 2 2   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

 

    iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF
       iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF
    

 

Six Months  
Ended  
02/28/22  
(unaudited)  

  Year Ended  
08/31/21  
       

 

Six Months  
Ended  
02/28/22  
(unaudited)  

  Year Ended  
08/31/21  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                    

OPERATIONS

                    

Net investment income

    $ 230,170     $ 216,856          $ 8,412,620     $ 15,085,514

Net realized gain (loss)

      843,197       (97,038 )            74,226,405       33,361,588

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (309,154 )       2,839,398            (120,213,669 )       125,904,966
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      764,213       2,959,216            (37,574,644 )       174,352,068
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

                    

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (461,090 )       (217,525 )            (7,003,856 )       (15,122,753 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                    

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

      3,310,143       2,272,139            (210,507,858 )       15,471,012
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

                    

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      3,613,266       5,013,830            (255,086,358 )       174,700,327

Beginning of period

      16,569,683       11,555,853            744,669,919       569,969,592
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 20,182,949     $ 16,569,683          $ 489,583,561     $ 744,669,919
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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   25


Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF
       iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF
    

 

Six Months  
Ended  
02/28/22  
(unaudited)  

  Year Ended  
08/31/21  
       

 

Six Months  
Ended  
02/28/22  
(unaudited)  

  Year Ended  
08/31/21  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                    

OPERATIONS

                    

Net investment income

    $ 544,972     $ 1,850,036          $ 9,910,623     $ 5,002,260

Net realized gain

      3,555,233       6,348,167            24,903,570       46,915,341

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (10,363,378 )       5,384,005            (61,113,376 )       20,601,765
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (6,263,173 )       13,582,208            (26,299,183 )       72,519,366
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

                    

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (546,227 )       (1,854,347 )            (9,917,510 )       (5,002,254 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                    

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

      (6,577,521 )       (24,290,125 )            18,234,792       220,624,947
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

                    

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (13,386,921 )       (12,562,264 )            (17,981,901 )       288,142,059

Beginning of period

      63,394,372       75,956,636            535,398,408       247,256,349
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 50,007,451     $ 63,394,372          $ 517,416,507     $ 535,398,408
   

 

 

     

 

 

          

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

26  

2 0 2 2   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 Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   

 

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)

          Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 32.49       $ 25.68     $ 26.41     $ 26.79     $ 24.70     $ 23.54  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.42         0.53       0.71       0.59       0.56       0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gain(b)

      1.00         6.80       0.30       0.30       2.10       1.38  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      1.42         7.33       1.01       0.89       2.66       1.62  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

      (0.82       (0.52     (1.37     (0.64     (0.57     (0.46

From net realized gain

                    (0.37     (0.63            
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.82       (0.52     (1.74     (1.27     (0.57     (0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 33.09       $ 32.49     $ 25.68     $ 26.41     $ 26.79     $ 24.70  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

      4.37 %(e)        28.81     4.08     3.84     10.82     6.86
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

      0.62 %(g)        0.62     0.62     0.62     0.62     0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.03 %(g)        0.03     0.03     0.03     0.03     0.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.58 %(g)        1.84     2.75     2.31     2.12     0.98
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

             $ 20,183             $ 16,570     $ 11,556     $ 38,290     $ 5,357     $ 2,470  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      5 %(e)         10     15     12     10     8
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(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

  27


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   

 

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)

          Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
   

Year Ended

08/31/18

    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 37.33       $ 28.36     $ 29.86     $ 29.76     $ 28.83     $ 24.73  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.48         0.83       0.35       0.76       0.79       0.64  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (3.11       9.00       (0.64     0.24       1.03       4.07  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (2.63       9.83       (0.29     1.00       1.82       4.71  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

      (0.46       (0.86     (0.38     (0.90     (0.89     (0.61

From net realized gain

                    (0.83     (0.00 )(d)              

Return of capital

                    (0.00 )(d)                   (0.00 )(d)  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.46       (0.86     (1.21     (0.90     (0.89     (0.61
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 34.24       $ 37.33     $ 28.36     $ 29.86     $ 29.76     $ 28.83  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

               

Based on net asset value

      (7.16 )%(f)        35.04     (1.21 )%      3.41     6.36     19.13
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

               

Total expenses

      0.62 %(h)         0.62     0.62     0.62     0.62     0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.03 %(h)         0.03     0.03     0.03     0.03     0.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.61 %(h)         2.52     1.18     2.63     2.61     2.32
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

             $ 489,584             $ 744,670     $ 569,970     $ 868,987     $ 1,660,448     $ 1,791,673  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      2 %(f)         14     10     5     11     9
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

28  

2 0 2 2   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 Germany ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   

 

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)

          Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 33.37       $ 28.13     $ 26.21     $ 27.64     $ 26.82     $ 24.03  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.29         0.85       0.21       0.55       0.53       0.74  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (3.96       5.31       2.06       (1.25     1.02       2.62  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (3.67       6.16       2.27       (0.70     1.55       3.36  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

      (0.28       (0.92     (0.35     (0.73     (0.73     (0.57

Return of capital

                    (0.00 )(d)      (0.00 )(d)              
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.28       (0.92     (0.35     (0.73     (0.73     (0.57
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 29.42       $ 33.37     $ 28.13     $ 26.21     $ 27.64     $ 26.82  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

               

Based on net asset value

      (11.09 )%(f)        22.12     8.71     (2.65 )%      5.83     13.88
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

               

Total expenses

      0.53 %(h)        0.53     0.53     0.53     0.53     0.53
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.04 %(h)        0.03     0.02     0.04     0.06     0.05
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.80 %(h)        2.78     0.77     2.09     1.87     2.75
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 50,007       $ 63,394     $ 75,957     $ 154,620     $ 330,346     $ 791,051  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

               2 %(f)               16     12     5     11     9
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

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

  29


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   

 

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)

          Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 38.66       $ 31.50     $ 29.13     $ 32.36     $ 29.56     $ 24.73  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.63         0.51       0.72       0.45       0.46       0.52  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (1.55       7.06       2.35       (3.04     2.81       4.78  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (0.92       7.57       3.07       (2.59     3.27       5.30  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

               

From net investment income

      (0.52       (0.41     (0.70     (0.64     (0.47     (0.47
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.52       (0.41     (0.70     (0.64     (0.47     (0.47
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 37.22       $ 38.66     $ 31.50     $ 29.13     $ 32.36     $ 29.56  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

               

Based on net asset value

      (2.46 )%(e)        24.08     10.52     (8.06 )%      11.07     21.50
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

               

Total expenses

      0.53 %(g)         0.53     0.53     0.53     0.53     0.53
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.00 %(g)(h)        0.00 %(h)       0.00 %(h)       0.00 %(h)       0.01     0.00 %(h)  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      3.20 %(g)         1.38     2.31     1.47     1.41     1.84
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

             $ 517,417             $ 535,398     $ 247,256     $ 329,138     $ 1,004,834     $ 1,198,726  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      2 %(e)         7     9     9     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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Rounds to less than 0.01%.

(i) 

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    

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  Diversified    

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

  Diversified    

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

  Diversified    

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

  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 Statements 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.

 

 

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

  31


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., 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Cash amounts pledged for forward foreign

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

currency exchange contracts are considered restricted and are included in cash pledged as collateral for OTC derivatives in the Statements 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 Statements 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, 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 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     

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, if any, is a fund’s total annual operating expenses. Total expenses as shown in the Statement of Operations does not include acquired fund fees and 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%.

 

 

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

  33


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 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%.

These amounts are included in investment advisory fees waived in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement were as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Amounts waived     

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  $ 52,773     

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    1,908,407     

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    149,971     

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    1,634,275     

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 Statements of Operations.

 

6.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales    

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  $ 889,716      $ 1,063,332    

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    53,785,473        14,567,138    

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    4,640,560        1,237,800    

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    43,584,727        13,253,423    

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind  

Sales  

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  $ 5,637,829      $ 2,383,225    

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    142,671,156        353,937,138    

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    107,419,472        114,021,632    

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    341,234,648        323,092,511    

 

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, 2022, 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, 2021, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring    

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

  $ 258,109    

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    35,252,249    

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    43,562,482    

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    52,181,274    

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

As of February 28, 2022, 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 Canada

  $ 18,070,747      $ 2,133,182      $ (78,660   $ 2,054,522     

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

    540,050,547        1,387,142        (52,538,597     (51,151,455)    

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

    60,479,047        216,982        (10,852,409     (10,635,427)    

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

    566,833,960        1,112,966        (50,631,596     (49,518,630)    

 

8.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), are parties to a $800 million credit agreement (“Syndicated Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which expires on August 12, 2022. 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 Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Syndicated Credit Agreement. The Syndicated Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.15% 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 Syndicated Credit Agreement.

During the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds did not borrow under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

 

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.

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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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 Statements 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.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR

 

 

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

  35


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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
02/28/22
    Year Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Canada

       

Shares sold

    170,000     $ 5,641,360       190,000     $ 6,100,407  

Shares redeemed

    (70,000     (2,331,217     (130,000     (3,828,268
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    100,000     $ 3,310,143       60,000     $ 2,272,139  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone

       

Shares sold

    3,850,000     $ 142,422,797       16,600,000     $ 546,988,458  

Shares redeemed

    (9,500,000     (352,930,655     (16,750,000     (531,517,446
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (5,650,000   $ (210,507,858     (150,000   $ 15,471,012  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany

       

Shares sold

    3,300,000     $ 107,577,286       10,850,000     $ 325,501,335  

Shares redeemed

    (3,500,000     (114,154,807     (11,650,000     (349,791,460
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (200,000   $ (6,577,521     (800,000   $ (24,290,125
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan

       

Shares sold

    8,550,000     $ 341,872,623       16,600,000     $ 599,727,410  

Shares redeemed

    (8,500,000     (323,637,831     (10,600,000     (379,102,463
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    50,000     $ 18,234,792       6,000,000     $ 220,624,947  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Statements 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 Currency Hedged MSCI Canada ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF, iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Germany ETF and iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan 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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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

  37


Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted 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, 2022

 

     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)

  $ 0.699218      $      $   0.124157      $   0.823375        85         15     100%    

Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone(a)

    0.450168               0.010612        0.460780        98             2       100       

Currency Hedged MSCI Germany(a)

    0.275359               0.005627        0.280986        98             2       100       

Currency Hedged MSCI Japan(a)

    0.394374               0.122163        0.516537        76             24       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 e-mail 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 Trust’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

  39


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Counterparty Abbreviations
ANZ    Australia and New Zealand Bank Group
BB    Barclays Bank PLC
BNP    BNP Paribas SA
BNY    Bank of New York
BOA    Bank of America N.A.
BSCH    Banco Santander Central Hispano
CBA    Commonwealth Bank of Australia
CITI    Citibank N.A.
Currency Abbreviations
CAD    Canadian Dollar
EUR    Euro
JPY    Japanese Yen
USD    United States Dollar
Counterparty Abbreviations (continued)
DBS    Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
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.

©2022 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-801-0222

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

  

2022 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, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers. Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022
     
     6-Month     12-Month
   

U.S. large cap equities

(S&P 500® Index)

  (2.62)%   16.39%
   

U.S. small cap equities

(Russell 2000® Index)

  (9.46)     (6.01)  
   

International equities

(MSCI Europe, Australasia, Far East Index)

  (6.78)     2.83 
   

Emerging market equities (MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  (9.81)     (10.69)  
   

3-month Treasury bills

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

  0.02    0.04 
   

U.S. Treasury securities

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

  (3.94)    (1.67)  
   

U.S. investment grade bonds

(Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

  (4.07)    (2.64)  
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds

(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

  (3.09)     (0.66)  
   

U.S. high yield bonds

(Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

  (3.07)     0.64 
Past performance is not an indication 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

     20  

Statements of Operations

     21  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     22  

Financial Highlights

     24  

Notes to Financial Statements

     27  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     36  

Supplemental Information

     37  

General Information

     38  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     39  

 

 

 

 


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     7.05      19.91      4.59      5.89         19.91      25.13      46.50

Fund Market

     6.94        19.84        4.60        5.88           19.84        25.22        46.41  

Index

     8.21        21.88        5.56        6.58                 21.88        31.05        52.95  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(02/28/22)

 

 
 

      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,070.50        $ 0.00             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,024.80        $ 0.00          0.00

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information. The fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests are not included in the Fund’s annualized expense ratio.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY INVESTMENT TYPE

 

   
Investment Type  

Percent of

Net Assets

 

Investment Companies

    99.9
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, net cumulative appreciation     0.0 (a) 

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 Staples

    19.4

Financials

    17.9  

Health Care

    12.7  

Energy

    12.1  

Industrials

    11.1  

Materials

    10.0  

Consumer Discretionary

    5.8  

Communication Services

    4.6  

Utilities

    4.0  

Real Estate

    1.4  

Information Technology

    1.0  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds

 
 

 

 

4  

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Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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

     4.72      15.62      5.19      3.77         15.62      28.81      44.72

Fund Market

     4.25        15.22        5.08        3.69           15.22        28.12        43.61  

Index

     5.23        16.60        5.82        4.34                 16.60        32.71        52.95  

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      


Ending

Account Value
(02/28/22)

 

 
 

      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
    $ 1,000.00        $ 1,047.20        $ 2.49             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.40        $ 2.46          0.49

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Consumer Staples

    19.4

Financials

    17.9  

Health Care

    12.7  

Energy

    12.1  

Industrials

    11.1  

Materials

    10.0  

Consumer Discretionary

    5.8  

Communication Services

    4.6  

Utilities

    4.0  

Real Estate

    1.4  

Information Technology

    1.0  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Shell PLC

    8.2

AstraZeneca PLC

    7.6  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    5.7  

Unilever PLC

    5.2  

Diageo PLC

    4.7  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    4.2  

BP PLC

    3.9  

British American Tobacco PLC

    3.9  

Rio Tinto PLC

    3.6  

Anglo American PLC

    2.6  
 

 

 

U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary  as of February 28, 2022    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        10 Years                 1 Year        5 Years        10 Years  

Fund NAV

     (17.25 )%       (5.77 )%       5.36      6.61         (5.77 )%       29.82      89.73

Fund Market

     (18.07      (7.03      5.20        6.48           (7.03      28.87        87.30  

Index

     (16.76      (4.87      6.08        7.31                 (4.87      34.31        102.49  

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” on page 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $ 1,000.00        $ 827.50        $ 2.67             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,021.90        $ 2.96          0.59

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Industrials

    21.8

Consumer Discretionary

    15.5  

Financials

    15.0  

Real Estate

    12.4  

Information Technology

    7.6  

Communication Services

    6.8  

Health Care

    5.9  

Materials

    5.0  

Consumer Staples

    4.5  

Utilities

    3.1  

Energy

    2.4  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Meggitt PLC

    1.6

Rightmove PLC

    1.5  

B&M European Value Retail SA

    1.5  

Howden Joinery Group PLC

    1.3  

Intermediate Capital Group PLC

    1.3  

DS Smith PLC

    1.3  

Electrocomponents PLC

    1.2  

Centrica PLC

    1.2  

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

    1.2  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    1.2  
 

 

 

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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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses 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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Investment Companies

   
Exchange-Traded Funds — 99.9%            

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF(a)

    292,793     $ 9,805,638  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 99.9%
(Cost: $9,904,737)

      9,805,638  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.9%
(Cost: $9,904,737)

      9,805,638  
Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.1%         6,434  
   

 

 

 
Net Assets — 100.0%         $  9,812,072  
   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

 
 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

                   
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF

  $ 8,253,193     $ 6,575,735     $ (5,183,060   $ 196,358     $ (36,588   $ 9,805,638       292,793     $ 361,069     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

           
Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date         Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

USD    

     481,435      GBP          354,000      MS    03/03/22      $ 6,541  

USD

     9,875,268      GBP      7,358,000      MS    04/05/22        1,498  
                   

 

 

 
                      8,039  
                   

 

 

 

GBP

     7,398,000      USD      9,926,515      MS    03/03/22        (2,026

USD

     9,448,437      GBP      7,044,000      MS    03/03/22        (1,158

GBP

     14,000      USD      18,790      MS    04/05/22        (3

USD

     166,239      GBP      124,000      MS    04/05/22        (158
                   

 

 

 
                      (3,345
                   

 

 

 
     Net unrealized appreciation              $ 4,694  
                   

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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

    $ 8,039  
   

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    $ 3,345  
   

 

 

 

 

 

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

For the period ended February 28, 2022, 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

  $ 438,057  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  $ (86,868)  
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 10,358,131      

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 21,070,466      

 

 

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

   $ 8,039        $3,345  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     8,039        3,345  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

             
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

     8,039        3,345  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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) 

 

 

Non-Cash
Collateral
Received

 
 
 

 

 

Cash
Collateral
Received

 
 
 

     

Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets
 
 
(b) 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

             $   8,039                  $(3,345)                $     —                $     —                $   4,694  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

    

                   

 

Counterparty

 

 


Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to

an MNA by
Counterparty

 
 
 

 
 

     

Derivatives
Available

for Offset
 
 
(a) 
 

 

Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged

 
 
 

 

 


Cash
Collateral
Pledged

Pledged

 
 
 
 

 

 

Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities

 
 
 

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

    $   3,345                  $(3,345)                $     —       $     —       $     —  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivative 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 Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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, 2022

  

iShares® Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                       

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Investment Companies

   $ 9,805,638      $      $      $ 9,805,638  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $      $ 8,039      $      $ 8,039  

Liabilities

           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

            (3,345             (3,345
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ 4,694      $      $ 4,694  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 1.7%            

BAE Systems PLC

    4,403,686     $ 42,279,743  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    11,628,692       16,041,325  
   

 

 

 
      58,321,068  
Banks — 10.6%            

Barclays PLC

    23,258,952       56,834,623  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    28,235,442       196,018,399  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    98,514,026       63,492,790  

NatWest Group PLC

    7,852,252       24,060,556  

Standard Chartered PLC

    3,646,685       25,988,466  
   

 

 

 
      366,394,834  
Beverages — 4.8%            

Coca-Cola HBC AG, Class DI

    277,051       7,038,907  

Diageo PLC

    3,234,361       160,237,809  
   

 

 

 
      167,276,716  
Capital Markets — 2.9%            

3i Group PLC

    1,348,931       24,030,017  

abrdn plc

    3,009,820       8,342,401  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    490,951       7,440,955  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    456,871       39,910,725  

Schroders PLC

    171,528       7,022,029  

St. James’s Place PLC

    749,910       14,059,267  
   

 

 

 
      100,805,394  
Chemicals — 0.8%            

Croda International PLC

    193,598       19,378,948  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    267,041       6,710,607  
   

 

 

 
      26,089,555  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.5%            

Rentokil Initial PLC

    2,584,393       17,538,623  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.3%            

M&G PLC

    3,588,379       9,878,361  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.9%        

BT Group PLC

    12,359,574       30,838,284  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 1.0%            

SSE PLC

    1,477,349       33,528,026  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%  

Halma PLC

    527,708       17,020,718  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.4%        

British Land Co PLC/The

    1,215,070       8,586,557  

Land Securities Group PLC

    972,182       10,301,936  

Segro PLC

    1,670,171       29,046,021  
   

 

 

 
      47,934,514  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.8%            

J Sainsbury PLC

    2,413,595       8,901,628  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    673,495       12,384,837  

Tesco PLC

    10,697,655       41,442,237  
   

 

 

 
      62,728,702  
Food Products — 0.4%            

Associated British Foods PLC

    495,712       12,683,230  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.6%            

Smith & Nephew PLC

    1,219,777       21,816,798  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.0%            

NMC Health PLC(b)

    122,262       2  
   

 

 

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.0%  

Compass Group PLC

    2,475,085     $ 55,944,473  

Entain PLC(a)

    812,903       18,276,017  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(a)

    254,341       17,710,497  

Whitbread PLC(a)

    278,765       10,881,677  
   

 

 

 
          102,812,664  
Household Durables — 1.3%            

Barratt Developments PLC

    1,422,128       11,583,538  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    155,074       8,064,825  

Persimmon PLC

    443,705       14,279,993  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    5,033,005       10,095,130  
   

 

 

 
          44,023,486  
Household Products — 2.4%            

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    991,034       83,917,885  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.0%            

DCC PLC

    136,022       10,674,121  

Melrose Industries PLC

    6,083,458       12,035,916  

Smiths Group PLC

    547,058       11,160,297  
   

 

 

 
          33,870,334  
Insurance — 4.0%            

Admiral Group PLC

    270,016       10,756,245  

Aviva PLC

    5,265,260       29,503,232  

Legal & General Group PLC

    8,266,890       30,566,224  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    965,644       8,003,544  

Prudential PLC

    3,803,412       57,501,752  
   

 

 

 
          136,330,997  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%            

Auto Trader Group PLC(c)

    1,323,263       11,703,035  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 0.5%            

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    102,524       16,337,659  
   

 

 

 
Media — 1.4%            

Informa PLC(a)

    2,089,224       16,542,135  

Pearson PLC

    1,044,180       9,033,097  

WPP PLC

    1,621,464       22,805,710  
   

 

 

 
          48,380,942  
Metals & Mining — 8.8%            

Anglo American PLC

    1,775,605       90,132,778  

Antofagasta PLC

    544,228       11,019,443  

Glencore PLC

    13,762,349       80,922,687  

Rio Tinto PLC

    1,558,332       121,849,135  
   

 

 

 
          303,924,043  
Multi-Utilities — 2.2%            

National Grid PLC

    5,018,447       75,875,747  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Next PLC

    184,785       16,919,353  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 12.0%            

BP PLC

    27,415,542       133,626,429  

Shell PLC

    10,682,233       281,698,931  
   

 

 

 
          415,325,360  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.4%            

Mondi PLC

    674,884       14,160,048  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 5.2%            

Unilever PLC

    3,564,592       179,056,482  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 12.0%            

AstraZeneca PLC

    2,149,293       261,238,673  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Pharmaceuticals (continued)  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    6,981,166     $     145,586,157  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    239,627       6,671,204  
   

 

 

 
      413,496,034  
Professional Services — 4.3%            

Experian PLC

    1,280,254       50,012,414  

Intertek Group PLC

    224,354       16,104,540  

RELX PLC

    2,684,076       81,738,139  
   

 

 

 
          147,855,093  
Software — 0.5%            

AVEVA Group PLC

    166,249       5,505,139  

Sage Group PLC/The

    1,421,283       13,333,684  
   

 

 

 
      18,838,823  
Specialty Retail — 0.5%            

JD Sports Fashion PLC

    3,559,625       7,160,680  

Kingfisher PLC

    2,897,960       11,821,808  
   

 

 

 
      18,982,488  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.4%            

Burberry Group PLC

    562,759       14,590,194  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 4.7%            

British American Tobacco PLC

    3,024,470       132,553,114  

Imperial Brands PLC

    1,310,550       28,656,830  
   

 

 

 
      161,209,944  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 3.1%            

Ashtead Group PLC

    619,089       40,229,561  

Bunzl PLC

    468,321       18,506,997  

Ferguson PLC

    307,485       46,853,931  
   

 

 

 
      105,590,489  
Water Utilities — 0.8%            

Severn Trent PLC

    345,324       13,285,644  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Water Utilities (continued)  

United Utilities Group PLC

    948,507     $ 13,613,594  
   

 

 

 
      26,899,238  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.9%  

Vodafone Group PLC

    37,878,664       66,679,262  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.4%
(Cost: $3,684,828,054)

 

    3,429,634,425  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Money Market Funds — 0.1%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    1,600,000       1,600,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $1,600,000)

      1,600,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.5%
(Cost: $3,686,428,054)

 

    3,431,234,425  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.5%

      17,678,224  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 3,448,912,649  
   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
       Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
       Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
       Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
       Value at
02/28/22
       Shares
Held at
02/28/22
       Income       

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $ 1,420,000        $ 180,000 (a)     $        $        $        $ 1,600,000          1,600,000        $ 85        $  
               

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

FTSE 100 Index

     181          03/18/22        $ 18,003        $ 377,572  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 377,572  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 377,998  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 286,272  
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

     $24,954,036      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

 

 

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $        $ 3,429,634,423        $ 2        $ 3,429,634,425  

Money Market Funds

     1,600,000                            1,600,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,600,000        $ 3,429,634,423        $ 2        $ 3,431,234,425  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Futures Contracts

   $        $ 377,572        $          $377,572  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 3.3%            

Avon Protection PLC

    5,473     $ 91,629  

Babcock International Group PLC(a)

    43,434       191,317  

Chemring Group PLC

    48,609       198,753  

Meggitt PLC(a)

    135,189       1,361,619  

QinetiQ Group PLC

    99,419       386,703  

Senior PLC(a)

    71,461       133,887  

Ultra Electronics Holdings PLC

    12,372       528,420  
   

 

 

 
          2,892,328  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.8%            

Royal Mail PLC

    138,160       726,107  
   

 

 

 

Airlines — 1.0%

   

easyJet PLC(a)

    52,103       418,066  

JET2 PLC(a)

    27,899       475,969  
   

 

 

 
      894,035  
Auto Components — 0.2%            

AB Dynamics PLC

    2,778       40,255  

TI Fluid Systems PLC(b)

    39,947       116,366  
   

 

 

 
      156,621  
Automobiles — 0.2%            

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC(a)(b)

    11,981       162,545  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 1.4%            

Bank of Georgia Group PLC

    6,736       119,099  

Close Brothers Group PLC

    25,897       404,603  

TBC Bank Group PLC

    7,089       114,086  

Virgin Money UK PLC

    224,447       555,470  
   

 

 

 
      1,193,258  
Beverages — 1.5%            

AG Barr PLC

    15,821       109,728  

Britvic PLC

    46,295       530,997  

C&C Group PLC(a)

    67,505       190,896  

Fevertree Drinks PLC

    18,017       452,821  
   

 

 

 
      1,284,442  
Biotechnology — 1.4%            

Abcam PLC(a)

    37,259       623,212  

Avacta Group PLC(a)(c)

    42,637       28,885  

Genus PLC

    11,372       500,853  

Oxford Biomedica PLC(a)

    9,934       98,465  
   

 

 

 
      1,251,415  
Building Products — 0.8%            

Genuit Group PLC

    42,554       291,938  

Tyman PLC

    33,717       155,053  

Volution Group PLC

    34,008       226,850  
   

 

 

 
      673,841  
Capital Markets — 8.3%            

AJ Bell PLC

    52,896       217,800  

Alpha FX Group PLC

    4,902       110,806  

Ashmore Group PLC

    79,601       266,483  

Brewin Dolphin Holdings PLC

    52,147       205,607  

Bridgepoint Group PLC(a)(b)

    49,716       225,759  

CMC Markets PLC(b)

    23,010       72,077  

IG Group Holdings PLC

    67,187       702,135  

Impax Asset Management Group PLC

    14,809       192,611  

IntegraFin Holdings PLC

    48,387       277,975  

Intermediate Capital Group PLC

    50,080       1,147,800  

Investec PLC

    120,428       659,626  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Capital Markets (continued)  

IP Group PLC

    173,470     $ 215,561  

JTC PLC(b)

    22,539       234,583  

Jupiter Fund Management PLC

    76,020       216,779  

Liontrust Asset Management PLC

    10,734       217,047  

Man Group PLC/Jersey

    241,484       621,876  

Ninety One PLC

    58,837       196,535  

Numis Corp. PLC

    12,713       43,825  

Polar Capital Holdings PLC(c)

    12,826       97,304  

Quilter PLC(b)

    288,509       501,761  

Rathbones Group PLC

    10,737       236,561  

Sanne Group PLC

    28,228       345,734  

TP ICAP Group PLC

    135,504       217,953  
   

 

 

 
          7,224,198  
Chemicals — 1.2%            

Elementis PLC(a)

    99,949       172,183  

Essentra PLC

    51,834       211,141  

Synthomer PLC

    64,506       248,557  

Victrex PLC

    15,091       390,789  
   

 

 

 
          1,022,670  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.4%            

Biffa PLC(b)

    52,507       229,214  

Clipper Logistics PLC

    13,366       159,761  

HomeServe PLC

    52,425       473,430  

Johnson Service Group PLC(a)

    78,346       165,932  

Mitie Group PLC

    244,930       183,071  

Renewi PLC(a)

    13,678       113,030  

Restore PLC

    20,999       126,766  

Serco Group PLC

    211,870       377,310  

Smart Metering Systems PLC

    21,682       208,720  
   

 

 

 
          2,037,234  
Communications Equipment — 0.4%            

Spirent Communications PLC

    105,131       343,983  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.9%            

Balfour Beatty PLC

    110,321       350,397  

Keller Group PLC

    12,409       131,312  

Kier Group PLC(a)

    75,736       94,322  

Morgan Sindall Group PLC

    6,772       209,442  
   

 

 

 
          785,473  
Construction Materials — 1.2%            

Breedon Group PLC

    261,226       289,108  

Forterra PLC(b)

    39,024       125,380  

Ibstock PLC(b)

    70,372       167,487  

Marshalls PLC

    34,372       292,708  

RHI Magnesita NV

    4,843       180,026  
   

 

 

 
              1,054,709  
Consumer Finance — 0.2%            

Funding Circle Holdings PLC(a)(b)

    29,494       29,239  

Provident Financial PLC(a)

    43,575       168,187  
   

 

 

 
          197,426  
Containers & Packaging — 1.3%            

DS Smith PLC

    236,917       1,091,680  
   

 

 

 
Distributors — 0.8%            

Inchcape PLC

    66,407       664,223  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 0.7%            

Burford Capital Ltd.

    32,011       311,086  
 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Diversified Financial Services (continued)  

Plus500 Ltd.

    15,658     $ 292,179  
   

 

 

 
          603,265  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.6%  

Gamma Communications PLC

    14,269       280,437  

Helios Towers PLC(a)

    126,042       246,188  
   

 

 

 
          526,625  
Electrical Equipment — 0.7%            

Ceres Power Holdings PLC(a)

    16,358       153,401  

ITM Power PLC(a)

    73,746       323,287  

Luceco PLC(b)

    14,223       46,941  

Volex PLC

    21,057       81,832  
   

 

 

 
          605,461  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.4%  

Renishaw PLC

    6,322       397,106  

Spectris PLC

    19,116       718,235  

Strix Group PLC

    35,310       115,816  
   

 

 

 
              1,231,157  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5%            

Hunting PLC

    24,952       77,763  

John Wood Group PLC(a)

    118,276       286,885  

Petrofac Ltd.(a)

    77,628       111,448  
   

 

 

 
          476,096  
Entertainment — 0.3%            

Cineworld Group PLC(a)(c)

    162,835       86,796  

Frontier Developments PLC(a)(c)

    3,828       66,245  

Team17 Group PLC(a)

    18,071       134,544  
   

 

 

 
          287,585  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 10.0%  

Assura PLC

    508,135       418,268  

Big Yellow Group PLC

    30,226       574,714  

BMO Commercial Property Trust Ltd.

    131,182       190,477  

Capital & Counties Properties PLC

    126,291       280,016  

Civitas Social Housing PLC

    106,394       126,028  

Custodian REIT PLC

    70,676       97,087  

Derwent London PLC

    17,450       711,394  

Empiric Student Property PLC

    106,172       125,338  

Great Portland Estates PLC

    39,263       354,929  

Hammerson PLC(c)

    550,536       272,748  

Home Reit PLC

    96,383       146,753  

LondonMetric Property PLC

    160,254       557,936  

LXI REIT Plc

    157,612       293,051  

Picton Property Income Ltd. (The)

    93,289       123,306  

Primary Health Properties PLC

    231,121       418,686  

Regional REIT Ltd.(b)

    72,507       86,082  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    36,489       623,134  

Secure Income REIT Plc

    47,323       262,982  

Shaftesbury PLC

    33,008       260,406  

Target Healthcare REIT PLC

    106,565       155,694  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    322,262       1,015,405  

UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd.

    133,265       135,479  

UNITE Group PLC (The)

    58,605       838,287  

Urban Logistics REIT PLC

    80,726       199,261  

Warehouse REIT PLC

    69,308       148,391  

Workspace Group PLC

    23,340       242,642  
   

 

 

 
          8,658,494  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.0%            

Marks & Spencer Group PLC(a)

    337,753       787,218  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing (continued)  

Naked Wines PLC(a)(c)

    10,394     $ 58,949  
   

 

 

 
          846,167  
Food Products — 1.9%            

Bakkavor Group PLC(b)

    24,025       40,738  

Cranswick PLC

    9,156       429,806  

Greencore Group PLC(a)

    90,465       162,135  

Hotel Chocolat Group PLC(a)

    9,203       56,174  

Premier Foods PLC

    105,446       155,233  

Tate & Lyle PLC

    81,041       813,529  
   

 

 

 
              1,657,615  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.9%            

Advanced Medical Solutions Group PLC

    33,260       128,622  

ConvaTec Group PLC(b)

    278,710       673,823  
   

 

 

 
          802,445  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.8%            

CVS Group PLC

    11,737       264,519  

Mediclinic International PLC(a)

    69,667       307,091  

Spire Healthcare Group PLC(a)(b)

    48,212       149,994  
   

 

 

 
          721,604  
Health Care Technology — 0.4%            

Craneware PLC

    4,884       118,917  

EMIS Group PLC

    9,791       161,518  

Renalytix PLC(a)

    7,843       37,766  
   

 

 

 
          318,201  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 5.1%            

888 Holdings PLC

    63,951       207,784  

Carnival PLC(a)

    25,952       487,087  

Domino’s Pizza Group PLC

    69,742       340,355  

Greggs PLC

    17,620       605,854  

Gym Group PLC (The)(a)(b)

    28,357       80,647  

J D Wetherspoon PLC(a)

    16,592       193,328  

Marston’s PLC(a)

    113,203       117,397  

Mitchells & Butlers PLC(a)

    47,324       149,804  

On the Beach Group PLC(a)(b)

    28,208       107,847  

Patisserie Holdings PLC(d)

    6,053        

Playtech Plc(a)

    52,684       471,406  

Rank Group PLC(a)

    45,572       96,711  

Restaurant Group PLC (The)(a)

    131,149       170,944  

SSP Group Plc(a)

    129,878       482,887  

Trainline PLC(a)(b)

    82,588       225,572  

TUI AG(a)

    196,602       629,093  

Young & Co‘s Brewery PLC, Series A

    3,957       77,384  
   

 

 

 
          4,444,100  
Household Durables — 2.7%            

Bellway PLC

    21,312       819,757  

Countryside Properties PLC(a)(b)

    84,439       342,455  

Crest Nicholson Holdings PLC

    44,143       181,174  

IG Design Group Plc

    12,838       15,672  

Redrow PLC

    48,404       369,008  

Victoria PLC(a)

    11,044       106,968  

Vistry Group PLC

    38,525       518,194  
   

 

 

 
          2,353,228  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.9%  

ContourGlobal PLC(b)

    34,819       87,901  

Drax Group PLC

    69,094       651,885  
   

 

 

 
          739,786  
Insurance — 3.4%            

Beazley PLC

    105,433       637,696  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Insurance (continued)  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

    229,598     $ 910,917  

Hiscox Ltd.

    59,902       737,087  

Just Group PLC(a)

    178,392       200,286  

Lancashire Holdings Ltd.

    41,710       262,625  

Sabre Insurance Group PLC(b)

    44,109       122,175  

Saga PLC(a)

    18,586       69,615  
   

 

 

 
          2,940,401  
Interactive Media & Services — 1.9%            

Moneysupermarket.com Group PLC

    92,240       258,683  

Rightmove PLC

    146,422       1,311,567  

Trustpilot Group PLC(a)(b)

    31,702       63,013  
   

 

 

 
          1,633,263  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.3%            

AO World PLC(a)(c)

    54,540       69,837  

ASOS PLC(a)(c)

    12,158       318,816  

Auction Technology Group PLC(a)

    14,433       187,109  

boohoo Group PLC(a)(c)

    173,813       208,944  

Deliveroo PLC(a)(b)

    119,416       203,812  

Moonpig Group PLC(a)

    26,276       93,250  

Victorian Plumbing Group PLC(a)

    20,125       21,166  
   

 

 

 
          1,102,934  
IT Services — 2.4%            

Capita PLC(a)

    289,380       108,366  

Computacenter PLC

    12,801       468,566  

Finablr PLC(a)(b)(d)

    61,710       1  

Kainos Group PLC

    13,951       285,546  

Keywords Studios PLC

    12,475       403,988  

NCC Group PLC

    53,086       133,647  

Network International Holdings PLC(a)(b)

    80,324       241,817  

Softcat PLC

    20,730       433,269  
   

 

 

 
              2,075,200  
Leisure Products — 0.7%            

Games Workshop Group PLC

    5,671       568,881  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.4%            

Clinigen Group Plc

    21,715       266,823  

Ergomed PLC(a)

    6,244       97,530  
   

 

 

 
          364,353  
Machinery — 3.8%            

Bodycote PLC

    33,328       332,940  

IMI PLC

    44,976       881,088  

Judges Scientific PLC

    853       83,841  

Morgan Advanced Materials PLC

    49,031       199,956  

Rotork PLC

    148,341       607,893  

Vesuvius PLC

    37,280       198,074  

Weir Group PLC (The)

    44,793       944,263  
   

 

 

 
          3,248,055  
Marine — 0.3%            

Clarkson PLC

    4,969       221,207  
   

 

 

 
Media — 3.6%            

Ascential PLC(a)

    76,343       332,099  

Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC

    18,779       225,859  

Future PLC

    19,791       700,304  

ITV PLC(a)

    625,682       921,847  

Reach PLC

    51,047       155,791  

S4 Capital PLC(a)

    48,117       300,257  

Tremor International Ltd.(a)(c)

    18,168       142,591  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Media (continued)  

YouGov PLC

    18,205      $ 323,592  
    

 

 

 
               3,102,340  
Metals & Mining — 1.3%             

Atalaya Mining PLC

    13,448        78,476  

Centamin PLC

    198,694        263,735  

Central Asia Metals PLC

    31,180        87,421  

Eurasia Mining PLC(a)

    322,142        44,944  

Ferrexpo PLC

    50,568        114,700  

Greatland Gold PLC(a)

    672,870        122,220  

Hill & Smith Holdings PLC

    13,905        263,223  

Hochschild Mining PLC

    56,444        87,509  

Petropavlovsk PLC(a)

    403,142        43,265  

SolGold PLC(a)(c)

    155,188        62,208  
    

 

 

 
           1,167,701  
Multi-Utilities — 1.4%             

Centrica PLC(a)

    1,015,193        1,045,636  

Telecom Plus PLC

    10,830        210,663  
    

 

 

 
           1,256,299  
Multiline Retail — 1.5%             

B&M European Value Retail SA

    155,371        1,260,184  
    

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.8%             

Capricorn Energy PLC(a)

    85,782        253,971  

Diversified Energy Co. PLC

    138,675        219,518  

Energean PLC(a)

    19,783        275,474  

Harbour Energy PLC(a)

    72,481        383,829  

Pantheon Resources PLC(a)

    89,787        170,874  

Serica Energy PLC

    28,465        105,836  

Tullow Oil PLC(a)

    213,044        153,344  
    

 

 

 
           1,562,846  
Personal Products — 0.1%             

PZ Cussons PLC

    37,918        106,737  
    

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 1.9%             

Alliance Pharma PLC

    80,259        110,682  

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

    18,674        1,029,862  

Indivior PLC(a)

    123,928        466,829  
    

 

 

 
           1,607,373  
Professional Services — 1.6%             

Hays PLC

    290,361        528,399  

Pagegroup PLC

    57,023        433,322  

RWS Holdings PLC

    50,176        309,631  

SThree PLC

    21,774        129,331  
    

 

 

 
           1,400,683  
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.3%  

CLS Holdings PLC

    32,426        88,520  

Grainger PLC

    127,897        477,474  

Helical PLC

    19,457        110,018  

IWG PLC(a)

    129,812        486,774  

Savills PLC

    24,586        419,626  

Sirius Real Estate Ltd.

    191,688        321,310  

Watkin Jones PLC

    34,844        112,184  
    

 

 

 
           2,015,906  
Road & Rail — 1.0%             

Firstgroup PLC(a)

    128,616        172,085  

Go-Ahead Group PLC (The)(a)

    7,993        71,305  

National Express Group PLC(a)

    94,933        301,687  

Redde Northgate PLC

    40,168        203,860  
 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Road & Rail (continued)  

Stagecoach Group PLC(a)

    73,079     $ 84,311  
   

 

 

 
          833,248  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.2%  

Alphawave IP Group PLC(a)

    46,693       117,134  

IQE PLC(a)

    134,768       76,565  
   

 

 

 
          193,699  
Software — 3.2%            

Argo Blockchain PLC(a)

    77,307       73,111  

Avast PLC(b)(c)

    116,050       978,611  

Blue Prism Group Plc(a)

    14,136       241,215  

Bytes Technology Group PLC

    37,066       228,930  

dotdigital group Plc

    45,570       91,698  

FD Technologies PLC(a)

    3,765       76,616  

GB Group PLC

    39,345       296,627  

Ideagen PLC

    45,279       136,669  

Kape Technologies PLC(a)(c)

    18,487       81,345  

Learning Technologies Group PLC

    101,365       239,871  

Micro Focus International PLC

    58,406       303,561  
   

 

 

 
          2,748,254  
Specialty Retail — 2.5%            

Currys PLC

    190,393       239,017  

Dunelm Group PLC

    20,901       336,707  

Frasers Group PLC(a)

    34,739       293,774  

Halfords Group PLC

    34,212       127,589  

Pets at Home Group Plc

    86,673       419,010  

Vivo Energy PLC(b)

    75,737       137,162  

WH Smith PLC(a)

    22,718       491,544  

Wickes Group PLC

    44,610       108,707  
   

 

 

 
              2,153,510  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.6%            

Coats Group PLC

    249,571       203,387  

Dr. Martens Plc

    77,344       290,759  
   

 

 

 
          494,146  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.9%            

OSB Group PLC

    77,644       521,318  

Paragon Banking Group PLC

    43,204       290,894  
   

 

 

 
          812,212  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 5.2%            

Diploma PLC

    21,517       763,534  

Electrocomponents PLC

    81,445       1,074,361  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors (continued)  

Grafton Group PLC

    39,356     $ 565,158  

Howden Joinery Group PLC

    102,143       1,161,877  

SIG PLC(a)

    125,173       65,589  

Travis Perkins PLC

    38,264       742,802  

Yellow Cake PLC(a)(b)

    30,106       141,578  
   

 

 

 
          4,514,899  
Water Utilities — 0.8%            

Penno Group PLC

    47,125       654,970  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.4%  

Airtel Africa PLC(b)

    161,424       307,718  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $95,758,299)

 

    86,275,036  
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments  
Money Market Funds — 2.2%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(e)(f)(g)

    1,907,993       1,908,375  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(e)(f)

    30,000       30,000  
   

 

 

 
          1,938,375  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.2%
(Cost: $1,937,972)

      1,938,375  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 101.9%
(Cost: $97,696,271)

 

    88,213,411  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (1.9)%

      (1,656,376
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  86,557,035  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

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

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
       Purchases
at Cost
       Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
       Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
       Value at
02/28/22
       Shares
Held at
02/28/22
       Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 2,279,475        $        $ (370,662 )(a)     $ (290       $ (148      $ 1,908,375          1,907,993        $ 42,187 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     50,000                   (20,000 )(a)                         30,000          30,000          3         
               

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

           

 

 

    

 

 

 
                $ (290       $ (148      $ 1,938,375             $ 42,190      $  
               

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

                 

FTSE 250 Index

     5          03/18/22        $ 281        $ (14,704
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 14,704  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (35,606
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (49,204
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 654,684      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                               

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 15,237,083      $ 71,037,952      $ 1      $ 86,275,036  

Money Market Funds

     1,938,375                      1,938,375  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 17,175,458      $ 71,037,952      $ 1      $ 88,213,411  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $      $ (14,704    $      $ (14,704
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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


Statement of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

 

   

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)

  $     $ 3,429,634,425     $ 86,275,036  

Affiliated(c)

    9,805,638       1,600,000       1,938,375  

Cash

    4,990       8,270       9,440  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

          3,157,135       125,330  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

     

Futures contracts(e)

          1,311,021       30,854  

Receivables:

     

Investments sold

          8,573,787       334,443  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

                986  

Variation margin on futures contracts

                1,581  

Capital shares sold

          988,368        

Dividends

          14,519,283       100,439  

Tax reclaims

          85,390       28,901  

Unrealized appreciation on:

     

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    8,039              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    9,818,667       3,459,877,679       88,845,385  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

     

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

                1,909,134  

Payables:

     

Investments purchased

    3,250       9,602,147       338,637  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          92,370        

Investment advisory fees

          1,270,513       40,579  

Unrealized depreciation on:

     

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    3,345              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    6,595       10,965,030       2,288,350  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 9,812,072     $ 3,448,912,649     $ 86,557,035  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

     

Paid-in capital

  $ 16,298,037     $ 4,038,960,009     $ 105,996,604  

Accumulated loss

    (6,485,965     (590,047,360     (19,439,569
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 9,812,072     $ 3,448,912,649     $ 86,557,035  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    410,000       102,400,000       2,150,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 23.93     $ 33.68     $ 40.26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $     $     $ 1,742,129  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $     $ 3,684,828,054     $ 95,758,299  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 9,904,737     $ 1,600,000     $ 1,937,972  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $     $ 3,121,753     $ 125,928  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $     $ 1,373,317     $ 31,408  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

 

   

iShares
Currency
Hedged

MSCI

United
Kingdom

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI United
Kingdom

ETF

   

iShares

MSCI United
Kingdom

Small-Cap

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

     

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $     $ 43,858,848     $ 1,121,545  

Dividends — Affiliated

    361,069       85       126  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

                42,064  

Foreign taxes withheld

          (209,869     (29,206
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    361,069       43,649,064       1,134,529  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    38,429       7,706,702       318,016  

Professional fees

    217       217       217  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    38,646       7,706,919       318,233  

Less:

     

Investment advisory fees waived

    (38,645            
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    1       7,706,919       318,233  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    361,068       35,942,145       816,296  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

          (21,969,892     (1,924,359

Investments — Affiliated

    (36,090           (290

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

          192,600,841       3,272,811  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    232,448              

Futures contracts

          377,998       (35,606

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    438,057              

Foreign currency transactions

          (704,030     10,413  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

    634,415       170,304,917       1,322,969  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated

          (76,645,219     (22,808,978

Investments — Affiliated

    (36,588           (148

Futures contracts

          286,272       (49,204

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (86,868            

Foreign currency translations

          193,355       (1,907
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (123,456     (76,165,592     (22,860,237
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    510,959       94,139,325       (21,537,268
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 872,027     $ 130,081,470     $ (20,720,972
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

    iShares
Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom
ETF
           iShares
MSCI United Kingdom ETF
 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/21
          

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

            

OPERATIONS

            

Net investment income

               $ 361,068     $ 243,737        $ 35,942,145     $ 121,383,125  

Net realized gain (loss)

      634,415       (1,213,157        170,304,917       37,132,219  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (123,456     3,026,264          (76,165,592     562,344,983  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

      872,027       2,056,844          130,081,470       720,860,327  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

            

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (361,072     (243,738        (74,784,609     (95,207,591
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

            

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

      1,034,934       (3,967,299        (185,565,674     762,464,858  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

            

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      1,545,889       (2,154,193        (130,268,813     1,388,117,594  

Beginning of period

      8,266,183       10,420,376          3,579,181,462       2,191,063,868  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 9,812,072     $ 8,266,183        $ 3,448,912,649     $ 3,579,181,462  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2   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 United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

02/28/22
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 816,296     $ 1,778,892  

Net realized gain

    1,322,969       340,262  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (22,860,237     26,611,588  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (20,720,972     28,730,742  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (3,131,766     (1,264,047
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

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

    (20,149,897     42,435,550  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (44,002,635     69,902,245  

Beginning of period

    130,559,670       60,657,425  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 86,557,035     $ 130,559,670  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

  23


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF

 
 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/22
(unaudited)

   

Year Ended
08/31/21

   

Year Ended
08/31/20

   

Year Ended
08/31/19

   

Year Ended
08/31/18

   

Year Ended
08/31/17

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 22.96              $ 18.95              $ 23.43              $ 23.83              $ 23.84              $ 24.87  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.68         0.59         0.74         0.92         1.11         0.48  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      0.92         4.04         (4.46       (0.26       (0.05       2.39  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      1.60         4.63         (3.72       0.66         1.06         2.87  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (0.63       (0.62       (0.76       (1.06       (1.07       (0.84

From net realized gain

                                              (3.06
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.63       (0.62       (0.76       (1.06       (1.07       (3.90
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 23.93       $ 22.96       $ 18.95       $ 23.43       $ 23.83       $ 23.84  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

                       

Based on net asset value

      7.05 %(e)        24.59       (16.34 )%        2.92       4.42       13.48
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

                       

Total expenses

      0.62 %(g)        0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62       0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.00 %(g)(h)        0.00 %(h)        0.00 %(h)        0.00       0.00       0.00
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      5.83 %(g)        2.82       3.31       3.96       4.62       1.99
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 9,812       $ 8,266       $ 10,420       $ 35,146       $ 22,643       $ 19,073  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      8 %(e)        15       15       11       17       20
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c)

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f)

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g)

Annualized.

(h) 

Rounds to less than 0.01%.

(i)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24  

2 0 2 2   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 United Kingdom ETF

 
 

 

 
     

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited

 
 

   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/20
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/19
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/18
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/17
 
(a) 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 33.05     $ 26.88     $ 30.27     $ 33.62     $ 33.76     $ 31.36  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.38       1.20       0.90       1.49       1.29       1.13  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      1.13       5.87       (3.30     (3.39     0.06       2.43  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      1.51       7.07       (2.40     (1.90     1.35       3.56  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

             

From net investment income

      (0.88     (0.90     (0.99     (1.45     (1.49     (1.16
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.88     (0.90     (0.99     (1.45     (1.49     (1.16
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 33.68     $ 33.05     $ 26.88     $ 30.27     $ 33.62     $ 33.76  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

             

Based on net asset value

      4.72 %(f)      26.46     (8.25 )%      (5.64 )%      3.90     11.60
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

             

Total expenses

      0.49 %(h)      0.50     0.51     0.50     0.47     0.49
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.30 %(h)      3.91     3.12     4.64     3.66     4.07
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 3,448,913     $ 3,579,181     $ 2,191,064     $ 2,000,722     $ 1,986,971     $ 2,764,746  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      5 %(f)      9     4     11     5     4
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f)

Not annualized.

(g)

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h)

Annualized.

(i)

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


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF  
 

 

 
 

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
08/31/21

 
 

 

 

Year Ended
08/31/20

 
 

 

 

Year Ended
08/31/19

 
 

 

 

Year Ended
08/31/18

 
 

 

 

Year Ended
08/31/17

 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                 $ 50.22                $ 35.68                $ 35.95                $ 42.65                $ 39.92                $ 35.91  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.34         0.86         0.72         1.05         1.15         0.92  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (8.91       14.32         0.03         (6.69       2.93         4.12  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (8.57       15.18         0.75         (5.64       4.08         5.04  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (1.39       (0.64       (1.02       (1.06       (1.35       (1.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.39       (0.64       (1.02       (1.06       (1.35       (1.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 40.26       $ 50.22       $ 35.68       $ 35.95       $ 42.65       $ 39.92  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

                       

Based on net asset value

      (17.25 )%(e)        42.88       1.90       (13.17 )%        10.22       14.40
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

                       

Total expenses

      0.59 %(g)        0.59       0.59       0.59       0.59       0.59
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.51 %(g)        1.94       1.99       2.76       2.68       2.50
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 86,557       $ 130,560       $ 60,657       $ 61,109       $ 57,571       $ 31,935  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      9 %(e)        15       25       20       20       19
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c)

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

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e)

Not annualized.

(f)

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g)

Annualized.

(h)

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  
 

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 Statements 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 Statements 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, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the Statements 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 Statements 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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each business day, the Funds use current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

If events (e.g., 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 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 Schedule 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:

 

 

 

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.

   $ 129,267      $ 129,267      $      $  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     56,000        56,000                

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

     110,045        110,045                

Jefferies LLC

     929,677        929,677                

Macquarie Bank Ltd.

     299,123        299,123                

Morgan Stanley

     135,561        135,561                

Scotia Capital (USA), Inc.

     82,456        82,456                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,742,129      $ 1,742,129      $      $  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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.

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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements 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).

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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:

 

   
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, if any, is a fund’s total annual operating expenses. Total expenses as shown in the Statement of Operations does not include acquired fund fees and 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, 2022, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement were as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF    Amounts waived      

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

   $ 38,645      

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, including any custodial costs. 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.

 

 

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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 Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   
iShares ETF   

Fees Paid    

to BTC    

 

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

   $ 9,485      

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, 2022, 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 United Kingdom

  $  12,471,850      $  3,113,704      $ (1,073,498

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

    931,120        1,209,824        (168,825

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 Statements 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, 2022, 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

  $ 1,212,992      $ 907,931  

MSCI United Kingdom

    179,107,042        163,386,415  

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

    9,997,523        10,143,238  

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind

Sales

 

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

  $ 5,362,743      $ 4,275,128  

MSCI United Kingdom

    642,846,233         843,097,763  

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

           19,952,013  

 

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, 2022, 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, 2021, 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

   $ 6,862,396      

MSCI United Kingdom

     494,263,919      

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

     8,929,580      

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, 2022, 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

  $ 9,976,753      $ 8,039      $ (174,460    $ (166,421

MSCI United Kingdom

    3,710,448,497         227,014,166         (505,850,666)        (278,836,500

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

    100,023,666        6,806,161        (18,631,120      (11,824,959

 

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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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 Statements 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.

 

 

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  33


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

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. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may cause uncertainty in the markets and as a result adversely affect the Fund’s investments. 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 as well as acts of war in the region. 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. 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. In addition, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions in the region are impossible to predict, but could be significant and have a severe adverse effect on the region, including significant negative impacts on the economy and the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas, as well as other sectors.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBORTransition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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
02/28/22
     Year Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom

          

Shares sold

    230,000      $ 5,327,329        60,000      $ 1,246,734  

Shares redeemed

    (180,000      (4,292,395      (250,000      (5,214,033
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    50,000      $ 1,034,934        (190,000    $ (3,967,299
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI United Kingdom

          

Shares sold

    19,700,000      $ 664,818,518        40,300,000      $ 1,197,285,969  

Shares redeemed

    (25,600,000      (850,384,192      (13,500,000      (434,821,111
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (5,900,000    $ (185,565,674      26,800,000      $ 762,464,858  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap

          

Shares sold

         $        1,300,000      $ 58,198,236  

Shares redeemed

    (450,000      (20,149,897      (400,000      (15,762,686
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (450,000    $ (20,149,897      900,000      $ 42,435,550  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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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  35


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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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 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, 2022

 

       
    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)

  $ 0.619703     $     $   0.013757     $   0.633460         98         2     100

MSCI United Kingdom(a)

    0.856680             0.019018       0.875698         98             2       100  

MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap(a)

    1.362637             0.029259       1.391896           98             2       100  

 

  (a)

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

 

 

 

U P P L E M E N T A L  N F O R M A T I O N

  37


General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail 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 Trust’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
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust
Currency Abbreviations
GBP    British Pound
USD    United States Dollar
Counterparty Abbreviations
MS    Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC
 

 

 

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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.

©2022 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-813-0222

 

 

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  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

  

2022 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 Sustainable Development Goals ETF | SDG | NASDAQ

· iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF | PABU | NASDAQ

 

 


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The 12-month reporting period as of February 28, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers.

Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022
     
      6-Month    12-Month  
   

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

  (2.62)%   16.39%
   

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

  (9.46)      (6.01)  
   

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

  (6.78)      2.83  
   

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  (9.81)      (10.69)   
   

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

  0.02      0.04  
   

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

  (3.94)      (1.67)  
   

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

  (4.07)      (2.64)  
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

  (3.09)      (0.66)  
   

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

  (3.07)      0.64  
Past performance is not an indication 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

     11  

Shareholder Expenses

     11  

Schedules of Investments

     12  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     57  

Statements of Operations

     59  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     61  

Financial Highlights

     65  

Notes to Financial Statements

     72  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     83  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     85  

Supplemental Information

     86  

General Information

     87  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     88  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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      5 Years     

Since

Inception

            1 Year      5 Years     

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

     (7.39 )%       2.47      7.54      9.19        2.47      43.83      64.65

Fund Market

     (7.65      2.31        7.47        9.14          2.31        43.38        64.27  

Index

     (7.17      2.77        7.66        9.33                2.77        44.62        65.88  

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 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

     

 

 

      

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

 (a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

$        1,000.00        $          926.10          $        0.96               $       1,000.00             $       1,023.80          $        1.00          0.20

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR  
   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Financials

    17.6

Industrials

    15.6  

Health Care

    12.6  

Consumer Discretionary

    11.7  

Consumer Staples

    10.4  

Information Technology

    8.9  

Materials

    8.0  

Communication Services

    4.7  

Energy

    4.4  

Utilities

    3.1  

Real Estate

    3.0  

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Japan

    22.7

United Kingdom

    14.3  

France

    10.8  

Switzerland

    10.6  

Australia

    8.2  

Germany

    8.1  

Netherlands

    5.3  

Sweden

    3.2  

Denmark

    2.8  

Hong Kong

    2.6  

 

 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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      5 Years     

Since

Inception

           1 Year      5 Years     

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

    (4.69 )%       13.25      15.46      16.44       13.25      105.18      122.27

Fund Market

    (4.79      13.20        15.44        16.43         13.20        104.99        122.11  

Index

    (4.63      13.43        15.66        16.65               13.43        106.96        124.41  

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.

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

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses
Paid During

the Period 

 
 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      


Expenses

Paid During
the Period 

 

 
(a) 

    

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $        1,000.00          $          953.10          $         0.73               $       1,000.00          $      1,024.10          $         0.75        0.15

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR  
   

Sector

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Information Technology

    29.6

Health Care

    12.8  

Consumer Discretionary

    11.8  

Financials

    11.0  

Communication Services

    8.8  

Industrials

    8.4  

Consumer Staples

    6.2  

Energy

    3.6  

Real Estate

    2.9  

Materials

    2.6  

Utilities

    2.3  

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS  
   

Security

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Apple Inc.

    6.8

Microsoft Corp.

    5.7  

Amazon.com Inc.

    3.5  

Alphabet Inc., Class A

    2.0  

Alphabet Inc., Class C

    2.0  

Tesla Inc.

    1.9  

NVIDIA Corp.

    1.7  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1.2  

Meta Platforms Inc, Class A

    1.1  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    1.0  

 

 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

    (6.02 )%      0.60     11.81       0.60     54.37

Fund Market

    (5.95     0.72       11.84         0.72       54.56  

Index

    (5.96     0.71       11.97           0.71       55.24  

The inception date of the Fund was 4/10/18. The first day of secondary market trading was 4/12/18.

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

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

   

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

              

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $        939.80          $        0.82       $      1,000.00                  $      1,024.00          $        0.85          0.17

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Industrials

  17.7%

Financials

  15.1   

Information Technology

  14.2   

Consumer Discretionary

  13.9   

Health Care

  12.7   

Real Estate

  8.5   

Materials

  5.0   

Energy

  4.9   

Consumer Staples

  3.3   

Utilities

  2.4   

Communication Services

  2.3   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Comerica Inc.

  0.5%

Quanta Services Inc.

  0.4   

Marathon Oil Corp.

  0.4   

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

  0.4   

Builders FirstSource Inc.

  0.3   

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

  0.3   

Ingredion Inc.

  0.3   

Ovintiv Inc.

  0.3   

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.

  0.3   

Alcoa Corp.

  0.3   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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 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(a)

    (12.30 )%      (10.08 )%      5.19       (10.08 )%      11.03

Fund Market

    (10.89     (8.89     5.99         (8.89     12.77  

Index

    (11.43     (8.74     6.24           (8.74     13.34  

 

  (a) 

Includes payments received from an affiliate, which impacted the Fund’s total returns. Excluding the payments, the Average Annual Total Returns for the 6 Months, 1 Year, and Since Inception would have been -13.12%, -10.92% and 4.72%, respectively.

 

The inception date of the Fund was 2/5/20. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/7/20.

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.

Expense Example

 

Actual     Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

   

 

 

      
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

   

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

              

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $        877.00          $        0.74       $      1,000.00                  $      1,024.00          $        0.80          0.16

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Financials

  23.4%

Consumer Discretionary

  16.8   

Information Technology

  15.5   

Communication Services

  10.7   

Materials

  8.4   

Consumer Staples

  6.4   

Industrials

  5.4   

Energy

  4.7   

Health Care

  4.1   

Real Estate

  2.6   

Utilities

  2.0   

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

China

  31.5%

Taiwan

  17.3   

India

  14.5   

South Korea

  7.6   

South Africa

  6.5   

Brazil

  4.2   

Thailand

  2.9   

Malaysia

  2.4   

United Arab Emirates

  2.4   

Mexico

  1.9   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

    (3.38 )%      16.65     18.65       16.65     61.86

Fund Market

    (3.48     16.66       18.59         16.66       61.62  

Index

    (3.34     16.78       18.77           16.78       62.28  

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 11 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual     Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

   

 

 

      
 

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

   

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

              

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $        966.20          $        0.49       $      1,000.00                  $      1,024.30          $        0.50          0.10

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR
   
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Information Technology

  28.7%

Health Care

  13.3   

Consumer Discretionary

  12.5   

Financials

  11.6   

Communication Services

  11.6   

Industrials

  7.8   

Consumer Staples

  6.5   

Materials

  2.8   

Real Estate

  2.7   

Energy

  1.5   

Utilities

  1.0   
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS
   
Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Microsoft Corp.

  11.0%

Alphabet Inc., Class A

  4.2   

Alphabet Inc., Class C

  4.0   

Tesla Inc.

  3.8   

NVIDIA Corp.

  3.1   

Johnson & Johnson

  2.2   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

  1.9   

Visa Inc., Class A

  1.9   

Home Depot Inc. (The)

  1.7   

Mastercard Inc., Class A

  1.6   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    iShares® MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (the “Fund”) (formerly the iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of 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     5 Years    

Since

Inception

         1 Year     5 Years    

Since

Inception

 

Fund NAV

    (11.98 )%      (5.28 )%      13.91     12.44        (5.28 )%      91.75     98.82

Fund Market

    (12.39     (5.95     13.79       12.39          (5.95     90.80       98.30  

Index

    (11.94     (5.11     14.11       12.67            (5.11     93.49       101.20  

The inception date of the Fund was 4/20/16. The first day of secondary market trading was 4/22/16.

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

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

   

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

              

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $        880.20          $        2.28       $      1,000.00                  $      1,022.40          $        2.46          0.49

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Health Care

  20.2%

Consumer Staples

  19.8   

Real Estate

  16.7   

Industrials

  16.1   

Materials

  14.8   

Consumer Discretionary

  3.7   

Information Technology

  3.5   

Utilities

  3.5   

Communication Services

  1.7   

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

United States

  24.5%

Japan

  14.4   

China

  13.0   

Denmark

  8.0   

United Kingdom

  6.9   

Canada

  5.6   

Belgium

  4.8   

Hong Kong

  4.7   

Switzerland

  4.6   

Sweden

  2.5   
 

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  9


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    iShares® Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. large- and mid-capitalization stocks that is designed to be compatible with the objectives of the Paris Agreement by, in aggregate, following a decarbonization trajectory, reducing exposure to climate-related transition and physical risks and increasing exposure to companies favorably positioned for the transition to a low-carbon economy, as represented by the MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select 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

  (3.16)%

Fund Market

  (3.19)   

Index

  (3.17)   

The inception date of the Fund was 2/8/22. The first day of secondary market trading was 2/10/22.

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

(02/08/22) 

 

 

(a)  

      

Ending

Account Value

(02/28/22)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(b) 

      

Beginning

Account Value

(09/01/21)

 

 

 

      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period 

 

 

(b) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $        968.40          $        0.05          $      1,000.00          $      1,024.30          $        0.50          0.10

 

  (a) 

Commencement of operations.

 

 

  (b) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 20/365 for actual expenses and 181/365 for hypothetical expenses (to reflect the six month period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Information Technology

  37.1%

Health Care

  12.6   

Consumer Discretionary

  12.4   

Financials

  11.2   

Communication Services

  8.2   

Real Estate

  7.1   

Industrials

  6.1   

Materials

  3.5   

Consumer Staples

  1.4   

Utilities

  0.4   

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

Apple Inc.

  7.8%

Microsoft Corp.

  6.3   

Amazon.com Inc.

  3.6   

Tesla Inc.

  2.7   

Alphabet Inc., Class C

  2.4   

NVIDIA Corp.

  2.0   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

  1.8   

Corning Inc.

  1.7   

Ecolab Inc.

  1.7   

Meta Platforms Inc, Class A

  1.4   
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

10  

2 0 2 2   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


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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses would have been higher.

 

 

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

  11


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Australia — 8.1%

 

APA Group

    1,659,653     $ 12,132,848  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    343,152       9,412,658  

ASX Ltd.

    226,115       13,580,796  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    1,437,026       27,205,549  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    758,787       11,236,007  

Brambles Ltd.

    2,118,825       15,261,304  

Cochlear Ltd.

    83,519       13,633,977  

Coles Group Ltd.

    635,571       8,022,870  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    776,057       52,650,388  

Computershare Ltd.

    456,685       7,215,777  

CSL Ltd.

    207,100       39,374,685  

Dexus

    1,782,355       14,109,088  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    1,127,342       15,018,830  

Glencore PLC

    4,334,607       25,487,513  

Goodman Group

    773,131       12,508,986  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

    2,405,034       8,029,108  

Lendlease Corp. Ltd.

    1,053,125       8,124,616  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    177,394       23,345,626  

Mineral Resources Ltd.

    214,133       7,037,495  

Mirvac Group

    5,827,282       10,867,380  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    1,193,528       25,067,710  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    446,572       8,284,268  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    1,168,495       8,708,777  

Orica Ltd.

    715,959       7,633,365  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    833,789       6,957,983  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    166,698       7,776,079  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

    243,330       20,984,051  

Rio Tinto PLC

    584,698       45,718,720  

Santos Ltd.

    1,750,354       9,322,095  

SEEK Ltd.

    364,123       7,108,708  

South32 Ltd.

    2,584,918       9,030,416  

Stockland

    2,686,148       8,127,997  

Transurban Group

    2,108,218       19,472,350  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    476,106       16,696,971  

Westpac Banking Corp.

        1,501,159       24,808,517  

Woodside Petroleum Ltd.

    946,529       19,778,924  

Woolworths Group Ltd.

    484,826       12,536,474  
   

 

 

 
          592,268,906  
Austria — 0.4%  

Erste Group Bank AG

    159,006       5,652,157  

OMV AG

    325,372       15,488,839  

Verbund AG

    79,032       9,532,565  
   

 

 

 
      30,673,561  
Belgium — 0.8%            

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    428,515       26,442,721  

KBC Group NV

    190,706       13,739,782  

UCB SA

    76,756       8,376,898  

Umicore SA

    187,718       7,679,482  
   

 

 

 
      56,238,883  
Denmark — 2.8%  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    5,011       15,025,322  

Carlsberg A/S, Class B

    85,724       12,571,392  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    53,083       7,985,703  

DSV A/S

    75,196       13,840,325  

Genmab A/S(a)

    30,086       10,111,792  

GN Store Nord AS

    129,463       6,843,815  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    835,788       86,490,187  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    129,193       8,479,272  
Security   Shares     Value  

Denmark (continued)

 

Orsted AS(b)

    119,485     $ 15,463,043  

Pandora A/S

    68,322       6,995,988  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    532,323       17,165,657  
   

 

 

 
      200,972,496  
Finland — 1.2%            

Kesko Oyj, Class B

    291,891       8,590,264  

Neste Oyj

    301,939       11,773,997  

Nokia Oyj(a)

    2,760,320       14,925,986  

Nordea Bank Abp

    941,878       10,420,489  

Orion Oyj, Class B

    182,972       8,592,157  

Sampo Oyj, Class A

    149,886       7,119,006  

Stora Enso Oyj, Class R

    360,802       6,871,133  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    355,403       12,280,315  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    632,256       7,080,997  
   

 

 

 
      87,654,344  
France — 10.7%            

Air Liquide SA

    150,425       24,986,359  

Airbus SE(a)

    197,471       25,212,912  

Alstom SA

    253,480       6,448,507  

AXA SA

    1,170,108       31,660,328  

BNP Paribas SA

    514,198       29,836,092  

Bureau Veritas SA

    271,224       7,755,061  

Capgemini SE

    69,434       14,534,586  

Cie. de Saint-Gobain

    177,169       10,985,377  

Cie. Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    138,823       19,110,033  

CNP Assurances

    305,400       7,443,593  

Covivio

    94,694       7,746,955  

Danone SA

    442,102       26,897,145  

Dassault Systemes SE

    366,851       17,695,521  

Edenred

    169,913       7,731,868  

Eiffage SA

    67,902       6,916,767  

Engie SA

    584,414       9,311,145  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    147,188       25,694,641  

Gecina SA

    83,847       10,655,371  

Hermes International

    12,771       17,611,677  

Kering SA

    40,927       28,388,339  

Klepierre SA

    267,088       7,634,588  

Legrand SA

    76,084       7,177,768  

L’Oreal SA

    133,909       52,937,470  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    118,378       86,996,578  

Orange SA

    706,508       8,542,877  

Pernod Ricard SA

    105,552       23,042,024  

Publicis Groupe SA

    118,029       7,833,079  

Safran SA

    128,951       16,395,750  

Sanofi

    468,445       48,967,728  

Schneider Electric SE

    297,737       46,130,208  

Societe Generale SA

    568,349       16,071,508  

Teleperformance

    20,613       7,648,703  

TotalEnergies SE

        1,302,059       66,333,656  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield(a)(c)

    92,553       7,054,928  

Valeo

    250,336       5,520,931  

Veolia Environnement SA

    206,571       7,228,788  

Vinci SA

    164,939       17,294,086  

Vivendi SE

    575,212       7,261,345  

Worldline SA/France(a)(b)

    144,901       7,388,968  
   

 

 

 
          784,083,260  
Germany — 7.8%            

adidas AG

    102,797       24,305,494  

Allianz SE, Registered

    248,786       56,080,671  
 

 

 

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Germany (continued)  

BASF SE

    384,465     $ 25,600,080  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    202,186       19,471,962  

Beiersdorf AG

    74,372       7,538,940  

Brenntag SE

    89,886       7,535,367  

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Bearer

    47,566       7,464,754  

Commerzbank AG(a)

    776,852       6,492,241  

Continental AG(a)

    76,282       6,500,229  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(b)

    134,165       7,191,327  

Deutsche Bank AG, Registered(a)

    901,113       11,124,049  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    125,110       21,296,554  

Deutsche Post AG, Registered

    360,306       18,109,772  

Deutsche Telekom AG, Registered

    843,254       15,115,051  

E.ON SE

    1,277,740       17,379,235  

Evonik Industries AG

    225,286       6,781,474  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    175,923       6,167,134  

GEA Group AG

    161,629       7,067,837  

HeidelbergCement AG

    119,861       7,777,410  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    129,700       7,074,612  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    94,194       7,242,305  

Infineon Technologies AG

    687,773       23,271,420  

LEG Immobilien SE

    57,522       7,396,768  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    433,138       33,836,514  

Merck KGaA

    101,796       20,190,979  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    45,579       10,910,983  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen, Registered

    75,201       20,630,425  

Puma SE

    106,475       9,764,226  

SAP SE

    567,650       64,033,185  

Siemens AG, Registered

    358,686       50,532,523  

Volkswagen AG

    26,256       6,790,832  

Vonovia SE

    316,782       16,815,745  

Zalando SE(a)(b)

        136,328       9,023,094  
   

 

 

 
          566,513,192  
Hong Kong — 2.6%            

AIA Group Ltd.

    6,269,000       65,096,323  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    4,487,000       16,131,052  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.(a)

    1,309,000       7,300,595  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    568,000       10,474,538  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    576,300       27,925,569  

MTR Corp. Ltd.(c)

    3,153,500       16,346,173  

Sands China Ltd.(a)

    2,508,400       6,615,857  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    763,500       8,876,283  

Swire Pacific Ltd., Class A

    1,474,000       8,145,637  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    5,200,800       13,524,772  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    511,000       8,562,345  
   

 

 

 
      188,999,144  
Ireland — 0.9%            

CRH PLC

    460,941       20,953,560  

Flutter Entertainment PLC, Class DI(a)

    63,212       9,103,038  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    224,797       7,338,958  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    132,364       15,769,730  

Kingspan Group PLC

    73,376       7,166,062  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    138,369       6,910,456  
   

 

 

 
      67,241,804  
Israel — 0.6%            

Bank Hapoalim BM

    1,203,553       12,755,842  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

    791,554       8,574,841  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(a)(c)

    48,809       8,304,363  

Isracard Ltd.

    1       6  
Security   Shares     Value  
Israel (continued)  

Nice Ltd.(a)

    32,400     $ 7,329,142  

Wix.com Ltd(a)

    85,036       7,787,597  
   

 

 

 
      44,751,791  
Italy — 2.0%            

Amplifon SpA

    186,823       8,017,410  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    626,166       12,383,584  

Enel SpA

    4,816,544       35,492,815  

Eni SpA

    1,630,627       25,363,925  

Ferrari NV

    34,061       7,361,293  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

        11,912,237       30,451,561  

Nexi SpA(a)(b)

    512,811       7,003,953  

Prysmian SpA

    228,375       7,517,960  

UniCredit SpA

    818,359       10,339,568  
   

 

 

 
          143,932,069  
Japan — 22.5%            

Advantest Corp.

    90,600       7,281,057  

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    386,500       8,755,649  

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    344,000       10,024,506  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    303,700       12,251,064  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    1,269,400       11,913,099  

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    1,166,500       19,462,139  

Azbil Corp.

    205,200       7,789,163  

Bridgestone Corp.

    318,100       13,099,652  

Canon Inc.

    351,100       8,262,416  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    54,000       7,275,780  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    412,200       13,674,167  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    289,500       7,557,307  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    539,400       11,202,334  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    897,900       21,904,637  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    138,100       25,521,506  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    262,000       7,430,391  

Denso Corp.

    241,700       16,996,376  

East Japan Railway Co.

    195,400       11,608,468  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    157,300       7,804,404  

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    4,090,800       16,198,706  

FANUC Corp.

    103,400       18,994,797  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

    30,200       16,290,164  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    203,400       12,928,942  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    125,300       18,204,082  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    410,400       12,277,958  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

    292,300       7,153,061  

Hitachi Ltd.

    498,500       24,652,170  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    878,300       26,683,537  

Hoya Corp.

    172,100       22,419,235  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    803,000       7,315,364  

Ibiden Co. Ltd.

    154,900       7,565,083  

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

    369,100       9,894,295  

Inpex Corp.

    1,070,800       11,037,288  

ITOCHU Corp.

    1,042,600       33,976,874  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,032,100       8,531,031  

JFE Holdings Inc.

    525,300       7,820,433  

Kao Corp.

    271,900       12,710,475  

KDDI Corp.

    1,091,300       35,512,256  

Keio Corp.

    167,800       6,865,880  

Keyence Corp.

    76,800       36,326,449  

Kikkoman Corp.

    97,400       7,260,961  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

    773,000       12,851,477  

Komatsu Ltd.

    606,600       13,954,178  

Kubota Corp.

    559,900       10,045,540  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    178,000     $ 7,355,815  

Kyocera Corp.

    196,500       11,309,162  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    283,400       7,252,466  

Lawson Inc.

    176,800       7,371,804  

M3 Inc.

    211,700       7,964,894  

Marubeni Corp.

    1,162,400       12,201,291  

Mazda Motor Corp.(a)

    947,100       7,005,089  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    1,033,800       7,343,942  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    600,300       20,184,292  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    264,500       7,813,178  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    5,128,400       31,483,163  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    361,100       8,036,661  

Miura Co. Ltd.

    260,200       7,131,468  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    949,100       12,508,305  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    412,200       13,947,487  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    239,100       16,250,473  

NEC Corp.

    167,800       7,259,971  

Nidec Corp.

    151,900       13,205,215  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    55,808       28,264,062  

Nippon Express Holdings Inc.

    118,600       7,189,506  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    866,400       7,754,361  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    583,100       10,675,958  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    407,600       11,714,786  

Nippon Yusen KK

    102,500       9,603,326  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    104,400       7,618,946  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    2,489,500       11,359,783  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    308,500       10,829,207  

NTT Data Corp.

    407,400       7,738,203  

Obayashi Corp.

    893,800       7,483,780  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    390,800       6,447,607  

Omron Corp.

    199,300       13,562,069  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    304,600       7,499,249  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd./Japan

    89,000       16,452,963  

ORIX Corp.

    713,200       14,137,855  

Panasonic Corp.

    1,264,900       13,209,739  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    624,700       26,368,705  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    591,200       6,964,746  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    2,488,900       11,131,092  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    667,300       7,568,905  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    102,000       7,491,530  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    478,200       7,830,979  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    691,700       14,102,442  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    273,900       13,327,351  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    341,200       7,231,794  

Shimadzu Corp.

    209,100       7,531,137  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    123,000       19,211,137  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    187,200       12,447,368  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    134,000       7,689,736  

SMC Corp.

    12,600       7,458,183  

SoftBank Corp.

        1,879,000           23,740,006  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    536,400       24,071,482  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

    205,000       7,401,352  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    286,000       12,417,564  

Sony Group Corp.

    652,400       66,657,138  

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd.

    307,300       7,302,299  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    2,505,200       11,960,398  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    250,400       12,490,570  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    367,400       13,028,831  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    326,700       11,608,307  

Sysmex Corp.

    144,400       11,559,291  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    783,094     $ 23,876,767  

TDK Corp.

    223,300       9,037,665  

Terumo Corp.

    392,200       12,738,018  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    226,300       12,876,708  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    80,400       39,458,507  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

    370,400       7,544,426  

Tokyu Corp.

    608,100       8,109,850  

Toray Industries Inc.

    1,919,100       10,944,034  

TOTO Ltd.

    174,800       7,358,517  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    4,874,300       89,181,058  

West Japan Railway Co.

    173,700       7,494,093  

Yamaha Corp.

    158,100       7,417,840  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    458,800       10,313,649  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    182,400       7,302,713  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    459,400       7,412,105  
   

 

 

 
      1,644,108,720  
Liechtenstein — 0.1%            

ArcelorMittal SA

    239,927       7,453,146  
   

 

 

 
Netherlands — 5.2%            

Adyen NV(a)(b)

    8,367       17,439,106  

Akzo Nobel NV

    148,740       14,151,437  

Argenx SE(a)

    26,537       7,683,607  

ASM International NV

    23,276       7,517,389  

ASML Holding NV

    203,514       136,155,705  

CNH Industrial NV

    712,055       10,128,631  

Heineken NV

    142,123       14,416,739  

ING Groep NV

    1,780,269       20,790,853  

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV(a)(b)

    169,222       6,848,780  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    528,564       16,259,813  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    115,969       21,774,807  

Koninklijke KPN NV

    2,669,466       9,135,267  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    223,774       7,612,504  

NN Group NV

    131,698       6,320,830  

Prosus NV

    433,028       26,883,079  

Randstad NV

    102,805       7,006,025  

Stellantis NV

    642,867       11,682,100  

STMicroelectronics NV

    359,143       15,076,105  

Universal Music Group NV

    323,494       7,374,048  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    178,132       18,149,823  
   

 

 

 
          382,406,648  
New Zealand — 0.3%            

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    392,297       7,372,049  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

        2,531,856       7,717,308  

Xero Ltd.(a)

    96,874       6,660,862  
   

 

 

 
      21,750,219  
Norway — 1.0%            

Equinor ASA

    952,987       29,957,618  

Mowi ASA

    275,832       7,102,345  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    1,198,364       11,379,767  

Orkla ASA

    1,199,576       11,236,860  

Telenor ASA

    1,075,825       15,917,486  
   

 

 

 
      75,594,076  
Portugal — 0.2%            

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    1,361,106       15,066,500  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 1.5%            

Capitaland Investment Ltd/Singapore(a)

    3,313,700       9,080,398  

City Developments Ltd.

    1,701,500       9,003,503  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    935,700       23,523,621  
 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Singapore (continued)  

Keppel Corp. Ltd.

    2,816,400     $ 12,538,479  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

    2,371,200       20,547,444  

Sea Ltd., ADR(a)

    124,363       18,107,253  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    759,500       16,880,175  
   

 

 

 
      109,680,873  
Spain — 2.4%            

Amadeus IT Group SA(a)

    204,379       13,484,231  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    3,582,341       21,256,623  

Banco Santander SA

    6,624,969       22,061,247  

CaixaBank SA

    2,031,037       6,671,110  

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    216,903       9,811,002  

Endesa SA

    427,811       9,403,893  

Iberdrola SA

    3,376,563       38,309,082  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    719,185       18,760,491  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    319,765       8,579,177  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

    174,858       3,464,017  

Repsol SA

    1,136,258       14,744,126  

Telefonica SA

        1,665,310       7,984,268  
   

 

 

 
          174,529,267  
Sweden — 3.2%            

Alfa Laval AB

    239,150       7,755,853  

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    386,164       10,135,913  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    299,260       15,347,281  

Atlas Copco AB, Class B

    156,436       7,068,590  

Boliden AB

    430,404       19,144,556  

Epiroc AB, Class A

    538,115       10,111,532  

EQT AB

    205,164       6,866,845  

Essity AB, Class B

    479,332       12,336,052  

Evolution AB(b)

    76,714       8,795,957  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B

    530,896       8,860,177  

Husqvarna AB, Class B

    577,488       6,955,331  

Investor AB

    326,836       7,227,156  

Investor AB, Class B

    501,972       10,221,391  

Nibe Industrier AB, Class B

    787,905       7,013,745  

Sandvik AB

    475,870       10,256,195  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A

    578,248       6,661,629  

SKF AB, Class B

    366,945       6,775,340  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B

    512,649       8,364,143  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A

    703,937       6,692,193  

Swedbank AB, Class A

    414,627       6,699,160  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    855,111       11,331,214  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    1,492,658       13,735,282  

Telia Co. AB

    3,515,877       13,072,636  

Volvo AB, Class A

    375,247       7,332,903  

Volvo AB, Class B

    334,229       6,428,516  
   

 

 

 
      235,189,590  
Switzerland — 10.5%            

ABB Ltd., Registered

    1,017,122       34,371,511  

Adecco Group AG, Registered

    153,592       7,253,939  

Alcon Inc.

    203,536       15,724,693  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG, Participation Certificates, NVS

    801       8,496,762  

Coca-Cola HBC AG, Class DI

    295,489       7,507,352  

Credit Suisse Group AG, Registered

    1,114,061       9,332,606  

Geberit AG, Registered

    23,647       15,469,326  

Givaudan SA, Registered

    6,787       28,338,481  

Holcim Ltd.

    136,925       6,881,336  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Registered

    53,676       14,638,258  

Logitech International SA, Registered

    109,584       8,200,049  
Security   Shares     Value  
Switzerland (continued)            

Lonza Group AG, Registered

    49,516     $ 34,260,211  

Nestle SA, Registered

    1,291,453       168,270,797  

Novartis AG, Registered

    910,571       80,031,359  

Partners Group Holding AG

    7,342       9,924,832  

Roche Holding AG, Bearer

    32,381       13,516,124  

Roche Holding AG, NVS

    309,166       117,091,465  

SGS SA, Registered

    5,957       17,045,060  

Sika AG, Registered

    51,013       16,927,882  

Sonova Holding AG, Registered

    32,990       12,773,535  

Straumann Holding AG, Registered

    5,202       8,263,185  

Swiss Life Holding AG, Registered

    19,290       11,770,320  

Swiss Re AG

    205,437       19,630,666  

Swisscom AG, Registered

    21,970       13,160,296  

Temenos AG, Registered

    69,095       6,945,047  

UBS Group AG, Registered

    1,692,562       31,137,672  

VAT Group AG(b)

    19,799       7,481,941  

Vifor Pharma AG

    44,753       7,855,461  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    73,409       33,694,439  
   

 

 

 
          765,994,605  
United Kingdom — 14.3%            

3i Group PLC

    529,180       9,426,875  

Antofagasta PLC

    565,958       11,459,428  

Ashtead Group PLC

    216,851       14,091,384  

Associated British Foods PLC

    300,567       7,690,272  

AstraZeneca PLC

    730,499       88,789,472  

Aviva PLC

    1,469,353       8,233,337  

BAE Systems PLC

    2,157,635       20,715,431  

Barclays PLC

    8,537,973       20,863,041  

Barratt Developments PLC

    1,188,280       9,678,796  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    137,647       7,158,511  

BP PLC

    14,967,978       72,955,605  

British Land Co PLC/The

    1,064,250       7,520,755  

BT Group PLC

    4,822,550       12,032,710  

Bunzl PLC

    206,029       8,205,959  

Burberry Group PLC

    339,571       8,803,781  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC

    159,621       8,174,191  

Compass Group PLC

    658,443       14,882,821  

Croda International PLC

    135,873       13,600,738  

DCC PLC

    88,751       6,964,600  

Diageo PLC

    1,360,312       67,393,038  

Entain PLC(a)

    327,304       7,358,582  

Experian PLC

    271,521       10,606,818  

Ferguson PLC

    147,611       22,492,660  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    2,316,819       48,315,249  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    9,578,775       66,498,557  

Informa PLC(a)

    977,479       7,739,519  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(a)

    115,815       8,064,532  

Intertek Group PLC

    125,006       8,973,159  

J Sainsbury PLC

    2,434,263       8,977,854  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    306,355       7,698,549  

Kingfisher PLC

    2,143,173       8,742,764  

Land Securities Group PLC

    690,745       7,319,628  

Legal & General Group PLC

    3,686,005       13,628,735  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

        36,814,684       23,727,251  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    144,461       12,619,631  

Melrose Industries PLC

    3,474,409       6,874,001  

Mondi PLC

    520,290       10,916,441  

National Grid PLC

    2,390,113       36,136,998  

NatWest Group PLC

    3,241,159       9,931,430  

Next PLC

    79,926       7,318,214  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

United Kingdom (continued)

   

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    415,434     $ 7,639,377  

Pearson PLC

    925,052       8,002,532  

Prudential PLC

    894,675       13,526,113  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    333,331       28,225,502  

RELX PLC

    1,121,636       34,157,170  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    1,114,103       7,560,705  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    4,581,993       6,320,680  

Schroders PLC

    193,231       7,910,508  

Segro PLC

    1,177,179       20,472,374  

Smiths Group PLC

    361,678       7,378,439  

SSE PLC

    721,657       16,377,806  

St. James’s Place PLC

    371,820       6,970,859  

Standard Chartered PLC

    1,268,205       9,037,990  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    3,651,196       7,359,366  

Tesco PLC

    2,861,623       11,085,800  

Unilever PLC

    1,164,533       58,496,788  

Vodafone Group PLC

    12,236,196       21,539,844  

Whitbread PLC(a)

    174,720       6,820,249  

WPP PLC

    643,558       9,051,571  
   

 

 

 
      1,040,514,990  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.1%
(Cost: $6,596,375,885)

        7,235,618,084  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   

Germany — 0.3%

   

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    91,063       7,233,073  

Sartorius AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    15,848       6,997,100  

Volkswagen AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    41,065       8,197,695  
   

 

 

 
      22,427,868  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.3%
(Cost: $20,377,356)

      22,427,868  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.1%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    7,493,310     $ 7,494,808  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    1,610,000       1,610,000  
   

 

 

 
      9,104,808  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $9,105,127)

      9,104,808  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.5%
(Cost: $6,625,858,368)

      7,267,150,760  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.5%

      33,433,305  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   7,300,584,065  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 11,009,959      $      $ (3,508,968 )(a)     $ (5,864    $ (319    $ 7,494,808        7,493,310      $ 109,844 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     1,190,000        420,000 (a)                            1,610,000        1,610,000        97         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (5,864    $ (319    $ 9,104,808         $ 109,941      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

   iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

TOPIX Index

     78        03/10/22      $ 12,850      $ (315,773

ASX SPI 200 Index

     43        03/17/22        5,501        (107,885

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     385        03/18/22        16,848        (977,689

FTSE 100 Index

     91        03/18/22        9,051        96,026  
           

 

 

 
            $ (1,305,321
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 96,026  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

  

Futures contracts

  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $ 1,401,347  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,286,813  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (1,767,449
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 42,567,855      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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

  17


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

   iShares® ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 42,373,404      $ 7,193,244,680      $      $ 7,235,618,084  

Preferred Stocks

            22,427,868               22,427,868  

Money Market Funds

     9,104,808                      9,104,808  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $     51,478,212      $ 7,215,672,548      $      $ 7,267,150,760  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Futures Contracts

   $      $ 96,026      $      $ 96,026  

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

            (1,401,347             (1,401,347
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ (1,305,321    $                 —      $ (1,305,321
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

Aerospace & Defense — 1.3%

   

HEICO Corp., Class A

    203,385     $ 25,000,084  

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

    675,104       24,249,736  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    290,183       59,313,405  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    310,125       78,247,639  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    1,276,364       131,082,583  
   

 

 

 
      317,893,447  

Air Freight & Logistics — 1.0%

   

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    475,888       46,008,852  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    770,237       79,611,696  

FedEx Corp.

    105,330       23,411,699  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    449,181       94,516,666  
   

 

 

 
          243,548,913  

Auto Components — 0.3%

   

Aptiv PLC(a)

    362,067       46,865,953  

BorgWarner Inc.

    533,426       21,875,800  
   

 

 

 
      68,741,753  

Automobiles — 2.3%

   

Ford Motor Co.

    1,339,339       23,518,793  

General Motors Co.(a)

    475,736       22,226,386  

Lucid Group Inc.(a)

    831,774       24,104,810  

Rivian Automotive Inc., Class A(a)

    364,096       24,598,326  

Tesla Inc.(a)

    518,486       451,305,769  
   

 

 

 
      545,754,084  

Banks — 4.0%

   

Bank of America Corp.

    4,511,505       199,408,521  

Citigroup Inc.

    1,829,710       108,373,723  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    487,519       23,322,909  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    3,679,977       57,113,243  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,061,121       292,266,958  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    202,856       40,419,058  

Regions Financial Corp.

    2,668,420       64,549,080  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    50,346       30,509,676  

Truist Financial Corp.

    1,140,430       70,957,555  

U.S. Bancorp

    619,580       35,031,053  

Webster Financial Corp.

    389,183       23,432,708  
   

 

 

 
      945,384,484  

Beverages — 2.1%

   

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B, NVS

    362,184       23,625,262  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    3,185,765       198,282,014  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    1,148,111       44,397,452  

Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B

    591,597       30,869,532  

PepsiCo Inc.

    1,244,761       203,817,166  
   

 

 

 
      500,991,426  

Biotechnology — 2.0%

   

AbbVie Inc.

    902,675       133,388,285  

Amgen Inc.

    441,763       100,050,484  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    151,222       31,909,354  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)

    307,751       24,023,043  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    1,225,860       74,041,944  

Moderna Inc.(a)

    180,743       27,762,125  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    55,054       34,043,192  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    200,663       46,156,503  
   

 

 

 
      471,374,930  

Building Products — 1.2%

   

Allegion PLC

    209,316       23,970,868  

Carrier Global Corp.

    859,130       38,557,755  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    321,270       27,918,363  
Security   Shares     Value  

Building Products (continued)

 

Johnson Controls International PLC

    1,613,973     $ 104,843,686  

Owens Corning

    239,341       22,304,188  

Trane Technologies PLC

    443,743       68,305,360  
   

 

 

 
      285,900,220  

Capital Markets — 3.7%

   

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    77,285       23,169,270  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    975,666       51,856,648  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    156,942       116,747,584  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    636,337       53,745,023  

CME Group Inc.

    223,136       52,778,358  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    58,501       23,756,671  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    253,421       86,490,053  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    414,381       53,090,494  

Moody’s Corp.

    225,616       72,655,121  

Morgan Stanley

    1,240,095       112,526,220  

Northern Trust Corp.

    381,104       43,407,746  

S&P Global Inc.

    302,655       113,707,375  

State Street Corp.

    281,612       24,029,952  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    257,686       37,251,088  
   

 

 

 
          865,211,603  

Chemicals — 1.8%

   

Corteva Inc.

    468,742       24,388,646  

Dow Inc.

    791,260       46,652,690  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    418,721       32,396,444  

Ecolab Inc.

    484,991       85,484,514  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    243,773       32,421,809  

Linde PLC(a)

    383,998       112,603,573  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    526,055       27,581,064  

PPG Industries Inc.

    263,790       35,202,775  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    88,476       23,280,690  
   

 

 

 
      420,012,205  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.1%

   

Copart Inc.(a)

    190,126       23,362,683  
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment — 0.9%

   

Cisco Systems Inc.

    3,437,613       191,715,677  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    148,967       32,836,796  
   

 

 

 
      224,552,473  

Construction Materials — 0.1%

   

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.

    61,683       23,402,530  
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance — 0.9%

   

Ally Financial Inc.

    478,221       23,863,228  

American Express Co.

    532,720       103,635,349  

Discover Financial Services

    357,762       44,162,141  

Synchrony Financial

    838,868       35,886,773  
   

 

 

 
      207,547,491  

Containers & Packaging — 0.4%

   

Amcor PLC

    3,833,787       44,586,943  

Ball Corp.

    481,004       43,165,299  
   

 

 

 
      87,752,242  

Distributors — 0.2%

   

LKQ Corp.

    591,457       27,768,906  

Pool Corp.

    52,418       24,037,847  
   

 

 

 
      51,806,753  

Diversified Financial Services — 0.6%

   

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B(a)

    438,761       141,039,723  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.1%

 

AT&T Inc.

    3,059,987     $ 72,491,092  

Lumen Technologies Inc.

    2,446,397       25,344,673  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    3,121,420       167,526,611  
   

 

 

 
      265,362,376  

Electric Utilities — 1.2%

 

Entergy Corp.

    313,288       32,961,030  

Eversource Energy

    955,749       78,180,268  

Exelon Corp.

    1,047,916       44,599,305  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    1,558,236       121,963,132  
   

 

 

 
      277,703,735  

Electrical Equipment — 0.3%

 

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)(c)

    76,228       24,047,647  

Plug Power Inc.(a)(c)

    1,009,266       25,524,337  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    88,353       23,553,143  
   

 

 

 
      73,125,127  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.6%

 

Cognex Corp.

    376,193       25,415,599  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    188,022       29,589,022  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    56,562       24,286,592  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    582,410       40,623,097  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    55,971       23,135,053  
   

 

 

 
      143,049,363  

Energy Equipment & Services — 0.4%

 

Baker Hughes Co.

    923,972       27,146,297  

Halliburton Co.

    718,543       24,092,747  

Schlumberger NV

    1,327,814       52,103,421  
   

 

 

 
      103,342,465  

Entertainment — 1.5%

 

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    309,920       25,258,480  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    293,646       38,200,408  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    231,727       91,420,936  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    1,290,867       191,642,115  
   

 

 

 
      346,521,939  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.7%

 

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    128,931       24,419,531  

American Tower Corp.

    422,698       95,897,495  

Boston Properties Inc.

    309,586       37,865,464  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    357,837       59,612,066  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    188,710       25,460,753  

Equinix Inc.

    86,143       61,138,271  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    1,805,803       56,088,241  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    543,687       26,738,527  

Prologis Inc.

    550,196       80,246,087  

SBA Communications Corp.

    79,390       24,086,132  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    167,674       23,065,235  

Ventas Inc.

    669,911       36,175,194  

Welltower Inc.

    560,443       46,679,298  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    905,139       35,191,804  
   

 

 

 
          632,664,098  

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.8%

 

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    178,325       92,595,256  

Kroger Co. (The)

    970,058       45,398,715  

Sysco Corp.

    281,901       24,553,577  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    503,789       23,219,635  
   

 

 

 
      185,767,183  

Food Products — 1.5%

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    722,897       56,711,270  

Bunge Ltd.

    489,687       51,196,776  
Security   Shares     Value  

Food Products (continued)

 

General Mills Inc.

    1,304,328     $ 87,950,837  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    599,938       28,581,046  

Kellogg Co.

    1,306,469       83,535,628  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    500,094       47,593,946  
   

 

 

 
      355,569,503  

Gas Utilities — 0.2%

   

UGI Corp.

    1,067,245       41,024,898  
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.4%

 

Abbott Laboratories

    695,934       83,943,559  

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    74,124       23,033,292  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    45,825       23,437,655  

Baxter International Inc.

    351,104       29,833,307  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    88,965       24,134,425  

Dexcom Inc.(a)(c)

    89,506       37,047,428  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    679,261       76,328,559  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    439,350       31,268,539  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    106,921       56,919,394  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    130,225       34,469,255  

Intuitive Surgical Inc.(a)

    188,051       54,596,847  

ResMed Inc.

    152,872       37,721,166  

STERIS PLC

    244,995       58,798,800  
   

 

 

 
      571,532,226  

Health Care Providers & Services — 2.7%

 

Anthem Inc.

    166,153       75,076,233  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    442,306       23,888,947  

Centene Corp.(a)

    286,409       23,663,112  

Cigna Corp.

    260,756       62,002,562  

CVS Health Corp.

    774,851       80,313,306  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    201,013       22,668,236  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    175,830       44,012,007  

Humana Inc.

    87,130       37,842,302  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    97,175       26,359,690  

McKesson Corp.

    87,453       24,046,077  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    220,324       28,921,931  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    423,339       201,454,330  
   

 

 

 
      650,248,733  

Health Care Technology — 0.3%

 

Cerner Corp.

    468,631       43,699,841  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)(c)

    326,983       24,821,279  
   

 

 

 
      68,521,120  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.8%

 

Airbnb Inc., Class A(a)

    129,241       19,578,719  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    22,823       49,577,262  

Caesars Entertainment Inc.(a)

    282,388       23,774,246  

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.(a)

    15,311       23,324,012  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.(a)

    395,605       58,889,760  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)

    506,647       21,714,890  

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A(a)

    131,627       22,395,018  

McDonald’s Corp.

    346,339       84,773,397  

MGM Resorts International

    534,046       23,652,897  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(a)

    277,066       22,364,768  

Starbucks Corp.

    475,406       43,637,517  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    105,919       27,597,195  
   

 

 

 
          421,279,681  

Household Products — 1.7%

 

Clorox Co. (The)

    170,734       24,891,310  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    1,117,631       86,001,705  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    543,661       70,757,479  
 

 

 

20  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Household Products (continued)            

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    1,362,132     $ 212,342,758  
   

 

 

 
      393,993,252  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.3%            

3M Co.

    720,181       107,054,906  

General Electric Co.

    442,363       42,250,090  

Honeywell International Inc.

    583,338       110,688,385  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    89,457       40,096,417  
   

 

 

 
      300,089,798  

Insurance — 1.8%

   

American International Group Inc.

    767,115       46,978,123  

Chubb Ltd.

    364,632       74,253,660  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    338,689       23,532,112  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    475,357       73,875,231  

MetLife Inc.

    1,203,361       81,287,036  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    240,201       25,444,492  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    423,673       47,307,327  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    290,748       49,959,229  
   

 

 

 
      422,637,210  

Interactive Media & Services — 5.2%

   

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    172,674       466,416,648  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    170,745       460,639,276  

Meta Platforms Inc, Class A(a)

    1,209,428       255,225,591  

Snap Inc., Class A, NVS(a)

    638,588       25,505,205  

ZoomInfo Technologies Inc.(a)

    429,055       23,465,018  
   

 

 

 
          1,231,251,738  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 3.8%

 

 

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    271,514       833,890,087  

eBay Inc.

    418,434       22,842,312  

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)(c)

    31,201       35,152,607  
   

 

 

 
      891,885,006  

IT Services — 5.0%

   

Accenture PLC, Class A

    435,987       137,780,612  

Akamai Technologies Inc.(a)(c)

    230,036       24,903,697  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    552,298       112,911,803  

Block Inc.(a)

    349,018       44,499,795  

Cloudflare Inc., Class A(a)

    215,391       25,075,820  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    496,577       47,289,028  

Fiserv Inc.(a)(c)

    304,945       29,783,978  

Gartner Inc.(a)

    80,883       22,681,211  

International Business Machines Corp.

    707,842       86,717,723  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    542,203       195,637,687  

MongoDB Inc.(a)

    55,307       21,126,721  

Okta Inc.(a)

    171,774       31,407,158  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    722,731       80,895,281  

Snowflake Inc., Class A(a)

    137,741       36,592,274  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)

    179,701       31,411,735  

VeriSign Inc.(a)

    113,648       24,288,851  

Visa Inc., Class A

    1,041,561       225,102,163  
   

 

 

 
      1,178,105,537  

Leisure Products — 0.2%

   

Hasbro Inc.

    524,946       50,946,009  
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 2.0%

   

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    533,480       69,544,453  

Danaher Corp.

    302,797       83,090,525  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    129,063       42,151,976  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    103,893       23,907,857  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    32,311       45,517,798  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    196,058       106,655,552  
Security   Shares     Value  
Life Sciences Tools & Services (continued)            

Waters Corp.(a)

    153,799     $ 48,712,757  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    153,627       59,465,939  
   

 

 

 
      479,046,857  

Machinery — 1.5%

   

Caterpillar Inc.

    368,095       69,047,260  

Cummins Inc.

    179,853       36,711,594  

Deere & Co.

    169,192       60,912,504  

Dover Corp.

    148,031       23,220,143  

IDEX Corp.

    175,682       33,713,376  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    176,216       38,122,569  

Pentair PLC

    409,839       23,733,777  

Xylem Inc./NY

    689,895       61,366,160  
   

 

 

 
          346,827,383  

Media — 0.9%

   

Cable One Inc.

    16,010       22,939,929  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    2,076,912       97,116,405  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    823,822       23,042,301  

Fox Corp., Class A, NVS

    560,833       23,459,644  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    846,422       31,148,330  

Paramount Global, Class B, NVS

    815,466       24,961,414  
   

 

 

 
      222,668,023  

Metals & Mining — 0.3%

   

Newmont Corp.

    739,331       48,943,712  

Nucor Corp.

    196,654       25,883,600  
   

 

 

 
      74,827,312  

Multi-Utilities — 0.8%

   

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    630,261       54,057,486  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    1,102,779       71,493,163  

Sempra Energy

    376,569       54,308,781  
   

 

 

 
      179,859,430  

Multiline Retail — 0.3%

   

Target Corp.

    399,231       79,754,377  
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.2%

   

Cheniere Energy Inc.

    281,517       37,413,609  

Chevron Corp.

    946,058       136,232,352  

ConocoPhillips

    952,244       90,329,866  

EOG Resources Inc.

    317,065       36,437,110  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    2,157,759       169,211,461  

Hess Corp.

    706,332       71,381,912  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

    1,847,164       32,140,654  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    442,862       34,485,664  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    608,360       26,603,583  

ONEOK Inc.

    552,163       36,056,244  

Phillips 66

    273,177       23,012,430  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    126,642       30,343,423  

Valero Energy Corp.

    374,318       31,259,296  
   

 

 

 
      754,907,604  

Personal Products — 0.1%

   

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    100,895       29,898,215  
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals — 3.3%

   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,434,605       98,514,325  

Catalent Inc.(a)

    241,384       24,630,824  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    480,644       120,136,968  

Johnson & Johnson

    1,267,176       208,539,154  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    1,674,454       128,229,687  

Pfizer Inc.

    2,281,683       107,102,200  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals (continued)            

Zoetis Inc.

    500,862     $ 96,991,926  
   

 

 

 
      784,145,084  

Professional Services — 0.3%

   

Leidos Holdings Inc.

    348,659       35,507,433  

Robert Half International Inc.

    279,559       33,628,152  
   

 

 

 
      69,135,585  

Real Estate Management & Development — 0.2%

 

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    559,196       54,158,133  
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail — 0.9%

   

CSX Corp.

    967,896       32,821,353  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    153,520       39,380,951  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    81,144       25,481,650  

Uber Technologies Inc.(a)(c)

    1,191,312       42,922,972  

Union Pacific Corp.

    302,458       74,389,545  
   

 

 

 
      214,996,471  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.9%

 

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    980,793       120,971,009  

Analog Devices Inc.

    167,350       26,824,531  

Applied Materials Inc.

    822,063       110,320,855  

Broadcom Inc.

    134,859       79,221,571  

Intel Corp.

    3,042,355       145,120,333  

Lam Research Corp.

    139,766       78,457,644  

Marvell Technology Inc.

    577,670       39,472,191  

Micron Technology Inc.

    599,953       53,311,824  

NVIDIA Corp.

    1,612,470       393,200,809  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    323,163       61,439,750  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    407,141       25,491,098  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    448,166       77,080,070  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    172,051       23,772,287  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    965,251       164,083,017  
   

 

 

 
      1,398,766,989  

Software — 9.8%

   

Adobe Inc.(a)

    397,049       185,691,876  

ANSYS Inc.(a)

    120,864       39,182,900  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    183,820       40,482,679  

Bill.com Holdings Inc.(a)(c)

    93,893       22,335,267  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    209,409       31,710,805  

Crowdstrike Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    131,609       25,691,393  

Datadog Inc., Class A(a)

    138,694       22,344,990  

DocuSign Inc.(a)

    200,779       23,778,257  

HubSpot Inc.(a)

    44,442       23,332,050  

Intuit Inc.

    213,801       101,420,780  

Microsoft Corp.

    4,490,181       1,341,621,181  

Oracle Corp.

    852,277       64,747,484  

Paycom Software Inc.(a)

    70,024       23,752,841  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)

    146,243       19,134,434  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    689,567       145,174,541  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)

    161,509       93,662,299  

Splunk Inc.(a)

    195,243       23,058,198  

Synopsys Inc.(a)

    104,004       32,489,810  

VMware Inc., Class A

    249,942       29,323,195  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    133,102       30,487,013  
   

 

 

 
        2,319,421,993  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Specialty Retail — 2.2%            

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    471,222     $ 45,538,894  

CarMax Inc.(a)(c)

    220,128       24,066,594  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    747,437       236,063,028  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    553,080       122,263,865  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    603,350       39,881,435  

Tractor Supply Co.

    125,778       25,632,299  

Ulta Beauty Inc.(a)

    63,613       23,823,068  
   

 

 

 
      517,269,183  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 7.2%

 

Apple Inc.

    9,782,346       1,615,260,971  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    400,091       20,388,637  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    1,891,938       30,119,653  

HP Inc.

    861,975       29,617,461  

Seagate Technology Holdings PLC

    215,660       22,247,486  
   

 

 

 
      1,717,634,208  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.7%

 

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    75,371       24,114,198  

Nike Inc., Class B

    754,609       103,041,859  

VF Corp.

    656,711       38,102,372  
   

 

 

 
      165,258,429  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.4%

 

Fastenal Co.

    512,741       26,385,652  

WW Grainger Inc.

    155,705       74,280,627  
   

 

 

 
      100,666,279  

Water Utilities — 0.2%

   

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    174,469       26,360,521  

Essential Utilities Inc.

    533,780       25,146,376  
   

 

 

 
      51,506,897  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $20,991,997,701)

 

     23,589,646,409  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.9%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(b)(d)(e)

    96,789,508       96,808,866  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(b)(d)

    115,038,000       115,038,000  
   

 

 

 
      211,846,866  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.9%
(Cost: $211,846,054)

 

    211,846,866  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.5%
(Cost: $21,203,843,755)

 

    23,801,493,275  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.5)%

 

    (108,835,141
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 23,692,658,134  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

   iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
       Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

   

    

 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 47,556,080     $ 49,287,651 (a)    $     $ (34,663   $ (202   $ 96,808,866       96,789,508     $ 122,025 (b)    $    
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    84,248,000       30,790,000 (a)                        115,038,000       115,038,000       5,241          
 

BlackRock Inc.

    124,336,941       29,840,454       (6,984,757     2,991,663       (33,436,717     116,747,584       156,942       1,171,772          
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 2,957,000     $ (33,436,919   $ 328,594,450       $ 1,299,038     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     447        03/18/22      $ 97,625      $ (5,198,812
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 5,198,812  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,588,992  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (8,106,665
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 97,010,396     

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative 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

  23


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

   iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                                           

 

 
    Level 1     Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

         

Assets

         

Common Stocks

  $ 23,589,646,409     $      $      $ 23,589,646,409  

Money Market Funds

    211,846,866                     211,846,866  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 23,801,493,275     $      $      $ 23,801,493,275  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $ (5,198,812   $      $      $ (5,198,812
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 1.9%            

AAR Corp.(a)

    18,176     $ 816,829  

Aerovironment Inc.(a)

    12,948       919,955  

Axon Enterprise Inc.(a)

    25,110       3,521,678  

BWX Technologies Inc.

    68,293       3,648,212  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    20,952       3,090,839  

Ducommun Inc.(a)

    18,333       926,000  

Hexcel Corp.

    34,561       2,001,082  

Kaman Corp.

    28,200       1,224,162  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.(a)

    62,258       1,302,437  

Maxar Technologies Inc.

    37,011       1,200,637  

Mercury Systems Inc.(a)

    42,541       2,561,819  

Moog Inc., Class A

    20,120       1,672,173  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., Class A

    15,906       795,300  

Triumph Group Inc.(a)

    32,613       816,630  

Vectrus Inc.(a)

    22,190       1,017,190  

Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc.(a)

    77,846       753,549  

Woodward Inc.

    16,848       2,099,766  
   

 

 

 
        28,368,258  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%            

GXO Logistics Inc.(a)

    39,589       3,322,705  

Hub Group Inc., Class A(a)

    16,905       1,426,782  
   

 

 

 
      4,749,487  
Airlines — 0.2%            

Alaska Air Group Inc.(a)

    45,705       2,565,878  

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)

    60,336       921,331  
   

 

 

 
      3,487,209  
Auto Components — 1.2%            

Adient PLC(a)

    18,801       841,345  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings
Inc.(a)(b)

    93,045       861,597  

Autoliv Inc.

    19,388       1,706,338  

Dana Inc.

    64,222       1,195,813  

Dorman Products Inc.(a)

    8,339       779,029  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.(a)

    10,334       1,219,619  

Gentex Corp.

    24,499       741,585  

Gentherm Inc.(a)

    22,730       1,928,413  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)(a)

    67,385       1,043,794  

LCI Industries

    13,340       1,661,097  

Luminar Technologies Inc.(a)(b)

    53,754       754,168  

Modine Manufacturing Co.(a)

    72,387       731,109  

Veoneer Inc.(a)

    35,816       1,269,677  

Visteon Corp.(a)

    18,717       2,249,222  

XPEL Inc.(a)

    11,315       821,469  
   

 

 

 
      17,804,275  
Automobiles — 0.4%            

Canoo Inc.(a)(b)

    124,782       716,249  

Fisker Inc.(a)(b)

    60,526       738,417  

Harley-Davidson Inc.

    64,175       2,650,427  

Thor Industries Inc.

    21,816       1,974,348  

Winnebago Industries Inc.

    11,610       743,853  
   

 

 

 
      6,823,294  
Banks — 8.2%            

Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    50,428       865,849  

Amerant Bancorp Inc.

    24,149       783,635  

Ameris Bancorp

    30,226       1,496,187  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    43,324       1,056,672  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    63,231       2,569,075  

Bancorp. Inc. (The)(a)

    21,386       626,610  
Security   Shares     Value  

Banks (continued)

   

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    37,803     $      3,257,863  

Bank OZK

    80,025       3,762,775  

Banner Corp.

    21,858       1,346,671  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp. Inc.

    21,445       666,939  

BOK Financial Corp.

    18,539       1,903,955  

Byline Bancorp Inc.

    32,074       874,658  

Cadence Bank

    57,935       1,831,905  

Camden National Corp.

    29,504       1,402,915  

Cathay General Bancorp

    28,165       1,324,600  

Columbia Banking System Inc.

    17,293       633,443  

Comerica Inc.

    78,294       7,476,294  

Commerce Bancshares Inc.

    49,333       3,541,123  

Community Bank System Inc.

    20,512       1,496,145  

Community Trust Bancorp. Inc.

    27,393       1,158,176  

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    17,659       2,485,151  

Customers Bancorp. Inc.(a)

    12,049       741,616  

East West Bancorp. Inc.

    43,874       3,841,607  

Eastern Bankshares Inc.

    88,372       1,931,812  

First Busey Corp.

    46,920       1,287,954  

First Financial Bancorp

    32,888       808,387  

First Hawaiian Inc.

    75,853       2,205,047  

First Horizon Corp.

    196,637       4,617,037  

First Interstate BancSystem Inc., Class A

    52,682       2,138,889  

First of Long Island Corp. (The)

    40,001       870,822  

FNB Corp.

    132,549       1,780,133  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    115,129       2,074,625  

Glacier Bancorp. Inc.

    36,931       2,045,977  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    47,595       2,650,090  

Heritage Financial Corp./WA

    26,325       690,241  

HomeStreet Inc.

    23,669       1,218,007  

Independent Bank Corp.

    14,148       1,216,869  

Independent Bank Corp./MI

    40,255       958,069  

International Bancshares Corp.

    44,932       1,932,525  

Live Oak Bancshares Inc.

    12,087       772,964  

National Bank Holdings Corp., Class A

    15,973       708,882  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

    42,049       941,057  

PacWest Bancorp

    20,388       1,007,575  

Park National Corp.

    7,635       1,023,548  

People’s United Financial Inc.

    201,782       4,253,565  

Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.

    34,208       3,457,745  

Popular Inc.

    24,248       2,227,179  

Premier Financial Corp.

    29,445       903,078  

Prosperity Bancshares Inc.

    13,788       1,026,654  

QCR Holdings Inc.

    16,050       896,553  

Sandy Spring Bancorp. Inc.

    38,280       1,802,605  

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

    26,299       963,858  

ServisFirst Bancshares Inc.

    20,802       1,817,679  

Silvergate Capital Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    9,484       1,214,711  

South State Corp.

    22,521       2,026,890  

Southside Bancshares Inc.

    16,956       706,896  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    91,182       4,800,732  

Texas Capital Bancshares Inc.(a)(b)

    13,108       872,993  

TriState Capital Holdings Inc.(a)

    24,014       797,265  

Triumph Bancorp. Inc.(a)

    8,187       821,320  

Trustmark Corp.

    23,223       731,292  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    125,047       2,669,753  

United Community Banks Inc./GA

    29,831       1,153,266  

Valley National Bancorp

    229,276       3,202,986  

Western Alliance Bancorp

    40,165       3,765,067  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    29,083       2,889,687  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Banks (continued)

   

Zions Bancorp. NA

    62,094     $ 4,401,844  
   

 

 

 
          125,427,992  
Beverages — 0.1%            

Celsius Holdings Inc.(a)

    12,926       825,842  

MGP Ingredients Inc.

    10,087       803,026  
   

 

 

 
      1,628,868  
Biotechnology — 4.3%            

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    44,083       1,120,149  

Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    25,283       787,060  

Alder Biopharmaceuticals Inc.(b)(c)

    3,497       3,077  

Alector Inc.(a)

    46,063       729,638  

Alkermes PLC(a)

    60,852       1,512,781  

Allogene Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    77,040       704,916  

AnaptysBio Inc.(a)

    25,390       776,172  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.(a)

    61,671       675,914  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    24,212       1,029,736  

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    26,090       2,477,767  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    36,261       1,595,484  

Atara Biotherapeutics Inc.(a)

    56,003       719,639  

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    40,664       500,167  

Avid Bioservices Inc.(a)

    36,517       747,868  

Beam Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    13,253       1,038,373  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    65,214       1,083,205  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co. Ltd.(a)

    16,824       1,997,177  

Bluebird Bio Inc.(a)(b)

    120,570       728,243  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    10,489       635,109  

Bridgebio Pharma Inc.(a)

    89,090       694,902  

Caribou Biosciences Inc.(a)

    68,243       681,065  

Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings Inc.(a)

    26,401       698,835  

ChemoCentryx Inc.(a)

    24,659       748,154  

Chimerix Inc.(a)

    134,045       756,014  

CRISPR Therapeutics AG(a)(b)

    19,524       1,198,188  

Cytokinetics Inc.(a)

    24,910       879,821  

Denali Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    31,062       1,011,379  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.(a)

    59,581       730,463  

Editas Medicine Inc.(a)

    46,945       803,698  

Emergent BioSolutions Inc.(a)

    17,803       736,688  

Exelixis Inc.(a)

    61,963       1,272,100  

Fate Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    25,244       872,180  

Global Blood Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    22,718       686,084  

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    38,133       1,352,578  

Homology Medicines Inc.(a)

    192,836       672,998  

Humacyte Inc.(a)

    130,680       788,000  

Immunovant Inc.(a)

    139,109       776,228  

Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)(b)

    228,185       739,319  

Insmed Inc.(a)

    36,181       864,726  

Intellia Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    23,683       2,341,065  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    37,794       1,261,564  

Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc.(a)

    44,724       700,825  

Karuna Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    6,889       723,345  

Krystal Biotech Inc.(a)

    12,448       791,070  

Kura Oncology Inc.(a)

    55,761       884,927  

Kymera Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    18,770       746,295  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    6,516       659,550  

Merus NV(a)(b)

    28,200       792,138  

Mirati Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    13,558       1,197,036  

Myriad Genetics Inc.(a)

    29,105       709,580  

Natera Inc.(a)

    22,516       1,480,427  

OPKO Health Inc.(a)

    236,535       740,355  
Security   Shares     Value  

Biotechnology (continued)

   

Prothena Corp. PLC(a)

    20,893     $ 722,898  

Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    38,589       687,270  

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    27,463       2,103,940  

SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    13,307       753,043  

Sutro Biopharma Inc.(a)

    86,736       773,685  

Taysha Gene Therapies Inc.(a)

    102,890       655,409  

TG Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    69,543       686,389  

Twist Bioscience Corp.(a)

    13,252       741,317  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    28,154       1,895,327  

uniQure NV(a)

    45,643       775,475  

United Therapeutics Corp.(a)

    12,713       2,112,901  

Veracyte Inc.(a)

    26,213       728,721  

Vericel Corp.(a)

    21,058       867,800  

Vir Biotechnology Inc.(a)

    29,411       740,863  

Xencor Inc.(a)

    24,439       765,185  

Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    26,620       843,854  

Zymeworks Inc.(a)

    106,139       768,446  
   

 

 

 
          65,476,595  
Building Products — 1.7%            

AAON Inc.

    25,483       1,492,285  

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.

    24,710       2,884,151  

Armstrong World Industries Inc.

    21,002       1,856,577  

AZEK Co. Inc. (The)(a)

    34,016       1,003,132  

Builders FirstSource Inc.(a)

    70,300       5,231,726  

Carlisle Companies Inc.

    18,547       4,403,058  

Cornerstone Building Brands Inc.(a)

    34,713       766,463  

JELD-WEN Holding Inc.(a)

    33,141       764,894  

Masonite International Corp.(a)

    8,174       771,053  

Resideo Technologies Inc.(a)

    53,496       1,376,987  

Trex Co. Inc.(a)

    41,651       3,825,228  

Zurn Water Solutions Corp.

    46,991       1,528,147  
   

 

 

 
      25,903,701  
Capital Markets — 2.1%            

Affiliated Managers Group Inc.

    20,119       2,783,665  

Ares Management Corp., Class A

    33,163       2,689,188  

Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc., Class A

    28,417       1,082,972  

Cohen & Steers Inc.

    11,848       962,768  

Cowen Inc., Class A

    25,306       750,323  

Diamond Hill Investment Group Inc.

    4,543       880,797  

Donnelley Financial Solutions Inc.(a)

    24,345       781,475  

Evercore Inc., Class A

    8,066       1,024,463  

Focus Financial Partners Inc., Class A(a)

    15,106       755,904  

Houlihan Lokey Inc.

    6,947       714,568  

Interactive Brokers Group Inc., Class A

    23,171       1,533,457  

Janus Henderson Group PLC

    123,545       4,147,406  

Jefferies Financial Group Inc.

    49,060       1,743,592  

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

    33,447       6,052,235  

Morningstar Inc.

    9,752       2,736,899  

Open Lending Corp., Class A(a)

    42,470       884,650  

StoneX Group Inc.(a)

    10,544       795,545  

Victory Capital Holdings Inc., Class A

    24,454       811,139  

Virtu Financial Inc., Class A

    21,967       770,602  

Virtus Investment Partners Inc.

    3,562       857,088  
   

 

 

 
      32,758,736  
Chemicals — 1.9%            

AdvanSix Inc.

    19,278       772,277  

Avient Corp.

    29,729       1,557,502  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(a)(b)

    152,378       4,120,301  

Balchem Corp.

    13,467       1,863,025  
 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Chemicals (continued)

   

Chemours Co. (The)

    55,933     $ 1,543,751  

Hawkins Inc.

    18,329       829,571  

HB Fuller Co.

    17,145       1,172,204  

Ingevity Corp.(a)

    13,123       895,382  

Innospec Inc.

    23,328       2,227,824  

Koppers Holdings Inc.(a)

    27,475       786,609  

Livent Corp.(a)(b)

    54,490       1,283,240  

Minerals Technologies Inc.

    27,554       1,928,504  

Orion Engineered Carbons SA

    82,704       1,285,220  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)

    10,339       1,448,080  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    13,847       1,137,254  

Stepan Co.

    14,800       1,533,576  

Trinseo PLC

    28,084       1,459,245  

Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A

    46,654       947,076  

Valvoline Inc.

    74,869       2,420,515  
   

 

 

 
      29,211,156  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.3%            

ABM Industries Inc.

    39,508       1,771,144  

ACCO Brands Corp.

    97,605       839,403  

ADT Inc.

    98,520       720,181  

Clean Harbors Inc.(a)

    10,393       991,804  

Deluxe Corp.

    23,762       739,236  

Healthcare Services Group Inc.

    47,349       749,061  

IAA Inc.(a)

    70,864       2,603,543  

KAR Auction Services Inc.(a)

    81,951       1,512,815  

Matthews International Corp., Class A

    48,805       1,619,350  

MillerKnoll Inc.

    44,952       1,747,734  

Montrose Environmental Group Inc.(a)

    16,555       730,241  

MSA Safety Inc.

    15,420       2,144,922  

Pitney Bowes Inc.

    26,949       134,206  

Steelcase Inc., Class A

    69,636       847,470  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    16,796       2,666,701  
   

 

 

 
      19,817,811  
Communications Equipment — 0.9%            

ADTRAN Inc.

    37,110       764,095  

Calix Inc.(a)

    17,281       939,050  

Ciena Corp.(a)

    50,808       3,476,283  

CommScope Holding Co. Inc.(a)

    110,587       1,055,000  

Harmonic Inc.(a)

    88,507       824,000  

Infinera Corp.(a)

    95,586       882,259  

Lumentum Holdings Inc.(a)

    24,189       2,391,324  

Plantronics Inc.(a)

    26,445       744,956  

Ribbon Communications Inc.(a)

    173,490       527,410  

Viasat Inc.(a)

    17,241       786,879  

Viavi Solutions Inc.(a)

    53,398       875,727  
   

 

 

 
          13,266,983  
Construction & Engineering — 2.4%            

AECOM

    55,186       4,009,815  

API Group Corp.(a)

    52,267       1,127,399  

Arcosa Inc.

    18,805       990,459  

Comfort Systems USA Inc.

    25,525       2,194,640  

Dycom Industries Inc.(a)

    8,603       748,977  

EMCOR Group Inc.

    32,929       3,804,617  

Fluor Corp.(a)

    36,087       781,644  

Granite Construction Inc.

    24,621       745,278  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.(a)

    69,126       975,368  

IES Holdings Inc.(a)

    17,554       737,970  

MasTec Inc.(a)

    19,499       1,535,741  

MDU Resources Group Inc.

    175,072       4,686,678  
Security   Shares     Value  

Construction & Engineering (continued)

   

MYR Group Inc.(a)

    20,831     $ 1,869,582  

Primoris Services Corp.

    36,773       969,704  

Quanta Services Inc.

    61,446       6,693,927  

Sterling Construction Co. Inc.(a)

    24,953       736,862  

Valmont Industries Inc.

    7,863       1,701,946  

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.(a)

    70,265       2,496,516  
   

 

 

 
          36,807,123  
Construction Materials — 0.1%            

Summit Materials Inc., Class A(a)

    67,711       2,113,937  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 0.7%            

Credit Acceptance Corp.(a)

    1,538       846,085  

Encore Capital Group Inc.(a)

    12,427       820,058  

Green Dot Corp., Class A(a)

    13,074       374,570  

LendingClub Corp.(a)

    41,495       770,977  

OneMain Holdings Inc.

    19,731       1,005,886  

Oportun Financial Corp.(a)

    44,548       727,914  

PRA Group Inc.(a)

    32,730       1,460,740  

PROG Holdings Inc.(a)

    26,964       826,177  

SLM Corp.

    164,999       3,250,480  
   

 

 

 
      10,082,887  
Containers & Packaging — 0.9%            

AptarGroup Inc.

    32,195       3,923,927  

Berry Global Group Inc.(a)

    32,463       1,968,881  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    162,496       3,344,168  

Greif Inc., Class A, NVS

    16,211       931,970  

Myers Industries Inc.

    47,584       790,846  

Ranpak Holdings Corp.(a)(b)

    28,829       697,662  

Sonoco Products Co.

    25,559       1,500,824  
   

 

 

 
      13,158,278  
Diversified Consumer Services — 1.5%            

2U Inc.(a)

    76,072       798,756  

American Public Education Inc.(a)

    43,794       874,128  

Beachbody Co. Inc. (The)(a)

    316,363       632,726  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.(a)

    27,017       3,529,501  

Carriage Services Inc.

    15,598       767,578  

Chegg Inc.(a)(b)

    39,750       1,242,982  

Coursera Inc.(a)

    36,593       743,936  

European Wax Center Inc., Class A(a)

    29,589       735,878  

frontdoor Inc.(a)

    22,751       683,668  

Graham Holdings Co., Class B

    1,744       1,048,371  

Grand Canyon Education Inc.(a)

    13,960       1,212,147  

H&R Block Inc.

    68,572       1,701,271  

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co.(a)

    48,923       1,024,937  

Rover Group Inc.(a)

    146,548       836,789  

Service Corp. International

    55,365       3,368,960  

Terminix Global Holdings Inc.(a)

    71,744       3,053,425  

WW International Inc.(a)(b)

    70,760       721,044  
   

 

 

 
      22,976,097  

Diversified Financial Services — 0.2%

   

Voya Financial Inc.

    54,650       3,680,678  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.5%  

Bandwidth Inc., Class A(a)

    16,157       493,596  

Cogent Communications Holdings Inc.

    23,392       1,483,053  

Frontier Communications Parent Inc.(a)(b)

    53,221       1,466,239  

Iridium Communications Inc.(a)

    51,105       2,023,247  

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

    68,058       686,705  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)

 

Radius Global Infrastructure Inc., Class A(a)

    60,292     $ 775,355  
   

 

 

 
      6,928,195  
Electric Utilities — 0.2%            

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.

    63,217       2,590,633  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 1.2%            

Acuity Brands Inc.(b)

    16,242       2,962,054  

Atkore Inc.(a)

    16,244       1,652,177  

Blink Charging Co.(a)(b)

    30,776       756,474  

Bloom Energy Corp., Class A(a)

    49,027       1,088,399  

ChargePoint Holdings Inc.(a)

    55,475       805,497  

FREYR Battery SA(a)

    78,518       747,491  

FuelCell Energy Inc.(a)

    141,756       850,536  

Hubbell Inc.

    19,412       3,460,189  

Regal Rexnord Corp.

    24,479       3,925,208  

Shoals Technologies Group Inc., Class A(a)

    54,603       863,273  

Vertiv Holdings Co.

    93,888       1,222,422  
   

 

 

 
          18,333,720  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 3.2%  

Advanced Energy Industries Inc.

    9,612       825,190  

Avnet Inc.

    56,426       2,373,842  

Badger Meter Inc.

    38,128       3,790,304  

Belden Inc.

    13,800       777,630  

Benchmark Electronics Inc.

    34,922       912,861  

Coherent Inc.(a)

    10,454       2,763,201  

CTS Corp.

    24,567       932,072  

ePlus Inc.(a)

    32,524       1,525,376  

Fabrinet(a)

    7,530       753,979  

Flex Ltd.(a)

    220,431       3,634,907  

II-VI Inc.(a)(b)

    25,522       1,772,758  

Insight Enterprises Inc.(a)

    18,910       1,966,640  

Itron Inc.(a)

    30,679       1,462,468  

Jabil Inc.

    32,785       1,895,301  

Kimball Electronics Inc.(a)

    44,177       761,611  

Knowles Corp.(a)

    49,703       1,082,531  

Littelfuse Inc.

    7,031       1,815,475  

Methode Electronics Inc.

    47,887       2,185,563  

National Instruments Corp.

    87,143       3,498,791  

Novanta Inc.(a)

    17,175       2,346,620  

OSI Systems Inc.(a)(b)

    36,507       2,945,020  

PAR Technology Corp.(a)

    17,672       741,164  

Plexus Corp.(a)

    21,856       1,780,608  

Rogers Corp.(a)

    9,478       2,587,494  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    11,082       1,128,480  

Vishay Precision Group Inc.(a)

    24,722       776,518  

Vontier Corp.

    64,485       1,566,986  
   

 

 

 
      48,603,390  
Energy Equipment & Services — 1.0%            

Archrock Inc.

    110,845       925,556  

Cactus Inc., Class A

    28,940       1,466,100  

ChampionX Corp.(a)

    83,121       1,779,621  

Core Laboratories NV

    36,075       994,227  

DMC Global Inc.(a)

    20,562       604,523  

Dril-Quip Inc.(a)

    32,445       935,714  

NOV Inc.

    168,533       2,890,341  

Oceaneering International Inc.(a)

    63,961       936,389  

Patterson-UTI Energy Inc.

    55,104       795,151  

TechnipFMC PLC(a)

    306,896       2,102,237  

Transocean Ltd.(a)

    209,891       743,014  
Security   Shares     Value  

Energy Equipment & Services (continued)

 

Weatherford International PLC(a)

    32,409     $ 920,415  
   

 

 

 
          15,093,288  
Entertainment — 0.4%            

Cinemark Holdings Inc.(a)

    44,683       783,740  

IMAX Corp.(a)

    42,318       875,136  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    68,405       1,050,701  

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Class A

    18,542       1,098,799  

Zynga Inc., Class A(a)

    298,909       2,714,094  
   

 

 

 
      6,522,470  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 7.6%  

Acadia Realty Trust

    42,712       915,745  

Agree Realty Corp.

    12,005       770,121  

Alexander & Baldwin Inc.

    72,644       1,629,405  

American Assets Trust Inc.

    23,461       857,734  

American Campus Communities Inc.

    73,848       3,973,761  

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

    71,490       2,717,335  

Americold Realty Trust

    66,455       1,775,678  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    52,843       2,727,227  

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc.

    42,189       746,323  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    111,151       1,481,643  

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

    148,023       3,718,338  

City Office REIT Inc.

    43,048       741,287  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    122,196       3,202,757  

Cousins Properties Inc.

    55,431       2,141,300  

CubeSmart

    69,217       3,336,952  

CyrusOne Inc.

    52,636       4,755,663  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.(a)

    99,950       954,523  

DigitalBridge Group Inc.(a)

    184,766       1,339,553  

Douglas Emmett Inc.

    107,953       3,422,110  

Easterly Government Properties Inc.

    52,393       1,090,822  

Empire State Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    130,316       1,232,789  

EPR Properties

    17,990       895,902  

Essential Properties Realty Trust Inc.

    43,130       1,090,326  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    36,088       4,243,227  

First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.

    17,918       1,031,718  

Four Corners Property Trust Inc.

    30,350       800,633  

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

    55,277       2,510,129  

Healthcare Realty Trust Inc.

    41,688       1,087,223  

Healthcare Trust of America Inc., Class A

    44,205       1,299,185  

Highwoods Properties Inc.

    30,535       1,331,326  

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc.

    87,408       2,307,571  

Independence Realty Trust Inc.

    43,327       1,094,873  

Innovative Industrial Properties Inc.

    4,278       806,232  

iStar Inc.

    63,190       1,587,333  

JBG SMITH Properties

    96,445       2,573,153  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    57,252       4,100,388  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    70,818       1,553,039  

Lamar Advertising Co., Class A

    15,054       1,641,789  

Life Storage Inc.

    27,438       3,473,376  

LXP Industrial Trust

    79,788       1,233,522  

Macerich Co. (The)

    84,190       1,288,107  

National Retail Properties Inc.

    49,052       2,090,106  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    14,090       821,024  

Omega Healthcare Investors Inc.

    45,185       1,272,861  

Outfront Media Inc.

    69,837       1,864,648  

Paramount Group Inc.

    82,975       928,490  

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.(a)

    85,285       1,606,769  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust(b)

    31,708       713,747  

Physicians Realty Trust

    148,406       2,413,082  
 

 

 

28  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

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)

 

Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc., Class A

    105,004     $ 1,789,268  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    33,461       1,837,009  

Rayonier Inc.

    33,559       1,332,292  

Rexford Industrial Realty Inc.

    47,895       3,358,876  

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.(a)

    18,199       1,603,514  

Sabra Health Care REIT Inc.

    87,926       1,180,846  

SITE Centers Corp.

    66,371       1,032,069  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    27,226       2,165,012  

Spirit Realty Capital Inc.

    19,452       901,989  

STAG Industrial Inc.

    33,781       1,316,108  

STORE Capital Corp.

    84,912       2,608,497  

Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc.(a)

    68,675       726,582  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc.

    45,512       759,140  

Uniti Group Inc.

    188,011       2,438,503  

Washington REIT

    73,742       1,722,613  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc.(a)

    60,581       1,123,172  
   

 

 

 
          117,086,335  
Food & Staples Retailing — 1.0%            

Andersons Inc. (The)

    19,952       909,811  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    45,861       2,883,281  

Casey’s General Stores Inc.

    12,089       2,273,699  

Chefs’ Warehouse Inc. (The)(a)

    24,641       809,457  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.(a)

    29,134       810,217  

PriceSmart Inc.

    17,414       1,266,346  

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.(a)

    100,557       2,863,863  

U.S. Foods Holding Corp.(a)

    76,217       2,979,323  

United Natural Foods Inc.(a)

    25,391       1,021,480  
   

 

 

 
      15,817,477  
Food Products — 1.7%            

B&G Foods Inc.

    25,330       749,768  

Beyond Meat Inc.(a)(b)

    17,335       810,931  

Darling Ingredients Inc.(a)

    60,249       4,366,848  

Flowers Foods Inc.

    100,441       2,753,088  

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

    28,181       729,324  

Freshpet Inc.(a)(b)

    20,775       1,978,403  

Hain Celestial Group Inc. (The)(a)

    44,920       1,633,291  

Ingredion Inc.

    58,313       5,174,696  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    61,702       4,098,864  

Post Holdings Inc.(a)

    15,255       1,603,911  

Simply Good Foods Co. (The)(a)

    28,986       1,148,715  

TreeHouse Foods Inc.(a)

    25,481       1,000,129  

Vital Farms Inc.(a)

    50,738       723,016  
   

 

 

 
      26,770,984  
Gas Utilities — 1.2%            

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    5,003       665,149  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    33,637       2,093,567  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    69,838       3,046,334  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    37,915       1,971,959  

ONE Gas Inc.

    46,857       3,893,348  

South Jersey Industries Inc.

    83,131       2,820,635  

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

    32,398       2,298,314  

Spire Inc.

    27,584       1,851,162  
   

 

 

 
      18,640,468  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.8%            

Alphatec Holdings Inc.(a)

    72,170       795,313  

AtriCure Inc.(a)

    23,317       1,619,366  

Cardiovascular Systems Inc.(a)

    42,254       889,869  

Cerus Corp.(a)

    139,880       821,096  

CONMED Corp.

    10,564       1,544,034  
Security   Shares     Value  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)

   

CryoPort Inc.(a)

    21,045     $ 722,475  

Envista Holdings Corp.(a)

    47,780       2,293,440  

Establishment Labs Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    14,017       847,047  

Glaukos Corp.(a)

    17,181       950,281  

Globus Medical Inc., Class A(a)

    18,638       1,310,624  

Haemonetics Corp.(a)

    21,209       1,223,971  

Heska Corp.(a)

    5,937       843,054  

Inari Medical Inc.(a)

    11,811       1,039,132  

Inogen Inc.(a)

    25,010       872,599  

Integer Holdings Corp.(a)

    9,310       780,830  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)

    13,660       916,039  

Intersect ENT Inc.(a)

    29,103       791,602  

iRhythm Technologies Inc.(a)

    10,115       1,307,566  

LivaNova PLC(a)

    13,100       1,032,542  

Merit Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    25,058       1,629,522  

Natus Medical Inc.(a)

    41,783       1,162,403  

Nevro Corp.(a)

    11,011       789,489  

Orthofix Medical Inc.(a)

    45,611       1,549,862  

Outset Medical Inc.(a)

    22,804       1,002,692  

Penumbra Inc.(a)

    11,702       2,594,801  

Pulmonx Corp.(a)

    27,864       731,709  

Quidel Corp.(a)

    13,084       1,384,156  

Shockwave Medical Inc.(a)

    13,585       2,407,669  

SI-BONE Inc.(a)

    37,311       823,081  

Silk Road Medical Inc.(a)

    23,268       863,941  

STAAR Surgical Co.(a)

    14,788       1,172,984  

Surmodics Inc.(a)

    18,459       828,440  

Tactile Systems Technology Inc.(a)

    50,099       1,020,016  

Tandem Diabetes Care Inc.(a)

    26,359       2,968,814  

Vapotherm Inc.(a)

    52,796       801,971  

Varex Imaging Corp.(a)(b)

    33,942       802,389  
   

 

 

 
          43,134,819  
Health Care Providers & Services — 3.1%            

1Life Healthcare Inc.(a)

    69,389       750,095  

Acadia Healthcare Co. Inc.(a)

    20,753       1,176,903  

Accolade Inc.(a)

    36,915       663,732  

AdaptHealth Corp.(a)(b)

    41,070       715,850  

Addus HomeCare Corp.(a)

    14,131       1,201,700  

Agiliti Inc.(a)

    39,915       718,869  

Amedisys Inc.(a)

    13,442       2,153,946  

AMN Healthcare Services Inc.(a)

    20,394       2,164,619  

Apollo Medical Holdings Inc.(a)

    13,279       638,985  

Brookdale Senior Living Inc.(a)

    118,605       816,002  

Chemed Corp.

    3,980       1,903,594  

CorVel Corp.(a)

    7,732       1,229,852  

Covetrus Inc.(a)

    42,496       753,029  

Cross Country Healthcare Inc.(a)

    37,544       838,358  

Encompass Health Corp.

    45,071       2,975,587  

Ensign Group Inc. (The)

    18,401       1,546,420  

Fulgent Genetics Inc.(a)

    11,832       737,134  

Guardant Health Inc.(a)

    21,933       1,453,500  

Hanger Inc.(a)

    44,686       809,710  

HealthEquity Inc.(a)

    15,783       847,705  

Invitae Corp.(a)

    73,126       789,030  

Joint Corp. (The)(a)

    13,998       573,918  

LHC Group Inc.(a)

    14,944       2,034,924  

MEDNAX Inc.(a)

    33,093       776,693  

ModivCare Inc.(a)

    8,356       986,008  

National Research Corp.

    27,570       1,096,735  

Option Care Health Inc.(a)

    38,700       994,590  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Health Care Providers & Services (continued)

   

Owens & Minor Inc.(b)

    29,540     $ 1,304,191  

Patterson Companies Inc.

    43,040       1,286,896  

PetIQ Inc.(a)

    41,421       821,793  

Premier Inc., Class A

    52,069       1,871,360  

Privia Health Group Inc.(a)

    33,149       853,255  

Progyny Inc.(a)

    18,821       740,795  

R1 RCM Inc.(a)

    71,971       1,956,891  

RadNet Inc.(a)

    30,694       757,221  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    34,496       798,582  

Signify Health Inc., Class A(a)

    56,833       798,504  

Surgery Partners Inc.(a)

    14,932       780,496  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.(a)

    23,732       2,040,715  

Tivity Health Inc.(a)(b)

    30,364       828,330  

U.S. Physical Therapy Inc.

    7,825       719,665  
   

 

 

 
          46,906,182  
Health Care Technology — 0.4%            

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.(a)

    41,404       805,722  

Certara Inc.(a)

    30,112       763,038  

Health Catalyst Inc.(a)

    27,006       732,403  

Inspire Medical Systems Inc.(a)

    7,678       1,873,893  

NextGen Healthcare Inc.(a)

    42,134       822,877  

Omnicell Inc.(a)

    9,348       1,208,509  
   

 

 

 
      6,206,442  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.7%            

Accel Entertainment Inc.(a)

    82,049       1,074,021  

Boyd Gaming Corp.(a)

    18,366       1,302,884  

Brinker International Inc.(a)

    18,101       770,017  

Choice Hotels International Inc.

    5,749       829,868  

Churchill Downs Inc.

    10,106       2,434,232  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc.(a)(b)

    17,793       771,149  

Everi Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    49,325       1,154,205  

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.(a)

    61,768       3,203,288  

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A(a)

    13,159       1,277,870  

Jack in the Box Inc.

    8,490       732,432  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    17,239       2,769,790  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    118,446       2,308,513  

Papa John’s International Inc.

    6,909       738,019  

Penn National Gaming Inc.(a)(b)

    54,329       2,789,794  

Planet Fitness Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    36,966       3,128,433  

Red Rock Resorts Inc., Class A

    14,501       729,110  

Scientific Games Corp./DE, Class A(a)

    26,784       1,685,249  

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.(a)

    23,548       1,633,996  

Shake Shack Inc., Class A(a)

    11,732       876,615  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.(a)

    32,847       1,434,100  

Texas Roadhouse Inc.

    8,397       796,959  

Travel + Leisure Co.

    38,596       2,163,306  

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    83,986       1,909,842  

Wingstop Inc.

    10,550       1,533,443  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    41,126       3,553,698  
   

 

 

 
      41,600,833  
Household Durables — 1.5%            

Cavco Industries Inc.(a)

    2,660       725,196  

Century Communities Inc.

    15,456       984,856  

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.

    33,200       865,192  

Green Brick Partners Inc.(a)

    34,166       792,310  

Helen of Troy Ltd.(a)

    13,941       2,867,245  

iRobot Corp.(a)

    13,625       846,930  

KB Home

    35,241       1,360,655  

Leggett & Platt Inc.

    48,524       1,799,270  
Security   Shares     Value  

Household Durables (continued)

   

LGI Homes Inc.(a)

    9,087     $ 1,146,143  

MDC Holdings Inc.

    17,232       764,067  

Meritage Homes Corp.(a)

    14,684       1,447,549  

Skyline Champion Corp.(a)

    14,470       972,963  

Sonos Inc.(a)(b)

    39,891       1,092,614  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.(a)

    43,648       1,287,616  

Tempur Sealy International Inc.

    50,156       1,655,650  

Toll Brothers Inc.

    20,976       1,138,158  

TopBuild Corp.(a)

    9,068       1,946,718  

Tri Pointe Homes Inc.(a)

    43,293       968,464  
   

 

 

 
          22,661,596  
Household Products — 0.1%            

Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.

    12,539       1,163,368  
   

 

 

 

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.5%

 

Clearway Energy Inc., Class C

    69,681       2,327,346  

NextEra Energy Partners LP

    41,530       3,239,755  

Ormat Technologies Inc.

    19,566       1,396,034  

Sunnova Energy International Inc.(a)

    51,889       1,045,563  
   

 

 

 
      8,008,698  
Insurance — 2.1%            

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    23,876       899,886  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    20,548       866,509  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    20,725       1,284,328  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    20,595       1,124,899  

Brighthouse Financial Inc.(a)

    15,846       828,112  

CNO Financial Group Inc.

    48,596       1,174,565  

First American Financial Corp.

    56,300       3,774,352  

Genworth Financial Inc., Class A(a)

    107,185       435,171  

Goosehead Insurance Inc., Class A

    8,274       719,673  

Hanover Insurance Group Inc. (The)

    21,032       2,934,174  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    18,447       767,211  

Kemper Corp.

    19,228       1,027,544  

Kinsale Capital Group Inc.

    4,396       922,105  

Primerica Inc.

    17,562       2,281,128  

ProAssurance Corp.

    24,358       587,028  

Reinsurance Group of America Inc.

    26,018       2,884,356  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    12,941       1,951,244  

Ryan Specialty Group Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    21,397       857,164  

Selective Insurance Group Inc.

    33,390       2,777,714  

State Auto Financial Corp.

    15,375       799,654  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    8,093       549,353  

Trupanion Inc.(a)

    11,378       1,019,810  

Unum Group

    64,616       1,804,079  
   

 

 

 
      32,270,059  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.2%            

Cargurus Inc.(a)

    25,012       1,211,831  

TripAdvisor Inc.(a)

    26,724       679,859  

Vimeo Inc.(a)

    61,059       793,156  

Yelp Inc.(a)

    21,740       736,769  
   

 

 

 
      3,421,615  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.2%            

Overstock.com Inc.(a)(b)

    17,201       978,737  

RealReal Inc. (The)(a)

    85,273       759,782  

Revolve Group Inc.(a)

    13,902       659,372  
   

 

 

 
      2,397,891  
IT Services — 1.6%            

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    16,916       1,140,984  

BigCommerce Holdings Inc., Series 1(a)(b)

    27,140       702,926  
 

 

 

30  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

IT Services (continued)

   

Brightcove Inc.(a)

    87,604     $ 655,278  

Concentrix Corp.

    15,155       3,029,333  

CSG Systems International Inc.

    21,933       1,353,705  

DigitalOcean Holdings Inc.(a)

    12,523       742,864  

DXC Technology Co.(a)

    82,295       2,800,499  

Euronet Worldwide Inc.(a)

    9,460       1,213,056  

EVERTEC Inc.

    19,698       795,011  

ExlService Holdings Inc.(a)

    13,881       1,676,686  

Fastly Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    33,315       619,659  

Kyndryl Holdings Inc.(a)

    49,425       783,880  

LiveRamp Holdings Inc.(a)

    18,805       811,624  

Maximus Inc.

    10,380       818,567  

Perficient Inc.(a)

    10,772       1,097,667  

Rackspace Technology Inc.(a)(b)

    61,779       687,600  

Sabre Corp.(a)

    80,887       884,095  

TTEC Holdings Inc.

    9,512       756,204  

Verra Mobility Corp.(a)

    46,739       785,215  

WEX Inc.(a)

    19,845       3,344,081  
   

 

 

 
        24,698,934  
Leisure Products — 0.8%            

Brunswick Corp./DE

    21,133       2,018,624  

Callaway Golf Co.(a)

    43,739       1,082,103  

Johnson Outdoors Inc., Class A

    9,813       809,278  

Latham Group Inc.(a)

    44,155       772,271  

Malibu Boats Inc., Class A(a)

    12,503       871,084  

Mattel Inc.(a)

    117,877       2,944,568  

Polaris Inc.

    13,581       1,650,227  

YETI Holdings Inc.(a)

    34,005       2,093,348  
   

 

 

 
      12,241,503  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.8%            

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.(a)

    50,776       732,698  

Bruker Corp.

    12,736       896,232  

Maravai LifeSciences Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    24,183       944,830  

Medpace Holdings Inc.(a)

    6,939       1,061,459  

NanoString Technologies Inc.(a)

    21,748       771,184  

NeoGenomics Inc.(a)

    54,747       1,172,133  

Pacific Biosciences of California Inc.(a)

    65,441       780,057  

Repligen Corp.(a)

    17,892       3,519,356  

Syneos Health Inc.(a)

    22,151       1,754,359  
   

 

 

 
      11,632,308  
Machinery — 4.2%            

AGCO Corp.

    14,250       1,712,280  

Alamo Group Inc.

    8,176       1,137,363  

Allison Transmission Holdings Inc.

    45,729       1,826,416  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    18,735       795,676  

Astec Industries Inc.

    14,909       742,468  

Chart Industries Inc.(a)

    12,668       1,829,259  

Columbus McKinnon Corp./NY

    19,667       897,602  

Donaldson Co. Inc.

    38,158       2,070,835  

Douglas Dynamics Inc.

    21,432       787,412  

Energy Recovery Inc.(a)

    41,480       788,120  

Enerpac Tool Group Corp.

    45,766       789,464  

EnPro Industries Inc.

    10,818       1,194,740  

ESCO Technologies Inc.

    11,560       804,229  

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.(a)

    48,919       2,086,885  

Federal Signal Corp.

    34,991       1,263,525  

Flowserve Corp.

    60,383       1,833,832  

Franklin Electric Co. Inc.

    14,399       1,217,579  

Graco Inc.

    58,219       4,197,008  
Security   Shares     Value  

Machinery (continued)

   

Hillenbrand Inc.

    24,695     $ 1,178,199  

ITT Inc.

    41,642       3,659,083  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    12,870       1,459,072  

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

    5,940       757,112  

Lindsay Corp.

    5,997       786,866  

Luxfer Holdings PLC

    49,303       858,858  

Manitowoc Co. Inc. (The)(a)

    43,125       712,856  

Meritor Inc.(a)

    30,315       1,079,517  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    14,720       2,614,566  

Mueller Water Products Inc., Class A

    139,606       1,771,600  

Nikola Corp.(a)(b)

    91,887       725,907  

Oshkosh Corp.

    37,154       4,125,580  

Proterra Inc.(a)

    85,858       776,156  

Proto Labs Inc.(a)

    13,271       746,228  

Shyft Group Inc. (The)

    16,768       677,595  

SPX Corp.(a)

    14,869       753,858  

SPX FLOW Inc.

    14,166       1,216,718  

Tennant Co.

    30,760       2,423,273  

Terex Corp.

    19,764       815,858  

Timken Co. (The)

    21,680       1,421,341  

Toro Co. (The)

    51,931       4,871,647  

Trinity Industries Inc.

    24,766       714,747  

Wabash National Corp.

    48,620       828,485  

Watts Water Technologies Inc., Class A

    19,300       2,778,235  

Welbilt Inc.(a)

    47,925       1,132,947  
   

 

 

 
        64,860,997  
Media — 1.0%            

Altice USA Inc., Class A(a)

    54,392       628,771  

Cardlytics Inc.(a)

    14,087       817,046  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc.(a)

    214,259       801,329  

EW Scripps Co. (The), Class A(a)

    49,282       1,097,017  

Gray Television Inc.

    58,462       1,369,765  

iHeartMedia Inc., Class A(a)

    57,020       1,223,079  

John Wiley & Sons Inc., Class A

    26,643       1,340,409  

Magnite Inc.(a)

    59,780       871,592  

New York Times Co. (The), Class A

    57,718       2,539,015  

Nexstar Media Group Inc., Class A

    12,476       2,308,684  

TEGNA Inc.

    95,615       2,191,496  

WideOpenWest Inc.(a)

    41,241       700,685  
   

 

 

 
      15,888,888  
Metals & Mining — 1.9%            

Alcoa Corp.

    65,005       4,897,477  

Allegheny Technologies Inc.(a)

    41,550       1,069,497  

Arconic Corp.(a)

    41,732       1,281,172  

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.(a)

    147,215       3,291,727  

Coeur Mining Inc.(a)

    148,901       640,274  

Commercial Metals Co.

    55,450       2,137,598  

Compass Minerals International Inc.

    23,782       1,394,101  

Hecla Mining Co.

    138,367       796,994  

Materion Corp.

    9,182       767,156  

MP Materials Corp.(a)(b)

    17,663       805,786  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    27,321       5,214,759  

Royal Gold Inc.

    30,379       3,683,758  

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc., Class A

    25,173       1,224,666  

United States Steel Corp.

    64,680       1,759,943  
   

 

 

 
      28,964,908  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 0.6%            

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Inc.

    62,875       820,519  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc., Class A

    27,590       876,810  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Mortgage Real Estate Investment (continued)

   

Chimera Investment Corp.

    57,424     $ 698,850  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Inc.

    37,735       1,786,375  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.

    38,345       823,267  

New Residential Investment Corp.

    79,368       823,840  

Starwood Property Trust Inc.

    110,059       2,623,807  
   

 

 

 
      8,453,468  
Multi-Utilities — 0.3%            

Avista Corp.

    76,142       3,398,218  

Unitil Corp.

    17,127       864,742  
   

 

 

 
      4,262,960  
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Big Lots Inc.

    21,392       743,586  

Franchise Group Inc.

    17,573       740,702  

Kohl’s Corp.

    52,298       2,908,815  

Macy’s Inc.

    104,307       2,703,637  

Nordstrom Inc.(a)

    45,634       946,449  
   

 

 

 
      8,043,189  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.9%            

Antero Midstream Corp.

    131,522       1,320,481  

Antero Resources Corp.(a)

    103,804       2,380,226  

APA Corp.

    134,909       4,806,808  

California Resources Corp.

    19,342       797,471  

Callon Petroleum Co.(a)(b)

    14,833       835,988  

Centennial Resource Development Inc./DE, Class A(a)

    98,756       867,078  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    11,803       911,782  

Civitas Resources Inc.

    16,769       846,331  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.(a)

    118,123       858,754  

CNX Resources Corp.(a)

    80,557       1,316,301  

Delek U.S. Holdings Inc.(a)

    45,677       787,015  

Denbury Inc.(a)

    13,835       1,005,251  

DTE Midstream LLC(a)

    25,941       1,377,467  

EnLink Midstream LLC(a)

    116,092       1,033,219  

EQT Corp.

    118,374       2,739,174  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    176,647       1,132,307  

Green Plains Inc.(a)

    13,938       456,330  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    67,007       2,040,363  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.(a)

    253,441       1,231,723  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    288,524       6,509,102  

Matador Resources Co.

    31,480       1,561,408  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    51,517       1,786,094  

Oasis Petroleum Inc.

    8,066       1,068,826  

Ovintiv Inc.

    109,146       5,004,344  

PBF Energy Inc., Class A(a)

    42,421       705,037  

PDC Energy Inc.

    24,980       1,611,710  

Range Resources Corp.(a)

    88,969       2,041,839  

Renewable Energy Group Inc.(a)

    21,902       1,346,973  

SM Energy Co.

    38,781       1,377,113  

Southwestern Energy Co.(a)(b)

    242,456       1,209,855  

Targa Resources Corp.

    68,951       4,507,327  

Texas Pacific Land Corp.

    1,581       1,879,382  

Whiting Petroleum Corp.

    11,807       871,947  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    43,341       1,228,284  
   

 

 

 
        59,453,310  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.2%            

Glatfelter Corp.

    56,661       778,522  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    35,946       2,586,315  
   

 

 

 
      3,364,837  
Security   Shares     Value  

Personal Products — 0.3%

   

Beauty Health Co. (The)(a)

    54,182     $ 1,050,047  

Coty Inc., Class A(a)

    82,558       757,057  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    35,924       1,281,768  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.(a)

    35,275       1,255,085  

Medifast Inc.

    5,336       992,496  
   

 

 

 
      5,336,453  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.4%            

Aclaris Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    62,918       937,478  

Antares Pharma Inc.(a)

    265,326       928,641  

Arvinas Inc.(a)

    16,098       1,043,311  

Axsome Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    23,852       670,480  

Cassava Sciences Inc.(a)(b)

    15,994       679,905  

Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    34,910       679,698  

Corcept Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    39,303       876,064  

Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc.(a)

    30,967       1,718,049  

Nektar Therapeutics(a)

    69,748       714,219  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    48,159       715,643  

Nuvation Bio Inc.(a)

    147,280       745,237  

Organon & Co.

    75,635       2,823,454  

Pacira BioSciences Inc.(a)

    12,317       821,421  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    56,915       2,021,621  

Phathom Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    40,661       737,184  

Provention Bio Inc.(a)(b)

    118,068       740,286  

Relmada Therapeutics Inc.(a)

    41,884       859,041  

Revance Therapeutics Inc.(a)(b)

    58,046       787,684  

Theravance Biopharma Inc.(a)(b)

    77,026       775,652  

Tilray Inc., Class 2 (a)(b)

    152,826       932,239  

Zogenix Inc.(a)

    29,785       782,154  
   

 

 

 
        20,989,461  
Professional Services — 1.9%            

ASGN Inc.(a)

    24,201       2,681,229  

CACI International Inc., Class A(a)

    6,052       1,693,289  

Exponent Inc.

    10,536       998,391  

First Advantage Corp.(a)

    43,734       706,304  

FTI Consulting Inc.(a)

    15,651       2,285,046  

Heidrick & Struggles International Inc.

    18,556       793,269  

ICF International Inc.

    14,752       1,307,322  

Insperity Inc.

    11,919       1,072,114  

KBR Inc.

    27,731       1,376,567  

Kelly Services Inc., Class A, NVS

    70,272       1,491,172  

Kforce Inc.

    11,108       835,100  

Korn Ferry

    23,817       1,578,114  

ManpowerGroup Inc.

    28,330       3,010,912  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    136,773       2,382,586  

Science Applications International Corp.

    11,686       1,024,745  

Skillsoft Corp.(a)

    125,284       811,840  

TriNet Group Inc.(a)

    26,634       2,325,415  

TrueBlue Inc.(a)

    40,502       1,101,654  

Upwork Inc.(a)

    45,323       1,145,766  
   

 

 

 
      28,620,835  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.9%            

Cushman & Wakefield PLC(a)

    91,695       2,009,954  

eXp World Holdings Inc.(b)

    26,398       705,882  

Howard Hughes Corp. (The)(a)

    20,446       1,954,229  

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.(a)

    20,053       4,937,450  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Inc.

    38,494       852,257  

Newmark Group Inc., Class A

    50,695       896,288  

Realogy Holdings Corp.(a)

    47,427       862,223  
 

 

 

32  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Real Estate Management & Development (continued)

 

St Joe Co. (The)

    16,296     $ 880,473  
   

 

 

 
      13,098,756  
Road & Rail — 1.1%            

ArcBest Corp.

    13,429       1,244,600  

Avis Budget Group Inc.(a)

    15,794       2,897,251  

Landstar System Inc.

    20,907       3,228,250  

Ryder System Inc.

    31,395       2,475,182  

Saia Inc.(a)

    9,457       2,716,334  

Schneider National Inc., Class B

    36,169       944,734  

Werner Enterprises Inc.

    48,227       2,095,946  

XPO Logistics Inc.(a)

    27,096       1,969,337  
   

 

 

 
      17,571,634  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.8%  

Ambarella Inc.(a)

    9,267       1,294,692  

Amkor Technology Inc.

    37,506       850,261  

Axcelis Technologies Inc.(a)

    13,679       946,860  

Azenta Inc.

    20,581       1,801,249  

Cirrus Logic Inc.(a)

    29,172       2,534,172  

CMC Materials Inc.

    6,381       1,183,229  

First Solar Inc.(a)

    40,671       3,062,120  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.(a)

    24,028       846,506  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc.

    32,461       1,695,763  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    46,113       2,887,596  

MaxLinear Inc.(a)

    16,810       1,031,293  

MKS Instruments Inc.

    7,865       1,184,469  

Onto Innovation Inc.(a)

    26,666       2,298,876  

Power Integrations Inc.

    17,486       1,573,740  

Rambus Inc.(a)

    55,755       1,505,385  

Semtech Corp.(a)

    16,455       1,141,648  

Silicon Laboratories Inc.(a)

    13,381       2,056,793  

SiTime Corp.(a)

    3,564       720,427  

SunPower Corp.(a)

    46,202       828,402  

Synaptics Inc.(a)

    13,774       3,146,395  

Ultra Clean Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    17,770       814,044  

Universal Display Corp.

    20,490       3,174,106  

Veeco Instruments Inc.(a)

    45,365       1,296,078  

Wolfspeed Inc.(a)

    47,307       4,859,375  
   

 

 

 
        42,733,479  
Software — 5.4%            

8x8 Inc.(a)

    54,711       709,055  

ACI Worldwide Inc.(a)

    64,545       2,163,548  

Alarm.com Holdings Inc.(a)

    11,150       734,004  

Altair Engineering Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    20,880       1,386,850  

Alteryx Inc., Class A(a)

    13,445       837,623  

Anaplan Inc.(a)

    39,351       1,864,057  

Appian Corp.(a)(b)

    14,221       866,912  

Aspen Technology Inc.(a)

    25,163       3,835,093  

Avaya Holdings Corp.(a)

    54,405       749,157  

Benefitfocus Inc.(a)

    74,422       750,174  

Blackbaud Inc.(a)

    13,231       826,805  

Blackline Inc.(a)

    26,612       2,004,150  

Bottomline Technologies DE Inc.(a)

    19,725       1,117,224  

Box Inc., Class A(a)

    75,901       1,943,825  

BTRS Holdings Inc.(a)

    126,859       773,840  

CDK Global Inc.

    18,354       832,170  

Cerence Inc.(a)

    18,915       683,021  

CommVault Systems Inc.(a)

    12,659       796,378  

Digital Turbine Inc.(a)

    22,742       1,102,532  

Dolby Laboratories Inc., Class A

    24,587       1,846,484  
Security   Shares     Value  

Software (continued)

   

Domo Inc., Class B(a)

    16,137     $ 718,097  

Duck Creek Technologies Inc.(a)

    33,283       781,485  

E2open Parent Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    84,532       759,097  

Elastic NV(a)

    23,570       2,042,340  

Envestnet Inc.(a)

    10,438       780,971  

Everbridge Inc.(a)

    15,851       626,432  

Five9 Inc.(a)

    25,849       2,843,390  

InterDigital Inc.

    13,172       848,540  

Jamf Holding Corp.(a)(b)

    27,586       943,717  

LivePerson Inc.(a)(b)

    28,082       569,503  

Mandiant Inc.(a)

    78,039       1,545,172  

Manhattan Associates Inc.(a)

    19,609       2,621,331  

Marathon Digital Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    30,007       760,677  

MicroStrategy Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    2,366       1,048,138  

Mimecast Ltd.(a)

    21,994       1,749,183  

Model N Inc.(a)(b)

    31,739       780,462  

Momentive Global Inc.(a)

    63,090       991,775  

N-able Inc.(a)

    67,277       778,395  

Ncino Inc.(a)

    16,814       772,267  

NCR Corp.(a)

    40,549       1,643,045  

New Relic Inc.(a)

    23,579       1,561,873  

Nutanix Inc., Class A(a)

    73,382       1,959,299  

OneSpan Inc.(a)

    48,779       672,175  

PagerDuty Inc.(a)

    30,937       1,046,289  

Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)

    13,574       2,883,661  

Pegasystems Inc.

    8,224       716,475  

Progress Software Corp.

    50,321       2,218,150  

PROS Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    24,412       775,813  

Q2 Holdings Inc.(a)

    11,993       780,145  

Qualys Inc.(a)

    7,707       965,764  

Rapid7 Inc.(a)

    25,492       2,637,402  

Riot Blockchain Inc.(a)(b)

    39,683       683,738  

SailPoint Technologies Holdings Inc.(a)

    19,424       803,571  

Smartsheet Inc., Class A(a)

    44,129       2,346,339  

Sprinklr Inc.(a)

    62,050       744,600  

Sprout Social Inc., Class A(a)

    15,642       1,018,451  

SPS Commerce Inc.(a)

    16,108       2,091,624  

Tenable Holdings Inc.(a)

    20,794       1,151,156  

Teradata Corp.(a)

    45,102       2,254,649  

Varonis Systems Inc.(a)

    27,139       1,183,260  

Vonage Holdings Corp.(a)

    40,816       829,381  

Workiva Inc.(a)

    24,600       2,590,380  

Xperi Holding Corp.

    44,071       763,310  

Zuora Inc., Class A(a)

    59,147       897,851  
   

 

 

 
        83,002,275  
Specialty Retail — 3.1%            

Aaron’s Co. Inc. (The)

    37,506       787,251  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A(a)

    19,368       737,533  

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

    48,218       1,016,435  

Asbury Automotive Group Inc.(a)

    6,317       1,226,193  

AutoNation Inc.(a)(b)

    11,998       1,375,691  

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.(a)

    48,393       817,358  

Boot Barn Holdings Inc.(a)

    10,686       929,896  

Caleres Inc.

    34,508       716,386  

Children’s Place Inc. (The)(a)

    11,326       713,085  

Five Below Inc.(a)

    19,080       3,121,679  

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

    30,371       2,904,075  

Foot Locker Inc.

    39,243       1,240,864  

GameStop Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    21,185       2,612,958  

Gap Inc. (The)

    123,642       1,798,991  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Specialty Retail (continued)

   

Genesco Inc.(a)

    11,513     $ 738,559  

Group 1 Automotive Inc.

    8,207       1,493,099  

Hibbett Inc.

    14,530       655,012  

Leslie’s Inc.(a)

    54,150       1,153,936  

Lithia Motors Inc.

    10,629       3,622,576  

MarineMax Inc.(a)

    16,452       752,844  

Monro Inc.

    21,214       990,270  

Murphy USA Inc.

    13,141       2,375,104  

National Vision Holdings Inc.(a)

    30,810       1,129,803  

ODP Corp. (The)(a)

    18,328       806,432  

Petco Health & Wellness Co. Inc.(a)

    38,190       669,089  

Rent-A-Center Inc./TX

    29,310       832,697  

RH(a)

    4,060       1,631,592  

Sally Beauty Holdings Inc.(a)

    40,948       707,581  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    21,344       1,504,752  

Sleep Number Corp.(a)

    11,579       760,740  

TravelCenters of America Inc.(a)

    19,225       811,872  

Urban Outfitters Inc.(a)

    29,196       803,182  

Victoria’s Secret & Co.(a)

    30,706       1,646,763  

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

    29,614       4,289,884  

Zumiez Inc.(a)

    17,287       769,099  
   

 

 

 
      48,143,281  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.3%  

3D Systems Corp.(a)

    40,819       727,395  

Pure Storage Inc., Class A(a)

    78,271       2,030,350  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    121,789       2,400,461  
   

 

 

 
      5,158,206  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.9%            

Capri Holdings Ltd.(a)

    41,798       2,831,396  

Carter’s Inc.

    18,089       1,748,845  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    21,246       1,969,929  

Crocs Inc.(a)

    21,493       1,799,609  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    11,501       3,319,649  

Hanesbrands Inc.

    171,886       2,655,639  

Kontoor Brands Inc.

    19,793       980,545  

Levi Strauss & Co., Class A

    33,528       759,409  

Movado Group Inc.

    19,837       781,975  

PVH Corp.

    30,811       3,016,089  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    16,839       2,223,422  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    30,509       1,301,514  

Tapestry Inc.

    91,848       3,756,583  

Under Armour Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    45,305       810,506  

Under Armour Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    51,038       797,724  

Wolverine World Wide Inc.

    38,077       876,913  
   

 

 

 
      29,629,747  
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 1.2%            

Capitol Federal Financial Inc.

    60,248       657,908  

Essent Group Ltd.

    27,933       1,234,080  

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C, NVS

    14,104       1,744,665  

Flagstar Bancorp. Inc.

    21,108       962,103  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    188,107       2,855,464  

Mr Cooper Group Inc.(a)

    29,557       1,502,382  

New York Community Bancorp. Inc.

    103,137       1,190,201  

PennyMac Financial Services Inc.

    21,738       1,255,370  

Radian Group Inc.

    87,327       2,087,115  

Rocket Companies Inc., Class A

    60,073       775,543  

TFS Financial Corp.

    56,720       973,882  
Security   Shares     Value  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance (continued)

   

Walker & Dunlop Inc

    9,084     $ 1,256,771  

Washington Federal Inc.

    28,846       1,026,341  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    10,892       553,640  
   

 

 

 
      18,075,465  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.5%  

Air Lease Corp.

    28,561       1,192,707  

Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.(a)

    19,438       1,160,254  

Boise Cascade Co.

    25,905       2,070,846  

GATX Corp.

    18,154       1,935,761  

GMS Inc.(a)

    21,150       1,147,387  

Herc Holdings Inc.

    7,087       1,127,683  

McGrath RentCorp.

    19,652       1,597,315  

Rush Enterprises Inc., Class A

    15,203       789,644  

SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc.(a)

    21,105       3,639,135  

Triton International Ltd

    33,970       2,231,150  

Univar Solutions Inc.(a)

    33,873       1,040,240  

Veritiv Corp.(a)(b)

    7,613       815,885  

Watsco Inc.

    4,395       1,200,099  

WESCO International Inc.(a)

    20,419       2,485,605  
   

 

 

 
      22,433,711  

Water Utilities — 0.2%

   

American States Water Co.

    25,795       2,170,907  

Middlesex Water Co.

    7,796       779,522  
   

 

 

 
      2,950,429  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.1%  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    35,603       795,727  

Telephone and Data Systems Inc.

    47,633       826,433  
   

 

 

 
      1,622,160  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $1,431,029,945)

      1,528,933,022  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 2.7%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    36,814,813       36,822,176  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    3,780,000       3,780,000  
   

 

 

 
      40,602,176  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.7%
(Cost: $40,601,891)

      40,602,176  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 102.5%
(Cost: $1,471,631,836)

      1,569,535,198  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (2.5)%

      (37,966,499
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 1,531,568,699  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(e)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

(f)

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

 

 

 

34  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

   iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
     Purchases
at Cost
    

Proceeds

from Sales

     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
    

Shares

Held at

02/28/22

     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 43,548,786      $      $ (6,714,211 )(a)     $ (8,355      $ (4,044    $ 36,822,176        36,814,813      $ 130,736 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     1,390,000        2,390,000 (a)                            3,780,000        3,780,000        113         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (8,355      $ (4,044    $ 40,602,176         $ 130,849      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

Russell 2000 E-Mini Index

     18        03/18/22      $ 1,840      $ (26,257

S&P MidCap 400 E-Mini Index

     5        03/18/22        1,329        (11,601
           

 

 

 
            $ (37,858
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 37,858  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (167,459
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (74,684
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 2,601,745      

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative 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

  35


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

   iShares® ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 1,528,929,945      $      $ 3,077      $ 1,528,933,022  

Money Market Funds

     40,602,176                      40,602,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,569,532,121      $      $ 3,077      $ 1,569,535,198  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (37,858    $      $      $ (37,858
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

36  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

Brazil — 3.3%

   

Americanas SA

    12,952     $ 75,901  

Atacadao SA

    9,263       34,145  

B3 SA - Brasil, Bolsa, Balcao

    125,128       352,033  

Banco Bradesco SA

    28,911       94,824  

Banco do Brasil SA

    17,415       117,744  

Banco Santander Brasil SA

    8,651       51,276  

CCR SA

    25,388       57,759  

Cosan SA

    21,514       88,203  

Energisa SA

    4,043       34,498  

Equatorial Energia SA

    20,181       99,801  

Hapvida Participacoes e Investimentos SA(a)

    65,600       153,556  

Hypera SA

    7,561       49,048  

Klabin SA

    14,321       64,325  

Localiza Rent a Car SA

    12,717       141,570  

Lojas Renner SA

    19,844       98,086  

Natura & Co. Holding SA(b)

    18,691       83,408  

Petro Rio SA(b)

    14,337       72,862  

Raia Drogasil SA

    21,831       98,832  

Rede D’Or Sao Luiz SA(a)

    8,531       84,039  

Rumo SA(b)

    27,055       81,053  

Telefonica Brasil SA

    10,331       101,312  

TIM SA

    17,433       46,241  

TOTVS SA

    10,377       66,477  

Ultrapar Participacoes SA

    14,927       41,980  

WEG SA

    34,773       197,016  
   

 

 

 
      2,385,989  
Chile — 0.3%            

Empresas CMPC SA

    23,507       38,837  

Empresas COPEC SA

    8,100       62,838  

Enel Americas SA

    458,463       53,682  

Falabella SA

    15,717       51,721  
   

 

 

 
      207,078  
China — 31.4%            

360 Security Technology Inc., Class A(b)

    7,800       12,983  

3SBio Inc.(a)(b)

    26,000       20,664  

51job Inc., ADR(b)

    664       34,395  

AAC Technologies Holdings Inc.

    14,500       39,646  

Air China Ltd., Class A(b)

    8,000       12,529  

Air China Ltd., Class H(b)

    42,000       32,301  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.(b)

    244,116       3,213,512  

Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd.(b)

    86,000       60,220  

A-Living Smart City Services Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    11,250       20,166  

Angel Yeast Co. Ltd., Class A

    900       7,138  

Anjoy Foods Group Co Ltd., Class A

    300       5,885  

BBMG Corp., Class A

    10,800       4,939  

Beijing Capital International Airport Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    36,000       23,058  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    88,000       34,767  

BOC Aviation Ltd.(a)

    4,100       35,641  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,200       88,466  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    17,000       526,785  

By-Health Co Ltd, Class A

    1,900       7,481  

CanSino Biologics Inc., Class A(b)

    169       6,758  

CanSino Biologics Inc., Class H(a)(b)

    1,800       32,532  

CECEP Wind Power Corp, Class A

    6,400       5,724  

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

    365       8,956  

China Communications Services Corp. Ltd., Class H

    54,000       29,626  

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.

    34,000       163,616  
Security   Shares     Value  

China (continued)

   

China Construction Bank Corp., Class A

    9,300     $ 8,897  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    1,976,000       1,481,930  

China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd., Class A(b)

    9,800       8,392  

China Education Group Holdings Ltd.

    15,000       12,851  

China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.

    73,000       52,412  

China Feihe Ltd.(a)

    75,000       89,494  

China Gas Holdings Ltd.

    64,200       101,460  

China Jinmao Holdings Group Ltd.

    116,000       38,575  

China Jushi Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,678       12,700  

China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd.

    20,000       30,792  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    27,000       48,078  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    65,000       422,657  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    80,000       674,345  

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

    9,500       20,378  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class A

    27,200       26,093  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class H

    63,000       37,920  

China National Medicines Corp. Ltd., Class A

    800       3,531  

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd.

    78,500         239,674  

China Resources Gas Group Ltd.

    20,000       91,860  

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

    1,100       6,236  

China Ruyi Holdings Ltd.(b)

    52,000       15,476  

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

    14,500       15,921  

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

    32,000       20,245  

China Three Gorges Renewables Group Co. Ltd.

    35,300       39,844  

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

    2,400       77,517  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class A

    11,700       35,611  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class H

    34,600       82,181  

CIFI Ever Sunshine Services Group Ltd.

    16,000       29,097  

CIFI Holdings Group Co. Ltd.

    66,500       46,331  

CITIC Ltd.

    122,000       142,365  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,900       248,412  

Country Garden Services Holdings Co. Ltd.

    41,000       245,260  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    185,360       219,719  

Dali Foods Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    41,500       21,857  

Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    54,000       46,479  

ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.

    16,300       236,063  

ENN Natural Gas Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,900       8,237  

Eve Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,432       34,901  

Fosun International Ltd.

    54,500       59,133  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,900       20,354  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    12,000       58,873  

Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,300       31,610  

Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    5,600       95,044  

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

    123,000       229,105  

GEM Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,800       8,861  

Genscript Biotech Corp.(b)

    24,000       95,160  

GoerTek Inc., Class A

    4,000       28,006  

Gotion High-tech Co. Ltd., Class A(b)

    1,900       13,038  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800       16,353  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class H

    63,500       133,687  

Greenland Holdings Corp. Ltd., Class A

    10,745       7,366  

Greentown Service Group Co. Ltd.

    28,000       28,127  

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    58,000       57,423  

Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600       7,546  

Guangzhou Kingmed Diagnostics Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    500       6,665  

Guangzhou R&F Properties Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    34,000       14,474  

Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,100       5,818  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

China (continued)

   

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    26,000     $ 55,502  

Hopson Development Holdings Ltd.

    14,490       29,828  

Huaxia Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    16,900       15,086  

Hutchmed China Ltd, ADR(b)(c)

    1,747       47,606  

Industrial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    25,100       87,935  

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

    8,200       51,434  

Jafron Biomedical Co. Ltd., Class A

    900       6,551  

JDcom Inc, Class A(b)

    2,933       104,765  

Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600       10,700  

Jinke Properties Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,400       4,559  

Jinmao Property Services Co. Ltd.

    1,752       445  

Jinxin Fertility Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    24,500       28,647  

Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    53,000       130,997  

Kuang-Chi Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A(b)

    2,200       7,090  

Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd.

    82,000       80,662  

KWG Group Holdings Ltd.

    27,500       12,876  

Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.

    26,000       16,714  

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    148,000       164,808  

Li Auto Inc., ADR(b)(c)

    11,417       347,648  

Li Ning Co. Ltd.

    48,000       479,431  

Logan Group Co. Ltd.

    28,000       9,316  

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd.(a)

    37,000       197,858  

Meituan, Class B(a)(b)

    84,000       1,866,073  

Microport Scientific Corp.

    13,800       38,386  

Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Ltd., Class A

    2,200       9,046  

Minth Group Ltd.

    16,000       57,853  

NIO Inc., ADR(b)

    26,908       614,579  

Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,400       4,228  

Ovctek China Inc., Class A

    960       6,266  

Pharmaron Beijing Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,000       19,192  

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

    2,700       32,735  

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

    13,100       105,601  

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

    130,500       1,011,853  

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

    14,500       36,315  

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

    49,600       68,487  

Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    17,000       11,898  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,000       20,228  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    9,500       38,090  

Shanghai M&G Stationery Inc., Class A

    1,000       8,620  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,200       6,534  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class H

    14,600       26,354  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,750       38,167  

Shenzhen International Holdings Ltd.

    26,500       27,305  

Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,800       10,721  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

    16,900       283,863  

Shimao Group Holdings Ltd.(c)

    26,000       15,603  

Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd.

    209,500       133,737  

Sinotrans Ltd., Class A

    3,100       2,115  

Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd.

    14,000       20,897  

Skshu Paint Co. Ltd., Class A

    400       5,632  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,900       36,792  

Suningcom Co Ltd, Class A(b)

    11,000       6,275  

TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A

    20,000       17,676  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    61,000       3,291,640  

Tongcheng Travel Holdings Ltd.(b)

    21,600       40,229  

Topchoice Medical Corp., Class A(b)

    400       10,263  

Topsports International Holdings Ltd.(a)

    31,000       32,225  

Transfar Zhilian Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600       4,407  

Uni-President China Holdings Ltd.

    26,000       27,037  

Unisplendour Corp. Ltd., Class A

    3,900       13,595  
Security   Shares     Value  

China (continued)

   

Vinda International Holdings Ltd.

    7,000     $ 19,931  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd., ADR(b)

    9,337       80,952  

Want Want China Holdings Ltd.

    96,000       102,194  

Wuchan Zhongda Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,300       3,860  

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

    2,700       8,967  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,092       51,180  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class H(a)

    7,260       103,342  

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

    73,000       603,813  

Xiamen Intretech Inc., Class A

    875       4,122  

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

    4,100       9,787  

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

    15,600       25,524  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.

    100,000       181,637  

XPeng Inc., ADR(b)

    8,039       292,378  

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.(a)

    26,000       38,572  

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

    1,100       7,881  

Yum China Holdings Inc.

    8,717       453,458  

Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,400       20,002  

Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,600       20,723  

Zhejiang Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    32,000       28,867  

Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,700       33,621  

Zhejiang Jiuzhou Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    900       6,854  

Zhejiang Weixing New Building Materials Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,800       6,630  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.

    12,000       83,795  

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

    8,600       9,634  

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

    27,000       17,961  
   

 

 

 
      22,424,882  
Czech Republic — 0.1%            

Komercni Banka AS(b)

    1,617       63,614  

Moneta Money Bank AS(a)

    7,349       29,098  
   

 

 

 
      92,712  
Egypt — 0.2%            

Commercial International Bank Egypt SAE(b)

    33,484       101,986  
   

 

 

 
Greece — 0.3%            

Eurobank Ergasias Services and Holdings SA, Class A(b)

    52,838       57,881  

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA

    4,517       90,349  

Public Power Corp. SA(b)

    4,204       39,925  
   

 

 

 
      188,155  
Hungary — 0.3%            

MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC

    8,627       67,293  

OTP Bank Nyrt(b)

    4,537       173,129  
   

 

 

 
      240,422  
India — 14.5%            

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(b)

    7,990       196,610  

Adani Total Gas Ltd.

    5,531       116,606  

Asian Paints Ltd.

    7,830       330,904  

Axis Bank Ltd.(b)

    46,300       459,349  

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    1,380       64,940  

Bandhan Bank Ltd.(a)

    13,275       54,299  

Berger Paints India Ltd.

    5,098       46,822  

Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    17,460       81,441  

Biocon Ltd.(b)

    9,041       42,019  

Britannia Industries Ltd.

    2,262       103,249  

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    2,613       50,409  

Dabur India Ltd.

    12,884       96,597  

DLF Ltd.

    12,830       60,202  
 

 

 

38  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

India (continued)

   

Eicher Motors Ltd.

    2,872     $ 99,200  

Grasim Industries Ltd.

    5,384       114,898  

Havells India Ltd.

    5,214       82,373  

HCL Technologies Ltd.

    22,471       337,901  

Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

    2,519       85,329  

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

    32,204       247,492  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    16,786       485,423  

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

    35,220       1,113,156  

Indraprastha Gas Ltd.

    4,973       22,892  

Info Edge India Ltd.

    1,562       92,851  

Infosys Ltd.

    69,015       1,572,843  

Lupin Ltd.

    4,515       44,854  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    17,803       187,940  

Marico Ltd.

    10,797       73,917  

Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd.

    26,172       52,620  

Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd.(b)

    26,172       16,141  

Nestle India Ltd.

    704       165,338  

PI Industries Ltd.

    1,698       55,884  

Piramal Enterprises Ltd.

    2,297       63,502  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    58,516       1,842,183  

Shree Cement Ltd.

    218       70,971  

Siemens Ltd.

    1,562       48,867  

State Bank of India

    37,015       239,124  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    18,954       897,884  

Titan Co. Ltd.

    7,353       249,756  

Trent Ltd.

    3,579       52,931  

UPL Ltd.

    10,392       92,359  

Wipro Ltd.

    27,708       204,894  
   

 

 

 
      10,316,970  
Indonesia — 1.3%            

Aneka Tambang Tbk

    160,600       25,021  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    1,132,700       639,483  

Barito Pacific Tbk PT

    596,000       37,164  

Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Tbk PT

    59,800       33,794  

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

    416,300       47,666  

Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk PT(b)

    234,700       63,551  

Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT

    152,900       31,444  

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    166,800       42,922  
   

 

 

 
      921,045  
Kuwait — 0.4%            

Kuwait Finance House KSCP

    96,163       300,818  
   

 

 

 
Malaysia — 2.4%            

AMMB Holdings Bhd(b)

    37,500       30,075  

Axiata Group Bhd

    55,600       52,044  

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd

    134,600       183,351  

Dialog Group Bhd

    84,400       56,861  

DiGi.Com Bhd

    63,500       61,389  

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd

    2,600       13,995  

HAP Seng Consolidated Bhd

    12,300       22,206  

Hartalega Holdings Bhd

    34,600       38,074  

IHH Healthcare Bhd

    35,400       55,538  

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd

    8,700       53,876  

Malayan Banking Bhd

    97,200       203,095  

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd(b)

    23,663       34,662  

Maxis Bhd

    47,400       45,444  

MISC Bhd

    27,000       47,357  

Nestle Malaysia Bhd

    1,500       47,935  

Petronas Dagangan Bhd

    6,000       30,754  

Petronas Gas Bhd

    16,200       67,253  
Security   Shares     Value  

Malaysia (continued)

   

PPB Group Bhd

    13,100     $ 55,976  

Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd

    65,700       106,879  

Public Bank Bhd

    301,300       319,994  

QL Resources Bhd

    22,000       25,938  

RHB Bank Bhd

    37,000       52,144  

Sime Darby Bhd

    55,000       29,785  

Telekom Malaysia Bhd

    22,700       27,358  

Top Glove Corp. Bhd

    112,100       54,735  

Westports Holdings Bhd

    20,500       19,091  
   

 

 

 
      1,735,809  
Mexico — 1.9%            

Arca Continental SAB de CV

    8,800       58,057  

Cemex SAB de CV, NVS(b)

    314,076       161,324  

Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV

    10,400       57,116  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV

    39,600       319,085  

Gruma SAB de CV, Class B

    4,325       58,657  

Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Series A

    31,600       97,310  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O

    53,600       362,568  

Grupo Televisa SAB de CV, CPO

    49,000       105,029  

Industrias Penoles SAB de CV

    3,030       37,817  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A

    31,900       44,764  

Telesites SAB de CV

    28,100       31,158  
   

 

 

 
      1,332,885  
Philippines — 0.9%            

Ayala Land Inc.

    163,900       124,947  

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    35,950       70,261  

Globe Telecom Inc.

    540       27,133  

GT Capital Holdings Inc.

    1,950       22,083  

JG Summit Holdings Inc.

    59,778       70,607  

SM Investments Corp.

    5,070       88,209  

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    211,900       165,386  

Universal Robina Corp.

    17,630       41,264  
   

 

 

 
      609,890  
Poland — 1.1%            

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA

    3,706       101,670  

CD Projekt SA

    1,470       58,388  

Cyfrowy Polsat SA

    5,359       34,748  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

    2,820       110,733  

Orange Polska SA(b)

    13,716       25,452  

Polski Koncern Naftowy ORLEN SA

    6,095       102,956  

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA(b)

    18,195       174,864  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA

    12,616       94,653  

Santander Bank Polska SA

    711       53,300  
   

 

 

 
      756,764  
Qatar — 1.0%            

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

    41,438       78,593  

Ooredoo QPSC

    16,286       34,248  

Qatar Fuel QSC

    9,092       46,336  

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    92,863       555,924  
   

 

 

 
      715,101  
Russia — 0.8%            

Gazprom PJSC(d)

    244,340       196,971  

LUKOIL PJSC(d)

    8,544       149,140  

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC, ADR

    9,473       52,101  

Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS PJSC(d)

    30,360       10,218  

Novatek PJSC, GDR

    1,863       71,767  

Novolipetsk Steel PJSC(d)

    31,136       19,774  

PhosAgro PJSC, GDR

    2,748       16,812  

Polymetal International PLC(d)

    7,120       21,594  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Russia (continued)

    

Polyus PJSC(d)

    698      $ 26,299  
    

 

 

 
       564,676  
Saudi Arabia — 1.6%             

Almarai Co. JSC

    4,942        66,259  

Bank AlBilad(b)

    7,334        115,420  

Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group Co.

    1,098        50,211  

Saudi Arabian Mining Co.(b)

    8,976        256,234  

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

    18,373        612,507  

Savola Group (The)

    5,502        49,846  
    

 

 

 
       1,150,477  
South Africa — 6.4%             

Absa Group Ltd.

    14,889        171,043  

Anglo American Platinum Ltd.

    1,072        167,323  

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.

    7,978        104,289  

Bid Corp. Ltd.

    6,779        137,729  

Bidvest Group Ltd (The)

    5,885        80,632  

Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.

    1,670        225,471  

Clicks Group Ltd.

    4,894        95,151  

Discovery Ltd.(b)

    8,996        92,128  

FirstRand Ltd.

    103,550        445,851  

Gold Fields Ltd.

    18,010        250,767  

Growthpoint Properties Ltd.

    70,928        61,812  

Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd.

    16,782        320,106  

Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.

    1,328        52,494  

MTN Group Ltd.(b)

    34,791        434,280  

MultiChoice Group

    7,832        64,189  

Naspers Ltd., Class N

    4,477        563,791  

Nedbank Group Ltd.

    9,552        135,792  

NEPI Rockcastle PLC

    8,994        57,482  

Northam Platinum Holdings Ltd.(b)

    7,026        113,444  

Old Mutual Ltd.

    97,713        80,070  

Remgro Ltd.

    10,998        99,943  

Sanlam Ltd.

    38,711        163,133  

Shoprite Holdings Ltd.

    10,455        155,950  

SPAR Group Ltd. (The)

    4,064        43,367  

Standard Bank Group Ltd.

    27,155        287,735  

Vodacom Group Ltd.

    13,342        128,429  

Woolworths Holdings Ltd.

    20,738        68,284  
    

 

 

 
       4,600,685  
South Korea — 7.5%             

Amorepacific Corp.

    665        102,650  

AMOREPACIFIC Group

    542        22,144  

BGF retail Co. Ltd.

    157        22,242  

Celltrion Healthcare Co. Ltd.

    1,799        95,685  

CJ CheilJedang Corp.

    167        52,898  

CJ Corp.

    323        22,754  

CJ Logistics Corp.(b)

    184        19,077  

Coway Co. Ltd.

    1,154        69,308  

Doosan Bobcat Inc.

    1,027        32,961  

GS Engineering & Construction Corp.

    1,296        46,577  

GS Holdings Corp.

    980        32,770  

Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.

    1,567        46,169  

Hanon Systems

    3,966        38,408  

Hanwha Solutions Corp.(b)

    2,459        69,908  

Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd.

    1,658        60,405  

Hyundai Glovis Co. Ltd.

    391        57,679  

Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Co. Ltd.

    957        41,208  

Kakao Corp.

    6,424        508,760  

KB Financial Group Inc.

    8,111        400,152  
Security   Shares      Value  
South Korea (continued)             

Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd.(b)

    3,516      $ 86,623  

LG Chem Ltd.

    947        449,393  

LG Corp.

    1,809        113,696  

LG Display Co. Ltd.

    4,836        76,053  

LG Electronics Inc.

    2,202        229,881  

LG Household & Health Care Ltd.

    195        154,722  

Lotte Chemical Corp.

    366        67,454  

NAVER Corp.

    2,537        676,002  

POSCO Chemical Co. Ltd.

    626        59,964  

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd.

    1,164        162,737  

Samsung Engineering Co. Ltd.(b)

    3,133        61,203  

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co. Ltd.

    635        100,978  

Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.

    1,123        517,523  

Samsung SDS Co. Ltd.

    704        82,648  

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd.

    8,895        289,405  

SK Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.(b)

    554        39,323  

SK Inc.

    846        161,594  

SK Innovation Co. Ltd.(b)

    1,033        174,387  

SK Telecom Co. Ltd.

    552        25,189  

SKC Co. Ltd.

    421        48,960  

Yuhan Corp.

    1,039        50,483  
    

 

 

 
       5,369,973  
Taiwan — 17.2%             

Acer Inc.

    58,000        60,194  

ASE Technology Holding Co. Ltd.

    67,000        242,159  

AU Optronics Corp.

    165,000        123,532  

Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    163,000        366,528  

Chailease Holding Co. Ltd.

    26,502        240,519  

Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co. Ltd.

    35,000        44,775  

China Steel Corp.

    244,000        317,286  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

    79,000        351,125  

Compal Electronics Inc.

    84,000        76,525  

CTBC Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    382,000        373,396  

Delta Electronics Inc.

    40,000        356,484  

E.Sun Financial Holding Co Ltd.

    248,140        262,297  

Eclat Textile Co. Ltd.

    4,000        82,913  

Evergreen Marine Corp. Taiwan Ltd.

    52,000        273,169  

Far Eastern New Century Corp.

    59,000        62,543  

Far EasTone Telecommunications Co. Ltd.

    32,000        79,147  

Feng TAY Enterprise Co. Ltd.

    9,000        67,089  

First Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    209,324        192,732  

Fubon Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    154,800        417,970  

Hiwin Technologies Corp.

    5,449        52,025  

Hotai Motor Co. Ltd.

    6,000        135,849  

Hua Nan Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    178,579        141,601  

Innolux Corp.

    198,000        120,486  

Inventec Corp.

    54,000        49,869  

Lite-On Technology Corp.

    44,000        108,191  

MediaTek Inc.

    31,000        1,224,991  

Mega Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    224,000        301,863  

Nan Ya Plastics Corp.

    107,000        337,478  

Nien Made Enterprise Co. Ltd.

    3,000        38,891  

Oneness Biotech Co. Ltd.(b)

    5,000        44,141  

President Chain Store Corp.

    12,000        112,134  

Ruentex Development Co. Ltd.

    24,600        63,518  

Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd/The

    74,000        121,896  

SinoPac Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    203,000        124,654  

Taishin Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    215,151        150,783  

Taiwan Cement Corp.

    108,000        183,343  

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp.

    39,000        41,276  
 

 

 

40  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Taiwan (continued)

   

Taiwan Mobile Co. Ltd.

    35,000     $ 129,426  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    166,000       3,568,926  

Uni-President Enterprises Corp.

    99,000       238,183  

United Microelectronics Corp.

    244,000       459,782  

Wan Hai Lines Ltd.

    12,400       84,462  

Yageo Corp.

    9,000       147,661  

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.(b)

    35,000       147,927  

Yuanta Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    200,720       179,302  
   

 

 

 
        12,299,041  
Thailand — 2.8%            

Advanced Info Service PCL, NVDR

    24,800       174,575  

Airports of Thailand PCL, NVDR(b)

    86,900       171,691  

Asset World Corp. PCL, NVDR(b)

    179,600       26,459  

B Grimm Power PCL, NVDR(c)

    15,800       16,763  

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL, NVDR

    192,700       140,105  

Berli Jucker PCL, NVDR

    24,000       24,678  

BTS Group Holdings PCL, NVDR

    159,600       46,523  

Bumrungrad Hospital PCL, NVDR

    9,500       44,767  

Central Pattana PCL, NVDR

    41,200       70,062  

Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, NVDR

    83,400       64,620  

CP ALL PCL, NVDR

    118,600       247,781  

Energy Absolute PCL, NVDR

    30,000       87,679  

Home Product Center PCL, NVDR

    122,800       57,505  

Indorama Ventures PCL, NVDR

    34,000       47,105  

Intouch Holdings PCL, NVDR

    22,500       52,320  

Land & Houses PCL, NVDR

    176,300       51,921  

Minor International PCL, NVDR(b)

    63,000       59,664  

Muangthai Capital PCL, NVDR

    14,800       23,441  

Osotspa PCL, NVDR

    24,200       26,196  

PTT Exploration & Production PCL, NVDR

    28,800       121,255  

PTT Global Chemical PCL, NVDR

    45,500       74,150  

Siam Cement PCL (The), NVDR

    15,800       190,147  

Siam Commercial Bank PCL (The), NVDR

    18,300       70,716  

Sri Trang Gloves Thailand PCL, NVDR

    21,000       16,549  

Thai Oil PCL, NVDR

    22,500       37,404  

Thai Union Group PCL, NVDR

    64,300       40,144  

True Corp. PCL, NVDR

    250,900       38,568  
   

 

 

 
      2,022,788  
Turkey — 0.2%            

KOC Holding AS

    16,159       36,941  

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

    24,976       37,030  

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS

    43,128       34,527  

Turkiye Is Bankasi AS, Class C

    31,890       18,465  

Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari AS

    27,573       24,664  
   

 

 

 
      151,627  
United Arab Emirates — 2.4%            

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

    57,776       169,453  

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

    30,515       73,618  

Aldar Properties PJSC

    80,168       91,621  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

    52,551       205,003  

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

    71,323       681,165  

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

    89,565       504,269  
   

 

 

 
      1,725,129  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.3%
(Cost: $62,402,998)

      70,214,902  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 0.8%            

Banco Bradesco SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    100,239     $ 392,668  

Cia. Energetica de Minas Gerais, Preference Shares, NVS

    22,751       55,905  

Gerdau SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    23,800       118,044  
   

 

 

 
      566,617  
Chile — 0.2%            

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    2,761       183,363  
   

 

 

 
Colombia — 0.1%            

Bancolombia SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    9,480       83,796  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.1%            

LG Chem Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    143       32,411  

LG Household & Health Care Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    41       17,970  
   

 

 

 
      50,381  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 1.2%
(Cost: $730,120)

      884,157  
   

 

 

 

Rights

   

Brazil — 0.0%

   

Americanas SA (Expires 03/03/22)(b)

    288       379  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

      379  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.9%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(e)(f)(g)

    30,119       30,125  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(e)(f)

    620,000       620,000  
   

 

 

 
      650,125  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.9%
(Cost: $650,125)

      650,125  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.4%
(Cost: $63,783,243)

      71,749,563  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.4)%

      (314,281
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   71,435,282  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(d) 

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

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

 

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, 2022

   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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

08/31/21

     Purchases
at Cost
    

Proceeds

from Sales

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

02/28/22

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/22

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 1,399,372      $      $ (1,367,263 )(a)     $ (1,984    $      $ 30,125        30,119      $ 13,373 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     2,330,000               (1,710,000 )(a)                     620,000        620,000        125         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (1,984    $      $ 650,125         $ 13,498      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
(000)
    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

          

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

    4        03/18/22      $ 235      $ (9,061
          

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

  $ 9,061  
 

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (94,192
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (28,921
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

    $631,143      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

 

 

42  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

   iShares® ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                       

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 6,855,625      $ 62,935,281      $ 423,996      $ 70,214,902  

Preferred Stocks

     83,796        800,361               884,157  

Rights

            379               379  

Money Market Funds

     650,125                      650,125  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $   7,589,546      $ 63,736,021      $   423,996      $ 71,749,563  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (9,061    $      $      $ (9,061
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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

  43


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

Aerospace & Defense — 0.1%

   

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

    73,952     $ 2,656,356  
   

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.9%            

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    24,788       2,396,504  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    32,304       3,338,941  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    139,045       29,257,849  
   

 

 

 
      34,993,294  
Airlines — 0.0%            

Delta Air Lines Inc.(a)

    30,231       1,206,822  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 0.2%            

Aptiv PLC(a)

    51,585       6,677,162  

BorgWarner Inc.

    45,364       1,860,378  
   

 

 

 
      8,537,540  
Automobiles — 3.8%            

Tesla Inc.(a)

    162,780       141,688,595  
   

 

 

 
Banks — 2.2%            

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    81,273       4,260,331  

First Republic Bank/CA

    33,703       5,839,382  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    275,830       4,280,882  

KeyCorp.

    177,546       4,451,078  

M&T Bank Corp.

    24,539       4,471,742  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    80,595       16,058,554  

Regions Financial Corp.

    181,775       4,397,137  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    11,169       6,768,414  

Truist Financial Corp.

    254,555       15,838,412  

U.S. Bancorp.

    268,621       15,187,831  
   

 

 

 
      81,553,763  
Beverages — 2.6%            

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    782,499       48,702,738  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    135,198       5,228,106  

PepsiCo Inc.

    263,662       43,172,016  
   

 

 

 
      97,102,860  
Biotechnology — 1.7%            

Amgen Inc.

    107,411       24,326,443  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    28,011       5,910,601  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    35,010       2,734,981  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    239,202       14,447,801  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    41,091       3,746,267  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    48,484       11,152,290  
   

 

 

 
        62,318,383  
Building Products — 0.7%            

Allegion PLC

    17,261       1,976,730  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    26,268       2,282,689  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    134,311       8,724,843  

Lennox International Inc.

    6,281       1,676,587  

Masco Corp.

    46,546       2,608,438  

Owens Corning

    19,162       1,785,707  

Trane Technologies PLC

    45,297       6,972,567  
   

 

 

 
      26,027,561  
Capital Markets — 5.0%            

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    21,337       6,396,619  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    149,604       7,951,453  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    28,969       21,549,749  

Carlyle Group Inc. (The)

    30,594       1,433,941  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    20,418       2,394,827  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    276,323       23,338,241  
Security   Shares     Value  

Capital Markets (continued)

   

CME Group Inc.

    68,534     $ 16,210,347  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    7,189       2,919,381  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    57,463       1,708,375  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    107,437       13,764,828  

Invesco Ltd.

    65,558       1,392,452  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    7,251       2,765,749  

Moody’s Corp.

    31,930       10,282,418  

Morgan Stanley

    256,636       23,287,151  

Nasdaq Inc.

    22,322       3,820,410  

Northern Trust Corp.

    37,517       4,273,186  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    35,318       3,872,619  

S&P Global Inc.

    67,534       25,372,463  

State Street Corp.

    69,723       5,949,464  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    42,862       6,196,131  
   

 

 

 
        184,879,804  
Chemicals — 2.1%            

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    98,799       7,644,079  

Ecolab Inc.

    49,182       8,668,819  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    48,540       6,455,820  

Linde PLC(a)

    97,741       28,661,571  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    50,584       4,918,282  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    70,635       3,703,393  

PPG Industries Inc.

    45,271       6,041,415  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    47,499       12,498,412  
   

 

 

 
      78,591,791  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.4%            

Copart Inc.(a)

    40,707       5,002,076  

Waste Management Inc.

    79,751       11,516,045  
   

 

 

 
      16,518,121  
Communications Equipment — 1.4%            

Cisco Systems Inc.

    804,268       44,854,026  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    32,208       7,099,610  
   

 

 

 
      51,953,636  
Consumer Finance — 0.9%            

Ally Financial Inc.

    69,497       3,467,900  

American Express Co.

    125,547       24,423,914  

Discover Financial Services

    55,887       6,898,691  
   

 

 

 
      34,790,505  
Containers & Packaging — 0.3%            

Amcor PLC

    291,321       3,388,063  

Ball Corp.

    62,141       5,576,533  

International Paper Co.

    70,811       3,082,403  
   

 

 

 
      12,046,999  
Distributors — 0.2%            

Genuine Parts Co.

    27,297       3,334,602  

LKQ Corp.

    52,806       2,479,242  

Pool Corp.

    7,668       3,516,391  
   

 

 

 
      9,330,235  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%            

Equitable Holdings Inc.

    69,468       2,268,825  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.1%  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    789,500       42,372,465  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.3%            

Edison International

    72,446       4,594,525  

Eversource Energy

    65,561       5,362,890  
   

 

 

 
      9,957,415  
 

 

 

44  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Electrical Equipment — 0.6%

   

Eaton Corp. PLC

    76,010     $ 11,727,583  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)

    12,031       3,795,420  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    22,047       5,877,289  
   

 

 

 
        21,400,292  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%  

Cognex Corp.

    33,351       2,253,194  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    35,125       5,527,621  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    8,897       3,820,194  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    47,866       3,338,653  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    10,191       4,212,348  
   

 

 

 
      19,152,010  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.4%            

Baker Hughes Co.

    157,368       4,623,472  

Schlumberger NV

    267,472       10,495,601  
   

 

 

 
      15,119,073  
Entertainment — 2.0%            

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    148,529       12,105,114  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    53,930       7,015,754  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.(a)

    21,987       3,561,894  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    346,614       51,458,314  
   

 

 

 
      74,141,076  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.5%  

American Tower Corp.

    86,844       19,702,298  

Boston Properties Inc.

    28,298       3,461,128  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    82,418       13,730,015  

Equinix Inc.

    17,170       12,186,064  

Equity Residential

    67,937       5,795,026  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    102,797       3,192,875  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.(a)

    136,162       2,487,680  

Prologis Inc.

    140,984       20,562,516  

Welltower Inc.

    83,004       6,913,403  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    142,838       5,553,542  
   

 

 

 
      93,584,547  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.2%        

Kroger Co. (The)

    134,716       6,304,709  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 0.8%            

Bunge Ltd.

    26,555       2,776,325  

Campbell Soup Co.

    37,243       1,674,818  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    91,473       3,198,811  

General Mills Inc.

    115,707       7,802,123  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    56,904       2,710,907  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    20,759       2,797,275  

Kellogg Co.

    48,763       3,117,906  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    47,550       4,525,333  
   

 

 

 
      28,603,498  
Gas Utilities — 0.1%            

Atmos Energy Corp.

    25,253       2,773,032  

UGI Corp.

    39,589       1,521,801  
   

 

 

 
      4,294,833  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.0%        

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    8,636       2,683,551  

Align Technology Inc.(a)(c)

    14,285       7,306,206  

Baxter International Inc.

    95,479       8,112,851  

DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.

    41,407       2,241,775  

Dexcom Inc.(a)(c)

    18,482       7,649,885  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    119,056       13,378,323  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    47,944       3,412,174  
Security   Shares     Value  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)

 

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    16,169     $ 8,607,567  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    13,107       3,469,292  

Novocure Ltd.(a)(c)

    17,818       1,458,581  

ResMed Inc.

    27,788       6,856,689  

STERIS PLC

    19,074       4,577,760  

Teleflex Inc.

    8,933       3,004,257  
   

 

 

 
      72,758,911  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.7%            

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    29,767       4,242,690  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    53,735       2,902,227  

Centene Corp.(a)

    111,270       9,193,127  

Cigna Corp.

    63,201       15,027,934  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    12,631       1,424,398  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    47,448       11,876,709  

Humana Inc.

    24,511       10,645,618  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    18,249       4,950,224  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    23,393       3,070,799  
   

 

 

 
      63,333,726  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%            

Cerner Corp.

    56,106       5,231,885  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)(c)

    27,228       2,066,877  
   

 

 

 
      7,298,762  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.4%            

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,831       17,010,890  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    24,633       3,577,204  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    6,939       2,999,105  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.(a)

    53,150       7,911,909  

McDonald’s Corp.

    142,494       34,878,256  

Starbucks Corp.

    223,908       20,552,515  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    7,672       1,998,940  
   

 

 

 
      88,928,819  
Household Durables — 0.3%            

Garmin Ltd.

    29,340       3,240,309  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)

    10,979       1,545,624  

Newell Brands Inc.

    72,488       1,721,590  

NVR Inc.(a)

    631       3,128,776  
   

 

 

 
      9,636,299  
Household Products — 2.6%            

Clorox Co. (The)

    23,505       3,426,794  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    152,689       11,749,419  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    64,210       8,356,931  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    461,467       71,938,091  
   

 

 

 
      95,471,235  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.7%  

3M Co.

    109,653       16,299,919  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    20,115       9,015,945  
   

 

 

 
      25,315,864  
Insurance — 3.4%            

Aflac Inc.

    119,841       7,321,087  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    54,667       6,689,054  

American International Group Inc.

    158,332       9,696,252  

Aon PLC, Class A

    42,016       12,274,554  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    73,633       3,468,851  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    39,526       6,252,618  

Assurant Inc.

    10,866       1,844,069  

Chubb Ltd.

    82,139       16,726,786  

Erie Indemnity Co., Class A, NVS

    4,877       853,963  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    64,903       4,509,460  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Insurance (continued)

   

Lincoln National Corp.

    32,737     $ 2,207,128  

Loews Corp.

    41,119       2,522,239  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    96,244       14,957,280  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    50,547       3,570,640  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    111,557       11,817,233  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    72,082       8,048,676  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    46,912       8,060,889  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    23,762       5,282,293  
   

 

 

 
        126,103,072  
Interactive Media & Services — 8.1%            

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    57,362       154,942,793  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    54,531       147,114,822  
   

 

 

 
      302,057,615  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.4%  

eBay Inc.

    119,375       6,516,681  

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)(c)

    8,660       9,756,789  
   

 

 

 
      16,273,470  
IT Services — 5.7%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    120,467       38,069,982  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    80,355       16,427,776  

International Business Machines Corp.

    171,014       20,950,925  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    167,332       60,376,732  

Okta Inc.(a)

    28,149       5,146,763  

Visa Inc., Class A

    318,406       68,813,905  

Western Union Co. (The)

    77,868       1,415,640  
   

 

 

 
      211,201,723  
Leisure Products — 0.1%            

Hasbro Inc.

    24,990       2,425,279  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 2.0%            

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    57,713       7,523,467  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    7,493       3,142,639  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    28,315       9,247,679  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    4,383       6,174,507  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    75,142       40,877,248  

Waters Corp.(a)

    11,639       3,686,421  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    14,126       5,467,892  
   

 

 

 
      76,119,853  
Machinery — 2.4%            

Caterpillar Inc.

    103,154       19,349,627  

Cummins Inc.

    27,275       5,567,373  

Deere & Co.

    56,170       20,222,324  

Dover Corp.

    27,457       4,306,905  

Fortive Corp.

    64,683       4,188,224  

IDEX Corp.

    14,410       2,765,279  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    59,855       12,949,031  

PACCAR Inc.

    66,204       6,078,189  

Pentair PLC

    31,462       1,821,965  

Snap-on Inc.

    10,313       2,167,586  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    31,089       5,058,180  

Xylem Inc./NY

    34,387       3,058,724  
   

 

 

 
      87,533,407  
Media — 0.3%            

Cable One Inc.

    1,027       1,471,537  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    31,969       896,730  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    59,323       1,659,264  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    75,086       2,763,165  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    40,710       3,415,162  
Security   Shares     Value  

Media (continued)

   

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.(c)

    196,200     $ 1,208,592  
   

 

 

 
      11,414,450  
Metals & Mining — 0.3%            

Newmont Corp.

    152,065       10,066,703  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    37,843       2,670,959  
   

 

 

 
      12,737,662  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 0.1%  

Annaly Capital Management Inc.

    276,528       1,924,635  
   

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities — 0.4%            

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    67,457       5,785,787  

Sempra Energy

    60,895       8,782,277  
   

 

 

 
      14,568,064  
Multiline Retail — 0.5%            

Target Corp.

    91,366       18,252,186  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.1%            

Cheniere Energy Inc.

    45,940       6,105,426  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    117,388       9,141,004  

ONEOK Inc.

    85,037       5,552,916  

Phillips 66

    83,556       7,038,757  

Valero Energy Corp.

    77,962       6,510,607  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    231,698       7,247,513  
   

 

 

 
      41,596,223  
Personal Products — 0.4%            

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    44,286       13,123,270  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 5.6%            

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    423,271       29,066,020  

Catalent Inc.(a)

    32,644       3,330,994  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    155,053       38,755,497  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    11,722       1,610,837  

Johnson & Johnson

    502,018       82,617,102  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    481,680       36,887,055  

Zoetis Inc.

    90,222       17,471,490  
   

 

 

 
        209,738,995  
Professional Services — 0.1%            

Robert Half International Inc.

    21,436       2,578,536  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.2%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    63,818       6,180,773  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 1.5%            

AMERCO

    1,870       1,080,131  

CSX Corp.

    422,954       14,342,370  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    46,404       11,903,554  

Union Pacific Corp.

    122,592       30,151,502  
   

 

 

 
      57,477,557  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 6.0%  

Applied Materials Inc.

    172,182       23,106,824  

Intel Corp.

    775,548       36,993,640  

Lam Research Corp.

    26,849       15,071,686  

NVIDIA Corp.

    476,732       116,251,098  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    176,110       29,936,939  
   

 

 

 
      221,360,187  
Software — 14.8%            

Adobe Inc.(a)

    90,732       42,433,542  

ANSYS Inc.(a)

    16,638       5,393,873  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    41,924       9,232,923  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    52,789       7,993,838  
 

 

 

46  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Software (continued)

   

Citrix Systems Inc.

    23,784     $ 2,437,860  

Intuit Inc.

    51,298       24,334,232  

Microsoft Corp.

    1,360,133       406,394,139  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    186,688       39,303,425  

VMware Inc., Class A

    40,013       4,694,325  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    36,804       8,429,956  
   

 

 

 
        550,648,113  
Specialty Retail — 3.3%            

Advance Auto Parts Inc.

    11,891       2,431,472  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    42,213       4,079,464  

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)(c)

    12,636       2,854,346  

CarMax Inc.(a)(c)

    30,825       3,370,097  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    199,129       62,890,912  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    128,479       28,401,568  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    229,316       15,157,788  

Tractor Supply Co.

    21,793       4,441,195  
   

 

 

 
      123,626,842  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.3%  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    249,436       3,971,021  

HP Inc.

    219,777       7,551,538  
   

 

 

 
      11,522,559  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.2%            

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    22,574       7,222,326  

Nike Inc., Class B

    243,669       33,273,002  

VF Corp.

    63,666       3,693,901  
   

 

 

 
      44,189,229  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.4%            

Fastenal Co.

    109,680       5,644,133  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    13,805       4,439,964  

WW Grainger Inc.

    8,351       3,983,928  
   

 

 

 
      14,068,025  

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Water Utilities — 0.2%

   

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    34,618     $ 5,230,434  

Essential Utilities Inc.

    45,786       2,156,978  
   

 

 

 
      7,387,412  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $2,891,568,572)

        3,708,247,761  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.7%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(b)(d)(e)

    20,129,436       20,133,461  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(b)(d)

    6,306,000       6,306,000  
   

 

 

 
      26,439,461  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.7%
(Cost: $26,438,904)

      26,439,461  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.5%
(Cost: $2,918,007,476)

      3,734,687,222  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.5)%

      (18,143,384
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 3,716,543,838  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
       Affiliated Issuer    Value at
08/31/21
    

Purchases

at Cost

     Proceeds
from Sales
    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

02/28/22

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/22

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

   

    

 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 10,691,739      $ 9,444,664 (a)     $      $ (2,790    $ (152    $ 20,133,461        20,129,436      $ 14,005 (b)     $    
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     6,176,000        130,000 (a)                            6,306,000        6,306,000        284           
 

BlackRock Inc.

     28,721,294        2,703,579        (4,103,634      1,929,928        (7,701,418      21,549,749        28,969        254,185           
             

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

   
              $ 1,927,138      $ (7,701,570    $ 47,989,210         $ 268,474      $    
             

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

  (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

  47


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   

Number of

Contracts

    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

           

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     35        03/18/22      $ 7,644      $ (208,479
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 208,479  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 284,190  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (428,853
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

     $7,925,471      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                                   

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $   3,708,247,761      $      $      $ 3,708,247,761  

Money Market Funds

     26,439,461                      26,439,461  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,734,687,222      $      $      $ 3,734,687,222  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (208,479    $      $      $ (208,479
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

48  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

Australia — 1.0%

   

CSL Ltd.

    20,111     $ 3,823,584  

IDP Education Ltd.

    10,330       199,778  

Vicinity Centres

    627,967       817,701  
   

 

 

 
      4,841,063  
Austria — 0.2%            

Verbund AG

    6,291       758,799  
   

 

 

 
Belgium — 4.8%            

Elia Group SA/NV

    10,501       1,511,756  

Etablissements Franz Colruyt NV

    58,093       2,323,538  

Umicore SA

    482,543       19,740,676  
   

 

 

 
        23,575,970  
Canada — 5.6%            

Ballard Power Systems Inc.(a)

    9,632       110,189  

Northland Power Inc.

    66,576       2,116,775  

Saputo Inc.

    209,706       5,138,831  

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

    199,679       19,931,666  
   

 

 

 
      27,297,461  
Chile — 1.6%            

Empresas CMPC SA

    4,616,628       7,627,372  
   

 

 

 
China — 13.0%            

3SBio Inc.(a)(b)

    357,000       283,733  

Anjoy Foods Group Co Ltd., Class A

    400       7,847  

Beijing Easpring Material Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    19,700       266,365  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    5,548,000       2,191,925  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    17,889       719,349  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    62,000       1,921,215  

CECEP Solar Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    68,400       108,608  

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.

    411,500       1,980,236  

China Education Group Holdings Ltd.

    247,000       211,611  

China Everbright Environment Group Ltd.

    8,984,000       6,450,290  

China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd., Class H

    1,296,000       2,674,412  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    207,000       368,595  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    919,000       5,975,722  

China Railway Signal & Communication Corp. Ltd., Class A

    341,336       262,634  

China Three Gorges Renewables Group Co. Ltd.

    171,000       193,014  

Chindata Group Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    13,894       76,278  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    21,200       1,815,977  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    781,520       926,385  

Gotion High-tech Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    19,800       135,867  

Guangzhou R&F Properties Co. Ltd.,
Class H(c)

    16,725,200       7,119,919  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    86,000       183,584  

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

    121,400       555,575  

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

    112,758       759,989  

Li Auto Inc., ADR(a)

    103,636       3,155,716  

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    106,900       1,330,638  

Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Ltd., Class A

    98,900       406,679  

NIO Inc., ADR(a)

    260,358       5,946,577  

Riyue Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,500       24,053  

Shimao Group Holdings Ltd.(c)

    11,999,000       7,200,575  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    23,100       447,308  

Tingyi Cayman Islands Holding Corp.

    944,000       2,087,416  

Titan Wind Energy Suzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    28,900       94,613  

Venus MedTech Hangzhou Inc., Class H(a)(b)

    5,500       15,291  

Vinda International Holdings Ltd.

    279,000       794,379  
Security   Shares     Value  

China (continued)

   

Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    100     $ 1,078  

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

    303,400       724,200  

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

    287,504       470,408  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.

    1,076,000       1,954,410  

XPeng Inc., ADR(a)

    46,391       1,687,241  

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    1,114,000       1,652,657  
   

 

 

 
      63,182,369  
Denmark — 8.0%            

Genmab A/S(a)

    1,144       384,494  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    84,557       8,750,246  

Orsted AS(b)

    31,701       4,102,556  

Rockwool International A/S, Class B

    5,422       1,858,719  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    739,603         23,849,753  
   

 

 

 
      38,945,768  
France — 1.4%            

Covivio

    12,804       1,047,501  

Gecina SA

    4,211       535,139  

Ipsen SA

    4,183       486,732  

Klepierre SA

    61,579       1,760,207  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield(a)

    37,293       2,842,689  
   

 

 

 
      6,672,268  
Germany — 2.1%            

LEG Immobilien SE

    14,386       1,849,899  

Vonovia SE

    154,045       8,177,174  
   

 

 

 
      10,027,073  
Hong Kong — 4.7%            

Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd.

    225,000       935,446  

Link REIT

    156,700       1,266,261  

MTR Corp. Ltd.

    413,500       2,143,378  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    457,500       5,318,795  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    251,800       654,810  

WH Group Ltd.(b)

    17,968,000       12,548,413  
   

 

 

 
      22,867,103  
India — 0.5%            

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(a)

    7,711       189,745  

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    17,343       334,571  

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.(a)

    20,607       210,746  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    45,709       1,321,827  

Marico Ltd.

    45,214       309,539  

Nestle India Ltd.

    1,365       320,577  
   

 

 

 
      2,687,005  
Indonesia — 0.1%            

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    1,223,600       314,864  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 14.4%            

Asahi Intecc Co. Ltd.

    10,000       215,933  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    49,600       6,701,764  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    34,000       1,127,903  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    131,400       3,205,557  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    666,100       18,890,776  

East Japan Railway Co.

    241,400       14,341,270  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    34,800       1,726,594  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    1,043       844,145  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    110       587,593  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    17,100       437,605  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    120       687,638  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    194       570,370  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Japan (continued)

   

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

    170,500     $ 2,420,083  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    26,700       2,133,254  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    479       631,686  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    37,100       913,402  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    343       479,863  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    15,700       1,043,930  

Sysmex Corp.

    9,700       776,490  

Terumo Corp.

    51,000       1,656,397  

TOTO Ltd.

    113,100       4,761,146  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    61,500       2,585,268  

Unicharm Corp.

    95,500       3,599,792  
   

 

 

 
        70,338,459  
Malaysia — 0.1%            

PPB Group Bhd

    56,900       243,131  

QL Resources Bhd

    392,000       462,165  
   

 

 

 
      705,296  
Mexico — 0.5%            

Gruma SAB de CV, Class B

    91,640       1,242,851  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A

    794,900       1,115,445  
   

 

 

 
      2,358,296  
Netherlands — 0.3%            

JDE Peet’s NV

    51,078       1,676,852  
   

 

 

 
Norway — 0.5%            

Mowi ASA

    95,523       2,459,603  
   

 

 

 
Saudi Arabia — 0.1%            

Almarai Co. JSC

    37,656       504,869  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 0.5%            

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    703,140       1,100,425  

City Developments Ltd.

    173,000       915,431  

Mapletree Commercial Trust

    235,800       316,214  
   

 

 

 
      2,332,070  
Spain — 0.2%            

EDP Renovaveis SA

    37,802       918,860  
   

 

 

 
Sweden — 2.5%            

Essity AB, Class B

    299,483       7,707,472  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B

    275,645       4,497,296  
   

 

 

 
      12,204,768  
Switzerland — 4.6%            

Geberit AG, Registered

    5,093       3,331,724  

Novartis AG, Registered

    220,148       19,285,454  
   

 

 

 
      22,617,178  
Taiwan — 1.7%            

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp.

    731,000       773,670  

Uni-President Enterprises Corp.

    3,212,000       7,727,726  
   

 

 

 
      8,501,396  
Thailand — 0.2%            

BTS Group Holdings PCL, NVDR

    2,964,700       864,211  
   

 

 

 
United Kingdom — 6.9%            

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    47,207       2,455,062  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    788,219       19,807,551  

Land Securities Group PLC

    76,305       808,582  

Pearson PLC

    937,834       8,113,108  

United Utilities Group PLC

    153,485       2,202,917  
   

 

 

 
      33,387,220  
Security   Shares     Value  

United States — 24.5%

   

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    2,099     $ 652,243  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    10,875       2,059,725  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    2,688       424,301  

Amgen Inc.

    50,794       11,503,825  

Baxter International Inc.

    51,347       4,362,955  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    12,201       953,142  

Boston Properties Inc.

    21,005       2,569,122  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    37,519       3,845,697  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    92,821       7,142,576  

Dexcom Inc.(a)

    3,643       1,507,874  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    60,410       8,150,517  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    23,626       2,654,854  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    45,635       11,406,468  

Enphase Energy Inc.(a)

    12,357       2,059,912  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    37,160       1,154,190  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    15,707       1,432,007  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    113,043       5,385,369  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    23,534       1,607,372  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    2,857       756,219  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    13,468       1,850,773  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    138,362       18,007,814  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    13,525       8,363,319  

Seagen Inc.(a)

    6,850       882,759  

SolarEdge Technologies Inc.(a)

    8,250       2,635,215  

Sun Communities Inc.

    12,485       2,259,785  

Sunrun Inc.(a)

    94,025       2,565,002  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    19,647       4,519,203  

VMware Inc., Class A

    35,146       4,123,329  

Xylem Inc./NY

    51,361       4,568,561  
   

 

 

 
      119,404,128  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 100.0%
(Cost: $492,235,630)

        487,070,321  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 2.1%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(d)(e)(f)

    9,520,241       9,522,145  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(d)(e)

    740,000       740,000  
   

 

 

 
      10,262,145  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 2.1%
(Cost: $10,262,617)

      10,262,145  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 102.1%
(Cost: $502,498,247)

      497,332,466  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (2.1)%

      (10,146,054
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 487,186,412  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

 

50  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

   iShares® MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
       Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

08/31/21

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sales

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

02/28/22

    

Shares

Held at

02/28/22

     Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

   

    

 
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 22,422,442      $      $ (12,898,727 )(a)    $ (1,098   $ (472   $ 9,522,145        9,520,241      $ 744,477 (b)    $    
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     1,070,000               (330,000 )(a)                  740,000        740,000        48          
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   
             $ (1,098   $ (472   $ 10,262,145         $ 744,525     $    
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description   

Number of

Contracts

    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI EAFE Index

     9        03/18/22      $ 972      $ (41,873

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     5        03/18/22        294        (2,234

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     2        03/18/22        437        (15,781
           

 

 

 
            $ (59,888
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 59,888  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (31,695
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (76,525
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 2,434,318      

 

 

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative 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

  51


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

   iShares® MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

                                                                                       

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 170,005,747      $ 317,064,574      $      $ 487,070,321  

Money Market Funds

     10,262,145                      10,262,145  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 180,267,892      $ 317,064,574      $      $ 497,332,466  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Futures Contracts

   $ (59,888    $      $      $ (59,888
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

52  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

United States — 99.9%

   

A O Smith Corp.

    3,880     $ 266,090  

AbbVie Inc.

    27,720       4,096,184  

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    1,183       367,605  

Accenture PLC, Class A

    13,923       4,399,946  

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    2,772       225,918  

Adobe Inc.(a)

    15,969       7,468,382  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    26,081       3,216,831  

Aflac Inc.

    42,521       2,597,608  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    44,604       575,838  

Albemarle Corp.

    1,825       357,499  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    1,008       515,552  

Alleghany Corp.(a)

    1,677       1,110,040  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    6,660       814,918  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    3,168       500,069  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    2,128       5,748,026  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    5,453       14,711,212  

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    7,190       22,082,359  

AMERCO

    1,722       994,644  

American Express Co.

    11,394       2,216,589  

American Financial Group Inc./OH

    11,660       1,578,647  

American Tower Corp.

    8,972       2,035,478  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    712       213,450  

Amgen Inc.

    5,618       1,272,365  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    8,693       660,755  

Analog Devices Inc.

    23,305       3,735,558  

Annaly Capital Management Inc.

    62,748       436,726  

ANSYS Inc.(a)

    1,313       425,661  

Anthem Inc.

    4,444       2,008,021  

Aon PLC, Class A

    4,175       1,219,684  

Apple Inc.

    291,911         48,200,344  

Applied Materials Inc.

    6,743       904,911  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    20,916       985,353  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    1,582       250,257  

Assurant Inc.

    3,780       641,504  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    3,528       776,971  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    9,481       1,938,296  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    17,267       4,119,734  

Avantor Inc.(a)

    2,772       96,161  

Bank of America Corp.

    26,208       1,158,394  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    23,568       1,252,639  

Baxter International Inc.

    1,008       85,650  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    3,651       990,443  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    2,801       591,039  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    6,426       501,999  

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Class A(a)

    871       545,211  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    436       182,863  

BlackRock Inc.(b)

    4,035       3,001,596  

Blackstone Inc., NVS

    11,950       1,523,266  

Block Inc.(a)

    4,143       528,233  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    440       955,790  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    2,772       223,673  

Boston Properties Inc.

    35,083       4,291,002  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    28,980       1,280,047  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    41,227       2,831,058  

Broadcom Inc.

    1,655       972,213  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    3,211       469,480  

Brown & Brown Inc.

    15,624       1,056,339  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B, NVS

    10,080       657,518  
Security   Shares     Value  

United States (continued)

   

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)

    1,913     $ 432,128  

Cable One Inc.

    112       160,479  

Caesars Entertainment Inc.(a)

    3,024       254,591  

Carvana Co.(a)

    549       82,608  

Catalent Inc.(a)

    5,356       546,526  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    4,284       502,470  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    16,632       1,610,809  

CDW Corp./DE

    7,871       1,357,433  

Cerner Corp.

    9,081       846,803  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    41,456       3,501,374  

Charter Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    2,665       1,603,744  

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.(a)

    347       528,602  

Chubb Ltd.

    11,124       2,265,291  

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    4,788       468,506  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    7,657       940,203  

Cintas Corp.

    1,807       678,203  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    92,520       5,159,840  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    28,980       2,970,450  

Clorox Co. (The)

    1,008       146,956  

CME Group Inc.

    8,091       1,913,764  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    66,528       4,140,703  

Cognex Corp.

    4,032       272,402  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    13,011       1,120,637  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    16,712       1,285,988  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    43,562       2,036,959  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)

    2,016       824,584  

Copart Inc.(a)

    5,167       634,921  

Corning Inc.

    264,294         10,677,478  

CoStar Group Inc.(a)

    8,820       538,108  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    11,698       1,948,770  

Deere & Co.

    380       136,808  

Dexcom Inc.(a)

    1,858       769,045  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    21,531       2,904,963  

Discover Financial Services

    5,544       684,351  

DocuSign Inc.(a)

    756       89,533  

Dollar General Corp.

    5,496       1,090,077  

DR Horton Inc.

    3,102       264,911  

Duke Realty Corp.

    44,856       2,377,368  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    17,978       2,773,826  

eBay Inc.

    22,093       1,206,057  

Ecolab Inc.

    58,970       10,394,052  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    51,832       5,824,362  

Elanco Animal Health Inc.(a)

    20,412       579,905  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    19,492       4,872,025  

Enphase Energy Inc.(a)

    29,736       4,956,991  

Equifax Inc.

    3,024       660,260  

Equinix Inc.

    5,094       3,615,365  

Equitable Holdings Inc.

    10,332       337,443  

Equity Residential

    11,996       1,023,259  

Erie Indemnity Co., Class A, NVS

    1,764       308,876  

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    1,826       541,099  

Etsy Inc.(a)

    5,796       897,742  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)

    3,276       255,725  

Extra Space Storage Inc.

    4,689       882,235  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    1,655       672,079  

Fastenal Co.

    24,192       1,244,920  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    4,655       443,296  

First Republic Bank/CA

    9,661       1,673,865  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    12,440       1,215,015  

FleetCor Technologies Inc.(a)

    2,165       507,043  
 

 

 

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

  53


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

United States (continued)

   

Ford Motor Co.

    85,680     $ 1,504,541  

Fortinet Inc.(a)

    2,312       796,530  

Fortive Corp.

    14,004       906,759  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    3,528       306,583  

Fox Corp., Class A, NVS

    5,040       210,823  

Fox Corp., Class B

    8,064       308,529  

Garmin Ltd.

    9,712         1,072,593  

Gartner Inc.(a)

    364       102,073  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,369       747,348  

General Electric Co.

    58,159       5,554,766  

Global Payments Inc.

    4,788       638,623  

Globe Life Inc.

    3,690       372,542  

GoDaddy Inc., Class A(a)

    4,634       386,522  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    12,852       892,957  

Hasbro Inc.

    4,400       427,020  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    24,641       765,349  

HEICO Corp.

    3,123       460,674  

HEICO Corp., Class A

    1,846       226,910  

Hershey Co. (The)

    2,268       458,726  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.(a)

    1,809       269,288  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    8,478       603,379  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    18,247       5,762,950  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    1,075       98,008  

Humana Inc.

    2,583       1,121,849  

IAC/InterActiveCorp.(a)

    1,512       173,517  

IDEX Corp.

    4,414       847,047  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    2,252       1,198,852  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    9,420       2,037,923  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    4,133       1,349,838  

Ingersoll Rand Inc.

    10,332       521,973  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    1,359       359,714  

Intel Corp.

    93,892       4,478,648  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    14,163       1,814,564  

International Business Machines Corp.

    16,128       1,975,841  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    756       100,548  

Intuit Inc.

    15,583       7,392,108  

Intuitive Surgical Inc.(a)

    5,588       1,622,364  

Invesco Ltd.

    37,044       786,815  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    547       96,710  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    4,134       568,094  

Johnson & Johnson

    38,477       6,332,160  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    48,828       6,923,810  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    71,586       2,418,891  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    18,648       721,118  

KeyCorp.

    33,768       846,564  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    7,266       1,143,450  

KKR & Co. Inc.

    8,820       530,258  

KLA Corp.

    2,405       838,143  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    4,032       1,017,314  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    630       170,894  

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

    15,248       2,236,882  

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

    6,552       397,903  

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

    15,502       780,061  

Live Nation Entertainment Inc.(a)

    4,721       570,391  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    12,822       2,834,431  

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    5,869       1,877,728  

Lyft Inc., Class A(a)

    2,520       98,129  

M&T Bank Corp.

    3,683       671,153  

Markel Corp.(a)

    783       973,199  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    1,295       493,952  
Security   Shares     Value  

United States (continued)

   

Marriott International Inc./MD, Class A(a)

    1,376     $ 234,113  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    11,885       1,847,048  

Marvell Technology Inc.

    32,385       2,212,867  

Masco Corp.

    5,292       296,564  

Masimo Corp.(a)

    897       141,233  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    13,007       4,693,186  

Match Group Inc.(a)

    4,969       553,994  

McDonald’s Corp.

    29,560       7,235,401  

Medical Properties Trust Inc.

    54,432       1,107,147  

Medtronic PLC

    28,224       2,963,238  

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)

    1,000       1,126,650  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    54,267       4,155,767  

Meta Platforms Inc., Class A(a)

    40,526       8,552,202  

MetLife Inc.

    15,624       1,055,401  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    295       415,578  

Microsoft Corp.

    130,385         38,957,734  

Moderna Inc.(a)

    4,731       726,682  

Molina Healthcare Inc.(a)

    332       101,881  

MongoDB Inc.(a)

    267       101,991  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    6,188       522,267  

Moody’s Corp.

    8,105       2,610,053  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    8,490       1,871,451  

Nasdaq Inc.

    4,195       717,974  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    7,733       3,050,823  

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(a)

    2,520       226,472  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    28,728       2,248,541  

Nike Inc., Class B

    7,560       1,032,318  

Northern Trust Corp.

    7,243       824,978  

Novavax Inc.(a)

    399       33,265  

Novocure Ltd.(a)

    1,376       112,639  

NVIDIA Corp.

    49,304       12,022,780  

NVR Inc.(a)

    149       738,808  

Okta Inc.(a)

    1,330       243,177  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    3,757       1,179,811  

Oracle Corp.

    32,004       2,431,344  

Palo Alto Networks Inc.(a)

    1,780       1,057,765  

Paramount Global, Class B, NVS

    8,568       262,266  

Paychex Inc.

    13,860       1,650,172  

Paycom Software Inc.(a)

    252       85,481  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    18,508       2,071,600  

Peloton Interactive Inc., Class A(a)

    1,573       45,711  

Pentair PLC

    18,033       1,044,291  

PerkinElmer Inc.

    9,359       1,680,970  

Pfizer Inc.

    28,633       1,344,033  

Pinterest Inc., Class A(a)

    5,544       148,302  

Plug Power Inc.(a)

    51,156       1,293,735  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    4,745       945,441  

Pool Corp.

    326       149,497  

PPG Industries Inc.

    430       57,384  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    11,750       1,244,677  

Prologis Inc.

    36,160       5,273,936  

Public Storage

    6,255       2,220,650  

QUALCOMM Inc.

    22,748       3,912,429  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    1,512       198,480  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    1,064       116,668  

Realty Income Corp.

    35,661       2,356,835  

Regency Centers Corp.

    11,844       780,401  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    2,016       1,246,614  

ResMed Inc.

    4,739       1,169,348  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)

    2,943       385,062  
 

 

 

54  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

  

iShares® Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

United States (continued)

   

Robert Half International Inc.

    2,904     $ 349,322  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    4,536       1,209,207  

Roku Inc.(a)

    692       96,555  

Rollins Inc.

    12,096       394,692  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    2,283       1,023,286  

Ross Stores Inc.

    8,316       759,999  

S&P Global Inc.

    12,445       4,675,611  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    17,079       3,595,642  

SBA Communications Corp.

    2,268       688,089  

Seagen Inc.(a)

    1,512       194,851  

SEI Investments Co.

    11,088       649,535  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)

    9,576       5,553,314  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    41,328       10,874,637  

Simon Property Group Inc.

    7,056       970,623  

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.(c)

    83,412       513,818  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    2,361       326,219  

Snap Inc., Class A, NVS(a)

    12,852       513,309  

Snowflake Inc., Class A(a)

    252       66,946  

SolarEdge Technologies Inc.(a)

    17,027       5,438,764  

Splunk Inc.(a)

    3,465       409,217  

SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc.

    870       65,224  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    2,720       442,544  

Starbucks Corp.

    24,123       2,214,250  

Stryker Corp.

    7,150       1,882,952  

Sun Communities Inc.

    651       117,831  

Sunrun Inc.(a)

    56,952       1,553,651  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    3,110       1,884,660  

Synopsys Inc.(a)

    1,390       434,222  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    7,105       1,027,099  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.(a)

    1,092       176,904  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    2,520       358,924  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)

    1,512       114,776  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    3,335       1,431,982  

Teleflex Inc.

    1,512       508,501  

Tesla Inc.(a)

    19,198         16,710,515  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    25,649       4,360,074  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    7,994       4,348,736  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    27,468       1,815,635  

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

    3,830       471,894  

Trade Desk Inc. (The), Class A(a)

    5,126       437,350  

Tradeweb Markets Inc., Class A

    1,158       97,828  

TransDigm Group Inc.(a)

    1,502       1,001,218  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    15,372       1,072,197  

Truist Financial Corp.

    15,624       972,125  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)

    2,176       380,365  

Twitter Inc.(a)

    17,136       609,185  

Tyler Technologies Inc.(a)

    591       253,102  

U.S. Bancorp.

    27,596       1,560,278  

Uber Technologies Inc.(a)

    22,428       808,081  

Ulta Beauty Inc.(a)

    1,512       566,244  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    14,749       7,018,607  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    231       60,187  

Veeva Systems Inc., Class A(a)

    2,668       611,105  
Security   Shares     Value  

United States (continued)

   

Ventas Inc.

    10,332     $ 557,928  

VeriSign Inc.(a)

    3,780       807,862  

Verisk Analytics Inc.

    4,222       748,729  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    23,688       1,271,335  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    4,639       1,067,063  

VF Corp.

    7,411       429,986  

Visa Inc., Class A

    32,461       7,015,471  

Vornado Realty Trust

    51,553       2,231,214  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    31,861       4,730,084  

Wayfair Inc., Class A(a)

    1,260       177,496  

Welltower Inc.

    12,852       1,070,443  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    252       97,544  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    1,260       116,953  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    3,596       799,391  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    2,304       527,731  

WP Carey Inc.

    3,528       273,067  

WW Grainger Inc.

    542       258,567  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a)

    1,764       152,621  

Xylem Inc./NY

    58,689       5,220,387  

Yum! Brands Inc.

    10,332       1,266,497  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    797       329,432  

Zillow Group Inc., Class A(a)

    1,292       73,993  

Zillow Group Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    1,512       86,970  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

    5,292       673,089  

Zoetis Inc.

    12,497       2,420,044  

Zoom Video Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    4,032       534,643  
   

 

 

 
      614,411,342  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $628,416,304)

        614,411,342  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.1%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(b)(d)(e)

    2,963       2,964  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(b)(d)

    640,000       640,000  
   

 

 

 
      642,964  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $642,964)

      642,964  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.0%
(Cost: $629,059,268)

      615,054,306  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.0%

      288,749  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 615,343,055  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

 

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

  55


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

   iShares® Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the period ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    
Value at
02/08/22
 
(a) 
   
Purchases
at Cost
 
 
   
Proceeds
from Sales
 
 
   
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 
 
   


Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
 
 
 
   
Value at
02/28/22
 
 
   

Shares
Held at
02/28/22
 
 
 
    Income      





Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 2,964 (b)    $     $     $     $ 2,964       2,963     $     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

          640,000 (b)                        640,000       640,000       25        

BlackRock Inc.

          3,159,001                   (157,405     3,001,596       4,035              
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $     $ (157,405   $ 3,644,560       $ 25     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The Fund commenced operations on February 08, 2022.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

           

Assets

           

Common Stocks

   $ 614,411,342      $      $      $ 614,411,342  

Money Market Funds

     642,964                      642,964  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 615,054,306      $                 —      $                 —      $ 615,054,306  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56  

2 0 2 2   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, 2022

 

   

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)

  $ 7,258,045,952      $ 23,472,898,825      $ 1,528,933,022      $ 71,099,438  

Affiliated(c)

    9,104,808        328,594,450        40,602,176        650,125  

Cash

    6,898        3,171,970        76,539        49,070  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    17,545,491                      119,598  

Cash pledged:

       

Futures contracts

           7,920,000        164,000        41,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

       

Futures contracts(e)

    3,462,889                       

Receivables:

       

Investments sold

    433,152,156        1,155,181,332        77,427,203        630,259  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    2,940        19,508        46,372        214  

Variation margin on futures contracts

                  4,270         

Capital shares sold

           96,128                

Dividends

    10,521,492        29,892,800        905,281        262,503  

Tax reclaims

    7,026,722                      32,881  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    7,738,869,348        24,997,775,013        1,648,158,863        72,885,088  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

       

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    7,516,056        96,814,745        36,842,187        36,608  

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

                         71,064  

Payables:

       

Investments purchased

    429,586,151        1,205,137,085        79,551,883        1,319,498  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    30,555        380,005               13,388  

Investment advisory fees

    1,150,829        2,785,044        196,094        9,248  

Professional fees

    1,692                       
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    438,285,283        1,305,116,879        116,590,164        1,449,806  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,300,584,065      $ 23,692,658,134      $ 1,531,568,699      $ 71,435,282  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Paid-in capital

  $ 6,889,844,663      $ 20,721,821,308      $ 1,461,674,748      $ 929,360  

Accumulated earnings

    410,739,402        2,970,836,826        69,893,951        70,505,922  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 7,300,584,065      $ 23,692,658,134      $ 1,531,568,699      $ 71,435,282  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    98,900,000        241,200,000        40,700,000        1,300,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 73.82      $ 98.23      $ 37.63      $ 54.95  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None        None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 7,382,427      $ 86,574,727      $ 36,035,142      $ 35,903  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 6,616,753,241      $ 20,879,091,272      $ 1,431,029,945      $ 63,133,118  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 9,105,127      $ 324,752,483      $ 40,601,891      $ 650,125  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 17,634,788      $      $      $ 120,147  

(e) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 3,499,406      $      $      $  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  57


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

February 28, 2022

 

   

iShares

ESG MSCI USA
Leaders ETF

    

iShares

MSCI Global
Sustainable
Development

Goals ETF

   

iShares

Paris-Aligned
Climate

MSCI USA

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

      

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

      

Unaffiliated(b)

  $ 3,686,698,012      $ 487,070,321     $ 611,409,746  

Affiliated(c)

    47,989,210        10,262,145       3,644,560  

Cash

    2,344        314,454       105  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

           1,409,534        

Cash pledged:

      

Futures contracts

    502,000        75,000        

Receivables:

      

Investments sold

    13,054,441        59,577,684        

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    3,109        44,695        

Capital shares sold

                 2  

Dividends

    4,949,573        377,412       310,048  

Tax reclaims

           78,700        
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    3,753,198,689        559,209,945       615,364,461  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

      

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    20,139,337        9,524,152       2,964  

Payables:

      

Investments purchased

    16,200,991        61,574,883        

Variation margin on futures contracts

    26,823        23,695        

Bank borrowings

           24        

Capital shares redeemed

           712,732        

Investment advisory fees

    287,700        188,047       18,442  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    36,654,851        72,023,533       21,406  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 3,716,543,838      $ 487,186,412     $ 615,343,055  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

      

Paid-in capital

  $ 2,665,759,327      $ 511,851,205     $ 629,111,773  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    1,050,784,511        (24,664,793     (13,768,718
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 3,716,543,838      $ 487,186,412     $ 615,343,055  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    48,600,000        5,600,000       12,600,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 76.47      $ 87.00     $ 48.84  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None       None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 20,048,450      $ 9,009,705     $ 2,809  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 2,873,973,101      $ 492,235,630     $ 625,257,303  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 44,034,375      $ 10,262,617     $ 3,801,965  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $      $ 1,413,082     $  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58  

2 0 2 2   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 Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

   

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

  $ 63,946,910     $ 163,981,228     $ 7,077,411     $ 5,025,720  

Dividends — Affiliated

    1,756       1,186,068       3,803       1,052  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    108,185       112,970       127,046       12,446  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (7,014,453     (38,646     (2,824     (643,241

Foreign withholding tax claims

    17,734                    

Other foreign taxes

                      (14,271
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    57,060,132       165,241,620       7,205,436       4,381,706  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    7,176,726       17,751,892       1,087,565       456,872  

Commitment fees

                      2,762  

Professional fees

    1,991       217       217        

Interest expense

                      173  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    7,178,717       17,752,109       1,087,782       459,807  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    49,881,415       147,489,511       6,117,654       3,921,899  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated(a)

    (95,971,547     (274,124,482     (32,567,712     59,143,293  

Investments — Affiliated

    (5,864     (34,663     (8,355     (1,984

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

          820,125,166       24,575,336       14,435,940  

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

          2,991,663              

Futures contracts

    1,286,813       1,588,992       (167,459     (94,192

Foreign currency transactions

    (1,501,061                 201,268  

Payments by affiliate

                      664,427  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    (96,191,659     550,546,676       (8,168,190     74,348,752  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    (522,522,333     (1,865,485,118     (83,686,582     (151,632,155

Investments — Affiliated

    (319     (33,436,919     (4,044      

Futures contracts

    (1,767,449     (8,106,665     (74,684     (28,921

Foreign currency translations

    58,709                   (25,550
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (524,231,392     (1,907,028,702     (83,765,310     (151,686,626
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (620,423,051     (1,356,482,026     (91,933,500     (77,337,874
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (570,541,636   $ (1,208,992,515   $ (85,815,846   $ (73,415,975
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable

  $     $     $     $ (4,081,432

(b) Net of reduction in deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $     $     $     $ 3,823,206  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  59


 

Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

   

iShares

ESG MSCI

USA Leaders

ETF

 

 

 

 

   




iShares

MSCI Global
Sustainable
Development
Goals ETF

 

 
 
 
 

   



iShares

Paris-Aligned
Climate MSCI
USA

ETF

 

 
 
 

(a) 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

   

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 27,183,665     $ 5,520,298     $ 310,722  

Dividends — Affiliated

    255,732       574       25  

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    12,742       743,951        

Foreign taxes withheld

          (498,150      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    27,452,139       5,766,673       310,747  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    2,012,613       1,309,954       27,663  

Commitment fees

          1,081        

Professional fees

          217        

Interest expense

          60        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    2,012,613       1,311,312       27,663  

Less:

     

Investment advisory fees waived

                (9,221
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

    2,012,613       1,311,312       18,442  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    25,439,526       4,455,361       292,305  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    348,588       (22,658,828     (56,061

Investments — Affiliated

    (9,939     (1,098      

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    267,103,828       8,996,626        

In-kind redemptions — Affiliated

    1,937,077              

Futures contracts

    284,190       (31,695      

Foreign currency transactions

          54,756        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    269,663,744       (13,640,239     (56,061
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated(c)

    (399,187,410     (61,078,282     (13,847,557

Investments — Affiliated

    (7,701,570     (472     (157,405

Futures contracts

    (428,853     (76,525      

Foreign currency translations

          (9,739      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (407,317,833     (61,165,018     (14,004,962
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (137,654,089     (74,805,257     (14,061,023
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (112,214,563   $ (70,349,896   $ (13,768,718
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) For the period from February 08, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2022.

     

(b) Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable

  $     $ (16,355   $  

(c)  Net of reduction in deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $     $ 73,849     $  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

60  

2 0 2 2   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

 

   

iShares

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF

         

iShares

ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF

 
 

 

 

     

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

         

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                 

OPERATIONS

                 

Net investment income

    $ 49,881,415       $ 115,531,804         $ 147,489,511       $ 192,764,401  

Net realized gain (loss)

      (96,191,659       16,033,328           550,546,676         992,792,215  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (524,231,392       895,583,648           (1,907,028,702       3,120,431,446  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (570,541,636       1,027,148,780           (1,208,992,515       4,305,988,062  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

                 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (103,966,446       (109,833,351         (141,911,341       (167,851,349
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                 

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

      1,280,423,560         2,751,834,650           2,780,931,587         9,133,348,336  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

                 

Total increase in net assets

      605,915,478         3,669,150,079           1,430,027,731         13,271,485,049  

Beginning of period

      6,694,668,587         3,025,518,508           22,262,630,403         8,991,145,354  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 7,300,584,065       $ 6,694,668,587         $ 23,692,658,134       $ 22,262,630,403  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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

  61


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   

iShares

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF

         

iShares

ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF

 
 

 

 

     

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

         

Six Months Ended
02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                  

OPERATIONS

                  

Net investment income

    $ 6,117,654               $ 6,566,761         $ 3,921,899       $ 13,585,956  

Net realized gain (loss)

      (8,168,190        58,637,182           74,348,752         6,274,042  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (83,765,310        145,119,975           (151,686,626       147,282,364  
   

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (85,815,846        210,323,918           (73,415,975       167,142,362  
   

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

                  

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (6,455,326        (6,491,221         (11,162,256       (14,341,619
   

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                  

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

      524,801,574          528,866,554           (726,515,865       81,760,096  
   

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

                  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      432,530,402          732,699,251           (811,094,096       234,560,839  

Beginning of period

      1,099,038,297          366,339,046           882,529,378         647,968,539  
   

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 1,531,568,699        $ 1,099,038,297         $ 71,435,282       $ 882,529,378  
   

 

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

62  

2 0 2 2   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

ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF

         

iShares

MSCI Global Sustainable Development

Goals ETF

 
 

 

     

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

         

Year Ended

08/31/21

   

    

   

Six Months Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

08/31/21

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

                 

OPERATIONS

                 

Net investment income

    $ 25,439,526              $ 43,173,611         $ 4,455,361       $ 4,476,779  

Net realized gain (loss)

      269,663,744         98,846,411           (13,640,239       31,553,900  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (407,317,833       787,905,029           (61,165,018       30,670,347  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (112,214,563       929,925,051           (70,349,896       66,701,026  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

                 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (26,106,978       (41,279,956         (6,167,286       (3,512,120
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                 

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

      (223,097,025       625,089,662           (1,441,811       326,352,651  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

                 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (361,418,566       1,513,734,757           (77,958,993       389,541,557  

Beginning of period

      4,077,962,404         2,564,227,647           565,145,405         175,603,848  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 3,716,543,838       $ 4,077,962,404         $ 487,186,412                $ 565,145,405  
   

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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

  63


Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
Paris-Aligned
Climate MSCI
USA ETF
 
   


Period From

02/08/22

to 02/28/22
(unaudited)

 

(a) 

 
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

 

OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

  $ 292,305  

Net realized loss

    (56,061

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (14,004,962
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (13,768,718
 

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

     
 

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    629,111,773  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

 

Total increase in net assets

    615,343,055  

Beginning of period

     
 

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 615,343,055  
 

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

64  

2 0 2 2   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 ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
   

Year Ended

08/31/21

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

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 80.85     $ 65.21     $ 62.01       $ 65.51       $ 64.28       $ 55.84  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

               0.54       1.84       1.53         2.12         2.16         1.87  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (6.45     15.47       2.85         (3.92       0.83         7.68  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (5.91     17.31       4.38         (1.80       2.99         9.55  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                   

From net investment income

      (1.12     (1.67     (1.18       (1.70       (1.76       (1.11
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.12     (1.67     (1.18       (1.70       (1.76       (1.11
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 73.82     $ 80.85     $ 65.21       $ 62.01       $ 65.51       $ 64.28  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

                   

Based on net asset value

      (7.39 )%(e)      26.69     7.12       (2.68 )%        4.64       17.16
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

                   

Total expenses

      0.20 %(g)      0.20     0.20       0.20       0.20       0.38
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.20 %(g)      N/A       N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.39 %(g)      2.45     2.47       3.39       3.22       3.10
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                   

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 7,300,584     $ 6,694,669     $ 3,025,519       $ 917,780       $ 360,309       $ 122,123  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      14 %(e)      25     30       26       24       9
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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

  65


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF  
 

 

 
  Six Months Ended

 

              Period From  
  02/28/22

 

    Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended         12/01/16 (a) 
  (unaudited)

 

    08/31/21       08/31/20       08/31/19       08/31/18       to 08/31/17  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 103.69     $ 79.74     $ 64.33              $ 63.85              $ 54.15               $ 47.79  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

           0.64       1.18       1.22         1.17         1.09         0.71  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (5.47     23.87       15.13         0.40         9.52         6.22  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (4.83     25.05       16.35         1.57         10.61         6.93  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                   

From net investment income

      (0.63     (1.10     (0.94       (1.09       (0.80       (0.57

From net realized gain

                                  (0.11        
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.63     (1.10     (0.94       (1.09       (0.91       (0.57
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 98.23     $ 103.69     $ 79.74       $ 64.33       $ 63.85       $ 54.15  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                   

Based on net asset value

      (4.69 )%(f)      31.71     25.79       2.59       19.79       14.55 %(f) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                   

Total expenses

      0.15 %(h)      0.15     0.15       0.15       0.15       0.27 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.25 %(h)      1.30     1.76       1.88       1.83       1.85 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                   

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 23,692,658     $ 22,262,630     $ 8,991,145       $ 295,905       $ 98,974       $ 10,830  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      11 %(f)      21     38       27       28       22 %(f) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

66  

2 0 2 2   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

 

  02/28/22

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended

 

  Year Ended

 

      04/10/18 (a) 
  (unaudited)

 

    08/31/21     08/31/20

 

  08/31/19

 

  to 08/31/18

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

           $ 40.26                 $ 27.34            $ 26.21       $ 28.76            $ 25.47  
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.19          0.35         0.33         0.36         0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (2.61        12.95         1.10         (2.58       3.23  
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (2.42        13.30         1.43         (2.22       3.35  
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                    

From net investment income

      (0.21        (0.38       (0.30       (0.33       (0.06
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.21        (0.38       (0.30       (0.33       (0.06
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 37.63        $ 40.26       $ 27.34            $ 26.21       $ 28.76  
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                    

Based on net asset value

      (6.02 )%(f)         48.95       5.57       (7.69 )%        13.16 %(f) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                    

Total expenses

      0.17 %(h)         0.17       0.17       0.17       0.17 %(h) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.96 %(h)         0.96       1.32       1.35       1.17 %(h) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                    

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 1,531,569        $ 1,099,038       $ 366,339       $ 57,664       $ 11,506  
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      17 %(f)         33       50       34       15 %(f) 
   

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f)

Not annualized.

(g)

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h)

Annualized.

(i)

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

  67


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF  
 

 

 
  Six Months Ended

 

    Period From

 

  02/28/22

 

    Year Ended         02/05/20 (a) 
  (unaudited)

 

    08/31/21     to 08/31/20

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 63.49       $ 51.84            $ 51.43  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.42         1.01         0.79  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

                  (8.16       11.67         (0.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (7.74       12.68         0.76  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

           

From net investment income

      (0.80       (1.03       (0.35
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.80       (1.03       (0.35
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 54.95       $ 63.49       $ 51.84  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

           

Based on net asset value

      (12.30 )%(f)(g)        24.68       1.54 %(g) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

           

Total expenses

      0.16 %(i)        0.16       0.16 %(i) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.37 %(i)        1.66       3.04 %(i) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 71,435       $ 882,529       $ 647,969  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      6 %(g)        34       19 %(g) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f)

Includes payments received from an affiliate, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Excluding payments, the Fund’s total return would have been -13.12%.

(g)

Not annualized.

(h)

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(i)

Annualized.

(j)

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
02/28/22

(unaudited)

 
 

 

   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/20
 
 
   

Period From
05/07/19

to 08/31/19

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 79.65     $ 60.55     $ 50.77     $ 49.23  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

               0.50       0.94       0.94       0.32  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (3.17     19.08       9.75       1.34  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (2.67     20.02       10.69       1.66  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

         

From net investment income

      (0.51     (0.92     (0.91     (0.12
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.51     (0.92     (0.91     (0.12
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 76.47     $ 79.65     $ 60.55     $ 50.77  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

         

Based on net asset value

      (3.38 )%(f)      33.44     21.45     3.38 %(f) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

         

Total expenses

      0.10 %(h)      0.10     0.10     0.11 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.10 %(h)      0.10     0.10     0.10 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.26 %(h)      1.38     1.77     2.00 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 3,716,544     $ 4,077,962     $ 2,564,228     $ 1,579,065  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      1 %(f)      12     9     4 %(f) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f)

Not annualized.

(g)

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h)

Annualized.

(i)

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

  69


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF  
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
08/31/21
    Year Ended
08/31/20
    Year Ended
08/31/19
    Year Ended
08/31/18
    Year Ended
08/31/17
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 100.03       $ 81.68       $ 57.03       $ 58.35       $ 55.92       $ 49.61  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.76         1.12         1.19         1.02         1.32         1.05  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

                 (12.74       18.09         24.32         (1.29       2.65         6.44  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (11.98       19.21         25.51         (0.27       3.97         7.49  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(c)

                       

From net investment income

      (1.05       (0.86       (0.86       (1.05       (1.54       (1.18
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (1.05       (0.86       (0.86       (1.05       (1.54       (1.18
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 87.00       $ 100.03       $ 81.68       $ 57.03       $ 58.35       $ 55.92  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

                       

Based on net asset value

      (11.98 )%(e)        23.60       45.10       (0.40 )%        7.16       15.27
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

                       

Total expenses

      0.49 %(g)        0.49       0.49       0.49       0.49       0.49
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.67 %(g)        1.19       1.82       1.79       2.26       2.05
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 487,186       $ 565,145       $ 175,604       $ 54,174       $ 37,928       $ 25,164  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      35 %(e)        70       47       43       36       32
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e)

Not annualized.

(f)

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g)

Annualized.

(h)

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

Paris-Aligned

Climate

 

 

 

          MSCI USA
ETF
 
   
Period
From
 
 
      02/08/22 (a) 
   

to 02/28/22

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 50.43  
   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.04  

Net realized and unrealized loss(c)

      (1.63
   

 

 

 

Net decrease from investment operations

      (1.59
   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 48.84  
   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

   

Based on net asset value

      (3.16 )%(e) 
   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

   

Total expenses

      0.15 %(g) 
   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.10 %(g) 
   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.59 %(g) 
   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

   

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 615,343  
   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      1 %(e) 
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

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

  71


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

    Diversified    

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    Non-diversified    

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    Non-diversified    

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals(a)

    Diversified    

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA(b)

    Non-diversified    

 

  (a) 

Formerly the iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF.

 
  (b) 

The Fund commenced operations on February 8, 2022.

 

 

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 Statements 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 Statements 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, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the Statements 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 Statements 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.

 

 

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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.

   

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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each business day, the Funds use current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

If events (e.g., 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.

 

 

O T E S   T O  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)

 

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 Schedule 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:

 

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty

   

Market Value of

Securities on Loan

 

 

   
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a) 
   

Non-Cash Collateral

Received

 

 

    Net Amount  

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

       

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 157,890     $ 149,989     $     $ (7,901 )(b) 

HSBC Bank PLC

    3,461,567       3,461,567              

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    2,921,984       2,780,049             (141,935 )(b) 

Morgan Stanley

    840,986       840,986              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 7,382,427     $ 7,232,591     $     $ (149,836
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA

       

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 6,340,947     $ 6,340,947     $     $  

BNP Paribas SA

    34,519,429       34,519,429              

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    94,242       94,242              

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    6,581,456       6,520,780             (60,676 )(b) 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    30,651,789       29,045,515             (1,606,274 )(b) 

Morgan Stanley

    374,648       374,068             (580 )(b) 

SG Americas Securities LLC

    19,868       19,868              

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    7,940,979       7,884,754             (56,225 )(b) 

UBS AG

    2,483       2,368             (115 )(b) 

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    48,886       46,526             (2,360 )(b) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 86,574,727         $ 84,848,497             $         $ (1,726,230
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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iShares ETF and Counterparty

   

Market Value of

Securities on Loan

 

 

   

Cash Collateral

Received

 

(a) 

   

Non-Cash Collateral

Received

 

 

     Net Amount  

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

       

Barclays Capital, Inc.

  $ 2,013,402     $ 2,013,402     $     $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    1,851,440       1,814,904             (36,536 )(b) 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    7,367,439       7,367,439              

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    137,063       137,063              

HSBC Bank PLC

    45,324       45,324              

ING Financial Markets LLC

    91,929       91,580             (349 )(b) 

Jefferies LLC

    1,398,738       1,373,343             (25,395 )(b) 

Morgan Stanley

    9,402,578       9,402,578              

National Financial Services LLC

    1,662,880       1,662,880              

Pershing LLC

    31,430       31,430              

Scotia Capital (USA), Inc.

    2,275,309       2,275,309              

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    2,355,185       2,354,332             (853 )(b) 

Toronto Dominion Bank

    3,547,181       3,538,355             (8,826 )(b) 

UBS AG

    3,071,056       3,071,056              

UBS Securities LLC

    784,188       784,188              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 36,035,142     $ 35,963,183     $     $ (71,959
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

       

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

  $ 4,233     $ 3,652     $     $ (581 )(b) 

Morgan Stanley

    23,753       20,364             (3,389 )(b) 

UBS Securities LLC

    7,917       6,110             (1,807 )(b) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 35,903     $ 30,126     $     $ (5,777
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

       

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 7,539,398     $ 7,539,398     $     $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,229,640       2,229,640              

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    4,271,747       4,271,747              

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    5,700,813       5,656,790             (44,023 )(b) 

Jefferies LLC

    8,076       8,076              

Morgan Stanley

    64,865       64,865              

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    233,911       233,911              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 20,048,450     $ 20,004,427     $     $ (44,023
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

       

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

  $ 260,869     $ 260,869     $     $  

Morgan Stanley

    8,742,777       8,742,777              

UBS AG

    6,059       6,059              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 9,009,705     $ 9,009,705     $     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA

       

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $ 2,809     $ 2,809     $     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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) 

The market value of the loaned securities is determined as of February 28, 2022. 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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, 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 Sustainable Development Goals

     0.49  

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA

     0.15  

Expense Waivers: The total of the investment advisory fee and any fund other expenses are a fund’s total annual operating expenses. For the iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee so that the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses after the fee waiver will not exceed 0.10% through February 28, 2023.

This amount is included in investment advisory fees waived in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement were as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF    Amounts waived  

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA

   $ 9,221  

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, including any custodial costs. 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, iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF and iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF (the “Group 1 Funds”), retains 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Sustainable Development Goals 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, 2022, each Group 1 Fund retained 77% 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 81% 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.

The share of securities lending income earned by each Fund is shown as securities lending income – affiliated – net in its Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   

iShares ETF

    
Fees Paid
to BTC
 
 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

   $ 27,399   

ESG Aware MSCI USA

     43,094  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

     41,411  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

     3,572  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

     4,894  

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

     164,587  

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, 2022, 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

   $   401,183,050      $   335,522,436      $ (33,800,196 )  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

     597,521,276        837,725,823        (69,382,841

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

     29,489,139        28,191,368        (1,340,548

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

     5,152,439        1,398,736        (309,463

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

     19,194,904        11,920,890        (346,517

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

     40,070,248        43,217,343        (2,046,856

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 Statements 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.

As a result of certain taxes assessed to iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF in connection with a large redemption, BFA at its discretion made a voluntary contribution on January 11, 2022 to reimburse the Fund for such taxes. The Fund’s prior performance track record was adjusted from the redemption date of December 22, 2021 onward. The amount of the contribution is disclosed in the Statement of Operations as Payments by affiliate.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases     Sales  

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $   1,123,720,154     $   1,024,275,946  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

    2,581,415,342       2,593,412,041  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    232,482,796       222,799,718  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    33,095,604       616,730,214  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    40,213,157       43,038,587  

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

    206,907,599       187,725,377  

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA

    4,416,123          2,673,401  

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF  

In-kind

Purchases

   

In-kind

Sales

 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

  $ 1,162,112,488     $  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

      5,255,021,645         2,471,942,357  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

    587,985,602       76,534,521  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

    2,334,734       150,567,330  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

    410,112,259       630,827,656  

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

    22,454,679       40,132,447  

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA

    626,729,644            

 

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, 2022, 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, 2021, 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

   $ 87,046,672  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

       217,893,373  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

     18,432,907  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

     6,867,953  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

     40,837,497  

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

     3,685,839  

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, 2022, 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

   $ 6,670,671,679      $ 851,809,547      $ (256,635,787    $ 595,173,760  

ESG Aware MSCI USA

       21,210,289,571        3,193,762,487        (607,757,595      2,586,004,892  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

     1,474,377,642        178,459,349        (83,339,651      95,119,698  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

     66,080,294        14,974,485        (9,314,277      5,660,208  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

     2,920,648,130        854,641,993        (40,811,380      813,830,613  

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

     504,852,115        27,382,104        (34,961,641      (7,579,537

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA

     629,059,268        3,950,221        (17,955,183      (14,004,962

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares ESG MSCI EM Leaders ETF and iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), are parties to a $800 million credit agreement (“Syndicated Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which expires on August 12, 2022. 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 Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Syndicated Credit Agreement. The Syndicated Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.15% 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 Syndicated Credit Agreement.

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the maximum amount borrowed, the average daily borrowing and the weighted average interest rate, if any, under the Syndicated Credit Agreement were as follows:

 

       
iShares ETF  

Maximum

Amount

Borrowed

    

Average

Borrowing

    

Weighted

Average

Interest Rates

 

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

  $   960,000      $ 31,823        1.08

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

    197,000        10,906        1.09  

 

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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may cause uncertainty in the markets and as a result adversely affect the Fund’s investments. 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 as well as acts of war in the region. 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. 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. In addition, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions in the region are impossible to predict, but could be significant and have a severe adverse effect on the region, including significant negative impacts on the economy and the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas, as well as other sectors.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Russia or with significant exposure to Russian issuers or countries. Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Governments in the U.S. and many other countries have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporate and banking entities. Jurisdictions have instituted broader sanctions on Russia, including banning Russia from global payments systems that facilitate cross-border payments. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions, including declines in Russia’s stock markets and the value of the ruble against the U.S. dollar, are impossible to predict, but could be significant. Any such disruptions caused by the Russian military action or any response to such activity from the international community may negatively impact Russia’s economy and Russian issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.

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.

 

 

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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 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.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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

02/28/22

    

Year Ended

08/31/21

 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
iShares ETF    Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI EAFE

           

Shares sold

     16,100,000      $ 1,280,423,560        36,700,000      $ 2,774,047,093  

Shares redeemed

                   (300,000      (22,212,443
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     16,100,000      $ 1,280,423,560        36,400,000      $ 2,751,834,650  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA

           

Shares sold

     50,850,000      $ 5,278,898,389        141,600,000      $ 12,751,408,984  

Shares redeemed

     (24,350,000      (2,497,966,802      (39,650,000      (3,618,060,648
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     26,500,000      $ 2,780,931,587        101,950,000      $ 9,133,348,336  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap

           

Shares sold

     15,450,000      $ 604,324,659        18,850,000      $ 703,868,475  

Shares redeemed

     (2,050,000      (79,523,085      (4,950,000      (175,001,921
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     13,400,000      $ 524,801,574        13,900,000      $ 528,866,554  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG MSCI EM Leaders

           

Shares sold

     350,000      $ 25,549,181        2,150,000      $ 128,332,687  

Shares redeemed

     (12,950,000      (752,065,046      (750,000      (46,572,591
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (12,600,000    $ (726,515,865      1,400,000      $ 81,760,096  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG MSCI USA Leaders

           

Shares sold

     5,200,000      $ 412,815,274        13,950,000      $ 981,902,059  

Shares redeemed

     (7,800,000      (635,912,299      (5,100,000      (356,812,397
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,600,000    $ (223,097,025      8,850,000      $ 625,089,662  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals

           

Shares sold

     450,000      $ 42,222,446        4,450,000      $ 414,947,808  

Shares redeemed

     (500,000      (43,664,257      (950,000      (88,595,157
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (50,000    $ (1,441,811      3,500,000      $ 326,352,651  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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  81


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
     Period Ended
02/28/22
 
iShares ETF    Shares        Amount  

 

 

Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA

       

Shares sold

     12,600,000        $ 629,111,773  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

12.

FOREIGN WITHHOLDING TAX CLAIMS

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued guidance to address U.S. income tax liabilities attributable to fund shareholders resulting from the recovery of foreign taxes withheld in prior calendar years. These withheld foreign taxes were passed through to shareholders in the form of foreign tax credits in the year the taxes were withheld. Assuming there are sufficient foreign taxes paid which the iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF is able to pass through to shareholders as a foreign tax credit in the current year, the iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF will be able to offset the prior years’ withholding taxes recovered against the foreign taxes paid in the current year. Accordingly, no federal income tax liability is recorded by the Fund.

 

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:

Effective March 31, 2022, BFA reduced the investment advisory fee for iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF from 0.15% to 0.10%. The contractual waiver was also terminated effective March 31, 2022 upon written agreement of the Trust and BFA.

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

iShares Paris-Aligned Climate MSCI USA ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), 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 Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the proposed Advisory Contract. At a meeting held on September 29 – October 1, 2021, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, 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 Board Members 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 Board Members, 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) potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits; (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 Board Members, 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 overall fund expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the overall fund 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: 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 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 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 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

 

 

B O A R D   R E V I E W   A N D  A P P R O V A L  O F  I N V E S T M E N T  A D V I S O R Y  C O N T R A C T

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract (continued)

 

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 investment vehicle, 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.

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 Board Members, 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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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 Sustainable Development Goals 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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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   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

  85


Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted 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, 2022

 

       
    

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)

   $ 0.997737      $      $ 0.122782      $ 1.120519                   89           11      100

ESG Aware MSCI USA(a)

     0.581823               0.045731        0.627554          93               7        100  

ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap(a)

     0.174253               0.040705        0.214958          81               19        100  

ESG MSCI EM Leaders(a)

     0.560712               0.236592        0.797304          70               30        100  

ESG MSCI USA Leaders(a)

     0.456415               0.049607        0.506022          90               10        100  

MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals(a)

     1.011940               0.042297        1.054237                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 e-mail 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 Trust’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   I N F O R M A T I O N

  87


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.

©2022 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-817-0222

 

 

 

LOGO

  

LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

  

2022 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF | TCHI | NASDAQ

 

·  

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, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers.

Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022

 

     
    

  6-Month  

 

   

  12-Month  

 

   

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

    (2.62)%     16.39%
   

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

    (9.46)        (6.01)
   

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

    (6.78)        2.83
   

Emerging market equities (MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

    (9.81)        (10.69)  
   

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

    0.02         0.04
   

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

    (3.94)        (1.67)
   

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

    (4.07)        (2.64)
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

    (3.09)        (0.66)
   

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

    (3.07)        0.64

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

 

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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

   20

Statements of Operations

   21

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   22

Financial Highlights

   24

Notes to Financial Statements

   27

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

   33

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

   35

Supplemental Information

   36

General Information

   37

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

   38

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    iShares® MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Chinese equities in technology and technology-related industries, as represented by the MSCI China Technology Sub-Industries Select 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

    (5.71 )% 

Fund Market

    (5.36

Index

    (5.52

The inception date of the Fund was 1/25/22. The first day of secondary market trading was 1/27/22.

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
(01/25/22)
 
 
(a)  
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(b) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(b) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $        1,000.00          $          942.90          $         0.53               $      1,000.00          $      1,021.90          $        2.96          0.59

 

  (a) 

Commencement of operations.

 

 

  (b)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 34/365 for actual expenses and 181/365 for hypothetical expenses (to reflect the six month period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

Sector  

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

Information Technology

    44.1%  

Consumer Discretionary

    22.4     

Communication Services

    20.9     

Industrials

    9.7     

Financials

    2.8     

Health Care

    0.1     

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    4.1

NetEase Inc.

    4.1  

JDcom Inc, Class A

    4.0  

Baidu Inc.

    3.9  

Xiaomi Corp., Class B

    3.7  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    3.7  

Pinduoduo Inc.

    3.6  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    3.5  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

    3.4  

Meituan, Class B

    3.2  
 

 

 

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Fund Summary as of February 28,2022    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

    (8.24 )%      (6.02 )%      4.62        (6.02 )%      14.44

Fund Market

    (7.66     (6.54     4.82          (6.54     15.12  

Index

    (9.25     (6.93     4.13                (6.93     12.85  

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $        1,000.00        $           917.60        $         0.71             $       1,000.00        $       1,024.10        $         0.75          0.15

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    23.6

Consumer Discretionary

    13.6  

Information Technology

    13.5  

Consumer Staples

    10.2  

Financials

    8.6  

Health Care

    7.9  

Materials

    7.3  

Communication Services

    6.3  

Real Estate

    5.8  

Utilities

    2.0  

Energy

    1.2  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    0.7

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    0.7  

USS Co. Ltd.

    0.6  

GMO Payment Gateway Inc.

    0.5  

Nippon Yusen KK

    0.5  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd./Japan

    0.5  

FANUC Corp.

    0.5  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    0.5  

Trend Micro Inc/Japan

    0.5  

Rinnai Corp.

    0.5  
 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

    (0.74 )%      2.48     6.35        2.48     20.20

Fund Market

    (0.57     1.28       6.48          1.28       20.66  

Index

    (0.97     2.49       6.26                2.49       19.88  

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 7 for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
           

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $        1,000.00          $        992.60          $        0.74               $      1,000.00          $      1,024.10          $        0.75          0.15

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    20.9

Consumer Discretionary

    19.8  

Financials

    17.8  

Communication Services

    10.2  

Consumer Staples

    6.8  

Real Estate

    6.4  

Health Care

    6.0  

Materials

    5.0  

Information Technology

    3.9  

Utilities

    1.7  

Energy

    1.5  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Toyota Motor Corp.

    10.1

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    3.8  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    2.8  

KDDI Corp.

    2.8  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    2.6  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    2.5  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    2.4  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    2.2  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2.0  

SoftBank Corp.

    1.9  
 

 

 

 

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2 0 2 2    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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses 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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Capital Markets — 1.0%            

East Money Information Co. Ltd., Class A

    18,800     $ 80,131  

Hithink RoyalFlush Information Network Co. Ltd., Class A

    800       13,739  
   

 

 

 
          93,870  
Communications Equipment — 2.3%            

Addsino Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,200       7,627  

Beijing BDStar Navigation Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    800       4,732  

BYD Electronic International Co. Ltd.

    20,000       56,436  

Fiberhome Telecommunication Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600       4,372  

Guangzhou Haige Communications Group Inc. Co., Class A

    2,400       3,798  

Hengtong Optic-Electric Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600       8,449  

Shenzhen Sunway Communication Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000       6,766  

Tianjin 712 Communication & Broadcasting Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,200       6,545  

Yealink Network Technology Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,600       19,395  

Zhongji Innolight Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600       9,754  

ZTE Corp., Class A

    6,800       31,468  

ZTE Corp., Class H

    22,400       55,184  
   

 

 

 
          214,526  
Consumer Finance — 1.8%            

360 DigiTech Inc., ADR

    2,604       48,825  

Lufax Holding Ltd., ADR(a)

    18,048       116,770  
   

 

 

 
          165,595  
Diversified Consumer Services — 1.2%            

China Education Group Holdings Ltd.

    4,000       3,427  

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

    45,616       68,880  

TAL Education Group, ADR(a)

    12,780       36,295  
   

 

 

 
          108,602  
Electrical Equipment — 7.3%            

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000       342,637  

Eve Energy Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600       51,663  

Fangda Carbon New Material Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,200       11,805  

Ginlong Technologies Co. Ltd., Class A

    400       16,151  

Gotion High-tech Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    3,200       21,958  

Hongfa Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,200       11,993  

Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,200       15,455  

Ningbo Ronbay New Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

    832       19,428  

Sieyuan Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,600       12,004  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    800       15,491  

Sunwoda Electronic Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,200       18,771  

TBEA Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,800       21,912  

Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600       28,693  

Zhejiang HangKe Technology Inc. Co., Class A

    800       9,853  

Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co. Ltd.

    16,400       85,485  
   

 

 

 
          683,299  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 12.8%  

AAC Technologies Holdings Inc.

    22,000       60,153  

Avary Holding Shenzhen Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800       15,430  

Beijing Yuanliu Hongyuan Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    400       10,250  

BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    65,200       48,661  

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

    3,600       19,938  

China Railway Signal & Communication Corp. Ltd., Class A

    12,000       9,233  

China Zhenhua Group Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,200       22,367  

Foxconn Industrial Internet Co. Ltd., Class A

    13,600       24,104  

GoerTek Inc., Class A

    6,400       44,809  

Guangzhou Shiyuan Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,200       16,343  

Huagong Tech Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600       6,249  

Kingboard Holdings Ltd.

    20,000       93,563  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (continued)  

Kingboard Laminates Holdings Ltd.

    26,000      $ 43,325  

Lens Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,000        23,134  

Leyard Optoelectronic Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,200        7,000  

Lingyi iTech Guangdong Co., Class A(a)

    14,800        14,125  

Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    12,800        88,769  

Maxscend Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        34,378  

OFILM Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    7,200        9,157  

Raytron Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        8,073  

Shengyi Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000        12,369  

Shennan Circuits Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        14,913  

Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000        4,333  

Shenzhen Sunlord Electronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600        8,152  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    16,000        383,423  

Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,200        11,309  

Tianma Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800        5,203  

Unisplendour Corp. Ltd., Class A

    5,600        19,521  

Universal Scientific Industrial Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800        6,242  

Westone Information Industry Inc., Class A

    1,600        11,713  

Wingtech Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,400        44,726  

Wuhan Guide Infrared Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,400        15,649  

Wuhu Token Science Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,800        7,374  

WUS Printed Circuit Kunshan Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600        9,625  

Xiamen Faratronic Co. Ltd.

    400        13,573  

Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,200        15,484  

Zhuzhou Hongda Electronics Corp. Ltd

    800        10,662  
    

 

 

 
       1,193,332  
Entertainment — 8.2%             

Alibaba Pictures Group Ltd.(a)

    40,000        3,999  

Beijing Enlight Media Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,000        8,990  

Bilibili Inc., ADR(a)

    4,984        157,544  

Giant Network Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000        6,072  

iQIYI Inc., ADR(a)

    8,596        35,588  

Kingsoft Corp. Ltd.

    29,600        110,698  

Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,400        6,725  

Mango Excellent Media Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600        19,616  

NetEase Inc

    19,600        379,097  

Perfect World Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,400        9,240  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR(a)

    824        4,442  

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

    4,000        13,284  

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

    15,200        15,760  
    

 

 

 
       771,055  
Health Care Technology — 0.1%             

Winning Health Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,400        7,998  
    

 

 

 
Household Durables — 4.2%             

Ecovacs Robotics Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        17,157  

Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai, Class A

    5,200        30,269  

Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,800        43,784  

Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Class H

    68,000        238,277  

Hang Zhou Great Star Industrial Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    2,400        7,638  

Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600        8,463  

Shenzhen MTC Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    10,800        7,568  

TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A

    24,400        21,565  

Xiamen Intretech Inc., Class A

    1,600        7,538  

Zhejiang Supor Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,200        9,636  
    

 

 

 
       391,895  
Interactive Media & Services — 12.6%             

Autohome Inc., ADR

    2,316        70,847  
 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Interactive Media & Services (continued)             

Baidu Inc., ADR(a)

    2,380      $ 362,807  

Hello Group Inc., ADR

    4,768        45,439  

JOYY Inc., ADR

    1,660        76,841  

Kanzhun Ltd.(a)

    2,536        81,913  

Kuaishou Technology(a)(b)

    14,400        166,643  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    6,000        323,768  

Weibo Corp., ADR(a)

    1,908        52,336  
    

 

 

 
       1,180,594  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 16.7%             

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.(a)

    24,400        321,198  

Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd.(a)

    8,000        5,602  

China Ruyi Holdings Ltd.(a)

    96,000        28,572  

Dada Nexus Ltd., ADR(a)

    1,912        15,889  

JD Health International Inc.(a)(b)

    2,200        16,420  

JDcom Inc, Class A(a)

    10,400        371,482  

Meituan, Class B(a)(b)

    13,600        302,126  

Pinduoduo Inc., ADR(a)

    6,520        338,127  

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

    14,000        43,176  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    13,428        116,421  
    

 

 

 
       1,559,013  
IT Services — 3.2%             

Beijing Sinnet Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600        8,575  

China TransInfo Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000        8,837  

Chinasoft International Ltd.

    80,000        72,992  

Chindata Group Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    3,712        20,379  

DHC Software Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000        5,244  

GDS Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    2,680        119,314  

Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    96        647  

Lakala Payment Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600        6,854  

TravelSky Technology Ltd., Class H

    28,000        52,742  
    

 

 

 
       295,584  
Machinery — 2.4%             

Haitian International Holdings Ltd.

    20,000        53,286  

Hefei Meiya Optoelectronic Technology Inc., Class A

    1,200        6,886  

Jiangsu Hengli Hydraulic Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800        29,845  

Luoyang Xinqianglian Slewing Bearing Co. Ltd.

    400        9,661  

North Industries Group Red Arrow Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    2,800        10,013  

Riyue Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000        8,747  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,800        48,854  

Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600        17,248  

Wuxi Shangji Automation Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        20,198  

Yantai Eddie Precision Machinery Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600        7,837  

Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000        12,798  
    

 

 

 
       225,373  
Media — 0.0%             

China Literature Ltd.(a)(b)

    800        4,342  
    

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 12.9%  

Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc., Class A(a)

    800        16,321  

China Resources Microelectronics Ltd.

    2,064        19,170  

Daqo New Energy Corp., ADR(a)

    1,768        84,793  

Flat Glass Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800        21,921  

Flat Glass Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    12,000        49,622  

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

    9,200        5,364  

Gigadevice Semiconductor Beijing Inc., Class A

    1,200        29,384  

Hangzhou First Applied Material Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,600        30,364  

Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800        25,594  

Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd.(a)(b)

    16,000        83,356  

Ingenic Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        14,194  
Security   Shares      Value  

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)  

JA Solar Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,200      $ 48,481  

JCET Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,200        14,296  

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,000        124,475  

Montage Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,400        29,502  

National Silicon Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    4,000        15,546  

NAURA Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        38,781  

SG Micro Corp., Class A

    400        22,139  

Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        11,585  

Shenzhen SC New Energy Technology Corp., Class A

    800        11,221  

StarPower Semiconductor Ltd., Class A

    400        23,068  

Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,600        42,876  

Tianshui Huatian Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,600        10,673  

TongFu Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800        8,100  

Trina Solar Co. Ltd.

    3,148        38,518  

Unigroup Guoxin Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,200        42,142  

Will Semiconductor Co. Ltd. Shanghai, Class A

    1,600        62,789  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd

    144,000        261,557  

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

    2,400        24,874  
    

 

 

 
       1,210,706  
Software — 5.9%             

360 Security Technology Inc., Class A(a)

    12,800        21,306  

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

    1,600        7,133  

Beijing Kingsoft Office Software Inc., Class A

    800        27,141  

Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000        7,598  

Hundsun Technologies Inc., Class A

    2,800        23,270  

Iflytek Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,400        34,383  

Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    80,000        197,731  

Ming Yuan Cloud Group Holdings Ltd.

    20,000        39,474  

NavInfo Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    4,400        11,980  

Sangfor Technologies Inc., Class A

    800        18,555  

Shanghai Baosight Software Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,400        20,530  

Shanghai Baosight Software Co. Ltd., Class B

    11,600        50,095  

Thunder Software Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        17,822  

Topsec Technologies Group Inc., Class A

    2,400        5,610  

Weimob Inc.(a)(b)

    60,000        39,681  

Yonyou Network Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,400        31,939  
    

 

 

 
       554,248  
Specialty Retail — 0.4%             

GOME Retail Holdings Ltd.(a)

    352,000        26,194  

Suningcom Co Ltd, Class A(a)

    18,000        10,268  
    

 

 

 
       36,462  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 7.0%  

China Greatwall Technology Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,400        13,539  

GRG Banking Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,600        6,803  

Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800        14,641  

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    216,000        240,531  

Ninestar Corp., Class A

    2,400        19,098  

Shenzhen Transsion Holding Co. Ltd., Class A

    800        17,151  

Xiaomi Corp., Class B(a)(b)

    184,800        347,834  
    

 

 

 
       659,597  
    

 

 

 
Total Common Stocks — 100.0%
(Cost: $9,860,046)
         9,356,091  
    

 

 

 
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Short-Term Investments

    
Money Market Funds — 0.1%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    10,000      $ 10,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $10,000)

 

     10,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.1%
(Cost: $9,870,046)

 

     9,366,091  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.1)%

 

     (9,515
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

   $   9,356,576  
    

 

 

 

 

(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 period ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at   
01/25/22(a)
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
02/28/22
     Shares
Held at
02/28/22
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $ —        $ 10,000(b)      $      $      $      $ 10,000        10,000      $      $  
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Commencement of operations.

 
  (b)

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

          

Assets

                           

Common Stocks

  $ 2,096,403      $ 7,259,688      $      $ 9,356,091  

Money Market Funds

    10,000                      10,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 2,106,403      $ 7,259,688      $      $ 9,366,091  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

10  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.8%            

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400     $ 29,673  

Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400       27,495  
   

 

 

 
      57,168  
Airlines — 0.8%            

ANA Holdings Inc.(a)

    1,200       26,422  

Japan Airlines Co. Ltd.(a)

    1,400       27,760  
   

 

 

 
      54,182  
Auto Components — 2.3%            

Aisin Corp.

    800       29,139  

Bridgestone Corp.

    700       28,827  

Denso Corp.

    400       28,128  

Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    600       31,034  

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,000       23,763  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    2,000       26,550  
   

 

 

 
          167,441  
Automobiles — 3.0%            

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    1,000       30,381  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    2,000       27,049  

Mazda Motor Corp.(a)

    3,400       25,148  

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.(a)

    5,400       25,754  

Subaru Corp.

    1,600       26,241  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    600       23,891  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    1,400       25,615  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    1,200       26,975  
   

 

 

 
      211,054  
Banks — 3.3%            

Chiba Bank Ltd/The

    4,000       25,144  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    6,400       26,037  

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd.

    3,000       26,323  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    4,200       25,784  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    2,080       27,412  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    5,800       25,939  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd/The

    3,400       25,137  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    800       28,370  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    800       28,425  
   

 

 

 
      238,571  
Beverages — 1.5%            

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    600       24,203  

Ito En Ltd.

    400       23,005  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,600       26,601  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    800       31,879  
   

 

 

 
      105,688  
Building Products — 1.4%            

AGC Inc.

    600       26,618  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    100       18,480  

Lixil Corp.

    1,200       26,745  

TOTO Ltd.

    600       25,258  
   

 

 

 
      97,101  
Capital Markets — 1.5%            

Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

    4,400       26,015  

Japan Exchange Group Inc.

    1,400       26,217  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    6,000       27,378  

SBI Holdings Inc/Japan

    1,000       26,232  
   

 

 

 
      105,842  
Chemicals — 5.3%            

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    2,800       26,278  
Security   Shares     Value  
Chemicals (continued)            

JSR Corp.

    800     $ 25,166  

Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

    1,400       28,099  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    3,800       26,995  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc.

    1,600       28,387  

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

    1,000       25,565  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,200       28,640  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    1,400       27,361  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

    400       22,736  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    400       29,191  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    200       31,238  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    5,600       26,736  

Toray Industries Inc.

    4,800       27,373  

Tosoh Corp.

    1,600       24,829  
   

 

 

 
          378,594  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.6%            

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    1,000       26,105  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    400       29,379  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

    800       28,883  

TOPPAN INC.

    1,400       27,586  
   

 

 

 
      111,953  
Construction & Engineering — 1.5%            

Kajima Corp.

    2,000       26,917  

Obayashi Corp.

    3,400       28,468  

Shimizu Corp.

    4,200       27,801  

Taisei Corp.

    800       26,601  
   

 

 

 
      109,787  
Diversified Financial Services — 1.1%            

Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

    5,400       28,083  

ORIX Corp.

    1,400       27,752  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    600       26,305  
   

 

 

 
      82,140  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.4%            

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    1,000       28,741  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 1.2%            

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    2,800       27,968  

Kansai Electric Power Co Inc/The

    2,800       28,232  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc.(a)

    9,000       28,251  
   

 

 

 
      84,451  
Electrical Equipment — 1.0%            

Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.

    600       30,871  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    2,200       26,610  

Nidec Corp.

    200       17,387  
   

 

 

 
      74,868  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 4.0%  

Azbil Corp.

    800       30,367  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    600       30,403  

Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.

    200       30,073  

Ibiden Co. Ltd.

    600       29,303  

Kyocera Corp.

    400       23,021  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    400       27,186  

Omron Corp.

    400       27,219  

Shimadzu Corp.

    800       28,813  

TDK Corp.

    800       32,379  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    1,800       29,042  
   

 

 

 
      287,806  
Entertainment — 2.9%            

Capcom Co. Ltd.

    1,000       24,271  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Entertainment (continued)            

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co. Ltd

    620     $ 21,530  

Konami Holdings Corp.

    400       22,757  

Nexon Co. Ltd.

    1,400       30,586  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    100       50,645  

Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       29,261  

Toho Co. Ltd./Tokyo

    600       25,023  
   

 

 

 
          204,073  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 3.1%  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    10       27,120  

GLP J-Reit

    18       26,874  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    34       27,518  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    6       32,051  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    4       22,921  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    10       29,401  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    20       26,375  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    20       27,980  
   

 

 

 
      220,240  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.7%            

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    1,200       27,184  

Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corp.

    200       27,730  

Kobe Bussan Co. Ltd.

    800       26,488  

Lawson Inc.

    600       25,017  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       29,195  

Tsuruha Holdings Inc.

    400       32,158  

Welcia Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,000       26,667  
   

 

 

 
      194,439  
Food Products — 2.8%            

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    1,000       29,141  

Kikkoman Corp.

    400       29,819  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400       24,007  

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

    2,000       28,388  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    400       31,959  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    600       25,222  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    600       32,562  
   

 

 

 
      201,098  
Gas Utilities — 0.8%            

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

    1,600       29,282  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

    1,400       28,516  
   

 

 

 
      57,798  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.0%            

Asahi Intecc Co. Ltd.

    1,400       30,230  

Hoya Corp.

    200       26,054  

Olympus Corp.

    1,400       28,435  

Sysmex Corp.

    400       32,020  

Terumo Corp.

    800       25,983  
   

 

 

 
      142,722  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.4%            

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    1,600       29,283  
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology — 0.4%

   

M3 Inc.

    800       30,099  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.9%            

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

    600       25,799  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd./Japan

    200       36,973  
   

 

 

 
      62,772  
Household Durables — 3.0%            

Iida Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,400       25,983  

Open House Group Co. Ltd.

    600       27,281  
Security   Shares     Value  
Household Durables (continued)            

Panasonic Corp.

    2,600     $ 27,153  

Rinnai Corp.

    400       32,907  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    1,600       26,202  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    1,400       28,543  

Sharp Corp./Japan

    2,600       24,586  

Sony Group Corp.

    200       20,434  
   

 

 

 
          213,089  
Household Products — 0.8%            

Lion Corp.

    2,200       28,836  

Unicharm Corp.

    800       30,155  
   

 

 

 
      58,991  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.9%            

Hitachi Ltd.

    600       29,671  

Toshiba Corp.

    800       31,896  
   

 

 

 
      61,567  
Insurance — 2.6%            

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    1,200       24,922  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,400       28,103  

Japan Post Insurance Co. Ltd.

    1,600       27,326  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    800       27,069  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    600       26,051  

T&D Holdings Inc.

    1,800       26,142  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    400       22,761  
   

 

 

 
      182,374  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.8%            

Kakaku.com Inc.

    1,200       26,401  

Z Holdings Corp.

    5,600       27,411  
   

 

 

 
      53,812  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.2%            

Mercari Inc.(a)

    1,000       31,320  

Rakuten Group Inc.

    3,200       27,202  

ZOZO Inc.

    1,000       28,475  
   

 

 

 
      86,997  
IT Services — 4.1%            

Fujitsu Ltd.

    200       29,057  

GMO Payment Gateway Inc

    400       38,691  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    1,000       25,923  

NEC Corp.

    600       25,959  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    800       28,082  

NTT Data Corp.

    1,400       26,592  

Obic Co. Ltd.

    200       32,167  

Otsuka Corp.

    800       31,075  

SCSK Corp.

    1,600       27,393  

TIS Inc.

    1,200       28,402  
   

 

 

 
      293,341  
Leisure Products — 1.1%            

Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.

    400       29,324  

Shimano Inc.

    100       23,287  

Yamaha Corp.

    600       28,151  
   

 

 

 
      80,762  
Machinery — 6.3%            

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

    400       28,931  

FANUC Corp.

    200       36,740  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    3,000       28,190  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

    1,000       24,472  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    400       27,889  

Komatsu Ltd.

    1,200       27,605  

Kubota Corp.

    1,600       28,707  
 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Machinery (continued)            

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    600     $ 24,795  

Makita Corp.

    800       28,513  

MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.

    1,200       26,341  

MISUMI Group Inc.

    800       25,646  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    1,000       29,492  

Miura Co. Ltd.

    1,000       27,408  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    1,800       27,954  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    400       30,424  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    600       24,022  
   

 

 

 
      447,129  
Marine — 1.0%            

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.

    400       32,497  

Nippon Yusen KK

    400       37,476  
   

 

 

 
      69,973  
Media — 1.1%            

CyberAgent Inc.

    2,200       28,788  

Dentsu Group Inc.

    600       23,940  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.

    2,000       26,577  
   

 

 

 
      79,305  
Metals & Mining — 1.6%            

Hitachi Metals Ltd.(a)

    1,600       28,521  

JFE Holdings Inc.

    2,000       29,775  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    1,600       29,294  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    600       29,930  
   

 

 

 
          117,520  
Multiline Retail — 0.7%            

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    1,600       26,189  

Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd.

    1,800       26,510  
   

 

 

 
      52,699  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.2%            

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    7,400       29,302  

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

    1,000       26,807  

Inpex Corp.

    2,800       28,861  
   

 

 

 
      84,970  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.4%            

Oji Holdings Corp.

    5,200       26,567  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 1.9%            

Kao Corp.

    600       28,048  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    400       34,260  

Kose Corp.

    200       22,928  

Pola Orbis Holdings Inc.

    1,800       28,355  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    400       22,954  
   

 

 

 
      136,545  
Pharmaceuticals — 5.1%            

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    1,600       26,695  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    700       23,222  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    1,200       29,274  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    600       29,769  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    1,000       25,591  

Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd.

    400       26,052  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    1,200       29,544  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    800       27,579  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    2,400       27,353  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    400       26,597  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

    2,600       28,534  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       29,784  
Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals (continued)            

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    1,000     $ 30,490  
   

 

 

 
      360,484  
Professional Services — 1.5%            

Benefit One Inc.

    1,200       27,794  

Nihon M&A Center Holdings Inc.

    1,800       26,624  

Persol Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,200       26,882  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       25,326  
   

 

 

 
      106,626  
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.7%        

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

    200       22,128  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    1,000       28,360  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    3,000       27,330  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    1,800       27,483  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    1,200       26,707  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    1,200       29,879  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    1,000       29,418  
   

 

 

 
          191,305  
Road & Rail — 4.1%            

Central Japan Railway Co.

    200       27,023  

East Japan Railway Co.

    400       23,763  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    1,000       29,917  

Keio Corp.

    600       24,550  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    1,000       28,006  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)

    1,000       30,042  

Nippon Express Holdings Inc.

    400       24,248  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    1,600       26,398  

Tobu Railway Co. Ltd.

    1,000       24,581  

Tokyu Corp.

    2,000       26,673  

West Japan Railway Co.

    600       25,886  
   

 

 

 
      291,087  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.6%  

Advantest Corp.

    400       32,146  

Lasertec Corp.

    100       18,537  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    2,200       25,918  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    400       31,901  

SUMCO Corp.

    1,600       26,702  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    100       49,078  
   

 

 

 
      184,282  
Software — 0.9%            

Oracle Corp. Japan

    400       28,570  

Trend Micro Inc/Japan

    600       33,520  
   

 

 

 
      62,090  
Specialty Retail — 1.3%            

Hikari Tsushin Inc.

    200       24,852  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

    200       30,096  

USS Co. Ltd.

    2,400       39,869  
   

 

 

 
      94,817  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.9%  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    1,400       25,481  

Canon Inc.

    1,200       28,240  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    400       25,426  

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

    3,000       25,592  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    1,800       27,685  
   

 

 

 
      132,424  
Tobacco — 0.4%            

Japan Tobacco Inc.

    1,400       25,748  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security       Shares     Value  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 2.8%            

ITOCHU Corp.

    800     $ 26,071  

Marubeni Corp.

    2,800       29,391  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    800       26,899  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    1,200       29,919  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

    1,600       30,117  

Sumitomo Corp.

    1,800       29,368  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    600       24,909  
   

 

 

 
      196,674  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.1%  

KDDI Corp.

    800       26,033  

SoftBank Corp.

    2,200       27,796  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    600       26,925  
   

 

 

 
      80,754  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $6,915,422)

      7,109,843  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.8%
(Cost: $6,915,422)

      7,109,843  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.2%

      12,137  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   7,121,980  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

          

Mini TOPIX Index

    1        03/10/22      $ 16      $ (890
          

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

  $     890  
 

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
   

Equity

Contracts

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ 82  
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (953
 

 

 

 

 

 

14  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

   iShares® MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 28,110  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

         

Assets

                                                   

Common Stocks

  $      $ 7,109,843     $         —      $ 7,109,843  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $         —      $ (890   $      $ (890
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  15


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Airlines — 0.2%            

ANA Holdings Inc.(a)

    3,500     $ 77,064  

Japan Airlines Co. Ltd.(a)

    3,500       69,400  
   

 

 

 
      146,464  
Auto Components — 2.2%            

Aisin Corp.

    7,200       262,255  

Bridgestone Corp.

    28,000       1,153,066  

Stanley Electric Co. Ltd.

    7,000       166,339  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    38,500       511,092  
   

 

 

 
      2,092,752  
Automobiles — 14.7%            

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    80,500       2,445,662  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    14,000       189,344  

Mazda Motor Corp.(a)

    28,000       207,098  

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.(a)

    115,500       550,841  

Subaru Corp.

    31,500       516,625  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    8,700       346,416  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    521,500       9,541,457  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    7,300       164,101  
   

 

 

 
      13,961,544  
Banks — 9.7%            

Chiba Bank Ltd/The

    24,600       154,634  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    52,600       213,992  

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd.

    21,000       184,261  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    588,500       3,612,792  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    119,050       1,568,974  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    101,600       454,385  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd/The

    21,000       155,256  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    63,000       2,234,122  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    17,500       621,810  
   

 

 

 
      9,200,226  
Beverages — 2.0%            

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    21,900       883,432  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

    42,000       698,269  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    7,000       278,944  
   

 

 

 
      1,860,645  
Building Products — 0.9%            

AGC Inc.

    10,500       465,807  

Lixil Corp.

    10,500       234,017  

TOTO Ltd.

    3,500       147,339  
   

 

 

 
      847,163  
Capital Markets — 1.5%            

Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

    70,000       413,875  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    150,500       686,743  

SBI Holdings Inc/Japan

    12,100       317,406  
   

 

 

 
      1,418,024  
Chemicals — 2.9%            

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    63,000       591,244  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    42,000       298,361  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc.

    7,000       124,194  

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

    10,500       268,428  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    7,000       510,849  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    73,500       350,906  

Toray Industries Inc.

    66,600       379,799  

Tosoh Corp.

    14,000       217,253  
   

 

 

 
      2,741,034  
Security   Shares     Value  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.8%            

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    10,500     $ 274,099  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    3,500       257,062  

TOPPAN INC.

    14,000       275,861  
   

 

 

 
      807,022  
Construction & Engineering — 1.1%            

Kajima Corp.

    21,100       283,974  

Obayashi Corp.

    31,500       263,749  

Shimizu Corp.

    28,000       185,337  

Taisei Corp.

    10,500       349,140  
   

 

 

 
      1,082,200  
Diversified Financial Services — 1.5%            

Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

    31,500       163,814  

ORIX Corp.

    59,500       1,179,476  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    1,800       78,915  
   

 

 

 
      1,422,205  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.8%            

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    59,600       1,712,957  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.9%        

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    31,500       314,643  

Kansai Electric Power Co Inc/The

    35,000       352,896  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc.(a)

    73,600       231,030  
   

 

 

 
      898,569  
Electrical Equipment — 1.5%            

Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.

    7,000       360,162  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    91,000       1,100,692  
   

 

 

 
      1,460,854  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.1%        

Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.

    600       90,217  

Kyocera Corp.

    14,600       840,274  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    7,000       112,940  
   

 

 

 
      1,043,431  
Entertainment — 0.1%            

Toho Co. Ltd./Tokyo

    1,900       79,240  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.4%        

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    108       292,899  

GLP J-Reit

    210       313,532  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    350       283,270  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    61       325,847  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    73       418,313  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    70       205,803  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    210       276,940  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    140       195,863  
   

 

 

 
      2,312,467  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.0%            

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    38,500       1,873,322  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 1.1%            

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    10,500       305,980  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    7,000       420,126  

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

    10,500       149,037  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    500       39,949  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    3,500       147,129  
   

 

 

 
      1,062,221  
Gas Utilities — 0.7%            

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

    17,500       320,272  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd .

    17,500       356,446  
   

 

 

 
      676,718  
 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.2%            

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    10,500     $ 192,171  
   

 

 

 
Household Durables — 2.3%            

Iida Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    7,000       129,914  

Panasonic Corp.

    108,500       1,133,099  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    17,500       286,579  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    31,500       642,225  
   

 

 

 
      2,191,817  
Household Products — 0.1%            

Lion Corp.

    7,000       91,750  
   

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates — 2.5%            

Hitachi Ltd.

    31,500       1,557,760  

Toshiba Corp.

    19,300       769,487  
   

 

 

 
      2,327,247  
Insurance — 5.0%            

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    49,000       1,017,639  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

    119,100       984,445  

Japan Post Insurance Co. Ltd.

    10,500       179,327  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    21,000       710,571  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    15,400       668,638  

T&D Holdings Inc.

    24,600       357,277  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    15,200       864,896  
   

 

 

 
      4,782,793  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%            

Z Holdings Corp.

    66,500       325,507  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.1%            

Rakuten Group Inc.

    14,000       119,009  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 2.3%            

Hino Motors Ltd.

    14,000       131,555  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

    7,000       171,301  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    1,000       69,721  

Kubota Corp.

    31,500       565,163  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    17,500       516,120  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    14,000       217,418  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    7,000       532,428  
   

 

 

 
      2,203,706  
Marine — 1.2%            

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.

    5,500       446,832  

Nippon Yusen KK

    7,000       655,837  
   

 

 

 
      1,102,669  
Media — 0.5%            

Dentsu Group Inc.

    10,500       418,952  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.

    7,000       93,019  
   

 

 

 
      511,971  
Metals & Mining — 1.9%            

Hitachi Metals Ltd.(a)

    3,700       65,954  

JFE Holdings Inc.

    24,500       364,745  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    42,000       768,977  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    11,900       593,601  
   

 

 

 
      1,793,277  
Multiline Retail — 0.2%            

Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd.

    14,000       206,187  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.5%            

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    150,500       595,949  

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

    10,592       283,935  
Security   Shares     Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)            

Inpex Corp.

    49,000     $ 505,068  
   

 

 

 
      1,384,952  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.2%            

Oji Holdings Corp.

    38,500       196,702  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 0.5%            

Kao Corp.

    8,000       373,975  

Pola Orbis Holdings Inc.

    3,500       55,135  
   

 

 

 
      429,110  
Pharmaceuticals — 5.8%            

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    91,000       1,518,264  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    18,600       641,220  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    17,500       199,449  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    8,200       545,237  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

    10,500       115,234  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,900       94,317  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    77,000       2,347,753  
   

 

 

 
      5,461,474  
Real Estate Management & Development — 4.0%            

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

    3,500       387,239  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    28,000       794,088  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    10,500       95,656  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    59,500       908,462  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    45,500       1,012,650  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    7,000       174,290  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    14,000       411,857  
   

 

 

 
      3,784,242  
Road & Rail — 3.6%            

Central Japan Railway Co.

    7,000       945,814  

East Japan Railway Co

    14,800       879,249  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    10,500       314,129  

Keio Corp.

    3,500       143,210  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    3,500       98,020  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.(a)

    3,500       105,148  

Nippon Express Holdings Inc.

    3,500       212,169  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    7,200       118,789  

Tokyu Corp.

    10,500       140,032  

West Japan Railway Co.

    10,700       461,640  
   

 

 

 
      3,418,200  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.1%        

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    1,100       87,729  
   

 

 

 
Software — 0.2%            

Trend Micro Inc/Japan

    3,500       195,533  
   

 

 

 
Specialty Retail — 0.2%            

USS Co. Ltd.

    10,500       174,427  
   

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 2.5%            

Brother Industries Ltd.

    10,500       191,109  

Canon Inc.

    49,000       1,153,114  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    11,400       724,631  

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

    10,500       89,574  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    14,000       215,326  
   

 

 

 
      2,373,754  
Tobacco — 1.2%            

Japan Tobacco Inc.

    59,500       1,094,274  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 6.8%            

ITOCHU Corp.

    28,000       912,481  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors (continued)            

Marubeni Corp.

    77,000     $ 808,241  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    63,000       2,118,292  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    49,000       1,221,702  

Sumitomo Corp.

    56,000       913,674  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    10,500       435,907  
   

 

 

 
      6,410,297  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 7.4%            

KDDI Corp.

    80,500       2,619,570  

SoftBank Corp.

    140,100       1,770,077  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    59,500       2,670,121  
   

 

 

 
      7,059,768  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.7%
(Cost: $94,617,391)

      94,617,624  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(b)(c)

    20,000       20,000  
   

 

 

 

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

      20,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.7%
(Cost: $94,637,391)

      94,637,624  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 0.3%

      296,664  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 94,934,288  
   

 

 

 

 

(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, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 

   
    Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

     
 

 

   
 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 20,000 (a)    $     $     $     $ 20,000       20,000     $ 2     $    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

 
Description  

Number of

Contracts

    

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

    

Value/ 

Unrealized 

Appreciation 

(Depreciation) 

 

 

 

Long Contracts

          

Mini TOPIX Index

    20        03/10/22      $ 329      $ (11,652
          

 

 

 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

   iShares® MSCI Japan Value ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

  $ 11,652  
 

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (1,961
 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

  $ (13,085
 

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 456,718      

 

 

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

 

 
    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

 

 

Investments

         

Assets

                          

Common Stocks

  $      $ 94,617,624     $      $ 94,617,624  

Money Market Funds

    20,000                     20,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $     20,000      $ 94,617,624     $      $ 94,637,624  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Futures Contracts

  $      $ (11,652   $      $ (11,652
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

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


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

February 28, 2022

 

     iShares
MSCI China
Multisector
Tech ETF
            iShares
MSCI Japan
Equal
Weighted
ETF
            iShares
MSCI Japan
Value ETF
 

ASSETS

           

Investments in securities, at value:

           

Unaffiliated(a)

  $ 9,356,091        $ 7,109,843        $ 94,617,624  

Affiliated(b)

    10,000                                     20,000  

Cash

    5,356          866          7,247  

Foreign currency, at value(c)

    151,399          5,673          178,391  

Foreign currency collateral pledged:

           

Futures contracts(d)

             796          14,280  

Receivables:

           

Investments sold

    322,499          390,879          526,906  

Variation margin on futures contracts

             320          6,096  

Dividends

    621          15,857          186,346  

Tax reclaims

             743          171  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total assets

    9,845,966          7,524,977          95,557,061  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

           

Payables:

           

Investments purchased

    485,023          402,171          612,258  

Investment advisory fees

    4,367          826          10,515  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    489,390          402,997          622,773  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 9,356,576        $ 7,121,980        $ 94,934,288  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

           

Paid-in capital

  $ 9,892,974        $ 7,211,200        $ 96,403,304  

Accumulated loss

    (536,398        (89,220        (1,469,016
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 9,356,576        $ 7,121,980        $ 94,934,288  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    400,000          200,000          3,500,000  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 23.39        $ 35.61        $ 27.12  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited          Unlimited          Unlimited  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Par value

    None          None          None  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 9,860,046        $ 6,915,422        $ 94,617,391  

(b) Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 10,000        $        $ 20,000  

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 151,559        $ 5,675        $ 177,804  

(d) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $        $ 798        $ 14,244  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20  

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Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

   



iShares

MSCI

China
Multisector
Tech ETF

 

 

 
 
(a) 

    


iShares

MSCI

Japan

Equal
Weighted

ETF

 

 

 

 
 

 

    


iShares

MSCI Japan
Value ETF

 

 
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 620      $ 81,545      $ 808,982  

Dividends — Affiliated

                  2  

Foreign taxes withheld

           (8,143      (80,790
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    620        73,402        728,194  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory fees

    5,298        5,700        54,467  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    5,298        5,700        54,467  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (4,678      67,702        673,727  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (27,592      (16,413      (362,164

Futures contracts

           82        (1,961

Foreign currency transactions

    7        (1,025      (16,551
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized loss

    (27,585      (17,356      (380,676
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — Unaffiliated

    (503,955      (690,458      (1,628,292

Futures contracts

           (953      (13,085

Foreign currency translations

    (180      15        760  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (504,135      (691,396      (1,640,617
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (531,720      (708,752      (2,021,293
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (536,398    $ (641,050    $ (1,347,566
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a)   For the period from January 25, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2022.    

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

 

 

    iShares
  MSCI China  
Multisector
Tech ETF
            iShares
MSCI Japan Equal Weighted ETF
 
   

Period From      

01/25/22(a)   

to 02/28/22      
(unaudited)      

     Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
     Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (4,678       $ 67,702      $ 134,256  

Net realized loss

    (27,585         (17,356      (163,375

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (504,135         (691,396      1,181,460  
 

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (536,398         (641,050      1,152,341  
 

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

              (131,155      (116,528
 

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    9,892,974                   
 

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    9,356,576           (772,205      1,035,813  

Beginning of period

              7,894,185        6,858,372  
 

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 9,356,576         $ 7,121,980      $ 7,894,185  
 

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2    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 Japan Value ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
     Year Ended
08/31/21
 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    

OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

  $ 673,727      $ 607,492  

Net realized loss

    (380,676      (111,985

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,640,617      1,980,603  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,347,566      2,476,110  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

    

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (1,096,497      (537,816
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    53,017,656        35,457,668  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

    

Total increase in net assets

    50,573,593        37,395,962  

Beginning of period

    44,360,695        6,964,733  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 94,934,288      $ 44,360,695  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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

  23


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

   

iShares

MSCI China
Multisector
Tech ETF

 
   


Period From
01/25/22

to 02/28/22
(unaudited)

 
(a)  

 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.81  
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss(b)

    (0.01

Net realized and unrealized loss(c)

    (1.41
 

 

 

 

Net decrease from investment operations

    (1.42
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.39  
 

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

 

Based on net asset value

    (5.71 )%(e) 
 

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

 

Total expenses

    0.59 %(g) 
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

    (0.52 )%(g) 
 

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $  9,357  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    5 %(e)  
 

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Not annualized.

(f) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(g) 

Annualized.

(h) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24  

2 0 2 2    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 Japan Equal Weighted ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
      
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
    
Year Ended
08/31/20
 
 
    

Period From
03/05/19

to 08/31/19

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 39.47        $ 34.29      $ 32.59      $ 33.43  
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

       0.34          0.67        0.66        0.44  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

       (3.54        5.09        1.95        (0.82
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

       (3.20        5.76        2.61        (0.38
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

               

From net investment income

       (0.66        (0.58      (0.91      (0.46
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

       (0.66        (0.58      (0.91      (0.46
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $  35.61        $  39.47      $  34.29      $  32.59  
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

               

Based on net asset value

       (8.24 )%(f)         16.83      7.98      (1.14 )%(f) 
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

               

Total expenses

       0.15 %(h)         0.15      0.15      0.15 %(h) 
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       1.78 %(h)         1.75      1.98      2.68 %(h) 
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

     $ 7,122        $ 7,894      $ 6,858      $ 6,519  
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

       15 %(f)          25      17      6 %(f)  
    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

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


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares MSCI Japan Value ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/20
 
 
   

Period From
03/05/19

to 08/31/19

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period.

  $ 27.73     $ 23.22     $ 23.70     $ 24.67  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.26       0.65       0.71       0.46  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    (0.48     4.36       (0.26     (0.97
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (0.22     5.01       0.45       (0.51
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

       

From net investment income

    (0.39     (0.50     (0.93     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.39     (0.50     (0.93     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.12     $ 27.73     $ 23.22     $ 23.70  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

       

Based on net asset value

    (0.74 )%(f)      21.62     1.71     (2.10 )%(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

       

Total expenses

    0.15 %(h)      0.15     0.15     0.15 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.86 %(h)      2.39     2.98     3.83 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 94,934     $ 44,361     $ 6,965     $ 7,111  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

    10 %(f)       24     35     9 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h)

Annualized.

(i) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

26  

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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 China Multisector Tech(a)

  Non-diversified

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted(b)

  Diversified

MSCI Japan Value(b)

  Diversified

 

  (a) 

The Fund commenced operation on January 25, 2022.

 

 

  (b) 

The Fund’s classification changed from non-diversified to diversified during the reporting period.

 

 

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 Statements 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 Statements 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, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the Statements 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 Statements 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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each business day, the Funds use current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

If events (e.g., 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.

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 Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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, 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  

MSCI China Multisector Tech

    0.59

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

    0.15  

MSCI Japan Value

    0.15  

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.

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, 2022, 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

  $3,841,038    $3,175,545    $(137,429)

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 Statements 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, 2022, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases    Sales

MSCI China Multisector Tech

  $8,515,083    $    473,092

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

  1,107,091    1,159,303

MSCI Japan Value

  8,169,181    7,441,607

 

 

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  29


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
     In-kind
Sales
 

MSCI China Multisector Tech

  $ 1,845,647      $   —  

MSCI Japan Value

    51,633,834         

 

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, 2022, 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, 2021, 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

  $ 161,727  

MSCI Japan Value

    424,703  

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, 2022, 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 China Multisector Tech

  $ 9,870,046      $ 170,164      $ (674,119   $ (503,955

MSCI Japan Equal Weighted

    7,016,176        699,337        (606,560     92,777  

MSCI Japan Value

    95,201,605        4,059,641        (4,635,274     (575,633

 

 

8.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), is a party to a $800 million credit agreement (“Syndicated Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which expires on August 12, 2022. 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 Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Syndicated Credit Agreement. The Syndicated Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.15% 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 Syndicated Credit Agreement.

During the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Fund did not borrow under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

 

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.

 

 

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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: 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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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 Statements 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.

The 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. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may cause uncertainty in the markets and as a result adversely affect the Fund’s investments. 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.

The 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.

The 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

The 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.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBORTransition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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:

 

     Period Ended 02/28/22  
iShares ETF   Shares      Amount  

MSCI China Multisector Tech

    

Shares sold

    400,000      $ 9,892,974  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

      Six Months Ended
02/28/22
     Year Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF    Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

MSCI Japan Value

           

Shares sold

     1,900,000      $ 53,017,656        1,400,000      $ 37,929,376  

Shares redeemed

                   (100,000      (2,471,708
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     1,900,000      $  53,017,656        1,300,000      $  35,457,668  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 Statements 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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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

iShares MSCI China Multisector Tech ETF (the “Fund”)

Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), 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 Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the proposed Advisory Contract. At a meeting held on September 29 – October 1, 2021, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, 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 Board Members 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 Board Members, 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) potential economies of scale and the sharing of related benefits; (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 Board Members, 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 overall fund expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the overall fund 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: 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 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 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 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

 

 

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

  33


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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 investment vehicle, 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.

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 Board Members, 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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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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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

  35


Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted 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, 2022

 

     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 Equal Weighted(a)

  $ 0.570443     $      $   0.085332      $   0.655775        87         13     100%   

MSCI Japan Value(a)

    0.303401              0.088205        0.391606        77             23       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.

 

 

36  

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General Information

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail 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’ Form 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 Trust’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

  37


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviations - Equity

ADR   American Depositary Receipt

 

 

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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.

©2022 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-819-0222

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  FEBRUARY 28, 2022

 

    

 

2022 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, 2022 saw a continuation of the resurgent growth that followed the initial coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) pandemic reopening, albeit at a slower pace. The global economy weathered the emergence of several variant strains and the resulting peaks and troughs in infections amid optimism that increasing vaccinations and economic adaptation could help contain the pandemic’s disruptions. However, rapid changes in consumer spending led to supply constraints and elevated inflation. Moreover, while the foremost effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a severe humanitarian crisis, the invasion has presented challenges for both investors and policymakers.

Equity prices were mixed, as persistently high inflation drove investors’ expectations for higher interest rates, which particularly weighed on relatively high valuation growth stocks and economically sensitive small-capitalization stocks. Overall, small-capitalization U.S. stocks declined, while large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted a solid advance. International equities from developed markets gained slightly, although emerging market stocks declined, pressured by rising interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield (which is inversely related to bond prices) rose during the reporting period as the economy expanded rapidly and inflation reached its highest annualized reading in decades. In the corporate bond market, the improving economy assuaged credit concerns and led to modest returns for high-yield corporate bonds, outpacing the negative return of investment-grade corporate bonds.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) maintained accommodative monetary policy during the reporting period by keeping near-zero interest rates. However, the Fed’s tone shifted during the period, as it reduced its bond-buying program and raised the prospect of higher rates in 2022. Continued high inflation and the Fed’s new stance led many analysts to anticipate that the Fed will raise interest rates multiple times throughout the year.

Looking ahead, however, the horrific war in Ukraine has significantly clouded the outlook for the global economy. Sanctions on Russia and general wartime disruption are likely to drive already-high commodity prices even further upwards, and we have already seen spikes in energy and metal markets. While this will exacerbate inflationary pressure, it could also constrain economic growth, making the Fed’s way forward less clear. Its challenge will be combating inflation without stifling a recovery that is now facing additional supply shocks.

In this environment, we favor an overweight to equities, as we believe low interest rates and continued economic growth will support further gains, albeit likely more modest than what we saw in 2021. Sectors that are better poised to manage the transition to a lower-carbon world, such as technology and health care, are particularly attractive in the long term. U.S. and other developed market equities have room for further growth, while we believe Chinese equities stand to gain from a more accommodative monetary and fiscal environment. We are underweight long-term credit, but inflation-protected U.S. Treasuries, Asian fixed income, and emerging market local-currency bonds offer potential 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.

Overall, 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, 2022

 

     
    

6-Month 

 

 

12-Month 

 

   

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

 

  (2.62)%   16.39%
   

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

 

  (9.46)    (6.01)  
   

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

 

  (6.78)    2.83  
   

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

 

  (9.81)    (10.69)  
   

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

 

  0.02      0.04  
   

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

 

  (3.94)    (1.67)  
   

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

 

  (4.07)    (2.64)  
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds (Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

 

  (3.09)    (0.66)  
   

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

 

  (3.07)    0.64  

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

 

2  

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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

     27  

Statements of Operations

     28  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     29  

Financial Highlights

     31  

Notes to Financial Statements

     34  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     43  

Supplemental Information

     44  

General Information

     45  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     46  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

 

              Average Annual Total Returns             Cumulative Total Returns      
     6 Months     1 Year     Since    
Inception    
    1 Year     Since    
Inception    
 

Fund NAV

    (11.32 )%      (1.08 )%      12.77%        (1.08 )%      22.77%   

Fund Market

    (11.76     (1.46     12.59           (1.46     22.43      

Index

 

   

 

(11.15

 

 

   

 

(0.88

 

 

   

 

13.03    

 

 

 

   

 

(0.88

 

 

   

 

23.23    

 

 

 

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized  

Expense  

Ratio  

 

 

 

 

 

 
  $        1,000.00          $        886.80          $        0.56         $        1,000.00          $    1,024.20          $        0.60          0.12%  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector    

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

 

Financials

    22.8%  

Industrials

    17.4     

Information Technology

    13.4     

Health Care

    12.0     

Consumer Discretionary

    9.2     

Materials

    7.4     

Communication Services

    6.4     

Consumer Staples

    6.1     

Real Estate

    4.7     

Utilities

 

   

 

0.6   

 

 

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

 
Country/Geographic Region    

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

 

Japan

    27.2%  

United Kingdom

    10.7     

France

    9.9     

Switzerland

    9.3     

Netherlands

    7.8     

Germany

    7.3     

Australia

    4.9     

Sweden

    4.5     

Denmark

    3.9     

Hong Kong

 

   

 

3.6   

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 2    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


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

 

              Average Annual Total Returns             Cumulative Total Returns      
     6 Months     1 Year     Since    
Inception    
    1 Year     Since    
Inception    
 

Fund NAV

    (7.05 )%      (2.61 )%      13.68%        (2.61 )%      19.67%   

Fund Market

    (6.59     (1.06     14.40           (1.06     20.73      

Index

 

   

 

(7.22

 

 

   

 

(2.47

 

 

   

 

14.15    

 

 

 

   

 

(2.47

 

 

   

 

20.36    

 

 

 

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
(09/01/21)

 

 
 
 

 

      

 

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)

 

 
 
 

 

      

 

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 

 

 
 
(a) 

 

     

 

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)

 

 
 
 

 

      

 

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)

 

 
 
 

 

      

 

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 

 

 
 
(a) 

 

      

 

Annualized  

Expense  

Ratio  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  $        1,000.00          $        929.50          $        0.77         $        1,000.00          $     1,024.00          $        0.80          0.16%  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector    

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

 

Financials

    32.5%  

Information Technology

    20.1     

Consumer Discretionary

    16.8     

Communication Services

    9.4     

Consumer Staples

    5.4     

Materials

    4.9     

Health Care

    4.9     

Industrials

    3.6     

Real Estate

    1.9     

Utilities

 

   

 

0.5   

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEN LARGEST GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

 
Country/Geographic Region    

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

 

China

    32.5%  

Taiwan

    18.8     

India

    12.3     

South Korea

    7.2     

South Africa

    7.0     

Brazil

    4.0     

Indonesia

    2.8     

Thailand

    2.6     

United Arab Emirates

    2.5     

Malaysia

 

   

 

2.1   

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of February 28, 2022    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

 

              Average Annual Total Returns             Cumulative Total Returns      
     6 Months     1 Year     Since    
Inception    
    1 Year     Since    
Inception    
 

Fund NAV

    (7.76 )%      10.20     21.58%        10.20     39.59%   

Fund Market

    (7.68     10.12       21.69           10.12       39.80      

Index

 

   

 

(7.90

 

 

   

 

9.92

 

 

 

   

 

21.36    

 

 

 

   

 

9.92

 

 

 

   

 

39.13    

 

 

 

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
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
     

Beginning
Account Value
(09/01/21)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(02/28/22)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period 
 
 
(a) 
      

Annualized  

Expense  

Ratio  

 

 

 

 

 

 
  $        1,000.00          $        922.40          $        0.48         $        1,000.00          $     1,024.30          $        0.50          0.10%  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). 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” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

ALLOCATION BY SECTOR

 

 
Sector    

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

 

Information Technology

    42.4%  

Health Care

    12.7     

Financials

    12.1     

Consumer Discretionary

    9.2     

Industrials

    7.8     

Consumer Staples

    5.3     

Real Estate

    4.6     

Materials

    3.8     

Communication Services

    1.9     

Utilities

 

   

 

0.2   

 

 

 

 

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

 
Sector    

Percent of   

Total Investments(a)

 

 

 

 

Microsoft Corp.

    12.5%  

NVIDIA Corp.

    3.6     

Visa Inc., Class A

    2.1     

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    1.9     

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    1.8     

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    1.5     

Cisco Systems Inc.

    1.4     

PepsiCo Inc.

    1.3     

Adobe Inc.

    1.3     

Verizon Communications Inc.

 

   

 

1.3   

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6  

2 0 2 2    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 each 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 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

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in a Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses 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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Australia — 4.9%  

ASX Ltd.

    7,447     $ 447,278  

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    81,379       207,590  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    116,717           2,209,668  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    21,302       315,437  

Brambles Ltd.

    64,060       461,406  

Cochlear Ltd.

    2,876       469,490  

Computershare Ltd.

    20,862       329,627  

CSL Ltd.

    19,948       3,792,594  

Dexus

    43,131       341,424  

Evolution Mining Ltd.

    77,979       241,126  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    71,006       945,966  

Goodman Group

    66,746       1,079,927  

GPT Group/The

    75,709       270,135  

IDP Education Ltd.

    9,003       174,114  

Lendlease Corp. Ltd.

    28,914       223,065  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

    107,185       247,223  

Mineral Resources Ltd.

    7,076       232,553  

Mirvac Group

    161,048       300,341  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    34,473       639,502  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    48,394       360,680  

Orica Ltd.

    16,418       175,044  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    61,433       512,659  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    7,753       361,660  

REA Group Ltd.

    2,267       218,514  

Reece Ltd.

    13,176       186,535  

Scentre Group

    215,700       479,199  

SEEK Ltd.

    15,322       299,129  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    19,831       506,039  

Stockland

    101,449       306,974  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    57,897       450,365  

Transurban Group

    122,958       1,135,690  

Vicinity Centres

    160,861       209,463  

WiseTech Global Ltd.

    5,985       191,616  
   

 

 

 
      18,322,033  
Austria — 0.2%            

Erste Group Bank AG

    14,705       522,716  

Raiffeisen Bank International AG

    5,678       92,523  

voestalpine AG

    4,770       157,653  
   

 

 

 
      772,892  
Belgium — 0.7%            

Ageas SA/NV

    7,137       343,334  

Elia Group SA/NV

    1,414       203,564  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    4,525       469,859  

KBC Group NV

    10,432       751,593  

Proximus SADP

    5,490       109,143  

Solvay SA

    3,243       361,661  

Umicore SA

    7,911       323,636  
   

 

 

 
      2,562,790  
Denmark — 3.9%            

Ambu A/S, Class B(a)

    6,283       115,863  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    185       554,716  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B, NVS

    188       594,740  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    4,576       333,610  

Demant A/S(b)

    4,576       193,385  

DSV A/S

    8,258       1,519,940  

Genmab A/S(b)

    2,722       914,854  

GN Store Nord AS

    5,622       297,196  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    69,850       7,228,316  
Security   Shares     Value  
Denmark (continued)            

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    9,040     $ 593,319  

Pandora A/S

    4,456       456,282  

Rockwool International A/S, Class B

    372       127,526  

Tryg A/S

    14,167       320,540  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    41,932       1,352,168  
   

 

 

 
          14,602,455  
Finland — 1.6%            

Elisa Oyj

    5,373       297,703  

Kesko Oyj, Class B

    12,263       360,896  

Kone Oyj, Class B

    14,825       865,092  

Nokia Oyj(b)

    221,264       1,196,450  

Nordea Bank Abp

    133,493       1,476,903  

Orion Oyj, Class B

    4,281       201,031  

Sampo Oyj, Class A

    20,201       953,174  

Stora Enso Oyj, Class R

    25,750       490,384  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    20,455       229,087  
   

 

 

 
      6,070,720  
France — 9.7%            

Accor SA(b)

    6,650       227,119  

Aeroports de Paris(b)

    1,220       172,495  

Air Liquide SA

    19,592       3,254,331  

Amundi SA(c)

    2,721       188,717  

Arkema SA

    2,815       373,317  

AXA SA

    80,520       2,191,621  

BioMerieux

    1,649       181,244  

BNP Paribas SA

    47,275       2,743,109  

Bouygues SA

    9,892       353,719  

Bureau Veritas SA

    12,386       354,151  

Capgemini SE

    6,466       1,353,525  

Carrefour SA

    26,109       524,902  

Cie. Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    6,832       940,476  

CNP Assurances

    6,784       165,348  

Covivio

    1,958       160,185  

Credit Agricole SA

    51,266       653,044  

Danone SA

    26,901       1,636,636  

Dassault Systemes SE

    26,901       1,297,604  

Edenred

    11,237       511,338  

Eiffage SA

    3,545       361,108  

Eurazeo SE

    1,648       127,293  

Eurofins Scientific SE

    5,759       584,411  

Gecina SA

    1,835       233,194  

Getlink SE

    19,052       310,725  

Hermes International

    1,318       1,817,570  

Ipsen SA

    1,661       193,273  

Klepierre SA

    8,065       230,534  

Legrand SA

    11,529       1,087,646  

L’Oreal SA

    10,500       4,150,904  

Orpea SA

    2,326       96,320  

Publicis Groupe SA

    8,723       578,908  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    1,159       444,442  

Schneider Electric SE

    22,469       3,481,259  

SEB SA

    1,220       177,432  

Societe Generale SA

    34,221       967,686  

Sodexo SA

    3,974       331,776  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(b)

    3,993       214,093  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield(a)(b)

    5,129       390,962  

Valeo

    9,699       213,903  

Vinci SA

    22,302       2,338,396  

Vivendi SE

    34,404       434,308  
 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
France (continued)            

Wendel SE

    981     $ 99,590  

Worldline SA/France(b)(c)

    9,707       494,991  
   

 

 

 
          36,643,605  
Germany — 6.8%            

adidas AG

    7,902       1,868,362  

Allianz SE, Registered

    16,976       3,826,684  

Aroundtown SA

    43,143       266,026  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    13,847       1,333,565  

Bechtle AG

    3,553       182,255  

Beiersdorf AG

    4,351       441,052  

Brenntag SE

    6,103       511,630  

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Bearer

    1,647       258,471  

Commerzbank AG(b)

    41,622       347,840  

Covestro AG(c)

    8,606       455,134  

Daimler Truck Holding AG(b)

    17,080       520,523  

Delivery Hero SE(b)(c)

    6,619       354,783  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    7,869       1,339,482  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Registered(b)

    24,766       190,883  

Deutsche Post AG, Registered

    40,667       2,044,013  

Evonik Industries AG

    9,151       275,460  

GEA Group AG

    6,649       290,753  

Hannover Rueck SE

    2,505       461,175  

HeidelbergCement AG

    6,229       404,181  

HelloFresh SE(b)

    7,146       389,786  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    4,584       352,451  

Infineon Technologies AG

    53,472       1,809,273  

KION Group AG

    3,111       249,397  

Knorr-Bremse AG

    2,999       264,392  

LANXESS AG

    3,558       173,316  

LEG Immobilien SE

    2,999       385,642  

Merck KGaA

    5,335       1,058,184  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen, Registered

    5,833       1,600,208  

Nemetschek SE

    2,501       221,917  

Puma SE

    3,859       353,887  

Rational AG

    186       136,889  

Scout24 SE(c)

    3,254       189,807  

Symrise AG

    5,559       661,224  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

    41,791       114,041  

United Internet AG, Registered(d)

    3,660       124,470  

Vonovia SE

    30,348       1,610,963  

Zalando SE(b)(c)

    9,839       651,211  
   

 

 

 
      25,719,330  
Hong Kong — 3.5%            

AIA Group Ltd.

    500,200       5,193,999  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    156,000       560,830  

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd.(b)

    82,000       170,276  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    80,000       505,284  

ESR Cayman Ltd.(b)(c)

    88,000       271,482  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    63,000       132,053  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    24,400       449,963  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd., Class SS

    183,000       246,823  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    39,900       1,933,421  

Link REIT

    89,800       725,656  

MTR Corp. Ltd.(a)

    64,500       334,336  

New World Development Co. Ltd.

    61,000       243,978  

Sino Land Co. Ltd.

    138,000       174,183  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    62,000       720,798  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    48,800       126,905  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hong Kong (continued)            

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    61,000     $ 1,022,119  

WH Group Ltd.(c)

    335,500       233,982  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

    63,000       282,825  
   

 

 

 
          13,328,913  
Ireland — 0.9%            

CRH PLC

    32,660       1,484,666  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    19,216       627,346  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    6,778       807,525  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    10,313       515,054  
   

 

 

 
      3,434,591  
Israel — 0.9%            

Bank Hapoalim BM

    37,500       397,443  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

    48,631       526,816  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(b)

    4,585       664,275  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(b)

    1,708       290,599  

Fiverr International Ltd.(a)(b)

    947       74,728  

Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Class A

    49,904       329,075  

Kornit Digital Ltd.(b)

    1,952       185,108  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.

    6,042       236,117  

Nice Ltd.(b)

    2,624       593,570  

Wix.com Ltd.(a)(b)

    2,217       203,033  
   

 

 

 
      3,500,764  
Italy — 1.4%            

Amplifon SpA

    4,949       212,384  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    46,992       929,353  

DiaSorin SpA

    1,103       165,069  

Ferrari NV

    5,085       1,092,707  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

    17,232       287,186  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA(c)

    13,792       140,834  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

    22,298       232,216  

Moncler SpA

    8,909       534,986  

Nexi SpA(b)(c)

    19,951       272,490  

Poste Italiane SpA(c)

    23,554       270,153  

Prysmian SpA

    11,103       365,504  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

    4,282       209,439  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano

    409,439       172,024  

Terna - Rete Elettrica Nazionale

    66,194       542,314  
   

 

 

 
      5,426,659  
Japan — 26.9%            

Advantest Corp.

    6,700       538,445  

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    30,500       690,937  

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    18,300       533,280  

ANA Holdings Inc.(b)

    6,200       136,513  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    53,200       499,273  

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    75,400       1,257,990  

Azbil Corp.

    6,100       231,549  

Bridgestone Corp.

    25,100       1,033,641  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    12,200       222,051  

Canon Inc.

    43,400       1,021,330  

Capcom Co. Ltd.

    6,100       148,052  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    6,100       824,209  

Chiba Bank Ltd/The

    24,400       153,377  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    30,500       1,011,795  

CyberAgent Inc.

    15,300       200,211  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    6,100       159,239  

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

    6,100       441,194  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    43,500       903,414  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    75,300       1,836,974  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    9,600       1,774,123  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    24,400     $ 691,991  

Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

    61,000       360,662  

Denso Corp.

    18,800           1,322,019  

Disco Corp.

    1,000       279,650  

East Japan Railway Co.

    12,200       722,672  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    6,100       302,650  

FANUC Corp.

    8,100       1,487,987  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

    2,100       1,132,760  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    12,200       775,482  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    8,200       1,191,329  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.

    12,200       162,119  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    12,200       364,988  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    12,400       116,520  

Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,100       165,399  

Hitachi Metals Ltd.(b)

    6,200       110,518  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    1,800       125,499  

Hoya Corp.

    15,400       2,006,137  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    18,500       168,536  

Ibiden Co. Ltd.

    6,100       297,915  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    6,100       158,133  

Japan Exchange Group Inc.

    24,400       456,916  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    307       248,468  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    61       325,847  

JFE Holdings Inc.

    18,300       272,442  

JSR Corp.

    6,100       191,893  

Kajima Corp.

    18,300       246,290  

Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

    6,100       122,431  

Kao Corp.

    18,900       883,516  

KDDI Corp.

    67,100       2,183,517  

Keio Corp.

    6,100       249,594  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    6,100       170,835  

Keyence Corp.

    7,800       3,689,405  

Kikkoman Corp.

    6,100       454,742  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)

    6,100       183,258  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    2,000       171,298  

Kobe Bussan Co. Ltd.

    6,100       201,970  

Komatsu Ltd.

    36,600       841,943  

Konami Holdings Corp.

    3,300       187,739  

Kubota Corp.

    43,400       778,668  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    6,100       252,081  

Kyocera Corp.

    12,200       702,146  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    12,200       312,209  

Lion Corp.

    12,200       159,907  

Lixil Corp.

    12,200       271,906  

Mazda Motor Corp.(b)

    24,400       180,471  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    6,200       113,472  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    6,100       366,642  

Mercari Inc.(b)

    6,100       191,052  

MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.

    18,300       401,701  

MISUMI Group Inc.

    12,300       394,309  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    55,800       396,394  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    73,200       885,392  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    43,600       665,697  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc.

    6,100       108,226  

Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

    30,800       160,174  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    494,100       3,033,272  

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

    6,100       155,944  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    37,300       830,151  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

    12,200       229,641  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    18,300       619,212  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    24,400     $     1,658,350  

NEC Corp.

    9,100       393,717  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    6,100       94,732  

Nidec Corp.

    18,800       1,634,352  

Nihon M&A Center Holdings Inc.

    12,900       190,805  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    4,000       2,025,807  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    61       349,550  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    18,300       163,787  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    122       358,686  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    48,800       1,402,555  

Nippon Yusen KK

    6,100       571,515  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,100       167,784  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,900       436,387  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    6,100       445,168  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    128,100       584,530  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    6,200       154,371  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    183       241,333  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    12,200       428,254  

NTT Data Corp.

    24,900       472,953  

Obayashi Corp.

    31,000       259,563  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    12,200       201,281  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    37,200       190,060  

Omron Corp.

    6,100       415,096  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    18,300       450,546  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd./Japan

    8,400       1,552,864  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    122       170,680  

Otsuka Corp.

    6,100       236,945  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    18,300       630,878  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    16,600       271,710  

Persol Holdings Co. Ltd.

    6,200       138,890  

Rakuten Group Inc.

    36,600       311,123  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    56,200       2,372,213  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(b)

    48,800       574,898  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    79,500       355,547  

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

    24,400       208,152  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    3,200       255,212  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    18,300       208,567  

SCSK Corp.

    6,100       104,435  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    8,700       638,983  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    12,200       187,641  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    12,200       199,787  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    24,900       507,663  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    12,200       258,581  

Sharp Corp./Japan

    6,100       57,682  

Shimadzu Corp.

    12,200       439,406  

Shimizu Corp.

    24,400       161,508  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    14,800       2,311,584  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    12,200       811,207  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    18,300       1,050,165  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd/The

    18,600       137,513  

SoftBank Corp.

    115,900       1,464,325  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    48,800       2,189,948  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    12,200       529,700  

Sony Group Corp.

    51,800       5,292,520  

Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.

    6,100       297,488  

SUMCO Corp.

    12,200       200,247  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    61,000       291,228  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

    6,100       66,946  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    6,100       304,283  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    54,900       1,946,878  
 

 

 

10  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    13,100     $ 385,380  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    6,100       243,079  

Sysmex Corp.

    6,100       488,308  

T&D Holdings Inc.

    18,300       265,780  

Taisei Corp.

    6,100       202,834  

TDK Corp.

    18,300       740,660  

Terumo Corp.

    24,400       792,472  

TIS Inc.

    6,100       144,379  

Tobu Railway Co. Ltd.

    6,100       149,942  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    25,100       1,428,216  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    6,400       3,140,976  

Tokyu Corp.

    18,300       244,056  

TOPPAN INC.

    12,200       240,393  

Toray Industries Inc.

    61,000       347,864  

Tosoh Corp.

    12,200       189,321  

TOTO Ltd.

    6,100       256,790  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    6,100       256,425  

Trend Micro Inc/Japan

    6,100       340,786  

Unicharm Corp.

    18,300       689,803  

USS Co. Ltd.

    6,100       101,334  

Welcia Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,000       80,002  

West Japan Railway Co.

    12,200       526,355  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    6,100       331,040  

Yamaha Corp.

    6,100       286,204  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    12,200       274,251  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    6,100       244,224  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    6,100       98,419  

Z Holdings Corp.

    112,200       549,202  

ZOZO Inc.

    6,100       173,700  
   

 

 

 
        101,092,108  
Netherlands — 7.7%            

ABN AMRO Bank NV, CVA(c)

    17,712       235,698  

Adyen NV(b)(c)

    854       1,779,969  

AerCap Holdings NV(b)

    5,612       305,461  

Akzo Nobel NV

    7,505       714,042  

Argenx SE(b)

    1,894       548,395  

ASM International NV

    1,972       636,892  

ASML Holding NV

    17,150       11,473,758  

CNH Industrial NV

    42,155       599,634  

Euronext NV(c)

    3,446       311,075  

EXOR NV

    4,646       352,007  

IMCD NV

    2,334       379,138  

ING Groep NV

    162,541       1,898,233  

InPost SA(b)

    5,002       30,890  

JDE Peet’s NV

    4,334       142,282  

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV(b)(c)

    7,771       314,509  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    43,231       1,329,883  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    7,110       1,335,002  

NN Group NV

    11,721       562,548  

Prosus NV

    38,816       2,409,760  

QIAGEN NV(b)

    9,102       457,306  

Randstad NV

    4,823       328,681  

STMicroelectronics NV

    27,572       1,157,417  

Universal Music Group NV

    30,964       706,986  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    10,798       1,100,205  
   

 

 

 
      29,109,771  
New Zealand — 0.5%            

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(b)

    51,612       249,906  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.

    25,202       473,596  
Security   Shares     Value  
New Zealand (continued)            

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    36,910     $ 143,776  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    49,239       167,171  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    19,520       132,773  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    81,869       251,362  

Xero Ltd.(b)

    4,944       339,940  
   

 

 

 
      1,758,524  
Norway — 0.8%            

Adevinta ASA(b)

    12,026       128,832  

DNB Bank ASA

    39,042       874,083  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    8,855       219,025  

Mowi ASA

    15,150       390,094  

Orkla ASA

    31,232       292,561  

Schibsted ASA, Class A

    3,661       105,210  

Schibsted ASA, Class B

    3,847       99,581  

Telenor ASA

    27,521       407,190  

Yara International ASA

    7,231       368,274  
   

 

 

 
          2,884,850  
Portugal — 0.1%            

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    11,716       255,429  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 1.7%            

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    140,499       288,085  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust(a)

    217,181       339,891  

Capitaland Investment Ltd/Singapore(b)

    104,400       286,083  

City Developments Ltd.

    12,600       66,673  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    70,400       1,769,865  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

    147,000       1,273,817  

Singapore Airlines Ltd.(b)

    55,700       210,907  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    23,200       160,957  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    342,300       642,079  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    48,800       1,084,598  

UOL Group Ltd.

    18,700       96,912  

Venture Corp. Ltd.

    10,400       135,662  
   

 

 

 
      6,355,529  
Spain — 1.9%            

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

    9,760       238,785  

Aena SME SA(b)(c)

    3,373       550,491  

Amadeus IT Group SA(b)

    18,743       1,236,599  

CaixaBank SA

    187,541       615,994  

Cellnex Telecom SA(c)

    22,725       1,027,902  

EDP Renovaveis SA

    13,115       318,789  

Ferrovial SA

    21,623       589,101  

Grifols SA

    14,152       268,323  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    45,413       1,184,633  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

    111       2,199  

Telefonica SA

    233,327       1,114,351  
   

 

 

 
      7,147,167  
Sweden — 4.5%            

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    43,896       1,152,169  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    29,488       1,512,266  

Atlas Copco AB, Class B

    12,914       583,522  

Electrolux AB, Class B

    8,697       155,721  

Embracer Group AB(b)

    23,180       200,668  

Epiroc AB, Class A

    28,452       534,632  

Epiroc AB, Class B

    16,841       272,999  

EQT AB

    12,879       431,061  

Essity AB, Class B

    26,414       679,789  

Fastighets AB Balder, Class B(b)

    4,518       281,648  

Getinge AB, Class B

    9,864       382,867  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden (continued)            

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B

    29,008     $ 484,117  

Hexagon AB, Class B

    80,344       1,085,421  

Husqvarna AB, Class B

    16,684       200,944  

Industrivarden AB, Class A

    4,674       129,072  

Industrivarden AB, Class C

    7,992       216,621  

Investment AB Latour, Class B

    6,405       176,924  

Investor AB

    14,156       313,024  

Investor AB, Class B

    80,244       1,633,966  

Kinnevik AB, Class B(b)

    10,374       264,125  

L E Lundbergforetagen AB, Class B

    3,062       147,856  

Lifco AB, Class B

    9,152       208,039  

Nibe Industrier AB, Class B

    61,386       546,444  

Sagax AB, Class B

    6,223       169,212  

Sandvik AB

    48,933       1,054,629  

Sinch AB(a)(b)(c)

    19,830       167,274  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A

    69,700       802,970  

SKF AB, Class B

    15,168       280,065  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B

    25,628       418,135  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A

    62,285       592,131  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    21,047       278,897  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    120,051       1,104,697  

Telia Co. AB

    101,387       376,974  
   

 

 

 
          16,838,879  
Switzerland — 9.2%            

ABB Ltd., Registered

    66,745       2,255,508  

Adecco Group AG, Registered

    7,175       338,865  

Alcon Inc.

    20,811       1,607,807  

Bachem Holding AG, Class B, Registered

    261       155,328  

Baloise Holding AG, Registered

    2,074       347,898  

Clariant AG, Registered

    9,154       165,255  

Coca-Cola HBC AG, Class DI

    8,489       215,676  

Geberit AG, Registered

    1,353       885,102  

Givaudan SA, Registered

    401       1,674,338  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    9,556       559,565  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Registered

    2,390       651,789  

Logitech International SA, Registered

    6,998       523,653  

Lonza Group AG, Registered

    3,119       2,158,042  

Novartis AG, Registered

    91,134       7,983,541  

Partners Group Holding AG

    915       1,236,886  

SGS SA, Registered

    251       718,199  

Sika AG, Registered

    5,895       1,956,165  

Sonova Holding AG, Registered

    2,208       854,925  

Straumann Holding AG, Registered

    435       690,981  

Swiss Life Holding AG, Registered

    1,289       786,518  

Swiss Prime Site AG, Registered

    3,085       302,310  

Swiss Re AG

    13,246       1,265,730  

Swisscom AG, Registered

    981       587,631  

Temenos AG, Registered

    2,692       270,585  

UBS Group AG, Registered

    146,400       2,695,414  

VAT Group AG(c)

    1,103       416,818  

Vifor Pharma AG

    2,017       354,042  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    6,356       2,917,379  
   

 

 

 
      34,575,950  
United Kingdom — 10.6%            

3i Group PLC

    40,516       721,757  

abrdn plc

    97,539       270,352  

Admiral Group PLC

    8,174       325,616  

Antofagasta PLC

    16,352       331,093  

Ashtead Group PLC

    18,520       1,203,464  
Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)            

Auto Trader Group PLC(c)

    38,432     $ 339,895  

AVEVA Group PLC

    5,073       167,986  

Aviva PLC

    163,480       920,657  

Barratt Developments PLC

    43,811       356,850  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    4,840       251,710  

British Land Co PLC/The

    37,150       262,529  

Bunzl PLC

    14,219       561,903  

Burberry Group PLC

    16,840       436,597  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC

    8,793       450,290  

Compass Group PLC

    72,964       1,649,209  

Croda International PLC

    5,856       586,179  

Ferguson PLC

    9,153       1,394,715  

Halma PLC

    16,433       530,031  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    7,263       202,202  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    846,623       5,877,496  

Informa PLC(b)

    60,943       482,537  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(b)

    7,283       507,136  

Intertek Group PLC

    7,023       504,124  

J Sainsbury PLC

    70,029       258,275  

JD Sports Fashion PLC

    112,311       225,929  

Kingfisher PLC

    85,588       349,144  

Land Securities Group PLC

    28,984       307,135  

Legal & General Group PLC

    251,465       929,774  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    2,993,608       1,929,396  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    13,664       1,193,641  

M&G PLC

    107,484       295,890  

Mondi PLC

    19,522       409,600  

Next PLC

    5,378       492,422  

Ocado Group PLC(b)

    21,068       387,417  

Pearson PLC

    29,897       258,636  

Persimmon PLC

    13,061       420,349  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    28,672       237,642  

Prudential PLC

    113,103       1,709,944  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    29,737       2,518,043  

RELX PLC

    79,810       2,430,453  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    79,674       540,697  

Sage Group PLC/The

    40,261       377,706  

Schroders PLC

    5,390       220,656  

Segro PLC

    48,254       839,188  

Severn Trent PLC

    10,381       399,388  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    3,172       505,472  

St. James’s Place PLC

    22,481       421,472  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    156,648       314,202  

United Utilities Group PLC

    30,934       443,985  

Vodafone Group PLC

    1,134,705       1,997,465  

Whitbread PLC(b)

    8,663       338,163  

WPP PLC

    47,400       666,676  
   

 

 

 
      39,753,088  
   

 

 

 
Total Common Stocks — 98.4%
    (Cost: $383,851,326)
          370,156,047  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.3%            

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    2,480       200,553  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    7,687       610,100  
 

 

 

12  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Germany (continued)            

Sartorius AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    1,049     $ 463,147  
   

 

 

 
      1,273,800  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.3%
(Cost: $1,489,815)

      1,273,800  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   
Money Market Funds — 0.3%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(e)(f)(g)

    1,047,023       1,047,232  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(e)(f)

    30,000       30,000  
   

 

 

 
      1,077,232  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.3%
(Cost: $1,077,322)

      1,077,232  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 99.0%
(Cost: $386,418,463)

      372,507,079  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 1.0%

      3,655,098  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   376,162,177  
   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

 
  (b) 

Non-income producing security.

 
  (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) 

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 the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 
 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 27,552       $1,019,885 (a)    $     $ (115   $ (90   $ 1,047,232       1,047,023     $ 1,397 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    20,000       10,000 (a)                         30,000       30,000       3        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (115   $ (90   $ 1,077,232       $ 1,400     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

Mini TOPIX Index

     27        03/10/22      $ 445      $ (13,862

Euro STOXX 50 Index

     16        03/18/22        700        (40,092
           

 

 

 
            $ (53,954
           

 

 

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 53,954  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 2,025  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (55,692
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 999,485  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 3,172,474        $ 366,983,573        $        $ 370,156,047  

Preferred Stocks

              1,273,800                   1,273,800  

Money Market Funds

     1,077,232                            1,077,232  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 4,249,706        $ 368,257,373        $        $ 372,507,079  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $        $ (53,954      $             —        $ (53,954
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

14  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Brazil — 2.6%            

Americanas SA

    7,820     $ 45,827  

Atacadao SA

    6,100       22,486  

B3 SA - Brasil, Bolsa, Balcao

    77,250       217,334  

Banco Bradesco SA

    14,930       48,968  

Banco do Brasil SA

    11,250       76,062  

Banco Santander Brasil SA

    4,460       26,436  

CCR SA

    16,410       37,333  

Energisa SA

    2,510       21,417  

Hypera SA

    2,499       16,211  

Localiza Rent a Car SA

    8,270       92,064  

Lojas Renner SA

    12,870       63,614  

Natura & Co. Holding SA(a)

    11,960       53,371  

Rede D’Or Sao Luiz SA(b)

    4,770       46,989  

Rumo SA(a)

    18,050       54,075  

Telefonica Brasil SA

    7,000       68,647  

TIM SA

    9,850       26,127  

TOTVS SA

    6,270       40,167  

WEG SA

    21,700       122,948  
   

 

 

 
      1,080,076  
Chile — 0.4%            

Banco de Chile

    626,400       66,412  

Banco de Credito e Inversiones SA

    661       23,630  

Banco Santander Chile

    649,230       31,880  

Falabella SA

    10,190       33,533  
   

 

 

 
      155,455  
China — 31.9%            

360 Security Technology Inc., Class A(a)

    11,489       19,124  

3SBio Inc.(a)(b)

    15,000       11,922  

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    24,000       11,338  

Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    350,000       132,552  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.(a)

    138,000       1,840,094  

Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd.(a)

    60,000       42,014  

Baidu Inc., ADR(a)

    3,510       535,064  

Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    960,000       373,455  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class A

    20,000       15,161  

Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Class H

    120,000       82,263  

Bank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,000       13,638  

Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000       4,433  

BeiGene Ltd., ADR(a)

    590       124,207  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    40,000       15,803  

Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,020       3,875  

Beijing Sinnet Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,100       4,973  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,000       40,212  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    10,000       309,873  

BYD Electronic International Co. Ltd.

    10,000       28,218  

CanSino Biologics Inc., Class H(a)(b)

    2,000       36,010  

China Bohai Bank Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    50,000       8,318  

China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd., Class H

    90,000       42,292  

China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.

    20,000       96,245  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class A

    4,000       3,827  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    1,190,000       892,458  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,000       5,299  

China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    50,000       18,595  

China Feihe Ltd.(b)

    50,000       59,663  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,000       9,636  

China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    55,000       31,481  

China International Capital Corp. Ltd., Class A

    1,400       9,384  

China International Capital Corp. Ltd., Class H(b)

    16,000       38,927  
Security   Shares     Value  
China (continued)            

China Jushi Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,171     $ 8,609  

China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd.

    10,000       15,330  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    20,000       35,613  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    40,000       259,770  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    14,000       110,666  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    50,000       421,465  

China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd., Class H

    70,000       27,265  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class A

    8,000       7,674  

China Molybdenum Co. Ltd., Class H

    60,000       36,114  

China Railway Signal & Communication Corp. Ltd., Class A

    4,200       3,225  

China Resources Mixc Lifestyle Services Ltd.(b)

    8,000       41,149  

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

    3,000       17,007  

China Ruyi Holdings Ltd.(a)

    40,000       11,905  

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

    4,900       5,376  

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

    20,000       12,617  

China Three Gorges Renewables Group Co. Ltd.

    14,700       16,592  

China TransInfo Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800       6,157  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,000       30,437  

China Vanke Co. Ltd., Class H

    20,000       47,504  

China Zheshang Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000       1,087  

CIFI Ever Sunshine Services Group Ltd.

    20,000       36,371  

CIFI Holdings Group Co. Ltd.

    40,000       27,845  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000       171,319  

Country Garden Services Holdings Co. Ltd.

    20,000       119,639  

CSC Financial Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,000       20,472  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    120,000       142,244  

Dali Foods Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    40,000       21,067  

Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    40,000       34,429  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    700       4,876  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    8,000       39,249  

GDS Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    1,250       55,650  

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

    80,000       149,011  

GEM Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,800       4,238  

Genscript Biotech Corp.(a)

    20,000       79,300  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,000       29,202  

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., Class H

    20,000       42,106  

Greentown Service Group Co. Ltd.

    20,000       20,090  

Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,024       4,829  

Guangzhou Kingmed Diagnostics Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    700       9,331  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,000       16,069  

Haitong Securities Co. Ltd., Class H

    24,000       20,652  

Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000       10,578  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    2,000       22,502  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.(b)

    20,000       42,694  

Hopson Development Holdings Ltd.

    9,000       18,527  

Huadong Medicine Co. Ltd., Class A

    700       4,199  

Huatai Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    11,000       27,724  

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

    10,000       16,373  

Hundsun Technologies Inc., Class A

    1,060       8,809  

Hygeia Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd.(b)

    4,000       21,703  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    55,000       40,632  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    750,000       447,716  

Industrial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    18,000       63,061  

Industrial Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,200       5,439  

Jafron Biomedical Co. Ltd., Class A

    700       5,070  

Jinxin Fertility Group Ltd.(a)(b)

    20,000       23,386  

Jiumaojiu International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    10,000       22,465  

Kingdee International Software Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    30,000       74,149  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
China (continued)            

Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.

    20,000     $ 12,857  

Legend Biotech Corp., ADR(a)

    520       20,587  

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    100,000       111,357  

Li Auto Inc., ADR(a)

    7,100       216,195  

Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Inc., Class A

    2,000       12,161  

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    25,000       133,688  

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,000       49,790  

Meituan, Class B(a)(b)

    52,000       1,155,188  

Microport Scientific Corp.

    9,000       25,034  

Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Ltd., Class A

    1,000       4,112  

NetEase Inc.

    26,075       504,335  

NIO Inc., ADR(a)

    16,850       384,854  

Orient Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    5,000       9,780  

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

    110,000       35,374  

Pharmaron Beijing Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,000       19,192  

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

    2,000       24,248  

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

    7,000       21,692  

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

    15,000       13,288  

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

    110,000       90,319  

Sangfor Technologies Inc., Class A

    700       16,124  

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

    32,000       44,185  

Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    11,483       8,037  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,400       9,397  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,000       20,048  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., Class H

    18,000       32,491  

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,000       13,311  

Shengyi Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,000       9,277  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,050       20,865  

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

    1,000       52,001  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

    11,000       184,763  

Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd.

    140,000       89,371  

Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd., Class H

    24,000       58,180  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,000       19,364  

Suningcom Co Ltd, Class A(a)

    19,600       11,139  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    9,000       215,676  

TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A

    18,000       15,908  

Tianfeng Securities Co. Ltd., Class A

    20,000       11,184  

Tongcheng Travel Holdings Ltd.(a)

    12,000       22,349  

Topsports International Holdings Ltd.(b)

    20,000       20,705  

Transfar Zhilian Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,000       3,673  

Trip.com Group Ltd., ADR(a)

    6,340       163,699  

Unisplendour Corp. Ltd., Class A

    3,000       10,458  

Venus MedTech Hangzhou Inc., Class H(a)(b)

    5,000       13,901  

Vinda International Holdings Ltd.

    10,000       28,472  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd., ADR(a)

    5,730       49,679  

Want Want China Holdings Ltd.

    50,000       53,170  

Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The)

    20,000       72,360  

Wuhu Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology

   

Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    2,000       6,642  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,060       17,545  

WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    5,040       71,742  

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

    45,000       372,214  

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

    14,000       22,907  

Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.

    60,000       108,982  

XPeng Inc., ADR(a)

    5,010       182,214  

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    20,000       29,671  

Yonyou Network Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,000       14,971  

Yum China Holdings Inc.

    5,270       274,145  

Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    1,100       15,716  

Zhejiang Jiuzhou Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Class A

    700       5,304  
Security   Shares     Value  
China (continued)            

Zhejiang Weixing New Building Materials Co. Ltd., Class A

    700     $ 2,565  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.

    10,000       69,829  

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

    5,600       6,241  

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

    20,000       13,257  
   

 

 

 
      13,206,715  
Colombia — 0.2%            

Bancolombia SA

    3,750       37,186  

Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana SA

    3,765       30,554  

Interconexion Electrica SA ESP

    4,290       26,479  
   

 

 

 
      94,219  
Czech Republic — 0.1%            

Komercni Banka AS(a)

    820       32,259  

Moneta Money Bank AS(b)

    3,050       12,077  
   

 

 

 
      44,336  
Egypt — 0.1%            

Commercial International Bank Egypt SAE(a)

    11,675       35,560  
   

 

 

 
Greece — 0.2%            

Alpha Services and Holdings SA(a)

    21,609       29,486  

Eurobank Ergasias Services and Holdings SA, Class A(a)

    25,179       27,582  

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA

    2,156       43,124  
   

 

 

 
      100,192  
Hungary — 0.3%            

OTP Bank Nyrt(a)

    2,540       96,924  

Richter Gedeon Nyrt

    2,100       44,093  
   

 

 

 
      141,017  
India — 12.1%            

Adani Green Energy Ltd.(a)

    5,450       134,108  

Asian Paints Ltd.

    4,750       200,740  

Axis Bank Ltd.(a)

    18,760       186,121  

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    860       40,470  

Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    3,450       323,007  

Bandhan Bank Ltd.(b)

    5,495       22,476  

Berger Paints India Ltd.

    2,079       19,051  

Bharti Airtel Ltd.(a)

    33,240       303,956  

Britannia Industries Ltd.

    910       41,395  

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. Ltd.

    5,360       49,449  

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.

    1,590       30,673  

Dabur India Ltd.

    6,840       51,282  

Eicher Motors Ltd.

    1,760       60,791  

Havells India Ltd.

    3,200       50,555  

HCL Technologies Ltd.

    13,590       204,356  

HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(b)

    12,180       84,906  

Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

    1,510       51,150  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    10,350       299,305  

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.(b)

    2,072       34,874  

Info Edge India Ltd.

    1,061       63,070  

Infosys Ltd.

    42,580       970,393  

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.

    6,460       159,020  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    11,580       122,246  

Marico Ltd.

    4,890       33,477  

Mphasis Ltd.

    940       39,053  

Nestle India Ltd.

    410       96,290  

Piramal Enterprises Ltd.

    1,610       44,509  

SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd.(a)

    3,320       34,810  

Shriram Transport Finance Co. Ltd.

    2,640       39,682  

Siemens Ltd.

    940       29,408  
 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
India (continued)  

State Bank of India

    25,010     $ 161,570  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    11,620       550,459  

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

    8,010       150,811  

Titan Co. Ltd.

    4,490       152,510  

Trent Ltd.

    2,370       35,050  

Wipro Ltd.

    17,300       127,929  

Zomato Ltd.(a)

    16,128       17,113  
   

 

 

 
      5,016,065  

Indonesia — 2.8%

   

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    720,000       406,487  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    259,000       140,026  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    105,000       58,833  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    903,047       288,759  

Barito Pacific Tbk PT

    364,000       22,697  

Kalbe Farma Tbk PT

    205,000       23,472  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    645,000       194,734  

Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT

    28,000       5,758  

Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT

    62,000       15,954  
   

 

 

 
      1,156,720  

Kuwait — 0.5%

   

Kuwait Finance House KSCP

    62,180       194,512  
   

 

 

 

Malaysia — 2.1%

   

AMMB Holdings Bhd(a)

    20,100       16,120  

Axiata Group Bhd

    26,000       24,337  

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd

    85,000       115,786  

DiGi.Com Bhd

    30,000       29,003  

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd

    3,000       16,149  

HAP Seng Consolidated Bhd

    7,000       12,638  

IHH Healthcare Bhd

    16,000       25,102  

Inari Amertron Bhd

    42,000       32,520  

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd

    6,000       37,156  

Malayan Banking Bhd

    63,000       131,636  

Maxis Bhd

    22,000       21,092  

Nestle Malaysia Bhd

    1,000       31,957  

PPB Group Bhd

    5,000       21,365  

Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd

    40,200       65,396  

Public Bank Bhd

    205,000       217,719  

RHB Bank Bhd

    25,000       35,232  

Sime Darby Bhd

    32,000       17,329  

Telekom Malaysia Bhd

    10,000       12,052  
   

 

 

 
      862,589  

Mexico — 1.1%

   

Arca Continental SAB de CV

    5,000       32,987  

Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV

    8,000       43,935  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, Class B

    2,800       60,551  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O

    30,000       202,929  

Grupo Televisa SAB de CV, CPO

    29,000       62,160  

Industrias Penoles SAB de CV

    1,900       23,714  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A

    22,000       30,872  
   

 

 

 
      457,148  

Peru — 0.3%

   

Credicorp Ltd.

    940       142,175  
   

 

 

 

Philippines — 0.6%

   

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    19,300       37,720  

BDO Unibank Inc.

    29,200       73,998  

Globe Telecom Inc.

    300       15,074  

Monde Nissin Corp.(a)(b)

    30,500       9,828  
Security   Shares     Value  
Philippines (continued)  

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

    139,000     $ 108,488  
   

 

 

 
      245,108  

Poland — 1.1%

   

Allegro.eu SA(a)(b)

    6,000       44,716  

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA

    1,904       52,234  

CD Projekt SA

    1,030       40,911  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

    2,170       85,209  

LPP SA

    10       20,566  

mBank SA(a)

    154       15,051  

Orange Polska SA(a)

    8,760       16,255  

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA(a)

    8,510       81,786  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA

    8,880       66,624  

Santander Bank Polska SA

    370       27,737  
   

 

 

 
      451,089  

Qatar — 1.0%

   

Commercial Bank PSQC (The)

    20,840       39,526  

Ooredoo QPSC

    13,560       28,516  

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    56,780       339,913  
   

 

 

 
      407,955  

Russia — 0.2%

   

Magnit PJSC, GDR

    3,465       5,499  

Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS PJSC(c)

    12,190       4,103  

Novolipetsk Steel PJSC(c)

    15,750       10,003  

PhosAgro PJSC, GDR

    1,700       10,400  

Polymetal International PLC(c)

    3,451       10,466  

Polyus PJSC(c)

    329       12,396  

TCS Group Holding PLC, GDR(c)

    1,183       13,624  

VK Co. Ltd.(a)(c)

    1,337       1,359  
   

 

 

 
      67,850  

Saudi Arabia — 1.3%

   

Almarai Co. JSC

    2,550       34,189  

Bank AlBilad(a)

    4,750       74,754  

Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group Co.

    550       25,151  

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

    11,170       372,378  

Savola Group (The)

    4,230       38,322  
   

 

 

 
      544,794  

South Africa — 6.9%

   

Absa Group Ltd.

    9,670       111,088  

Anglo American Platinum Ltd.

    650       101,455  

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.

    4,760       62,223  

Bid Corp. Ltd.

    4,860       98,741  

Bidvest Group Ltd (The)

    3,040       41,652  

Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.

    1,060       143,113  

Clicks Group Ltd.

    2,490       48,411  

Discovery Ltd.(a)(d)

    6,010       61,549  

FirstRand Ltd.

    65,870       283,614  

Gold Fields Ltd.

    12,020       167,364  

Growthpoint Properties Ltd.

    40,260       35,086  

Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd.

    10,240       195,322  

Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.

    710       27,911  

Mr. Price Group Ltd.

    3,280       44,715  

MTN Group Ltd.(a)

    23,280       290,594  

MultiChoice Group

    4,920       40,323  

Naspers Ltd., Class N

    2,810       353,865  

Nedbank Group Ltd.

    6,500       92,405  

NEPI Rockcastle PLC

    5,320       34,001  

Old Mutual Ltd.

    59,800       49,003  

Pepkor Holdings Ltd.(b)

    13,300       18,986  

Remgro Ltd.

    7,030       63,884  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
South Africa (continued)  

Sanlam Ltd.

    19,670     $ 82,892  

Shoprite Holdings Ltd.

    6,520       97,254  

SPAR Group Ltd (The)

    1,880       20,061  

Standard Bank Group Ltd.

    17,002       180,153  

Vodacom Group Ltd.

    7,740       74,504  

Woolworths Holdings Ltd.

    10,750       35,396  
   

 

 

 
      2,855,565  
South Korea — 7.1%            

Amorepacific Corp.

    370       57,114  

AMOREPACIFIC Group

    280       11,440  

BGF retail Co. Ltd.

    140       19,833  

Celltrion Healthcare Co. Ltd.

    1,142       60,740  

CJ CheilJedang Corp.

    100       31,676  

CJ Corp.

    150       10,567  

Coway Co. Ltd.

    690       41,441  

DB Insurance Co. Ltd.

    520       26,728  

GS Engineering & Construction Corp.

    880       31,626  

Hana Financial Group Inc.

    4,180       169,824  

Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd.

    1,160       34,177  

HYBE Co. Ltd.(a)

    210       51,027  

Kakao Corp.

    3,910       309,659  

KB Financial Group Inc.

    5,410       266,899  

LG Corp.

    1,100       69,135  

LG Display Co. Ltd.

    3,230       50,796  

LG Electronics Inc.

    1,400       146,155  

LG Household & Health Care Ltd.

    130       103,148  

LG Innotek Co. Ltd.

    180       49,689  

Lotte Chemical Corp.

    147       26,897  

Mirae Asset Securities Co. Ltd.

    2,600       19,186  

NCSoft Corp.

    220       81,498  

Netmarble Corp.(b)

    270       23,201  

POSCO Chemical Co. Ltd.

    287       27,092  

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co. Ltd.

    320       50,887  

Samsung Life Insurance Co. Ltd.

    880       44,000  

Samsung SDS Co. Ltd.

    403       47,311  

Samsung Securities Co. Ltd.

    650       23,037  

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd.

    6,140       199,770  

SK Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.(a)

    390       27,682  

SK Chemicals Co. Ltd.

    105       10,916  

SK Hynix Inc.

    6,870       716,228  

SK Telecom Co. Ltd.

    140       6,389  

Woori Financial Group Inc.

    4,688       56,076  

Yuhan Corp.

    440       21,379  
   

 

 

 
      2,923,223  
Taiwan — 18.4%            

Accton Technology Corp.

    10,000       90,686  

Acer Inc.

    40,000       41,513  

ASE Technology Holding Co. Ltd.

    40,000       144,572  

Asustek Computer Inc.

    10,000       133,405  

AU Optronics Corp.

    100,000       74,868  

Catcher Technology Co. Ltd.

    10,000       51,328  

Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    100,000       224,863  

Chailease Holding Co. Ltd.

    20,300       184,233  

Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd.

    60,000       38,093  

China Development Financial Holding Corp.

    210,000       143,811  

China Steel Corp.

    150,000       195,053  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

    51,000       226,675  

Compal Electronics Inc.

    60,000       54,661  

CTBC Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    250,000       244,369  
Security   Shares     Value  
Taiwan (continued)  

Delta Electronics Inc.

    30,000     $ 267,363  

E.Sun Financial Holding Co Ltd.

    170,116       179,822  

Evergreen Marine Corp. Taiwan Ltd.

    30,000       157,598  

Far Eastern New Century Corp.

    40,000       42,402  

Far EasTone Telecommunications Co. Ltd.

    20,000       49,467  

First Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    150,450       138,525  

Foxconn Technology Co. Ltd.

    10,000       23,017  

Fubon Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    90,143       243,392  

Hiwin Technologies Corp.

    150       1,432  

Hotai Motor Co. Ltd.

    1,000       22,641  

Hua Nan Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    121,584       96,408  

Innolux Corp.

    120,000       73,022  

Lite-On Technology Corp.

    30,000       73,766  

MediaTek Inc.

    20,000       790,316  

Mega Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    150,000       202,140  

Micro-Star International Co. Ltd.

    10,000       56,368  

President Chain Store Corp.

    10,000       93,445  

Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd/The

    50,000       82,362  

SinoPac Financial Holdings Co. Ltd.

    140,000       85,969  

Taishin Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    141,907       99,452  

Taiwan Cement Corp.

    42,000       71,300  

Taiwan Cooperative Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    130,840       124,126  

Taiwan Mobile Co. Ltd.

    20,000       73,958  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    90,000       1,934,960  

Unimicron Technology Corp.

    20,000       185,956  

United Microelectronics Corp.

    150,000       282,653  

Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp.

    10,000       45,384  

Win Semiconductors Corp.

    4,000       43,791  

Yageo Corp.

    3,000       49,220  

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.(a)

    20,000       84,530  

Yuanta Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    120,000       107,195  
   

 

 

 
      7,630,110  
Thailand — 2.6%            

Advanced Info Service PCL, NVDR

    15,000       105,590  

Airports of Thailand PCL, NVDR(a)

    62,000       122,495  

Asset World Corp. PCL, NVDR(a)

    120,000       17,679  

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL, NVDR

    120,000       87,248  

BTS Group Holdings PCL, NVDR

    99,000       28,858  

Bumrungrad Hospital PCL, NVDR

    9,000       42,411  

Central Pattana PCL, NVDR

    29,000       49,315  

Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, NVDR

    51,000       39,516  

CP ALL PCL, NVDR

    76,500       159,825  

Delta Electronics Thailand PCL, NVDR

    4,000       50,081  

Home Product Center PCL, NVDR

    53,000       24,819  

Indorama Ventures PCL, NVDR

    28,000       38,792  

Intouch Holdings PCL, NVDR

    11,000       25,579  

Krungthai Card PCL, NVDR

    13,000       25,298  

Minor International PCL, NVDR(a)

    41,000       38,829  

Siam Cement PCL (The), NVDR

    9,000       108,312  

Siam Commercial Bank PCL (The), NVDR

    12,000       46,371  

Sri Trang Gloves Thailand PCL, NVDR

    10,000       7,881  

Thai Union Group PCL, NVDR

    28,000       17,481  

True Corp. PCL, NVDR

    163,000       25,056  
   

 

 

 
      1,061,436  
Turkey — 0.2%            

Akbank TAS

    43,010       21,953  

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

    18,050       26,762  

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS

    25,890       20,727  
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Turkey (continued)  

Turkiye Is Bankasi AS, Class C

    11,832     $ 6,851  
   

 

 

 
      76,293  
United Arab Emirates — 2.5%  

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

    39,960       117,200  

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC

    20,170       48,661  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

    26,420       103,065  

Emirates Telecommunications Group Co. PJSC

    43,110       411,719  

First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC

    59,310       333,927  
   

 

 

 
      1,014,572  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 96.6%
(Cost: $38,580,263)

      39,964,774  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 1.3%            

Banco Bradesco SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    66,670       261,167  

Itau Unibanco Holding SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    57,270       281,147  
   

 

 

 
      542,314  
Chile — 0.3%            

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, Class B, Preference Shares

    1,850       122,862  
   

 

 

 
Colombia — 0.1%            

Bancolombia SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    5,180       45,787  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.0%            

LG Household & Health Care Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    12       5,260  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 1.7%
(Cost: $635,035)

 

    716,223  
   

 

 

 

Rights

   
Brazil — 0.0%            

Americanas SA (Expires 03/03/22)(a)

    121       159  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

 

    159  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Warrants

   
Thailand — 0.0%            

BTS Group Holdings PCL (Expires 11/07/24)(a)

    4,400     $ 86  
   

 

 

 

Total Warrants — 0.0%
(Cost: $0)

 

    86  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.1%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(e)(f)(g)

    45,155       45,164  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(e)(f)

    10,000       10,000  
   

 

 

 
      55,164  
   

 

 

 
             

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.1%
(Cost: $55,164)

 

    55,164  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 98.4%
(Cost: $39,270,462)

 

    40,736,406  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — 1.6%

 

    655,505  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 41,391,911  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

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

(d) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(e) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(f) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

(g) 

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

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
    Shares
Held at
02/28/22
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $       $45,197 (a)    $     $ (33   $     $ 45,164       45,155     $ 225 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

          10,000 (a)                        10,000       10,000       4        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (33   $     $ 55,164       $ 229     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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 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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF

 

Affiliates (continued)

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     1        03/18/22      $ 59      $ (3,453
           

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 3,453  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (1,676
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (3,453
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 39,797  

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is diasclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 4,537,817        $ 35,375,006        $ 51,951        $ 39,964,774  

Preferred Stocks

     45,787          670,436                   716,223  

Rights

              159                   159  

Warrants

     86                            86  

Money Market Funds

     55,164                            55,164  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 4,638,854        $ 36,045,601        $ 51,951        $ 40,736,406  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (3,453      $        $        $ (3,453
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

20  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Aerospace & Defense — 0.2%            

HEICO Corp.

    1,705     $ 251,505  

HEICO Corp., Class A

    2,881       354,132  

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

    15,316       550,151  
   

 

 

 
          1,155,788  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.2%            

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    5,165       499,352  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    6,735       696,130  
   

 

 

 
      1,195,482  
Auto Components — 0.3%            

Aptiv PLC(a)

    10,814       1,399,764  

BorgWarner Inc.

    9,529       390,785  

Lear Corp.

    2,371       373,053  
   

 

 

 
      2,163,602  
Automobiles — 0.1%            

Lucid Group Inc.(a)

    16,412       475,620  

Rivian Automotive Inc., Class A(a)

    7,103       479,878  
   

 

 

 
      955,498  
Banks — 2.4%            

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    16,961       889,095  

First Republic Bank/CA

    7,045       1,220,617  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    57,637       894,526  

KeyCorp

    37,126       930,749  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    16,844       3,356,167  

Regions Financial Corp.

    37,994       919,075  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    2,341       1,418,646  

Truist Financial Corp.

    53,215       3,311,037  

U.S. Bancorp

    56,189       3,176,926  

Webster Financial Corp.

    7,146       430,261  
   

 

 

 
      16,547,099  
Beverages — 3.0%            

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    163,577       10,181,032  

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    28,247       1,092,312  

PepsiCo Inc.

    55,128       9,026,659  
   

 

 

 
      20,300,003  
Biotechnology — 2.2%            

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    4,769       752,787  

Amgen Inc.

    22,428       5,079,493  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    5,858       1,236,096  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.(a)

    7,339       573,323  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)

    6,900       538,614  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    8,593       783,424  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    7,476       510,611  

Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(a)

    3,805       341,955  

Novavax Inc.(a)

    2,824       235,437  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    4,230       2,615,663  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    10,142       2,332,863  
   

 

 

 
      15,000,266  
Building Products — 0.8%            

A O Smith Corp.

    5,339       366,149  

Allegion PLC

    3,566       408,378  

Carrier Global Corp.

    32,827       1,473,276  

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    5,423       471,259  

Lennox International Inc.

    1,288       343,806  

Masco Corp.

    9,740       545,829  

Owens Corning

    3,989       371,735  
Security   Shares     Value  
Building Products (continued)            

Trane Technologies PLC

    9,456     $ 1,455,562  
   

 

 

 
      5,435,994  
Capital Markets — 5.0%            

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    4,433       1,328,969  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    31,280       1,662,532  

Carlyle Group Inc. (The)

    6,391       299,546  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    4,261       499,773  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    57,791       4,881,028  

CME Group Inc.

    14,354       3,395,152  

Coinbase Global Inc., Class A(a)

    1,550       295,693  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    1,512       614,008  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    12,025       357,503  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    22,432       2,873,988  

Invesco Ltd.

    13,773       292,539  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    1,525       581,681  

Moody’s Corp.

    6,667       2,146,974  

Morgan Stanley

    53,642       4,867,475  

Nasdaq Inc.

    4,671       799,442  

Northern Trust Corp.

    7,858       895,026  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    7,392       810,533  

S&P Global Inc.

    13,304       4,998,176  

State Street Corp.

    14,558       1,242,234  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    8,967       1,296,269  
   

 

 

 
          34,138,541  
Chemicals — 2.7%            

Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

    8,859       2,093,382  

Albemarle Corp.

    4,669       914,610  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    20,669       1,599,161  

Ecolab Inc.

    10,262       1,808,780  

FMC Corp.

    5,059       593,168  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    10,152       1,350,216  

Linde PLC(a)

    20,418       5,987,374  

PPG Industries Inc.

    9,451       1,261,236  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    9,904       2,606,039  
   

 

 

 
      18,213,966  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.1%            

Cintas Corp.

    3,677       1,380,051  

Copart Inc.(a)

    8,527       1,047,798  

Republic Services Inc.

    8,875       1,067,485  

Rollins Inc.

    8,857       289,004  

Waste Connections Inc.

    10,417       1,286,395  

Waste Management Inc.

    16,702       2,411,769  
   

 

 

 
      7,482,502  
Communications Equipment — 1.9%            

Arista Networks Inc.(a)

    9,144       1,122,243  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    168,154       9,377,949  

F5 Inc.(a)

    2,412       484,450  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    12,954       437,716  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    6,719       1,481,069  
   

 

 

 
      12,903,427  
Construction Materials — 0.3%            

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.

    2,462       934,083  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    5,323       965,858  
   

 

 

 
      1,899,941  
Consumer Finance — 1.2%            

Ally Financial Inc.

    14,540       725,546  

American Express Co.

    26,240       5,104,729  

Discover Financial Services

    11,693       1,443,384  
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Consumer Finance (continued)            

Synchrony Financial

    21,833     $ 934,016  
   

 

 

 
      8,207,675  
Containers & Packaging — 0.5%            

Avery Dennison Corp.

    3,271       576,350  

Ball Corp.

    12,912       1,158,723  

International Paper Co.

    14,702       639,978  

Sealed Air Corp.

    5,900       396,067  

Westrock Co.

    10,564       478,232  
   

 

 

 
          3,249,350  
Distributors — 0.3%            

Genuine Parts Co.

    5,711       697,656  

LKQ Corp.

    11,024       517,577  

Pool Corp.

    1,592       730,059  
   

 

 

 
      1,945,292  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.3%  

Lumen Technologies Inc.

    34,717       359,668  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    165,059       8,858,717  
   

 

 

 
      9,218,385  
Electrical Equipment — 0.8%            

Eaton Corp. PLC

    15,917       2,455,834  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,486       784,258  

Plug Power Inc.(a)

    20,689       523,225  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    4,636       1,235,865  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC(a)

    6,307       365,238  

Sunrun Inc.(a)

    7,063       192,679  
   

 

 

 
      5,557,099  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.4%  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    23,845       1,812,459  

CDW Corp./DE

    5,422       935,078  

Cognex Corp.

    7,047       476,095  

Corning Inc.

    32,347       1,306,819  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    7,359       1,158,086  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    12,991       1,850,308  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    1,877       805,946  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    10,036       700,011  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)

    2,100       868,014  
   

 

 

 
      9,912,816  
Entertainment — 0.2%            

Electronic Arts Inc.

    11,287       1,468,326  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 4.4%  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc.

    5,845       1,107,043  

American Tower Corp.

    18,127       4,112,473  

AvalonBay Communities Inc.

    5,554       1,325,129  

Boston Properties Inc.

    5,908       722,607  

Camden Property Trust

    4,020       663,742  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    17,227       2,869,846  

Digital Realty Trust Inc.

    11,319       1,527,160  

Duke Realty Corp.

    15,196       805,388  

Equinix Inc.

    3,577       2,538,704  

Equity Residential

    14,182       1,209,725  

Healthpeak Properties Inc.

    21,495       667,635  

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.(a)

    28,482       520,366  

Iron Mountain Inc.

    11,577       569,357  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    24,587       578,532  

Prologis Inc.

    29,451       4,295,428  

Realty Income Corp.

    22,582       1,492,444  

Regency Centers Corp.

    6,186       407,596  

SBA Communications Corp.

    4,331       1,313,982  
Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Ventas Inc.

    15,902     $ 858,708  

VICI Properties Inc.

    25,067       700,873  

Welltower Inc.

    17,328       1,443,249  

WP Carey Inc.

    7,446       576,320  
   

 

 

 
          30,306,307  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.2%            

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    29,334       1,352,004  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 0.8%            

Campbell Soup Co.

    7,828       352,025  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    19,131       669,011  

General Mills Inc.

    24,166       1,629,513  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    11,868       565,392  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    4,317       581,716  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    26,866       1,053,684  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    9,912       943,325  
   

 

 

 
      5,794,666  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.4%            

ABIOMED Inc.(a)

    1,839       571,451  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    3,012       1,540,518  

Baxter International Inc.

    19,959       1,695,916  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)

    1,964       803,315  

DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.

    8,696       470,801  

Dexcom Inc.(a)

    3,872       1,602,660  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    24,916       2,799,811  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    10,049       715,187  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    3,405       1,812,652  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    2,748       727,368  

Novocure Ltd.(a)

    3,758       307,630  

ResMed Inc.

    5,820       1,436,085  

STERIS PLC

    3,974       953,760  

Teleflex Inc.

    1,883       633,272  
   

 

 

 
      16,070,426  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.1%            

Anthem Inc.

    9,695       4,380,686  

Centene Corp.(a)

    23,299       1,924,963  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    2,658       299,743  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    9,895       2,476,818  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    5,519       476,731  

Humana Inc.

    5,117       2,222,415  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    3,832       1,039,468  

Molina Healthcare Inc.(a)

    2,332       715,621  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    4,925       646,505  
   

 

 

 
      14,182,950  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%            

Cerner Corp.

    11,726       1,093,449  

Teladoc Health Inc.(a)

    5,766       437,697  
   

 

 

 
      1,531,146  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.7%            

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    1,624       3,527,734  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    1,471       635,781  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.(a)

    11,084       1,649,964  

Starbucks Corp.

    46,802       4,295,956  

Vail Resorts Inc.

    1,609       419,225  

Yum! Brands Inc.

    11,695       1,433,573  
   

 

 

 
      11,962,233  
Household Durables — 0.5%            

DR Horton Inc.

    13,536       1,155,974  

Garmin Ltd.

    6,156       679,869  
 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Household Durables (continued)            

Newell Brands Inc.

    15,262     $ 362,472  

NVR Inc.(a)

    109       540,470  

PulteGroup Inc.

    10,107       501,914  

Whirlpool Corp.

    2,408       484,658  
   

 

 

 
      3,725,357  
Household Products — 0.9%            

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    9,742       953,255  

Clorox Co. (The)

    4,931       718,890  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    31,949       2,458,476  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    13,402       1,744,270  
   

 

 

 
      5,874,891  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.3%            

Roper Technologies Inc.

    4,223       1,892,833  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 3.4%            

Aflac Inc.

    25,051       1,530,366  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    11,414       1,396,617  

American International Group Inc.

    33,128       2,028,759  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    15,370       724,081  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    8,255       1,305,858  

Assurant Inc.

    2,285       387,787  

Chubb Ltd.

    17,179       3,498,332  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    13,590       944,233  

Lincoln National Corp.

    6,879       463,782  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    20,097       3,123,275  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    10,566       746,382  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    23,349       2,473,360  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    15,102       1,686,289  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    9,803       1,684,449  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    4,988       1,108,832  
   

 

 

 
          23,102,402  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.1%            

ZoomInfo Technologies Inc.(a)

    11,269       616,302  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.7%            

DoorDash Inc., Class A(a)

    4,318       453,174  

eBay Inc.

    24,971       1,363,167  

Etsy Inc.(a)

    5,060       783,743  

MercadoLibre Inc.(a)(b)

    1,836       2,068,530  
   

 

 

 
      4,668,614  
IT Services — 8.2%            

Akamai Technologies Inc.(a)

    6,508       704,556  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    16,803       3,435,205  

Block Inc.(a)(b)

    20,267       2,584,043  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    4,656       680,754  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    20,972       1,806,318  

EPAM Systems Inc.(a)

    2,276       472,839  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    24,272       2,311,423  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    23,720       2,316,732  

Gartner Inc.(a)

    3,252       911,926  

GoDaddy Inc., Class A(a)

    6,630       553,008  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    2,983       527,394  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    34,945       12,608,855  

MongoDB Inc.(a)

    2,370       905,316  

Okta Inc.(a)

    5,882       1,075,465  

Paychex Inc.

    12,933       1,539,803  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    44,515       4,982,564  

Snowflake Inc., Class A(a)

    8,365       2,222,246  

Twilio Inc., Class A(a)

    6,712       1,173,258  

VeriSign Inc.(a)

    3,972       848,896  
Security   Shares     Value  
IT Services (continued)            

Visa Inc., Class A

    66,555     $ 14,383,867  

Western Union Co. (The)

    16,029       291,407  
   

 

 

 
          56,335,875  
Leisure Products — 0.1%            

Hasbro Inc.

    5,200       504,660  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 3.8%            

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    12,055       1,571,490  

Avantor Inc.(a)

    21,874       758,809  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    1,566       656,796  

Danaher Corp.

    25,671       7,044,379  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    5,905       1,928,573  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)

    7,584       1,745,230  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    893       1,258,005  

PerkinElmer Inc.

    4,565       819,919  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    15,698       8,539,712  

Waters Corp.(a)

    2,418       765,853  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    2,984       1,155,047  
   

 

 

 
      26,243,813  
Machinery — 3.3%            

Caterpillar Inc.

    21,557       4,043,662  

Cummins Inc.

    5,731       1,169,812  

Deere & Co.

    11,742       4,227,355  

Dover Corp.

    5,763       903,984  

Fortive Corp.

    13,600       880,600  

IDEX Corp.

    3,048       584,911  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    12,514       2,707,279  

Ingersoll Rand Inc.

    16,281       822,516  

Nordson Corp.

    2,062       467,022  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    16,079       1,259,468  

PACCAR Inc.

    13,814       1,268,263  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    5,117       1,516,628  

Pentair PLC

    6,606       382,553  

Snap-on Inc.

    2,109       443,270  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    6,526       1,061,780  

Xylem Inc./NY

    7,163       637,149  
   

 

 

 
      22,376,252  
Media — 0.2%            

Cable One Inc.

    248       355,347  

Discovery Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    6,779       190,151  

Discovery Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    12,506       349,793  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    15,689       577,355  

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.(b)

    39,868       245,587  
   

 

 

 
      1,718,233  
Metals & Mining — 0.4%            

Newmont Corp.

    31,772       2,103,306  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    7,896       557,300  
   

 

 

 
      2,660,606  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment — 0.1%            

Annaly Capital Management Inc.

    57,826       402,469  
   

 

 

 
Multiline Retail — 1.0%            

Dollar General Corp.

    9,317       1,847,934  

Dollar Tree Inc.(a)

    8,973       1,274,884  

Target Corp.

    19,113       3,818,204  
   

 

 

 
      6,941,022  
Personal Products — 0.4%            

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    9,264       2,745,201  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.9%            

Catalent Inc.(a)

    6,794     $ 693,260  

Elanco Animal Health Inc.(a)

    16,948       481,492  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    32,425       8,104,629  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

    2,435       334,618  

Zoetis Inc.

    18,847       3,649,721  
   

 

 

 
          13,263,720  
Professional Services — 0.4%            

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    5,362       432,660  

Clarivate PLC(a)

    14,038       210,289  

Robert Half International Inc.

    4,414       530,960  

TransUnion

    7,671       696,220  

Verisk Analytics Inc.

    6,131       1,087,272  
   

 

 

 
      2,957,401  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.2%  

CBRE Group Inc., Class A(a)

    13,335       1,291,495  
   

 

 

 
Road & Rail — 0.4%            

AMERCO

    391       225,846  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    3,379       685,700  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.

    6,281       342,189  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    3,900       1,224,717  
   

 

 

 
      2,478,452  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 9.8%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    65,201       8,041,891  

Analog Devices Inc.

    21,408       3,431,488  

Applied Materials Inc.

    35,995       4,830,529  

Enphase Energy Inc.(a)

    5,105       851,003  

Entegris Inc.(b)

    5,416       706,680  

KLA Corp.

    6,013       2,095,530  

Lam Research Corp.

    5,589       3,137,385  

Marvell Technology Inc.

    32,840       2,243,957  

Microchip Technology Inc.

    22,151       1,557,880  

Micron Technology Inc.

    44,596       3,962,801  

NVIDIA Corp.

    99,682       24,307,456  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    10,595       2,014,321  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    17,182       1,075,765  

Qorvo Inc.(a)

    4,378       598,823  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    6,603       912,337  

SolarEdge Technologies Inc.(a)

    2,071       661,519  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    36,810       6,257,332  
   

 

 

 
      66,686,697  
Software — 20.2%            

Adobe Inc.(a)

    19,004       8,887,791  

ANSYS Inc.(a)

    3,486       1,130,126  

Asana Inc., Class A(a)

    2,670       146,289  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    8,737       1,924,150  

Bentley Systems Inc., Class B

    7,037       270,150  

Bill.com Holdings Inc.(a)

    3,077       731,957  

Black Knight Inc.(a)

    6,204       348,603  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    11,032       1,670,576  

Ceridian HCM Holding Inc.(a)

    5,445       396,995  

Citrix Systems Inc.

    4,992       511,680  

Coupa Software Inc.(a)

    2,984       361,094  

Crowdstrike Holdings Inc., Class A(a)

    7,801       1,522,833  

Datadog Inc., Class A(a)

    8,696       1,401,013  

DocuSign Inc.(a)

    7,850       929,675  

Dropbox Inc., Class A(a)

    12,383       280,970  

Dynatrace Inc.(a)

    7,395       328,486  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

    1,105       520,665  
Security   Shares     Value  
Software (continued)            

Fortinet Inc.(a)

    5,529     $ 1,904,851  

Guidewire Software Inc.(a)

    3,151       277,761  

HubSpot Inc.(a)

    1,819       954,975  

Intuit Inc.

    10,696       5,073,862  

Microsoft Corp.

    284,359       84,963,626  

NortonLifeLock Inc.

    23,173       671,554  

Nuance Communications Inc.(a)

    12,062       669,682  

Paycom Software Inc.(a)

    2,020       685,204  

PTC Inc.(a)

    4,436       493,638  

RingCentral Inc., Class A(a)

    3,119       408,090  

salesforce.com Inc.(a)

    39,045       8,220,144  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)

    7,914       4,589,487  

Splunk Inc.(a)

    6,408       756,785  

Synopsys Inc.(a)

    6,111       1,909,015  

Tyler Technologies Inc.(a)

    1,621       694,209  

VMware Inc., Class A

    8,339       978,331  

Workday Inc., Class A(a)

    7,717       1,767,579  

Zendesk Inc.(a)

    4,805       560,599  

Zscaler Inc.(a)

    3,380       808,327  
   

 

 

 
          137,750,772  
Specialty Retail — 4.1%            

Advance Auto Parts Inc.

    2,461       503,225  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    8,856       855,844  

Burlington Stores Inc.(a)

    2,675       604,256  

CarMax Inc.(a)

    6,496       710,208  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    41,601       13,138,844  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    26,883       5,942,756  

Ross Stores Inc.

    14,152       1,293,351  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    47,972       3,170,949  

Tractor Supply Co.

    4,565       930,301  

Ulta Beauty Inc.(a)

    2,041       764,355  
   

 

 

 
      27,914,089  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.8%  

Dell Technologies Inc., Class C(a)

    11,620       592,155  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    52,126       829,846  

HP Inc.

    45,985       1,580,045  

NetApp Inc.

    8,930       699,933  

Seagate Technology Holdings PLC

    7,959       821,051  

Western Digital Corp.(a)

    12,460       634,712  
   

 

 

 
      5,157,742  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.3%            

Lululemon Athletica Inc.(a)

    4,715       1,508,517  

VF Corp.

    13,308       772,130  
   

 

 

 
      2,280,647  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.4%            

Fastenal Co.

    22,956       1,181,316  

United Rentals Inc.(a)

    2,860       919,833  

WW Grainger Inc.

    1,714       817,681  
   

 

 

 
      2,918,830  
Water Utilities — 0.2%            

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    7,272       1,098,726  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.8%
(Cost: $691,362,670)

      681,757,885  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

24  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Short-Term Investments

   

Money Market Funds — 0.6%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 0.09%(c)(d)(e)

    3,993,864     $ 3,994,663  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 0.03%(c)(d)

    500,000       500,000  
   

 

 

 
          4,494,663  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments — 0.6%
(Cost: $4,494,663)

 

    4,494,663  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities — 100.4%
(Cost: $695,857,333)

 

    686,252,548  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (0.4)%

 

    (3,006,389
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  683,246,159  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(d)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

(e)

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

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended February 28, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
08/31/21
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sales
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
02/28/22
   

Shares

Held at
02/28/22

    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 603,291       $3,391,778 (a)    $     $ (406   $     $ 3,994,663       3,993,864     $ 2,939 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    740,000             (240,000 )(a)                  500,000       500,000       32        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (406   $     $ 4,494,663       $ 2,971     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

 

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

 

 

Long Contracts

           

E-Mini Technology Select Sector Index

     1        03/18/22      $ 155      $ (3,252

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     3        03/18/22        655        (21,482
           

 

 

 
            $ (24,734
           

 

 

 

 

 

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, 2022

  

iShares® ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, 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)

   $ 24,734  
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized 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 period ended February 28, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Equity
Contracts
 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

  

Futures contracts

   $ 33,687  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Futures contracts

   $ (47,477
  

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 800,452  

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

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a 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 Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments

                 

Assets

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 681,757,885        $        $             —        $ 681,757,885  

Money Market Funds

     4,494,663                            4,494,663  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 686,252,548        $             —        $        $ 686,252,548  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Futures Contracts

   $ (24,734      $        $        $ (24,734
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Derivative financial instruments are futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

26  

2 0 2 2    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, 2022

 

    

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)

  $ 371,429,847     $ 40,681,242      $ 681,757,885  

Affiliated(c)

    1,077,232       55,164        4,494,663  

Cash

    4,954       157,383        25,748  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    495,275       159,582         

Cash pledged:

      

Futures contracts

    74,000       3,000        43,000  

Receivables:

      

Investments sold

    15,575,457       2,906,668        17,178,033  

Securities lending income — Affiliated

    232       24        644  

Capital shares sold

    3,517,690       9,768,191        621,841  

Dividends

    195,152       38,617        579,841  

Tax reclaims

    106,281       57         
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    392,476,120       53,769,928        704,701,655  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

      

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    1,047,505       45,179        3,995,275  

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

          36,894         

Payables:

      

Investments purchased

    15,235,907       12,226,546        17,415,262  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,336       735        2,162  

Bank borrowings

          65,002         

Investment advisory fees

    29,195       3,661        42,797  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    16,313,943       12,378,017        21,455,496  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 376,162,177     $ 41,391,911      $ 683,246,159  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

      

Paid-in capital

  $ 396,276,698     $ 41,102,512      $ 692,239,151  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    (20,114,521     289,399        (8,992,992
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 376,162,177     $ 41,391,911      $ 683,246,159  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

    6,100,000       1,000,000        19,550,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 61.67     $ 41.39      $ 34.95  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None        None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 1,025,551     $ 42,644      $ 4,051,554  

(b) Investments, at cost — Unaffiliated

  $ 385,341,141     $ 39,215,298      $ 691,362,670  

(c)  Investments, at cost — Affiliated

  $ 1,077,322     $ 55,164      $ 4,494,663  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 498,209     $ 159,806      $  

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 Operations (unaudited)

Six Months Ended February 28, 2022

 

     

iShares

ESG

Advanced

MSCI EAFE

ETF

 

 

 

 

 

   

iShares

ESG

Advanced

MSCI EM

ETF

 

 

 

 

 

   

iShares

ESG

Advanced

MSCI USA

ETF

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

     

Dividends — Unaffiliated

  $ 1,880,374     $ 163,946     $ 3,166,352  

Dividends — Affiliated

    32       4       90  

Non-cash dividends — Unaffiliated

    112,837              

Securities lending income — Affiliated — net

    1,368       225       2,881  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (265,327     (21,259     (1,590
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    1,729,284       142,916       3,167,733  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

     

Investment advisory fees

    173,082       19,078       255,163  

Commitment fees

          216        

Interest expense

          2        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    173,082       19,296       255,163  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,556,202       123,620       2,912,570  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated(a)

    (5,505,299     (804,279     (11,153,881

Investments — Affiliated

    (115     (33     (406

In-kind redemptions — Unaffiliated

    774,668             12,551,549  

Futures contracts

    2,025       (1,676     33,687  

Foreign currency transactions

    (41,650     (10,151     (1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    (4,770,371     (816,139     1,430,948  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

     

Investments — Unaffiliated(b)

    (34,786,604     (1,095,601     (50,868,997

Investments — Affiliated

    (90            

Futures contracts

    (55,692     (3,453     (47,477

Foreign currency translations

    (6,369     (622      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (34,848,755     (1,099,676     (50,916,474
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (39,619,126     (1,915,815     (49,485,526
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (38,062,924   $ (1,792,195   $ (46,572,956
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable

  $     $ (7,034   $  

(b) Net of reduction in deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $     $ 34,964     $  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

28  

2 0 2 2    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
ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF
    iShares
ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
   

Six Months
Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

 
 

 

 

   

Period From
10/06/20

to 08/31/21

 
(a)  

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

  $ 1,556,202     $ 2,217,358     $ 123,620     $ 213,296  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (4,770,371     2,107,377       (816,139     152,407  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (34,848,755     20,005,991       (1,099,676     2,524,590  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (38,062,924     24,330,726       (1,792,195     2,890,293  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

       

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (3,100,975     (1,761,837     (311,365     (106,031
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    171,480,392       212,119,113       29,945,565       10,765,644  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase in net assets

    130,316,493       234,688,002       27,842,005       13,549,906  

Beginning of period

    245,845,684       11,157,682       13,549,906        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 376,162,177     $ 245,845,684     $ 41,391,911     $ 13,549,906  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

  29


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF
 
   

Six Months

Ended

02/28/22

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 2,912,570     $ 1,703,346  

Net realized gain

    1,430,948       7,473,003  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (50,916,474     40,595,547  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (46,572,956     49,771,896  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (2,762,360     (978,561
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    313,476,107       364,504,490  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total increase in net assets

    264,140,791       413,297,825  

Beginning of period

    419,105,368       5,807,543  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 683,246,159     $ 419,105,368  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30  

2 0 2 2    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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
   

Period From
06/16/20

to 08/31/20

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.24     $ 55.79     $ 51.37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.36       1.36       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    (8.24     13.91       4.24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (7.88     15.27       4.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

     

From net investment income

    (0.69     (0.82      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.69     (0.82      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 61.67     $ 70.24     $ 55.79  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

     

Based on net asset value

    (11.32 )%(f)      27.47     8.60 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

     

Total expenses

    0.12 %(h)       0.12     0.12 %(h)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.08 %(h)       2.06     1.64 %(h)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

     

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 376,162     $ 245,846     $ 11,158  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

    12 %(f)       28     6 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

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


 

Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF  
   

Six Months Ended
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   

Period From
10/06/20

to 08/31/21

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period.

  $ 45.17     $ 35.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.22       0.71  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    (3.38     9.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (3.16     10.13  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

   

From net investment income

    (0.62     (0.35
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.62     (0.35
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.39     $ 45.17  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

   

Based on net asset value

    (7.05 )%(f)      28.74 %(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

   

Total expenses

    0.16 %(h)      0.16 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.04 %(h)      1.83 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

   

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 41,392     $ 13,550  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

    21 %(f)       51 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32  

2 0 2 2    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
02/28/22
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
08/31/21
 
 
   

Period From
06/16/20

to 08/31/20

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.10     $ 29.04     $ 25.43  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.21       0.38       0.06  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    (3.15     8.99       3.55  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (2.94     9.37       3.61  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

     

From net investment income

    (0.21     (0.30      

From net realized gain

          (0.01      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.21     (0.31      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.95     $ 38.10     $ 29.04  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

     

Based on net asset value

    (7.76 )%(f)       32.53     14.20 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

     

Total expenses

    0.10 %(h)       0.10     0.10 %(h)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.14 %(h)       1.09     1.16 %(h)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

     

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 683,246     $ 419,105     $ 5,808  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

    19 %(f)       29     4 %(f)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

Excludes fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

(h) 

Annualized.

(i) 

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

  33


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

  Non-diversified  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

  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 Statements 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 Statements 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, 2022, if any, are disclosed in the Statements 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 Statements 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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each business day, the Funds use current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

If events (e.g., 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

Warrants: Warrants entitle a fund to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock and are non-income producing. The purchase price and number of shares are subject to adjustment under certain conditions until the expiration date of the warrants, if any. If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the strike price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and a fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant. Thus, investments in warrants may involve more risk than investments in common stock. Warrants may trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however, the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.

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 Schedule 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:

 

 

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

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

          

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 218,291      $ 213,761      $      $ (4,530 )(b) 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    78,963        75,900               (3,063 )(b) 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    153,403        153,403                

Morgan Stanley

    574,894        574,894                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,025,551      $ 1,017,958      $      $ (7,593
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

          

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 42,644      $ 42,644      $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

          

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 29,088      $ 29,088      $      $  

BNP Paribas SA

    1,576,183        1,576,183                

Jefferies LLC

    169,624        169,624                

Morgan Stanley

    197,644        197,644                

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    2,079,015        1,993,103               (85,912 )(b) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 4,051,554      $ 3,965,642      $      $ (85,912
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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) 

The market value of the loaned securities is determined as of February 28, 2022. 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Statements 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 Statements 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements 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, 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, including any custodial costs. 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 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.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, the iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM 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) 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

 

 

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  37


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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, 2022, the Group 1 Fund retained 77% 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 81% 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.

The share of securities lending income earned by each Fund is shown as securities lending income – affiliated – net in its Statements of Operations. For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   
iShares ETF   Fees Paid
to BTC
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $ 399  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    65  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    1,115  

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, 2022, 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

  $   17,591,565      $   13,790,282      $ (2,690,213

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    1,238,377        827,635        (228,168

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    82,946,580        56,633,966        (6,131,617

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 Statements 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, 2022, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $ 48,447,589      $ 35,680,541  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    23,641,550        5,396,676  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

      101,516,909          100,821,398  

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
     In-kind
Sales
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

  $ 160,487,431      $ 6,499,622  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    8,083,814         

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    350,273,681        37,964,325  

 

 

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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, 2022 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, 2021, 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

  $ 129,908  

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    200,147  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    1,645,353  

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, 2022, 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

  $ 387,583,975      $ 10,529,383      $ (25,660,233   $ (15,130,850

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

    39,328,444        3,167,634        (1,763,125     1,404,509  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

    695,940,780        25,630,093        (35,343,059     (9,712,966

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF, along with certain other iShares funds (“Participating Funds”), is a party to a $800 million credit agreement (“Syndicated Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which expires on August 12, 2022. 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 Funds may borrow up to the aggregate commitment amount subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Syndicated Credit Agreement. The Syndicated Credit Agreement has the following terms: a commitment fee of 0.15% 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 Syndicated Credit Agreement.

For the six months ended February 28, 2022, the maximum amount borrowed, the average daily borrowing and the weighted average interest rate, if any, under the Syndicated Credit Agreement were as follows:

 

       
iShares ETF   Maximum
Amount
Borrowed
     Average
Borrowing
     Weighted
Average
Interest Rates
 

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

  $ 65,000      $ 359        1.24

 

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. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, 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 Statements 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. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may cause uncertainty in the markets and as a result adversely affect the Fund’s investments. 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 as well as acts of war in the region. 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. 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. In addition, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions in the region are impossible to predict, but could be significant and have a severe adverse effect on the region, including significant negative impacts on the economy and the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas, as well as other sectors.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities of issuers located in Russia or with significant exposure to Russian issuers or countries. Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Governments in the U.S. and many other countries have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporate and banking entities. Jurisdictions have instituted broader sanctions on Russia, including banning Russia from global payments systems that facilitate cross-border payments. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions, including declines in Russia’s stock markets and the value of the ruble against the U.S. dollar, are impossible to predict, but could be significant. Any such disruptions caused by the Russian military action or any response to such activity from the international community may negatively impact Russia’s economy and Russian issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.

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.

Significant Shareholder Redemption Risk: Certain shareholders may own or manage a substantial amount of fund shares and/or hold their fund investments for a limited period of time. Large redemptions of fund shares by these shareholders may force a Fund to sell portfolio securities, which may negatively impact the fund’s NAV, increase the fund’s brokerage costs, and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income/gains and cause the fund to make additional taxable distributions to shareholders.

LIBOR Transition Risk: The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. 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
02/28/22
    Year Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE

       

Shares sold

    2,700,000     $ 178,167,389       3,500,000     $ 224,513,155  

Shares redeemed

    (100,000     (6,686,997     (200,000     (12,394,042
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    2,600,000     $ 171,480,392       3,300,000     $ 212,119,113  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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

  41


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
    Period Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI EM

       

Shares sold

    700,000     $ 29,945,565       400,000     $ 15,095,471  

Shares redeemed

                (100,000     (4,329,827
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    700,000     $ 29,945,565       300,000     $ 10,765,644  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

 

 
    Six Months Ended
02/28/22
    Year Ended
08/31/21
 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

ESG Advanced MSCI USA

       

Shares sold

    9,550,000     $ 351,583,647       12,450,000     $ 422,115,232  

Shares redeemed

    (1,000,000     (38,107,540     (1,650,000     (57,610,742
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    8,550,000     $ 313,476,107       10,800,000     $ 364,504,490  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Statements 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 Advanced MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM 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 9, 2021 (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, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing each Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also referenced the methodology used by BlackRock to establish each 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 the imposition of capital controls in certain non-U.S. countries.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing each 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 also 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 material changes to the Program: (1) updates to certain model components in the Program’s methodology; and (2) certain iShares Funds entered into a $800 million credit agreement with a group of lenders that replaced a previous liquidity facility. 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

  43


Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Regulation Regarding Derivatives

On October 28, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted 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, 2022

 

       
    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)

  $ 0.638014      $      $ 0.050260      $ 0.688274           93         7     100

ESG Advanced MSCI EM(a)

    0.421636               0.201094        0.622730           68             32       100  

ESG Advanced MSCI USA(a)

    0.185607               0.025109        0.210716                 88             12       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 e-mail 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 Trust’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

  45


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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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.


 

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.

©2022 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-820-0222

 

 

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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) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 – Not Applicable

(a) (4) Change in Registrant’s independent public accountant – 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: April 21, 2022

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: April 21, 2022

 

  By:     

/s/ Trent Walker                            

       Trent Walker, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: April 21, 2022