N-CSRS 1 d423358dncsrs.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 BlackRock Fund Advisors

400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

(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: March 31, 2024

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2023

 

 

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

(a) The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


 

LOGO

  SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 

  

2023 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF | ICOP | NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF | EFRA | NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares Global 100 ETF | IOO | NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares Global Infrastructure ETF | IGF | NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF | WOOD | NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF | ILIT | NASDAQ

 


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The combination of continued economic growth and moderating inflation provided a supportive backdrop for investors during the 12-month reporting period ended September 30, 2023. Significantly tighter monetary policy helped to rein in inflation while the economy proved more resilient than many investors anticipated. A moderating labor market also helped ease inflationary pressure, although wages continued to grow and unemployment rates touched the lowest levels in decades. This robust labor market powered further growth in consumer spending, backstopping the economy. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a horrific attack on Israel. The ensuing war will have a significant humanitarian impact and could lead to heightened economic and market volatility. We see geopolitics as a structural market risk going forward. See our geopolitical risk dashboard at blackrock.com for more details.

Equity returns were substantial, as the durability of consumer sentiment and spending mitigated investors’ concerns about the economy’s trajectory. The U.S. economy resumed growth in the third quarter of 2022 and continued to expand thereafter. All major classes of equities rose, although large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted significantly higher returns than small-capitalization U.S. stocks due primarily to the performance of large technology companies. International developed market equities also advanced strongly, and emerging market equities posted solid gains.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose during the reporting period, driving its price down, as investors reacted to elevated inflation and attempted to anticipate future interest rate changes. The corporate bond market benefited from improving economic sentiment, although high-yield corporate bond prices fared significantly better than investment-grade bonds as demand from yield-seeking investors remained strong.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), attempting to manage persistent inflation, raised interest rates six times during the 12-month period. Furthermore, the Fed wound down its bond-buying programs and incrementally reduced its balance sheet by not replacing securities that reach maturity. However, the Fed declined to raise interest rates at two of its meetings late in the period.

Supply constraints appear to have become an embedded feature of the new macroeconomic environment, making it difficult for developed economies to increase production without sparking higher inflation. Geopolitical fragmentation and an aging population risk further exacerbating these constraints, keeping the labor market tight and wage growth high. Although the Fed has decelerated the pace of interest rate hikes and recently opted for two pauses, we believe that the new economic regime means that the Fed will need to maintain high rates for an extended period to keep inflation under control. Furthermore, ongoing structural changes may mean that the Fed will be hesitant to cut interest rates in the event of faltering economic activity lest inflation accelerate again. We believe investors should expect a period of higher volatility as markets adjust to the new economic reality and policymakers attempt to adapt.

While we favor an overweight position in developed market equities in the long term, we prefer an underweight stance in the near term. Expectations for corporate earnings remain elevated, which seems inconsistent with macroeconomic constraints. Nevertheless, we are overweight on Japanese stocks in the near term as shareholder-friendly policies generate increased investor interest. We also believe that stocks with an AI tilt should benefit from an investment cycle that is set to support revenues and margins. In credit, there are selective opportunities in the near term despite tightening credit and financial conditions. For fixed income investing with a six- to twelve-month horizon, we see the most attractive investments in short-term U.S. Treasuries, U.S. inflation-linked bonds, euro area government bonds and gilts, U.S. mortgage-backed securities, and hard-currency emerging market bonds.

Overall, our view is that investors need to think globally, position themselves to be prepared for a decarbonizing economy, 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.

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of September 30, 2023

 

    

 

6-Month

 

 

 

12-Month

 

 

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

 

 

 

    5.18%

 

 

   21.62%

 

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

 

 

 

  (0.19)

 

 

 8.93

 

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

 

 

 

  (1.28)

 

 

25.65

 

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

 

 

 

  (2.05)

 

 

11.70

 

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

 

 

 

   2.50 

 

 

 4.47

 

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

 

 

 

  (6.98)

 

 

  (2.90)

 

 

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

 

 

 

  (4.05)

 

 

 0.64

 

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

 

 

 

  (4.05)

 

 

 2.66

 

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

 

 

 

   2.22 

 

 

10.28

 

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  

Semi-Annual Report:

  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     10  

Disclosure of Expenses

     10  

Schedules of Investments

     11  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     27  

Statements of Operations

     29  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     31  

Financial Highlights

     34  

Notes to Financial Statements

     40  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     49  

Supplemental Information

     55  

General Information

     56  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     57  

 

 

      


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Copper and Metals Mining ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. and non-U.S. equities of companies primarily engaged in copper and metal ore mining, as represented by the STOXX Global Copper and Metals Mining 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

  (4.72)%

Fund Market

  (4.05)   

Index

  (3.92)   

The inception date of the Fund was June 21, 2023. The first day of secondary market trading was June 23, 2023.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

 

     

 

           
    Beginning        Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
    Account Value        Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
      (06/21/23) (a)        (09/30/23)        the Period (b)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (b)                Ratio  
      $      1,000.00        $        952.80        $          1.27             $      1,000.00      $      1,022.70        $        2.38                 0.47

 

  (a) 

Commencement of operations.

 
  (b) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 101/366 for actual expenses and 183/366 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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   
Industry    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Diversified Metals & Mining

    42.9

Copper

    42.3  

Gold

    11.8  

Steel

    3.0  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Grupo Mexico SAB de CV, Series B

    8.2

BHP Group Ltd.

    8.2  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    7.9  

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

    7.6  

Antofagasta PLC

    6.1  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

    6.0  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

    4.6  

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., Class A

    4.5  

Lundin Mining Corp.

    4.5  

Southern Copper Corp.

    4.4  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 3    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 September 30, 2023    iShares® Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. and non-U.S. companies that provide infrastructure and industrials solutions aiming to support energy efficiency and emissions mitigation, pollution reduction or land and resource optimization, as represented by the FTSE Green Revenues Select Infrastructure and Industrials Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

                Cumulative Total Returns    
    

6-Month

Total Returns

        

Since    

Inception    

Fund NAV

    (5.00 )%      4.27%    

Fund Market

    (4.85     4.58       

Index

    (4.65       4.66       

The inception date of the Fund was November 01, 2022. The first day of secondary market trading was November 3, 2022.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $        950.00        $        2.29             $        1,000.00      $        1,022.70        $        2.38                 0.47

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Industrials

    56.0

Utilities

    28.6  

Materials

    8.6  

Information Technology

    6.8  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments

(a) 

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    6.2

Veolia Environnement SA

    6.0  

Xylem Inc./NY

    6.0  

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    5.6  

Pentair PLC

    5.3  

Clean Harbors Inc.

    4.2  

Essential Utilities Inc.

    4.1  

Intertek Group PLC

    4.0  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    4.0  

United Utilities Group PLC

    3.9  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Global 100 ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global 100 ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of 100 large-capitalization global equities, as represented by the S&P Global 100TM (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-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    5.57      25.09      10.42     9.87        25.09      64.17      156.38

Fund Market

    5.63        25.27        10.49       9.87          25.27        64.71        156.31  

Index

    5.64        24.86        10.37       9.78                24.86        63.80        154.20  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 


Beginning

Account Value
(04/01/23)

 

 
 

      


Ending

Account Value
(09/30/23)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      


Ending

Account Value
(09/30/23)

 

 
 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $      1,055.70          $      2.11               $      1,000.00          $      1,023.00          $      2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Information Technology

    35.4

Health Care

    12.8  

Consumer Discretionary

    10.7  

Financials

    9.9  

Consumer Staples

    9.3  

Communication Services

    8.8  

Energy

    6.1  

Industrials

    4.4  

Materials

    1.6  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.0  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

Country/Geographic Region    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    75.2

United Kingdom

    6.0  

Switzerland

    4.3  

France

    3.7  

Japan

    2.9  

Germany

    2.7  

Netherlands

    1.5  

South Korea

    1.2  

China

    1.2  

Australia

    0.7  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6  

2 0 2 3    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 September 30, 2023    iShares® Global Infrastructure ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of developed market equities in the infrastructure industry, as represented by the S&P Global Infrastructure IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (7.85 )%       6.44      3.34     4.36        6.44      17.87      53.19

Fund Market

    (7.93      6.13        3.36       4.33          6.13        17.95        52.77  

Index

    (7.89      5.90        3.18       4.20                5.90        16.92        50.88  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $      921.50          $      2.07               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.80          $      2.17          0.43

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

Industry    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Airport Services

    24.7

Electric Utilities

    23.8  

Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation

    20.5  

Multi-Utilities

    11.8  

Highways & Railtracks

    11.8  

Marine Ports & Services

    4.0  

Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

    1.4  

Water Utilities

    1.3  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.7  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

Country/Geographic Region    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    38.3

Australia

    8.9  

Canada

    8.8  

Spain

    8.1  

Mexico

    7.0  

France

    6.4  

China

    4.7  

Germany

    3.3  

New Zealand

    3.1  

Italy

    2.6  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Global Timber & Forestry ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in or related to the timber and forestry industry, as represented by the S&P Global Timber & Forestry IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns            Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    4.92      15.10      1.54     5.90        15.10      7.95      77.44

Fund Market

    5.33        15.40        1.63       5.89          15.40        8.43        77.31  

Index

    5.39        14.82        1.38       5.77                14.82        7.08        75.20  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $      1,049.20          $      2.10               $      1,000.00          $      1,023.00          $      2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

Industry    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Paper Products

    39.0

Paper & Plastic Packaging Products & Materials

    22.5  

Timber REITs

    16.9  

Forest Products

    16.2  

Homebuilding

    3.5  

Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing

    1.9  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

Country/Geographic Region    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    30.1

Sweden

    12.7  

Brazil

    11.8  

Finland

    9.3  

Japan

    8.3  

Canada

    8.3  

Ireland

    5.9  

United Kingdom

    4.0  

Chile

    3.3  

Taiwan

    1.7  
 

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 3    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 September 30, 2023    iShares® Lithium Miners and Producers ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. and non-U.S. equities of companies primarily engaged in lithium ore mining and/or lithium compounds manufacturing, as represented by the STOXX Global Lithium Miners and Producers 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

                      (26.41 )% 

Fund Market

                      (25.91

Index

                                    (26.03

The inception date of the Fund was June 21, 2023. The first day of secondary market trading was June 23, 2023.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning

Account Value

(06/21/23)

 

 

(a) 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(b) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(b) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

  $      1,000.00          $      735.90          $      1.13               $      1,000.00          $      1,022.70          $      2.38          0.47

 

  (a) 

Commencement of operations.

 
  (b) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 101/366 for actual expenses and 183/366 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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

Industry    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Diversified Metals & Mining

    43.3

Specialty Chemicals

    30.9  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    12.5  

Commodity Chemicals

    8.6  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    4.7  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA

    8.6

Pilbara Minerals Ltd.

    8.1  

Albemarle Corp.

    8.0  

Livent Corp.

    7.7  

Allkem Ltd.

    7.6  

Sigma Lithium Corp.

    4.9  

Liontown Resources Ltd.

    4.8  

CosmoAM&T Co. Ltd.

    4.7  

Lithium Americas Corp.

    4.6  

SK IE Technology Co. Ltd.

    4.4  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

U N D    U M M A R Y

  9


About Fund Performance   

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of 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.

Disclosure of 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 the 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 the 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.

 

 

10  

2 0 2 3    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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Copper and Metals Mining ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Metals & Mining — 99.6%            

29Metals Ltd.

    26,030     $ 11,511  

Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Co.

    2,751       38,240  

Anglo American PLC

    5,735       157,481  

Antofagasta PLC

    16,564       287,547  

Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co. Ltd.

    29,900       11,667  

BHP Group Ltd.

    13,853       389,142  

Capstone Mining Corp.(a)

    29,337       124,411  

Chengtun Mining Group Co. Ltd., Class A(a)

    1,600       1,028  

China Nonferrous Mining Corp Ltd.

    79,000       50,503  

CMOC Group Ltd., Class A

    7,900       6,432  

ERO Copper Corp.(a)

    5,415       93,370  

Evolution Mining Ltd.

    14,136       29,510  

Filo Corp., NVS(a)

    5,888       87,957  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

    11,970       282,803  

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

    9,711       362,123  

Glencore PLC

    27,431       156,206  

Grupo Mexico SAB de CV, Series B

    82,276       389,439  

Hudbay Minerals Inc.

    23,718       115,425  

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., Class A(a)

    25,178       215,772  

Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd., Class A

    8,400       22,216  

Jinchuan Group International Resources Co. Ltd.

    182,000       9,962  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

    8,600       219,089  

Lundin Mining Corp.

    28,855       215,204  

MMG Ltd.(a)

    192,000       58,457  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    23,741       374,076  

Newmont Corp.

    3,779       139,634  

Nittetsu Mining Co. Ltd.

    900       30,127  

Rio Tinto PLC, ADR(b)

    3,082         196,138  

Sandfire Resources Ltd.(a)

    31,247       121,743  
Security   Shares     Value  
Metals & Mining (continued)            

Southern Copper Corp.

    2,776     $ 209,005  

Teck Resources Ltd., Class B

    3,496       150,470  

Vale SA

    10,618       142,755  

WA1 Resources Ltd., NVS

    2,530       8,341  

Western Mining Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,600       16,953  

Yunnan Copper Co. Ltd.

    8,100       13,090  

Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,200       15,318  
   

 

 

 
      4,753,145  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.6%
(Cost: $5,031,390)

      4,753,145  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 4.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(c)(d)(e)

    195,222       195,281  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 4.1%
(Cost: $195,300)

      195,281  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 103.7%
(Cost: $5,226,690)

      4,948,426  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (3.7)%

      (176,536
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   4,771,890  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 period ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    

Value at

06/21/23

 

(a) 

   

Purchases

at Cost

 

 

   

Proceeds

from Sale

 

 

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

 

 

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

 

   

Value at

09/30/23

 

 

   

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

 

 

 

    Income      

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 195,300 (b)    $     $     $ (19   $ 195,281       195,222     $ 9 (c)    $  

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

          0 (b)                                    19        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $     $ (19   $ 195,281       $ 28     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Commencement of operations.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c)

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

 
  (d) 

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

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Copper and Metals Mining 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

                 

Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 Index

     2          12/15/23        $ 18        $ (670
                 

 

 

 

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:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

      

Credit

Contracts

      

Equity

Contracts

      

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

      

Interest

Rate

Contracts

      

Other

Contracts

       Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                                

Futures contracts

                                

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $        $        $ 670        $        $        $        $ 670  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

      

Credit

Contracts

      

Equity

Contracts

      

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

      

Interest

Rate

Contracts

      

Other

Contracts

       Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                                

Futures contracts

   $        $        $ (2,391      $        $        $        $ (2,391
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                                

Futures contracts

   $        $        $ (670      $        $        $        $ (670
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 8,993  

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  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 2,724,506        $ 2,028,639        $        $ 4,753,145  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     195,281                            195,281  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 2,919,787        $ 2,028,639        $        $ 4,948,426  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (670      $        $        $ (670
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

12  

2 0 2 3    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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Building Products — 6.9%            

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.(a)

    1,399     $ 159,248  

China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd.

    20,000       10,615  

Reliance Worldwide Corp. Ltd.

    16,120       40,060  

TOTO Ltd.

    3,000       77,415  
   

 

 

 
      287,338  
Chemicals — 2.4%            

Umicore SA

    4,190       99,205  
   

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies — 11.0%            

Befesa SA(b)

    818       24,933  

Beijing GeoEnviron Engineering & Technology Inc.

    2,400       3,099  

Clean Harbors Inc.(c)

    1,039       173,887  

Stericycle Inc.(c)

    1,890       84,502  

Sunny Friend Environmental Technology Co. Ltd.

    1,124       3,954  

Tetra Tech Inc.

    1,088       165,409  
   

 

 

 
      455,784  
Construction & Engineering — 4.5%            

Stantec Inc.

    2,289       148,521  

Sweco AB, Class B

    4,132       38,536  
   

 

 

 
      187,057  
Containers & Packaging — 2.2%            

DS Smith PLC

    26,288       91,685  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 6.8%  

Badger Meter Inc.

    599       86,178  

Landis+Gyr Group AG

    440       31,756  

Riken Keiki Co. Ltd.

    400       16,115  

Shimadzu Corp.

    5,500       145,889  
   

 

 

 
      279,938  
Machinery — 27.4%            

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles SA

    535       16,696  

Dawonsys Co. Ltd.(c)

    576       7,087  

Franklin Electric Co. Inc.

    947       84,501  

Lindsay Corp.

    224       26,360  

METAWATER Co. Ltd.

    400       4,986  

Mueller Water Products Inc., Class A

    3,144       39,866  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    5,200       68,919  

Organo Corp.

    500       14,021  

Pentair PLC

    3,366       217,949  

TOMRA Systems ASA

    4,784       54,365  

Torishima Pump Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    400       5,083  

Watts Water Technologies Inc., Class A

    560       96,779  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    2,399       254,942  

Xylem Inc./NY

    2,701       245,872  
   

 

 

 
      1,137,426  
Metals & Mining — 3.9%            

Asahi Holdings Inc.

    1,500       19,022  

Dowa Holdings Co. Ltd.

    900       27,967  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd.

    57,520       88,304  

Sims Ltd.

    3,244       27,905  
   

 

 

 
      163,198  
Multi-Utilities — 7.0%            

Qatar Electricity & Water Co. QSC

    9,320       44,787  
Security   Shares     Value  

Multi-Utilities (continued)

   

Veolia Environnement SA

    8,526     $ 246,454  
   

 

 

 
      291,241  
Professional Services — 5.6%            

Arcadis NV

    1,476       66,225  

Intertek Group PLC

    3,316       165,830  
   

 

 

 
      232,055  
Water Utilities — 21.5%            

Aguas Andinas SA, Class A

    56,191       16,944  

American States Water Co.

    752       59,167  

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    1,877       232,429  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.

    80,000       17,413  

California Water Service Group

    1,177       55,684  

Cia. de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo

    7,042       85,501  

Cia. de Saneamento de Minas Gerais-COPASA

    3,856       13,279  

Essential Utilities Inc.

    4,983       171,066  

Penno Group PLC

    5,332       38,067  

SJW Group

    650       39,072  

United Utilities Group PLC

    14,033       162,151  
   

 

 

 
      890,773  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.2%
(Cost: $3,983,849)

      4,115,700  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Machinery — 0.3%            

Marcopolo SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    11,986       13,878  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.3%
(Cost: $15,442)

      13,878  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.5%
(Cost: $3,999,291)

      4,129,578  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 3.6%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    146,782       146,826  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 3.6%
(Cost: $146,826)

      146,826  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 103.1%
(Cost: $4,146,117)

      4,276,404  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (3.1)%

      (127,217
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   4,149,187  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(b) 

Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional investors.

(c) 

Non-income producing security.

(d) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(e) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

(f) 

All or a portion of this security was purchased with 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

  13


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

03/31/23

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sale

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

09/30/23

   

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

   

Income

   

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 146,824 (a)    $     $ 2     $     $ 146,826       146,782     $ 44 (b)    $  

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

          0 (a)                                    27        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 2     $     $ 146,826       $ 71     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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

           

Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 Index

     2        12/15/23      $ 18      $ (448
           

 

 

 

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:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 448      $      $      $      $ 448  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (793    $      $      $      $ (793
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 13,753  

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

 

 

14  

2 0 2 3    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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials 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  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 2,440,212        $ 1,675,488        $        $ 4,115,700  

Preferred Stocks

     13,878                            13,878  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     146,826                            146,826  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 2,600,916        $ 1,675,488        $        $ 4,276,404  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (448      $        $             —        $ (448
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global 100 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

 

Australia — 0.7%  

BHP Group Ltd.

    1,020,878      $ 28,677,287  
    

 

 

 
China — 1.2%             

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    1,251,700        48,520,813  
    

 

 

 
France — 3.7%             

AXA SA

    351,496        10,428,486  

Cie. de Saint-Gobain

    103,094        6,170,215  

Engie SA

    351,710        5,393,880  

L’Oreal SA

    46,465        19,255,656  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    52,605        39,707,854  

Sanofi

    224,248        24,078,685  

Schneider Electric SE

    108,620        17,899,715  

TotalEnergies SE

    468,208        30,784,357  
    

 

 

 
       153,718,848  
Germany — 2.7%             

Allianz SE, Registered

    81,302        19,347,934  

BASF SE

    181,131        8,198,885  

Bayer AG, Registered

    197,064        9,463,878  

Deutsche Bank AG, Registered

    409,249        4,497,757  

Deutsche Telekom AG, Registered

    704,742        14,783,227  

E.ON SE

    450,353        5,325,878  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    162,370        11,300,420  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen, Registered

    27,621        10,757,068  

RWE AG

    135,780        5,040,125  

Siemens AG, Registered

    151,535        21,655,660  
    

 

 

 
       110,370,832  
Japan — 2.9%             

Bridgestone Corp.

    117,400        4,574,836  

Canon Inc.

    202,450        4,876,744  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    1,001,200        11,263,191  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    2,544,500        21,562,489  

Panasonic Holdings Corp.

    491,900        5,552,453  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    159,620        6,249,152  

Sony Group Corp.

    252,700        20,664,682  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    2,486,100        44,601,442  
    

 

 

 
       119,344,989  
Netherlands — 1.5%             

ASML Holding NV

    81,233        47,825,929  

ING Groep NV

    733,283        9,664,719  

Koninklijke Philips NV(a)(b)

    186,273        3,716,565  
    

 

 

 
       61,207,213  
South Korea — 1.3%             

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

    1,031,877        52,165,622  
    

 

 

 
Spain — 0.6%             

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    1,209,695        9,789,975  

Banco Santander SA

    3,273,277        12,464,864  

Telefonica SA

    1,153,490        4,712,400  
    

 

 

 
       26,967,239  
Switzerland — 4.3%             

ABB Ltd., Registered

    327,437        11,687,268  

Nestle SA, Registered

    538,061        60,906,351  

Novartis AG, Registered

    417,657        42,654,738  

Roche Holding AG, Bearer

    5,680        1,668,709  

Roche Holding AG, NVS

    141,581        38,651,759  

Swiss Re AG

    57,953        5,951,793  
Security   Shares      Value  
Switzerland (continued)             

UBS Group AG, Registered

    614,976      $ 15,148,206  
    

 

 

 
       176,668,824  
United Kingdom — 5.9%             

Anglo American PLC

    268,306        7,367,574  

AstraZeneca PLC

    312,332        42,128,718  

Barclays PLC

    2,944,778        5,675,849  

BP PLC

    3,450,568        22,242,135  

Diageo PLC

    451,582        16,648,967  

GSK PLC

    827,187        14,966,950  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    4,034,798        31,573,839  

National Grid PLC

    750,019        8,969,737  

Prudential PLC

    552,272        5,936,553  

Rio Tinto PLC

    225,760        14,176,022  

Shell PLC

    1,349,707        42,777,905  

Standard Chartered PLC

    463,097        4,259,348  

Unilever PLC

    507,151        25,087,132  

Vodafone Group PLC

    4,566,547        4,280,677  
    

 

 

 
       246,091,406  
United States — 74.9%             

3M Co.

    111,705        10,457,822  

Abbott Laboratories

    349,714        33,869,801  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    1,195,641        156,461,582  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    1,017,063        134,099,757  

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    1,829,754        232,598,328  

American Tower Corp.

    94,064        15,468,825  

Aon PLC, Class A

    40,990        13,289,778  

Apple Inc.

    2,961,629        507,060,501  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    421,002        24,434,956  

Broadcom Inc.

    83,160        69,071,033  

Caterpillar Inc.

    102,796        28,063,308  

Chevron Corp.

    357,555        60,290,924  

Citigroup Inc.

    388,617        15,983,817  

Coca-Cola Co.(The)

    784,309        43,905,618  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    167,195        11,889,236  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    92,080        6,868,247  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    160,696        86,314,642  

Emerson Electric Co.

    114,635        11,070,302  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    806,737        94,856,136  

Ford Motor Co.

    796,603        9,893,809  

General Electric Co.

    219,324        24,246,268  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    66,429        21,494,432  

Honeywell International Inc.

    133,801        24,718,397  

HP Inc.

    174,033        4,472,648  

Intel Corp.

    843,981        30,003,525  

International Business Machines Corp.

    183,586        25,757,116  

Johnson & Johnson

    485,272        75,581,114  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    136,460        7,261,037  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    585,637        84,929,078  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    67,827        8,196,893  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    99,592        18,952,358  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    167,668        66,381,438  

McDonald’s Corp.

    146,854        38,687,218  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    511,370        52,645,542  

Microsoft Corp.

    1,497,268        472,762,371  

Morgan Stanley

    257,114        20,998,500  

Nike Inc., Class B

    246,879        23,606,570  

Nvidia Corp.

    497,764        216,522,362  

PepsiCo Inc.

    277,411        47,004,520  

Pfizer Inc.

    1,137,797        37,740,727  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    312,828        28,961,616  
 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 3    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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global 100 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security

 

Shares

   

    

Value

 
United States (continued)            

Procter & Gamble Co.(The)

    475,054     $ 69,291,376  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    293,318       21,110,096  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    182,968       29,093,742  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    77,770       39,364,841  

Walmart Inc.

    287,612       45,997,787  
   

 

 

 
      3,101,729,994  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.7%
(Cost: $3,052,785,551)

 

    4,125,463,067  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.3%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(c)(d)(e)

    3,647,608       3,648,702  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(c)(d)

    7,180,000       7,180,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.3%
(Cost: $10,828,702)

 

    10,828,702  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost: $3,063,614,253)

      4,136,291,769  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.0%

      1,881,744  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 4,138,173,513  
   

 

 

 
(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
03/31/23
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sale
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
09/30/23
    Shares
Held at
09/30/23
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 607,245     $ 3,039,160 (a)    $     $ 2,234     $ 63     $ 3,648,702       3,647,608     $ 3,366 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    3,900,000       3,280,000 (a)                        7,180,000       7,180,000       167,704        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 2,234     $ 63     $ 10,828,702       $ 171,070     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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

     27          12/15/23        $ 1,196        $ (31,391

FTSE 100 Index

     7          12/15/23          653          (9,824

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     45          12/15/23          9,732          (318,948
                 

 

 

 
                  $ (360,163
                 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global 100 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:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 360,163      $      $      $      $ 360,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 1,068,337      $      $      $      $ 1,068,337  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (850,871    $      $      $      $ (850,871
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 11,369,938  

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  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 3,101,729,994        $ 1,023,733,073        $        $ 4,125,463,067  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     10,828,702                            10,828,702  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 3,112,558,696        $ 1,023,733,073        $        $ 4,136,291,769  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (318,948      $ (41,215      $           —        $ (360,163
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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 3    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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Infrastructure ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares      Value  

Common Stocks

 

Argentina — 0.2%  

Corp. America Airports SA(a)

    498,307      $ 6,647,416  
    

 

 

 
Australia — 8.9%             

Atlas Arteria Ltd.

    19,372,720        68,594,728  

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd.(b)

    4,328,345        7,785,069  

Qube Holdings Ltd.

    30,228,086        55,522,171  

Transurban Group

    20,949,707        170,230,117  
    

 

 

 
       302,132,085  
Brazil — 0.8%             

Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA, ADR

    1,576,932        11,527,373  

Cia. de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo, ADR(b)

    521,316        6,318,350  

Cia. Paranaense de Energia, ADR

    564,608        4,951,612  

Ultrapar Participacoes SA, ADR

    1,624,757        5,962,858  
    

 

 

 
       28,760,193  
Canada — 8.7%             

Enbridge Inc.

    4,734,152        157,020,834  

Keyera Corp.

    513,622        12,059,198  

Pembina Pipeline Corp.

    1,230,966        37,012,812  

TC Energy Corp.

    2,307,456        79,353,042  

Westshore Terminals Investment Corp.

    588,609        10,916,297  
    

 

 

 
       296,362,183  
China — 4.7%             

Anhui Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    5,150,000        5,386,128  

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

    29,604,000        13,690,941  

CGN Power Co. Ltd., Class H(c)

    16,179,000        4,188,429  

China Gas Holdings Ltd.

    4,481,600        4,224,426  

China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd., Class H

    5,096,000        4,419,629  

China Merchants Port Holdings Co. Ltd.

    21,928,000        27,257,302  

China Resources Gas Group Ltd.

    1,412,100        4,129,067  

China Resources Power Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,720,000        5,175,244  

COSCO SHIPPING International Hong Kong Co. Ltd.

    7,282,000        3,143,062  

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Ltd.

    25,170,000        16,397,089  

Jiangsu Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    20,922,000        18,871,321  

Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd.

    6,080,000        5,232,170  

Shenzhen Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    10,498,000        8,563,595  

Shenzhen International Holdings Ltd.

    22,811,500        14,037,729  

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Ltd.

    16,042,000        8,479,916  

Zhejiang Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    20,132,000        14,980,119  
    

 

 

 
       158,176,167  
France — 6.3%             

Aeroports de Paris

    677,646        79,915,563  

Engie SA

    2,674,659        41,018,993  

Getlink SE

    5,555,115        88,559,087  

Scorpio Tankers Inc.

    107,488        5,817,250  
    

 

 

 
       215,310,893  
Germany — 3.3%             

E.ON SE

    3,424,728        40,552,893  

Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide(a)

    617,362        32,638,090  

RWE AG

    1,032,543        38,327,779  
    

 

 

 
       111,518,762  
Italy — 2.6%             

Enav SpA(c)

    4,358,835        16,120,063  

Enel SpA

    11,786,336        72,282,557  
    

 

 

 
       88,402,620  
Security   Shares      Value  
Japan — 2.2%             

Iwatani Corp.

    119,600      $ 6,030,420  

Japan Airport Terminal Co. Ltd.

    1,594,600        67,554,200  
    

 

 

 
       73,584,620  
Mexico — 7.0%             

Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV, ADR

    589,919        51,269,860  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, ADR

    670,919        110,278,956  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, ADR

    313,028        76,914,110  
    

 

 

 
       238,462,926  
New Zealand — 3.1%             

Auckland International Airport Ltd.

    22,439,762        106,383,748  
    

 

 

 
Singapore — 1.6%             

Hutchison Port Holdings Trust, Class U(b)

    84,400,500        14,497,389  

SATS Ltd.(a)(b)

    16,672,066        31,643,350  

SIA Engineering Co. Ltd.

    4,327,912        7,556,300  
    

 

 

 
       53,697,039  
South Korea — 0.0%             

Sebang Co. Ltd.

    150,454        1,228,676  
    

 

 

 
Spain — 8.0%             

Aena SME SA(c)

    1,160,266        174,593,999  

Iberdrola SA

    8,814,957        98,590,427  
    

 

 

 
       273,184,426  
Switzerland — 1.8%             

Flughafen Zurich AG, Registered

    325,864        62,043,244  
    

 

 

 
United Kingdom — 2.0%             

National Grid PLC

    5,643,282        67,489,964  
    

 

 

 
United States — 38.1%             

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    785,854        59,111,937  

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    296,950        36,771,319  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    763,354        9,144,981  

Cheniere Energy Inc.

    539,330        89,507,207  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    526,151        45,001,695  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    490,562        53,510,503  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    1,276,420        57,017,681  

DTE Midstream LLC(a)

    217,197        11,494,065  

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,175,646        103,762,516  

Edison International

    584,675        37,004,081  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    974,817        9,134,035  

Exelon Corp.

    1,518,118        57,369,679  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

    4,344,941        72,039,122  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    2,653,699        152,030,416  

ONEOK Inc.

    1,003,412        63,646,423  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    761,351        43,328,485  

Sempra Energy

    959,953        65,305,603  

Southern Co.(The)

    1,663,530        107,663,662  

Targa Resources Corp.

    501,428        42,982,408  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    481,170        38,758,243  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    2,726,472        91,854,842  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    841,315        48,140,044  
    

 

 

 
       1,294,578,947  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.3%
(Cost: $3,505,431,866)

       3,377,963,909  
    

 

 

 
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Infrastructure ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

    

Security

  Shares     Value  

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 0.2%            

Cia. Energetica de Minas Gerais, Preference Shares, ADR

    2,235,523     $ 5,409,966  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.2%
(Cost: $4,123,185)

      5,409,966  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.5%
(Cost: $3,509,555,051)

 

    3,383,373,875  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    1,069,105       1,069,426  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    2,690,000       2,690,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.1%
(Cost: $3,758,036)

 

    3,759,426  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.6%
(Cost: $3,513,313,087)

      3,387,133,301  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.4%

 

    12,840,010  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   3,399,973,311  
   

 

 

 
(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
03/31/23
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sale
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
09/30/23
    Shares
Held at
09/30/23
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 8,023,535     $     $ (6,947,927 )(a)    $ (4,649   $ (1,533   $ 1,069,426       1,069,105     $ 119,402 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    16,620,000             (13,930,000 )(a)                  2,690,000       2,690,000       119,354        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (4,649   $ (1,533   $ 3,759,426       $ 238,756     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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

           

IBEX 35 Index

     35        10/20/23      $ 3,483      $ (14,348

S&P/TSE 60 Index

     29        12/14/23        5,023        (124,813

Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index

     82        12/15/23        2,494        (79,950

SPI 200 Index

     35        12/21/23        3,960        (78,754
           

 

 

 
            $ (297,865
           

 

 

 

 

 

20  

2 0 2 3    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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Infrastructure 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:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 297,865      $      $      $      $ 297,865  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 1,139,463      $      $      $      $ 1,139,463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (1,320,144    $      $      $      $ (1,320,144
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 21,225,527  

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  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,977,012,663        $ 1,400,951,246        $        $ 3,377,963,909  

Preferred Stocks

     5,409,966                            5,409,966  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     3,759,426                            3,759,426  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,986,182,055        $ 1,400,951,246        $        $ 3,387,133,301  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (204,763      $ (93,102      $             —        $ (297,865
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Timber & Forestry ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Brazil — 11.7%            

Dexco SA

    518,033     $ 793,557  

Klabin SA

    1,726,030       8,175,940  

Suzano SA

    1,339,193       14,461,489  
   

 

 

 
      23,430,986  
Canada — 8.3%            

Canfor Corp.(a)

    158,397       1,967,353  

Interfor Corp.(a)

    144,346       2,141,411  

Stella-Jones Inc.

    70,580       3,394,284  

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

    124,007       9,003,004  
   

 

 

 
      16,506,052  
Chile — 3.3%            

Empresas CMPC SA

    1,577,496       2,904,340  

Empresas COPEC SA

    521,950       3,700,315  
   

 

 

 
      6,604,655  
China — 1.4%            

Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd.

    3,555,000       1,994,005  

Shandong Sun Paper Industry JSC Ltd., Class A

    481,700       810,306  
   

 

 

 
      2,804,311  
Finland — 9.2%            

Stora Enso OYJ, Class R

    829,498       10,396,404  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    232,811       7,971,648  
   

 

 

 
      18,368,052  
Ireland — 5.8%            

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    349,649       11,615,258  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 8.3%            

Daio Paper Corp.

    166,100       1,359,138  

Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.(a)

    244,700       2,205,576  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    1,423,100       5,987,295  

Sumitomo Forestry Co. Ltd.

    274,500       6,962,277  
   

 

 

 
      16,514,286  
Portugal — 0.9%            

Altri SGPS SA

    172,669       780,959  

Navigator Co. SA(The)

    299,319       1,127,929  
   

 

 

 
      1,908,888  
Saudi Arabia — 0.2%            

Middle East Paper Co.

    46,919       406,582  
   

 

 

 
South Africa — 1.4%            

Sappi Ltd.

    1,184,193       2,754,439  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 0.6%            

Ence Energia y Celulosa SA

    367,958       1,234,761  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden — 12.7%            

Billerud AB

    308,160     $ 2,852,464  

Holmen AB, Class B

    194,949       7,577,717  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B

    1,082,713       14,824,629  
   

 

 

 
      25,254,810  
Taiwan — 1.7%            

Cheng Loong Corp.

    1,348,000       1,197,027  

Chung Hwa Pulp Corp.

    998,000       699,533  

YFY Inc.

    1,481,000       1,494,605  
   

 

 

 
      3,391,165  
United Kingdom — 4.0%            

Mondi PLC

    473,796       7,903,795  
   

 

 

 
United States — 29.9%            

Clearwater Paper Corp.(a)(b)

    23,447       849,954  

International Paper Co.

    358,800       12,726,636  

Mercer International Inc.

    123,195       1,057,013  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    200,443       9,098,108  

Rayonier Inc.

    310,755       8,844,087  

Sylvamo Corp.

    74,885       3,290,447  

Westrock Co.

    227,015       8,127,137  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    508,083       15,577,825  
   

 

 

 
      59,571,207  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.4%
(Cost: $210,534,453)

      198,269,247  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional,
SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(c)(d)(e)

    3,820       3,821  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.0%
(Cost: $3,823)

      3,821  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.4%
(Cost: $210,538,276)

      198,273,068  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.6%

      1,241,597  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   199,514,665  
   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 3    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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Timber & Forestry ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

03/31/23

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sale

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

09/30/23

   

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 666,559     $     $ (662,963 )(a)    $ (11   $ 236     $ 3,821       3,820     $ 19,461 (b)    $  

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

    260,000             (260,000 )(a)                              7,228        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (11   $ 236     $ 3,821       $ 26,689     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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)

 

 

 

Futures

                 

Russell 1000 E-Mini Value Index

     12          12/15/23        $ 905        $ (31,861
                 

 

 

 

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:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 31,861      $      $      $      $ 31,861  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 70,703      $      $      $      $ 70,703  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (98,121    $      $      $      $ (98,121
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,001,105  

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

  23


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Timber & Forestry 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  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 109,273,921        $ 88,995,326        $        $ 198,269,247  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     3,821                            3,821  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 109,277,742        $     88,995,326        $        $ 198,273,068  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (31,861      $        $             —        $ (31,861
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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 3    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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Lithium Miners and Producers ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

 

Chemicals — 38.8%

 

Albemarle Corp.

    1,688     $ 287,028  

Chengxin Lithium Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,600       23,386  

Chunbo Co. Ltd.

    624       60,380  

CNGR Advanced Material Co. Ltd.

    5,600       38,974  

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

    8,800       19,345  

Foosung Co. Ltd.

    7,248       54,873  

Ganfeng Lithium Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    13,200       81,101  

Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    16,000       59,442  

Hunan Changyuan Lico Co. Ltd.

    16,000       18,812  

Livent Corp.(a)(b)

    15,072       277,476  

Ningbo Shanshan Co. Ltd.

    18,800       35,916  

Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,400       38,517  

Shenzhen Dynanonic Co. Ltd.

    2,400       25,281  

Shenzhen Senior Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    10,800       19,417  

Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,600       19,767  

SK IE Technology Co. Ltd.(a)(c)

    2,888       157,785  

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

    6,800       24,055  

Tanaka Chemical Corp.(a)

    2,400       20,509  

Tianqi Lithium Corp., Class A

    12,400       93,757  

Yunnan Energy New Material Co. Ltd., Class A

    8,200       67,604  
   

 

 

 
      1,423,425  
Electrical Equipment — 12.3%            

Beijing Easpring Material Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    4,400       25,485  

Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material Co. Ltd., NVS

    6,400       31,960  

Jiangsu Ruitai New Energy Materials Co. Ltd., NVS

    6,000       14,879  

Jiangxi Special Electric Motor Co. Ltd., NVS(a)

    14,400       17,583  

Ningbo Ronbay New Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

    3,599       20,768  

Shijiazhuang Shangtai Technology Co. Ltd., NVS

    2,000       13,256  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, ADR

    5,180       309,091  

XTC New Energy Materials Xiamen Co. Ltd., NVS

    3,200       18,997  
   

 

 

 
      452,019  
Metals & Mining — 42.6%            

Allkem Ltd.(a)

    36,700       274,421  

American Lithium Corp., NVS

    29,772       42,574  

Core Lithium Ltd.(a)

    258,100       66,510  

Lake Resources NL(a)

    197,687       22,677  

Latin Resources Ltd., NVS

    339,902       53,359  
Security   Shares     Value  
Metals & Mining (continued)            

Liontown Resources Ltd.(a)

    92,072     $ 172,550  

Lithium Americas Corp.(a)

    9,855       167,634  

Piedmont Lithium Inc.(a)

    2,664       105,761  

Pilbara Minerals Ltd.

    107,268       292,647  

Sayona Mining Ltd.(a)

    1,264,189       74,922  

Sigma Lithium Corp.(a)

    5,441       176,506  

Sinomine Resource Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    6,000       30,039  

Tibet Mineral Development Co.(a)

    4,400       14,357  

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd.(a)

    18,080       33,325  

Winsome Resources Ltd., NVS

    23,692       22,182  

Youngy Co. Ltd.

    2,000       15,027  
   

 

 

 
      1,564,491  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 4.6%        

CosmoAM&T Co. Ltd.(a)

    1,544       170,007  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 98.3%
(Cost: $4,771,640)

      3,609,942  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 12.5%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    459,070       459,208  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 12.5%
(Cost: $459,252)

      459,208  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 110.8%
(Cost: $5,230,892)

      4,069,150  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (10.8)%

 

    (397,956
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   3,671,194  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 period ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer  

Value at   

06/21/23(a)

   

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sale

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

09/30/23

   

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $     $ 459,252 (b)    $     $     $ (44   $ 459,208       459,070     $     $  

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

          0 (b)                                    313        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $     $ (44   $ 459,208       $ 313     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Commencement of operations.

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

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

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Lithium Miners and Producers 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

                 

Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 Index

     6          12/15/23        $ 54        $ (1,914
                 

 

 

 

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:

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 1,914      $      $      $      $ 1,914  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (211    $      $      $      $ (211
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (1,914    $      $      $      $ (1,914
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 26,979  

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  

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 1,398,030      $ 2,211,912      $      $ 3,609,942  

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

     459,208                      459,208  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,857,238      $ 2,211,912      $      $ 4,069,150  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Equity Contracts

   $ (1,914    $      $           —      $ (1,914
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 3    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)

September 30, 2023

 

    

iShares

Copper and

Metals

Mining ETF

   

iShares

Environmental

Infrastructure

and

Industrials

ETF

    

iShares

Global 100 ETF

    

iShares

Global

Infrastructure ETF

 

ASSETS

         

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 4,753,145     $ 4,129,578      $ 4,125,463,067      $ 3,383,373,875  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    195,281       146,826        10,828,702        3,759,426  

Cash

    3,129       2,602        13,107        35,028  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    2,000       2,000        453,000        280,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts(d)

                 119,637        1,150,960  

Foreign currency, at value(e)

          5,979        2,337,737        5,471,248  

Receivables:

         

Investments sold

    39,484                     231,999,925  

Securities lending income — affiliated

    9       25        932        14,395  

Capital shares sold

                 1,333,497         

Dividends — unaffiliated

    338       10,562        3,686,762        10,022,211  

Dividends — affiliated

    19              26,680        12,987  

Tax reclaims

    21       259        1,275,403        263,941  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    50                      
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    4,993,476       4,297,831        4,145,538,524        3,636,383,996  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

         

Foreign bank overdraft(f)

    18,415                      

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    195,300       146,824        3,648,664        1,073,192  

Payables:

         

Investments purchased

    5,988       8        822,473        233,384,457  

Capital shares redeemed

                        309,839  

Investment advisory fees

    1,883       1,659        1,383,338        1,230,101  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                 1,488,716         

Professional fees

                 4,706        381,727  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          153        17,114        31,369  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    221,586       148,644        7,365,011        236,410,685  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

         

NET ASSETS

  $ 4,771,890     $ 4,149,187      $ 4,138,173,513      $ 3,399,973,311  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

         

Paid-in capital

  $ 4,975,310     $ 4,016,012      $ 3,311,391,391      $ 3,879,807,564  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    (203,420     133,175        826,782,122        (479,834,253
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 4,771,890     $ 4,149,187      $ 4,138,173,513      $ 3,399,973,311  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETVALUE

         

Shares outstanding

    200,000       160,000        56,550,000        78,500,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 23.86     $ 25.93      $ 73.18      $ 43.31  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None        None        None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 5,031,390     $ 3,999,291      $ 3,052,785,551      $ 3,509,555,051  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 190,920     $ 143,767      $ 3,478,215      $ 1,008,235  

(c)  Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 195,300     $ 146,826      $ 10,828,702      $ 3,758,036  

(d) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $     $      $ 125,426      $ 1,178,084  

(e) Foreign currency, at cost

  $     $ 6,061      $ 2,355,813      $ 5,487,880  

(f)  Foreign bank overdraft, at cost

  $ 18,532     $      $      $  

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 Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global

Timber &

Forestry ETF

   

iShares

Lithium

Miners and

Producers

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

   

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 198,269,247     $ 3,609,942  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    3,821       459,208  

Cash

          2,389  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    63,000       4,000  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    5,203,729       55,991  

Receivables:

   

Investments sold

    23,256,535        

Securities lending income — affiliated

    1,948        

Dividends — unaffiliated

    234,936       723  

Dividends — affiliated

    615        

Tax reclaims

    519,008        
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    227,552,839       4,132,253  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

   

Bank overdraft

    4,636,763        

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    3,847       459,252  

Payables:

   

Investments purchased

    22,522,206        

Capital shares redeemed

    801,631        

Investment advisory fees

    68,337       1,492  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    5,390       315  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    28,038,174       461,059  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

   

NET ASSETS

  $ 199,514,665     $ 3,671,194  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

   

Paid-in capital

  $ 251,309,760     $ 5,003,149  

Accumulated loss

    (51,795,095     (1,331,955
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 199,514,665     $ 3,671,194  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE

   

Shares outstanding

    2,700,000       200,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 73.89     $ 18.36  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 210,534,453     $ 4,771,640  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 3,625     $ 274,696  

(c) Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 3,823     $ 459,252  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 5,206,857     $ 56,211  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

28  

2 0 2 3    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 September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Copper

and Metals

Mining

ETF

 

 

 

 

(a) 

   

iShares

Environmental

Infrastructure

and

Industrials

ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

iShares

Global 100

ETF

 

 

 

   

iShares

Global

Infrastructure

ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 74,430     $ 62,338     $ 43,144,755     $ 94,617,853  

Dividends — affiliated

    19       27       167,704       119,354  

Interest — unaffiliated

          69       18,488       37,168  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    9       44       3,366       119,402  

Other income — unaffiliated

                188,648       677,858  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (2,698     (4,309     (2,231,130     (6,508,760

Foreign withholding tax claims

                1,709,951       3,261,875  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                5,747        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    71,760       58,169       43,007,529       92,324,750  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory

    6,121       10,407       7,896,653       7,781,676  

Commitment costs

          5       1,561       3,438  

Professional

                195,380       394,011  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    6,121       10,412       8,093,594       8,179,125  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    65,639       47,757       34,913,935       84,145,625  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — unaffiliated

    12,878       11,586       (78,037,717     (51,247,695

Investments — affiliated

          2       2,234       (4,649

Foreign currency transactions

    (742     (496     41,717       (51,266

Futures contracts

    (2,391     1,213       1,068,337       1,139,463  

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(b)

                6,069,220       53,292,146  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    9,745       12,305       (70,856,209     3,127,999  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — unaffiliated

    (278,245     (276,844     229,297,060       (392,816,086

Investments — affiliated

    (19           63       (1,533

Foreign currency translations

    130       (314     (74,714     (43,412

Futures contracts

    (670     (793     (850,871     (1,320,144
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (278,804     (277,951     228,371,538       (394,181,175
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (269,059     (265,646     157,515,329       (391,053,176
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (203,420   $ (217,889   $ 192,429,264     $ (306,907,551
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

For the period from June 21, 2023 (commencement of operations) to to September 30, 2023.

(b) 

See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

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 Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global

Timber &

Forestry ETF

 

 

 

 

   

iShares

Lithium

Miners and

Producers

ETF

 

 

 

 

(a) 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 3,006,583     $ 22,027  

Dividends — affiliated

    7,228       313  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    19,461        

Foreign taxes withheld

    (117,594     (1,613
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    2,915,678       20,727  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory

    419,022       5,411  

Professional

    3,782        

Commitment costs

    779        
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    423,583       5,411  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2,492,095       15,316  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — unaffiliated

    (11,079,416     (184,356

Investments — affiliated

    (11      

Foreign currency transactions

    (55,950     1,172  

Futures contracts

    70,703       (211

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(b)

    1,671,577        
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (9,393,097     (183,395
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — unaffiliated

    16,803,142       (1,161,698

Investments — affiliated

    236       (44

Foreign currency translations

    32,529       (220

Futures contracts

    (98,121     (1,914
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    16,737,786       (1,163,876
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    7,344,689       (1,347,271
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 9,836,784     $ (1,331,955
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

For the period from June 21, 2023 (commencement of operations) to to September 30, 2023.

(b)

See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

30  

2 0 2 3    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

Copper and

Metals

Mining ETF

   

iShares

Environmental Infrastructure and

Industrials ETF

 
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

Period From

06/21/23

to 09/30/23

(unaudited)

 

(a) 

 

 

   

Six Months

Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

   

Period From

11/01/22

to 03/31/23

 

(a) 

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

     

OPERATIONS

     

Net investment income

  $ 65,639     $ 47,757     $ 17,976  

Net realized gain (loss)

    9,745       12,305       (33,572

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (278,804     (277,951     407,577  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (203,420     (217,889     391,981  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

     

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

          (35,127     (5,790
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

     

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    4,975,310             4,016,012  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

     

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    4,771,890       (253,016     4,402,203  

Beginning of period

          4,402,203        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 4,771,890     $ 4,149,187     $ 4,402,203  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

  31


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   

iShares

Global 100 ETF

          

iShares

Global Infrastructure ETF

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

          

Six Months Ended

09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 34,913,935     $ 68,704,768        $ 84,145,625     $ 101,234,304  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (70,856,209     138,328,173          3,127,999       (461,244

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    228,371,538       (446,564,115        (394,181,175     (211,054,358
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    192,429,264       (239,531,174        (306,907,551     (110,281,298
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (39,844,361     (66,133,768        (54,439,577 )(b)      (92,664,851
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

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

    381,435,541       66,208,396          (82,113,551     613,390,828  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    534,020,444       (239,456,546        (443,460,679     410,444,679  

Beginning of period

    3,604,153,069       3,843,609,615          3,843,433,990       3,432,989,311  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 4,138,173,513     $ 3,604,153,069        $ 3,399,973,311     $ 3,843,433,990  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

(b) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32  

2 0 2 3    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

Global Timber & Forestry ETF

          

iShares

Lithium Miners

and Producers

ETF

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
   

Six Months

Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

 

 

      

Period From

06/21/23

to 09/30/23

(unaudited)

 

(a) 

 

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

        

OPERATIONS

        

Net investment income

  $ 2,492,095     $ 4,471,918        $ 15,316  

Net realized loss

    (9,393,097     (12,234,927        (183,395

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    16,737,786       (45,341,807        (1,163,876
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    9,836,784       (53,104,816        (1,331,955
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

        

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (3,848,829 )(c)      (5,674,714         
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

        

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

    (8,776,643     (54,370,685        5,003,149  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

        

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (2,788,688     (113,150,215        3,671,194  

Beginning of period

    202,303,353       315,453,568           
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 199,514,665     $ 202,303,353        $ 3,671,194  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

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

(c) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L    T A T E M E N T  S

  33


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

   

iShares

Copper and

Metals

  Mining ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   


Period From

06/21/23

to
09/30/23 (unaudited)

 

(a) 

 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.04  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.35  

Net realized and unrealized loss(c)

    (1.53
 

 

 

 

Net decrease from investment operations

    (1.18
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.86  
 

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

 

Based on net asset value

    (4.72 )%(e) 
 

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

 

Total expenses

    0.47 %(g) 
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    5.04 %(g) 
 

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 4,772  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    31
 

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

34  

2 0 2 3    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 Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

 

 

 

   

Period From

11/01/22

to 03/31/23

 

(a) 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.51     $ 25.10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.30       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

    (1.66     2.34  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    (1.36     2.45  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

    (0.22     (0.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.93     $ 27.51  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

   

Based on net asset value

    (5.00 )%(f)      9.76 %(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

   

Total expenses

    0.47 %(h)      0.47 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.16 %(h)      1.01 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

   

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 4,149     $ 4,402  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

    6     13
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

  35


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Global 100 ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/23
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/22
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/21
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/20
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/19
 
(a)  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.05     $ 75.96     $ 65.92     $ 44.71     $ 47.57     $ 45.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.66 (c)      1.30 (c)      1.16       0.99       1.06       1.14  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(d)

    3.23       (5.93     10.08       21.16       (2.83     1.97  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    3.89       (4.63     11.24       22.15       (1.77     3.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(e)

    (0.76     (1.28     (1.20     (0.94     (1.09     (1.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.18     $ 70.05     $ 75.96     $ 65.92     $ 44.71     $ 47.57  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

           

Based on net asset value

    5.57 %(c)(g)      (6.02 )%(c)      17.11     49.88     (3.91 )%      7.00
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

           

Total expenses

    0.41 %(i)      0.41     0.40     0.40     0.40     0.40
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

    0.40 %(i)      0.40     0.40     N/A       0.40     N/A  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.77 %(c)(i)      1.95 %(c)      1.58     1.71     2.11     2.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 4,138,174     $ 3,604,153     $ 3,843,610     $ 2,973,065     $ 1,855,568     $ 2,031,281  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

    15     2     2     3     5     9
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Per share amounts reflect a two-for-one stock split effective after the close of trading on May 1, 2018.

(b)

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c)

Reflects the positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated professional fees, which resulted in the following increases for the six months ended September 30, 2023 and year ended March 31, 2023 respectively:

   

Net investment income per share by $0.03 and $0.06.

   

Total return by 0.01% and 0.08%.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.04% and 0.09%.

(d)

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.

(e)

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

(f)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(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.

 

 

36  

2 0 2 3    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 Global Infrastructure ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/23
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/22
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/21
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/20
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/19
 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.69     $ 50.78     $ 45.05     $ 33.89     $ 44.78     $ 42.73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    1.04 (b)      1.33       1.04       1.04       1.54       1.34  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    (4.74     (3.20     5.84       11.14       (10.86     2.10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    (3.70     (1.87     6.88       12.18       (9.32     3.44  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

    (0.68 )(e)      (1.22     (1.15     (1.02     (1.57     (1.39
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.31     $ 47.69     $ 50.78     $ 45.05     $ 33.89     $ 44.78  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

           

Based on net asset value

    (7.85 )%(b)(g)      (3.74 )%(b)      15.54     36.27 %(h)      (21.75 )%      8.40
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(i)

           

Total expenses

    0.43 %(j)      0.41     0.40     0.43     0.46     0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

    0.41 %(j)      0.41     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    4.43 %(b)(j)      2.81 %(b)      2.23     2.57     3.38     3.15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 3,399,973     $ 3,843,434     $ 3,432,989     $ 3,063,620     $ 2,741,647     $ 2,825,830  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(k)

    7     19     16     25     9     19
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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 six months ended September 30, 2023 and year ended March 31, 2023 respectively:

   

Net investment income per share by $0.04.

   

Total return by 0.08% and 0.01%.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.08% and 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)

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

(f)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(g)

Not annualized.

(h)

Includes payment received from an affiliate, which had no impact on the Fund’s total return.

(i)

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

(j)

Annualized.

(k)

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

  37


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/23
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/22
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/21
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/20
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/19
 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 71.74     $ 89.11     $ 85.14     $ 48.10     $ 63.82     $ 78.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.88       1.40 (b)      1.58 (b)      0.78       0.79       1.57  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

    2.61       (17.13     3.53       37.04       (15.27     (14.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    3.49       (15.73     5.11       37.82       (14.48     (12.68
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

    (1.34 )(e)      (1.64     (1.14     (0.78     (1.24     (1.61
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.89     $ 71.74     $ 89.11     $ 85.14     $ 48.10     $ 63.82  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

           

Based on net asset value

    4.92 %(g)      (17.90 )%(b)      6.04 %(b)      79.23     (23.04 )%      (16.22 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

           

Total expenses

    0.41 %(i)      0.42     0.41     0.43     0.46     0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

    0.41 %(i)      0.41     0.40     N/A       N/A       0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.43 %(i)      1.81 %(b)      1.78 %(b)      1.15     1.30     2.17
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 199,515     $ 202,303     $ 315,454     $ 332,050     $ 173,178     $ 279,553  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

    19     29     18     14     10     18
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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 March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, respectively:

   

Net investment income per share by $0.07 and $0.05.

   

Total return by 0.09% and 0.07%.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.07% and 0.06%.

(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)

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

(f)

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(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.

 

 

38  

2 0 2 3    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 the period)

 

   

iShares

Lithium

Miners and

Producers

ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   


Period From

06/21/23

to
09/30/23 (unaudited)

 

(a) 

 
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.94  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.08  

Net realized and unrealized loss(c)

    (6.66
 

 

 

 

Net decrease from investment operations

    (6.58
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.36  
 

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

 

Based on net asset value

    (26.41 )%(e) 
 

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

 

Total expenses

    0.47 %(g) 
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.33 %(g) 
 

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 3,671  
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

    17
 

 

 

 

 

(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    I G H L I G H T  S

  39


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    

Copper and Metals Mining(a)

  Non-diversified    

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials

  Non-diversified    

Global 100(b)

  Diversified    

Global Infrastructure

  Diversified    

Global Timber & Forestry

  Non-diversified    

Lithium Miners and Producers(a)

  Non-diversified    

 

  (a) 

The Funds commenced operations on June 21, 2023.

  (b) 

The Fund intends to be diversified in approximately the same proportion as its underlying index is diversified. The Fund may become non-diversified, as defined in the 1940 Act, solely as a result of a change in relative market capitalization or index weighting of one or more constituents of its underlying index. Shareholder approval will not be sought if the Fund crosses from diversified to non-diversified status due solely to a change in its relative market capitalization or index weighting of one or more constituents of its underlying index.

 

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 September 30, 2023, 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.

Bank Overdraft: The Funds had outstanding cash disbursements exceeding deposited cash amounts at the custodian and utilized its ability to temporarily borrow from that custodian for operational purposes. The Funds are obligated to repay the custodian for any overdraft, including any related costs or expenses, where applicable.

Collateralization: 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.

 

 

40  

2 0 2 3    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


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.

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. The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) of each Fund has approved the designation of BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, as the valuation designee for each Fund. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under BFA’s policies. 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 BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value. BFA has formed a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to develop pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments, with assistance from other BlackRock pricing committees.

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 Valuation Committee, in accordance with BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the 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 Valuation Committee 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 Valuation Committee deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement.

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 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

 

 

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)

 

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 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 BFA, 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    

Securities Loaned

at Value

 

 

    

Cash Collateral

Received

 

(a) 

   

Non-Cash Collateral

Received, at Fair Value

 

(a) 

    Net Amount  

Copper and Metals Mining

        

UBS AG

  $ 190,920      $ (190,920   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials

        

RBC Capital Markets LLC

  $ 143,767      $ (143,767   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global 100

        

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

  $ 3,478,215      $ (3,478,215   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Infrastructure

        

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $ 371,271      $ (371,271   $     $  

HSBC Bank PLC

    40,196        (40,196            

Morgan Stanley

    584,648        (584,648            

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    12,120        (11,955           165 (b) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1,008,235      $ (1,008,070)     $     $ 165  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Timber & Forestry

        

Nomura Securities International Inc.

  $ 3,625      $ (3,625   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Lithium Miners and Producers

        

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $ 274,696      $ (274,696   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received, if any, 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 
  (b) 

The market value of the loaned securities is determined as of September 30, 2023. 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Fees

 

 

Copper and Metals Mining

    0.47

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials

    0.47  

Global 100

    0.40  

Lithium Miners and Producers

 

   

 

0.47

 

 

 

For its investment advisory services to each of the iShares Global Infrastructure and iShares Global Timber & Forestry 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 Fees

 

 

First $10 billion

    0.4800

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

    0.4300  

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

    0.3800  

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

    0.3420  

Over $40 billion

 

   

 

0.3078

 

 

 

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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  43


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, the iShares Global 100 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 Copper and Metals Mining ETF, iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF, iShares Global Infrastructure ETF, iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF and iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (the “Group 2 Fund”), retains 82% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees) and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees generated across all 1940 Act iShares exchange-traded funds (the “iShares ETF Complex”) in a given calendar year exceeds a specified threshold: (1) the Group 1 Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 81% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees, and (2) each Group 2 Fund will retain for the remainder of that calendar year 85% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and the amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

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 September 30, 2023, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

 

iShares ETF

 

 

 

Amounts

 

 

Copper and Metals Mining

  $ 2  

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials

    18  

Global 100

    1,101  

Global Infrastructure

    28,646  

Global Timber & Forestry

    4,415  

Lithium Miners and Producers

    4  

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 September 30, 2023, 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)

 

Global 100

  $   219,322,709      $   122,773,499      $ (16,077,682

Global Infrastructure

    4,687,454        11,227,921        (1,800,266

Global Timber & Forestry

    990,331        2,096,572        (88,857

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 September 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

Copper and Metals Mining

  $ 1,978,168      $ 1,384,834  

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials

    275,944        268,704  

Global 100

     627,525,728         605,269,090  

Global Infrastructure

    336,570,528        261,866,706  

Global Timber & Forestry

    38,542,147        39,920,354  

Lithium Miners and Producers

    1,954,310        670,726  

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind

Sales

 

Copper and Metals Mining

  $ 4,425,178      $  

Global 100

     364,481,098        10,386,993  

Global Infrastructure

    221,590,504         330,809,604  

Global Timber & Forestry

    11,153,959        18,723,169  

Lithium Miners and Producers

    3,672,411         

 

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 September 30, 2023, 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 March 31, 2023, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

iShares ETF  

Non-Expiring

Capital Loss

Carryforwards

 

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials

  $ (33,072

Global 100

    (138,980,093

Global Infrastructure

    (370,265,257

Global Timber & Forestry

    (27,091,323

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 September 30, 2023, 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)
 

Copper and Metals Mining

  $ 5,226,690      $ 25,088      $ (304,022    $ (278,934

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials

    4,147,081        389,933        (261,058      128,875  

Global 100

    3,109,098,065        1,180,337,145        (153,503,604      1,026,833,541  

Global Infrastructure

    3,546,555,574        193,928,183        (353,648,321      (159,720,138

Global Timber & Forestry

    212,331,555        14,789,818        (28,880,166      (14,090,348

Lithium Miners and Producers

    5,230,892        625        (1,164,281      (1,163,656

 

9.

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 9, 2024. 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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) Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 0.10% and 1.00% per annum or (b) the U.S. Federal Funds rate 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 September 30, 2023, 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.

Infectious Illness Risk: An outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely impact the economies of many nations and the global economy, and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen. An infectious illness outbreak may result in, among other things, closed international borders, prolonged quarantines, supply chain disruptions, market volatility or disruptions and other significant economic, social and political impacts.

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 BFA 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.

Geographic/Asset Class 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 securities of issuers located in the United States. A decrease in imports or exports, changes in trade regulations, inflation and/or an economic recession in the United States may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. economy and the securities listed on U.S. exchanges. Proposed and adopted policy and legislative changes in the United States may also have a significant effect on U.S. markets generally, as well as on the value of certain securities.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Governmental agencies project that the United States will continue to maintain elevated public debt levels for the foreseeable future which may constrain future economic growth. Circumstances could arise that could prevent the timely payment of interest or principal on U.S. government debt, such as reaching the legislative “debt ceiling.” Such non-payment would result in substantial negative consequences for the U.S. economy and the global financial system. If U.S. relations with certain countries deteriorate, it could adversely affect issuers that rely on the United States for trade. The United States has also experienced increased internal unrest and discord. If these trends were to continue, they may have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy and the issuers in which the the Funds invest.

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. These events and actions have adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-European Union member states. 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 have been, and may continue to 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.

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.

 

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:

 

 

 
                                

Period Ended

09/30/23

 
     

 

 

 
iShares ETF                          Shares          Amount  

 

 

Copper and Metals Mining(a)

               

Shares sold

             200,000        $ 4,975,310  
          

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

The Fund commenced operations on June 21, 2023.

 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
          

Period Ended

03/31/23

 
                  
iShares ETF   Shares             Amount            Shares            Amount  

 

 

Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials(a)

                 

Shares sold

            $          160,000        $ 4,016,012  
 

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

The Fund commenced operations on November 01, 2022.

 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

       

Year Ended

03/31/23

 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares          Amount         Shares          Amount  

 

 

Global 100

               

Shares sold

    5,250,000        $ 392,203,839              5,700,000        $ 385,994,005  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000        (10,768,298       (4,850,000        (319,785,609
 

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 
    5,100,000        $ 381,435,541         850,000        $ 66,208,396  
 

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

          

Year Ended

03/31/23

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares            Amount            Shares            Amount  

 

 

Global Infrastructure

                

Shares sold

    5,500,000        $  252,546,083          21,600,000        $  1,019,069,803  

Shares redeemed

    (7,600,000        (334,659,634        (8,600,000        (405,678,975
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
    (2,100,000      $ (82,113,551        13,000,000        $ 613,390,828  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Global Timber & Forestry

                

Shares sold

    180,000        $ 13,009,832                 $ (1,137

Shares redeemed

    (300,000        (21,786,475        (720,000        (54,369,548
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
    (120,000      $ (8,776,643        (720,000      $ (54,370,685
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 
                               

Period Ended

09/30/23

 
       

 

 

 
iShares ETF                               Shares             Amount  

 

 

Lithium Miners and Producers(a)

                   

Shares sold

                200,000         $ 5,003,149  
             

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

The Fund commenced operations on June 21, 2023.

 

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 Global Infrastructure ETF is able to pass through to shareholders as a foreign tax credit in the current year, the Fund 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.

The iShares Global 100 ETF is seeking a closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to address any prior years’ U.S. income tax liabilities attributable to Fund shareholders resulting from the recovery of foreign taxes. The closing agreement would result in the Fund paying a compliance fee to the IRS, on behalf of its shareholders, representing the estimated tax savings generated from foreign tax credits claimed by Fund shareholders on their tax returns in prior years. The Fund has accrued a liability for the estimated IRS compliance fee related to foreign withholding tax claims, which is disclosed in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The actual IRS compliance fee may differ from the estimate and that difference may be material.

 

13.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management’s evaluation of the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds’ financial statements was completed through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and the following item was noted:

Effective October 18, 2023, the Syndicated Credit Agreement to which the Participating Funds are party was amended to extend the maturity date to October 2024 under the same terms.

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF, iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (each 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 Board Members 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 Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Independent Board Members 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 Agreement. At a meeting held on March 29-30, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, approved the selection of BFA as investment adviser and approved the proposed Advisory Agreement 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 Agreement 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; (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 Agreement 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 expense 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 noted that due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances.

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

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services to be Provided by BFA: The Board reviewed the scope of services to be provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement. 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 appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons 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, and other matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program.

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 Agreement supported the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement.

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 Agreement 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 potential 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 Agreement 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 Agreement.

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds, and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts. The Board

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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 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 also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that will be provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. 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 Agreement.

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’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement 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 Agreement.

iShares Global 100 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

iShares Global Infrastructure ETF, iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF (each 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts with substantially the same investment objective and

 

 

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    A D V I S O R Y    O N T R A C T

  53


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

54  

2 0 2 3    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)

 

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.

September 30, 2023

 

     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

 

Global Infrastructure(a)

  $  0.668984     $     $  0.006445     $  0.675429       99         1     100

Global Timber & Forestry(a)

    0.601373             0.735026       1.336399       45             55       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.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and ETFs

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

 

U P P L E M E N T A L    N F O R M  A T I O N

  55


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.

 

 

56  

2 0 2 3    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 Abbreviation

 

ADR    American Depositary Receipt
JSC    Joint Stock Company
NVS    Non-Voting Shares

 

 

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

  57


 

 

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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 FTSE International Limited, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, or STOXX Ltd. nor do these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the companies listed above.

©2023 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-303-0923

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 

   

 

2023 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

iShares Trust

· iShares Global Comm Services ETF | IXP | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF | RXI | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF | KXI | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Energy ETF | IXC | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Financials ETF | IXG | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Healthcare ETF | IXJ | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Industrials ETF | EXI | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Materials ETF | MXI | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Tech ETF | IXN | NYSE Arca

· iShares Global Utilities ETF | JXI | NYSE Arca

 


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The combination of continued economic growth and moderating inflation provided a supportive backdrop for investors during the 12-month reporting period ended September 30, 2023. Significantly tighter monetary policy helped to rein in inflation while the economy proved more resilient than many investors anticipated. A moderating labor market also helped ease inflationary pressure, although wages continued to grow and unemployment rates touched the lowest levels in decades. This robust labor market powered further growth in consumer spending, backstopping the economy. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a horrific attack on Israel. The ensuing war will have a significant humanitarian impact and could lead to heightened economic and market volatility. We see geopolitics as a structural market risk going forward. See our geopolitical risk dashboard at blackrock.com for more details.

Equity returns were substantial, as the durability of consumer sentiment and spending mitigated investors’ concerns about the economy’s trajectory. The U.S. economy resumed growth in the third quarter of 2022 and continued to expand thereafter. All major classes of equities rose, although large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted significantly higher returns than small-capitalization U.S. stocks due primarily to the performance of large technology companies. International developed market equities also advanced strongly, and emerging market equities posted solid gains.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose during the reporting period, driving its price down, as investors reacted to elevated inflation and attempted to anticipate future interest rate changes. The corporate bond market benefited from improving economic sentiment, although high-yield corporate bond prices fared significantly better than investment-grade bonds as demand from yield-seeking investors remained strong.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), attempting to manage persistent inflation, raised interest rates six times during the 12-month period. Furthermore, the Fed wound down its bond-buying programs and incrementally reduced its balance sheet by not replacing securities that reach maturity. However, the Fed declined to raise interest rates at two of its meetings late in the period.

Supply constraints appear to have become an embedded feature of the new macroeconomic environment, making it difficult for developed economies to increase production without sparking higher inflation. Geopolitical fragmentation and an aging population risk further exacerbating these constraints, keeping the labor market tight and wage growth high. Although the Fed has decelerated the pace of interest rate hikes and recently opted for two pauses, we believe that the new economic regime means that the Fed will need to maintain high rates for an extended period to keep inflation under control. Furthermore, ongoing structural changes may mean that the Fed will be hesitant to cut interest rates in the event of faltering economic activity lest inflation accelerate again. We believe investors should expect a period of higher volatility as markets adjust to the new economic reality and policymakers attempt to adapt.

While we favor an overweight position in developed market equities in the long term, we prefer an underweight stance in the near term. Expectations for corporate earnings remain elevated, which seems inconsistent with macroeconomic constraints. Nevertheless, we are overweight on Japanese stocks in the near term as shareholder-friendly policies generate increased investor interest. We also believe that stocks with an AI tilt should benefit from an investment cycle that is set to support revenues and margins. In credit, there are selective opportunities in the near term despite tightening credit and financial conditions. For fixed income investing with a six- to twelve-month horizon, we see the most attractive investments in short-term U.S. Treasuries, U.S. inflation-linked bonds, euro area government bonds and gilts, U.S. mortgage-backed securities, and hard-currency emerging market bonds.

Overall, our view is that investors need to think globally, position themselves to be prepared for a decarbonizing economy, 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.

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of September 30, 2023
     
     6-Month    12-Month 
     

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

    5.18%    21.62%
     

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

  (0.19)   8.93
     

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

  (1.28)   25.65  
     

Emerging market equities (MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  (2.05)   11.70  
     

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

  2.50   4.47
     

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

  (6.98)   (2.90)
     

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

  (4.05)   0.64
     

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

  (4.05)   2.66
     

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

  2.22   10.28  
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

Semi-Annual Report:

 

Fund Summary

  4

About Fund Performance

  14

Disclosure of Expenses

  14

Schedules of Investments

  15

Financial Statements

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

  52

Statements of Operations

  55

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

  58

Financial Highlights

  63

Notes to Financial Statements

  73

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

  83

Supplemental Information

  88

General Information

  89

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

  90


Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Comm Services ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Comm Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the communication services sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    7.11      31.68      5.11      4.21       31.68      28.31      50.98

Fund Market

    7.36        31.57        5.21        4.22         31.57        28.91        51.14  

Index

    7.30        31.75        5.41        4.24               31.75        30.12        51.47  

Index performance through June 23, 2019 reflects the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Communication Services Sector IndexTM. Index performance beginning on June 24, 2019 reflects the performance of S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped IndexTM.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

 

 

     

 

 

      
     

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending
Account Value

(09/30/23)

 
 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

              

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

      $       1,000.00          $       1,071.10          $       2.12               $       1,000.00          $       1,023.00          $       2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Interactive Media & Services

    48.6

Diversified Telecommunication Services

    18.3  

Entertainment

    16.4  

Media

    9.1  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

    7.6  
GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    71.0

Japan

    7.8  

China

    7.2  

Germany

    2.2  

Canada

    2.2  

United Kingdom

    1.9  

France

    1.3  

Spain

    1.3  

Australia

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    4.1  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 3   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 September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Consumer Discretionary ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the consumer discretionary sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Discretionary (Sector) Capped IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years      10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    1.57      21.07      5.16      7.90       21.07      28.63      113.98

Fund Market

    1.61        21.38        5.20        7.89         21.38        28.84        113.76  

Index

    1.82        21.21        5.34        8.00               21.21        29.68        115.87  

Index performance through September 22, 2019 reflects the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Discretionary Sector IndexTM. Index performance beginning on September 23, 2019 reflects the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Discretionary (Sector) Capped IndexTM.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

             Actual                    Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

 

 

     

 

 

      
     

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

           

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

      $       1,000.00          $       1,015.70          $       2.07               $       1,000.00          $       1,023.00          $       2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

 

   

Industry

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Consumer Discretionary Distribution & Retail

    33.2

Automobiles & Components

    27.6  

Consumer Services

    21.3  

Consumer Durables & Apparel

    17.9  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    57.4

Japan

    13.4  

China

    6.6  

France

    6.6  

Germany

    3.5  

United Kingdom

    2.4  

Italy

    1.8  

Switzerland

    1.4  

Spain

    1.3  

Canada

    1.3  

Australia

    1.2  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    3.1  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Consumer Staples ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the consumer staples sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples (Sector) Capped IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns           Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (6.70 )%       8.59      4.94     5.71       8.59      27.26      74.18

Fund Market

    (6.94      8.59        4.95       5.69         8.59        27.32        73.92  

Index

    (6.64      8.32        4.87       5.65               8.32        26.84        73.25  

Index performance through June 23, 2019 reflects the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples Sector IndexTM. Index performance beginning on June 24, 2019 reflects the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples (Sector) Capped IndexTM.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

   

Actual

       

Hypothetical 5% Return

          
                                                          
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

        Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

     

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

        Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00        $        933.00          $        1.98         $      1,000.00        $      1,023.00          $        2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Packaged Foods & Meats

    20.7

Household Products

    15.3  

Consumer Staples Merchandise Retail

    14.7  

Soft Drinks & Non-alcoholic Beverages

    11.4  

Personal Care Products

    9.8  

Tobacco

    9.1  

Food Retail

    7.2  

Distillers & Vintners

    4.7  

Brewers

    4.2  

Agricultural Products & Services

    1.6  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.3  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    58.1

United Kingdom

    11.4  

Switzerland

    8.8  

Japan

    5.9  

France

    4.7  

Canada

    2.0  

Netherlands

    1.6  

Belgium

    1.6  

Australia

    1.4  

Mexico

    1.3  

Germany

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    2.2  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

6  

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Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Energy ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Energy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the energy sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Energy 4.5/22.5/45 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-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years           1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    11.45      29.77      6.77     4.00        29.77      38.78      47.96

Fund Market

    11.37        29.77        6.80       4.02          29.77        38.95        48.25  

Index(a)

    11.46        29.08        6.26       3.68          29.08        35.49        43.50  

S&P Global 1200 Energy Sector Index™

    11.45        29.77        6.77       4.00          29.77        38.76        47.97  

S&P Global 1200 Energy 4.5/22.5/45 Capped Index(b)

    N/A        N/A        N/A       N/A            N/A        N/A        N/A  

 

  (a)

Index performance through April 19, 2023 reflects the S&P Global 1200 Energy Sector Index™ performance of the Index. Index performance beginning on April 20, 2023 reflects the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Energy 4.5/22.5/45 Capped Index., which effective as of April 20, 2023, replaced the S&P Global 1200 Energy Sector Index™ as the underlying index of the fund.

 

 

  (b) 

The inception date of the S&P Global 1200 Energy 4.5/22.5/45 Capped Index was April 20, 2023. The cumulative total return for this index for the period April 20, 2023 through September 30, 2023 was 7.10%.

 

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

   

Actual

       

Hypothetical 5% Return

          
                                                          
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

     

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00        $      1,114.50          $         2.17         $      1,000.00        $      1,023.00          $         2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Integrated Oil & Gas

    55.7

Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

    21.5  

Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation

    9.1  

Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing

    7.2  
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services     5.9  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.6  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    60.8

United Kingdom

    11.7  

Canada

    11.3  

France

    5.5  

Australia

    2.4  

Brazil

    2.2  

Italy

    1.7  

Norway

    1.5  

Japan

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.9  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Financials ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Financials ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the financials sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Financials Sector IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns          Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years           1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    3.62      18.51      4.10     5.68        18.51      22.24      73.80

Fund Market

    3.74        18.51        4.11       5.65          18.51        22.30        73.19  

Index

    3.93        18.44        4.14       5.74            18.44        22.47        74.78  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual         Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

 

     

 

 

      
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

       

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00        $      1,036.20          $         2.19           $      1,000.00          $      1,022.80          $         2.17          0.43

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Banks

    39.1

Financial Services

    20.6  

Insurance

    20.4  

Capital Markets

    18.0  

Consumer Finance

    1.9  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    55.8

Canada

    6.8  

United Kingdom

    5.2  

Japan

    5.1  

Australia

    4.2  

Switzerland

    2.8  

Germany

    2.8  

France

    2.2  

China

    2.0  

Sweden

    1.7  

Hong Kong

    1.7  

Italy

    1.6  

Spain

    1.5  

Singapore

    1.4  

Netherlands

    1.2  

Brazil

    1.2  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    2.8  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 3   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 September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Healthcare ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the healthcare sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Health Care Sector IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns          Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years           1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (0.48 )%       10.73      7.02     9.30        10.73      40.36      143.43

Fund Market

    (0.36      10.78        7.03       9.30          10.78        40.45        143.24  

Index

    (0.31      10.60        7.03       9.37            10.60        40.47        144.96  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual         Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

 

     

 

 

      
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

       

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

 

 

 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00        $         995.20          $         2.05           $      1,000.00          $      1,023.00          $         2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Pharmaceuticals

    42.6

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

    17.7  

Health Care Providers & Services

    16.6  

Biotechnology

    13.4  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    9.6  

Health Care Technology

    0.1  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    71.2

Switzerland

    7.6  

Denmark

    4.9  

United Kingdom

    4.4  

Japan

    4.3  

France

    2.7  

Germany

    1.7  

Australia

    1.5  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    1.7  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  9


Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Industrials ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Industrials ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the industrials sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Industrials Sector IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns          Cumulative Total Returns  
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years           1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    0.05      27.52      5.56     7.45        27.52      31.10      105.18

Fund Market

    0.28        27.95        5.57       7.43          27.95        31.14        104.86  

Index

    0.39        27.49        5.68       7.48            27.49        31.79        105.81  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual         Hypothetical 5% Return           
 

 

     

 

 

      
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      


Expenses

Paid During
the Period

 

 
(a) 

       


Beginning

Account Value
(04/01/23)

 

 
 

      

Ending

Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00        $      1,000.50          $         2.10           $      1,000.00          $      1,022.90          $         2.12          0.42

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

Capital Goods

    67.5

Transportation

    17.9  

Commercial & Professional Services

    14.6  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   

Percent of

Total Investments

 

(a) 

United States

    54.4

Japan

    14.3  

France

    7.1  

United Kingdom

    4.8  

Canada

    3.9  

Germany

    3.7  

Sweden

    3.2  

Switzerland

    2.5  

Denmark

    1.3  

Netherlands

    1.1  

Australia

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    2.7  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

10  

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Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Materials ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Materials ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the materials sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Materials Sector IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns          Cumulative Total Returns  
     6-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (4.70 )%       19.68      6.42   5.51%       19.68      36.51      71.03

Fund Market

    (4.57      19.88        6.51     5.55          19.88        37.10        71.60  

Index

    (4.30      19.74        6.60     5.66                19.74        37.65        73.44  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

   

Actual

       

Hypothetical 5% Return

          
                                                          
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

     

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00        $         953.00          $        2.05         $      1,000.00        $      1,022.90          $        2.12          0.42

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Chemicals

    48.0

Metals & Mining

    38.1  

Construction Materials

    7.0  

Containers & Packaging

    4.9  

Paper & Forest Products

    2.0  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

United States

    39.0

Australia

    11.3  

United Kingdom

    9.0  

Canada

    7.4  

Japan

    6.4  

Switzerland

    5.5  

France

    4.7  

Germany

    3.3  

Brazil

    2.4  

South Korea

    2.1  

Ireland

    2.1  

Finland

    1.2  

Mexico

    1.1  

Taiwan

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    3.5  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  11


Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Tech ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Tech ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the technology sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology 4.5/22.5/45 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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    6.74      37.86      15.61   17.68%       37.86      106.57      409.50

Fund Market

    6.70        38.04        15.59     17.69          38.04        106.39        409.73  

Index(a)

    6.94        37.89        15.77     17.84          37.89        107.96        416.13  

S&P Global 1200 Information Technology Sector Index™

    6.74        37.86        15.61     17.68          37.86        106.57        409.48  

S&P Global 1200 Information Technology 4.5/22.5/45 Capped Index(b)

    N/A        N/A        N/A     N/A                N/A        N/A        N/A  

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.

 

  (a) 

Index performance through April 19, 2023 reflects the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology Sector Index™ performance of the Index. Index performance beginning on April 20, 2023 reflects the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology 4.5/22.5/45 Capped Index, which effective as of April 20, 2023, replaced the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology Sector Index™ as the underlying index of the fund.

 
  (b) 

The inception date of the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology 4.5/22.5/45 Capped Index was April 20, 2023. The cumulative total return for this index for the period April 20, 2023 through September 30, 2023 was 8.91%.

 

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

   

Actual

       

Hypothetical 5% Return

          
                                                          
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

     

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $      1,000.00        $      1,067.40          $        2.12         $      1,000.00        $      1,023.00          $        2.07          0.41

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Software

    33.6

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    27.9  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    25.4  

IT Services

    5.6  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

    4.2  

Communications Equipment

    3.3  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

United States

    81.1

Taiwan

    4.6  

Japan

    3.8  

South Korea

    3.3  

Netherlands

    2.4  

Germany

    1.6  

Canada

    1.2  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    2.0  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

12  

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Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023     iShares® Global Utilities ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Global Utilities ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the utilities sector, as represented by the S&P Global 1200 Utilities (Sector) 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-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    (9.18 )%       1.94      5.01   5.66%       1.94      27.67      73.45

Fund Market

    (9.22      1.88        5.02     5.67          1.88        27.73        73.51  

Index

    (9.56      1.02        4.58     5.30                1.02        25.08        67.67  

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

   

Actual

       

Hypothetical 5% Return

          
                                                          
   

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

(a) 

     

Beginning

Account Value

(04/01/23)

      

Ending

      Account Value

(09/30/23)

 

 

 

      

Expenses

Paid During

the Period

 

 

(a) 

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratio

 

 

 

    $        1,000.00        $         908.20          $        2.72         $      1,000.00        $      1,022.20          $        2.88          0.57

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   

Industry

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Electric Utilities

    61.6

Multi-Utilities

    28.7  

Gas Utilities

    4.2  

Water Utilities

    2.9  

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers

    2.6  

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   

Country/Geographic Region

   
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

United States

    63.8

United Kingdom

    6.7  

Spain

    6.1  

Italy

    5.0  

Canada

    3.9  

Germany

    3.8  

France

    3.3  

Japan

    2.7  

Australia

    1.2  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    3.5  
 
  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

F U N D   S U M M A R Y

  13


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. 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.

Disclosure of 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 the 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 the 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.

 

 

14  

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Comm Services ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

Australia — 1.0%

   

SEEK Ltd.

    30,130     $ 425,649  

Telstra Corp. Ltd.

    977,156       2,414,202  
   

 

 

 
      2,839,851  
Brazil — 0.1%            

Telefonica Brasil SA, ADR NVS

    29,549       252,644  
   

 

 

 
Canada — 2.2%            

BCE Inc.

    77,155       2,945,324  

Rogers Communications Inc., Class B, NVS

    31,420       1,206,371  

TELUS Corp.

    122,358       1,998,086  
   

 

 

 
      6,149,781  
China — 7.2%            

Baidu Inc.(a)

    191,950       3,230,647  

Kuaishou Technology(a)(b)

    211,500       1,682,632  

NetEase Inc.

    157,800       3,164,086  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    316,200       12,257,155  
   

 

 

 
      20,334,520  
Finland — 0.2%            

Elisa OYJ

    12,739       590,748  
   

 

 

 
France — 1.3%            

Orange SA

    155,223       1,780,449  

Publicis Groupe SA

    19,788       1,497,806  

Vivendi SE

    52,263       457,725  
   

 

 

 
      3,735,980  
Germany — 2.2%            

Deutsche Telekom AG, Registered

    295,194       6,192,224  
   

 

 

 
Italy — 0.1%            

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano(a)

    894,239       278,882  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 7.8%            

Dentsu Group Inc.

    19,600       576,469  

KDDI Corp.

    126,700       3,878,346  

Nexon Co. Ltd.

    38,600       689,729  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    99,300       4,126,207  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    4,824,500       5,710,446  

SoftBank Corp.

    239,400       2,709,600  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    88,600       3,732,320  

Z Holdings Corp.

    226,100       627,226  
   

 

 

 
      22,050,343  
Mexico — 0.5%            

America Movil SAB de CV

    1,761,163       1,524,943  
   

 

 

 
Netherlands — 0.9%            

Koninklijke KPN NV

    283,392       933,681  

Universal Music Group NV

    64,672       1,687,692  
   

 

 

 
      2,621,373  
Norway — 0.2%            

Telenor ASA

    53,261       604,014  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.7%            

NAVER Corp.

    12,768       1,909,003  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 1.3%            

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    49,592       1,724,909  

Telefonica SA

    486,314       1,986,759  
   

 

 

 
      3,711,668  
Security   Shares     Value  

Sweden — 0.3%

   

Embracer Group AB, Class B(a)(c)

    71,778     $ 143,164  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    47,060       359,891  

Telia Co. AB

    196,201       404,703  
   

 

 

 
      907,758  
Switzerland — 0.5%            

Swisscom AG, Registered

    2,151       1,277,242  
   

 

 

 
Taiwan — 0.4%            

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

    326,120       1,172,197  
   

 

 

 
United Kingdom — 1.9%            

Auto Trader Group PLC(b)

    77,853       584,985  

BT Group PLC

    480,511       682,355  

Informa PLC

    117,992       1,077,440  

Rightmove PLC

    69,842       476,622  

Vodafone Group PLC

    1,925,253       1,804,731  

WPP PLC

    90,746       808,484  
   

 

 

 
      5,434,617  
United States — 70.8%            

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    60,506       5,665,177  

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    259,957       34,017,973  

Alphabet Inc., Class C, NVS(a)

    221,127       29,155,595  

AT&T Inc.

    604,588       9,080,912  

Charter Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    8,611       3,787,290  

Comcast Corp., Class A

    288,841       12,807,210  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    20,850       2,510,340  

Fox Corp., Class A, NVS

    21,456       669,427  

Fox Corp., Class B

    11,159       322,272  

Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (The)

    32,555       933,026  

Live Nation Entertainment Inc.(a)

    11,993       995,899  

Match Group Inc.(a)

    23,519       921,357  

Meta Platforms Inc, Class A(a)

    172,755       51,862,778  

Netflix Inc.(a)

    29,117       10,994,579  

News Corp., Class A, NVS

    32,217       646,273  

News Corp., Class B

    9,772       203,942  

Omnicom Group Inc.

    16,710       1,244,561  

Paramount Global, Class B, NVS(c)

    40,782       526,088  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.(a)

    13,362       1,875,891  

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

    43,779       6,131,249  

Verizon Communications Inc.

    355,536       11,522,922  

Walt Disney Co.(The)(a)

    154,745       12,542,082  

Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.(a)

    187,582       2,037,140  
   

 

 

 
      200,453,983  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.6%
(Cost: $301,404,241)

 

    282,041,771  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   

Italy — 0.0%

   

Telecom Italia SpA, Preference Shares, NVS(a)

    532,771       166,865  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.0%
(Cost: $331,442)

 

    166,865  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.6%
(Cost: $301,735,683)

 

    282,208,636  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Comm Services ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

    

Shares

    Value  

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   

Money Market Funds — 0.4%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    226,894     $ 226,962  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    840,000       840,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.4%
(Cost: $1,066,962)

 

    1,066,962  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost: $302,802,645)

 

    283,275,598  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.0)%

 

    (136,910
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  283,138,688  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
03/31/23
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sale
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
09/30/23
    Shares
Held at
09/30/23
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 1,024,044     $     $ (796,559 )(a)    $ (713   $ 190     $ 226,962       226,894     $ 3,675 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    540,000       300,000 (a)                        840,000       840,000       18,413        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (713   $ 190     $ 1,066,962       $ 22,088     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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

     10       12/07/23     $ 155     $ (2,713

Euro Stoxx 50 Index

     1       12/15/23       45       (271

S&P Communication Services Select Sector E-Mini Index

     8       12/15/23       693       (13,512
        

 

 

 
         $ (16,496
        

 

 

 

 

 

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

   iShares® Global Comm Services 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:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 16,496      $      $      $      $ 16,496  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 122,158      $      $      $      $ 122,158  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (42,260    $      $      $      $ (42,260
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 878,760       

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 208,381,351      $ 73,660,420      $      $ 282,041,771  

Preferred Stocks

            166,865               166,865  

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

     1,066,962                      1,066,962  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 209,448,313      $ 73,827,285      $      $ 283,275,598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Equity Contracts

   $ (13,512    $ (2,984    $      $ (16,496
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

  17


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Consumer Discretionary ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 1.2%            

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    38,794     $ 1,013,549  

Lottery Corp. Ltd.(The)

    134,033       405,049  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    67,694       2,291,033  
   

 

 

 
      3,709,631  
Brazil — 0.1%            

Lojas Renner SA

    56,896       151,676  

Magazine Luiza SA(a)

    172,523       72,763  
   

 

 

 
      224,439  
Canada — 1.3%            

Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd., Class A, NVS

    3,111       334,520  

Dollarama Inc.

    16,867       1,162,094  

Gildan Activewear Inc.

    10,548       295,647  

Magna International Inc.

    15,888       851,454  

Restaurant Brands International Inc.

    18,634       1,240,894  
   

 

 

 
      3,884,609  
Chile — 0.0%            

Falabella SA

    47,328       105,752  
   

 

 

 
China — 6.6%            

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.(a)

    924,100       10,019,260  

ANTA Sports Products Ltd.

    71,200       796,681  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    56,500       1,740,777  

JD.com Inc., Class A

    147,550       2,146,680  

Li Auto Inc.(a)

    68,100       1,215,288  

Li Ning Co. Ltd.

    140,500       586,683  

Meituan, Class B(a)(b)

    259,200       3,752,229  
   

 

 

 
          20,257,598  
Denmark — 0.2%            

GN Store Nord A/S(a)

    9,005       161,902  

Pandora A/S

    4,993       515,234  
   

 

 

 
      677,136  
France — 6.6%            

Accor SA

    11,065       372,165  

Cie. Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    42,610       1,304,162  

Hermes International

    2,016       3,674,819  

Kering SA

    4,147       1,884,243  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    15,600       11,775,355  

Renault SA

    11,294       462,111  

Sodexo SA

    4,904       504,855  

Valeo

    12,350       211,925  
   

 

 

 
      20,189,635  
Germany — 2.8%            

adidas AG

    9,881       1,733,212  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    17,299       1,757,009  

Continental AG

    6,481       455,368  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(b)

    11,902       339,844  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    47,877       3,332,082  

Puma SE

    6,024       372,478  

Volkswagen AG

    1,836       241,118  

Zalando SE(a)(b)

    13,065       290,283  
   

 

 

 
      8,521,394  
Ireland — 0.5%            

Flutter Entertainment PLC, Class DI(a)

    10,539       1,719,230  
   

 

 

 
Italy — 1.8%            

Ferrari NV

    7,551       2,225,925  

Moncler SpA

    12,382       717,599  
Security   Shares     Value  
Italy (continued)            

Stellantis NV

    132,007     $ 2,527,726  
   

 

 

 
      5,471,250  
Japan — 13.4%            

Aisin Corp.

    10,900       411,857  

Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.

    39,800       809,551  

Bridgestone Corp.

    35,000       1,363,878  

Denso Corp.

    118,800       1,906,250  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

    12,200       2,657,346  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    298,629       3,359,484  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    37,600       472,692  

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

    141,100       622,708  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,300       590,926  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd.

    69,900       2,293,255  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    31,900       669,484  

Panasonic Holdings Corp.

    146,600       1,654,787  

Rakuten Group Inc.

    86,400       355,000  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    39,600       788,097  

Shimano Inc.

    5,000       669,222  

Sony Group Corp.

    75,600       6,182,232  

Subaru Corp.

    36,888       717,268  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    47,500       572,228  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    29,400       1,182,496  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    741,000       13,293,781  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    21,113       554,997  
   

 

 

 
          41,127,539  
Netherlands — 0.9%            

Prosus NV(a)

    90,869       2,677,548  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.7%            

Hyundai Motor Co.

    8,235       1,164,461  

Kia Corp.

    15,114       909,716  
   

 

 

 
      2,074,177  
Spain — 1.3%            

Amadeus IT Group SA

    26,880       1,623,624  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    66,947       2,491,235  
   

 

 

 
      4,114,859  
Sweden — 0.6%            

Electrolux AB, Class B(a)

    13,146       135,470  

Evolution AB(b)

    11,451       1,155,512  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B

    36,826       522,200  
   

 

 

 
      1,813,182  
Switzerland — 1.4%            

Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, Class A, Registered

    31,245       3,805,117  

Swatch Group AG (The), Bearer

    1,736       444,628  

Swatch Group AG (The), Registered

    3,139       153,305  
   

 

 

 
      4,403,050  
United Kingdom — 2.4%            

Barratt Developments PLC

    58,575       314,058  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    6,888       343,984  

Burberry Group PLC

    22,705       526,186  

Compass Group PLC

    106,530       2,593,108  

Entain PLC

    38,115       432,293  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

    10,461       773,636  

Kingfisher PLC

    114,121       309,794  

Next PLC

    7,493       664,566  

Pearson PLC

    42,935       452,997  

Persimmon PLC

    19,142       250,693  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    213,926       305,097  
 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Consumer Discretionary ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United Kingdom (continued)            

Whitbread PLC

    11,750     $ 494,591  
   

 

 

 
      7,461,003  
United States — 57.2%            

Airbnb Inc., Class A(a)(c)

    25,532       3,503,246  

Amazon.com Inc.(a)

    236,689           30,087,906  

Aptiv PLC(a)

    16,877       1,663,903  

AutoZone Inc.(a)(c)

    1,085       2,755,889  

Bath & Body Works Inc.

    13,716       463,601  

Best Buy Co. Inc.

    11,589       805,088  

Booking Holdings Inc.(a)

    2,136       6,587,317  

BorgWarner Inc.

    14,027       566,270  

Caesars Entertainment Inc.(a)

    12,847       595,458  

CarMax Inc.(a)(c)

    9,441       667,762  

Carnival Corp.(a)

    60,105       824,641  

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., Class A(a)

    1,653       3,028,015  

Darden Restaurants Inc.

    7,213       1,033,046  

Domino’s Pizza Inc.

    2,096       793,944  

DR Horton Inc.

    18,218       1,957,888  

eBay Inc.

    31,752       1,399,946  

Etsy Inc.(a)

    7,396       477,634  

Expedia Group Inc.(a)

    8,370       862,696  

Ford Motor Co.

    234,571       2,913,372  

Garmin Ltd.

    9,140       961,528  

General Motors Co.

    82,097       2,706,738  

Genuine Parts Co.

    8,380       1,209,904  

Hasbro Inc.

    7,788       515,098  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

    15,605       2,343,559  

Home Depot Inc. (The)

    44,226       13,363,328  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    19,614       899,106  

Lennar Corp., Class A

    15,069       1,691,194  

LKQ Corp.

    15,964       790,378  

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    35,024       7,279,388  

Marriott International Inc., Class A

    14,950       2,938,572  

McDonald’s Corp.

    43,548       11,472,285  

MGM Resorts International

    16,751       615,767  

Mohawk Industries Inc.(a)

    3,124       268,070  

Nike Inc., Class B

    73,233       7,002,539  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    25,494       420,141  

NVR Inc.(a)

    196       1,168,807  

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.(a)

    3,606       3,277,349  

Pool Corp.

    2,331       830,069  

PulteGroup Inc.

    13,189       976,645  

Ralph Lauren Corp., Class A

    2,397       278,268  

Ross Stores Inc.

    20,328       2,296,048  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(a)

    14,064       1,295,857  

Starbucks Corp.

    68,476       6,249,804  

Tapestry Inc.

    13,944       400,890  

Tesla Inc.(a)

    127,176       31,821,979  

TJX Companies Inc. (The)

    68,712       6,107,122  

Tractor Supply Co.

    6,493       1,318,404  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United States (continued)            

Ulta Beauty Inc.(a)

    2,973     $ 1,187,565  

VF Corp.

    19,270       340,501  

Whirlpool Corp.

    3,291       440,007  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    5,780       534,130  

Yum! Brands Inc.

    16,719       2,088,872  
   

 

 

 
          176,077,534  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.0%
(Cost: $337,807,618)

      304,509,566  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.7%            

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    3,550       330,436  

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Preference Shares, NVS

    9,180       451,559  

Volkswagen AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    10,952       1,258,378  
   

 

 

 
      2,040,373  
South Korea — 0.1%            

Hyundai Motor Co., Series 2, Preference Shares, NVS

    2,251       176,455  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.8%
(Cost: $3,592,188)

      2,216,828  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.8%
(Cost: $341,399,806)

      306,726,394  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 1.7%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    5,089,127       5,090,654  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    210,000       210,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 1.7%
(Cost: $5,301,142)

      5,300,654  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 101.5%
(Cost: $346,700,948)

      312,027,048  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (1.5)%

 

    (4,481,023
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 307,546,025  
   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Consumer Discretionary ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

03/31/23

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sale

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

09/30/23

    

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 1,455,589      $ 3,635,857 (a)     $       $ (124     $ (668    $ 5,090,654        5,089,127      $ 1,942 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     260,000               (50,000 )(a)                     210,000        210,000        9,598         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
             $ (124     $ (668    $ 5,300,654         $ 11,540      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

           

TOPIX Index

     1        12/07/23      $ 155      $ (1,697

Euro Stoxx 50 Index

     6        12/15/23        266        (2,949

S&P Consumer Discretionary Select Sector E-Mini Index

     2        12/15/23        329        (16,645
           

 

 

 
            $ (21,291
           

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 21,291      $      $      $      $ 21,291  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 130,658      $      $      $      $ 130,658  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (56,858    $      $      $      $ (56,858
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 859,713     

 

 

 

 

20  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Consumer Discretionary ETF

 

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  

 

 

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 180,186,582      $ 124,322,984      $      $ 304,509,566  

Preferred Stocks

            2,216,828               2,216,828  

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

     5,300,654                      5,300,654  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 185,487,236      $ 126,539,812      $             —      $ 312,027,048  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

           

Liabilities

           

Equity Contracts

   $ (16,645    $ (4,646    $      $ (21,291
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

  21


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Consumer Staples ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 1.4%            

Coles Group Ltd.

    330,624     $ 3,299,909  

Endeavour Group Ltd./Australia

    337,664       1,140,046  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

    179,078       1,414,115  

Woolworths Group Ltd.

    300,979       7,205,796  
   

 

 

 
          13,059,866  
Belgium — 1.6%            

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    257,452       14,272,147  
   

 

 

 
Brazil — 0.4%            

Ambev SA, ADR

    1,089,347       2,810,515  

Natura & Co. Holding SA(a)

    206,432       597,955  
   

 

 

 
      3,408,470  
Canada — 2.0%            

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

    183,660       9,327,345  

George Weston Ltd.

    15,023       1,666,051  

Loblaw Companies Ltd.

    36,739       3,121,429  

Metro Inc.

    56,925       2,956,370  

Saputo Inc.

    60,659       1,268,335  
   

 

 

 
      18,339,530  
Chile — 0.1%            

Cencosud SA

    447,148       847,853  
   

 

 

 
Denmark — 0.3%            

Carlsberg A/S, Class B

    22,349       2,817,874  
   

 

 

 
Finland — 0.1%            

Kesko OYJ, Class B

    67,945       1,217,319  
   

 

 

 
France — 4.7%            

Carrefour SA

    133,359       2,290,454  

Danone SA

    155,737       8,590,101  

L’Oreal SA

    57,050       23,642,208  

Pernod Ricard SA

    49,354       8,216,943  
   

 

 

 
      42,739,706  
Germany — 0.7%            

Beiersdorf AG

    24,404       3,147,848  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    42,693       1,268,601  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    24,401       1,538,524  
   

 

 

 
      5,954,973  
Ireland — 0.4%            

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    38,616       3,226,538  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 5.9%            

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    226,617       4,488,850  

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    133,200       5,136,009  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    138,898       5,188,472  

Japan Tobacco Inc.

    279,500       6,430,747  

Kao Corp.

    124,200       4,603,473  

Kikkoman Corp.

    55,200       2,893,184  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

    206,796       2,895,235  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    70,600       1,754,696  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    29,700       2,467,858  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    201,037       7,870,635  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    100,900       3,535,953  

Unicharm Corp.

    114,900       4,062,602  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    84,240       2,045,931  
   

 

 

 
      53,373,645  
Mexico — 1.3%            

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV

    459,662       5,020,081  
Security   Shares     Value  
Mexico (continued)            

Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Series A

    383,445     $ 1,848,633  

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV

    1,210,759       4,557,498  
   

 

 

 
      11,426,212  
Netherlands — 1.6%            

Heineken Holding NV

    25,025       1,885,914  

Heineken NV

    62,588       5,517,852  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    240,990       7,263,363  
   

 

 

 
      14,667,129  
Norway — 0.4%            

Mowi ASA

    109,726       1,939,438  

Orkla ASA

    181,148       1,352,982  
   

 

 

 
      3,292,420  
Portugal — 0.2%            

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    68,433       1,536,883  
   

 

 

 
Sweden — 0.4%            

Essity AB, Class B

    148,850       3,210,283  
   

 

 

 
Switzerland — 8.8%            

Barry Callebaut AG, Registered

    1,020       1,622,048  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG, Participation Certificates, NVS

    360       4,000,514  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG, Registered

    38       4,160,838  

Nestle SA, Registered

    616,835       69,823,252  
   

 

 

 
      79,606,652  
United Kingdom — 11.4%            

Associated British Foods PLC

    84,480       2,122,461  

British American Tobacco PLC

    552,082       17,334,645  

Diageo PLC

    553,744       20,415,486  

Haleon PLC

    1,185,778       4,915,151  

Imperial Brands PLC

    226,014       4,585,012  

J Sainsbury PLC

    435,137       1,340,016  

Marks & Spencer Group PLC(a)

    487,398       1,401,862  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    179,828       1,307,508  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    181,960       12,831,953  

Tesco PLC

    1,768,389       5,687,992  

Unilever PLC

    622,270       30,781,699  
   

 

 

 
      102,723,785  
United States — 58.2%            

Altria Group Inc.

    439,126       18,465,248  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    132,533       9,995,639  

Brown-Forman Corp., Class B

    45,204       2,607,819  

Bunge Ltd.

    37,319       4,039,782  

Campbell Soup Co.

    48,461       1,990,778  

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    60,800       5,571,104  

Clorox Co.(The)

    30,705       4,024,197  

Coca-Cola Co.(The)

    709,254       39,704,039  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    204,725       14,557,995  

Conagra Brands Inc.

    118,067       3,237,397  

Constellation Brands Inc., Class A

    40,045       10,064,510  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    98,173       55,463,818  

Dollar General Corp.

    54,228       5,737,322  

Dollar Tree Inc.(a)

    51,800       5,514,110  

Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (The), Class A

    57,286       8,280,691  

General Mills Inc.

    144,542       9,249,243  

Hershey Co.(The)

    37,019       7,406,761  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    71,530       2,720,286  

JM Smucker Co.(The)

    25,348       3,115,523  

Kellogg Co.

    65,097       3,873,922  

Kenvue Inc.

    425,667       8,547,393  
 

 

 

22  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Consumer Staples ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United States (continued)            

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    248,433     $ 7,843,030  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    83,836       10,131,581  

Kraft Heinz Co.(The)

    197,291       6,636,869  

Kroger Co.(The)

    163,057       7,296,801  

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    36,160       3,343,354  

McCormick & Co. Inc./MD, NVS

    62,039       4,692,630  

Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B

    45,910       2,919,417  

Mondelez International Inc., Class A

    336,531       23,355,251  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    183,675       9,725,591  

PepsiCo Inc.

    238,581       40,425,165  

Philip Morris International Inc.

    383,804       35,532,574  

Procter & Gamble Co.(The)

    544,526       79,424,562  

Sysco Corp.

    125,357       8,279,830  

Target Corp.

    114,415       12,650,866  

Tyson Foods Inc., Class A

    70,532       3,561,161  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    177,074       3,938,126  

Walmart Inc.

    258,174       41,289,768  
   

 

 

 
      525,214,153  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.9%
(Cost: $1,013,335,970)

 

    900,935,438  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.3%            

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    40,151       2,859,131  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.3%
(Cost: $3,794,879)

 

    2,859,131  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 100.2%
(Cost: $1,017,130,849)

 

     903,794,569  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.3%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(b)(c)

    2,650,000     $ 2,650,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.3%
(Cost: $2,650,000)

 

    2,650,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.5%
(Cost: $1,019,780,849)

 

    906,444,569  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.5)%

 

    (4,171,810
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $  902,272,759  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

03/31/23

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sale

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

09/30/23

    

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

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

   $      $      $ (791 )(b)     $ 791      $      $             $ 1,058 (c)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     2,050,000        600,000 (b)                            2,650,000        2,650,000        55,522         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 791      $      $ 2,650,000         $ 56,580      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

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

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Consumer Staples ETF

    

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

For the period ended September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (206,519    $      $      $      $ (206,519
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (334,362    $      $      $      $ (334,362
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 3,982,007    

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 559,236,218      $ 341,699,220      $      $ 900,935,438  

Preferred Stocks

            2,859,131               2,859,131  

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

     2,650,000                      2,650,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 561,886,218      $ 344,558,351      $             —      $ 906,444,569  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

24  

2 0 2 3   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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Energy ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 2.4%            

Ampol Ltd.

    169,366     $ 3,656,633  

Santos Ltd.

    2,303,557       11,612,292  

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.

    1,342,279       31,209,434  
   

 

 

 
      46,478,359  
Austria — 0.3%            

OMV AG

    99,759       4,764,944  
   

 

 

 
Brazil — 1.0%            

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR

    1,314,538       19,704,925  
   

 

 

 
Canada — 11.2%            

Cameco Corp.

    305,343       12,114,805  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    773,525       50,024,985  

Cenovus Energy Inc.

    954,358       19,870,602  

Enbridge Inc.

    1,495,404       49,599,080  

Imperial Oil Ltd.

    124,296       7,655,883  

Pembina Pipeline Corp.

    389,529       11,712,398  

Suncor Energy Inc.

    928,107       31,917,451  

TC Energy Corp.

    727,765       25,027,722  

Tourmaline Oil Corp.

    226,290       11,387,389  
   

 

 

 
        219,310,315  
Chile — 0.1%            

Empresas COPEC SA

    250,440       1,775,471  
   

 

 

 
Colombia — 0.1%            

Ecopetrol SA, ADR

    173,474       2,008,829  
   

 

 

 
Finland — 0.5%            

Neste OYJ

    305,523       10,347,643  
   

 

 

 
France — 5.5%            

TotalEnergies SE

    1,627,450       107,003,728  
   

 

 

 
Italy — 1.7%            

Eni SpA

    1,699,286       27,297,004  

Tenaris SA

    326,554       5,158,231  
   

 

 

 
      32,455,235  
Japan — 1.0%            

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    2,151,120       8,467,105  

Inpex Corp.

    725,400       10,879,784  
   

 

 

 
      19,346,889  
Norway — 1.5%            

Aker BP ASA

    219,758       6,067,970  

Equinor ASA

    700,534       22,957,921  
   

 

 

 
      29,025,891  
Portugal — 0.2%            

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    316,794       4,692,389  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 0.8%            

Repsol SA

    901,403       14,827,182  
   

 

 

 
United Kingdom — 11.6%            

BP PLC

    12,238,897       78,891,126  

Shell PLC

    4,691,374       148,689,422  
   

 

 

 
      227,580,548  
Security   Shares     Value  
United States — 60.5%            

APA Corp.

    217,933     $ 8,957,046  

Baker Hughes Co., Class A

    713,752       25,209,721  

Chevron Corp.

    1,242,807       209,562,116  

ConocoPhillips

    748,804       89,706,719  

Coterra Energy Inc.

    537,220       14,531,801  

Devon Energy Corp.

    454,411       21,675,405  

Diamondback Energy Inc.

    126,352       19,569,398  

EOG Resources Inc.

    412,236       52,255,035  

EQT Corp.

    256,512       10,409,257  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    2,804,095       329,705,490  

Halliburton Co.

    635,207       25,725,884  

Hess Corp.

    195,870       29,968,110  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

    1,372,491       22,755,901  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    427,168       11,426,744  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    283,167       42,854,494  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    469,055       30,432,288  

ONEOK Inc.

    411,766       26,118,317  

Phillips 66

    315,434       37,899,395  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    165,160       37,912,478  

Schlumberger NV

    1,005,978       58,648,518  

Targa Resources Corp.

    158,658       13,600,164  

Valero Energy Corp.

    249,640       35,376,484  

Williams Companies Inc. (The)

    859,922       28,970,772  
   

 

 

 
       1,183,271,537  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.4%
(Cost: $1,672,574,119)

 

    1,922,593,885  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 1.1%            

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, Preference Shares, ADR

    1,623,439       22,257,349  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 1.1%
(Cost: $25,889,436)

 

    22,257,349  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.5%
(Cost: $1,698,463,555)

 

    1,944,851,234  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(a)(b)

    2,750,000       2,750,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.1%
(Cost: $2,750,000)

 

    2,750,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.6%
(Cost: $1,701,213,555)

 

    1,947,601,234  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.4%

 

    7,023,001  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 1,954,624,235  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(b) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Energy ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   Value at
03/31/23
   

Purchases

at Cost

    Proceeds
from Sale
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
09/30/23
   

Shares

Held at
09/30/23

    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

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

  $     $     $ (650 )(b)    $ 650     $     $           $ 1,363 (c)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    3,710,000             (960,000 )(b)                  2,750,000       2,750,000       76,478        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 650     $     $ 2,750,000       $ 77,841     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

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

 

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

    14       12/15/23     $ 1,305     $ 9,020  

S&P Energies Select Sector E-Mini Index

    83       12/15/23       7,931       (130,237
       

 

 

 
        $ (121,217
       

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
   

Commodity

Contracts

   

Credit

Contracts

   

Equity

Contracts

   

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

   

Interest

Rate

Contracts

   

Other

Contracts

    Total  

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

             

Futures contracts
Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

  $     $     $ 9,020     $     $     $     $ 9,020  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

             

Futures contracts
Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

  $     $     $ 130,237     $     $     $     $ 130,237  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    Commodity
Contracts
    Credit
Contracts
    Equity
Contracts
    Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
    Interest
Rate
Contracts
    Other
Contracts
    Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

             

Futures contracts

  $     $     $ 969,909     $     $     $     $ 969,909  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

             

Futures contracts

  $     $     $ (294,302   $     $     $     $ (294,302
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Energy ETF

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 8,493,528      

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 1,426,071,077      $ 496,522,808      $      $ 1,922,593,885  

Preferred Stocks

     22,257,349                      22,257,349  

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

     2,750,000                      2,750,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,451,078,426      $   496,522,808      $                 —      $ 1,947,601,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Equity Contracts

   $      $ 9,020      $      $ 9,020  

Liabilities

           

Equity Contracts

     (130,237                    (130,237
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (130,237    $ 9,020      $        (121,217
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

  27


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Financials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 4.2%            

ASX Ltd.

    9,349     $ 341,968  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    144,928       2,377,061  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    80,978       5,172,554  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

    118,102       428,421  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    17,365       1,859,584  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

    132,746       292,988  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    151,468       2,811,903  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    72,697       728,223  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    60,938       542,935  

Westpac Banking Corp.

    170,465       2,304,269  
   

 

 

 
      16,859,906  
Austria — 0.2%            

Erste Group Bank AG

    17,214       594,518  
   

 

 

 
Belgium — 0.4%            

Ageas SA/NV

    8,218       338,470  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert NV

    4,678       348,091  

KBC Group NV

    16,306       1,015,156  
   

 

 

 
      1,701,717  
Brazil — 0.5%            

B3 SA - Brasil, Bolsa, Balcao

    280,481       685,781  

Banco do Brasil SA

    69,074       648,339  

Itausa SA

    3,518       6,334  

NU Holdings Ltd.(a)

    114,879       832,873  
   

 

 

 
      2,173,327  
Canada — 6.8%            

Bank of Montreal

    34,375       2,899,825  

Bank of Nova Scotia(The)

    57,759       2,588,896  

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.

    16,745       557,982  

Brookfield Corp., Class A

    70,307       2,198,372  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    44,365       1,712,540  

Intact Financial Corp.

    8,505       1,239,948  

Manulife Financial Corp.

    89,034       1,626,964  

National Bank of Canada

    16,380       1,088,141  

Power Corp. of Canada

    27,151       691,244  

Royal Bank of Canada

    67,378       5,888,289  

Sun Life Financial Inc.

    28,405       1,385,900  

Toronto-Dominion Bank(The)

    88,766       5,347,853  
   

 

 

 
        27,225,954  
Chile — 0.1%            

Banco de Chile

    2,093,588       213,004  

Banco Santander Chile, ADR

    7,936       145,546  
   

 

 

 
      358,550  
China — 2.0%            

Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    4,041,000       1,407,795  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    4,786,720       2,690,863  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    160,000       664,256  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    3,441,000       1,650,444  

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

    299,500       1,698,658  
   

 

 

 
      8,112,016  
Colombia — 0.0%            

Bancolombia SA, ADR

    5,459       145,646  
   

 

 

 
Denmark — 0.3%            

Danske Bank A/S

    32,832       761,899  

Tryg A/S

    17,361       317,695  
   

 

 

 
      1,079,594  
Security   Shares     Value  
Finland — 0.3%            

Sampo OYJ, Class A

    22,538     $ 974,351  
   

 

 

 
France — 2.2%            

AXA SA

    83,875       2,488,476  

BNP Paribas SA

    52,476       3,336,754  

Credit Agricole SA

    54,089       665,014  

Edenred

    12,045       753,487  

Euronext NV(b)

    4,804       334,162  

Societe Generale SA

    34,100       825,138  

Worldline SA/France(a)(b)

    12,002       336,911  
   

 

 

 
      8,739,942  
Germany — 2.8%            

Allianz SE, Registered

    19,511       4,643,152  

Commerzbank AG

    50,725       575,695  

Deutsche Bank AG, Registered

    98,567       1,083,278  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    9,196       1,588,120  

Hannover Rueck SE

    2,927       642,238  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen, Registered

    6,585       2,564,545  
   

 

 

 
      11,097,028  
Hong Kong — 1.7%            

AIA Group Ltd.

    557,000       4,504,538  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    58,600       2,174,808  
   

 

 

 
      6,679,346  
Ireland — 0.1%            

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

    48,503       474,146  
   

 

 

 
Italy — 1.6%            

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    53,485       1,091,757  

Banco BPM SpA

    73,200       348,615  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

    29,419       355,242  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    777,266       1,990,747  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

    30,706       404,831  

Nexi SpA(a)(b)

    41,105       250,456  

UniCredit SpA

    87,199       2,077,636  
   

 

 

 
      6,519,284  
Japan — 5.0%            

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    47,800       986,798  

Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

    69,800       402,506  

Japan Exchange Group Inc.

    25,200       466,862  

Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd.

    97,100       776,814  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    613,100       5,195,505  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    123,210       2,091,852  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    21,700       794,096  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    142,200       569,430  

ORIX Corp.

    57,000       1,064,326  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    114,700       634,197  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    16,900       724,279  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    64,800       3,183,367  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    17,927       674,898  

T&D Holdings Inc.

    26,500       435,793  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    96,800       2,241,277  
   

 

 

 
        20,242,000  
Mexico — 0.3%            

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O

    120,791       1,012,697  
   

 

 

 
Netherlands — 1.2%            

ABN AMRO Bank NV, CVA(b)

    19,951       281,959  

Adyen NV(a)(b)

    1,505       1,115,858  

Aegon NV

    64,851       312,563  
 

 

 

28  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Financials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Netherlands (continued)            

EXOR NV, NVS

    5,008     $ 442,951  

ING Groep NV

    175,674       2,315,395  

NN Group NV

    14,239       456,476  
   

 

 

 
      4,925,202  
Norway — 0.2%            

DNB Bank ASA

    43,088       865,714  
   

 

 

 
Peru — 0.1%            

Credicorp Ltd.

    3,293       421,405  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 1.4%            

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    88,100       2,163,704  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

    187,700       1,755,380  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    74,100       1,543,362  
   

 

 

 
      5,462,446  
South Korea — 0.3%            

KB Financial Group Inc.

    18,129       739,425  

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd.

    23,775       625,715  
   

 

 

 
      1,365,140  
Spain — 1.5%            

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    288,197       2,332,357  

Banco Santander SA

    781,870       2,977,415  

CaixaBank SA

    194,105       773,313  
   

 

 

 
      6,083,085  
Sweden — 1.7%            

EQT AB

    16,001       315,267  

Industrivarden AB, Class A

    7,535       198,692  

Industrivarden AB, Class C

    7,228       190,466  

Investor AB, Class B

    88,089       1,686,421  

Kinnevik AB, Class B(a)

    11,714       116,331  

Nordea Bank Abp

    172,924       1,895,891  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A

    80,626       961,211  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A

    74,065       659,022  

Swedbank AB, Class A

    44,860       824,590  
   

 

 

 
      6,847,891  
Switzerland — 2.8%            

Baloise Holding AG, Registered

    2,218       321,114  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    9,953       637,070  

Partners Group Holding AG

    1,058       1,187,705  

Swiss Life Holding AG, Registered

    1,427       887,848  

Swiss Re AG

    14,011       1,438,935  

UBS Group AG, Registered

    147,186       3,625,513  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    7,071       3,235,374  
   

 

 

 
        11,333,559  
Taiwan — 0.5%            

Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    460,521       635,882  

CTBC Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    952,000       723,305  

Fubon Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    401,400       755,727  
   

 

 

 
      2,114,914  
United Kingdom — 5.1%            

3i Group PLC

    47,292       1,190,370  

abrdn PLC

    98,189       185,517  

Admiral Group PLC

    12,600       364,135  

Aviva PLC

    134,571       636,946  

Barclays PLC

    712,035       1,372,397  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC(a)

    63,185       132,185  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    16,929       159,217  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    967,252       7,569,117  

Intermediate Capital Group PLC

    14,185       238,101  
Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)            

Legal & General Group PLC

    285,985     $ 771,683  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    3,251,075       1,747,109  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    19,961       2,000,608  

M&G PLC

    114,459       274,234  

NatWest Group PLC, NVS

    269,603       771,214  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    45,953       269,311  

Prudential PLC

    132,867       1,428,231  

Schroders PLC

    44,302       218,908  

St. James’s Place PLC

    26,234       264,674  

Standard Chartered PLC

    111,534       1,025,837  
   

 

 

 
        20,619,794  
United States — 55.3%            

Aflac Inc.

    26,117       2,004,480  

Allstate Corp.(The)

    12,604       1,404,212  

American Express Co.

    28,108       4,193,432  

American International Group Inc.

    34,394       2,084,276  

Ameriprise Financial Inc.

    4,959       1,634,883  

Aon PLC, Class A

    9,803       3,178,329  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    17,953       1,431,034  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    10,400       2,370,472  

Assurant Inc.

    2,642       379,338  

Bank of America Corp.

    333,990       9,144,646  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.(The)

    37,624       1,604,664  

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class B(a)

    88,105       30,863,181  

BlackRock Inc.(c)

    6,782       4,384,495  

Blackstone Inc., NVS(d)

    34,290       3,673,831  

Brown & Brown Inc.

    11,280       787,795  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    18,412       1,786,885  

Cboe Global Markets Inc.

    5,134       801,982  

Charles Schwab Corp.(The)

    71,921       3,948,463  

Chubb Ltd.

    19,843       4,130,916  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    7,589       776,279  

Citigroup Inc.

    93,032       3,826,406  

Citizens Financial Group Inc.

    22,817       611,496  

CME Group Inc.

    17,349       3,473,617  

Comerica Inc.

    6,323       262,721  

Discover Financial Services

    12,058       1,044,584  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    2,082       773,817  

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

    1,849       808,494  

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    28,432       1,571,437  

Fifth Third Bancorp.

    32,744       829,405  

Fiserv Inc.(a)

    29,452       3,326,898  

FleetCor Technologies Inc.(a)

    3,560       909,010  

Franklin Resources Inc.

    13,763       338,294  

Global Payments Inc.

    12,561       1,449,414  

Globe Life Inc.

    4,203       456,992  

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (The)

    15,928       5,153,823  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    14,775       1,047,695  

Huntington Bancshares Inc./OH

    70,517       733,377  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

    27,686       3,046,014  

Invesco Ltd.

    21,928       318,394  

Jack Henry & Associates Inc.

    3,533       533,978  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    140,396       20,360,228  

KeyCorp.

    45,001       484,211  

Loews Corp.

    8,934       565,611  

M&T Bank Corp.

    7,985       1,009,703  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

    1,795       383,484  

Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc.

    23,853       4,539,226  

Mastercard Inc., Class A

    40,196       15,913,998  

MetLife Inc.

    30,519       1,919,950  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Financials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United States (continued)            

Moody’s Corp.

    7,610     $ 2,406,054  

Morgan Stanley

    61,639       5,034,057  

MSCI Inc., Class A

    3,822       1,960,992  

Nasdaq Inc.

    16,244       789,296  

Northern Trust Corp.

    9,979       693,341  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    53,048       3,101,186  

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (The)

    19,214       2,358,903  

Principal Financial Group Inc.

    10,744       774,320  

Progressive Corp.(The)

    28,351       3,949,294  

Prudential Financial Inc.

    17,539       1,664,276  

Raymond James Financial Inc.

    9,082       912,105  

Regions Financial Corp.

    45,664       785,421  

S&P Global Inc.

    15,722       5,744,976  

State Street Corp.

    15,394       1,030,782  

Synchrony Financial

    20,203       617,606  

T Rowe Price Group Inc.

    10,894       1,142,454  

Travelers Companies Inc. (The)

    11,060       1,806,209  

Truist Financial Corp.

    64,718       1,851,582  

U.S. Bancorp

    75,220       2,486,773  

Visa Inc., Class A

    77,627       17,854,986  

W R Berkley Corp.

    9,821       623,535  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    176,760       7,222,414  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    5,081       1,061,726  

Zions Bancorp. NA

    7,219       251,871  
   

 

 

 
        222,400,029  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.6%
(Cost: $445,869,875)

      396,429,201  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 0.6%            

Banco Bradesco SA, Preference Shares, ADR(d)

    256,422       730,802  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Brazil (continued)            

Itau Unibanco Holding SA, Preference Shares, ADR

    234,935     $ 1,261,601  

Itausa SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    248,603       447,595  
   

 

 

 
      2,439,998  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.6%
(Cost: $3,358,184)

 

    2,439,998  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.2%
(Cost: $449,228,059)

 

      398,869,199  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.9%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(c)(e)(f)

    2,295,814       2,296,503  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(c)(e)

    1,090,000       1,090,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.9%
(Cost: $3,386,714)

 

    3,386,503  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.1%
(Cost: $452,614,773)

 

    402,255,702  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.1)%

 

    (241,747
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 402,013,955  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 778,304      $ 1,518,106 (a)     $      $ 231      $ (138    $ 2,296,503        2,295,814      $ 3,286 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     590,000        500,000 (a)                            1,090,000        1,090,000        22,107         

BlackRock Inc.

     5,195,048        183,684        (870,022      (181,822      57,607        4,384,495        6,782        74,810         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (181,591    $ 57,469      $ 7,770,998         $ 100,203      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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.

 

 

 

30  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Financials 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

     7        12/15/23      $ 310      $ (4,138

FTSE 100 Index

     6        12/15/23        559        4,954  

S&P Financial Select Sector E-Mini Index

     21        12/15/23        2,166        (62,065
           

 

 

 
            $ (61,249
           

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 4,954      $      $      $      $ 4,954  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 66,203      $      $      $      $ 66,203  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 123,428      $      $      $      $ 123,428  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (86,995    $      $      $      $ (86,995
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 3,031,669      

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 253,518,270      $ 142,910,931      $                 —      $ 396,429,201  

Preferred Stocks

     2,439,998                      2,439,998  

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Financials ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

   $ 3,386,503      $      $      $ 3,386,503  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 259,344,771      $ 142,910,931      $      $ 402,255,702  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Equity Contracts

   $      $ 4,954      $      $ 4,954  

Liabilities

           

Equity Contracts

     (62,065      (4,138             (66,203
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (62,065    $ 816      $                 —        (61,249
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

32  

2 0 2 3   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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Healthcare ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 1.5%            

Cochlear Ltd.

    38,100     $ 6,240,140  

CSL Ltd.

    281,065           45,280,419  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    107,525       3,568,798  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    275,560       5,261,801  
   

 

 

 
      60,351,158  
Belgium — 0.6%            

Argenx SE(a)

    34,101       16,669,496  

UCB SA

    72,894       5,970,692  
   

 

 

 
      22,640,188  
Brazil — 0.1%            

Rede D’Or Sao Luiz SA(b)

    599,024       3,028,160  
   

 

 

 
China — 0.3%            

Wuxi Biologics Cayman Inc.(a)(b)

    2,078,000       12,077,040  
   

 

 

 
Denmark — 4.9%            

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    68,336       7,231,112  

Genmab A/S(a)

    38,347       13,576,777  

Novo Nordisk A/S

    1,881,533       171,315,802  
   

 

 

 
      192,123,691  
France — 2.7%            

EssilorLuxottica SA

    166,501       28,962,116  

Eurofins Scientific SE

    74,351       4,190,211  

Sanofi

    648,402       69,622,326  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    13,830       3,290,205  
   

 

 

 
      106,064,858  
Germany — 1.5%            

Bayer AG, Registered

    572,451       27,491,608  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    115,908       4,983,111  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    236,043       7,331,547  

Merck KGaA

    75,356       12,562,398  

Siemens Healthineers AG(b)(c)

    164,463       8,318,844  
   

 

 

 
      60,687,508  
Japan — 4.3%            

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    1,053,075       14,576,262  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    368,400       11,359,261  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    1,133,400       31,029,431  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    170,800       9,466,377  

Hoya Corp.

    206,300       21,128,717  

M3 Inc.

    246,200       4,465,756  

Olympus Corp.

    735,700       9,551,948  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    282,200       5,412,135  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    324,900       11,535,604  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    162,100       7,230,380  

Sysmex Corp.

    97,200       4,618,669  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    921,192       28,553,729  

Terumo Corp.

    431,700       11,427,464  
   

 

 

 
      170,355,733  
Netherlands — 0.4%            

Koninklijke Philips NV(a)(c)

    541,114       10,796,440  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    133,607       5,390,985  
   

 

 

 
      16,187,425  
South Korea — 0.2%            

Celltrion Inc.

    67,248       6,939,118  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 0.1%            

Grifols SA(a)

    167,601       2,170,751  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden — 0.1%            

Getinge AB, Class B

    129,240     $ 2,271,053  
   

 

 

 
Switzerland — 7.5%            

Alcon Inc.

    289,110       22,309,864  

Lonza Group AG, Registered

    43,388           20,068,990  

Novartis AG, Registered

    1,207,626       123,333,191  

Roche Holding AG, Bearer

    15,676       4,605,402  

Roche Holding AG, NVS

    409,370       111,758,433  

Sonova Holding AG, Registered

    29,602       7,006,102  

Straumann Holding AG

    67,668       8,612,711  
   

 

 

 
      297,694,693  
United Kingdom — 4.3%            

AstraZeneca PLC

    903,085       121,812,090  

GSK PLC

    2,386,992       43,189,738  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    515,169       6,393,538  
   

 

 

 
      171,395,366  
United States — 71.0%            

Abbott Laboratories

    1,011,176       97,932,396  

AbbVie Inc.

    1,028,475       153,304,483  

Agilent Technologies Inc.

    172,103       19,244,557  

Align Technology Inc.(a)

    41,633       12,711,388  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    97,134       17,481,206  

Amgen Inc.

    311,675       83,765,773  

Baxter International Inc.

    293,839       11,089,484  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    169,037       43,701,136  

Biogen Inc.(a)

    84,385       21,687,789  

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Class A(a)

    12,443       4,460,193  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    91,100       6,201,177  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    853,188       45,048,326  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,217,139       70,642,748  

Cardinal Health Inc.

    147,669       12,820,623  

Catalent Inc.(a)

    103,362       4,706,072  

Centene Corp.(a)(c)

    317,486       21,868,436  

Charles River Laboratories International Inc.(a)(c)

    29,873       5,854,511  

Cigna Group(The)

    172,463       49,336,490  

Cooper Companies Inc. (The)(c)

    28,751       9,143,106  

CVS Health Corp.

    748,412       52,254,126  

Danaher Corp.

    382,907       94,999,227  

DaVita Inc.(a)

    31,808       3,006,810  

DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.

    124,286       4,245,610  

Dexcom Inc.(a)

    226,009       21,086,640  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)(c)

    354,228       24,540,916  

Elevance Health Inc.

    137,286       59,777,070  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    464,639       249,571,546  

GE Healthcare Inc., NVS(a)

    226,454       15,407,930  

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    726,037       54,409,213  

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    117,273       28,846,813  

Henry Schein Inc.(a)

    77,762       5,773,828  

Hologic Inc.(a)

    142,654       9,900,188  

Humana Inc.

    72,352       35,200,695  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.(a)

    48,364       21,148,126  

Illumina Inc.(a)

    91,573       12,571,141  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    106,925       6,177,057  

Insulet Corp.(a)

    40,385       6,441,004  

Intuitive Surgical Inc.(a)

    204,721       59,837,901  

IQVIA Holdings Inc.(a)(c)

    107,349       21,120,916  

Johnson & Johnson

    1,403,135       218,538,276  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings

    51,298       10,313,463  

McKesson Corp.

    78,490       34,131,376  

Medtronic PLC

    775,651       60,780,012  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Healthcare ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United States (continued)  

Merck & Co. Inc.

    1,478,600     $ 152,221,870  

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.(a)

    12,755           14,133,433  

Moderna Inc.(a)

    192,932       19,927,946  

Molina Healthcare Inc.(a)

    33,810       11,085,961  

Organon & Co.

    146,670       2,546,191  

Pfizer Inc.

    3,289,863       109,124,756  

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

    64,790       7,895,309  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    62,539       51,467,095  

ResMed Inc.

    85,678       12,669,206  

Revvity Inc.

    72,737       8,051,986  

STERIS PLC

    57,492       12,614,895  

Stryker Corp.

    196,942       53,818,340  

Teleflex Inc.

    27,078       5,318,390  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.(c)

    224,878       113,826,497  

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    539,753       272,138,065  

Universal Health Services Inc., Class B

    36,819       4,629,253  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(a)

    150,389       52,296,271  

Viatris Inc.

    697,938       6,881,669  

Waters Corp.(a)

    34,185       9,373,869  

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

    42,997       16,132,904  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

    121,170       13,597,697  

Zoetis Inc.

    267,690       46,572,706  
   

 

 

 
      2,797,404,087  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.5%
(Cost: $3,627,787,006)

 

    3,921,390,829  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.1%            

Sartorius AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    15,635       5,295,477  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.1%
(Cost: $5,591,434)

 

    5,295,477  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.6%
(Cost: $3,633,378,440)

 

    3,926,686,306  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Short-Term Securities

 

Money Market Funds — 1.5%  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    51,823,232     $ 51,838,779  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    7,930,000       7,930,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 1.5%
(Cost: $59,767,712)

 

    59,768,779  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 101.1%
(Cost: $3,693,146,152)

 

    3,986,455,085  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (1.1)%

 

    (44,799,892
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   3,941,655,193  
 

 

 

 

 

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

03/31/23

    

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sale

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

   

Value at

09/30/23

    

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

     Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 28,986,449      $ 22,856,343 (a)    $      $ 275      $ (4,288   $ 51,838,779        51,823,232      $ 69,381 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    5,900,000        2,030,000 (a)                          7,930,000        7,930,000        149,668        
         

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 275      $ (4,288   $ 59,768,779         $ 219,049     $  
         

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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 3   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)

September 30, 2023

   iShares® Global Healthcare 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 Health Care Select Sector E-Mini Index

     107       12/15/23     $ 14,039     $ (355,754
        

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 355,754      $      $      $      $ 355,754  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 519,135      $      $      $      $ 519,135  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (837,201    $      $      $      $ (837,201
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 13,384,005      

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 2,800,432,247      $ 1,120,958,582      $      $ 3,921,390,829  

Preferred Stocks

            5,295,477               5,295,477  

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

     59,768,779                      59,768,779  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,860,201,026      $ 1,126,254,059      $      $ 3,986,455,085  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Healthcare ETF

    

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

 

                                                                                                       

 

 
    Level 1     Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Equity Contracts

  $ (355,754   $      $      $ (355,754
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 3   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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Industrials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 1.0%            

Brambles Ltd.

    130,212     $ 1,196,196  

Computershare Ltd.

    53,758       895,852  

Qantas Airways Ltd.(a)

    170,698       565,093  

Transurban Group

    291,217       2,366,329  
   

 

 

 
          5,023,470  
Brazil — 0.4%            

CCR SA

    104,237       267,304  

Localiza Rent a Car SA

    78,144       910,388  

WEG SA

    137,748       993,946  
   

 

 

 
      2,171,638  
Canada — 3.8%            

CAE Inc.(a)

    29,820       696,184  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    55,517       6,012,145  

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.

    87,782       6,524,919  

Thomson Reuters Corp.

    14,318       1,751,576  

Waste Connections Inc.

    24,211       3,250,771  

WSP Global Inc.

    11,598       1,636,913  
   

 

 

 
      19,872,508  
Chile — 0.2%            

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, ADR

    13,252       790,747  
   

 

 

 
Denmark — 1.2%            

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    277       490,207  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B, NVS

    426       766,329  

DSV A/S

    16,870       3,143,568  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S(a)

    95,166       2,035,970  
   

 

 

 
      6,436,074  
Finland — 0.5%            

Kone OYJ, Class B

    37,910       1,597,529  

Metso OYJ

    65,596       687,896  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    45,210       512,407  
   

 

 

 
      2,797,832  
France — 7.1%            

Airbus SE

    58,097       7,776,195  

Alstom SA

    26,185       622,344  

Bouygues SA

    19,332       675,936  

Bureau Veritas SA

    27,149       673,189  

Cie. de Saint-Gobain

    48,432       2,898,673  

Eiffage SA

    7,274       690,431  

Getlink SE

    30,490       486,069  

Legrand SA

    25,067       2,303,314  

Safran SA

    32,632       5,113,733  

Schneider Electric SE

    50,742       8,361,879  

Teleperformance

    5,529       694,201  

Thales SA

    8,878       1,247,742  

Vinci SA

    47,717       5,278,980  
   

 

 

 
      36,822,686  
Germany — 3.7%            

Brenntag SE

    14,458       1,118,712  

Daimler Truck Holding AG

    48,717       1,686,789  

Deutsche Post AG, Registered

    88,510       3,591,339  

GEA Group AG

    15,594       574,707  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    5,039       912,611  

Rheinmetall AG

    4,071       1,047,270  

Siemens AG, Registered

    70,866       10,127,363  
   

 

 

 
      19,058,791  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hong Kong — 0.5%            

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    252,020     $ 1,337,996  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    123,000       1,187,391  
   

 

 

 
      2,525,387  
Ireland — 0.4%            

Kingspan Group PLC

    14,468       1,080,517  

Ryanair Holdings PLC, ADR(a)(b)

    9,495       923,009  
   

 

 

 
          2,003,526  
Italy — 0.2%            

Prysmian SpA

    25,974       1,042,551  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 14.2%            

AGC Inc.

    21,500       753,519  

ANA Holdings Inc.(a)

    45,400       950,587  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    96,900       2,356,413  

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.

    24,300       632,241  

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

    35,500       670,120  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    27,800       4,358,252  

East Japan Railway Co.

    35,400       2,025,833  

FANUC Corp.

    88,700       2,306,858  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc.

    23,800       812,071  

Hitachi Ltd.

    88,200       5,466,418  

ITOCHU Corp.

    137,100       4,951,218  

Japan Airlines Co. Ltd.

    41,100       798,539  

Kajima Corp.

    44,100       717,860  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    18,700       530,195  

Komatsu Ltd.

    91,400       2,465,160  

Kubota Corp.

    99,900       1,469,610  

Makita Corp.

    26,100       643,605  

Marubeni Corp.

    160,000       2,494,119  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    135,200       6,442,324  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    202,900       2,506,720  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    31,700       1,768,128  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    145,300       5,270,023  

Nidec Corp.

    49,500       2,285,585  

Nippon Yusen KK

    48,100       1,248,908  

Obayashi Corp.

    67,100       590,472  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    34,500       515,491  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    159,400       4,876,845  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    19,900       1,350,031  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    45,600       583,765  

SMC Corp.

    5,500       2,465,442  

Sumitomo Corp.

    115,200       2,299,152  

Taisei Corp.

    17,500       615,929  

Tokyu Corp.

    57,500       662,949  

Toppan Inc.

    31,200       746,346  

Toshiba Corp.(a)

    8,306       255,757  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    17,500       1,377,520  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    22,200       1,305,716  

West Japan Railway Co.

    22,800       943,483  

Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.

    30,200       491,542  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    24,900       896,675  
   

 

 

 
      73,901,421  
Netherlands — 1.1%            

Ferrovial SE

    46,800       1,430,067  

IMCD NV

    5,385       680,851  

Randstad NV

    11,702       646,490  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    24,203       2,930,388  
   

 

 

 
      5,687,796  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Industrials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
South Korea — 0.2%            

LG Energy Solution(a)

    3,063     $ 1,080,193  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 0.3%            

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

    18,812       676,286  

Aena SME SA(c)

    6,860       1,032,276  
   

 

 

 
      1,708,562  
Sweden — 3.2%            

Alfa Laval AB

    27,243       933,288  

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    93,212       2,025,363  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    242,995       3,263,585  

Atlas Copco AB, Class B

    146,697       1,715,627  

Epiroc AB, Class A

    58,656       1,113,716  

Epiroc AB, Class B

    37,209       595,243  

Nibe Industrier AB, Class B

    141,865       927,477  

Sandvik AB

    102,404       1,884,269  

Skanska AB, Class B

    33,465       549,513  

SKF AB, Class B

    35,058       582,017  

Volvo AB, Class B

    150,297       3,095,763  
   

 

 

 
      16,685,861  
Switzerland — 2.5%            

ABB Ltd., Registered

    152,701       5,450,384  

Adecco Group AG, Registered

    15,770       647,723  

Geberit AG, Registered

    3,240       1,615,715  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Registered

    5,189       1,474,353  

Schindler Holding AG, Participation Certificates, NVS

    3,802       757,358  

Schindler Holding AG, Registered

    1,845       354,994  

SGS SA

    14,196       1,191,408  

Siemens Energy AG(a)

    48,070       626,482  

VAT Group AG(c)

    2,504       893,535  
   

 

 

 
          13,011,952  
United Kingdom — 4.8%            

Ashtead Group PLC

    42,421       2,572,519  

BAE Systems PLC

    287,316       3,491,418  

Bunzl PLC

    31,847       1,134,192  

DCC PLC

    9,714       543,883  

Experian PLC

    86,721       2,836,433  

IMI PLC

    26,414       502,643  

Intertek Group PLC

    15,024       751,335  

Melrose Industries PLC

    127,543       727,046  

RELX PLC

    182,697       6,164,181  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    237,482       1,763,212  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    791,085       2,119,619  

Smiths Group PLC

    33,068       651,042  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    6,825       790,016  

Weir Group PLC(The)

    24,978       577,116  
   

 

 

 
      24,624,655  
United States — 54.2%            

3M Co.

    52,088       4,876,479  

A O Smith Corp.

    11,547       763,603  

Alaska Air Group Inc.(a)

    11,986       444,441  

Allegion PLC

    8,212       855,690  

American Airlines Group Inc.(a)(b)

    61,579       788,827  

AMETEK Inc.

    21,812       3,222,941  

Automatic Data Processing Inc.

    38,825       9,340,519  

Axon Enterprise Inc.(a)

    6,589       1,311,145  

Boeing Co.(The)(a)

    53,393       10,234,370  

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc.

    11,089       1,985,485  

Carrier Global Corp.

    78,715       4,345,068  

Caterpillar Inc.

    48,099       13,131,027  
Security   Shares     Value  
United States (continued)            

Ceridian HCM Holding Inc.(a)(b)

    14,660     $ 994,681  

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc.

    11,034       950,358  

Cintas Corp.

    8,157       3,923,599  

Copart Inc.(a)

    81,659       3,518,686  

CSX Corp.

    189,339       5,822,174  

Cummins Inc.

    13,389       3,058,851  

Deere & Co.

    25,695       9,696,779  

Delta Air Lines Inc.

    60,469       2,237,353  

Dover Corp.

    13,230       1,845,717  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    37,599       8,019,115  

Emerson Electric Co.

    53,915       5,206,572  

Equifax Inc.

    11,527       2,111,516  

Expeditors International of Washington Inc.

    14,176       1,624,995  

Fastenal Co.

    53,687       2,933,458  

FedEx Corp.

    21,821       5,780,819  

Fortive Corp.

    33,075       2,452,842  

Generac Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    5,802       632,186  

General Dynamics Corp.

    21,384       4,725,222  

General Electric Co.

    102,564       11,338,450  

Honeywell International Inc.

    62,570           11,559,182  

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

    36,806       1,702,278  

Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.

    3,777       772,699  

IDEX Corp.

    7,101       1,477,150  

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

    25,953       5,977,235  

Ingersoll Rand Inc.(b)

    38,007       2,421,806  

Jacobs Solutions Inc., NVS

    11,863       1,619,300  

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc.

    7,742       1,459,522  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    63,944       3,402,460  

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    17,890       3,115,007  

Leidos Holdings Inc.

    13,028       1,200,660  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    21,105       8,631,101  

Masco Corp.

    21,075       1,126,459  

Nordson Corp.

    5,108       1,139,952  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    21,424       4,219,028  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    13,408       5,902,068  

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.

    8,465       3,463,370  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    38,688       3,107,033  

PACCAR Inc.

    49,379       4,198,203  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    12,109       4,716,698  

Paychex Inc.

    30,322       3,497,036  

Paycom Software Inc.

    4,623       1,198,605  

Pentair PLC

    15,398       997,021  

Quanta Services Inc.

    13,641       2,551,822  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    137,162       9,871,549  

Republic Services Inc., Class A

    19,325       2,754,006  

Robert Half International Inc.

    10,051       736,537  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    10,789       3,084,251  

Rollins Inc.

    26,369       984,355  

Snap-on Inc.

    4,973       1,268,413  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    55,674       1,507,095  

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    14,444       1,207,230  

Textron Inc.

    18,702       1,461,374  

Trane Technologies PLC

    21,564       4,375,551  

TransDigm Group Inc.(a)

    5,200       4,384,276  

Union Pacific Corp.

    57,371       11,682,457  

United Airlines Holdings Inc.(a)

    30,867       1,305,674  

United Parcel Service Inc., Class B

    68,157       10,623,632  

United Rentals Inc.

    6,444       2,864,809  

Verisk Analytics Inc., Class A

    13,715       3,240,032  

Waste Management Inc.

    34,767       5,299,881  
 

 

 

38  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Industrials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United States (continued)            

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    16,837     $ 1,789,268  

WW Grainger Inc.

    4,202       2,907,112  

Xylem Inc./NY

    22,635       2,060,464  
   

 

 

 
        281,036,629  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.5%
(Cost: $552,746,933)

      516,282,279  
   

 

 

 

Rights

   
Brazil — 0.0%            

Localiza Rent a Car SA,
(Expires 11/17/23, Strike Price BRL 47.13)

    448       1,426  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $—)

      1,426  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.5%
(Cost: $552,746,933)

      516,283,705  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.9%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    2,694,834       2,695,643  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
Money Market Funds (continued)            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    1,940,000     $ 1,940,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.9%
(Cost: $4,635,871)

 

    4,635,643  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.4%
(Cost: $557,382,804)

 

    520,919,348  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.4)%

 

    (1,969,826
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $   518,949,522  
 

 

 

 

 

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

03/31/23

    

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sale

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

09/30/23

    

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

     Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 3,819,037      $     $ (1,123,143 )(a)    $ (675    $ 424      $ 2,695,643        2,694,834      $ 3,819 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     310,000        1,630,000 (a)                          1,940,000        1,940,000        21,309        
         

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (675    $ 424      $ 4,635,643         $ 25,128     $  
         

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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

        

TOPIX Index

     2       12/07/23     $ 311     $ (4,876

Euro Stoxx 50 Index

     14       12/15/23       620       (1,058

S&P Industrial Select Sector E-Mini Index

     16       12/15/23       1,648       (11,359
        

 

 

 
         $ (17,293
        

 

 

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Industrials 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:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 17,293      $      $      $      $ 17,293  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 87,569      $      $      $      $ 87,569  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (57,807    $      $      $      $ (57,807
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 2,115,574      

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

          

Investments

          

Long-Term Investments

          

Common Stocks

  $ 304,794,531      $ 211,487,748      $      $ 516,282,279  

Rights

    1,426                      1,426  

Short-Term Securities

          

Money Market Funds

    4,635,643                      4,635,643  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 309,431,600      $ 211,487,748      $      $ 520,919,348  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

          

Liabilities

          

Equity Contracts

  $ (11,359    $ (5,934    $      $ (17,293
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 3   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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Materials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 11.2%            

BHP Group Ltd.

    558,091     $     15,677,227  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    50,664       627,397  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    186,222       2,475,458  

James Hardie Industries PLC(a)

    48,627       1,271,753  

Mineral Resources Ltd.

    19,005       816,108  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    98,298       1,548,835  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    127,315       845,403  

Pilbara Minerals Ltd.

    309,196       843,545  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

    40,944       2,953,201  

South32 Ltd.

    500,673       1,081,056  
   

 

 

 
      28,139,983  
Belgium — 0.6%            

Solvay SA

    8,090       894,020  

Umicore SA

    21,896       518,422  
   

 

 

 
      1,412,442  
Brazil — 2.1%            

Vale SA, Class B, ADR

    400,044       5,360,590  
   

 

 

 
Canada — 7.4%            

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    54,519       2,477,388  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    192,957       2,802,902  

CCL Industries Inc., Class B, NVS

    15,981       670,773  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

    61,772       1,459,425  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    21,170       2,826,251  

Kinross Gold Corp.

    134,499       612,957  

Nutrien Ltd.

    54,529       3,367,489  

Teck Resources Ltd., Class B

    50,835       2,187,973  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    49,956       2,027,296  
   

 

 

 
      18,432,454  
Chile — 0.1%            

Empresas CMPC SA

    121,015       222,802  
   

 

 

 
Denmark — 0.6%            

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    11,285       690,337  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    23,108       929,747  
   

 

 

 
      1,620,084  
Finland — 1.1%            

Stora Enso OYJ, Class R

    67,766       849,336  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    58,672       2,008,980  
   

 

 

 
      2,858,316  
France — 4.7%            

Air Liquide SA

    57,702       9,718,834  

ArcelorMittal SA

    50,929       1,275,061  

Arkema SA

    6,916       680,816  
   

 

 

 
      11,674,711  
Germany — 3.3%            

BASF SE

    98,412       4,454,614  

Covestro AG(a)(b)

    21,352       1,148,202  

HeidelbergCement AG

    15,040       1,164,853  

Symrise AG, Class A

    14,596       1,389,522  
   

 

 

 
      8,157,191  
Ireland — 2.1%            

CRH PLC

    78,866       4,348,210  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    28,695       953,241  
   

 

 

 
      5,301,451  
Japan — 6.4%            

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    153,400       965,571  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

JFE Holdings Inc.

    64,700     $ 947,486  

Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.

    157,300       991,001  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    118,500       795,861  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    104,729       2,453,604  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    16,600       1,088,551  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    223,000       6,477,178  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    183,100       498,017  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    30,200       886,857  

Toray Industries Inc.

    179,200       932,389  
   

 

 

 
          16,036,515  
Mexico — 1.1%            

Cemex SAB de CV, NVS(a)

    1,669,507       1,089,215  

Grupo Mexico SAB de CV, Series B

    342,738       1,622,290  
   

 

 

 
      2,711,505  
Netherlands — 0.5%            

Akzo Nobel NV

    18,855       1,359,416  
   

 

 

 
Norway — 0.6%            

Norsk Hydro ASA

    149,449       935,228  

Yara International ASA

    17,929       676,992  
   

 

 

 
      1,612,220  
Peru — 0.3%            

Southern Copper Corp.

    9,336       702,907  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 2.1%            

LG Chem Ltd.

    5,200       1,903,908  

POSCO Holdings Inc.

    8,195       3,228,574  
   

 

 

 
      5,132,482  
Sweden — 0.7%            

Boliden AB

    29,952       859,526  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B

    65,762       900,421  
   

 

 

 
      1,759,947  
Switzerland — 5.5%            

DSM-Firmenich AG

    22,784       1,925,313  

Givaudan SA, Registered

    876       2,852,108  

Holcim AG

    58,774       3,762,060  

SIG Group AG

    38,240       942,057  

Sika AG, Registered

    16,976       4,301,052  
   

 

 

 
      13,782,590  
Taiwan — 1.0%            

Formosa Plastics Corp.

    524,720       1,297,145  

Nan Ya Plastics Corp.

    625,940       1,291,330  
   

 

 

 
      2,588,475  
United Kingdom — 8.9%            

Anglo American PLC

    147,393       4,047,352  

Antofagasta PLC

    37,888       657,726  

Croda International PLC

    15,770       941,967  

DS Smith PLC

    150,552       525,082  

Glencore PLC

    1,237,707       7,048,134  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    21,241       420,514  

Mondi PLC

    53,861       898,501  

Rio Tinto PLC

    123,138       7,732,136  
   

 

 

 
      22,271,412  
United States — 38.7%            

Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

    24,491       6,940,749  

Albemarle Corp.

    12,911       2,195,386  

Amcor PLC

    162,051       1,484,387  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    8,878       1,621,744  

Ball Corp.

    34,662       1,725,474  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Materials ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
United States (continued)            

Celanese Corp., Class A

    11,024     $ 1,383,732  

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

    21,291       1,825,490  

Corteva Inc.

    78,280       4,004,805  

Dow Inc.

    77,350       3,988,166  

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    50,504       3,767,093  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    13,005       997,744  

Ecolab Inc.

    27,968       4,737,779  

FMC Corp.

    13,792       923,650  

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

    157,820       5,885,108  

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    28,190       1,921,712  

International Paper Co.

    37,959       1,346,406  

Linde PLC

    53,758       20,016,791  

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

    28,225       2,672,908  

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.

    6,810       2,795,369  

Mosaic Co.(The)

    36,503       1,299,507  

Newmont Corp.

    87,607       3,237,079  

Nucor Corp.

    27,430       4,288,681  

Packaging Corp. of America

    9,921       1,523,370  

PPG Industries Inc.

    25,957       3,369,219  

Sealed Air Corp.

    15,903       522,573  

Sherwin-Williams Co.(The)

    26,067       6,648,388  

Steel Dynamics Inc.

    17,186       1,842,683  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    14,628       2,955,149  

Westrock Co.

    28,318       1,013,784  
   

 

 

 
      96,934,926  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.0%
(Cost: $308,925,563)

      248,072,419  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 0.2%            

Gerdau SA, Preference Shares, ADR

    126,976       605,675  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  
South Korea — 0.1%            

LG Chem Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    862     $ 198,322  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.3%
(Cost: $1,377,920)

      803,997  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.3%
(Cost: $310,303,483)

      248,876,416  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.0%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(c)(d)

    110,000       110,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.0%
(Cost: $110,000)

      110,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.3%
(Cost: $310,413,483)

      248,986,416  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.7%

      1,654,576  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   250,640,992  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

03/31/23

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sale

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

09/30/23

    

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

     Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

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

  $ 1,651,059      $      $ (1,651,483 )(b)    $ (36   $ 460      $             $ 1,098 (c)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    530,000               (420,000 )(b)                   110,000        110,000        8,016        
         

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (36   $ 460      $ 110,000         $ 9,114     $  
         

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

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

 

 

 

42  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

   iShares® Global Materials 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/TSE 60 Index

    3        12/14/23      $ 520      $ (15,378

FTSE 100 Index

    4        12/15/23        373        1,786  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

    7        12/15/23        334        (6,041

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

    2        12/15/23        432        (18,004
          

 

 

 
           $ (37,637
          

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
   

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

                   

Futures contracts

                   

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

  $      $      $ 1,786      $      $      $      $ 1,786  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                   

Futures contracts

                   

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

  $      $      $ 39,423      $      $      $      $ 39,423  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
   

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

   

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                  

Futures contracts

  $      $      $ 58,146     $      $      $      $ 58,146  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                  

Futures contracts

  $      $      $ (115,374   $      $      $      $ (115,374
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 1,419,562      

 

 

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

  43


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

   iShares® Global Materials 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  

 

 

Assets

         

Investments

         

Long-Term Investments

         

Common Stocks

  $ 124,365,184     $ 123,707,235      $      $ 248,072,419  

Preferred Stocks

    605,675       198,322               803,997  

Short-Term Securities

         

Money Market Funds

    110,000                     110,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 125,080,859     $ 123,905,557      $                 —      $ 248,986,416  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

         

Assets

         

Equity Contracts

  $     $ 1,786      $      $ 1,786  

Liabilities

         

Equity Contracts

    (39,423                   (39,423
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ (39,423   $ 1,786      $        (37,637
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

44  

2 0 2 3   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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Tech ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 0.2%            

WiseTech Global Ltd.

    54,236     $ 2,251,355  

Xero Ltd.(a)

    43,217       3,108,073  
   

 

 

 
      5,359,428  
Canada — 1.2%            

CGI Inc.(a)

    64,858       6,392,924  

Constellation Software Inc./Canada

    6,114       12,622,186  

Open Text Corp.

    83,243       2,921,549  

Shopify Inc., Class A(a)

    370,984       20,250,141  
   

 

 

 
      42,186,800  
China — 0.2%            

Xiaomi Corp., Class B(a)(b)

    4,761,000       7,458,615  
   

 

 

 
Finland — 0.2%            

Nokia OYJ

    1,634,901       6,147,345  
   

 

 

 
France — 0.5%            

Capgemini SE

    48,265       8,421,942  

Dassault Systemes SE

    212,157       7,880,025  
   

 

 

 
      16,301,967  
Germany — 1.6%            

Infineon Technologies AG

    405,182       13,419,927  

SAP SE

    316,363       40,950,670  
   

 

 

 
      54,370,597  
Japan — 3.7%            

Advantest Corp.

    237,200       6,616,342  

Canon Inc.

    314,300       7,571,057  

Disco Corp.

    27,500       5,080,793  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    128,600       7,439,581  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    53,800       6,327,476  

Keyence Corp.

    61,740           22,833,031  

Kyocera Corp.

    108,200       5,485,491  

Lasertec Corp.

    24,400       3,794,502  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    584,400       10,660,713  

NEC Corp.

    85,600       4,727,055  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    143,700       3,735,009  

NTT Data Corp.

    182,600       2,443,435  

Obic Co. Ltd.

    20,900       3,166,777  

Omron Corp.

    64,800       2,883,692  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    443,300       6,771,386  

Ricoh Co. Ltd.

    187,300       1,616,016  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    107,200       2,015,280  

TDK Corp.

    118,800       4,392,068  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    146,300       19,983,445  
   

 

 

 
      127,543,149  
Netherlands — 2.4%            

ASM International NV

    14,197       5,928,560  

ASML Holding NV

    125,079       73,640,262  

BE Semiconductor Industries NV

    25,176       2,462,374  
   

 

 

 
      82,031,196  
Singapore — 0.3%            

STMicroelectronics NV , New

    203,569       8,774,574  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 3.0%            

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

    1,592,910       80,528,145  

Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.

    16,213       6,127,095  

SK Hynix Inc.

    167,147       14,151,442  
   

 

 

 
      100,806,682  
Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden — 0.3%            

Hexagon AB, Class B

    650,238     $ 5,534,002  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    958,424       4,669,211  
   

 

 

 
      10,203,213  
Switzerland — 0.1%            

Logitech International SA, Registered

    49,410       3,399,329  

Temenos AG, Registered

    20,684       1,446,644  
   

 

 

 
      4,845,973  
Taiwan — 4.6%            

Delta Electronics Inc.

    598,000       6,023,008  

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.

    3,741,378       12,059,340  

MediaTek Inc.

    495,000       11,317,115  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    7,561,600       123,301,211  

United Microelectronics Corp.

    3,619,000       5,081,678  
   

 

 

 
          157,782,352  
United Kingdom — 0.2%            

Halma PLC

    116,756       2,750,856  

Sage Group PLC(The)

    317,627       3,822,293  
   

 

 

 
      6,573,149  
United States — 80.8%            

Accenture PLC, Class A

    195,714       60,105,726  

Adobe Inc.(a)

    141,419       72,109,548  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    501,285       51,542,124  

Akamai Technologies Inc.(a)

    46,739       4,979,573  

Amphenol Corp., Class A

    185,059       15,543,105  

Analog Devices Inc.

    155,573       27,239,277  

Ansys Inc.(a)

    26,926       8,011,831  

Apple Inc.

    4,175,375       714,865,954  

Applied Materials Inc.

    260,544       36,072,317  

Arista Networks Inc.(a)

    77,802       14,310,122  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    66,311       13,720,409  

Broadcom Inc.

    128,040       106,347,463  

Cadence Design Systems Inc.(a)

    84,325       19,757,347  

CDW Corp./DE

    41,668       8,406,936  

Cisco Systems Inc.

    1,264,352       67,971,563  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    156,697       10,614,655  

Corning Inc.

    238,185       7,257,497  

DXC Technology Co.(a)

    69,650       1,450,809  

Enphase Energy Inc.(a)

    41,875       5,031,281  

EPAM Systems Inc.(a)

    17,693       4,523,923  

F5 Inc.(a)

    18,838       3,035,555  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

    7,638       6,633,832  

First Solar Inc.(a)

    33,146       5,356,062  

Fortinet Inc.(a)

    202,238       11,867,326  

Gartner Inc.(a)

    24,454       8,402,639  

Gen Digital Inc.

    175,711       3,106,570  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    401,866       6,980,412  

HP Inc.

    269,198       6,918,389  

Intel Corp.

    1,299,392       46,193,386  

International Business Machines Corp.

    282,654       39,656,356  

Intuit Inc.

    86,891       44,396,088  

Juniper Networks Inc.

    100,083       2,781,307  

Keysight Technologies Inc.(a)

    55,342       7,322,300  

KLA Corp.

    42,419       19,455,899  

Lam Research Corp.

    41,357       25,921,327  

Microchip Technology Inc.

    168,887       13,181,630  

Micron Technology Inc.

    339,833       23,118,839  

Microsoft Corp.

    2,110,892       666,514,149  

Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

    14,822       6,847,764  

Motorola Solutions Inc.

    51,821       14,107,749  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Tech ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
United States (continued)            

NetApp Inc.

    65,360     $ 4,959,517  

Nvidia Corp.

    345,804       150,421,282  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    79,984       15,990,401  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    133,887       12,444,797  

Oracle Corp.

    488,440       51,735,565  

Palo Alto Networks Inc.(a)

    94,895       22,247,184  

PTC Inc.(a)

    36,869       5,223,600  

Qorvo Inc.(a)

    30,985       2,958,138  

Qualcomm Inc.

    346,257       38,455,302  

Roper Technologies Inc.

    33,108       16,033,542  

Salesforce Inc.(a)

    302,197       61,279,508  

Seagate Technology Holdings PLC

    58,852       3,881,289  

ServiceNow Inc.(a)

    63,292       35,377,696  

Skyworks Solutions Inc.

    49,665       4,896,472  

SolarEdge Technologies Inc.(a)

    17,217       2,229,774  

Synopsys Inc.(a)

    47,210       21,667,974  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    97,402       12,032,069  

Teledyne Technologies Inc.(a)

    14,620       5,973,440  

Teradyne Inc.

    47,373       4,759,092  

Texas Instruments Inc.

    281,710       44,794,707  

Trimble Inc.(a)

    77,687       4,184,222  

Tyler Technologies Inc.(a)

    13,077       5,049,553  

VeriSign Inc.(a)

    27,673       5,604,613  

Western Digital Corp.(a)

    97,757       4,460,652  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)(c)

    15,715       3,717,069  
   

 

 

 
      2,752,036,497  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.3%
(Cost: $2,679,163,053)

      3,382,421,537  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   

South Korea — 0.3%

   

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    255,311       10,285,576  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.3%
(Cost: $8,809,879)

      10,285,576  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Warrants

   

Canada — 0.0%

   

Constellation Software Inc., Issued 08/29/23, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 03/31/40, Strike Price CAD)(d)

    5,997     $  
   

 

 

 

Total Warrants — 0.0%
(Cost: $—)

       
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.6%
(Cost: $2,687,972,932)

      3,392,707,113  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   

Money Market Funds — 0.3%

   

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(e)(f)(g)

    969,997       970,288  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(e)(f)

    8,920,000       8,920,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.3%
(Cost: $9,890,197)

      9,890,288  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.9%
(Cost: $2,697,863,129)

      3,402,597,401  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.1%

      2,734,501  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $  3,405,331,902  
   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

                   
Affiliated Issuer  

Value at

03/31/23

    

Purchases

at Cost

   

Proceeds

from Sale

   

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

   

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

09/30/23

    

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

     Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 6,263,870      $     $ (5,295,125 )(a)    $ (305   $ 1,848      $ 970,288        969,997      $ 16,423 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    5,680,000        3,240,000 (a)                         8,920,000        8,920,000        182,811        
        

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ (305   $ 1,848      $ 9,890,288         $ 199,234     $  
        

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

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

 

 

 

46  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Tech 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 Technology Select Sector E-Mini Index

    72        12/15/23      $ 12,012      $ (549,730
          

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
   

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate
Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                   

Futures contracts

                   

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

  $      $      $ 549,730      $      $      $      $ 549,730  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

               
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

   

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                  

Futures contracts

  $      $      $ 1,997,151     $      $      $      $ 1,997,151  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                  

Futures contracts

  $      $      $ (1,040,593   $      $      $      $ (1,040,593
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 14,151,460      

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

          

Investments

          

Long-Term Investments

          

Common Stocks

  $ 2,794,223,297      $ 588,198,240      $                 —      $ 3,382,421,537  

Preferred Stocks

           10,285,576               10,285,576  

Warrants

                          

Short-Term Securities

          

Money Market Funds

    9,890,288                      9,890,288  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 2,804,113,585      $ 598,483,816      $      $ 3,402,597,401  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Tech ETF

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

 

 

 
    Level 1     Level 2      Level 3      Total  

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

         

Liabilities

         

Equity Contracts

  $         (549,730   $                —      $                 —      $          (549,730
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 3   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) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Utilities ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

 

 

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 1.2%            

APA Group

    117,880     $ 627,102  

Origin Energy Ltd.

    161,262       908,056  
   

 

 

 
      1,535,158  
Austria — 0.5%            

Verbund AG

    7,796       634,217  
   

 

 

 
Brazil — 0.6%            

Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA

    96,643       709,266  
   

 

 

 
Canada — 3.9%            

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

    64,610       382,451  

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP(a)

    42,867       1,258,000  

Emera Inc.

    25,368       885,662  

Fortis Inc.

    45,347       1,722,402  

Hydro One Ltd.(b)

    29,700       756,139  
   

 

 

 
          5,004,654  
Chile — 0.1%            

Enel Americas SA(a)

    1,728,465       198,435  
   

 

 

 
Colombia — 0.1%            

Interconexion Electrica SA ESP

    41,313       151,074  
   

 

 

 
Denmark — 0.8%            

Orsted A/S(b)

    17,681       961,903  
   

 

 

 
Finland — 0.4%            

Fortum OYJ

    41,093       476,558  
   

 

 

 
France — 3.3%            

Engie SA

    163,578       2,508,658  

Veolia Environnement SA

    56,846       1,643,199  
   

 

 

 
      4,151,857  
Germany — 3.8%            

E.ON SE

    209,397       2,476,330  

RWE AG

    63,267       2,348,458  
   

 

 

 
      4,824,788  
Italy — 5.0%            

Enel SpA

    721,480       4,424,651  

Snam SpA

    191,619       899,128  

Terna - Rete Elettrica Nazionale

    131,508       989,129  
   

 

 

 
      6,312,908  
Japan — 2.7%            

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    70,900       902,549  

Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc.(The)

    76,800       1,063,261  

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

    38,900       640,095  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

    37,600       852,491  
   

 

 

 
      3,458,396  
Portugal — 0.9%            

EDP - Energias de Portugal SA

    277,714       1,154,719  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 6.1%            

Enagas SA

    21,105       349,488  

Endesa SA

    29,620       602,809  

Iberdrola SA

    517,759       5,790,849  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    17,214       468,310  

Redeia Corp. SA

    36,323       571,409  
   

 

 

 
      7,782,865  
United Kingdom — 6.7%            

Centrica PLC

    524,651       986,822  
Security   Shares     Value  

 

 
United Kingdom (continued)            

National Grid PLC

    345,418     $ 4,130,973  

Severn Trent PLC

    23,676       683,180  

SSE PLC

    102,266       2,004,038  

United Utilities Group PLC

    63,422       732,841  
   

 

 

 
      8,537,854  
United States — 63.7%            

AES Corp.(The)

    62,526       950,395  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    23,495       1,138,333  

Ameren Corp.

    24,545       1,836,702  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    48,104       3,618,383  

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    18,176       2,250,734  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    13,879       1,470,202  

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

    58,979       1,583,586  

CMS Energy Corp.

    27,239       1,446,663  

Consolidated Edison Inc.

    32,183       2,752,612  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    30,012       3,273,709  

Dominion Energy Inc.

    78,133       3,490,201  

DTE Energy Co.

    19,264       1,912,530  

Duke Energy Corp.

    71,795       6,336,627  

Edison International

    35,789       2,265,086  

Entergy Corp.

    19,763       1,828,078  

Evergy Inc.

    21,466       1,088,326  

Eversource Energy

    32,604       1,895,923  

Exelon Corp.

    92,929       3,511,787  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    48,090       1,643,716  

NextEra Energy Inc.

    188,522       10,800,425  

NiSource Inc.

    38,607       952,821  

NRG Energy Inc.

    21,375       823,365  

PG&E Corp.(a)

    195,182       3,148,286  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    10,587       780,050  

PPL Corp.

    68,890       1,623,048  

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    46,635       2,653,998  

Sempra Energy

    58,755       3,997,103  

Southern Co.(The)

    101,590       6,574,905  

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    29,482       2,374,775  

Xcel Energy Inc.

    51,534       2,948,775  
   

 

 

 
      80,971,144  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.8%
(Cost: $159,262,643)

      126,865,796  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.6%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(c)(d)

    730,000       730,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.6%
(Cost: $730,000)

      730,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.4%
(Cost: $159,992,643)

      127,595,796  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.4)%

 

    (497,398
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 127,098,398  
   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Utilities ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer   

Value at

03/31/23

    

Purchases

at Cost

    

Proceeds

from Sale

    

Net Realized

Gain (Loss)

    

Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

    

Value at

09/30/23

    

Shares

Held at

09/30/23

     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

 

 

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

   $      $          $ (1 )(b)     $ 1      $      $             $ 21 (c)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     110,000        620,000 (b)                            730,000        730,000        6,085         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 1      $      $ 730,000         $ 6,106      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (c) 

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

 

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

     1        12/15/23      $ 44      $ 14  

S&P Utilities Select Sector E-Mini Index

     2        12/15/23        120        (4,498
           

 

 

 
            $ (4,484
           

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 14      $      $      $      $ 14  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 4,498      $      $      $      $ 4,498  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
    

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    

Other

Contracts

     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (7,243    $      $      $      $ (7,243
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (21,080    $      $      $      $ (21,080
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

50  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Global Utilities ETF

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 372,691      

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

           

Investments

           

Long-Term Investments

           

Common Stocks

   $ 87,519,318      $ 39,346,478      $      $ 126,865,796  

Short-Term Securities

           

Money Market Funds

     730,000                      730,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $   88,249,318      $   39,346,478      $             —      $ 127,595,796  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

           

Assets

           

Equity Contracts

   $      $ 14      $      $ 14  

Liabilities

           

Equity Contracts

     (4,498                    (4,498
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (4,498    $ 14      $        (4,484
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

  51


Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global

Comm

Services ETF

   

iShares

Global

Consumer

Discretionary

ETF

   

iShares

Global Consumer

Staples ETF

   

iShares

Global Energy ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 282,208,636     $ 306,726,394     $ 903,794,569     $ 1,944,851,234  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    1,066,962       5,300,654       2,650,000       2,750,000  

Cash

    12,733       5,901       22,148       2,756  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    44,999       20,001       242,000       608,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts(d)

    7,007       26,478       87,113       65,885  

Foreign currency, at value(e)

    206,257       190,207       1,399,381       2,956,733  

Receivables:

       

Investments sold

          53,248       1,557,203        

Securities lending income — affiliated

    223       318       23       165  

Dividends — unaffiliated

    358,732       399,341       3,827,666       5,312,534  

Dividends — affiliated

    3,418       1,694       7,736       16,112  

Tax reclaims

    10,638       83,129       895,680       610,219  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          671              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    283,919,605       312,808,036       914,483,519       1,957,173,638  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

       

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    227,679       5,091,561              

Payables:

       

Investments purchased

                1,209,663        

Capital shares redeemed

          53,263       10,501,458        

Investment advisory fees

    101,920       111,570       476,837       650,760  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

    440,646                   1,728,250  

Professional fees

    4,706       5,617              

Variation margin on futures contracts

    5,966             22,802       170,393  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    780,917       5,262,011       12,210,760       2,549,403  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

       

NET ASSETS

  $ 283,138,688     $ 307,546,025     $ 902,272,759     $ 1,954,624,235  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

       

Paid-in capital

  $ 415,062,245     $ 384,352,407     $ 1,001,876,128     $ 1,916,012,004  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    (131,923,557     (76,806,382     (99,603,369     38,612,231  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 283,138,688     $ 307,546,025     $ 902,272,759     $ 1,954,624,235  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETVALUE

       

Shares outstanding

    4,150,000       2,100,000       15,800,000       47,400,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 68.23     $ 146.45     $ 57.11     $ 41.24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 301,735,683     $ 341,399,806     $ 1,017,130,849     $ 1,698,463,555  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 223,092     $ 4,997,561     $     $  

(c)  Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 1,066,962     $ 5,301,142     $ 2,650,000     $ 2,750,000  

(d) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 7,316     $ 26,721     $ 90,669     $ 68,619  

(e) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 207,228     $ 190,757     $ 1,406,799     $ 2,939,028  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

52  

2 0 2 3   I S H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S


Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global

Financials

ETF

   

iShares

Global Healthcare

ETF

    

iShares

Global

Industrials

ETF

   

iShares

Global

Materials

ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

        

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 394,484,704     $ 3,926,686,306      $ 516,283,705     $ 248,876,416  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    7,770,998       59,768,779        4,635,643       110,000  

Cash

    25,329              18,733       15,474  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    135,000       595,000        154,000       33,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts(d)

    51,322              64,580       47,498  

Foreign currency, at value(e)

    564,522       1,192,625        752,642       970,539  

Receivables:

        

Investments sold

    24,232                    249,762  

Securities lending income — affiliated

    231       10,208        743        

Capital shares sold

          116,285        3,503,967        

Dividends — unaffiliated

    691,579       4,056,750        724,274       456,704  

Dividends — affiliated

    4,213       25,085        3,977       1,037  

Tax reclaims

    939,651       2,512,122        177,802       233,720  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    404,691,781       3,994,963,160        526,320,066       250,994,150  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Bank overdraft

          1,974               

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    2,296,684       51,837,006        2,692,372        

Payables:

        

Investments purchased

    4,535       21,685        4,477,621        

Capital shares redeemed

                       249,718  

Investment advisory fees

    139,623       1,336,059        140,167       90,008  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

    205,710              48,094        

Professional fees

    11,390              4,706       10,191  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    19,884       111,243        7,584       3,241  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,677,826       53,307,967        7,370,544       353,158  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

        

NET ASSETS

  $ 402,013,955     $ 3,941,655,193      $ 518,949,522     $ 250,640,992  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

        

Paid-in capital

  $ 600,536,040     $ 3,597,618,032      $ 575,249,925     $ 413,306,556  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    (198,522,085     344,037,161        (56,300,403     (162,665,564
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 402,013,955     $ 3,941,655,193      $ 518,949,522     $ 250,640,992  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETVALUE

        

Shares outstanding

    5,700,000       47,850,000        4,600,000       3,200,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 70.53     $ 82.38      $ 112.82     $ 78.33  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None        None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 443,247,138     $ 3,633,378,440      $ 552,746,933     $ 310,303,483  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 2,223,909     $ 50,429,147      $ 2,618,969     $  

(c)  Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 9,367,635     $ 59,767,712      $ 4,635,871     $ 110,000  

(d) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 53,410     $      $ 65,457     $ 50,856  

(e) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 566,118     $ 1,206,842      $ 752,554     $ 962,924  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  53


Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global Tech ETF

    

iShares

Global

Utilities ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

    

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 3,392,707,113      $ 126,865,796  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    9,890,288        730,000  

Cash

    4,315        10,954  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    691,000        8,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts(d)

           4,229  

Foreign currency, at value(e)

    2,040,736        135,680  

Receivables:

    

Securities lending income — affiliated

    853         

Capital shares sold

    1,556         

Dividends — unaffiliated

    2,014,844        180,136  

Dividends — affiliated

    26,993        1,680  

Tax reclaims

    55,474        22,871  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    38,845        302  

Other assets

    10,270         
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

    3,407,482,287        127,959,648  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    967,000         

Payables:

    

Capital shares redeemed

    1,557         

Investment advisory fees

    1,181,828        43,728  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

           716,715  

Professional fees

           100,807  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,150,385        861,250  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

    

NET ASSETS

  $ 3,405,331,902      $ 127,098,398  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

    

Paid-in capital

  $ 2,694,400,330      $ 206,932,069  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

    710,931,572        (79,833,671
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 3,405,331,902      $ 127,098,398  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE

    

Shares outstanding

    58,850,000        2,350,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 57.86      $ 54.08  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited        Unlimited  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Par value

    None        None  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a)   Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 2,687,972,932      $ 159,262,643  

(b)   Securities loaned, at value

  $ 946,120      $  

(c)   Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 9,890,197      $ 730,000  

(d)   Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $      $ 4,226  

(e)   Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 2,068,506      $ 135,813  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

54  

2 0 2 3   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 September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global

Comm

Services ETF

    

iShares

Global

Consumer

Discretionary

ETF

    

iShares

Global

Consumer

Staples ETF

    

iShares

Global

Energy ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

          

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 2,586,057      $ 3,051,744      $ 24,206,526      $ 44,133,282  

Dividends — affiliated

    18,413        9,598        55,522        76,478  

Interest — unaffiliated

    2,571        1,749        8,747        21,318  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    3,675        1,942        1,058        1,363  

Other income — unaffiliated

           5,802                

Foreign taxes withheld

    (106,930      (257,915      (1,343,984      (1,812,052

Foreign withholding tax claims

    23,796        51,080                

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

    1,026                      (51,845
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    2,528,608        2,864,000        22,927,869        42,368,544  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

          

Investment advisory

    603,352        680,412        3,137,142        3,731,833  

Professional

    7,878        5,694        4,862        3,782  

Commitment costs

    114        120        200        1,042  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    611,344        686,226        3,142,204        3,736,657  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,917,264        2,177,774        19,785,665        38,631,887  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

          

Net realized gain (loss) from:

          

Investments — unaffiliated

    (3,308,473      (5,392,683      (5,018,394      (4,190,240

Investments — affiliated

    (713      (124      791        650  

Foreign currency transactions

    (29,376      (40,985      (54,493      (60,738

Futures contracts

    122,158        130,658        (206,519      969,909  

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(a)

    11,514,287        4,092,458        57,289,898        17,059,168  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    8,297,883        (1,210,676      52,011,283        13,778,749  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

          

Investments — unaffiliated

    9,938,579        4,665,272        (171,206,753      144,058,156  

Investments — affiliated

    190        (668              

Foreign currency translations

    (1,473      623        (61,202      (54,096

Futures contracts

    (42,260      (56,858      (334,362      (294,302
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    9,895,036        4,608,369        (171,602,317      143,709,758  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    18,192,919        3,397,693        (119,591,034      157,488,507  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 20,110,183      $ 5,575,467      $ (99,805,369    $ 196,120,394  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  55


Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global

Financials

ETF

    

iShares

Global

Healthcare

ETF

    

iShares

Global

Industrials

ETF

    

iShares

Global

Materials

ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

          

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 8,409,797      $ 34,716,700      $ 4,540,748      $ 5,721,644  

Dividends — affiliated

    96,917        149,668        21,309        8,016  

Interest — unaffiliated

    5,962        20,310        2,732        2,523  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    3,286        69,381        3,819        1,098  

Other income — unaffiliated

    6,297        12,957               6,457  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (675,271      (1,855,914      (311,108      (332,276

Foreign withholding tax claims

    61,379        257,171               96,848  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

    (187,011             (48,094       

Other foreign taxes

           (257              
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    7,721,356        33,370,016        4,209,406        5,504,310  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

          

Investment advisory

    860,637        8,283,877        795,270        624,470  

Professional

    32,913        27,018        26,135        14,118  

Commitment costs

    621               67        610  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    894,171        8,310,895        821,472        639,198  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    6,827,185        25,059,121        3,387,934        4,865,112  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

          

Net realized gain (loss) from:

          

Investments — unaffiliated

    (5,754,235      (8,512,965      (2,842,731      (927,126

Investments — affiliated

    (103,393      275        (675      (36

Foreign currency transactions

    (41,776      (140,746      (58,346      (51,926

Futures contracts

    123,428        519,135        87,569        58,146  

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(a)

    (1,402,819      154,276,198        14,936,976        (96,758

In-kind redemptions — affiliated(a)

    (78,198                     
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    (7,256,993      146,141,897        12,122,793        (1,017,700
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

          

Investments — unaffiliated

    16,393,167        (187,440,430      (20,575,312      (17,008,462

Investments — affiliated

    57,469        (4,288      424        460  

Foreign currency translations

    (27,494      (66,275      (6,445      (6,238

Futures contracts

    (86,995      (837,201      (57,807      (115,374
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    16,336,147        (188,348,194      (20,639,140      (17,129,614
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    9,079,154        (42,206,297      (8,516,347      (18,147,314
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 15,906,339      $ (17,147,176    $ (5,128,413    $ (13,282,202
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56  

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Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Global Tech

ETF

    

iShares

Global

Utilities ETF

 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

    

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 20,016,031      $ 2,934,294  

Dividends — affiliated

    182,811        6,085  

Interest — unaffiliated

    20,038        1,173  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    16,423        21  

Non-cash dividends — unaffiliated

           187,450  

Other income — unaffiliated

           320,748  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (1,242,114      (105,497

Foreign withholding tax claims

           762,389  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

           (667,428
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

    18,993,189        3,439,235  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

    

Investment advisory

    7,058,291        281,490  

Commitment costs

    6,680        37  

Professional

    3,782        113,822  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

    7,068,753        395,349  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    11,924,436        3,043,886  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investments — unaffiliated

    44,792,540        (1,405,582

Investments — affiliated

    (305      1  

Foreign currency transactions

    (224,893      (6,896

Futures contracts

    1,997,151        (7,243

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(a)

    76,212,573        560,240  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
    122,777,066        (859,480
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

    

Investments — unaffiliated

    75,295,814        (14,971,069

Investments — affiliated

    1,848         

Foreign currency translations

    (31,664      1,997  

Futures contracts

    (1,040,593      (21,080
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
    74,225,405        (14,990,152
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    197,002,471        (15,849,632
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 208,926,907      $ (12,805,746
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  57


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

iShares

Global Comm Services ETF

    

iShares

Global Consumer Discretionary ETF

 
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
   

Six Months

Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

    

Year Ended

03/31/23

     Six Months
Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
     Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 1,917,264      $ 2,803,241      $ 2,177,774      $ 3,458,130  

Net realized gain (loss)

    8,297,883        (9,373,960      (1,210,676      (13,236,888

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    9,895,036        (21,120,876      4,608,369        (18,050,264
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    20,110,183        (27,691,595      5,575,467        (27,829,022
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (2,147,975 )(b)       (2,680,016      (2,100,978      (3,272,046
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

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

    8,636,315        46,641,829        (845,114      (22,847,245
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    26,598,523        16,270,218        2,629,375        (53,948,313

Beginning of period

    256,540,165        240,269,947        304,916,650        358,864,963  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 283,138,688      $ 256,540,165      $ 307,546,025      $ 304,916,650  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

(b) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58  

2 0 2 3   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
Global Consumer Staples ETF
     iShares
Global Energy ETF
 
                                        
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

     Year Ended
03/31/23
    

Six Months Ended
09/30/23

(unaudited)

     Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

              

OPERATIONS

              

Net investment income

    $ 19,785,665      $ 27,404,809        $ 38,631,887      $ 105,959,894  

Net realized gain (loss)

      52,011,283        (3,811,619        13,778,749        218,809,541  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (171,602,317      13,550,641          143,709,758        (137,884,777
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (99,805,369      37,143,831          196,120,394        186,884,658  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

              

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (15,738,199      (24,794,345        (34,111,212 )(b)       (103,333,626
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

              

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

      (518,862,779      502,554,697          (6,161,086      (565,617,612
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

              

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (634,406,347      514,904,183          155,848,096        (482,066,580

Beginning of period

      1,536,679,106        1,021,774,923          1,798,776,139        2,280,842,719  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 902,272,759      $ 1,536,679,106        $ 1,954,624,235      $ 1,798,776,139  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

(b) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  59


Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
Global Financials ETF
     iShares
Global Healthcare ETF
 
                                        
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

     Year Ended
03/31/23
    

 Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

     Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

              

OPERATIONS

              

Net investment income

          $ 6,827,185      $ 23,005,081        $ 25,059,121      $ 51,322,730  

Net realized gain (loss)

      (7,256,993      (112,153,947        146,141,897        238,770,770  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      16,336,147        (22,033,959        (188,348,194      (403,158,385
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      15,906,339        (111,182,825        (17,147,176      (113,064,885
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

              

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (6,734,930      (27,379,101        (30,474,507      (46,042,619
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

              

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

      (32,532,183      (598,208,666        (93,979,001      750,358,066  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

              

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (23,360,774      (736,770,592        (141,600,684      591,250,562  

Beginning of period

      425,374,729        1,162,145,321          4,083,255,877        3,492,005,315  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 402,013,955      $ 425,374,729        $ 3,941,655,193      $ 4,083,255,877  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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
Global Industrials ETF
     iShares
Global Materials ETF
 
                            
    Six Months
Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
     Year Ended
03/31/23
    

Six Months
Ended

09/30/23
(unaudited)

     Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 3,387,934      $ 5,326,682      $ 4,865,112      $ 13,017,394  

Net realized gain (loss)

    12,122,793        (8,631,133      (1,017,700      (12,741,655

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (20,639,140      (3,808,019      (17,129,614      (79,806,887
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (5,128,413      (7,112,470      (13,282,202      (79,531,148
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (4,016,258      (5,234,413      (5,133,739      (22,752,409
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

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

    191,136,013        (27,176,051      (82,113,251      (273,573,823
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    181,991,342        (39,522,934      (100,529,192      (375,857,380

Beginning of period

    336,958,180        376,481,114        351,170,184        727,027,564  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 518,949,522      $ 336,958,180      $ 250,640,992      $ 351,170,184  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  61


Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
Global Tech ETF
     iShares
Global Utilities ETF
 
                                        
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

     Year Ended
03/31/23
    

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

     Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

              

OPERATIONS

              

Net investment income

    $ 11,924,436      $ 25,012,577              $ 3,043,886      $ 4,990,892  

Net realized gain (loss)

      122,777,066        482,657,182          (859,480      (3,520,341

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      74,225,405        (988,068,765        (14,990,152      (15,202,838
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      208,926,907        (480,399,006        (12,805,746      (13,732,287
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

              

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (9,583,547      (23,649,568        (2,198,165      (5,088,399
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

              

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

      28,372,371        (1,320,298,332        5,945,925        (25,424,599
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

              

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      227,715,731        (1,824,346,906        (9,057,986      (44,245,285

Beginning of period

      3,177,616,171        5,001,963,077          136,156,384        180,401,669  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 3,405,331,902      $ 3,177,616,171        $ 127,098,398      $ 136,156,384  
   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

62  

2 0 2 3   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 Global Comm Services ETF  
                                                                         
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

   

Year Ended

03/31/22

   

Year Ended

03/31/21

   

Year Ended

03/31/20

   

Year Ended

03/31/19

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                $ 64.14       $ 73.93       $ 80.09       $ 51.81       $ 56.22       $ 57.19  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.44 (b)        0.71 (b)        0.74 (b)        0.66         0.78         1.82  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      4.11         (9.72       (5.42       28.33         (3.85       (0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.55         (9.01       (4.68       28.99         (3.07       1.20  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

      (0.46 )(e)        (0.78       (1.48       (0.71       (1.34       (2.17
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 68.23       $ 64.14       $ 73.93       $ 80.09       $ 51.81       $ 56.22  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

                       

Based on net asset value

      7.11 %(b)(g)        (12.16 )%(b)        (6.03 )%(b)        56.20       (5.70 )%        2.37
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

                       

Total expenses

      0.41 %(i)        0.42       0.43       0.43       0.46       0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.41 %(i)        0.41       0.41       N/A         N/A         N/A  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.30 %(b)(i)        1.18 %(b)        0.89 %(b)        0.96       1.34       3.28
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 283,139       $ 256,540       $ 240,270       $ 320,380       $ 225,363       $ 236,105  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      10       14       18       13       24       79
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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 six months ended September 30, 2023, for the year ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.00, $0.03 and $0.10.

• Total return by 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.15%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.01%, 0.06% and 0.12%.

(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)

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

(f) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(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.

 

 

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

  63


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF  
                                                                         
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

   

Year Ended

03/31/22

   

Year Ended

03/31/21

   

Year Ended

03/31/20

   

Year Ended

03/31/19

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                $ 145.20       $ 156.03       $ 162.55       $ 95.12       $ 113.27       $ 111.45  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.99 (b)        1.58 (b)        1.02 (b)        1.06         1.75         1.70  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      1.22         (11.15       (5.95       67.38         (18.03       1.87  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      2.21         (9.57       (4.93       68.44         (16.28       3.57  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

      (0.96       (1.26       (1.59       (1.01       (1.87       (1.75
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 146.45       $ 145.20       $ 156.03       $ 162.55       $ 95.12       $ 113.27  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                       

Based on net asset value

      1.57 %(b)(f)        (6.12 )%(b)        (3.13 )%(b)        72.21       (14.71 )%(g)        3.32
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

                       

Total expenses

      0.41 %(i)        0.41       0.40       0.43       0.46       0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.41 %(i)        0.41       0.40       N/A         N/A         N/A  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.31 %(b)(i)        1.17 %(b)        0.60 %(b)        0.75       1.47       1.51
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 307,546       $ 304,917       $ 358,865       $ 430,745       $ 156,949       $ 203,889  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      7       17       12       34       17       30
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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 six months ended September 30, 2023, for the year ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.02, $0.01 and $0.03.

• Total return by 0.07%, 0.00% and 0.02%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.03%, 0.01% and 0.02%.

(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) 

Includes payment received from an affiliate, which had no impact on the Fund’s total return.

(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.

 

 

64  

2 0 2 3   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 Global Consumer Staples ETF  
                                                                         
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

          Year Ended    

Year Ended

   

Year Ended

   

Year Ended

   

Year Ended

 
    (unaudited)         03/31/23       03/31/22       03/31/21       03/31/20         03/31/19 (a) 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                $ 61.84       $ 62.11       $ 58.11       $ 47.96       $ 51.67       $ 50.14  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.79         1.29 (c)        1.37         1.34         1.18         1.20  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(d)

      (4.91       (0.38       4.09         10.17         (3.69       1.70  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (4.12       0.91         5.46         11.51         (2.51       2.90  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(e)

      (0.61       (1.18       (1.46       (1.36       (1.20       (1.37
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 57.11       $ 61.84       $ 62.11       $ 58.11       $ 47.96       $ 51.67  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

                       

Based on net asset value

      (6.70 )%(g)        1.56 %(c)        9.42       24.21       (5.10 )%        6.07
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

                       

Total expenses

      0.41 %(i)        0.41       0.40       0.43       0.46       0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.41 %(i)        0.41       N/A         N/A         N/A         N/A  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      2.58 %(i)        2.18 %(c)        2.22       2.46       2.21       2.43
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 902,273       $ 1,536,679       $ 1,021,775       $ 525,907       $ 683,380       $ 738,832  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      5       13       8       7       7       7
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Per share amounts reflect a two-for-one stock split effective after the close of trading on May 1, 2018.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

Reflects the positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated professional fees, which resulted in the following increases for the year ended March 31, 2023:

• Net investment income per share by $0.00.

• Total return by 0.01%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.01%.

(d) 

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.

(e) 

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

(f) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(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.

 

 

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

  65


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Global Energy ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

   

Year Ended

03/31/22

   

Year Ended

03/31/21

   

Year Ended

03/31/20

   

Year Ended

03/31/19

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

           $ 37.71     $ 36.12     $ 24.63     $ 17.06       $ 33.70     $ 33.91  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.82       1.89 (b)      1.22       0.94         1.13       1.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      3.42       1.56       11.37       7.62         (15.61     (0.29
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.24       3.45       12.59       8.56         (14.48     0.82  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

      (0.71 )(e)      (1.86     (1.10     (0.99       (2.16     (1.03
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 41.24     $ 37.71     $ 36.12     $ 24.63       $ 17.06     $ 33.70  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

               

Based on net asset value

      11.45 %(g)      9.39 %(b)      52.61     51.36       (45.73 )%      2.56
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

               

Total expenses

      0.41 %(i)      0.44     0.40     0.43       0.46     0.46
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.41 %(i)      0.41     N/A       N/A         N/A       N/A  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      4.24 %(i)      5.03 %(b)      4.33     4.65       3.78     3.17
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

             $ 1,954,624     $ 1,798,776     $ 2,280,843     $ 1,308,021       $ 616,818     $ 1,031,245  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      4     10     6     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 year ended March 31, 2023:

• Net investment income per share by $0.07.

• Total return by 0.24%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.18%.

(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) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

(f) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(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.

 

 

66  

2 0 2 3   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 Global Financials ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

   

Year Ended

03/31/22

   

Year Ended

03/31/21

   

Year Ended

03/31/20

   

Year Ended

03/31/19

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 69.17       $ 79.60     $ 73.29       $ 47.23       $ 61.61       $ 68.93  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      1.16 (b)        2.19 (b)      1.65 (b)        1.36         1.71         1.84  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      1.33         (10.01     6.01         26.09         (14.12       (7.38
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      2.49         (7.82     7.66         27.45         (12.41       (5.54
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

      (1.13       (2.61     (1.35       (1.39       (1.97       (1.78
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 70.53       $ 69.17     $ 79.60       $ 73.29       $ 47.23       $ 61.61  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                     

Based on net asset value

      3.62 %(b)(f)        (9.86 )%(b)(g)      10.48 %(b)        58.99       (20.99 )%(h)        (8.02 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(i)

                     

Total expenses

      0.43 %(j)        0.42     0.40       0.43       0.46       0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.42 %(j)        0.41     0.40       0.43       N/A         0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      3.25 %(b)(j)        3.12 %(b)      2.07 %(b)        2.28       2.66       2.84
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                     

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 402,014       $ 425,375     $ 1,162,145       $ 472,743       $ 203,073       $ 341,918  
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(k)

      3       13     12       4       7       7
   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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 six months ended September 30, 2023, for the year ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.00, $0.03 and $0.01.

• Total return by 0.00%, 0.06% and 0.02%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.01%, 0.04% and 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) 

Includes proceeds received from a class action litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been (9.92)% for the year ended March 31, 2023.

(h) 

Includes payment received from an affiliate, which had no impact on the Fund’s total return.

(i) 

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

(j) 

Annualized.

(k) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  67


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Global Healthcare ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended                                
     

09/30/23

(unaudited

 

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

 

 

   

Year Ended

03/31/22

 

 

   

Year Ended

03/31/21

 

 

   

Year Ended

03/31/20

 

 

   

Year Ended

03/31/19

 

(a) 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 83.42     $ 87.41     $ 76.96     $ 60.95     $ 61.13     $ 55.61  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.53 (c)      1.11 (c)      1.07       1.02       0.96       0.92  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(d)

      (0.93     (4.11     10.39       15.96       (0.16     5.80  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (0.40     (3.00     11.46       16.98       0.80       6.72  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(e)

      (0.64     (0.99     (1.01     (0.97     (0.98     (1.20
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 82.38     $ 83.42     $ 87.41     $ 76.96     $ 60.95     $ 61.13  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

             

Based on net asset value

      (0.48 )%(c)(g)      (3.44 )%(c)      14.94     28.03     1.23     12.29
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

             

Total expenses

      0.41 %(i)      0.42     0.40     0.43     0.46     0.46
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.41 %(i)      0.41     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.24 %(c)(i)      1.34 %(c)      1.27     1.41     1.52     1.55
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 3,941,655     $ 4,083,256     $ 3,492,005     $ 2,705,201     $ 1,947,392     $ 2,121,287  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      2     3     4     5     5     8
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Per share amounts reflect a two-for-one stock split effective after the close of trading on May 1, 2018.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

Reflects the positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated professional fees, which resulted in the following increases for the six month ended September 30, 2023 and for the year ended March 31, 2023 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.00 and $0.01.

• Total return by 0.01% and 0.01%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.01% and 0.01%.

(d) 

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.

(e) 

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

(f) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(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.

 

 

68  

2 0 2 3   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 Global Industrials ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

   

Year Ended

03/31/22

   

Year Ended

03/31/21

   

Year Ended

03/31/20

   

Year Ended

03/31/19

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

               $ 114.22       $ 115.84       $ 115.74       $ 71.50       $ 88.88       $ 91.22  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      1.02         1.77 (b)        1.53 (b)        1.32         1.61         1.65  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (0.93       (1.65       0.32         44.27         (17.32       (2.27
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      0.09         0.12         1.85         45.59         (15.71       (0.62
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

      (1.49       (1.74       (1.75       (1.35       (1.67       (1.72
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 112.82       $ 114.22       $ 115.84       $ 115.74       $ 71.50       $ 88.88  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                       

Based on net asset value

      0.05 %(f)        0.22 %(b)        1.54 %(b)        64.27       (18.08 )%        (0.59 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                       

Total expenses

      0.42 %(h)        0.42       0.41       0.43       0.46       0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.42 %(h)        0.41       0.40       0.43       N/A         N/A  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      1.74 %(h)        1.69 %(b)        1.27 %(b)        1.34       1.75       1.87
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 518,950       $ 336,958       $ 376,481       $ 422,466       $ 146,580       $ 217,744  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      5       9       7       8       5       5
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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 year ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.02 and $0.05.

• Total return by 0.01% and 0.05%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.01% and 0.04%.

(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.

 

 

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

  69


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Global Materials ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
          (unaudited)           03/31/23           03/31/22           03/31/21           03/31/20           03/31/19  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

               $ 83.61       $ 93.81       $ 86.59       $ 49.67       $ 64.22       $ 67.34  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      1.31 (b)        2.60 (b)        3.16 (b)        2.07         1.54         1.91  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (5.20       (9.00       7.23         35.84         (13.63       (3.44
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (3.89       (6.40       10.39         37.91         (12.09       (1.53
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

      (1.39       (3.80       (3.17       (0.99       (2.46       (1.59
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 78.33       $ 83.61       $ 93.81       $ 86.59       $ 49.67       $ 64.22  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                       

Based on net asset value

      (4.70 )%(b)(f)        (6.77 )%(b)        12.19 %(b)        76.78       (19.66 )%        (2.14 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                       

Total expenses

      0.42 %(h)        0.41       0.40       0.43       0.45       0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.41 %(h)        0.41       0.40       N/A         N/A         0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      3.19 %(b)(h)        3.20 %(b)        3.48 %(b)        2.76       2.43       2.91
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 250,641       $ 351,170       $ 727,028       $ 722,999       $ 129,132       $ 208,704  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      4       9       6       4       12       11
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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 six month ended September 30, 2023, for the year ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.02, $0.00 and $0.01.

• Total return by 0.03%, 0.01% and (0.01%).

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.05%, 0.00% and 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) 

Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

70  

2 0 2 3   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 Global Tech ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended                                
     

09/30/23

(unaudited)

 

 

   
Year Ended
03/31/23
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/22
 
(a)  
   
Year Ended
03/31/21
 
(a)  
   
Year Ended
03/31/20
 
(a)  
   
Year Ended
03/31/19
 
(a)  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 54.36     $ 57.86     $ 51.13     $ 30.49     $ 28.48     $ 26.31  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.20       0.37 (c)       0.29 (c)       0.33       0.38       0.30  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(d)

      3.47       (3.51     6.81       20.62       2.00       2.10  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      3.67       (3.14     7.10       20.95       2.38       2.40  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(e)

      (0.17     (0.36     (0.37     (0.31     (0.37     (0.23
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

             $ 57.86     $ 54.36     $ 57.86     $ 51.13     $ 30.49     $ 28.48  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

             

Based on net asset value

      6.74 %(g)       (5.34 )%(c)       13.89 %(c)       68.97     8.33     9.19
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

             

Total expenses

      0.41 %(i)       0.41     0.40     0.43     0.46     0.46
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.41 %(i)       0.41     0.40     0.43     N/A       0.46
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.69 %(i)       0.77 %(c)       0.50 %(c)       0.75     1.21     1.09
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 3,405,332     $ 3,177,616     $ 5,001,963     $ 5,046,541     $ 2,752,872     $ 2,819,178  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      6     12     7     4     7     17
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Per share amounts reflect a six-for-one stock split effective after the close of trading on July 16, 2021.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

Reflects the positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated professional fees, which resulted in the following increases for the year ended March 31, 2023 and March 31,2022 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.00 and $0.00.

• Total return by 0.01% and 0.01%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.00% and 0.00%..

(d) 

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.

(e) 

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

(f) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(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.

 

 

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

  71


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Global Utilities ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
    Year Ended     Year Ended    

Year Ended

    Year Ended     Year Ended  
          (unaudited)           03/31/23           03/31/22           03/31/21           03/31/20           03/31/19  

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 60.51       $ 65.60       $ 60.51       $ 50.71       $ 54.08       $ 48.78  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      1.32 (b)         1.86 (b)         1.81         1.71         1.62         1.78  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      (6.79       (5.06       5.08         9.68         (2.98       5.07  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (5.47       (3.20       6.89         11.39         (1.36       6.85  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

                 (0.96       (1.89       (1.80       (1.59       (2.01       (1.55
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 54.08       $ 60.51       $ 65.60       $ 60.51       $ 50.71       $ 54.08  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                       

Based on net asset value

      (9.18 )%(b)(f)        (4.93 )%(b)        11.59       22.70       (2.84 )%        14.40
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                       

Total expenses

      0.50 %(h)(i)        0.43       0.42       0.43       0.46       0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.42 %(h)         0.41       N/A         N/A         N/A         0.46
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      4.43 %(b)(h)        3.06 %(b)         2.91       3.03       2.87       3.53
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 127,098       $ 136,156       $ 180,402       $ 151,268       $ 152,123       $ 208,222  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(j)

      3       9       9       7       6       8
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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 six month ended September 30, 2023 and for the year ended March 31, 2023 respectively:

• Net investment income per share by $0.28 and $0.06.

• Total return by 0.46% and 0.12%.

• Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.94% and 0.11%.

(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) 

Professional fees were not annualized in the calculation of the expense ratio. If this expense was annualized, the total expense would have been 0.57%.

(j) 

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    

Global Comm Services

  Non-diversified    

Global Consumer Discretionary

  Diversified    

Global Consumer Staples

  Diversified    

Global Energy

  Non-diversified    

Global Financials

  Diversified    

Global Healthcare

  Diversified    

Global Industrials

  Diversified    

Global Materials

  Diversified    

Global Tech

  Non-diversified    

Global Utilities

  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 September 30, 2023, 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.

Collateralization: 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.

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.

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. The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) of each Fund has approved the designation of BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, as the valuation designee for each Fund. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under BFA’s policies. 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 BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value. BFA has formed a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to develop pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments, with assistance from other BlackRock pricing committees.

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 Valuation Committee, in accordance with BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the 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 Valuation Committee 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 Valuation Committee deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement.

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 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 Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. The categorization of a value determined for financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

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

As of period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested in money market funds managed by BFA, 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

   
Securities Loaned
at Value
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a)  
   

Non-Cash Collateral

Received, at Fair Value

 

(a) 

    Net Amount  

 

 

Global Comm Services

        

Morgan Stanley

  $ 211,392      $ (211,392   $     $  

UBS AG

    11,700        (11,700            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 223,092      $ (223,092)     $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Consumer Discretionary

        

RBC Capital Markets LLC.

  $ 5,447      $ (5,427   $     $ 20 (b) 

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.

    3,468,120        (3,468,120            

SG Americas Securities LLC.

    1,523,994        (1,523,994            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 4,997,561      $ (4,997,541   $     $ 20  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Financials

        

BMO Capital Markets

  $ 142,500      $ (142,500   $     $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    2,081,409        (2,081,409            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 2,223,909      $ (2,223,909   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Healthcare

        

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 7,454,528      $ (7,454,528   $     $  

Citadel Clearing LLC

    235,176        (235,176            

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.

    9,369,256        (9,369,256            

HSBC Bank PLC

    4,587,363        (4,587,363            

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

    13,221,600        (13,221,600            

Virtu Americas LLC.

    578,592        (578,592            

Wells Fargo Bank N.A

    14,982,632        (14,982,632            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 50,429,147      $ (50,429,147   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty

   
Securities Loaned
at Value
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a)  
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received, at Fair Value
 
(a) 
    Net Amount  

 

 

Global Industrials

        

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 291,630      $ (291,630   $     $  

BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd.

    435,840        (435,840            

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

    418,003        (418,003            

Jefferies LLC.

    127,440        (127,440            

Morgan Stanley

    611,037        (611,037            

TD Prime Services LLC.

    735,019        (735,019            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 2,618,969      $ (2,618,969   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Tech

        

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 946,120      $ (946,120   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received, if any, 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 
  (b) 

The market value of the loaned securities is determined as of September 30, 2023. 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 Fund, 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 Fees    

First $10 billion

   0.4800% 

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

   0.4300    

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

   0.3800    

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

   0.3420    

Over $40 billion

   0.3078    

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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 iShares Global Comm Services ETF and iShares Global Tech 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.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each of iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF, iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF, iShares Global Energy ETF, iShares Global Financials ETF, iShares Global Healthcare ETF, iShares Global Industrials ETF, iShares Global Materials ETF and iShares Global Utilities 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.

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 September 30, 2023, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   
iShares ETF   Amounts  

Global Comm Services

  $ 1,195  

Global Consumer Discretionary

    748  

Global Consumer Staples

    411  

Global Energy

    498  

Global Financials

    849  

Global Healthcare

    22,390  

Global Industrials

    1,421  

Global Materials

    415  

Global Tech

    6,708  

Global Utilities

    8  

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

 

 

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Notes to 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 September 30, 2023, 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)
 

Global Comm Services

  $ 11,141,965      $ 6,991,875      $ (2,071,161

Global Consumer Discretionary

    7,509,395        9,377,245        (2,199,472

Global Consumer Staples

    22,729,430        33,480,210        (74,003

Global Energy

    16,243,541        4,773,128        (16,664

Global Financials

    2,791,309        862,602        (331,348

Global Healthcare

    21,537,547        3,602,240        (234,554

Global Industrials

    5,442,833        401,064        (55,543

Global Materials

    1,448,709        961,026        51,474  

Global Tech

    38,359,873        46,351,498        20,303,018  

Global Utilities

    133,322        678,168        (101,846

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 September 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales    

Global Comm Services

  $ 34,989,280      $ 29,585,519    

Global Consumer Discretionary

    23,940,920        22,215,361    

Global Consumer Staples

    78,549,527        70,249,582    

Global Energy

    85,575,850        80,513,574    

Global Financials

    14,112,078        14,792,877    

Global Healthcare

    69,042,842        74,506,488    

Global Industrials

    24,952,009        18,567,540    

Global Materials

    10,707,569        13,527,256    

Global Tech

    210,969,369        198,388,739    

Global Utilities

    5,560,595        4,572,302    

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
    

In-kind  

Sales  

 

Global Comm Services

  $ 59,697,665      $ 56,829,391    

Global Consumer Discretionary

    19,823,378        22,075,766    

Global Consumer Staples

    73,373,319        586,155,482    

Global Energy

    63,770,007        69,702,255    

Global Financials

    6,038,576        37,227,177    

Global Healthcare

    298,451,772        390,974,583    

Global Industrials

    316,509,948        133,296,056    

Global Materials

           78,360,818    

Global Tech

    160,603,180        143,803,237    

Global Utilities

    14,486,497        8,669,946    

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

Each Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of September 30, 2023, 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 March 31, 2023, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
 

Global Comm Services

  $ (117,568,119

Global Consumer Discretionary

    (37,746,038

Global Consumer Staples

    (44,421,053

Global Energy

    (222,017,490

Global Financials

    (141,359,570

Global Healthcare

    (86,791,650

Global Industrials

    (32,099,046

Global Materials

    (96,368,567

Global Tech

    (116,952,012

Global Utilities

    (46,525,570

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 September 30, 2023, 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)
 

Global Comm Services

  $ 305,983,822      $ 23,363,730      $ (46,088,450   $ (22,724,720

Global Consumer Discretionary

    350,698,688        16,469,990        (55,162,921     (38,692,931

Global Consumer Staples

    1,024,395,424        21,521,402        (139,472,257     (117,950,855

Global Energy

    1,722,804,428        313,242,268        (88,566,679     224,675,589  

Global Financials

    455,038,602        22,842,575        (75,686,724     (52,844,149

Global Healthcare

    3,715,467,011        607,080,866        (336,448,546     270,632,320  

Global Industrials

    559,308,900        16,239,182        (54,646,027     (38,406,845

Global Materials

    315,073,785        12,810,009        (78,935,015     (66,125,006

Global Tech

    2,704,424,657        819,695,888        (122,072,874     697,623,014  

Global Utilities

    161,710,763        3,132,415        (37,251,866     (34,119,451

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares Global Comm Services ETF, iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF, iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF, iShares Global Energy ETF, iShares Global Financials ETF, iShares Global Industrials ETF, iShares Global Materials ETF, iShares Global Tech ETF and iShares Global Utilities 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 9, 2024. 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) Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 0.10% and 1.00% per annum or (b) the U.S. Federal Funds rate 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 September 30, 2023, 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.

 

 

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

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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.

Infectious Illness Risk: An outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely impact the economies of many nations and the global economy, and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen. An infectious illness outbreak may result in, among other things, closed international borders, prolonged quarantines, supply chain disruptions, market volatility or disruptions and other significant economic, social and political impacts.

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 may significantly impact the resulting fair value and therefore each Fund’s results of operations. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by each Fund, and each Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. Each Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

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 BFA 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.

Geographic/Asset Class 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 securities of issuers located in the United States. A decrease in imports or exports, changes in trade regulations, inflation and/or an economic recession in the United States may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. economy and the securities listed on U.S. exchanges. Proposed and adopted policy and legislative changes in the United States may also have a significant effect on U.S. markets generally, as well as on the value of certain securities. Governmental agencies project that the United States will continue to maintain elevated public debt levels for the foreseeable future which may constrain future economic growth. Circumstances could arise that could prevent the timely payment of interest or principal on U.S. government debt, such as reaching the legislative “debt ceiling.” Such non-payment would result in substantial negative consequences for the U.S. economy and the global financial system. If U.S. relations with certain countries deteriorate, it could adversely affect issuers that rely on the United States for trade. The United States has also experienced increased internal unrest and discord. If these trends were to continue, they may have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy and the issuers in which the the Funds invest.

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. These events and actions have adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-European Union member states. 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 have been, and may continue to 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.

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.

 

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

09/30/23

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Global Comm Services

       

Shares sold

    1,000,000     $ 66,699,305       5,000,000     $ 285,678,262  

Shares redeemed

    (850,000     (58,062,990     (4,250,000     (239,036,433
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    150,000     $ 8,636,315       750,000     $ 46,641,829  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Consumer Discretionary

       

Shares sold

    150,000     $ 21,698,520       1,950,000     $ 257,608,569  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000     (22,543,634     (2,150,000     (280,455,814
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (845,114     (200,000   $ (22,847,245
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Consumer Staples

       

Shares sold

    1,400,000     $ 80,884,060       10,150,000     $ 606,139,893  

Shares redeemed

    (10,350,000     (599,746,839     (1,750,000     (103,585,196
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (8,950,000   $ (518,862,779     8,400,000     $ 502,554,697  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Energy

       

Shares sold

    1,650,000     $ 67,044,157       10,350,000     $ 380,017,898  

Shares redeemed

    (1,950,000     (73,205,243     (25,800,000     (945,635,510
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (300,000 )      $ (6,161,086 )        (15,450,000 )      $ (565,617,612
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Financials

       

Shares sold

    100,000     $ 6,913,068       1,500,000     $ 109,276,663  

Shares redeemed

    (550,000     (39,445,251     (9,950,000     (707,485,329
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (450,000   $ (32,532,183     (8,450,000   $ (598,208,666
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Healthcare

       

Shares sold

    3,550,000     $ 302,851,555       16,250,000     $ 1,349,795,290  

Shares redeemed

    (4,650,000     (396,830,556     (7,250,000     (599,437,224
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (1,100,000   $ (93,979,001     9,000,000     $ 750,358,066  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Industrials

       

Shares sold

    2,850,000     $ 329,440,958       900,000     $ 96,114,001  

Shares redeemed

    (1,200,000     (138,304,945     (1,200,000     (123,290,052
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    1,650,000     $ 191,136,013       (300,000   $ (27,176,051
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

 

 

Global Materials

       

Shares sold

        $ 7,032       800,000     $ 67,400,271  

Shares redeemed

    (1,000,000     (82,120,283     (4,350,000     (340,974,094
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (1,000,000   $ (82,113,251     (3,550,000   $ (273,573,823
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Tech

       

Shares sold

       3,100,000      $ 188,053,719       3,700,000     $ 189,510,660  

Shares redeemed

    (2,700,000 )        (159,681,348 )        (31,700,000 )        (1,509,808,992
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    400,000     $ 28,372,371       (28,000,000   $ (1,320,298,332
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Global Utilities

       

Shares sold

    250,000     $ 14,846,384       500,000     $ 32,654,633  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000     (8,900,459     (1,000,000     (58,079,232
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    100,000     $ 5,945,925       (500,000   $ (25,424,599
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 each of the iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF, iShares Global Healthcare ETF and iShares Global Materials ETF are able to pass through to shareholders as a foreign tax credit in the current year, each of the Funds will be able to offset the prior years’ withholding taxes recovered against the foreign taxes paid in the current year. Accordingly, no federal income tax liability is recorded by the Funds.

The iShares Global Comm Services ETF, iShares Global Energy ETF, iShares Global Financials ETF, iShares Global Industrials ETF and iShares Global Utilities ETF are seeking 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 Funds 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 Funds have 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’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 item was noted:

Effective October 18, 2023, the Syndicated Credit Agreement to which the Participating Funds are party was amended to extend the maturity date to October 2024 under the same terms.

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

iShares Global Comm Services ETF, iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF, iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF, iShares Global Energy ETF, iShares Global Financials ETF, iShares Global Healthcare ETF, iShares Global Industrials ETF, iShares Global Materials ETF, iShares Global Tech ETF (each 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

iShares Global Utilities 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

Conclusion: Based on a review of the factors described above, as well as such other factors as deemed appropriate by the Board, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Fund’s investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement does not constitute a fee that is so disproportionately

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

large as to bear no reasonable relationship to the services rendered and that could not have been the product of arm’s-length bargaining, and concluded to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

 

 

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Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Section 19(a) Notices

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

September 30, 2023

 

    

 

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

 

Global Comm Services(a)

  $ 0.453713      $      $  0.003303      $  0.457016           99         1     100

Global Energy(a)

    0.682758               0.030120        0.712878                 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.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and ETFs

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

 

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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

  89


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviation
ADR                        American Depositary Receipt
NVS    Non-Voting Shares

    

 

 

 

90  

2 0 2 3   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


 

 

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

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

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

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

©2023 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-300-0923

 

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO         


 

LOGO

  SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 

  

2023 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares Asia 50 ETF | AIA | NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF | IBLC | NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF | EMIF | NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares Europe ETF | IEV | NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF | IVRS | NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares India 50 ETF | INDY | NASDAQ

 

·  

iShares International Developed Property ETF | WPS | NYSE Arca

 

·  

iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF | ISVL | Cboe BZX

 

·  

iShares International Dividend Growth ETF | IGRO | Cboe BZX

 

·  

iShares Latin America 40 ETF | ILF | NYSE Arca


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The combination of continued economic growth and moderating inflation provided a supportive backdrop for investors during the 12-month reporting period ended September 30, 2023. Significantly tighter monetary policy helped to rein in inflation while the economy proved more resilient than many investors anticipated. A moderating labor market also helped ease inflationary pressure, although wages continued to grow and unemployment rates touched the lowest levels in decades. This robust labor market powered further growth in consumer spending, backstopping the economy. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a horrific attack on Israel. The ensuing war will have a significant humanitarian impact and could lead to heightened economic and market volatility. We see geopolitics as a structural market risk going forward. See our geopolitical risk dashboard at blackrock.com for more details.

Equity returns were substantial, as the durability of consumer sentiment and spending mitigated investors’ concerns about the economy’s trajectory. The U.S. economy resumed growth in the third quarter of 2022 and continued to expand thereafter. All major classes of equities rose, although large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted significantly higher returns than small-capitalization U.S. stocks due primarily to the performance of large technology companies. International developed market equities also advanced strongly, and emerging market equities posted solid gains.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose during the reporting period, driving its price down, as investors reacted to elevated inflation and attempted to anticipate future interest rate changes. The corporate bond market benefited from improving economic sentiment, although high-yield corporate bond prices fared significantly better than investment-grade bonds as demand from yield-seeking investors remained strong.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), attempting to manage persistent inflation, raised interest rates six times during the 12-month period. Furthermore, the Fed wound down its bond-buying programs and incrementally reduced its balance sheet by not replacing securities that reach maturity. However, the Fed declined to raise interest rates at two of its meetings late in the period.

Supply constraints appear to have become an embedded feature of the new macroeconomic environment, making it difficult for developed economies to increase production without sparking higher inflation. Geopolitical fragmentation and an aging population risk further exacerbating these constraints, keeping the labor market tight and wage growth high. Although the Fed has decelerated the pace of interest rate hikes and recently opted for two pauses, we believe that the new economic regime means that the Fed will need to maintain high rates for an extended period to keep inflation under control. Furthermore, ongoing structural changes may mean that the Fed will be hesitant to cut interest rates in the event of faltering economic activity lest inflation accelerate again. We believe investors should expect a period of higher volatility as markets adjust to the new economic reality and policymakers attempt to adapt.

While we favor an overweight position in developed market equities in the long term, we prefer an underweight stance in the near term. Expectations for corporate earnings remain elevated, which seems inconsistent with macroeconomic constraints. Nevertheless, we are overweight on Japanese stocks in the near term as shareholder-friendly policies generate increased investor interest. We also believe that stocks with an AI tilt should benefit from an investment cycle that is set to support revenues and margins. In credit, there are selective opportunities in the near term despite tightening credit and financial conditions. For fixed income investing with a six- to twelve-month horizon, we see the most attractive investments in short-term U.S. Treasuries, U.S. inflation-linked bonds, euro area government bonds and gilts, U.S. mortgage-backed securities, and hard-currency emerging market bonds.

Overall, our view is that investors need to think globally, position themselves to be prepared for a decarbonizing economy, 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.

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc..

 

Total Returns as of September 30, 2023  
     
     6-Month     12-Month  
   

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

    5.18%       21.62%  
   

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

    (0.19)         8.93     
   

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

    (1.28)         25.65     
   

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

    (2.05)         11.70     
   

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

    2.50          4.47     
   

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

    (6.98)         (2.90)    
   

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

    (4.05)         0.64     
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

    (4.05)         2.66     
   

U.S. high yield bonds
(Bloomberg U.S. Corporate

High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

    2.22          10.28     
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  

Semi-Annual Report:

  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     14  

Disclosure of Expenses

     14  

Schedules of Investments

     15  

Financial Statements

  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     57  

Statements of Operations

     60  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     63  

Financial Highlights

     68  

Notes to Financial Statements

     78  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     90  

Supplemental Information

     102  

General Information

     103  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     104  

 

 

 


Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Asia 50 ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Asia 50 ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of 50 of the largest Asian equities, as represented by the S&PAsia 50TM (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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years   

Fund NAV

    (9.20 )%       13.63      (0.36 )%    3.88%        13.63      (1.79 )%     46.26%

Fund Market

    (9.62      13.88        (0.36   3.88           13.88        (1.79    46.35   

Index

    (8.80      14.05        0.27     4.48             14.05        1.33      54.98   

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value              Account Value             Paid During       Account Value              Account Value             Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)             (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                 Ratio  
    $       1,000.00      $          908.00        $         2.39             $      1,000.00      $      1,022.50        $        2.53                 0.50

 

  (a)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector   Percent of   
Total Investments(a)

Information Technology

  38.7%

Financials

  21.3   

Consumer Discretionary

  16.3   

Communication Services

  16.2   

Materials

  3.1   

Industrials

  1.8   

Health Care

  1.4   

Real Estate

  1.2   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region   Percent of  
Total Investments(a)
 

China

    38.5

Taiwan

    25.6  

South Korea

    22.6  

Hong Kong

    8.4  

Singapore

    4.9  
 

 

 

4  

2 0 2 3   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 September 30, 2023    iShares® Blockchain and Tech ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. and non-U.S. companies that are involved in the development, innovation, and utilization of blockchain and crypto technologies; as represented by the NYSE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies 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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year     Since
Inception
        1 Year      Since
Inception

Fund NAV

    (0.45 )%       12.58   (26.72)%        12.58    (36.00)%

Fund Market

    (0.41      12.84     (26.55)           12.84      (35.79)   

Index

    (0.88      10.83     (27.41)             10.83      (36.76)   

The inception date of the Fund was April 25, 2022. The first day of secondary market trading was April 27, 2022.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

 

     

 

           
    Beginning        Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
    Account Value        Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
      (04/01/23)        (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
      $      1,000.00        $           995.50        $          2.34             $       1,000.00      $       1,022.70        $          2.38                 0.47

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector   Percent of  
Total Investments(a)

Information Technology

  73.5%

Financials

  24.7   

Other (each representing less than 1%)

  1.8   

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security   Percent of  
Total Investments(a)
 

Coinbase Global Inc., Class A

    13.3

Riot Blockchain Inc.

    11.7  

Marathon Digital Holdings Inc.

    9.8  

Cleanspark Inc.

    7.4  

Applied Blockchain Inc.

    5.6  

International Business Machines Corp.

    4.4  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

    4.3  

Hut 8 Mining Corp.

    4.3  

PayPal Holdings Inc.

    4.2  

Nvidia Corp.

    4.1  
 

 

 

U N D  U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of 30 of the largest equities in the emerging markets infrastructure industry, as represented by the S&P Emerging Markets Infrastructure IndexTM (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns         

Cumulative Total Returns

     6-Month
Total Returns
     1Year      5 Years     10 Years              1 Year      5 Years      10 Years   

Fund NAV

    (2.89 )%       12.37      (3.57 )%    (1.96)%        12.37      (16.62 )%     (17.97)%

Fund Market

    (2.41      11.60        (3.56   (2.04)           11.60        (16.56    (18.60)   

Index

    (2.57      12.71        (2.95   (1.49)                 12.71        (13.91    (13.93)   

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $          971.10        $        2.96             $        1,000.00      $        1,022.00        $        3.03                 0.60

 

  (a)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Utilities

    40.3

Industrials

    39.3  

Energy

    20.4  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

China

    35.1

Brazil

    25.7  

Mexico

    17.6  

Thailand

    10.1  

Qatar

    4.9  

United Arab Emirates

    3.4  

South Korea

    3.2  

Russia

    0.0  
 

 

 

6  

2 0 2 3   H A R E S   S E M I - A N N U A L  E P O R T   T O  H A R E H O L D E R S


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Europe ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Europe ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of European equities, as represented by the S&P Europe 350TM (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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years   

Fund NAV

    (2.56 )%       29.81      3.96   3.70%       29.81      21.43    43.84%

Fund Market

    (2.43      29.80        4.02     3.67          29.80        21.76      43.43   

Index

    (2.09      29.26        4.22     4.00                29.26        22.93      47.99   

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $          974.40        $        2.96             $        1,000.00      $        1,022.00        $        3.03                 0.60

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    18.2

Health Care

    16.1  

Industrials

    14.8  

Consumer Staples

    12.2  

Consumer Discretionary

    10.6  

Materials

    7.0  

Energy

    6.6  

Information Technology

    6.6  

Utilities

    4.0  

Communication Services

    3.2  

Real Estate

    0.7  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

United Kingdom

    24.1

France

    18.0  

Switzerland

    15.6  

Germany

    12.4  

Netherlands

    6.5  

Denmark

    5.0  

Sweden

    4.6  

Spain

    3.9  

Italy

    3.8  

Belgium

    1.5  

Finland

    1.4  

Ireland

    1.3  

Norway

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.9  
 

 

 

U N D  U M M A R Y

  7


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Future MetaverseTech andCommunications ETF(the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. and non-U.S. companies that provide products and services that are expected to contribute to the metaverse in areas including virtual platforms, social media, gaming, 3D software, digital assets, and virtual and augmented reality, as represented by the Morningstar Global Metaverse & Virtual Interaction 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   

     6-Month
Total Returns
    Since   
Inception   

Fund NAV

    4.38   9.41%

Fund Market

    4.56     9.39   

Index

    4.88     9.89   

The inception date of the Fund was February 14, 2023. The first day of secondary market trading was February 16, 2023.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $          1,043.80        $        2.40             $        1,000.00      $        1,022.70        $        2.38                 0.47

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Industry    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Entertainment

    30.1

Software

    29.9  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

    14.5  

Interactive Media & Services

    12.8  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

    6.9  

Household Durables

    5.4  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.4  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Apple Inc.

    5.9

Meta Platforms Inc., Class A

    5.0  

Nvidia Corp

    4.8  

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    4.7  

NetEase Inc.

    4.6  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    4.6  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.

    4.6  

ROBLOX Corp., Class A

    4.6  

Nintendo Co.. Ltd.

    4.5  

PTC Inc.

    4.4  
 

 

 

8  

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Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® India 50 ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares India 50 ETF(the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of 50 of the largest Indian equities, as represented by the Nifty 50 Index (the “Index”) and determined by the Index provider, NSE Indices Ltd.. 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-Month
Total Returns
    1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    9.65 %(a)      10.86      8.27   9.50%        10.86      48.76    147.93%

Fund Market

    10.11       11.13        8.26     9.50           11.13        48.70      147.90   

Index

    12.84       13.70        10.72     11.32             13.70        66.38      192.13   

 

  (a) 

The NAV total return presented in the table for the six-months period differs from the same period return disclosed in the financial highlights. The total return in the financial highlights is calculated in the same manner but differs due to certain adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $          1,096.50        $        4.66             $        1,000.00      $        1,020.60        $        4.50                 0.89

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    36.0

Information Technology

    13.8  

Energy

    11.2  

Consumer Staples

    9.3  

Consumer Discretionary

    7.8  

Materials

    6.8  

Industrials

    5.9  

Health Care

    4.1  

Communication Services

    2.7  

Utilities

    2.4  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

   
Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    13.3

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    9.2  

ICICI Bank Ltd.

    7.7  

Infosys Ltd.

    5.9  

ITC Ltd.

    4.6  

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

    4.2  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    4.2  

Axis Bank Ltd.

    3.3  

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.

    3.0  

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    2.7  
 

 

 

U N D  U M M A R Y

  9


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® International Developed Property ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares International Developed Property ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of real estate equities in developed non-U.S. markets, as represented by the S&P Developed ex-U.S. Property IndexTM (the “Index”).The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may notholdall of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

 

           Average Annual Total Returns          Cumulative Total Returns
    

6-Month

Total Returns

     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years              1 Year      5 Years      10 Years   

Fund NAV

    (4.98 )%       2.78      (3.71 )%    0.05%        2.78      (17.24 )%     0.53%

Fund Market

    (5.08      2.83        (3.71   0.00           2.83        (17.24    0.03   

Index

    (4.38      2.90        (3.59   0.14                 2.90        (16.69    1.36   

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $        950.20        $        2.34             $        1,000.00      $        1,022.60        $        2.43                 0.48

 

  (a)

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

INDUSTRY ALLOCATION

 

   
Industry    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Real Estate Operating Companies

    20.2

Diversified Real Estate Activities

    19.5  

Industrial REITs

    14.3  

Retail REITs

    13.4  

Diversified REITs

    11.6  

Office REITs

    8.4  

Multi-Family Residential REITs

    4.0  

Real Estate Development

    3.5  

Health Care REITs

    1.8  

Hotel & Resort REITs

    1.5  

Self Storage REITs

    1.0  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    0.8  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Japan

    31.6

Australia

    12.9  

Hong Kong

    10.8  

United Kingdom

    9.3  

Singapore

    8.5  

Germany

    5.0  

Sweden

    3.9  

Canada

    3.5  

France

    3.3  

Switzerland

    2.8  

Belgium

    2.4  

Israel

    2.3  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    3.7  
 

 

 

10  

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Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of international developed market small-capitalization stocks, excluding the U.S. and Korea, with prominent value characteristics, as represented by the FTSE Developedex USex Korea SmallCap Focused Value 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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      Since
Inception
          1 Year      Since   
Inception   

Fund NAV

    (1.06 )%       23.01      (1.48 )%         23.01    (3.70)%

Fund Market

    (1.18      23.17        (1.35        23.17      (3.37)   

Index

    (0.43      23.23        (1.15          23.23      (2.88)   

The inception date of the Fund was March 23, 2021. The first day of secondary market trading was March 25, 2021.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would payon fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $        989.40        $        1.54             $        1,000.00      $        1,023.50        $        1.57                 0.31

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector   Percent of  
Total Investments(a)

Industrials

  23.9%

Financials

  15.6   

Materials

  13.4   

Real Estate

  11.6   

Consumer Discretionary

  9.9   

Consumer Staples

  6.4   

Energy

  4.9   

Information Technology

  4.6   

Utilities

  3.6   

Health Care

  3.5   

Communication Services

  2.6   

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region   Percent of  
Total Investments(a)

Japan

  25.2%

Canada

  16.1   

United Kingdom

  14.6   

Switzerland

  7.7   

Australia

  6.4   

Sweden

  4.3   

Denmark

  3.4   

Spain

  3.2   

Germany

  2.9   

France

  2.7   

Austria

  2.2   

Belgium

  2.0   

Finland

  2.0   

Italy

  2.0   

Netherlands

  1.3   

Singapore

  1.0   

Other (each representing less than 1%)

  3.0   
 

 

 

U N D  U M M A R Y

  11


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® International Dividend Growth ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of international equities with a history of consistently growing dividends, as represented by the Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth IndexSM (the ”Index”). The Fund invests in are presentative 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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      5 Years     Since   
Inception   
        1 Year      5 Years      Since   
Inception   

Fund NAV

    0.06      20.78      3.94   5.60%        20.78      21.33    49.44%

Fund Market

    (0.37      20.33        3.87     5.56           20.33        20.93      49.08   

Index

    0.49        20.51        3.98     5.61             20.51        21.54      49.50   

The inception date of the Fund was May 17, 2016. The first day of secondary market trading was May 19, 2016.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would payon fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

     

 

           
  Beginning      Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
  Account Value      Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
    (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
    $        1,000.00      $        1,000.60        $        0.75             $        1,000.00      $        1,024.30        $        0.76                 0.15

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    27.7

Health Care

    16.1  

Consumer Staples

    12.7  

Industrials

    12.5  

Utilities

    8.9  

Information Technology

    6.7  

Materials

    5.5  

Energy

    3.1  

Consumer Discretionary

    2.6  

Communication Services

    2.6  

Real Estate

    1.6  

 

  (a)

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Canada

    20.2

Japan

    18.9  

Switzerland

    12.3  

United Kingdom

    11.7  

China

    6.2  

Germany

    5.4  

France

    4.6  

Denmark

    3.8  

Spain

    2.7  

Hong Kong

    2.5  

India

    2.4  

Australia

    2.1  

Netherlands

    1.2  

Other (each representing less than 1%)

    6.0  
 

 

 

12  

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Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® Latin America 40 ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares Latin America 40 ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of 40 of the largest Latin American equities, as represented by the S&P Latin America 40TM (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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      5 Years     10 Years            1 Year      5 Years      10 Years   

Fund NAV

    8.94      18.55      1.57   0.02%        18.55      8.11    0.16%

Fund Market

    9.03        18.63        1.60     0.01           18.63        8.26      0.08   

Index

    9.33        19.27        1.92     0.42             19.27        9.96      4.27   

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would payon fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                  
 

 

 

     

 

           
    Beginning        Ending        Expenses       Beginning      Ending        Expenses               Annualized  
    Account Value        Account Value        Paid During       Account Value      Account Value        Paid During               Expense  
      (04/01/23)        (09/30/23)        the Period (a)            (04/01/23)      (09/30/23)        the Period (a)                Ratio  
      $        1,000.00        $          1,089.40        $          2.51             $         1,000.00      $        1,022.60        $          2.43                 0.48

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

   
Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Financials

    31.6

Materials

    20.3  

Energy

    15.1  

Consumer Staples

    14.4  

Industrials

    7.4  

Communication Services

    4.9  

Utilities

    2.7  

Consumer Discretionary

    1.3  

Health Care

    1.2  

Real Estate

    1.1  

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION

 

   
Country/Geographic Region    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Brazil

    61.9

Mexico

    26.6  

Chile

    6.2  

Peru

    3.5  

Colombia

    1.8  
 

 

 

U N D  U M M A R Y

  13


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.

Disclosure of 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 the 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 the 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.

 

14  

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Asia 50 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
China — 38.4%            

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.(a)

    10,050,000     $ 108,963,929  

ANTA Sports Products Ltd.

    773,800       8,658,308  

Baidu Inc.(a)

    1,472,200       24,778,112  

Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    54,392,000       18,948,971  

BYD Co. Ltd., Class H

    607,000       18,701,802  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class H

    64,003,960       35,979,936  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    2,150,000       8,925,946  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H

    46,163,115       22,141,713  

JD.com Inc., Class A

    1,598,900       23,262,124  

Kuaishou Technology(a)(b)

    1,625,000       12,928,026  

Li Auto Inc.(a)

    739,100       13,189,709  

Li Ning Co. Ltd.

    1,526,000       6,372,089  

Meituan, Class B(a)(b)

    2,823,680       40,876,128  

NetEase Inc.

    1,213,600       24,334,184  

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

    4,058,500       23,018,372  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.(c)

    4,036,600       156,474,487  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman Inc.(a)(b)

    2,322,000       13,495,133  

Xiaomi Corp., Class B(a)(b)

    9,981,400       15,636,930  
   

 

 

 
          576,685,899  
Hong Kong — 8.4%            

AIA Group Ltd.

    7,490,400       60,575,929  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    1,743,648       9,257,178  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    773,500       28,706,720  

Link REIT

    1,666,460       8,148,208  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.(c)

    980,000       10,456,557  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    859,500       8,297,257  
   

 

 

 
      125,441,849  
Singapore — 4.9%            

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,195,100       29,351,221  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

    2,525,674       23,620,227  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    998,000       20,786,444  
   

 

 

 
      73,757,892  
South Korea — 20.9%            

Celltrion Inc.(c)

    75,230       7,762,756  

Hyundai Motor Co.

    89,435       12,646,462  

KB Financial Group Inc.

    242,612       9,895,388  

Kia Corp.

    164,752       9,916,468  

LG Chem Ltd.

    30,764       11,263,814  

LG Energy Solution(a)(c)

    25,875       9,125,036  

NAVER Corp.

    97,801       14,622,684  

POSCO Holdings Inc.

    48,408       19,071,241  

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

    3,336,319       168,664,633  

Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.

    33,994       12,846,756  

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd.

    320,302       8,429,763  

SK Hynix Inc.

    349,733       29,610,021  
   

 

 

 
      313,855,022  
Taiwan — 25.5%            

Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    6,297,235       8,695,141  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

    2,454,551       8,822,574  

CTBC Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    12,738,359       9,678,278  
Security   Shares     Value  
Taiwan (continued)            

Delta Electronics Inc.

    1,250,000     $ 12,589,900  

Formosa Plastics Corp.

    3,105,071       7,675,955  

Fubon Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    5,502,780       10,360,236  

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.

    7,826,052       25,225,203  

MediaTek Inc.

    1,040,112       23,779,934  

Nan Ya Plastics Corp.

    3,662,510       7,555,849  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    15,840,343       258,296,322  

United Microelectronics Corp.

    7,563,000       10,619,710  
   

 

 

 
      383,299,102  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.1%
(Cost: $1,631,093,772)

 

    1,473,039,764  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

 

South Korea — 1.6%            

Hyundai Motor Co., Series 2, Preference
Shares, NVS

    23,473       1,840,038  

LG Chem Ltd., Preference Shares, NVS

    5,001       1,150,587  

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Preference
Shares, NVS

    535,249       21,563,288  
   

 

 

 
      24,553,913  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 1.6%
(Cost: $23,671,006)

      24,553,913  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.7%
(Cost: $1,654,764,778)

      1,497,593,677  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.4%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    5,373,301       5,374,913  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    1,310,000       1,310,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.4%
(Cost: $6,684,376)

      6,684,913  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.1%
(Cost: $1,661,449,154)

      1,504,278,590  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.1)%

 

    (1,797,775
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   1,502,480,815  
   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Asia 50 ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $      $ 5,372,175 (a)     $      $ 2,201      $ 537      $ 5,374,913        5,373,301      $ 16,549 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     700,000        610,000 (a)                            1,310,000        1,310,000        30,705         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 2,201      $ 537      $ 6,684,913         $ 47,254      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 Taiwan Index

     27        10/30/23      $ 1,543      $ 24,304  

MSCI China Index

     85        12/15/23        1,885        (46,442

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

     23        12/15/23        1,099        (31,595
           

 

 

 
            $ (53,733
           

 

 

 

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:

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 24,304      $      $      $      $ 24,304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 78,037      $      $      $      $ 78,037  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 35,085      $      $      $      $ 35,085  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (230,299    $      $      $      $ (230,299
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

16  

2 0 2 3  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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Asia 50 ETF

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

       

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 6,930,169  

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  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $        $ 1,473,039,764        $               —        $ 1,473,039,764  

Preferred Stocks

              24,553,913                   24,553,913  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

         6,684,913                            6,684,913  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 6,684,913        $ 1,497,593,677        $        $ 1,504,278,590  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Equity Contracts

   $        $ 24,304        $        $ 24,304  

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

     (31,595        (46,442                 (78,037
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ (31,595      $ (22,138      $          (53,733
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Blockchain and Tech ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

                                                     

Broadline Retail — 0.6%

   

GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk PT(a)

    7,343,200     $ 40,176  
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets — 17.3%

   

Allfunds Group PLC

    3,848       21,192  

Bakkt Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    71,846       84,060  

Coinbase Global Inc., Class A(a)(b)

    12,777       959,297  

Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd.(a)

    25,820       94,859  

Robinhood Markets Inc., Class A(a)

    4,400       43,164  

SBI Holdings Inc.

    2,200       46,301  

Voyager Digital Ltd.(a)(c)

    57,043        
   

 

 

 
      1,248,873  

Financial Services — 7.3%

   

Block Inc.(a)

    5,034       222,805  

PayPal Holdings Inc.(a)

    5,225       305,453  
   

 

 

 
      528,258  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.1%

   

Everi Holdings Inc.(a)

    795       10,510  
   

 

 

 

Interactive Media & Services — 1.0%

   

Z Holdings Corp.

    25,000       69,353  
   

 

 

 

IT Services — 5.9%

   

DXC Technology Co.(a)(b)

    1,888       39,327  

International Business Machines Corp.

    2,245       314,974  

NTT Data Corp.

    5,400       72,259  
   

 

 

 
      426,560  

Professional Services — 0.2%

   

SOS Ltd., ADR, ADR(a)

    2,783       12,190  
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 9.1%

   

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    3,035       312,059  

Ambarella Inc.(a)

    346       18,348  

Amlogic Shanghai Co. Ltd.(a)

    2,356       20,380  

Goke Microelectronics Co. Ltd.

    1,200       11,963  

Nvidia Corp.

    686       298,403  
   

 

 

 
      661,153  

Software — 54.4%

   

Applied Blockchain Inc., NVS(a)

    64,651       403,422  

Bit Digital Inc.(a)(b)

    83,344       178,356  

Bitdeer Technologies Group, NVS

    3,450       33,258  

Bitfarms Ltd./Canada(a)(b)

    224,076       239,761  
Security   Shares      Value  

Software (continued)

                                                      

Cipher Mining Inc.(a)(b)

    40,900      $ 95,297  

Cleanspark Inc.(a)(b)

    140,441        535,080  

Hive Digital Technologies Ltd., NVS(b)

    77,926        240,012  

Hut 8 Mining Corp.(a)(b)

    157,187        306,515  

Iris Energy Ltd.(a)(b)

    39,015        144,746  

Marathon Digital Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    83,042        705,857  

Northern Data AG(a)

    2,700        65,811  

Riot Blockchain Inc.(a)

    90,263        842,154  

Terawulf Inc.(a)

    114,429        144,181  
    

 

 

 
       3,934,450  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 3.8%

    

Canaan Inc., ADR(a)(b)

    140,623        255,934  

GRG Banking Equipment Co. Ltd., Class A

    9,700        16,147  
    

 

 

 
       272,081  
    

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.7%
(Cost: $6,873,114)

 

     7,203,604  
    

 

 

 
Short-Term Securities             

Money Market Funds — 32.4%

    

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    2,328,565        2,329,263  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    10,000        10,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 32.4%
(Cost: $2,338,939)

 

     2,339,263  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments — 132.1%
(Cost: $9,212,053)

       9,542,867  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (32.1)%

       (2,316,401
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $ 7,226,466  
    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

18  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Blockchain and Tech ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income     

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 2,274,838        $ 54,437 (a)     $      $ (205    $ 193      $ 2,329,263        2,328,565      $ 51,058 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

            10,000 (a)                            10,000        10,000        150         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (205    $ 193      $ 2,339,263         $ 51,208      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

           

Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 Index

     1        12/15/23      $ 9      $ (393
           

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 393      $      $      $      $ 393  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 1,134      $      $      $      $ 1,134  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (1,143    $      $      $      $ (1,143
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

       

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 4,497  

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

  19


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Blockchain and Tech 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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 6,840,022        $ 363,582        $             —        $ 7,203,604  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     2,339,263                            2,339,263  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 9,179,285        $ 363,582        $        $ 9,542,867  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (393      $        $        $ (393
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Brazil — 22.1%            

CCR SA

    256,200     $ 656,995  

Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA, ADR

    204,277       1,493,265  

Cia. de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo, ADR

    67,440       817,373  

Cia. Paranaense de Energia, ADR

    73,040       640,561  

Ultrapar Participacoes SA, ADR

    262,100       961,907  
   

 

 

 
      4,570,101  
China — 34.8%            

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

    440,000       203,486  

CGN Power Co. Ltd., Class H(b)

    2,100,000       543,649  

China Gas Holdings Ltd.

    580,000       546,717  

China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd., Class H

    660,000       572,401  

China Merchants Port Holdings Co. Ltd.

    332,000       412,688  

China Oilfield Services Ltd., Class H

    656,000       785,066  

China Resources Gas Group Ltd.

    178,000       520,483  

China Resources Power Holdings Co. Ltd.

    352,000       669,738  

China Suntien Green Energy Corp. Ltd., Class H(c)

    660,000       227,902  

COSCO SHIPPING Energy Transportation Co. Ltd., Class H

    470,000       511,621  

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Ltd.(c)

    382,000       248,855  

Guangdong Investment Ltd.

    556,000       423,777  

Jiangsu Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    318,000       286,831  

Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd.

    788,000       678,117  

Shenzhen Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    160,000       130,518  

Shenzhen International Holdings Ltd.

    347,499       213,844  

Zhejiang Expressway Co. Ltd., Class H

    304,000       226,205  
   

 

 

 
      7,201,898  
Mexico — 17.4%            

Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV, ADR

    8,920       775,237  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, ADR

    10,140       1,666,712  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, ADR

    4,740       1,164,665  
   

 

 

 
      3,606,614  
Qatar — 4.8%            

Qatar Gas Transport Co. Ltd.

    981,600       1,001,909  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 3.1%            

Korea Electric Power Corp., ADR(a)(c)

    101,360       652,758  
   

 

 

 
Thailand — 10.1%            

Airports of Thailand PCL, NVDR(a)

    1,090,000       2,085,403  
   

 

 

 
United Arab Emirates — 3.4%            

ADNOC Drilling Co. PJSC

    636,380       696,491  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 95.7%
(Cost: $18,472,052)

          19,815,174  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Preferred Stocks

   
Brazil — 3.4%            

Cia. Energetica de Minas Gerais, Preference Shares, ADR

    289,220     $ 699,913  
   

 

 

 
Russia — 0.0%            

Transneft PJSC, Preference Shares, NVS(a)(d)

    640        
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 3.4%
(Cost: $1,989,239)

 

    699,913  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.1%
(Cost: $20,461,291)

 

    20,515,087  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 3.4%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(e)(f)(g)

    695,875       696,084  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(e)(f)

    10,000       10,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 3.4%
(Cost: $705,878)

      706,084  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 102.5%
(Cost: $21,167,169)

      21,221,171  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (2.5)%

 

    (521,495
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $     20,699,676  
   

 

 

 

 

(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   I N V E S  T M E N T S

  21


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income      Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 951,005      $      $ (254,800 )(a)     $ (298    $ 177      $ 696,084        695,875      $ 2,241 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     40,000               (30,000 )(a)                     10,000        10,000        3,824         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (298    $ 177      $ 706,084         $ 6,065      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

     3        12/15/23      $ 143      $ (1
           

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total
 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 1      $      $      $      $     1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 13,238      $      $      $      $ 3,238  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (1,986    $      $      $      $ (1,986
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments    

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 246,295  

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

 

 

22  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Emerging Markets Infrastructure 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 inputl evels 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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 9,525,964        $ 10,289,210        $             —        $ 19,815,174  

Preferred Stocks

     699,913                            699,913  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     706,084                            706,084  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 10,931,961        $ 10,289,210        $        $ 21,221,171  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (1      $        $        $ (1
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Europe ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

                                                     
Austria — 0.3%            

Erste Group Bank AG

    61,110     $ 2,110,548  

OMV AG

    24,792       1,184,179  

Verbund AG

    14,289       1,162,433  
   

 

 

 
      4,457,160  
Belgium — 1.5%            

Ageas SA/NV

    29,227       1,203,755  

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    178,553       9,898,290  

Argenx SE(a)

    10,028       4,901,959  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert NV

    17,184       1,278,665  

KBC Group NV

    56,901       3,542,463  

Solvay SA

    12,415       1,371,972  

UCB SA

    21,288       1,743,684  

Umicore SA

    34,159       808,768  
   

 

 

 
      24,749,556  
Denmark — 5.0%            

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class A

    450       796,364  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B, NVS

    805       1,448,110  

Carlsberg A/S, Class B

    16,512       2,081,915  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    17,083       1,045,018  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    19,587       2,072,638  

Danske Bank A/S

    115,039       2,669,593  

DSV A/S

    30,683       5,717,492  

Genmab A/S(a)

    11,286       3,995,815  

GN Store Nord A/S(a)

    25,785       463,593  

Novo Nordisk A/S

    553,859       50,429,516  

Novozymes A/S, Class B

    36,059       1,450,829  

Orsted A/S(b)

    32,575       1,772,183  

Pandora A/S

    14,332       1,478,937  

Tryg A/S

    59,555       1,089,820  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S(a)

    172,543       3,691,365  
   

 

 

 
      80,203,188  
Finland — 1.4%            

Elisa OYJ

    24,826       1,151,260  

Fortum OYJ

    76,627       888,648  

Kesko OYJ, Class B

    47,048       842,923  

Kone OYJ, Class B

    69,094       2,911,624  

Metso OYJ

    121,724       1,276,503  

Neste OYJ

    73,791       2,499,200  

Nokia OYJ

    904,583       3,401,297  

Sampo OYJ, Class A

    79,849       3,451,991  

Stora Enso OYJ, Class R

    102,387       1,283,254  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    91,432       3,130,710  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    84,723       960,244  
   

 

 

 
      21,797,654  
France — 18.0%            

Accor SA

    29,171       981,149  

Air Liquide SA

    89,722       15,112,011  

Airbus SE

    105,611       14,135,872  

Alstom SA

    53,230       1,265,128  

ArcelorMittal SA

    78,889       1,975,069  

Arkema SA

    10,958       1,078,712  

AXA SA

    297,408       8,823,757  

BNP Paribas SA

    186,074       11,831,752  

Bouygues SA

    32,594       1,139,636  

Bureau Veritas SA

    48,458       1,201,569  

Capgemini SE

    26,692       4,657,588  

Carrefour SA

    98,053       1,684,070  
Security   Shares     Value  
France (continued)            

Cie. de Saint-Gobain

    87,813     $ 5,255,641  

Cie. Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    122,012       3,734,416  

Credit Agricole SA

    191,790       2,358,020  

Danone SA

    107,697       5,940,323  

Dassault Systemes SE

    115,767       4,299,867  

Edenred

    41,158       2,574,681  

Eiffage SA

    13,043       1,238,010  

Engie SA

    309,625       4,748,458  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    48,953       8,515,159  

Eurofins Scientific SE

    21,902       1,234,335  

Euronext NV(b)

    16,994       1,182,088  

Gecina SA

    9,223       940,359  

Getlink SE

    55,589       886,194  

Hermes International

    5,787       10,548,701  

Kering SA

    12,073       5,485,522  

Legrand SA

    44,757       4,112,554  

L’Oreal SA

    39,480       16,360,988  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    44,722       33,757,526  

Orange SA

    311,341       3,571,164  

Pernod Ricard SA

    34,148       5,685,297  

Publicis Groupe SA

    39,486       2,988,799  

Renault SA

    34,337       1,404,949  

Safran SA

    59,131       9,266,370  

Sanofi

    191,659       20,579,433  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    4,047       962,795  

Schneider Electric SE

    92,242       15,200,750  

Societe Generale SA

    125,291       3,031,742  

Sodexo SA

    14,213       1,463,194  

Teleperformance

    9,871       1,239,367  

Thales SA

    16,205       2,277,501  

TotalEnergies SE

        398,008       26,168,755  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, New(a)

    18,483       908,910  

Valeo

    39,913       684,905  

Veolia Environnement SA

    104,170       3,011,153  

Vinci SA

    86,997       9,624,567  

Vivendi SE

    105,858       927,116  

Worldline SA/France(a)(b)

    42,287       1,187,050  
   

 

 

 
           287,242,972  
Germany — 11.8%            

adidas AG

    28,369       4,976,166  

Allianz SE, Registered

    69,090       16,441,770  

BASF SE

    152,787       6,915,895  

Bayer AG, Registered

    168,294       8,082,216  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    49,661       5,043,924  

Beiersdorf AG

    16,907       2,180,818  

Brenntag SE

    26,467       2,047,929  

Commerzbank AG

    180,400       2,047,421  

Continental AG

    18,467       1,297,530  

Covestro AG(a)(b)

    32,837       1,765,807  

Daimler Truck Holding AG

    88,815       3,075,152  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(b)

    34,612       988,293  

Deutsche Bank AG, Registered

    350,979       3,857,354  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    32,548       5,620,935  

Deutsche Post AG, Registered

    161,321       6,545,683  

Deutsche Telekom AG, Registered

    600,913       12,605,228  

E.ON SE

    383,596       4,536,410  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    34,187       1,469,766  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    69,570       2,160,859  

GEA Group AG

    27,215       1,002,991  

Hannover Rueck SE

    10,423       2,287,002  
 

 

 

24  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Europe ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Germany (continued)            

HeidelbergCement AG

    23,888     $ 1,850,134  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    28,190       837,652  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    16,759       1,056,683  

Infineon Technologies AG

    223,711       7,409,473  

LEG Immobilien SE(a)

    13,093       900,369  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    137,451       9,566,140  

Merck KGaA

    22,094       3,683,232  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    9,337       1,691,019  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen, Registered

    23,378       9,104,621  

Puma SE

    16,750       1,035,692  

Rheinmetall AG

    7,462       1,919,610  

RWE AG

    115,956       4,304,262  

SAP SE

    174,673       22,610,028  

Siemens AG, Registered

    128,821       18,409,633  

Siemens Healthineers AG(b)

    48,308       2,443,508  

Symrise AG, Class A

    22,860       2,176,245  

Volkswagen AG

    4,817       632,605  

Vonovia SE

    139,553       3,343,453  

Zalando SE(a)(b)

    37,670       836,965  
   

 

 

 
          188,760,473  
Ireland — 1.3%            

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

    164,150       1,604,666  

CRH PLC

    125,434       6,915,696  

Flutter Entertainment PLC, Class DI(a)

    30,253       4,935,182  

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    26,039       2,175,674  

Kingspan Group PLC

    25,796       1,926,528  

Ryanair Holdings PLC, ADR(a)(c)

    17,385       1,689,996  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    43,979       1,460,972  
   

 

 

 
      20,708,714  
Italy — 3.8%            

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    189,656       3,871,332  

Banco BPM SpA

    259,558       1,236,146  

Enel SpA

    1,323,620       8,117,420  

Eni SpA

    417,768       6,710,945  

Ferrari NV

    21,616       6,372,083  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

    101,274       1,222,911  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    2,770,297       7,095,331  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

    107,878       1,422,274  

Moncler SpA

    35,501       2,057,460  

Nexi SpA(a)(b)

    146,733       894,055  

Prysmian SpA

    47,231       1,895,771  

Snam SpA

    343,843       1,613,404  

Stellantis NV

    378,997       7,257,196  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano(a)

    1,964,435       612,640  

Tenaris SA

    75,091       1,186,134  

Terna - Rete Elettrica Nazionale

    235,132       1,768,530  

UniCredit SpA

    309,203       7,367,188  
   

 

 

 
      60,700,820  
Netherlands — 6.4%            

ABN AMRO Bank NV, CVA(b)

    72,553       1,025,359  

Adyen NV(a)(b)

    5,298       3,928,116  

Aegon NV

    241,930       1,166,033  

Akzo Nobel NV

    29,094       2,097,632  

ASM International NV

    7,767       3,243,441  

ASML Holding NV

    69,171       40,724,426  

BE Semiconductor Industries NV

    13,901       1,359,607  

EXOR NV, NVS

    17,753       1,570,229  

Ferrovial SE

    85,327       2,607,336  
Security   Shares     Value  
Netherlands (continued)            

Heineken Holding NV

    18,000     $ 1,356,502  

Heineken NV

    43,416       3,827,620  

IMCD NV

    9,614       1,215,543  

ING Groep NV

    620,041       8,172,182  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    166,703       5,024,376  

Koninklijke KPN NV

    574,039       1,891,266  

Koninklijke Philips NV(a)(c)

    159,083       3,174,063  

NN Group NV

    49,202       1,577,326  

Prosus NV(a)

    259,689       7,652,003  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    40,058       1,616,323  

Randstad NV

    20,773       1,147,627  

Universal Music Group NV

    131,137       3,422,173  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    44,114       5,341,121  
   

 

 

 
            103,140,304  
Norway — 1.0%            

Aker BP ASA

    53,115       1,466,614  

DNB Bank ASA

    153,269       3,079,445  

Equinor ASA

    169,773       5,563,806  

Mowi ASA

    75,444       1,333,494  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    226,461       1,417,157  

Orkla ASA

    128,008       956,083  

Telenor ASA

    110,092       1,248,513  

Yara International ASA

    27,474       1,037,409  
   

 

 

 
      16,102,521  
Portugal — 0.3%            

EDP - Energias de Portugal SA

    516,659       2,148,240  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    74,496       1,103,443  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    47,432       1,065,238  
   

 

 

 
      4,316,921  
Singapore — 0.3%            

STMicroelectronics NV, New

    112,103       4,832,053  
   

 

 

 
Spain — 3.9%            

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

    34,310       1,233,434  

Aena SME SA(b)

    12,717       1,913,623  

Amadeus IT Group SA

    77,173       4,661,456  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    1,019,248       8,248,701  

Banco Santander SA

        2,799,493       10,660,662  

CaixaBank SA

    693,983       2,764,822  

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    99,749       3,469,470  

Enagas SA

    40,348       668,143  

Endesa SA

    52,455       1,067,534  

Grifols SA(a)

    49,056       635,368  

Iberdrola SA

    989,930       11,071,820  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    191,701       7,133,586  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    30,808       838,136  

Redeia Corp. SA

    72,128       1,134,669  

Repsol SA

    221,527       3,643,899  

Telefonica SA

    982,511       4,013,893  
   

 

 

 
      63,159,216  
Sweden — 4.6%            

Alfa Laval AB

    49,604       1,699,328  

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    170,071       3,695,399  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    442,881       5,948,187  

Atlas Copco AB, Class B

    269,696       3,154,106  

Boliden AB

    45,646       1,309,894  

Electrolux AB, Class B(a)

    39,792       410,058  

Embracer Group AB, Class B(a)(c)

    146,531       292,262  

Epiroc AB, Class A

    107,371       2,038,680  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Europe ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden (continued)            

Epiroc AB, Class B

    64,326     $ 1,029,042  

EQT AB

    58,889       1,160,289  

Essity AB, Class B

    100,437       2,166,148  

Evolution AB(b)

    32,871       3,316,987  

Getinge AB, Class B

    36,495       641,304  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B

    105,728       1,499,244  

Hexagon AB, Class B

    363,606       3,094,554  

Industrivarden AB, Class A

    29,662       782,163  

Industrivarden AB, Class C

    30,164       794,854  

Investor AB, Class B

    312,107       5,975,136  

Kinnevik AB, Class B(a)

    42,614       423,196  

Nibe Industrier AB, Class B

    265,635       1,736,653  

Nordea Bank Abp

    613,166       6,722,585  

Sandvik AB

    185,336       3,410,247  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Class A

    282,625       3,369,414  

Skanska AB, Class B

    65,370       1,073,411  

SKF AB, Class B

    62,006       1,029,395  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA, Class B

    100,330       1,373,730  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A

    269,852       2,401,113  

Swedbank AB, Class A

    156,664       2,879,704  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    89,853       687,149  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    528,030       2,572,435  

Telia Co. AB

    400,907       826,950  

Volvo AB, Class B

    272,112       5,604,864  
   

 

 

 
      73,118,481  
Switzerland — 15.6%            

ABB Ltd., Registered

    277,270       9,896,648  

Adecco Group AG, Registered

    27,662       1,136,164  

Alcon Inc.

    85,378       6,588,397  

Baloise Holding AG, Registered

    7,875       1,140,113  

Barry Callebaut AG, Registered

    659       1,047,970  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG,
Participation Certificates, NVS

    185       2,055,820  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG, Registered

    18       1,970,923  

Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, Class A, Registered

    89,188       10,861,602  

DSM-Firmenich AG

    35,499       2,999,767  

Geberit AG, Registered

    5,727       2,855,926  

Givaudan SA, Registered

    1,365       4,444,209  

Holcim AG

    91,273       5,842,285  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    35,415       2,266,839  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Registered

    9,464       2,689,012  

Logitech International SA, Registered

    29,058       1,999,144  

Lonza Group AG, Registered

    12,724       5,885,448  

Nestle SA, Registered

    457,385       51,774,151  

Novartis AG, Registered

          355,667       36,323,784  

Partners Group Holding AG

    3,799       4,264,736  

Roche Holding AG, Bearer

    4,484       1,317,340  

Roche Holding AG, NVS

    120,353             32,856,493  

Schindler Holding AG, Participation Certificates, NVS

    6,829       1,360,335  

Schindler Holding AG, Registered

    3,603       693,248  

SGS SA

    26,027       2,184,331  

Siemens Energy AG(a)

    87,594       1,141,586  

SIG Group AG

    57,400       1,414,072  

Sika AG, Registered

    26,323       6,669,215  

Sonova Holding AG, Registered

    8,629       2,042,283  

Straumann Holding AG

    19,962       2,540,742  

Swatch Group AG (The), Bearer

    4,958       1,269,853  

Swatch Group AG (The), Registered

    8,909       435,107  

Swiss Life Holding AG, Registered

    5,197       3,233,460  

Swiss Prime Site AG, Registered

    12,636       1,156,810  
Security   Shares     Value  
Switzerland (continued)            

Swiss Re AG

    49,365     $ 5,069,803  

Swisscom AG, Registered

    4,263       2,531,327  

Temenos AG, Registered

    11,549       807,740  

UBS Group AG, Registered

    521,905       12,855,663  

VAT Group AG(b)

    4,477       1,597,587  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    25,164       11,513,924  
   

 

 

 
            248,733,857  
United Kingdom — 24.1%            

3i Group PLC

    166,291       4,185,650  

abrdn PLC

    333,701       630,491  

Admiral Group PLC

    46,769       1,351,607  

Anglo American PLC

    229,134       6,291,926  

Antofagasta PLC

    56,850       986,902  

Ashtead Group PLC

    77,972       4,728,424  

Associated British Foods PLC

    58,945       1,480,924  

AstraZeneca PLC

    265,986       35,877,365  

Auto Trader Group PLC(b)

    165,344       1,242,389  

Aviva PLC

    474,382       2,245,325  

BAE Systems PLC

    523,647       6,363,275  

Barclays PLC

    2,512,856       4,843,350  

Barratt Developments PLC

    165,651       888,159  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    19,814       989,502  

BP PLC

    2,961,956       19,092,574  

British American Tobacco PLC

    383,002       12,025,757  

British Land Co. PLC(The)

    154,572       595,358  

BT Group PLC

    973,359       1,382,229  

Bunzl PLC

    56,863       2,025,105  

Burberry Group PLC

    67,644       1,567,643  

Centrica PLC

    1,021,913       1,922,127  

Compass Group PLC

    305,849       7,444,848  

Croda International PLC

    24,557       1,466,828  

DCC PLC

    17,974       1,006,356  

Diageo PLC

    383,472       14,137,882  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC(a)

    227,766       476,493  

DS Smith PLC

    225,498       786,473  

Entain PLC

    109,426       1,241,089  

Experian PLC

    158,087       5,170,641  

Glencore PLC

    1,924,442       10,958,752  

GSK PLC

    701,747       12,697,265  

Haleon PLC

    852,550       3,533,893  

Halma PLC

    63,379       1,493,255  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    57,639       542,093  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    3,429,775       26,839,303  

IMI PLC

    46,025       875,829  

Imperial Brands PLC

    158,762       3,220,711  

Informa PLC

    235,970       2,154,752  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

    31,239       2,310,258  

Intermediate Capital Group PLC

    50,996       855,990  

Intertek Group PLC

    27,976       1,399,052  

J Sainsbury PLC

    299,722       923,002  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    32,370       640,838  

Kingfisher PLC

    336,900       914,553  

Land Securities Group PLC

    125,075       896,541  

Legal & General Group PLC

    1,006,599       2,716,139  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    11,523,643       6,192,739  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    70,778       7,093,784  

M&G PLC

    395,901       948,545  

Marks & Spencer Group PLC(a)

    322,711       928,186  

Melrose Industries PLC

    229,162       1,306,314  

Mondi PLC

    83,676       1,395,871  
 

 

 

26  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Europe ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)            

National Grid PLC

    633,767     $ 7,579,439  

NatWest Group PLC, NVS

    955,977       2,734,626  

Next PLC

    21,561       1,912,280  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    124,399       904,491  

Pearson PLC

    119,314       1,258,852  

Persimmon PLC

    51,597       675,739  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    162,517       952,443  

Prudential PLC

    470,408       5,056,570  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    126,172       8,897,742  

RELX PLC

    332,368       11,214,068  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    430,568       3,196,801  

Rightmove PLC

    141,221       963,734  

Rio Tinto PLC

    191,473       12,023,058  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    1,441,824       3,863,197  

Sage Group PLC(The)

    182,895       2,200,941  

Schroders PLC

    151,104       746,646  

Segro PLC

    210,018       1,836,405  

Severn Trent PLC

    42,011       1,212,243  

Shell PLC

    1,147,319       36,363,376  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    148,315       1,840,673  

Smiths Group PLC

    60,270       1,186,594  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    12,434       1,439,275  

SSE PLC

    187,397       3,672,293  

St. James’s Place PLC

    91,528       923,422  

Standard Chartered PLC

    409,570       3,767,032  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    597,669       852,383  

Tesco PLC

    1,231,612       3,961,458  

Unilever PLC

    431,106       21,325,430  

United Utilities Group PLC

    117,958       1,363,005  

Vodafone Group PLC

    3,899,813       3,655,681  

Weir Group PLC(The)

    43,084       995,455  

Whitbread PLC

    34,293       1,443,491  

WPP PLC

    183,713       1,636,756  
   

 

 

 
              384,939,956  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.3%
(Cost: $1,715,998,651)

 

    1,586,963,846  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.6%            

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    10,324       960,964  
Security   Shares     Value  
Germany (continued)            

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Preference Shares, NVS

    29,508     $ 2,101,249  

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Preference Shares, NVS

    26,266       1,292,009  

Sartorius AG, Preference Shares, NVS(c)

    4,601       1,558,330  

Volkswagen AG, Preference Shares, NVS

    31,356       3,602,785  
   

 

 

 
      9,515,337  
Italy — 0.0%            

Telecom Italia SpA, Preference Shares, NVS(a)

    1,187,149       371,819  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.6%
(Cost: $17,572,780)

 

    9,887,156  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.9%
(Cost: $1,733,571,431)

 

    1,596,851,002  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.6%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    6,556,651       6,558,618  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

        2,700,000       2,700,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.6%
(Cost: $9,258,178)

 

    9,258,618  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.5%
(Cost: $1,742,829,609)

 

      1,606,109,620  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.5)%

 

    (7,284,981
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 1,598,824,639  
   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Europe ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

                   
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 3,784,666      $ 2,774,151 (a)     $      $ 1,531      $ (1,730    $ 6,558,618        6,556,651      $ 23,535 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

     2,050,000        650,000 (a)                            2,700,000        2,700,000        86,476         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ 1,531      $ (1,730    $ 9,258,618         $ 110,011      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

     20        12/15/23      $ 886      $ (12,823

FTSE 100 Index

     6        12/15/23        559        (1,167
           

 

 

 
            $ (13,990
           

 

 

 

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:

 

               
      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 13,990      $      $      $      $ 13,990  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

               
      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 143,997      $      $      $      $ 143,997  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (210,879    $      $      $      $ (210,879
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

28  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Europe ETF

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 2,048,886  

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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 2,902,239        $ 1,584,061,607        $             —        $ 1,586,963,846  

Preferred Stocks

              9,887,156                   9,887,156  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     9,258,618                            4,517,853  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $     12,160,857        $ 1,593,948,763        $        $ 1,606,109,620  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $        $ (13,990      $        $ (13,990
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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

  29


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) 

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Communications Equipment — 0.2%            

Arista Networks Inc.(a)

    45     $ 8,277  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.1%  

TDK Corp.

    100       3,697  
   

 

 

 
Entertainment — 30.1%            

Activision Blizzard Inc.

    2,795       261,696  

Electronic Arts Inc.

    2,121       255,368  

Kakao Games Corp.(a)

    2,281       42,996  

NetEase Inc.

    12,800       256,656  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    6,000       249,318  

ROBLOX Corp., Class A(a)(b)

    8,794       254,674  

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.(a)

    1,816       254,948  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(a)

    3,132       101,498  
   

 

 

 
          1,677,154  
Household Durables — 5.4%            

Garmin Ltd.

    535       56,282  

Sony Group Corp.

    3,000       245,327  
   

 

 

 
      301,609  
Interactive Media & Services — 12.7%            

Alphabet Inc., Class A(a)

    1,176       153,891  

Bumble Inc., Class A(a)

    23       343  

JOYY Inc., ADR

    8       305  

Match Group Inc.(a)

    52       2,037  

Meta Platforms Inc., Class A(a)

    923       277,094  

Snap Inc., Class A, NVS(a)

    3,650       32,521  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    6,300       244,213  
   

 

 

 
      710,404  
IT Services — 0.2%            

Shopify Inc., Class A(a)

    225       12,282  
   

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 14.4%  

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.(a)

    377       38,763  

Intel Corp.

    760       27,018  

Micron Technology Inc.

    2,301       156,537  

Nvidia Corp.

    613       266,649  

Qualcomm Inc.

    1,522       169,033  

SK Hynix Inc.

    1,741       147,401  
   

 

 

 
      805,401  
Security   Shares      Value  
Software — 29.8%             

Adobe Inc.(a)

    74      $ 37,733  

Ansys Inc.(a)

    798        237,445  

Aspen Technology Inc.(a)

    4        817  

Autodesk Inc.(a)

    1,156        239,188  

Dassault Systemes SE

    6,548        243,209  

Microsoft Corp.

    524        165,453  

PTC Inc.(a)

    1,752        248,223  

Salesforce Inc.(a)

    218        44,206  

Unity Software Inc.(a)

    6,504        204,160  

Zoom Video Communications Inc., Class A(a)

    3,457        241,783  
    

 

 

 
           1,662,217  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 6.9%  

Apple Inc.

    1,909        326,840  

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

    1,135        57,379  
    

 

 

 
       384,219  
    

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.8%
(Cost: $5,256,685)

       5,565,260  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

    
Money Market Funds — 4.4%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(c)(d)

    247,150        247,225  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 4.4%
(Cost: $247,249)

       247,225  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments — 104.2%
(Cost: $5,503,934)

       5,812,485  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (4.2)%

 

     (235,274
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

   $     5,577,211  
    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

30  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

                   
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $      $ 247,280 (a)     $        (31      $ (24    $ 247,225        247,150      $ 115 (b)     $  

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

            0 (a)                                      8         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (31    $ (24    $ 247,225         $ 123      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

 
  (b) 

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

 
  (c) 

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

 

Fair Value 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

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 3,973,566        $ 1,591,694        $        $ 5,565,260  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     247,225                            247,225  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 4,220,791        $ 1,591,694        $           —        $ 5,812,485  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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

  31


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® India 50 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Automobiles — 6.2%            

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

    72,602     $ 4,415,929  

Eicher Motors Ltd.

    87,772       3,636,298  

Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

    83,325       3,061,558  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    572,953       10,699,229  

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

    85,052       10,844,072  

Tata Motors Ltd.

    1,129,247       8,541,514  
   

 

 

 
      41,198,600  
Banks — 31.0%            

Axis Bank Ltd.

    1,775,737       22,103,914  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    4,804,969       88,122,643  

ICICI Bank Ltd.

    4,483,948       51,371,692  

IndusInd Bank Ltd.

    418,152       7,168,228  

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.

    941,687       19,624,757  

State Bank of India

    2,457,175       17,650,145  
   

 

 

 
        206,041,379  
Chemicals — 2.0%            

Asian Paints Ltd.

    288,520       10,966,181  

UPL Ltd.

    322,603       2,388,785  
   

 

 

 
      13,354,966  
Construction & Engineering — 4.2%            

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

    774,023       28,122,487  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 1.9%            

Grasim Industries Ltd.

    235,397       5,492,157  

UltraTech Cement Ltd.

    74,072       7,345,487  
   

 

 

 
      12,837,644  
Consumer Finance — 2.4%            

Bajaj Finance Ltd.

    170,705       16,011,875  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 1.0%            

Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.

    2,916,512       7,000,497  
   

 

 

 
Financial Services — 1.0%            

Bajaj Finserv Ltd.

    347,395       6,422,577  
   

 

 

 
Food Products — 2.2%            

Britannia Industries Ltd.

    75,710       4,134,526  

Nestle India Ltd.

    22,785       6,166,632  

Tata Consumer Products Ltd.

    386,645       4,075,211  
   

 

 

 
      14,376,369  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.6%            

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    64,188       3,963,514  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.3%  

NTPC Ltd.

    3,038,691       8,969,100  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 1.5%            

HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)

    689,473       5,280,854  

SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(a)

    288,923       4,532,080  
   

 

 

 
      9,812,934  
IT Services — 13.7%            

HCL Technologies Ltd.

    677,141       10,036,192  

Infosys Ltd.

    2,285,401       39,275,333  

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd.(a)

    58,839       3,676,334  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    656,002       27,776,555  

Tech Mahindra Ltd.

    400,044       5,873,108  

Wipro Ltd.

    902,731       4,396,259  
   

 

 

 
      91,033,781  
Security   Shares     Value  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.6%            

Divi’s Laboratories Ltd.

    81,740     $ 3,697,623  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 2.9%            

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

    936,990       5,530,665  

JSW Steel Ltd.

    595,006       5,565,998  

Tata Steel Ltd.

    5,157,145       7,976,575  
   

 

 

 
      19,073,238  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 11.2%            

Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

    608,342       2,537,684  

Coal India Ltd.

    1,462,701       5,187,654  

Oil & Natural Gas Corp. Ltd.

    2,501,686       5,759,324  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    2,165,989       60,982,675  
   

 

 

 
      74,467,337  
Personal Care Products — 2.5%            

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    571,682       16,954,392  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 3.0%            

Cipla Ltd.

    336,579       4,800,284  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.

    77,989       5,233,847  

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

    690,638       9,614,008  
   

 

 

 
      19,648,139  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.5%            

Titan Co. Ltd.

    266,983       10,099,178  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 4.6%            

ITC Ltd.

    5,669,373       30,291,612  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.9%        

Adani Enterprises Ltd.

    211,680       6,131,120  
   

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.8%            

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd.

    511,755       5,072,350  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.7%        

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    1,615,077       17,986,019  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.7%
(Cost: $601,080,889)

      662,566,731  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 1.7%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(b)(c)

    11,660,000       11,660,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 1.7%
(Cost: $11,660,000)

      11,660,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 101.4%
(Cost: $612,740,889)

        674,226,731  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (1.4)%

 

    (9,520,579
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 664,706,152  
   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

Affiliate of the Fund.

(c) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

 

 

 

32  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® India 50 ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income     

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

   $         —      $ 11,660,000 (a)     $         —      $                 —      $                 —      $ 11,660,000        11,660,000      $ 257,409      $                 —  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

                 

IFSC Nifty 50 Index

     69          10/26/23        $ 2,720        $ (16,630
                 

 

 

 

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:

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 16,630      $      $      $      $ 16,630  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 86,803      $      $      $      $ 86,803  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (39,459    $      $      $      $ (39,459
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,379,370      

 

 

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

  33


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® India 50 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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $        $ 662,566,731        $        $ 662,566,731  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     11,660,000                            11,660,000  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $     11,660,000        $ 662,566,731        $             —        $ 674,226,731  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (16,630      $        $        $ (16,630
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

34  

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Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Property ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 12.8%            

Abacus Group

    24,229     $ 16,279  

Abacus Storage King(a)

    32,215       21,541  

Arena REIT

    20,679       44,392  

BWP Trust

    28,640       61,407  

Centuria Capital Group

    47,822       41,515  

Centuria Industrial REIT

    31,837       61,235  

Centuria Office REIT

    25,649       18,738  

Charter Hall Group

    28,045       169,447  

Charter Hall Long Wale REIT

    39,070       80,390  

Charter Hall Retail REIT

    30,521       61,211  

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT

    20,019       32,202  

Cromwell Property Group

    84,338       19,956  

Dexus

    63,772       297,273  

Dexus Industria REIT

    12,901       21,221  

GDI Property Group Partnership(b)

    29,037       9,961  

Goodman Group

    101,643       1,393,101  

GPT Group(The)

    113,578       282,835  

Growthpoint Properties Australia Ltd.

    15,832       22,339  

HealthCo REIT(b)

    28,268       26,354  

Home Consortium Ltd.

    14,335       43,150  

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT

    106,668       78,786  

Hotel Property Investments Ltd.

    11,397       19,951  

Ingenia Communities Group

    22,045       58,986  

Lendlease Corp. Ltd.

    40,871       187,435  

Lifestyle Communities Ltd.(b)

    5,753       59,394  

Mirvac Group

    233,957       317,991  

National Storage REIT

    74,980       104,337  

Region RE Ltd.

    67,921       87,688  

Rural Funds Group

    22,748       25,769  

Scentre Group

    307,747       483,583  

Stockland

    141,540       354,242  

Vicinity Ltd.

    229,426       248,641  

Waypoint REIT Ltd.

    39,654       57,044  
   

 

 

 
        808,394  
Austria — 0.3%            

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

    2,547       84,340  

Immofinanz AG(a)

    1,887       36,640  
   

 

 

 
      120,980  
Belgium — 2.3%            

Aedifica SA

    2,816       160,048  

Care Property Invest NV

    2,175       27,309  

Cofinimmo SA

    2,010       137,801  

Intervest Offices & Warehouses NV

    1,696       24,565  

Montea NV

    909       64,545  

Retail Estates NV

    731       43,746  

Shurgard Self Storage Ltd.

    1,470       58,200  

VGP NV

    832       77,179  

Warehouses De Pauw CVA

    9,579       236,733  

Xior Student Housing NV

    1,682       48,101  
   

 

 

 
      878,227  
Canada — 3.5%            

Allied Properties REIT

    3,779       49,886  

Artis REIT

    3,110       14,792  

Boardwalk REIT

    1,314       64,633  

BSR Real Estate Investment Trust

    1,080       12,937  

BTB Real Estate Investment Trust

    2,160       4,755  

Canadian Apartment Properties REIT

    4,863       161,402  

Choice Properties REIT

    9,508       88,762  
Security   Shares     Value  
Canada (continued)            

Crombie REIT

    3,046     $ 28,010  

CT REIT

    3,142       31,669  

Dream Industrial REIT

    7,571       71,571  

Dream Office REIT

    968       6,877  

DREAM Unlimited Corp., Class A

    1,330       17,998  

First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust

    6,198       60,691  

Granite REIT

    1,862       98,813  

H&R Real Estate Investment Trust

    7,712       52,407  

InterRent REIT

    4,124       37,923  

Killam Apartment REIT

    3,378       43,324  

Minto Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust(c)

    1,086       10,898  

Morguard North American Residential REIT

    1,169       12,781  

Nexus Industrial REIT

    1,950       10,322  

NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT

    6,862       25,665  

Prinmaris REIT

    2,850       28,306  

PRO Real Estate Investment Trust

    1,709       5,385  

RioCan REIT

    8,678       115,451  

Slate Grocery REIT

    1,687       13,799  

SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust

    4,189       70,195  

StorageVault Canada Inc., NVS

    14,234       47,368  

Tricon Residential Inc.

    15,496       114,544  

True North Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust

    2,775       4,372  
   

 

 

 
        1,305,536  
China — 0.5%            

Gemdale Properties & Investment Corp. Ltd.

    334,000       13,828  

Wharf Holdings Ltd.(The)

    57,000       142,664  

Yuexiu REIT

    129,000       21,699  
   

 

 

 
      178,191  
Finland — 0.3%            

Citycon OYJ

    4,830       27,055  

Kojamo OYJ

    10,505       93,076  
   

 

 

 
      120,131  
France — 3.3%            

Altarea SCA

    278       25,487  

Carmila SA

    3,294       49,267  

Covivio

    2,865       127,082  

Gecina SA

    3,044       310,360  

ICADE

    1,840       60,601  

Klepierre SA

    11,562       283,102  

Mercialys SA

    5,614       50,517  

Nexity SA

    2,882       42,488  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, New(a)

    6,018       295,938  
   

 

 

 
      1,244,842  
Germany — 4.9%            

ADLER Group SA(a)(c)

    6,991       3,592  

Aroundtown SA(a)(b)

    51,466       106,767  

Deutsche EuroShop AG

    727       14,028  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    3,125       70,798  

DIC Asset AG(b)

    2,216       9,145  

Grand City Properties SA(a)

    4,283       40,384  

Hamborner REIT AG

    4,215       28,688  

Instone Real Estate Group SE(c)

    2,740       16,976  

LEG Immobilien SE(a)

    4,394       302,163  

TAG Immobilien AG(a)

    10,372       108,368  

Vib Vermoegen AG(a)

    656       9,085  

Vonovia SE

    48,302       1,157,234  
   

 

 

 
      1,867,228  
Hong Kong — 10.8%            

Champion REIT

    110,000       36,170  
 

 

 

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

  35


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Property ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Hong Kong (continued)            

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    113,000     $ 593,543  

Fortune REIT

    88,000       52,750  

Hang Lung Group Ltd.

    49,000       68,960  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    103,000       140,920  

Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd.

    77,044       202,314  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.(b)

    61,700       220,041  

Hysan Development Co. Ltd.

    35,000       67,757  

Kerry Properties Ltd.

    34,500       58,509  

Link REIT

    151,879       742,617  

New World Development Co. Ltd.

    82,000       158,989  

Prosperity REIT

    75,000       13,881  

Shun Tak Holdings Ltd.(a)

    128,000       18,535  

Sino Land Co. Ltd.

    198,000       222,678  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    89,500       954,961  

Sunlight REIT

    60,000       18,728  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    62,000       128,943  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

    92,000       354,562  
   

 

 

 
        4,054,858  
Ireland — 0.1%            

Irish Residential Properties REIT PLC

    25,548       25,068  
   

 

 

 
Israel — 2.3%            

Africa Israel Residences Ltd.

    367       19,061  

Airport City Ltd.(a)

    3,814       58,547  

Alony Hetz Properties & Investments Ltd.

    9,081       62,296  

Amot Investments Ltd.

    12,784       62,049  

Ashtrom Group Ltd.

    1       10  

Aura Investments Ltd.

    7,420       17,344  

Azrieli Group Ltd.

    2,178       111,803  

Big Shopping Centers Ltd.(a)

    720       59,626  

Blue Square Real Estate Ltd.

    330       18,860  

Electra Real Estate Ltd.

    1,340       12,918  

G City Ltd.

    5,196       15,981  

Gav-Yam Lands Corp. Ltd.

    1,027       6,532  

IES Holdings Ltd.(a)

    165       9,755  

Israel Canada T.R Ltd.

    7,867       19,709  

Israel Land Development Co. Ltd.(The)

    1,077       9,573  

Isras Investment Co. Ltd.

    93       17,357  

Mega Or Holdings Ltd.

    1,308       23,380  

Mehadrin Ltd.(a)

    1       33  

Melisron Ltd.

    1,505       94,123  

Menivim- The New REIT Ltd.

    40,734       16,660  

Mivne Real Estate KD Ltd.

    35,658       85,841  

Norstar Holdings Inc.(a)(b)

    1,859       4,318  

Prashkovsky Investments and Construction Ltd.

    447       9,925  

Property & Building Corp. Ltd.(a)

    165       7,291  

Reit 1 Ltd.

    11,393       46,550  

Sella Capital Real Estate Ltd.

    12,675       26,320  

Summit Real Estate Holdings Ltd.

    2,156       27,618  

YH Dimri Construction & Development Ltd.

    406       26,433  
   

 

 

 
      869,913  
Italy — 0.0%            

Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione SIIQ SpA

    3,360       7,573  
   

 

 

 
Japan — 31.3%            

Activia Properties Inc.

    42       115,873  

Advance Logistics Investment Corp.

    40       33,682  

Advance Residence Investment Corp.

    83       188,154  

Aeon Mall Co. Ltd.

    5,680       66,850  

AEON REIT Investment Corp.

    105       102,886  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Arealink Co. Ltd.

    500     $ 9,845  

Comforia Residential REIT Inc.

    40       88,654  

CRE Inc./Japan

    800       8,476  

CRE Logistics REIT Inc.

    37       40,619  

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

    3,900       410,801  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    39,500           1,060,156  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    127       224,072  

Daiwa Office Investment Corp.

    17       75,940  

Daiwa Securities Living Investments Corp.

    134       99,361  

Dear Life Co. Ltd.

    1,500       8,024  

ESCON Japan Reit Investment Corp.

    20       15,837  

Frontier Real Estate Investment Corp.

    30       91,790  

Fukuoka REIT Corp.

    43       45,721  

Global One Real Estate Investment Corp.

    61       46,832  

GLP J-Reit.

    292       260,992  

Goldcrest Co. Ltd.

    900       13,333  

Hankyu Hanshin REIT Inc.

    42       39,641  

Health Care & Medical Investment Corp.

    22       21,433  

Heiwa Real Estate Co. Ltd.

    1,900       50,542  

Heiwa Real Estate REIT Inc.

    60       58,779  

Hoshino Resorts REIT Inc.

    15       65,691  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    35,500       318,322  

Hulic Reit Inc.

    76       81,036  

Ichigo Hotel REIT Investment Corp.

    16       12,435  

Ichigo Inc.

    13,500       29,414  

Ichigo Office REIT Investment Corp.

    62       36,287  

Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment Corp.

    125       115,497  

Invincible Investment Corp.

    401       165,624  

Japan Excellent Inc.

    75       66,342  

Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corp.

    267       139,411  

Japan Logistics Fund Inc.

    55       106,632  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest.

    414       268,501  

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    59       142,380  

Japan Property Management Center Co. Ltd.

    600       4,578  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    84       327,326  

JINUSHI Co. Ltd.

    700       8,980  

JSB Co. Ltd.

    300       10,752  

Katitas Co. Ltd.

    3,000       43,671  

Keihanshin Building Co. Ltd.

    2,600       23,853  

Kenedix Office Investment Corp

    50       115,633  

Kenedix Residential Next Investment Corp.

    63       96,143  

Kenedix Retail REIT Corp.

    36       69,609  

LA Holdings Co. Ltd/Japan

    300       9,362  

LaSalle Logiport REIT

    110       105,465  

Leopalace21 Corp.(a)

    11,600       25,422  

Marimo Regional Revitalization REIT Inc.

    12       10,107  

Mirai Corp.

    105       33,274  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    78,500       1,024,112  

Mitsubishi Estate Logistics REIT Investment Corp.

    30       75,302  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    55,556       1,223,565  

Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park Inc.

    34       107,085  

Mori Hills REIT Investment Corp.

    96       90,954  

Mori Trust Reit Inc.

    155       75,476  

Nippon Accommodations Fund Inc.

    30       126,627  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    101       409,003  

Nippon Prologis REIT Inc.

    145       270,711  

NIPPON REIT Investment Corp.

    27       64,450  

Nisshin Fudosan Co.

    1,700       6,137  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    6,700       168,207  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund Inc.

    280       313,601  
 

 

 

36  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Property ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

NTT UD REIT Investment Corp.

    84     $ 77,578  

One REIT Inc.

    14       24,268  

Ooedo Onsen Reit Investment Corp.

    15       6,564  

Orix JREIT Inc.

    165       197,896  

Raysum Co. Ltd.

    400       8,683  

SAMTY Co. Ltd.

    2,400       38,071  

Samty Residential Investment Corp.

    42       32,388  

Sankei Real Estate Inc.

    28       17,133  

Sekisui House Reit Inc.

    259       144,277  

SOSiLA Logistics REIT Inc.

    44       36,336  

SRE Holdings Corp.(a)

    600       11,802  

Star Asia Investment Corp.

    140       54,188  

Star Mica Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,500       6,306  

Starts Corp. Inc.

    2,000       39,035  

Starts Proceed Investment Corp.

    15       21,960  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    28,200       732,115  

Sun Frontier Fudousan Co. Ltd.

    1,700       17,112  

Takara Leben Co. Ltd.

    4,900       15,533  

Takara Leben Real Estate Investment Corp.

    42       27,272  

TKP Corp.(a)(b)

    900       15,678  

TOC Co. Ltd.

    3,000       12,869  

Tokaido REIT Inc.

    14       11,610  

Tokyo Tatemono Co. Ltd.

    12,300       170,062  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

    35,900       220,590  

Tokyu REIT Inc.

    54       66,082  

Tosei Corp.

    1,600       20,640  

Tosei Reit Investment Corp.

    17       15,997  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    184       191,553  

XYMAX REIT Investment Corp.

    13       10,059  
   

 

 

 
        11,808,927  
Netherlands — 0.6%            

Argo Properties NV(a)(b)

    717       10,513  

Brack Capital Properties NV(a)

    1       64  

CTP NV(c)

    6,405       91,491  

Eurocommercial Properties NV

    2,519       55,840  

NSI NV

    1,092       20,712  

Vastned Retail NV

    1,039       21,189  

Wereldhave NV

    2,420       38,466  
   

 

 

 
      238,275  
New Zealand — 0.6%            

Argosy Property Ltd.

    51,582       34,626  

Goodman Property Trust

    61,650       78,149  

Kiwi Property Group Ltd.

    92,655       46,931  

Precinct Properties New Zealand Ltd.

    79,613       54,873  
   

 

 

 
      214,579  
Norway — 0.1%            

Entra ASA(c)

    4,247       36,227  
   

 

 

 
Singapore — 8.4%            

AIMS APAC REIT(b)

    41,156       39,074  

CapitaLand Ascendas REIT

    210,892       422,981  

CapitaLand Ascott Trust

    133,785       93,778  

CapitaLand China Trust

    69,326       44,787  

Capitaland India Trust

    59,766       45,809  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    299,910       404,733  

Capitaland Investment Ltd/Singapore

    141,900       320,631  

CDL Hospitality Trusts

    40,162       30,471  

City Developments Ltd.

    30,000       144,776  

Cromwell European Real Estate Investment Trust

    18,820       25,469  
Security   Shares     Value  
Singapore (continued)            

Digital Core REIT Management Pte Ltd.

    43,100     $ 22,791  

Eagle Hospitality Trust(a)(d)

    53,200       1  

EC World Real Estate Investment Trust(d)

    15,900       3,018  

ESR-LOGOS REIT

    351,636       71,822  

Far East Hospitality Trust

    62,000       28,801  

Frasers Centrepoint Trust

    64,006       102,310  

Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust

    172,472       134,675  

Hong Fok Corp. Ltd.(b)

    21,700       14,339  

Keppel DC REIT(b)

    79,303       120,407  

Keppel Pacific Oak US REIT

    44,400       9,768  

Keppel REIT

    114,600       71,529  

Lendlease Global Commercial REIT(b)

    102,792       40,902  

Manulife US Real Estate Investment Trust

    103,850       5,915  

Mapletree Industrial Trust

    122,632       202,437  

Mapletree Logistics Trust

    196,911       241,400  

Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust

    137,112       143,096  

PARAGON REIT

    74,500       45,473  

Parkway Life REIT

    23,100       62,306  

Prime U.S. REIT

    37,500       5,167  

Sasseur Real Estate Investment Trust

    30,100       14,852  

Starhill Global REIT

    84,800       30,055  

Suntec REIT

    132,100       111,876  

UOL Group Ltd.

    27,500       128,633  
   

 

 

 
        3,184,082  
South Korea — 0.4%            

D&D Platform REIT Co. Ltd., NVS

    3,390       7,693  

ESR Kendall Square REIT Co. Ltd.

    9,440       26,431  

Haesung Industrial Co. Ltd.

    720       4,166  

JR REIT XXVII

    9,795       29,551  

Koramco Energy Plus Reit

    3,017       12,290  

LOTTE Reit Co. Ltd.

    6,952       16,838  

NH All-One REIT Co. Ltd.

    2,493       6,187  

Shinhan Alpha REIT Co. Ltd.

    4,236       19,243  

SK D&D Co. Ltd.

    408       8,568  

SK REITs Co. Ltd.

    7,107       22,092  
   

 

 

 
      153,059  
Spain — 0.8%            

Aedas Homes SA(c)

    775       13,249  

Inmobiliaria Colonial SOCIMI SA

    17,101       96,976  

Lar Espana Real Estate SOCIMI SA

    2,953       17,296  

Merlin Properties SOCIMI SA

    19,838       166,914  

Metrovacesa SA(c)

    899       6,986  
   

 

 

 
      301,421  
Sweden — 3.9%            

Atrium Ljungberg AB, Class B

    3,168       51,555  

Castellum AB(b)

    25,118       254,610  

Catena AB

    1,912       66,343  

Cibus Nordic Real Estate AB

    3,373       33,354  

Corem Property Group AB, Class B

    32,026       17,688  

Dios Fastigheter AB

    6,274       35,751  

Fabege AB

    14,636       116,568  

Fastighets AB Balder, Class B(a)

    39,295       176,152  

Hufvudstaden AB, Class A

    6,800       75,108  

Neobo Fastigheter AB(a)(b)

    8,173       7,310  

NP3 Fastigheter AB

    1,785       25,759  

Nyfosa AB

    8,452       45,318  

Pandox AB, Class B.

    5,340       56,668  

Platzer Fastigheter Holding AB, Class B

    3,848       23,668  

Sagax AB, Class B

    12,247       232,637  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Property ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden (continued)            

Sagax AB, Class D

    6,318     $ 14,813  

Samhallsbyggnadsbolaget i Norden AB(b)

    62,987       22,938  

Wallenstam AB, Class B

    26,150       87,287  

Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB

    15,984       111,433  
   

 

 

 
      1,454,960  
Switzerland — 2.8%            

Allreal Holding AG, Registered

    915       145,754  

Intershop Holding AG

    68       44,956  

Mobimo Holding AG, Registered

    430       115,178  

Peach Property Group AG(a)(b)

    769       11,178  

PSP Swiss Property AG, Registered

    2,720       320,911  

Swiss Prime Site AG, Registered

    4,549       416,455  
   

 

 

 
        1,054,432  
United Kingdom — 9.3%            

Abrdn Property Income Trust

    24,677       14,723  

AEW U.K. REIT PLC

    8,805       10,546  

Assura PLC

    175,819       90,698  

Balanced Commercial Property Trust Ltd.

    41,948       34,639  

Big Yellow Group PLC

    10,311       117,498  

British Land Co. PLC(The)

    55,646       214,329  

Capital & Counties Properties PLC

    115,807       161,761  

CLS Holdings PLC

    7,871       11,375  

Custodian Reit PLC

    25,544       25,612  

Derwent London PLC

    6,681       156,638  

Empiric Student Property PLC

    35,498       38,763  

Grainger PLC

    44,192       125,954  

Great Portland Estates PLC

    14,983       76,377  

Hammerson PLC

    228,377       69,900  

Helical PLC

    6,226       16,066  

Home Reit PLC(d)

    52,824       20,624  

Impact Healthcare Reit PLC, Class B

    23,810       24,038  

Land Securities Group PLC

    44,674       320,224  

Life Science Reit PLC

    20,928       17,772  

LondonMetric Property PLC

    57,817       120,563  

LXI REIT PLC

    101,406       112,343  

NewRiver REIT PLC

    19,028       18,550  

Picton Property Income Ltd.

    32,847       27,233  

Primary Health Properties PLC

    79,336       90,070  

PRS REIT PLC(The)

    30,557       25,427  

Regional REIT Ltd.(c)

    25,507       8,870  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    12,987       116,029  

Schroder REIT Ltd.

    28,844       14,383  

Segro PLC

    72,614       634,939  

Sirius Real Estate Ltd.

    70,318       73,716  

Supermarket Income Reit PLC

    73,240       67,761  

Target Healthcare REIT PLC

    37,086       34,298  

Triple Point Social Housing REIT PLC(c)

    20,007       12,254  
Security   Shares      Value  
United Kingdom (continued)             

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    112,876      $ 192,094  

UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd.

    51,400        33,245  

UNITE Group PLC(The)

    23,510        256,307  

Urban Logistics REIT PLC

    27,864        37,329  

Warehouse REIT PLC

    25,082        25,125  

Workspace Group PLC

    8,036        47,869  
    

 

 

 
       3,495,942  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.3%
(Cost: $60,523,204)

 

     37,422,845  
    

 

 

 

Rights

    
Austria — 0.0%             

Buwog AG(d)

    463         
    

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $—)

        
    

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.3%
(Cost: $60,523,204)

       37,422,845  
    

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

    
Money Market Funds — 2.5%             

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares,
5.54%(e)(f)(g)

    553,333        553,499  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares,
5.31%(e)(f)

    390,000        390,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 2.5%
(Cost: $943,300)

       943,499  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments — 101.8%
(Cost: $61,466,504)

       38,366,344  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (1.8)%

 

     (678,396
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $   37,687,948  
    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

38  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Property ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
03/31/23
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sale
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
09/30/23
    Shares
Held at
09/30/23
    Income    

Capital

Gain

Distributions

from

Underlying

Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 912,455     $     $ (358,927 )(a)    $ 53     $ (82   $ 553,499       553,333     $ 6,588 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    10,000       380,000 (a)                        390,000       390,000       608        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 53     $ (82   $ 943,499       $ 7,196     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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

     8          12/07/23        $ 124        $ (1,796

Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index

     5          12/15/23          152          (6,573
                 

 

 

 
                  $ (8,369
                 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 8,369      $      $      $      $ 8,369  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 28,278      $      $      $      $ 28,278  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (15,634    $      $      $      $ (15,634
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 351,760  

 

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Property ETF

 

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  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 2,398,561        $ 35,000,641        $ 23,643        $ 37,422,845  

Rights

                                 

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     943,499                            943,499  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 3,342,060        $ 35,000,641        $ 23,643        $ 38,366,344  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (6,573      $ (1,796      $        $ (8,369
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 6.4%            

Abacus Group

    159,783     $ 107,355  

Abacus Storage King(a)(b)

    158,967       106,296  

APM Human Services International Ltd.

    96,747       114,047  

Arena REIT

    102,663       220,390  

Bapcor Ltd.

    105,723       459,952  

Bega Cheese Ltd.

    93,483       150,731  

Brickworks Ltd.

    18,717       299,055  

BWP Trust

    151,725       325,316  

Centuria Capital Group

    225,675       195,911  

Centuria Industrial REIT

    165,495       318,309  

Centuria Office REIT

    143,922       105,141  

Charter Hall Long Wale REIT

    210,630       433,390  

Charter Hall Retail REIT

    158,865       318,612  

Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT

    108,112       173,907  

Elders Ltd.

    49,419       182,791  

Estia Health Ltd.

    72,726       142,369  

Growthpoint Properties Australia Ltd.

    90,384       127,534  

GUD Holdings Ltd.

    44,013       331,002  

Helia Group Ltd.

    107,304       240,345  

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT

    551,871       407,617  

Ingenia Communities Group

    115,668       309,492  

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd.(a)

    162,180       103,902  

Kelsian Group Ltd.

    63,393       231,413  

National Storage REIT

    387,702       539,500  

Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Ltd.

    467,721       612,358  

NRW Holdings Ltd.

    134,436       232,752  

OFX Group Ltd.(a)

    69,564       77,437  

Perseus Mining Ltd.

    423,912       442,623  

Premier Investments Ltd.

    26,214       418,123  

Reliance Worldwide Corp. Ltd.

    251,022       623,821  

Rural Funds Group.

    118,677       134,438  

Sigma Healthcare Ltd.

    259,386       115,073  

SmartGroup Corp. Ltd.

    27,336       144,949  

Super Retail Group Ltd.

    51,765       395,562  

Viva Energy Group Ltd.(c)

    259,896       498,122  

Waypoint REIT Ltd.

    208,743       300,287  
   

 

 

 
        9,939,922  
Austria — 2.2%            

BAWAG Group AG(c)

    25,347       1,158,510  

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

    12,852       425,576  

EVN AG(b)

    11,373       303,968  

Mayr Melnhof Karton AG(b)

    2,703       364,559  

Vienna Insurance Group AG Wiener

   

Versicherung Gruppe

    12,495       348,266  

Wienerberger AG

    33,507       848,073  
   

 

 

 
      3,448,952  
Belgium — 2.0%            

Aedifica SA

    15,147       860,883  

Bekaert SA

    10,557       472,626  

bpost SA

    31,416       172,218  

Etablissements Franz Colruyt NV

    15,453       668,006  

KBC Ancora

    10,965       447,097  

Montea NV

    4,641       329,539  

Tessenderlo Group SA

    6,834       196,922  
   

 

 

 
      3,147,291  
Canada — 16.0%            

Allied Properties REIT

    40,443       533,880  

AltaGas Ltd.

    87,618       1,680,434  
Security   Shares     Value  
Canada (continued)            

ARC Resources Ltd.

    194,412     $ 3,103,149  

B2Gold Corp.

    335,988       964,736  

Brookfield Renewable Corp., Class A

    40,290       964,350  

Canadian Western Bank

    29,682       614,947  

Canfor Corp.(a)

    18,819       233,739  

Capital Power Corp

    36,771       1,026,583  

Cargojet Inc.

    2,754       182,566  

Celestica Inc.(a)

    32,334       791,299  

Dream Industrial REIT

    77,724       734,751  

Enerplus Corp

    68,340       1,202,522  

Granite REIT

    19,023       1,009,518  

H&R Real Estate Investment Trust

    83,538       567,683  

iA Financial Corp. Inc.

    32,793       2,057,032  

Kinross Gold Corp.

    387,039       1,763,866  

Laurentian Bank of Canada

    13,668       304,605  

Linamar Corp.

    13,413       646,135  

Mullen Group Ltd.

    26,724       264,043  

Onex Corp.

    21,471       1,261,940  

Parex Resources Inc.

    32,946       618,291  

Prinmaris REIT

    30,600       303,916  

Russel Metals Inc.

    19,635       549,621  

SSR Mining Inc.

    64,719       859,585  

Transcontinental Inc., Class A

    22,848       191,935  

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

    24,378       1,769,862  

Whitecap Resources Inc.

    92,718       782,975  
   

 

 

 
          24,983,963  
Denmark — 3.3%            

Alm Brand A/S

    271,626       406,800  

FLSmidth & Co. A/S(b)

    17,748       799,951  

ISS A/S

    48,858       750,533  

NKT A/S(a)

    16,932       881,994  

Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Class A(c)

    17,493       266,461  

Schouw & Co. A/S

    3,876       258,069  

Spar Nord Bank A/S

    24,786       383,420  

Sydbank A/S

    17,748       842,464  

Topdanmark A/S

    13,668       593,393  
   

 

 

 
      5,183,085  
Finland — 2.0%            

Cargotec OYJ, Class B

    15,351       641,750  

Kemira OYJ

    35,853       557,468  

Konecranes OYJ

    22,542       747,251  

Metsa Board OYJ, Class B

    53,703       431,095  

TietoEVRY OYJ

    31,671       711,320  
   

 

 

 
      3,088,884  
France — 2.6%            

APERAM SA

    13,821       401,454  

Carmila SA

    17,901       267,740  

Cie. Plastic Omnium SA

    17,085       277,074  

Coface SA

    32,385       412,296  

Derichebourg SA

    29,988       150,751  

Fnac Darty SA

    3,264       79,946  

Imerys SA

    12,138       358,222  

IPSOS

    12,189       559,968  

Mersen SA

    5,147       205,030  

Metropole Television SA

    20,604       260,771  

Nexity SA

    13,617       200,750  

Rubis SCA

    29,631       663,632  

Television Francaise 1

    34,476       263,739  
   

 

 

 
      4,101,373  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Germany — 2.9%            

1&1 AG

    14,637     $ 247,339  

Aurubis AG

    9,537       703,676  

CropEnergies AG

    6,375       53,235  

Deutz AG

    38,148       168,005  

ElringKlinger AG

    8,823       54,567  

Freenet AG

    37,230       871,496  

Hornbach Holding AG & Co. KGaA

    2,754       175,528  

Kloeckner & Co. SE

    23,562       169,932  

Norma Group SE

    10,098       186,586  

Patrizia SE

    13,107       103,868  

ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE(b)

    54,060       365,154  

Siltronic AG

    6,630       564,397  

Suedzucker AG

    24,633       366,217  

Vitesco Technologies Group AG(a)

    5,712       462,258  
   

 

 

 
      4,492,258  
Hong Kong — 0.6%            

CITIC Telecom International Holdings Ltd.

    459,000       181,496  

Fortune REIT

    408,000       244,568  

Luk Fook Holdings International Ltd.

    102,000       263,852  

United Laboratories International Holdings
Ltd.(The)(b)

    204,000       206,161  
   

 

 

 
      896,077  
Ireland — 0.3%            

Dalata Hotel Group PLC

    68,952       292,691  

Greencore Group PLC(a)

    154,632       143,198  
   

 

 

 
      435,889  
Israel — 0.6%            

FIBI Holdings Ltd.

    5,304       241,009  

Formula Systems 1985 Ltd.

    2,397       176,874  

Isracard Ltd.

    60,180       248,830  

Paz Ashdod Refinery Ltd.(a)

    3,060       84,637  

Paz Oil Co. Ltd.(a)

    3,060       251,964  
   

 

 

 
      1,003,314  
Italy — 1.8%            

Azimut Holding SpA

    33,660       732,494  

Biesse SpA

    4,284       49,887  

Credito Emiliano SpA

    24,687       202,197  

Datalogic SpA

    8,415       54,061  

Iren SpA

    203,949       392,137  

Maire Tecnimont SpA

    49,929       204,510  

Piaggio & C SpA

    51,510       164,405  

Tod’s SpA(a)

    2,652       95,810  

Unipol Gruppo SpA

    133,569       720,915  

Webuild SpA

    97,155       172,363  
   

 

 

 
            2,788,779  
Japan — 25.0%            

77 Bank Ltd.(The)

    20,400       432,020  

ADEKA Corp.

    30,600       522,525  

Aisan Industry Co. Ltd.

    10,200       91,161  

Alpen Co. Ltd.

    5,100       65,956  

AOKI Holdings Inc.

    10,200       68,979  

Aoyama Trading Co. Ltd.

    15,300       170,878  

Arata Corp.

    5,100       190,264  

Arcs Co. Ltd.

    10,200       185,819  

Asahi Diamond Industrial Co. Ltd.

    15,300       90,557  

ASAHI YUKIZAI Corp.

    3,900       96,334  

Aska Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       57,813  

Autobacs Seven Co. Ltd.

    20,400       215,935  

Avex Inc.

    10,200       98,452  

Axial Retailing Inc.

    5,100       127,639  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Bando Chemical Industries Ltd.

    10,200     $  111,800  

Belluna Co. Ltd.

    15,300       68,765  

BML Inc.

    5,100       95,252  

Bunka Shutter Co. Ltd.

    15,300       113,101  

Canon Electronics Inc.

    5,100       64,482  

Cawachi Ltd.

    5,100       84,834  

Central Glass Co. Ltd.

    5,100       101,055  

Chiyoda Corp.(a)(b)

    45,900       116,162  

Chori Co. Ltd.

    5,100       102,098  

Chudenko Corp.

    10,200       164,662  

Citizen Watch Co. Ltd.

    66,300       407,828  

CKD Corp

    20,400       280,451  

CMIC Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       58,721  

CMK Corp.

    15,300       68,586  

Daiichi Jitsugyo Co. Ltd.

    9,000       112,030  

Daiken Corp.

    5,100       102,060  

Daiki Aluminium Industry Co. Ltd.

    10,200       88,982  

Daishi Hokuetsu Financial Group Inc.

    15,100       382,717  

DCM Holdings Co. Ltd.

    30,600       248,564  

Dexerials Corp.

    15,300       376,725  

Doshisha Co. Ltd.

    5,100       76,013  

Doutor Nichires Holdings Co. Ltd.

    10,200       158,926  

Duskin Co. Ltd.

    10,200       220,985  

Eagle Industry Co. Ltd.

    10,200       115,440  

EDION Corp.

    25,500       252,229  

Eiken Chemical Co. Ltd.

    10,200       93,090  

eRex Co. Ltd.(b)

    10,200       52,224  

Exedy Corp.

    10,200       178,320  

FCC Co. Ltd.

    10,200       128,323  

Fuji Co. Ltd./Ehime

    10,200       121,867  

Fuji Corp./Aichi

    25,500       395,597  

Fuji Seal International Inc.

    10,200       121,470  

Fukuyama Transporting Co. Ltd.

    10,200       267,904  

Furukawa Co. Ltd.

    10,200       114,508  

Genky DrugStores Co. Ltd.

    2,600       96,100  

Geo Holdings Corp.

    5,100       81,009  

GLOBERIDE Inc.

    5,100       68,804  

Godo Steel Ltd.

    2,800       85,913  

Goldcrest Co. Ltd.

    5,100       75,554  

G-Tekt Corp.

    5,100       62,071  

Gunma Bank Ltd.(The)

    127,500       594,033  

Gunze Ltd.

    5,100       153,706  

H2O Retailing Corp.

    25,500       309,704  

Halows Co. Ltd.

    2,800       78,714  

Hanwa Co. Ltd.

    10,200       323,380  

Happinet Corp.

    5,100       85,174  

Heiwado Co. Ltd.

    10,200       177,987  

Hitachi Zosen Corp.

    51,000       285,609  

Hogy Medical Co. Ltd.

    5,100       108,939  

Hokuetsu Corp.

    40,800       295,801  

Honeys Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       53,441  

Hosiden Corp.

    15,300       196,104  

Hosokawa Micron Corp.

    5,100       139,733  

Ichikoh Industries Ltd.

    15,300       57,872  

Integrated Design & Engineering Holdings Co. Ltd., NVS

    5,100       121,881  

Inui Global Logistics Co. Ltd.(b)

    5,100       45,079  

Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd.

    10,200       100,952  

Itochu Enex Co. Ltd.

    15,300       154,083  

JAFCO Group Co. Ltd.

    15,300             168,299  
 

 

 

42  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Japan Lifeline Co. Ltd.

    20,400     $         158,641  

Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing Inc.

    5,100       25,680  

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd.

    10,200       382,230  

Japan Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd.

    3,100       101,241  

Japan Wool Textile Co. Ltd.(The)

    20,400       183,552  

JDC Corp.

    10,200       45,243  

Joshin Denki Co. Ltd.

    5,100       80,246  

Joyful Honda Co. Ltd.

    15,300       179,883  

K&O Energy Group Inc.

    5,100       89,218  

Kaga Electronics Co. Ltd.

    5,100       220,929  

Kanamoto Co. Ltd.

    10,200       179,133  

Kanto Denka Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    15,300       89,296  

Kato Sangyo Co. Ltd.

    5,100       135,496  

Kissei Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    10,200       230,987  

Kitz Corp.

    25,500       176,298  

Koa Corp.

    10,200       122,612  

Kojima Co. Ltd.

    10,200       43,526  

Komeri Co. Ltd.

    10,200       214,979  

Komori Corp.

    15,300       108,211  

Konishi Co. Ltd.

    10,200       155,387  

Konoike Transport Co. Ltd.

    10,200       131,906  

Krosaki Harima Corp.

    1,200       77,239  

Kureha Corp.

    5,100       283,554  

KYB Corp.

    5,100       164,927  

Kyoei Steel Ltd.

    5,100       67,821  

Kyokuto Kaihatsu Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    10,200       120,011  

Life Corp.

    5,100       124,201  

Macromill Inc.

    10,200       49,960  

Makino Milling Machine Co. Ltd.

    5,100       222,447  

Maruzen Showa Unyu Co. Ltd.

    5,100       129,048  

Matsuda Sangyo Co. Ltd.

    5,100       80,804  

Maxell Ltd.

    10,200       114,101  

MCJ Co. Ltd.

    20,400       152,996  

Megachips Corp.

    5,100       142,463  

Megmilk Snow Brand Co. Ltd.

    15,300       234,571  

Meidensha Corp.

    10,200       153,023  

Meiko Electronics Co. Ltd.

    5,100       115,491  

Meisei Industrial Co. Ltd.

    15,300       103,416  

Micronics Japan Co. Ltd.

    10,200       144,184  

Mimasu Semiconductor Industry Co. Ltd.

    5,100       94,591  

MIRAIT ONE corp.

    25,500       335,216  

Miroku Jyoho Service Co. Ltd.

    5,100       56,152  

Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd.

    15,300       196,282  

Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co. Ltd.

    5,100       133,120  

Mitsui DM Sugar Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       102,699  

Mitsui-Soko Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       146,783  

Mizuno Corp.

    5,100       161,510  

Morita Holdings Corp.

    10,200       108,565  

Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co. Ltd.

    15,300       166,160  

Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp.

    5,100       136,938  

Nakayama Steel Works Ltd.

    5,100       30,838  

Neturen Co. Ltd.

    10,200       68,247  

Nichias Corp.

    15,300       313,518  

Nichicon Corp.

    20,400       192,143  

Nichiha Corp.

    10,200       200,541  

Nichireki Co. Ltd.

    7,200       96,158  

Nihon Chouzai Co. Ltd.

    5,100       50,355  

Nihon Parkerizing Co. Ltd.

    30,600       226,095  

Nikkiso Co. Ltd.

    15,300       103,627  

Nikkon Holdings Co. Ltd.

    15,300       323,313  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Nippn Corp., New

    15,300     $         222,404  

Nippon Carbon Co. Ltd.

    3,100       94,422  

Nippon Denko Co. Ltd.

    30,600       62,148  

Nippon Densetsu Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    10,200       149,601  

Nippon Light Metal Holdings Co. Ltd.

    20,400       229,407  

Nippon Pillar Packing Co. Ltd.

    5,100       132,964  

Nippon Road Co. Ltd.(The)

    5,000       62,829  

Nippon Soda Co. Ltd.

    8,500       312,573  

Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    91,800       449,348  

Nippon Thompson Co. Ltd.

    20,400       75,442  

Nishimatsu Construction Co. Ltd.

    10,200       252,949  

Nishio Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       120,384  

Nissha Co. Ltd.(b)

    10,200       114,546  

Nisshinbo Holdings Inc.

    40,800       303,205  

Nissin Corp.

    5,100       91,192  

Nitta Corp.

    5,100       113,204  

Nittetsu Mining Co. Ltd.

    5,100       170,719  

Nitto Boseki Co. Ltd.

    8,200       191,148  

Nojima Corp.

    20,400       178,341  

Noritake Co. Ltd./Nagoya Japan

    5,100       211,945  

Noritz Corp.

    10,200       108,095  

Obara Group Inc.

    3,300       85,091  

Ohara Inc.

    5,100       44,264  

Oiles Corp.

    10,200       136,940  

Okamura Corp.

    20,400       308,042  

Okinawa Financial Group Inc.

    5,100       82,669  

Onward Holdings Co. Ltd.

    35,700       124,466  

Oriental Shiraishi Corp

    30,600       67,279  

Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.

    5,100       86,102  

Osaka Soda Co. Ltd.

    6,500       279,760  

Pacific Industrial Co. Ltd.

    15,300       146,557  

Pack Corp.(The)

    5,100       107,527  

Pasona Group Inc.

    5,100       55,672  

Piolax Inc.

    7,100       108,621  

Press Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    25,500       117,460  

Pressance Corp.

    5,100       62,458  

Prima Meat Packers Ltd.

    10,200       167,321  

Qol Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       63,298  

Riken Corp.(a)

    2,700       66,127  

Riken Technos Corp.

    15,300       73,081  

RS Technologies Co. Ltd.

    5,100       97,238  

Ryobi Ltd.

    10,200       207,157  

S Foods Inc.

    5,100       114,112  

Sakai Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.

    5,100       70,539  

Sakai Moving Service Co. Ltd.

    5,400       90,065  

Sakata INX Corp.

    15,300       131,652  

San-A Co. Ltd.

    5,100       163,061  

San-Ai Obbli Co. Ltd.

    15,300       162,119  

San-In Godo Bank Ltd.

    45,900       296,644  

Sanoh Industrial Co. Ltd.

    5,100       33,954  

Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd.

    3,400       93,076  

Sanyo Denki Co. Ltd.

    2,700       123,369  

Sanyo Special Steel Co. Ltd.

    5,100       100,365  

SBS Holdings Inc.

    5,100       95,562  

Seiko Group Corp.

    10,200       178,085  

Sekisui Jushi Corp.

    7,800       124,279  

Senshu Electric Co. Ltd.

    5,100       120,267  

Senshu Ikeda Holdings Inc.

    91,800       196,913  

Shiga Bank Ltd.(The)

    15,300       357,508  

Shin-Etsu Polymer Co. Ltd.

    10,200       91,165  
 

 

 

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

  43


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Shinmaywa Industries Ltd.

    15,300     $ 130,340  

Shizuoka Gas Co. Ltd.

    15,300       104,253  

Sinfonia Technology Co. Ltd.

    10,200       109,566  

Sintokogio Ltd.

    15,300       111,866  

SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings Inc.

    35,700       166,936  

Sodick Co. Ltd.

    15,300       74,815  

Star Micronics Co. Ltd.

    10,200       127,924  

Starts Corp. Inc.

    10,200       199,080  

Stella Chemifa Corp.

    2,500       51,883  

Sumitomo Densetsu Co. Ltd.

    5,100       94,592  

Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd.

    10,200       76,235  

Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd.

    2,600       78,721  

Sumitomo Warehouse Co. Ltd.(The)

    15,300       243,954  

Sun Frontier Fudousan Co. Ltd.

    10,200       102,674  

SWCC Corp.

    5,100       72,580  

Tachibana Eletech Co. Ltd.

    5,100       95,489  

Tachi-S Co. Ltd.

    10,200       116,034  

Taiyo Holdings Co. Ltd.

    10,200       174,689  

Takaoka Toko Co. Ltd.

    5,100       71,585  

Takara Standard Co. Ltd.

    15,300       189,448  

Takasago Thermal Engineering Co. Ltd.

    20,400       396,208  

Takuma Co. Ltd.

    20,400       210,959  

Tamron Co. Ltd.

    5,100       155,829  

T-Gaia Corp.

    5,100       60,207  

Toagosei Co. Ltd.

    35,700       320,611  

Tocalo Co. Ltd.

    15,300       139,176  

Toei Co. Ltd.

    2,000       251,123  

Toho Holdings Co. Ltd.

    15,300       327,894  

TOKAI Holdings Corp.

    35,700       221,017  

Tokai Rika Co. Ltd.

    15,300       239,779  

Tokuyama Corp.

    20,400       320,411  

Tokyo Kiraboshi Financial Group Inc.

    7,900       237,776  

Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    20,400       229,787  

Tokyotokeiba Co. Ltd.

    5,100       137,271  

Tokyu Construction Co. Ltd.

    20,400       106,373  

Tomoku Co. Ltd.

    5,100       83,699  

Topre Corp.

    15,300       173,595  

Topy Industries Ltd.

    5,100       86,781  

Toyo Construction Co. Ltd.

    25,500       207,723  

Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co. Ltd.

    10,200       159,388  

Toyobo Co. Ltd.

    25,500       183,636  

TPR Co. Ltd.

    10,200       124,451  

Trancom Co. Ltd.

    1,800       88,333  

Transcosmos Inc.

    5,100       108,911  

TRE Holdings Corp.

    10,200       82,207  

Trusco Nakayama Corp.

    10,200       166,924  

TSI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    20,400       110,379  

Tsubakimoto Chain Co.

    10,200       263,956  

Union Tool Co.

    3,000       77,732  

Unipres Corp

    10,200       79,049  

United Arrows Ltd.

    10,200       133,558  

United Super Markets Holdings Inc.

    15,300       109,453  

Valor Holdings Co. Ltd.

    10,200       149,155  

Valqua Ltd.

    5,100       141,110  

VT Holdings Co. Ltd.

    30,600       104,603  

Wacoal Holdings Corp.

    15,300       345,657  

Wakita & Co. Ltd.

    15,300       143,545  

Warabeya Nichiyo Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       96,393  

Xebio Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,100       34,100  

Yamazen Corp.

    20,400               160,291  
Security   Shares      Value  
Japan (continued)             

Yellow Hat Ltd.

    10,200      $ 129,407  

Yodogawa Steel Works Ltd.

    10,200        241,570  

Yokowo Co. Ltd.

    5,100        53,653  

Yuasa Trading Co. Ltd.

    5,100        140,914  
    

 

 

 
       38,961,836  
Netherlands — 1.3%             

AMG Critical Materials NV

    9,945        298,453  

Eurocommercial Properties NV

    16,116        357,250  

Flow Trades Ltd., NVS

    8,160        151,924  

Fugro NV(a)

    34,884        534,784  

Iveco Group NV(a)

    62,679        583,880  

NSI NV

    6,069        115,111  
    

 

 

 
       2,041,402  
New Zealand — 0.9%             

Genesis Energy Ltd.

    163,557        238,985  

Goodman Property Trust

    344,658        436,897  

Precinct Properties New Zealand Ltd.

    414,579        285,750  

Summerset Group Holdings Ltd.

    72,624        443,611  
    

 

 

 
       1,405,243  
Norway — 0.3%             

Austevoll Seafood ASA

    28,662        200,840  

BW LPG Ltd.(c)

    23,868        300,563  
    

 

 

 
       501,403  
Portugal — 0.2%             

Sonae SGPS SA

    304,521        295,756  
Singapore — 1.0%             

CapitaLand China Trust(b)

    362,100        233,927  

Capitaland India Trust

    300,900        230,634  

CDL Hospitality Trusts

    275,400        208,945  

First Resources Ltd.

    158,100        176,499  

Frasers Centrepoint Trust(b)

    336,600        538,038  

UMS Holdings Ltd.

    142,800        135,390  
    

 

 

 
       1,523,433  
Spain — 3.2%             

Acerinox SA

    62,373        602,723  

Almirall SA

    23,562        239,643  

Atresmedia Corp. de Medios de Comunicacion SA

    27,438        106,021  

Cia. de Distribucion Integral Logista Holdings SA

    19,482        497,859  

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles SA

    5,865        183,031  

Ence Energia y Celulosa SA

    39,474        132,257  

Faes Farma SA

    100,317        338,815  

Fluidra SA

    34,629        706,584  

Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA

    14,076        176,891  

Gestamp Automocion SA(c)

    48,501        202,191  

Indra Sistemas SA(b)

    38,709        559,332  

Laboratorios Farmaceuticos Rovi SA

    6,630        358,853  

Pharma Mar SA

    4,284        145,250  

Viscofan SA

    12,240        747,260  
    

 

 

 
             4,996,710  
Sweden — 4.2%             

AFRY AB

    31,773        371,999  

Betsson AB

    37,383        410,834  

Bilia AB, Class A

    22,440        217,921  

Billerud AB

    67,422        624,088  

Bravida Holding AB(c)

    64,923        477,845  

Catena AB

    10,710        371,618  

Clas Ohlson AB, Class B

    12,945        138,406  

Cloetta AB, Class B

    69,513        116,127  
 

 

 

44  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Sweden (continued)            

Fabege AB

    79,305     $ 631,623  

Fagerhult AB

    21,522       101,055  

Granges AB

    33,099       311,362  

Hexpol AB

    78,183       692,745  

Hufvudstaden AB, Class A

    33,558       370,659  

Lindab International AB

    21,930       320,163  

Loomis AB, Class B

    22,338       601,178  

NCC AB, Class B

    27,999       302,694  

Peab AB, Class B

    62,118       254,819  

Ratos AB, Class B

    64,107       190,896  

Resurs Holding AB(c)

    44,982       96,749  
   

 

 

 
      6,602,781  
Switzerland — 7.6%            

ALSO Holding AG, Registered

    867       217,513  

Arbonia AG

    14,178       129,954  

Aryzta AG(a)

    291,261       498,168  

Bucher Industries AG, Registered

    2,091       797,659  

Burckhardt Compression Holding AG

    969       527,341  

Bystronic AG, Registered

    408       253,141  

Cembra Money Bank AG

    9,282       629,412  

Comet Holding AG, Registered

    2,346       521,602  

EFG International AG

    24,582       278,249  

Forbo Holding AG, Registered

    306       372,751  

Galenica AG(c)

    15,351       1,134,065  

Huber + Suhner AG, Registered

    5,253       378,706  

Implenia AG, Registered

    4,539       148,875  

Komax Holding AG, Registered

    1,479       339,703  

Landis+Gyr Group AG

    7,752       559,481  

OC Oerlikon Corp. AG, Registered

    60,282       255,462  

Schweiter Technologies AG, NVS

    306       195,092  

SFS Group AG

    5,508       600,886  

Siegfried Holding AG, Registered

    1,275       1,089,010  

St. Galler Kantonalbank AG, Class A, Registered

    867       473,116  

Stadler Rail AG

    16,881       657,023  

Sulzer AG, Registered

    5,457       520,447  

Swissquote Group Holding SA, Registered

    2,754       501,790  

Valiant Holding AG, Registered

    4,998       517,466  

Vetropack Holding AG, Class A, Registered

    3,876       171,283  

Zehnder Group AG, Registered

    2,907       170,410  
   

 

 

 
          11,938,605  
United Kingdom — 14.4%            

Balanced Commercial Property Trust Ltd.

    170,238       140,576  

Balfour Beatty PLC

    178,041       697,301  

Bank of Georgia Group PLC

    11,271       507,439  

Bellway PLC

    38,811       1,078,248  

Big Yellow Group PLC

    53,652       611,387  

C&C Group PLC

    123,930       209,644  

Centamin PLC

    365,160       371,047  

Clarkson PLC

    7,803       260,384  

Close Brothers Group PLC

    47,328       509,596  

Crest Nicholson Holdings PLC

    80,886       171,423  

easyJet PLC(a)

    118,167       612,499  

Grafton Group PLC

    62,424       688,518  

Grainger PLC

    228,021       649,895  

Helical PLC

    31,977       82,517  

Ibstock PLC(c)

    117,351       204,031  

IG Group Holdings PLC

    120,258       941,453  

International Distributions Services PLC(a)

    214,404       680,992  

Investec PLC

    197,064       1,158,189  
Security   Shares     Value  
United Kingdom (continued)            

Jupiter Fund Management PLC

    139,893     $ 163,125  

Keller Group PLC

    22,389       205,149  

Lancashire Holdings Ltd.

    76,347       549,591  

Man Group PLC/Jersey

    374,646       1,018,295  

Marks & Spencer Group PLC(a)

    623,577       1,793,542  

OSB Group PLC

    134,079       531,976  

Petershill Partners PLC(c)

    90,882       167,437  

Picton Property Income Ltd.

    170,136       141,057  

Playtech PLC(a)

    97,002       534,952  

Plus500 Ltd.

    27,795       466,978  

Premier Foods PLC

    203,439       297,859  

Rathbones Group PLC

    18,717       396,344  

Redde Northgate PLC

    71,247       293,818  

Redrow PLC

    85,221       512,772  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    67,116       599,630  

Savills PLC

    42,228       445,926  

Serco Group PLC

    349,809       635,935  

TP ICAP Group PLC

    248,982       516,735  

Travis Perkins PLC

    67,116       686,198  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

    595,170       1,012,867  

UK Commercial Property REIT Ltd.

    234,345       151,571  

Vesuvius PLC

    67,065       354,279  

Vistry Group PLC

    109,446       1,210,702  

Workspace Group PLC

    45,237       269,470  
   

 

 

 
      22,531,347  
United States — 0.1%            

GQG Partners Inc.

    201,093       177,336  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 98.9%
(Cost: $169,079,750)

      154,485,639  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Italy — 0.2%            

Danieli & C Officine Meccaniche SpA, Preference Shares, NVS

    12,750       266,026  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.2%
(Cost: $234,656)

      266,026  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.1%
(Cost: $169,314,406)

      154,751,665  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 1.5%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    2,253,962       2,254,638  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(d)(e)

    50,000       50,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 1.5%
(Cost: $2,304,702)

      2,304,638  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.6%
(Cost: $171,619,108)

      157,056,303  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.6)%

 

    (953,137
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $     156,103,166  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2021

  

iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

 

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
03/31/23
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sale
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
09/30/23
    Shares
Held at
09/30/23
    Income    

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares.

  $ 2,137,769     $  116,909 (a)    $  —     $  304     $  (344)     $ 2,254,638       2,253,962     $ 20,617 (b)    $  —  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

          50,000 (a)                        50,000       50,000       2,581        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 304     $ (344)     $ 2,304,638       $ 23,198     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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

     22          12/07/23        $  341        $ (5,944

S&P/TSE 60 Index Mini

     9          12/14/23          390          (10,751

FTSE 250 Index

     13          12/15/23          580          (8,938
                 

 

 

 
                  $ (25,633
                 

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 25,633      $      $      $      $ 25,633  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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).

 

 

 

46  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF

 

For the period ended September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 38,647      $      $      $      $ 38,647  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (35,204)      $      $      $      $ (35,204
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 1,140,271      

 

 

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 Funds 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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 36,944,804        $ 117,540,835        $        $ 154,485,639  

Preferred Stocks

              266,026                   266,026  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     2,304,638                            2,304,638  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 39,249,442        $ 117,806,861        $        $ 157,056,303  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (10,751)        $ (14,882)        $        $ (25,633)  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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

  47


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Australia — 2.1%            

Altium Ltd.

    7,280     $     200,986  

AUB Group Ltd.

    8,944       166,864  

Bapcor Ltd.

    55,952       243,421  

Brickworks Ltd.

    11,024       176,138  

carsales.com Ltd.

    36,816       659,535  

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd.

    222,560       346,628  

Collins Foods Ltd.

    18,928       115,746  

Computershare Ltd.

    82,784       1,379,556  

CSL Ltd.

    31,824       5,126,942  

Elders Ltd.

    69,264       256,193  

IPH Ltd.

    51,376       243,275  

Nick Scali Ltd.

    23,712       168,201  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    123,760       821,797  

PSC Insurance Group Ltd.

    26,624       83,116  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    80,704       1,541,038  

Steadfast Group Ltd.

    145,600       525,907  

Technology One Ltd.

    19,344       191,830  

Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co. Ltd.

    32,240       672,548  
   

 

 

 
          12,919,721  
Belgium — 0.2%            

Elia Group SA/NV

    3,737       365,707  

UCB SA

    10,608       868,893  
   

 

 

 
      1,234,600  
Brazil — 0.2%            

Localiza Rent a Car SA

    90,034       1,048,908  
   

 

 

 
Canada — 20.0%            

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

    27,456       1,394,379  

Atco Ltd., Class I, NVS

    18,558       470,013  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    241,072       3,501,823  

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.

    48,048       1,601,069  

Brookfield Corp., Class A

    70,304       2,198,278  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    276,224       10,662,562  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    59,072       6,397,129  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    201,344       13,021,209  

Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd., Class A, NVS

    11,440       1,230,121  

Canadian Western Bank

    21,632       448,168  

Capital Power Corp

    33,107       924,290  

Cargojet Inc.

    1,456       96,520  

CCL Industries Inc., Class B, NVS

    12,272       515,094  

Cogeco Communications Inc.

    4,160       192,556  

Dollarama Inc.

    4,576       315,275  

Empire Co. Ltd., Class A, NVS

    14,560       396,092  

Enghouse Systems Ltd.

    5,616       123,959  

EQB Inc.

    2,288       127,013  

Finning International Inc.

    16,293       480,543  

FirstService Corp.

    1,166       169,597  

Fortis Inc.

    101,961       3,872,754  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    8,736       1,166,279  

George Weston Ltd.

    4,992       553,613  

Great-West Lifeco Inc.

    67,808       1,940,010  

Hydro One Ltd.(a)

    50,336       1,281,516  

iA Financial Corp. Inc.

    16,848       1,056,838  

Imperial Oil Ltd.

    20,384       1,255,531  

Intact Financial Corp.

    17,888       2,607,901  

Jamieson Wellness Inc.(a)

    4,784       85,836  

Loblaw Companies Ltd.

    10,192       865,935  

Magna International Inc.

    39,520       2,117,917  
Security   Shares     Value  
Canada (continued)            

Manulife Financial Corp

    498,784     $     9,114,536  

Maple Leaf Foods Inc.(b)

    11,856       227,824  

Metro Inc.

    18,720       972,213  

North West Co. Inc.(The)

    11,648       293,290  

Open Text Corp.

    30,160       1,058,514  

Parkland Corp.

    29,328       857,870  

Power Corp. of Canada

    150,800       3,839,252  

Premium Brands Holdings Corp., Class A

    5,824       407,776  

Quebecor Inc., Class B

    28,912       619,642  

RB Global Inc.

    14,560       911,601  

Royal Bank of Canada

    186,992       16,341,580  

Saputo Inc.

    29,536       617,576  

Stantec Inc.

    4,576       296,914  

Stella-Jones Inc.

    3,952       190,057  

Sun Life Financial Inc.

    124,384       6,068,785  

TFI International Inc.

    3,744       480,842  

TMX Group Ltd.

    32,864       706,277  

Toromont Industries Ltd.

    6,032       491,264  

Toronto-Dominion Bank(The)

    275,808       16,616,506  

Waste Connections Inc.

    8,736       1,172,968  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    31,066       1,260,709  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
          123,615,816  
China — 6.2%            

Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    2,059,200       1,065,321  

Bosideng International Holdings Ltd.

    832,000       357,160  

China Coal Energy Co. Ltd.

    83,200       99,906  

China Coal Energy Co. Ltd., Class H

    832,000       651,416  

China Construction Bank Corp., Class A

    249,600       215,919  

China Foods Ltd.

    416,000       136,646  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    416,000       627,867  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    468,000       2,130,942  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd., Class H

    936,000       3,885,900  

China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd., Class A

    416,000       416,876  

China Railway Group Ltd., Class A

    291,200       273,712  

China Railway Group Ltd., Class H

    1,040,000       534,848  

China Resources Gas Group Ltd.

    249,600       729,846  

China Suntien Green Energy Corp. Ltd., Class H

    832,000       287,295  

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

    10,600       155,332  

China Water Affairs Group Ltd.

    258,000       166,713  

Citic Pacific Special Steel Group Co. Ltd.

    83,200       169,053  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    1,354,000       990,239  

ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.

    208,000       1,713,961  

Greentown China Holdings Ltd.

    271,000       280,233  

Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd.

    4,000       11,518  

Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Class H

    291,200       910,165  

Harbin Boshi Automation Co. Ltd.

    16,400       36,052  

Huaxia Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    487,600       382,791  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class A

    2,766,400       1,775,743  

Industrial Bank Co. Ltd., Class A

    644,800       1,443,937  

Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    16,400       84,526  

Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,000       1,737,717  

Luzhou Laojiao Co. Ltd., Class A

    7,900       236,527  

Metallurgical Corp. of China Ltd., Class A

    187,200       94,419  

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

    208,000       1,387,830  

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

    1,812,500       10,279,857  

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

    2,912,000       1,466,329  

Shanghai Baosight Software Co. Ltd., Class A

    20,908       129,740  

Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. Ltd., Class A

    124,800       100,357  

Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    98,000       100,038  
 

 

 

48  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
China (continued)            

Sinoma Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Class A

    16,400     $     46,253  

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., Class A

    3,500       42,047  

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., Class H

    54,000       439,720  

Wuliangye Yibin Co. Ltd., Class A

    26,700       575,893  

Xiamen Xiangyu Co. Ltd.

    99,200       92,577  

Yankuang Energy Group Co. Ltd., Class A

    259,850       722,210  

Yuexiu Property Co. Ltd.

    577,000       663,246  

Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group Co. Ltd.

    20,800       37,363  

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

    124,800       121,272  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.

    104,000       291,188  
   

 

 

 
          38,098,500  
Colombia — 0.1%            

Grupo Argos SA

    108,876       249,505  

Grupo Nutresa SA

    10,192       123,701  

Interconexion Electrica SA ESP

    151,158       552,757  
   

 

 

 
      925,963  
Denmark — 3.8%            

Carlsberg A/S, Class B

    13,520       1,704,669  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    16,224       1,716,775  

DSV A/S

    3,978       741,263  

Novo Nordisk A/S

    181,223       16,500,568  

Orsted A/S(a)

    35,360       1,923,697  

Royal Unibrew A/S

    6,032       465,854  

Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Class A(a)

    24,544       373,865  
   

 

 

 
      23,426,691  
Finland — 0.6%            

Huhtamaki OYJ

    16,640       547,051  

Kesko OYJ, Class A

    25,145       459,443  

Kesko OYJ, Class B

    90,480       1,621,061  

Olvi OYJ, Class A

    3,328       106,082  

Uponor OYJ

    6,656       199,742  

Valmet OYJ

    24,336       555,604  
   

 

 

 
      3,488,983  
France — 4.5%            

Equasens

    624       48,048  

Sanofi

    168,064       18,045,914  

Schneider Electric SE

    59,488       9,803,150  

Thermador Groupe

    1,040       86,644  
   

 

 

 
      27,983,756  
Germany — 5.3%            

Adesso SE

    208       22,479  

Bechtle AG

    6,448       300,285  

Brenntag SE

    20,592       1,593,341  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    22,256       3,843,540  

E.ON SE

    531,856       6,289,734  

Eckert & Ziegler Strahlen- und Medizintechnik AG

    2,080       70,724  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    28,496       1,225,099  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    71,344       2,215,960  

FUCHS SE

    6,240       199,817  

LANXESS AG(b)

    15,808       399,653  

Nemetschek SE

    2,496       151,903  

SAP SE

    91,512       11,845,499  

Stratec SE

    416       19,416  

Symrise AG, Class A

    7,904       752,452  

Vonovia SE

    154,960       3,712,578  
   

 

 

 
      32,642,480  
Security   Shares     Value  
Hong Kong — 2.4%            

AIA Group Ltd.

    1,331,200     $     10,765,604  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

    200,000       943,670  

Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.

    104,000       92,818  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    332,800       692,131  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    245,000       2,365,128  

VSTECS Holdings Ltd.(b)

    416,000       233,238  
   

 

 

 
      15,092,589  
India — 2.4%            

Aegis Logistics Ltd.

    17,264       68,367  

Asian Paints Ltd.

    18,304       695,706  

Astral Ltd.

    978       22,459  

Balaji Amines Ltd.

    208       5,432  

Berger Paints India Ltd.

    3,952       27,027  

Berger Paints India Ltd., NVS

    790       5,405  

Bharat Electronics Ltd.

    242,944       403,638  

CRISIL Ltd.

    1,872       88,320  

Grindwell Norton Ltd.

    1,664       41,606  

Indraprastha Gas Ltd.

    74,464       406,978  

Infosys Ltd.

    431,184       7,410,032  

ITC Ltd.

    446,160       2,383,845  

KEI Industries Ltd.

    1,040       33,134  

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd.(a)

    5,015       313,343  

Mphasis Ltd.

    9,304       265,250  

Persistent Systems Ltd.

    1,664       115,635  

Pidilite Industries Ltd.

    3,328       97,609  

Radico Khaitan Ltd.

    776       11,228  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    55,536       1,563,597  

Reliance Industries Ltd., GDR(a)

    4,632       258,267  

Schaeffler India Ltd.

    1,248       49,688  

Tata Elxsi Ltd.

    1,248       108,298  

TTK Prestige Ltd.

    1,388       13,066  

UltraTech Cement Ltd.

    2,807       278,361  

Vinati Organics Ltd.

    164       3,642  

ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Ltd.

    210       39,326  
   

 

 

 
      14,709,259  
Indonesia — 0.6%            

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    6,531,200       3,721,051  

Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk PT

    894,400       36,748  
   

 

 

 
      3,757,799  
Ireland — 0.4%            

Kerry Group PLC, Class A

    9,559       798,697  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    52,624       1,748,157  
   

 

 

 
      2,546,854  
Italy — 0.9%            

A2A SpA

    404,560       719,024  

ACEA SpA

    17,056       185,503  

Buzzi Unicem SpA

    9,152       250,099  

DiaSorin SpA

    1,456       132,587  

Interpump Group SpA

    2,912       133,207  

Iren SpA

    159,536       306,744  

Italgas SpA

    135,408       692,778  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

    14,768       695,946  

Reply SpA

    1,040       97,586  

Terna - Rete Elettrica Nazionale

    308,048       2,316,963  
   

 

 

 
      5,530,437  
Japan — 18.8%            

Aeon Mall Co. Ltd.

    20,800       244,802  

AGC Inc.

    45,000       1,577,132  

Aica Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    20,800       463,716  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Air Water Inc.

    42,000     $     522,796  

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    20,800       341,022  

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    255,700       3,539,302  

Benefit One Inc.

    20,800       150,219  

Chiba Bank Ltd.(The)

    104,000       755,569  

COMSYS Holdings Corp.

    20,800       434,877  

DCM Holdings Co. Ltd.

    20,800       168,958  

Denka Co. Ltd.

    20,800       375,718  

EXEO Group Inc.

    20,800       426,175  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    30,500       1,764,442  

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc.

    9,600       349,283  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    104,000       932,550  

Kandenko Co. Ltd.

    20,800       191,525  

Kao Corp.

    71,100       2,635,321  

KDDI Corp.

    249,600       7,640,372  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    500       22,300  

Kokuyo Co. Ltd.

    20,800       329,620  

Kubota Corp.

    124,800       1,835,910  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    2,600       90,477  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    26,600       462,491  

Lasertec Corp.

    3,200       497,640  

M3 Inc.

    20,800       377,286  

MCJ Co. Ltd.

    20,800       155,996  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    20,800       351,593  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    181,900       8,667,595  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    1,643,200           13,924,732  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

    20,800       221,753  

Morinaga & Co. Ltd.

    6,100       220,352  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    187,200       3,414,931  

NEC Networks & System Integration Corp.

    20,800       273,110  

Nichias Corp.

    20,800       426,221  

Nippon Gas Co. Ltd.

    20,800       307,847  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    21,000       497,206  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    4,499,100       5,325,291  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

    20,800       884,197  

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

    20,800       265,064  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,000       334,486  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    19,300       1,265,605  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    21,800       547,301  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    20,800       540,628  

NSD Co. Ltd.

    20,800       394,273  

NTT Data Corp.

    41,600       556,664  

Obic Co. Ltd.

    2,100       318,193  

Open House Group Co. Ltd.

    5,100       172,926  

PALTAC Corp.

    200       6,265  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    20,800       436,529  

Raito Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    20,800       287,028  

Rinnai Corp.

    20,800       388,939  

Sangetsu Corp.

    20,800       405,248  

SBI Holdings Inc.

    62,400       1,313,258  

SCSK Corp.

    21,000       366,131  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    134,600       2,678,733  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    73,700       2,885,368  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    222,800       6,471,369  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    32,200       1,436,263  

Ship Healthcare Holdings Inc.

    200       3,031  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

    42,300       255,314  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    73,000       3,128,544  

Sony Group Corp.

    37,600       3,074,761  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    249,600       12,261,858  
Security   Shares     Value  
Japan (continued)            

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    36,900     $     957,980  

Sundrug Co. Ltd.

    7,700       208,696  

TDK Corp.

    41,600       1,537,963  

TechnoPro Holdings Inc.

    20,800       452,053  

Terumo Corp.

    41,600       1,101,187  

TIS Inc.

    20,800       457,375  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    311,200       7,205,427  

Tokyo Tatemono Co. Ltd.

    41,600       575,169  

Unicharm Corp.

    18,500       654,118  

USS Co. Ltd.

    41,600       687,704  

Valor Holdings Co. Ltd.

    21,000       307,085  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    20,800       505,168  

Yamaguchi Financial Group Inc.

    41,600       364,167  

Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.

    21,200       345,056  
   

 

 

 
          115,953,254  
Malaysia — 0.0%            

Allianz Malaysia Bhd

    21,000       71,114  
   

 

 

 
Mexico — 0.4%            

Arca Continental SAB de CV

    104,000       944,549  

Bolsa Mexicana de Valores SAB de CV

    166,400       312,319  

Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Series A

    124,800       601,675  

Orbia Advance Corp. SAB de CV

    270,400       561,824  
   

 

 

 
      2,420,367  
Netherlands — 1.2%            

IMCD NV

    5,824       736,356  

NN Group NV

    127,088       4,074,210  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    22,880       2,770,205  
   

 

 

 
      7,580,771  
New Zealand — 0.2%            

EBOS Group Ltd.

    24,752       507,063  

Mainfreight Ltd.

    11,440       446,677  

Summerset Group Holdings Ltd.

    33,488       204,556  
   

 

 

 
      1,158,296  
Norway — 0.1%            

Borregaard ASA

    9,984       146,905  

Medistim ASA

    1,456       28,993  

TOMRA Systems ASA

    16,432       186,732  
   

 

 

 
      362,630  
Philippines — 0.1%            

International Container Terminal Services Inc.

    185,120       676,291  
   

 

 

 
Poland — 0.0%            

Neuca SA

    208       31,710  
   

 

 

 
Portugal — 0.0%            

Sonae SGPS SA

    293,072       284,637  
   

 

 

 
Saudi Arabia — 0.1%            

Mouwasat Medical Services Co.

    7,072       193,865  

United Electronics Co.

    10,300       207,278  
   

 

 

 
      401,143  
South Africa — 0.0%            

PSG Konsult Ltd.

    214,864       148,661  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.7%            

AfreecaTV Co. Ltd.

    624       38,759  

Cheil Worldwide Inc.

    23,920       355,157  

CS Wind Corp.

    1,592       64,141  

Daesang Corp.

    5,724       79,213  
 

 

 

50  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
South Korea (continued)            

Hyundai Home Shopping Network Corp.

    776     $ 24,039  

KIWOOM Securities Co. Ltd.

    2,912       203,483  

Kolmar BNH Co. Ltd.

    4,160       51,032  

Korea Zinc Co. Ltd.

    3,744       1,402,435  

Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd.

    3,744       371,498  

LEENO Industrial Inc.

    1,040       118,347  

NAVER Corp.

    4,784       715,278  

NICE Information Service Co. Ltd.

    9,152       67,012  

Park Systems Corp.

    160       19,317  

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd.

    4,411       448,221  

SK Gas Ltd.

    208       23,082  

Youngone Corp.

    3,744       133,822  

Youngone Holdings Co. Ltd.

    776       46,223  
   

 

 

 
      4,161,059  
Spain — 2.7%            

Iberdrola SA

    1,421,070       15,893,883  

Vidrala SA

    1,951       169,378  

Viscofan SA

    6,864       419,052  
   

 

 

 
      16,482,313  
Sweden — 0.6%            

AAK AB

    12,064       217,071  

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    91,728       1,993,118  

Atrium Ljungberg AB, Class B

    5,068       82,475  

Bravida Holding AB(a)

    42,016       309,245  

Castellum AB

    65,091       659,797  

Catena AB

    3,536       122,693  

Lifco AB, Class B

    8,320       145,545  

NP3 Fastigheter AB

    2,912       42,023  

Platzer Fastigheter Holding AB, Class B

    8,944       55,012  
   

 

 

 
      3,626,979  
Switzerland — 12.2%            

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG, Participation Certificates, NVS

    57       633,415  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG, Registered

    6       656,974  

Coca-Cola HBC AG, Class DI

    32,864       898,625  

DKSH Holding AG

    5,824       393,947  

Geberit AG, Registered

    5,200       2,593,123  

Givaudan SA, Registered

    986       3,210,249  

Logitech International SA, Registered

    13,728       944,465  

Nestle SA, Registered

    163,280       18,482,642  

Novartis AG, Registered

    194,272       19,840,734  

Partners Group Holding AG

    4,368       4,903,492  

Roche Holding AG, Bearer

    4,784       1,405,476  

Roche Holding AG, NVS

    66,560       18,170,949  

Siegfried Holding AG, Registered

    86       73,455  

Sika AG, Registered

    10,400       2,634,952  

Tecan Group AG, Registered

    644       216,462  

Temenos AG, Registered

    5,824       407,332  

VZ Holding AG

    1,456       151,636  
   

 

 

 
          75,617,928  
Taiwan — 0.7%            

Advantech Co. Ltd.

    53,893       577,066  

ASPEED Technology Inc.

    2,000       172,285  

Lotes Co. Ltd.

    8,155       208,403  

Parade Technologies Ltd.

    15,000       459,119  

Silergy Corp.

    44,000       417,069  

Sinbon Electronics Co. Ltd.

    22,000       220,527  

Unimicron Technology Corp.

    335,000       1,807,412  
Security   Shares     Value  
Taiwan (continued)            

Voltronic Power Technology Corp.

    11,000     $ 541,716  
   

 

 

 
      4,403,597  
Turkey — 0.0%            

Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS

    21,016       31,236  

Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS

    13,728       147,759  
   

 

 

 
      178,995  
United Kingdom — 11.6%            

Ashtead Group PLC

    35,360       2,144,323  

BAE Systems PLC

    420,784       5,113,300  

British American Tobacco PLC

    567,008       17,803,302  

Bunzl PLC

    39,104       1,392,641  

Chemring Group PLC

    35,984       121,834  

Clarkson PLC

    4,992       166,582  

Cranswick PLC

    6,448       278,597  

Croda International PLC

    15,600       931,813  

DCC PLC

    21,514       1,204,559  

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

    7,488       345,345  

Diageo PLC

    309,504       11,410,822  

Diploma PLC

    12,480       455,615  

Drax Group PLC

    84,857       454,307  

EMIS Group PLC

    6,448       151,994  

Games Workshop Group PLC

    7,280       937,374  

Gamma Communications PLC

    6,032       80,312  

GlobalData PLC, NVS(b)

    10,400       19,287  

Halma PLC

    18,720       441,057  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    100,256       942,904  

Hilton Food Group PLC

    16,640       145,072  

Impax Asset Management Group PLC

    29,120       162,308  

Learning Technologies Group PLC

    50,544       39,561  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    27,248       2,730,954  

National Grid PLC

    1,143,339       13,673,587  

RELX PLC

    218,816       7,382,833  

RWS Holdings PLC

    83,064       243,029  

Sage Group PLC(The)

    113,152       1,361,660  

Sirius Real Estate Ltd.

    327,808       343,651  

Softcat PLC

    11,648       207,349  

Spectris PLC

    12,480       515,943  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    6,032       698,223  
   

 

 

 
      71,900,138  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 99.1%
(Cost: $610,326,191)

          612,482,239  
   

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

   
Germany — 0.1%            

Fuchs Petrolub SE, Preference Shares, NVS

    9,776       378,958  
   

 

 

 
South Korea — 0.0%            

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. Ltd., Preference Shares

    368       18,406  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 0.1%
(Cost: $337,943)

      397,364  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

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

  51


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Dividend Growth ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Rights

   
Brazil — 0.0%            

Localiza Rent a Car SA, (Expires 11/17/23, Strike Price BRL 47.13)

    660     $ 2,101  
   

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $—)

      2,101  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.2%
(Cost: $610,664,134)

      612,881,704  
   

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 1.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(c)(d)(e)

    813,486       813,730  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(c)(d)

    5,810,000       5,810,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 1.1%
(Cost: $6,623,825)

      6,623,730  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.3%
(Cost: $617,287,959)

      619,505,434  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.3)%

 

    (1,860,321
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $   617,645,113  
   

 

 

 
(a) 

Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional investors.

(b) 

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

(c) 

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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliated Issuer   Value at
03/31/23
    Purchases
at Cost
    Proceeds
from Sale
    Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
09/30/23
    Shares
Held at
09/30/23
    Income    

 

Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

  $ 2,609,211     $     $ (1,795,814 )(a)    $ 1     $ 332     $ 813,730       813,486     $ 17,889 (b)    $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    1,310,000       4,500,000 (a)                        5,810,000       5,810,000       24,184        
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ 1     $ 332     $ 6,623,730       $ 42,073     $  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (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/TSE 60 Index

     4        12/14/23      $ 693      $ (9,484

MSCI EAFE Index

     39        12/15/23        3,981        (90,173
           

 

 

 
            $ (99,657
           

 

 

 

 

 

 

52  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® International Dividend Growth 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:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
    

 

Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts

     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 99,657      $      $      $      $ 99,657  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
    

 

Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts

     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 68,478      $      $      $      $ 68,478  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (241,363    $      $      $      $ (241,363
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

 

   $

 

4,391,128    

 

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 130,101,826        $ 482,380,413        $        $ 612,482,239  

Preferred Stocks

              397,364                   397,364  

Rights

     2,101                            2,101  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     6,623,730                            6,623,730  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 136,727,657        $ 482,777,777        $        $ 619,505,434  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ (99,657      $        $        $ (99,657
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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

  53


Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Latin America 40 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   

Brazil — 41.0%

   

Ambev SA, ADR

    14,338,775     $     36,994,041  

B3 SA - Brasil, Bolsa, Balcao

    18,915,427       46,248,540  

Banco do Brasil SA

    4,657,208       43,713,297  

CCR SA

    3,207,736       8,225,864  

Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA

    3,360,424       24,662,252  

Itausa SA

    226,421       407,657  

Localiza Rent a Car SA

    2,757,529       32,125,593  

Lojas Renner SA

    3,142,952       8,378,621  

Magazine Luiza SA(a)

    9,404,913       3,966,620  

Natura & Co.. Holding SA(a)

    2,739,549       7,935,430  

NU Holdings Ltd.(a)

    7,729,627       56,039,796  

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR

    6,048,170       90,662,068  

Rede D’Or Sao Luiz SA(b)

    3,349,649       16,933,002  

Telefonica Brasil SA, ADR NVS

    1,138,528       9,734,414  

Vale SA, Class B, ADR

    11,803,715       158,169,781  

WEG SA

    4,775,378       34,457,622  
   

 

 

 
      578,654,598  

Chile — 6.2%

   

Banco de Chile

    141,321,223       14,378,169  

Banco Santander Chile, ADR

    503,998       9,243,323  

Cencosud SA

    4,155,218       7,878,853  

Empresas CMPC SA

    3,569,584       6,571,987  

Empresas COPEC SA

    1,183,097       8,387,454  

Enel Americas SA(a)

    62,771,997       7,206,493  

Falabella SA

    2,520,497       5,631,933  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, ADR

    464,252       27,701,917  
   

 

 

 
      87,000,129  

Colombia — 1.7%

   

Bancolombia SA, ADR

    368,409       9,829,152  

Ecopetrol SA, ADR

    800,232       9,266,686  

Interconexion Electrica SA ESP

    1,433,511       5,242,089  
   

 

 

 
      24,337,927  

Mexico — 26.2%

   

America Movil SAB de CV

    67,691,126       58,611,912  

Cemex SAB de CV, NVS(a)

    49,206,311       32,103,041  

Fibra Uno Administracion SA de CV

    9,166,536       15,279,752  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV

    5,971,415       65,215,287  

Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Series A

    4,882,159       23,537,455  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O

    8,060,829       67,580,991  

Grupo Mexico SAB de CV, Series B

    10,122,468       47,912,918  

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV

    15,892,966       59,823,760  
   

 

 

 
      370,065,116  

Peru — 3.5%

   

Credicorp Ltd.

    220,897       28,268,189  

Southern Copper Corp.

    276,439       20,813,092  
   

 

 

 
      49,081,281  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 78.6%
(Cost: $1,147,019,513)

          1,109,139,051  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares      Value  

Preferred Stocks

    

Brazil — 20.1%

    

Banco Bradesco SA, Preference Shares, ADR(c)

    17,266,921      $     49,210,725  

Gerdau SA, Preference Shares, ADR

    3,759,489        17,932,763  

Itau Unibanco Holding SA, Preference Shares, ADR

    15,752,058        84,588,551  

Itausa SA, Preference Shares, NVS

    16,982,284        30,575,578  

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, Preference Shares, ADR

    7,466,175        102,361,259  
    

 

 

 
       284,668,876  
    

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 20.1%
(Cost: $353,233,674)

       284,668,876  
    

 

 

 
Rights             

Brazil — 0.0%

    

Localiza Rent a Car SA,
(Expires 11/17/23, Strike Price BRL 47.13)

    20,158        64,165  
    

 

 

 

Total Rights — 0.0%
(Cost: $—)

       64,165  
    

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 98.7%
(Cost: $1,500,253,187)

 

     1,393,872,092  
    

 

 

 
Short-Term Securities             

Money Market Funds — 0.0%

    

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(d)(e)(f)

    162,024        162,072  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.0%
(Cost: $162,072)

       162,072  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments — 98.7%
(Cost: $1,500,415,259)

       1,394,034,164  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 1.3%

       17,697,948  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

     $   1,411,732,112  
    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

54  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Latin America 40 ETF

 

Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income     

 

Capital

Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds

 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $ 28,498,843      $      $ (28,338,163 )(a)     $ (3,209    $ 4,601      $ 162,072        162,024      $ 11,509 (b)     $  

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

     6,620,000               (6,620,000 )(a)                                   50,973         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (3,209    $ 4,601      $ 162,072         $ 62,482      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

           

Bclear MSCI Brazil Index

     200        12/15/23      $ 10,832      $ 3,569  

Mexican BOLSA Index

     178        12/15/23        5,274        (71,830
           

 

 

 
            $ (68,261
           

 

 

 

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:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 3,569      $      $      $      $ 3,569  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 71,830      $      $      $      $ 71,830  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

  55


Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® Latin America 40 ETF

 

For the period ended September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 366,770      $      $      $      $ 366,770  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (187,698    $      $      $      $ (187,698
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

       

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 14,774,826      

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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 1,081,514,799        $ 27,624,252        $        $ 1,109,139,051  

Preferred Stocks

     284,668,876                            284,668,876  

Rights

     64,165                            64,165  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     162,072                               —          162,072  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 1,366,409,912        $ 27,624,252        $        $ 1,394,034,164  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Assets

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ 3,569        $        $        $ 3,569  

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

     (71,830                          (71,830
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ (68,261      $        $          (68,261
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

Asia 50 ETF

   

iShares
Blockchain

and Tech

ETF

   

iShares

Emerging

Markets
Infrastructure
ETF

   

iShares

Europe ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 1,497,593,677     $ 7,203,604     $ 20,515,087     $ 1,596,851,002  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    6,684,913       2,339,263       706,084       9,258,618  

Cash

    3,927       6,880       11,490       11,366  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    274,000       1,365       16,000       1  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts

                      91,497  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    1,269,094       3,071       772       808,226  

Receivables:

       

Investments sold

                1,304,187        

Securities lending income — affiliated

    2,989       3,868       297       1,532  

Dividends — unaffiliated

    2,627,251       771       115,654       1,493,410  

Dividends — affiliated

    3,322       21       124       10,924  

Tax reclaims

                      3,732,033  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    30,938             1,760       305  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    1,508,490,111       9,558,843       22,671,455       1,612,258,914  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

       

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    5,373,157       2,329,009       697,451       6,539,000  

Payables:

       

Investments purchased

                1,264,043        

Investment advisory fees

    636,139       2,976       10,285       793,872  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                      6,096,697  

Professional fees

                      4,706  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          392              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    6,009,296       2,332,377       1,971,779       13,434,275  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

       

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,502,480,815     $ 7,226,466     $ 20,699,676     $ 1,598,824,639  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

       

Paid-in capital

  $ 1,830,428,049     $ 10,141,856     $ 55,561,885     $ 2,110,987,184  

Accumulated loss

    (327,947,234     (2,915,390     (34,862,209     (512,162,545
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,502,480,815     $ 7,226,466     $ 20,699,676     $ 1,598,824,639  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE

       

Shares outstanding

    27,000,000       450,000       1,000,000       33,500,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 55.65     $ 16.06     $ 20.70     $ 47.73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None       None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 1,654,764,778     $ 6,873,114     $ 20,461,291     $ 1,733,571,431  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 5,112,308     $ 2,231,589     $ 672,407     $ 6,267,917  

(c)  Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 6,684,376     $ 2,338,939     $ 705,878     $ 9,258,178  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 1,278,483     $ 3,098     $ 981     $ 766,270  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  57


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares
Future
Metaverse
Tech and
Communications
ETF

     iShares
India 50 ETF
     iShares
International
Developed
Property ETF
    iShares
International
Developed
Small Cap
Value Factor
ETF
 

 

 

ASSETS

           

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

             $ 5,565,260      $ 662,566,731      $ 37,422,845     $ 154,751,665  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

      247,225        11,660,000        943,499       2,304,638  

Cash

      6,381        8,563        972       1,258  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

             146,000        12,000       56,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts

                    4,476        

Foreign currency, at value(d)

      928        106        48,018       304,232  

Receivables:

           

Investments sold

      2,420        1,366,284        2,578        

Securities lending income — affiliated

      19               718       1,316  

Dividends — unaffiliated

      4,152               171,116       770,765  

Dividends — affiliated

      6        49,141        201       181  

Tax reclaims

      263               35,332       208,866  

Variation margin on futures contracts

             10,296        162        
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

      5,826,654        675,807,121        38,641,917       158,398,921  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

           

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

      247,250               554,101       2,253,982  

Payables:

           

Investments purchased

             1,135,773               

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

             9,477,594        3,343        

Foreign taxes

             106        330        

Income distributions

                    380,795        

Investment advisory fees

      2,193        487,496        15,400       39,231  

Variation margin on futures contracts

                          2,542  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

      249,443        11,100,969        953,969       2,295,755  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

           

NET ASSETS

    $ 5,577,211      $ 664,706,152      $ 37,687,948     $ 156,103,166  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

           

Paid-in capital

    $ 5,104,279      $ 334,417,415      $ 95,402,876     $ 173,512,227  

Accumulated earnings (loss)

      472,932        330,288,737        (57,714,928     (17,409,061
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

    $ 5,577,211      $ 664,706,152      $ 37,687,948     $ 156,103,166  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETVALUE

           

Shares outstanding

      200,000        14,700,000        1,500,000       5,100,000  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

    $ 27.89      $ 45.22      $ 25.13     $ 30.61  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

      Unlimited        Unlimited        Unlimited       Unlimited  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

      None        None        None       None  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

    $ 5,256,685      $ 601,080,889      $ 60,523,204     $ 169,314,406  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

    $ 252,126      $      $ 532,236     $ 2,080,883  

(c)  Investments, at cost — affiliated

    $ 247,249      $ 11,660,000      $ 943,300     $ 2,304,702  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

    $ 958      $ 106      $ 47,973     $ 306,991  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58  

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Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

 

    iShares
International
Dividend
Growth ETF
    iShares
Latin America 40
ETF
 

 

 

ASSETS

   

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 612,881,704     $ 1,393,872,092  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    6,623,730       162,072  

Cash

    26,867       3,912,197  

Cash pledged for futures contracts

    140,000       1,664,000  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts

    38,284       545,690  

Foreign currency, at value(d)

    518,774       5,323,905  

Receivables:

   

Investments sold

          1,227  

Securities lending income — affiliated

    107       1,635  

Capital shares sold

          669,445  

Dividends — unaffiliated

    2,630,628       11,369,019  

Dividends — affiliated

    6,264       7,502  

Tax reclaims

    676,377        

Variation margin on futures contracts

          132,509  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    623,542,735       1,417,661,293  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

   

Bank borrowings

    390        

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    813,824       160,800  

Payables:

   

Investments purchased

    223,247       5,210,242  

Deferred foreign capital gain tax

    152,874        

Foreign taxes

    7,930        

Income distributions

    4,605,078        

Investment advisory fees

    78,431       558,139  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    15,848        
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    5,897,622       5,929,181  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

   

NET ASSETS

  $ 617,645,113     $ 1,411,732,112  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

   

Paid-in capital

  $ 649,658,183     $ 2,631,616,484  

Accumulated loss

    (32,013,070     (1,219,884,372
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 617,645,113     $ 1,411,732,112  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETVALUE

   

Shares outstanding

    10,400,000       55,250,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 59.39     $ 25.55  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited       Unlimited  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value

    None       None  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 610,664,134     $ 1,500,253,187  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 745,374     $ 152,760  

(c)  Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 6,623,825     $ 162,072  

(d) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 520,919     $ 5,336,120  

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)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 

    iShares
Asia 50 ETF
    iShares
Blockchain
and Tech
ETF
    iShares
Emerging
Markets
Infrastructure
ETF
    iShares
Europe ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 32,387,229     $ 20,842     $ 545,599     $ 41,215,796  

Dividends — affiliated

    30,705       150       3,824       86,476  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    16,549       51,058       2,241       23,535  

Other income — unaffiliated

                      44,481  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (3,345,555     (1,584     (29,511     (3,967,984

Foreign withholding tax claims

                      948,683  

IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims

                      186,376  

Other foreign taxes

    (236                  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    29,088,692       70,466       522,153       38,537,363  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

       

Investment advisory

    4,023,363       18,038       67,592       5,225,721  

Commitment costs

    9,738             134        

Professional

                      108,602  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    4,033,101       18,038       67,726       5,334,323  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    25,055,591       52,428       454,427       33,203,040  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

       

Net realized gain (loss) from:

       

Investments — unaffiliated

    (43,251,343     (94,982     (254,984     (24,208,398

Investments — affiliated

    2,201       (205     (298     1,531  

Foreign currency transactions

    (268,115     (384     821       (14,927

Futures contracts

    35,085       1,134       13,238       143,997  

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(a)

    (1,094,712           317,373       43,337,418  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (44,576,884     (94,437     76,150       19,259,621  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

       

Investments — unaffiliated

    (134,721,626     (340,894     (1,133,623     (93,197,711

Investments — affiliated

    537       193       177       (1,730

Foreign currency translations

    39,327       (31     (193     (94,780

Futures contracts

    (230,299     (1,143     (1,986     (210,879
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (134,912,061     (341,875     (1,135,625     (93,505,100
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (179,488,945     (436,312     (1,059,475     (74,245,479
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (154,433,354   $ (383,884   $ (605,048   $ (41,042,439
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

60  

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Statements of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares
Future
Metaverse
Tech and
Communications
ETF

    iShares
India 50 ETF
    iShares
International
Developed
Property ETF
    iShares
International
Developed
Small Cap
Value Factor
ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

         

Dividends — unaffiliated

             $ 21,886     $ 6,014,673     $ 1,028,366     $ 4,429,024  

Dividends — affiliated

      8       257,409       608       2,581  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

      115             6,588       20,617  

Foreign taxes withheld

      (1,069     (1,410,980     (93,181     (439,405
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

      20,940       4,861,102       942,381       4,012,817  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

         

Investment advisory

      13,264       2,755,543       99,935       282,332  

Commitment costs

            3,508              

Professional

                        4,862  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

      13,264       2,759,051       99,935       287,194  

Less:

         

Investment advisory fees waived

                        (39,797
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      13,264       2,759,051       99,935       247,397  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      7,676       2,102,051       842,446       3,765,420  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

         

Net realized gain (loss) from:

         

Investments — unaffiliated(a)

      152,850       (1,667,078     (1,064,907     (1,362,710

Investments — affiliated

      (31           53       304  

Foreign currency transactions

      (548     (19,512     (13,695     (42,173

Futures contracts

            86,803       28,278       38,647  

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(b)

                  (817,635      
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      152,271       (1,599,787     (1,867,906     (1,365,932
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

         

Investments — unaffiliated(c)

      74,492       55,315,965       (1,009,535     (4,044,867

Investments — affiliated

      (24           (82     (344

Foreign currency translations

      (85     1,081       (4,943     (12,939

Futures contracts

            (39,459     (15,634     (35,204
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      74,383       55,277,587       (1,030,194     (4,093,354
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

      226,654       53,677,800       (2,898,100     (5,459,286
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    $ 234,330     $ 55,779,851     $ (2,055,654   $ (1,693,866
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable of

    $     $ (1,177,622   $ (409   $  

(b) See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

         

(c)  Net of reduction/increase in deferred foreign capital gain tax of.

    $     $ (6,914,264   $ 160     $  

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 Operations (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 

    iShares
International
Dividend
Growth ETF
    iShares
Latin America
40 ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 12,567,421     $ 50,191,408  

Dividends — affiliated

    24,184       50,973  

Interest — unaffiliated.

    5,723        

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    17,889       11,509  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (1,253,104     (3,437,137

Other foreign taxes

    (321      
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    11,361,792       46,816,753  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory

    469,523       2,971,725  

Interest expense

    2,355        

Commitment costs

    1,578       6,646  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    473,456       2,978,371  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    10,888,336       43,838,382  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — unaffiliated(a)

    (866,181     (18,353,156

Investments — affiliated

    1       (3,209

Foreign currency transactions

    (165,264     39,224  

Futures contracts

    68,478       366,770  

In-kind redemptions — unaffiliated(b)

          7,797,269  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (962,966     (10,153,102
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — unaffiliated(c)

    (10,083,736     32,384,421  

Investments — affiliated

    332       4,601  

Foreign currency translations

    (25,030     (93,766

Futures contracts

    (241,363     (187,698
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (10,349,797     32,107,558  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (11,312,763     21,954,456  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (424,427   $ 65,792,838  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign capital gain tax and capital gain tax refund, if applicable of

  $ (37,867   $  

(b) See Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

   

(c)  Net of increase in deferred foreign capital gain tax of

  $ (132,522   $  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

62  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    iShares
Asia 50 ETF
          iShares
Blockchain and Tech ETF
 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23

(unaudited)


 

 

   
Year Ended
03/31/23

 
     

Six Months Ended
09/30/23

(unaudited)


 

 

   

Period From
04/25/22

to 03/31/23


(a)  

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

         

OPERATIONS

         

Net investment income

  $ 25,055,591     $ 29,780,218       $ 52,428     $ 81,409  

Net realized loss

    (44,576,884     (55,023,332       (94,437     (3,175,291

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (134,912,061     (146,764,220       (341,875     672,269  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (154,433,354     (172,007,334       (383,884     (2,421,613
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)

         

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (14,106,211     (36,273,723       (76,921     (32,972
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

         

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

    (4,504,173     (1,319,572       1,157,886       8,983,970  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

         

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (173,043,738     (209,600,629       697,081       6,529,385  

Beginning of period

    1,675,524,553       1,885,125,182         6,529,385        
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 1,502,480,815     $ 1,675,524,553       $ 7,226,466     $ 6,529,385  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

  63


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   

iShares
  Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF  

          iShares
Europe ETF
 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
          Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

           

OPERATIONS

           

Net investment income

                 $ 454,427     $ 583,929       $ 33,203,040     $ 54,487,262  

Net realized gain (loss)

      76,150       (1,736,393       19,259,621       46,082,397  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (1,135,625     590,798         (93,505,100     (60,291,024
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (605,048     (561,666       (41,042,439     40,278,635  
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

           

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (235,977 )(b)      (641,405       (40,381,805     (50,928,655
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

           

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

      (1,072,183     3,220,760         (152,684,512     (100,395,818
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

           

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (1,913,208     2,017,689         (234,108,756     (111,045,838

Beginning of period

      22,612,884       20,595,195         1,832,933,395       1,943,979,233  
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 20,699,676     $ 22,612,884       $ 1,598,824,639     $ 1,832,933,395  
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

(b) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

64  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

    iShares
Future Metaverse Tech and
Communications ETF
          iShares
India 50 ETF
 
   


Six Months
Ended
09/30/23

(unaudited)



 

 

   

Period From
02/14/23

to 03/31/23


(a)  

 

     


Six Months
Ended
09/30/23

(unaudited)



 

 

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

(b) 

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

         

OPERATIONS

         

Net investment income

  $ 7,676     $ 5,190       $ 2,102,051     $ 1,492,220  

Net realized gain (loss)

    152,271       6,848         (1,599,787     335,736,820  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    74,383       234,104         55,277,587       (390,329,239
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    234,330       246,142         55,779,851       (53,100,199
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(c)

         

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (7,540             (1,004,640 )(d)      (21,001,621
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

         

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

          5,104,279         33,158,981       (12,354,375
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

         

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    226,790       5,350,421         87,934,192       (86,456,195

Beginning of period

    5,350,421               576,771,960       663,228,155  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 5,577,211     $ 5,350,421       $ 664,706,152     $ 576,771,960  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

(c) 

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

(d) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  65


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   

iShares

International Developed Property ETF

          

iShares

International Developed Small Cap
Value Factor ETF

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
   

Six Months

Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
          

Six Months

Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

            

OPERATIONS

            

Net investment income

             $ 842,446     $ 1,780,905        $ 3,765,420     $ 5,283,505  

Net realized loss

      (1,867,906     (2,795,992        (1,365,932     (2,515,952

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      (1,030,194     (12,829,576        (4,093,354     (9,746,404
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

      (2,055,654     (13,844,663        (1,693,866     (6,978,851
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

            

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (766,515     (977,169        (3,428,047     (4,915,147
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

            

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

      (2,613,284     (5,900,739        3,224,313       5,713,393  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

            

Total decrease in net assets

      (5,435,453     (20,722,571        (1,897,600     (6,180,605

Beginning of period

      43,123,401       63,845,972          158,000,766       164,181,371  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 37,687,948     $ 43,123,401        $ 156,103,166     $ 158,000,766  
   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

66  

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

 

   

iShares

International Dividend Growth ETF

          

iShares

Latin America 40 ETF

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
          

Six Months Ended

09/30/23
(unaudited)

   

Year Ended

03/31/23

 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 10,888,336     $ 12,584,318        $ 43,838,382     $ 123,073,780  

Net realized loss

    (962,966     (27,477,959        (10,153,102     (207,932,460

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (10,349,797     10,980,300          32,107,558       (181,861,919
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (424,427     (3,913,341        65,792,838       (266,720,599
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (11,228,129     (11,034,484        (19,987,269 )(b)      (138,313,795
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

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

    33,877,998       288,496,363          362,793,536       (330,022,276
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

          

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    22,225,442       273,548,538          408,599,105       (735,056,670

Beginning of period

    595,419,671       321,871,133          1,003,133,007       1,738,189,677  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 617,645,113     $ 595,419,671        $ 1,411,732,112     $ 1,003,133,007  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

(b) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  67


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

          iShares Asia 50 ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
    Year Ended
03/31/22
    Year Ended
03/31/21
    Year Ended
03/31/20
    Year Ended
03/31/19
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

             $ 61.83     $ 68.67     $ 90.91     $ 56.05     $ 61.05     $ 67.20  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

      0.93       1.17       0.93       1.31       1.42       1.48  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (6.58     (6.54     (21.99     34.52       (4.94     (6.25
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (5.65     (5.37     (21.06     35.83       (3.52     (4.77
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(c)

      (0.53     (1.47     (1.18     (0.97     (1.48     (1.38
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 55.65     $ 61.83     $ 68.67     $ 90.91     $ 56.05     $ 61.05  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

             

Based on net asset value

      (9.20 )%(e)      (7.77 )%      (23.36 )%      64.22     (6.00 )%      (6.94 )% 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

             

Total expenses

      0.50 %(g)      0.50     0.50     0.50     0.50     0.50
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      3.11 %(g)      1.95     1.12     1.66     2.32     2.43
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 1,502,481     $ 1,675,525     $ 1,885,125     $ 3,172,670     $ 1,059,289     $ 1,089,745  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      6     12     13     46     6     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.

 

 

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Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23

(unaudited

 
 

   

Period From
04/25/22

to 03/31/23

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.32     $ 25.56  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.13       0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

    (0.20     (9.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    (0.07     (9.16
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

    (0.19     (0.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.06     $ 16.32  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

   

Based on net asset value

    (0.45 )%(f)      (35.71 )%(f) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

   

Total expenses

    0.47 %(h)      0.47 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1.37 %(h)      1.56 %(h) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

   

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 7,226     $ 6,529  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

    41     87
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

  69


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

          iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
    Year Ended
03/31/22
    Year Ended
03/31/21
    Year Ended
03/31/20
    Year Ended
03/31/19
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 21.54     $ 22.88     $ 24.74     $ 19.80     $ 28.64     $ 32.07  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

               0.44       0.57       0.95       0.65       0.75       0.75  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

      (1.06     (1.27     (1.84     4.91       (8.94     (3.45
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (0.62     (0.70     (0.89     5.56       (8.19     (2.70
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(c)

      (0.22 )(d)      (0.64     (0.97     (0.62     (0.65     (0.73
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 20.70     $ 21.54     $ 22.88     $ 24.74     $ 19.80     $ 28.64  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

             

Based on net asset value

      (2.89 )%(f)      (3.11 )%      (3.83 )%      28.33     (29.33 )%      (8.35 )% 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

             

Total expenses

      0.60 %(h)      0.60     0.60     0.60     0.75     0.75
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      4.03 %(h)      2.70     3.96     2.90     2.60     2.56
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 20,700     $ 22,613     $ 20,595     $ 16,083     $ 12,870     $ 25,773  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      8     26     23     27     18     25
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

(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.

 

 

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Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

           iShares Europe ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
    Year Ended
03/31/22
    Year Ended
03/31/21
    Year Ended
03/31/20
    Year Ended
03/31/19
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 50.08     $ 50.17     $ 50.25     $ 35.42     $ 43.40     $ 46.48  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

       0.95 (b)      1.45 (b)      1.24 (b)      0.85       1.24       1.42  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

       (2.20     (0.15     0.21       14.82       (7.78     (3.16
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

                (1.25     1.30       1.45       15.67       (6.54     (1.74
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

       (1.10     (1.39     (1.53     (0.84     (1.44     (1.34
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 47.73     $ 50.08     $ 50.17     $ 50.25     $ 35.42     $ 43.40  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

              

Based on net asset value

       (2.56 )%(b)(f)      2.87 %(b)      2.69 %(b)      44.70     (15.61 )%      (3.73 )% 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

              

Total expenses

       0.60 %(h)      0.67     0.63     0.60     0.59     0.59
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

       0.59 %(h)      0.59     0.58     0.59     0.59     0.59
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

       3.75 %(b)(h)      3.21 %(b)      2.34 %(b)      1.94     2.84     3.23
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

     $ 1,598,825     $ 1,832,933     $ 1,943,979     $ 1,665,944     $ 1,252,107     $ 2,002,860  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

       3     5     5     5     5     7
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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 six months ended September 30, 2023, year ended March 31, 2023 and year ended March 31, 2022 respectively:

   

Net investment income per share by $0.02, $0.27 and $0.18.

   

Total return by 0.05%, 0.56% and 0.36%.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.09%, 0.60% and 0.34%.

(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

  71


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF  
   

    Six Months Ended

09/30/23

(unaudited)

 

 

 

     

Period From

02/14/23

to 03/31/23


(a) 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 26.75       $ 25.52  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.04         0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain(c)

      1.14         1.20  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

      1.18         1.23  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income

      (0.04        
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 27.89       $ 26.75  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

       

Based on net asset value

      4.38 %(e)        4.82 %(e) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

                    

Total expenses

      0.47 %(g)        0.47 %(g) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.27 %(g)        0.84 %(g) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 5,577       $ 5,350  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

      12       7
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(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) 

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 India 50 ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/23
 
(a) 
   
Year Ended
03/31/22
 
(a) 
   
Year Ended
03/31/21
 
(a) 
   
Year Ended
03/31/20
 
(a) 
   
Year Ended
03/31/19
 
(a) 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 41.20     $ 46.38     $ 44.60     $ 25.87     $ 37.92     $ 35.00  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

               0.15       0.11       0.05       0.02       0.19       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

      3.94       (3.70     5.10       18.74       (12.01     2.97  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      4.09       (3.59     5.15       18.76       (11.82     3.13  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

             

From net investment income

      (0.07 )(e)            (3.37     (0.03     (0.23     (0.21

From net realized gain

            (1.59                        
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.07     (1.59     (3.37     (0.03     (0.23     (0.21
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 45.22     $ 41.20     $ 46.38     $ 44.60     $ 25.87     $ 37.92  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(f)

             

Based on net asset value

      9.94 %(g)      (7.92 )%      11.57     72.59     (31.41 )%      9.04
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(h)

             

Total expenses

      0.89 %(i)      0.93 %(j)      0.89     0.90     0.93     0.94
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.68 %(i)      0.25     0.10     0.06     0.51     0.45
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 664,706     $ 576,772     $ 663,228     $ 691,284     $ 483,841     $ 828,545  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(k)

      8     108     12     8     26     24
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

(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) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

(f) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(g) 

Not annualized.

(h) 

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

(i) 

Annualized.

(j) 

Includes non-recurring expense of Interest expense. Without this cost, total expenses would have been 0.89%.

(k) 

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 International Developed Property ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
03/31/23
    Year Ended
03/31/22
    Year Ended
03/31/21
    Year Ended
03/31/20
    Year Ended
03/31/19
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 26.95     $ 35.47     $ 36.25     $ 27.97     $ 38.79     $ 38.95  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

                0.54       1.03 (b)      1.06 (b)      0.94       1.14       1.19  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c)

       (1.87     (8.99     (0.35     8.19       (9.31     0.23  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

       (1.33     (7.96     0.71       9.13       (8.17     1.42  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

       (0.49     (0.56     (1.49     (0.85     (2.65     (1.58
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 25.13     $ 26.95     $ 35.47     $ 36.25     $ 27.97     $ 38.79  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

              

Based on net asset value

       (4.98 )%(f)      (22.49 )%(b)      1.79 %(b)      32.96     (22.52 )%      3.91
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

              

Total expenses

       0.48 %(h)      0.48     0.49     0.48     0.48     0.48
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

       N/A       0.48     0.48     N/A       N/A       N/A  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

       4.05 %(h)      3.55 %(b)      2.82 %(b)      2.92     3.01     3.16
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

     $ 37,688     $ 43,123     $ 63,846     $ 83,385     $ 78,329     $ 131,871  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

       4     6     12     16     8     9
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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 March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 respectively:

   

Net investment income per share by $0.01 and $0.04.

   

Total return by 0.04% and 0.12%.

   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets by 0.04% and 0.09%.

(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.

 

 

74  

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Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

      iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
 
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/23
 
 
   
Year Ended
03/31/22
 
 
   

Period From
03/23/21

to 03/31/21

 
(a)  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 31.60     $ 34.20     $ 34.37     $ 34.52  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

      0.74       1.09       1.59       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized loss(c)

               (1.06     (2.68     (0.74     (0.31
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      (0.32     (1.59     0.85       (0.15
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(d)

      (0.67     (1.01     (1.02      
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 30.61     $ 31.60     $ 34.20     $ 34.37  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

         

Based on net asset value

      (1.06 )%(f)      (4.56 )%      2.42     (0.43 )%(f) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

         

Total expenses

      0.36 %(h)      0.40     0.40     0.40 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived

      0.31 %(h)      0.30     0.30     0.30 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

      0.35 %(h)      N/A       N/A       N/A  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      4.66 %(h)      3.59     4.55     17.96 %(h) 
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 156,103     $ 158,001     $ 164,181     $ 6,875  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

      45     18     35     0
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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

  75


Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

           iShares International Dividend Growth ETF  
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
    Year Ended
03/31/22
    Year Ended
03/31/21
    Year Ended
03/31/20
    Year Ended
03/31/19
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 60.45     $ 65.02     $ 64.36     $ 45.51     $ 53.81     $ 56.40  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

       1.07       1.67       1.74       1.53       1.56       1.51  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

                (1.03     (4.77     0.39       18.87       (8.24     (2.58
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

       0.04       (3.10     2.13       20.40       (6.68     (1.07
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(c)

       (1.10     (1.47     (1.47     (1.55     (1.62     (1.52
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 59.39     $ 60.45     $ 65.02     $ 64.36     $ 45.51     $ 53.81  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

              

Based on net asset value

       0.06 %(e)      (4.60 )%      3.28     45.29     (12.75 )%      (1.88 )% 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

              

Total expenses

       0.15 %(g)      0.15     0.15     0.19     0.22     0.22
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding professional fees for foreign withholding tax claims

       N/A       0.15     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

       3.48 %(g)      2.89     2.60     2.66     2.81     2.80
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

     $ 617,645     $ 595,420     $ 321,871     $ 189,855     $ 79,644     $ 75,329  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

       13     37     40     66     35     34
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

76  

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Financial Highlights (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

           iShares Latin America 40 ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
03/31/23
    Year Ended
03/31/22
    Year Ended
03/31/21
    Year Ended
03/31/20
    Year Ended
03/31/19
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

              $ 23.88     $ 30.36     $ 27.56     $ 18.34     $ 33.24     $ 37.28  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

       0.92       2.69       1.70       0.68       0.98       0.88  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

       1.23       (6.26     3.09       9.09       (14.83     (3.96
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

       2.15       (3.57     4.79       9.77       (13.85     (3.08
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(c)

       (0.48 )(d)      (2.91     (1.99     (0.55     (1.05     (0.96
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 25.55     $ 23.88     $ 30.36     $ 27.56     $ 18.34     $ 33.24  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

              

Based on net asset value

       8.94 %(f)      (11.29 )%      19.25     53.62     (43.05 )%      (7.93 )% 
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

              

Total expenses

       0.48 %(h)      0.48     0.47     0.48     0.48     0.48
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

       7.07 %(h)      10.76     6.07     2.78     3.08     2.68
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

              

Net assets, end of period (000)

     $ 1,411,732     $ 1,003,133     $ 1,738,190     $ 1,770,590     $ 797,877     $ 1,529,164  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(i)

       4     24     27     20     22     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) 

A portion of the distributions from net investment income may be deemed a return of capital or net realized gain at fiscal year-end.

(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

  77


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    

Asia 50

  Non-diversified    

Blockchain and Tech

  Non-diversified    

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

  Non-diversified    

Europe

  Diversified    

Future Metaverse Tech and Communications

  Non-diversified    

India 50

  Non-diversified    

International Developed Property

  Diversified    

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

  Non-diversified    

International Dividend Growth

  Diversified    

Latin America 40

  Non-diversified    

Basis of Consolidation: Effective March 17, 2023, iShares India 50 ETF transferred all of the assets of iShares India 50 ETF’s wholly owned Mauritius Subsidiary to iShares India 50 ETF through on-exchange transactions in India. After the transfer, iShares India 50 ETF began making new investments in India directly. On March 29, 2023, iShares India 50 ETF’s Mauritius Subsidiary was dissolved.

 

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 September 30, 2023, 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.

 

 

78  

2 0 2 3   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


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Collateralization: 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.

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.

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. The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) of each Fund has approved the designation of BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Funds’ investment adviser, as the valuation designee for each Fund. Each Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under BFA’s policies. 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 BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value. BFA has formed a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to develop pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments, with assistance from other BlackRock pricing committees.

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 Valuation Committee, in accordance with BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the 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 Valuation Committee 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 Valuation Committee deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement.

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 Valuation Committee’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments).

 

 

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

  79


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 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 BFA, 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

   
Securities Loaned
at Value
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a) 
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received, at Fair Value
 
(a) 
    Net Amount  

 

 

Asia 50

        

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $ 32,010      $ (32,010   $     $  

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    1,057,975        (1,057,975            

HSBC Bank PLC

    3,526,584        (3,526,584            

Jefferies LLC

    320,321        (320,321            

Macquarie Bank Ltd.

    175,418        (175,418            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 5,112,308      $ (5,112,308   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Blockchain and Tech

        

BNP Paribas SA

  $ 268,321      $ (268,321   $     $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    43,669        (43,669            

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    289,194        (289,194            

Jefferies LLC

    272,401        (272,401            

UBS AG

    293,361        (293,361            

UBS Securities LLC

    960,173        (960,173            

Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

    104,470        (104,470            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 2,231,589      $ (2,231,589   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

        

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 323,932      $ (323,932   $     $  

BofA Securities, Inc.

    348,475        (348,475            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 672,407      $ (672,407   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

80  

2 0 2 3   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


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 

iShares ETF and Counterparty

   
Securities Loaned
at Value
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a) 
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received, at Fair Value
 
(a) 
    Net Amount  

 

 

Europe

        

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

  $ 2,783,598      $ (2,783,598   $     $  

HSBC Bank PLC

    1,542,411        (1,542,411            

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    1,652,570        (1,652,570            

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

    289,338        (289,338            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 6,267,917      $ (6,267,917   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

International Developed Property

        

BofA Securities, Inc.

  $      $     $     $  

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    99,179        (99,179            

HSBC Bank PLC

    15,246        (15,246            

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    6,887        (6,887            

Jefferies LLC

    2        (2            

Macquarie Bank Ltd.

    31,957        (31,957            

Morgan Stanley

    268,623        (268,623            

SG Americas Securities LLC

    110,342        (110,342            

UBS AG

                        
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 532,236      $ (532,236   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

        

Barclays Capital, Inc.

  $ 131,144      $ (131,144   $     $  

BNP Paribas SA

    553,726        (553,726            

BofA Securities, Inc.

    91,025        (91,025            

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

    190,886        (190,886            

HSBC Bank PLC

    698,101        (698,101            

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

    361,500        (361,500            

Nomura Securities International, Inc.

    10,240        (10,240            

UBS AG

    44,261        (44,261            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 2,080,883      $ (2,080,883   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

International Dividend Growth

        

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

  $ 18,546      $ (18,546   $     $  

HSBC Bank PLC

    112,134        (112,134            

Morgan Stanley

    219,061        (219,061            

UBS AG

    395,633        (395,633            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 745,374      $ (745,374   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Latin America 40

        

BMO Capital Markets

  $ 148,200      $ (148,200   $     $  

RBC Capital Markets LLC

    4,560        (4,560            
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 152,760      $ (152,760   $     $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Collateral received, if any, 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

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

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

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  81


Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Fees      

Asia 50

    0.50%   

Blockchain and Tech

    0.47      

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

    0.60      

Future Metaverse Tech and Communications

    0.47      

India 50

    0.89      

International Developed Property

    0.48      

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

    0.30      

International Dividend Growth

    0.15      

Effective June 30, 2023, for its investment advisory services to the iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee of 0.30%, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund. Prior to June 30, 2023, BFA was entitled to an annual investment advisory fee of 0.40%, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.

For its investment advisory services to the iShares Europe 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 Fees      

First $12 billion

    0.6000%   

Over $12 billion, up to and including $18 billion

    0.5700      

Over $18 billion, up to and including $24 billion

    0.5415      

Over $24 billion, up to and including $30 billion

    0.5145      

Over $30 billion

    0.4888      

For its investment advisory services to the iShares Latin America 40 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 Fees      

First $46 billion

    0.5000%   

Over $46 billion, up to and including $81 billion

    0.4750      

Over $81 billion, up to and including $111 billion

    0.4513      

Over $111 billion, up to and including $141 billion

    0.4287      

Over $141 billion, up to and including $171 billion

    0.4073      

Over $171 billion

    0.3869      

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 Statements of Operations does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

For the iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF, BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee for the Fund through July 31, 2027 in an amount equal to the acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, attributable to the Fund’s investments in other iShares funds.

For the iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF, BFA had contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment advisory fee through July 31, 2024 in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waiver to 0.30% of average daily net assets. The contractual waiver was terminated as of June 30, 2023,

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

These amounts are included in investment advisory fees waived in the Statements of Operations. For the six months ended September 30, 2023, the amounts waived in investment advisory fees pursuant to these arrangements were as follows:

 

   
iShares ETF   Amounts Waived      

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

  $ 39,797      

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 Blockchain and Tech 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.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, each of iShares Asia 50 ETF, iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF, iShares Europe ETF, iShares Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF, iShares India 50 ETF, iShares International Developed Property ETF, iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF, iShares International Dividend Growth ETF and iShares Latin America 40 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 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 September 30, 2023, the Funds paid BTC the following amounts for securities lending agent services:

 

   
iShares ETF   Amounts      

Asia 50

  $ 4,859      

Blockchain and Tech

    12,424      

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

    637      

Europe

    5,804      

Future Metaverse Tech and Communications

    37      

International Developed Property

    1,543      

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

    4,786      

International Dividend Growth

    4,160      

Latin America 40

    4,161      

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

 

 

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  83


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 September 30, 2023, 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)    
 

Asia 50

  $   7,597,053      $   18,284,647      $   (7,829,765)    

Blockchain and Tech

    32,664        592,364        30,713     

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

    20,986        48,931        4,045     

Europe

    14,325,597        1,631,006        (1,979,307)    

International Developed Property

    72,508        90,800        (83,530)    

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

    609,367        3,384,678        (462,281)    

International Dividend Growth

    11,405,053        7,090,184        (304,187)    

Latin America 40

    1,311,077               —     

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 September 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales    

Asia 50

  $  121,433,977      $  99,570,224    

Blockchain and Tech

    3,190,452        3,144,282    

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

    1,670,914        1,730,135    

Europe

    69,035,169        52,393,119    

Future Metaverse Tech and Communications

    655,015        654,617    

India 50

      65,290,344          42,595,508    

International Developed Property

    1,583,076        1,583,580    

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

    71,549,141        71,060,030    

International Dividend Growth

    82,091,088        78,223,481    

Latin America 40

    164,111,506        44,422,905    

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   In-kind
Purchases
     In-kind  
Sales  
 

Asia 50

  $ 1,099,203      $ 14,568,017    

Blockchain and Tech

    1,095,895        —    

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

           914,351    

Europe

           171,714,541    

International Developed Property

           2,489,478    

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

    3,173,828        —    

International Dividend Growth

    29,075,442        —    

Latin America 40

    317,672,156        61,736,672    

 

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 September 30, 2023, 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.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2023, the Funds had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains and qualified late-year losses as follows:

 

     
iShares ETF   Non-Expiring
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
    Qualified  
Late-Year  
Ordinary  
Losses   
 

Asia 50

    $(91,304,416)     $ —     

Blockchain and Tech

    (3,088,039)       —     

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

    (34,170,843)       —     

Europe

    (368,616,712)       —     

India 50

    —        (495,624)    

International Developed Property

    (31,498,243)       —     

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

    (2,549,938)       —     

International Dividend Growth

    (32,658,402)       —     

Latin America 40

    (1,036,874,384)       —     

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 September 30, 2023, 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)    
 

Asia 50

  $ 1,715,920,284      $ 262,314,704      $ (474,010,131   $   (211,695,427)    

Blockchain and Tech

    9,310,776        931,058        (699,360     231,698     

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

    22,226,055        3,946,801        (4,951,686     (1,004,885)    

Europe

      1,775,190,758        220,410,157        (389,505,285       (169,095,128)    

Future Metaverse Tech and Communications

    5,503,934        610,498        (301,947     308,551     

India 50

    335,547,451        377,458,265        (38,795,615     338,662,650     

International Developed Property

    62,656,832        763,905        (25,062,762     (24,298,857)    

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

    172,585,600        7,868,890        (23,423,820     (15,554,930)    

International Dividend Growth

    619,722,643        46,204,827        (46,521,693     (316,866)    

Latin America 40

    1,590,555,043        88,398,515        (284,987,655     (196,589,140)    

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The iShares Asia 50 ETF, iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF, iShares Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF, iShares India 50 ETF, iShares International Dividend Growth ETF and iShares Latin America 40 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 9, 2024. 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) Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 0.10% and 1.00% per annum or (b) the U.S. Federal Funds rate 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 September 30, 2023, the iShares Asia 50 ETF, iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF, iShares Future Metaverse Tech and Communications ETF, iShares India 50 ETF and iShares Latin America 40 ETF did not borrow under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, 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   
 

International Dividend Growth

  $ 1,650,000      $  76,105        6.20%  

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

10.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

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

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

The Funds may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Market Risk: 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.

Infectious Illness Risk: An outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely impact the economies of many nations and the global economy, and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen. An infectious illness outbreak may result in, among other things, closed international borders, prolonged quarantines, supply chain disruptions, market volatility or disruptions and other significant economic, social and political impacts.

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 may significantly impact the resulting fair value and therefore each Fund’s results of operations. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by each Fund, and each Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. Each Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

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 BFA 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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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Geographic/Asset Class 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. These events and actions have adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-European Union member states. 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 have been, and may continue to 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 China or with significant exposure to Chinese issuers. Investments in Chinese securities, including certain Hong Kong-listed securities, involve 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.

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.

 

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.

 

 

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  87


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
         Year Ended
03/31/23
 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares          Amount          Shares          Amount  

 

 

Asia 50

                

Shares sold

    400,000        $ 24,771,421          4,250,000        $ 268,352,378  

Shares redeemed

    (500,000        (29,275,594        (4,600,000        (269,671,950
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
    (100,000      $  (4,504,173)          (350,000      $ (1,319,572)  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

          

Period Ended

03/31/23

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares          Amount            Shares            Amount  

 

 

Blockchain and Tech

                              

Shares sold

    50,000        $ 1,157,886          400,000        $ 8,983,970  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
            Year Ended
03/31/23
 
 

 

 

       

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares             Amount             Shares            Amount  

 

 
                                                

Emerging Markets Infrastructure

                  

Shares sold

            $ 780           200,000        $ 4,326,610  

Shares redeemed

    (50,000         (1,072,963         (50,000        (1,105,850
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 
    (50,000       $ (1,072,183)           150,000        $ 3,220,760  
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Europe

                  

Shares sold

    500,000         $ 54,632,802           5,600,000        $ 267,045,938  

Shares redeemed

    (4,200,000         (207,317,314         (7,750,000        (367,441,756
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 
    (3,700,000       $  (152,684,512)           (2,150,000      $  (100,395,818)  
 

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

          

Period Ended

03/31/23

 
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
iShares ETF   Shares            Amount            Shares            Amount  

 

 

Future Metaverse Tech and Communications

                

Shares sold

           $          200,000        $ 5,104,279  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
           Year Ended
03/31/23
 
iShares ETF   Shares            Amount            Shares            Amount  

 

 

India 50

                

Shares sold

    1,050,000        $ 47,940,461          750,000        $ 32,231,430  

Shares redeemed

    (350,000        (14,781,480        (1,050,000        (44,585,805
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
    700,000        $ 33,158,981          (300,000      $ (12,354,375
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

International Developed Property

                

Shares sold

           $ 49                 $ 21  

Shares redeemed

    (100,000        (2,613,333        (200,000        (5,900,760
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
    (100,000      $ (2,613,284        (200,000      $ (5,900,739
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

International Developed Small Cap Value Factor

                

Shares sold

    100,000        $ 3,224,313          200,000        $ 5,713,393  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

International Dividend Growth

                

Shares sold

    550,000        $ 33,877,998          4,900,000        $ 288,496,363  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Latin America 40

                

Shares sold

    16,500,000        $ 443,533,643          13,500,000        $ 362,330,132  

Shares redeemed

    (3,250,000        (80,740,107        (28,750,000        (692,352,408
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
    13,250,000        $  362,793,536          (15,250,000      $ (330,022,276
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

88  

2 0 2 3   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


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

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 Europe ETF is seeking 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 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’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 item was noted:

Effective October 18, 2023, the Syndicated Credit Agreement to which the Participating Funds are party was amended to extend the maturity date to October 2024 under the same terms.

 

 

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

  89


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

iShares Asia 50 ETF, iShares International Developed Property ETF (each 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were within range of the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

 

 

90  

2 0 2 3   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


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

 

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

  91


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF, iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (each 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

 

 

92  

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

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

  93


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

 

iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF, iShares India 50 ETF (each 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were higher than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

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

  95


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

 

iShares Europe 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were higher than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

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

  97


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

Economies of Scale: The Board reviewed information and considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase, noting that the issue of potential economies of scale had been focused on by the 15(c) Committee and the Board during their meetings and addressed by management. The 15(c) Committee and the Board received information regarding BlackRock’s historical estimated profitability (as discussed above), including BFA’s and its affiliates’ estimated costs in providing services. The estimated cost information distinguished, among other things, between fixed and variable costs, and showed how the level and nature of fixed and variable costs may impact the existence or size of scale benefits, with the Board recognizing that potential economies of scale are difficult to measure. The 15(c) Committee and the Board reviewed information provided by BFA regarding the sharing of scale benefits with the iShares funds through various means, including, as applicable, through relatively low fee rates established at inception, breakpoints, waivers, or other fee reductions, as well as through additional investment in the iShares business and the provision of improved or additional infrastructure and services to the iShares funds and their shareholders. The Board noted that the Advisory Agreement 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 during the June 7-8, 2023 meeting, the Board approved a permanent reduction to the advisory fee rate charged to the Fund. In addition, the Board noted that it would continue to assess the appropriateness of adding breakpoints in the future.

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

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  99


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

iShares Latin America 40 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were lower than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 noted that BFA and its affiliates do not manage Other Accounts withsubstantially the same investment objective and strategy as the Fund and that track the same index as the Fund. The Board also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

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Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Section 19(a) Notices

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

September 30, 2023

 

       
    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
 

Emerging Markets Infrastructure(a)

  $   0.224714      $      $   0.000026      $   0.224740           100         0 %(b)      100

India 50(a)

    0.072195               0.001405        0.073600           98             2       100  

International Developed Property

    0.494938                      0.494938           100                   100  

Latin America 40(a)

    0.417749               0.060988        0.478737                 87             13       100  

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

Rounds to less than 1%.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and ETFs

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

 

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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

  103


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Portfolio Abbreviation

ADR    American Depositary Receipt
GDR    Global Depositary Receipt
NVDR    Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
NVS    Non-Voting Shares
PJSC    Public Joint Stock Company
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

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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 ICE Data Indices, LLC, FTSE International Limited, India Index Services & Products Ltd., Morningstar Inc. or S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, nor do these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the companies listed above.

©2023 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-304-0923

 

 

LOGO

   LOGO


 

LOGO

  SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 

  

2023 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

iShares Trust

 

·  

iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF | JPXN | NYSE Arca

 


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

The combination of continued economic growth and moderating inflation provided a supportive backdrop for investors during the 12-month reporting period ended September 30, 2023. Significantly tighter monetary policy helped to rein in inflation while the economy proved more resilient than many investors anticipated. A moderating labor market also helped ease inflationary pressure, although wages continued to grow and unemployment rates touched the lowest levels in decades. This robust labor market powered further growth in consumer spending, backstopping the economy. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a horrific attack on Israel. The ensuing war will have a significant humanitarian impact and could lead to heightened economic and market volatility. We see geopolitics as a structural market risk going forward. See our geopolitical risk dashboard at blackrock.com for more details.

Equity returns were substantial, as the durability of consumer sentiment and spending mitigated investors’ concerns about the economy’s trajectory. The U.S. economy resumed growth in the third quarter of 2022 and continued to expand thereafter. All major classes of equities rose, although large-capitalization U.S. stocks posted significantly higher returns than small-capitalization U.S. stocks due primarily to the performance of large technology companies. International developed market equities also advanced strongly, and emerging market equities posted solid gains.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose during the reporting period, driving its price down, as investors reacted to elevated inflation and attempted to anticipate future interest rate changes. The corporate bond market benefited from improving economic sentiment, although high-yield corporate bond prices fared significantly better than investment-grade bonds as demand from yield-seeking investors remained strong.

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), attempting to manage persistent inflation, raised interest rates six times during the 12-month period. Furthermore, the Fed wound down its bond-buying programs and incrementally reduced its balance sheet by not replacing securities that reach maturity. However, the Fed declined to raise interest rates at two of its meetings late in the period.

Supply constraints appear to have become an embedded feature of the new macroeconomic environment, making it difficult for developed economies to increase production without sparking higher inflation. Geopolitical fragmentation and an aging population risk further exacerbating these constraints, keeping the labor market tight and wage growth high. Although the Fed has decelerated the pace of interest rate hikes and recently opted for two pauses, we believe that the new economic regime means that the Fed will need to maintain high rates for an extended period to keep inflation under control. Furthermore, ongoing structural changes may mean that the Fed will be hesitant to cut interest rates in the event of faltering economic activity lest inflation accelerate again. We believe investors should expect a period of higher volatility as markets adjust to the new economic reality and policymakers attempt to adapt.

While we favor an overweight position in developed market equities in the long term, we prefer an underweight stance in the near term. Expectations for corporate earnings remain elevated, which seems inconsistent with macroeconomic constraints. Nevertheless, we are overweight on Japanese stocks in the near term as shareholder-friendly policies generate increased investor interest. We also believe that stocks with an AI tilt should benefit from an investment cycle that is set to support revenues and margins. In credit, there are selective opportunities in the near term despite tightening credit and financial conditions. For fixed income investing with a six- to twelve-month horizon, we see the most attractive investments in short-term U.S. Treasuries, U.S. inflation-linked bonds, euro area government bonds and gilts, U.S. mortgage-backed securities, and hard-currency emerging market bonds.

Overall, our view is that investors need to think globally, position themselves to be prepared for a decarbonizing economy, 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.

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock, Inc.

 

Total Returns as of September 30, 2023
     
     6-Month    12-Month 
   

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

  5.18%   21.62%
   

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

  (0.19)     8.93   
   

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

  (1.28)     25.65   
   

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  (2.05)     11.70   
   

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

  2.50      4.47   
   

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

  (6.98)     (2.90)  
   

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

  (4.05)     0.64   
   

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

  (4.05)     2.66   
   

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

  2.22      10.28   

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  

Semi-Annual Report:

  

Fund Summary

     4  

About Fund Performance

     5  

Disclosure of Expenses

     5  

Schedule of Investments

     6  

Financial Statements

  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     12  

Statement of Operations

     13  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     14  

Financial Highlights

     15  

Notes to Financial Statements

     16  

Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

     23  

Supplemental Information

     25  

General Information

     26  

 

 

 


Fund Summary  as of September 30, 2023    iShares® JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

 

Investment Objective

The iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based benchmark composed of Japanese equities, as represented by the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 (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-Month
Total Returns
     1 Year      5 Years      10 Years             1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

Fund NAV

    3.07      25.00      1.54      3.96        25.00      7.93      47.52

Fund Market

    2.86        24.55        1.47        3.98          24.55        7.55        47.71  

Index

    4.30        25.93        1.90        4.35                25.93        9.87        53.08  

Index performance through September 3, 2015 reflects the performance of the S&P/TOPIX 150TM. Index performance beginning on September 4, 2015 reflects the performance of the JPX-Nikkei Index 400.

Past performance is not an indication 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” for more information.

Expense Example

 

Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return           

 

 

     

 

 

      
 

Beginning
Account Value
(04/01/23)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(09/30/23)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
(a)  
           

Beginning
Account Value
(04/01/23)
 
 
 
      

Ending
Account Value
(09/30/23)
 
 
 
      

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
 
 
(a)  
      

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
 
 
 
  $ 1,000.00        $ 1,030.70        $ 2.44             $ 1,000.00        $ 1,022.60        $ 2.43          0.48

 

  (a) 

Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (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 “Disclosure of Expenses” for more information.

 

Portfolio Information

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION

 

Sector    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Industrials

    23.3

Consumer Discretionary

    14.4  

Information Technology

    13.8  

Financials

    12.1  

Health Care

    9.6  

Communication Services

    8.6  

Consumer Staples

    7.5  

Materials

    5.6  

Real Estate

    2.6  

Utilities

    1.3  

Energy

    1.2  

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS

 

Security    
Percent of
Total Investments
 
(a) 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    1.8

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    1.8  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    1.7  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    1.7  

Hitachi Ltd.

    1.6  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    1.6  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    1.6  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    1.5  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    1.5  

KDDI Corp.

    1.5  
 

 

  (a) 

Excludes money market funds.

 

 

 

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About Fund Performance

 

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. As a result, current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end is available at iShares.com. Performance results assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Performance for certain funds may reflect a waiver of a portion of investment advisory fees. Without such a waiver, performance would have been lower.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest ask on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV, respectively.

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

Disclosure of Expenses

Shareholders of the 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 example shown (which is based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) is intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in the Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense example provides 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 the Period.”

The expense example also provides 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 the Fund and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense example 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 example is 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 / D I S C L O S U R E   O F  X P E N S E S

  5


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  

Common Stocks

   
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.6%            

AZ-COM MARUWA Holdings Inc.

    1,300     $ 18,493  

Mitsui-Soko Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       37,415  

Nippon Express Holdings Inc.

    2,600       135,667  

Sankyu Inc.

    2,600       89,885  

SBS Holdings Inc.

    1,300       24,359  

Senko Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,900       27,336  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    14,300       183,067  

Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd.

    10,400       169,273  
   

 

 

 
      685,495  
Automobile Components — 2.6%            

Aisin Corp.

    6,500       245,603  

Bridgestone Corp.

    23,400       911,850  

Denso Corp.

    65,200       1,046,191  

Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    9,100       137,226  

KYB Corp.

    700       22,637  

Nifco Inc./Japan

    2,600       67,219  

Niterra Co. Ltd.

    6,500       147,117  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    27,300       328,881  

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.

    7,800       86,121  

Toyo Tire Corp.

    3,900       60,028  

Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.

    2,600       55,832  

Toyota Boshoku Corp.

    3,900       71,095  

Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (The)

    3,900       81,161  
   

 

 

 
      3,260,961  
Automobiles — 5.0%            

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    191,100       2,149,816  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    23,400       294,175  

Mazda Motor Corp.

    26,000       295,217  

Subaru Corp.

    24,700       480,278  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    14,300       575,160  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    119,620       2,146,022  

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

    11,700       307,558  
   

 

 

 
      6,248,226  
Banks — 6.4%            

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    20,800       151,114  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    41,600       189,510  

Fukuoka Financial Group Inc.

    6,500       155,523  

Mebuki Financial Group Inc.

    37,700       104,222  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

    261,300       2,214,297  

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

    111,850       1,898,982  

Resona Holdings Inc.

    97,500       539,095  

Seven Bank Ltd.

    27,300       56,753  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

    44,200       2,171,370  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.

    14,304       538,503  
   

 

 

 
      8,019,369  
Beverages — 1.1%            

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    18,200       679,853  

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd.

    32,500       455,014  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    5,200       158,251  

Takara Holdings Inc.

    5,200       41,739  
   

 

 

 
      1,334,857  
Biotechnology — 0.1%            

PeptiDream Inc.(a)

    3,900       41,974  

Takara Bio Inc.

    2,600       24,034  
   

 

 

 
      66,008  
Broadline Retail — 0.5%            

ASKUL Corp.

    1,300       17,031  
Security   Shares     Value  
Broadline Retail (continued)            

Izumi Co. Ltd.

    1,300     $ 34,423  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    16,900       354,680  

Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd.

    9,100       117,707  

Seria Co. Ltd.

    2,600       38,273  
   

 

 

 
      562,114  
Building Products — 1.6%            

AGC Inc.

    7,800       273,369  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    9,500       1,489,331  

Nichias Corp.

    2,600       53,278  

Sanwa Holdings Corp.

    7,800       103,522  

TOTO Ltd.

    5,200       134,185  
   

 

 

 
      2,053,685  
Capital Markets — 1.3%            

Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

    55,900       322,350  

JAFCO Group Co. Ltd.

    2,600       28,600  

Japan Exchange Group Inc.

    22,100       409,431  

Monex Group Inc.

    9,100       33,844  

Nomura Holdings Inc.

    140,400       562,222  

SBI Holdings Inc.

    11,700       246,236  
   

 

 

 
      1,602,683  
Chemicals — 4.1%            

ADEKA Corp.

    2,600       44,398  

Aica Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    2,600       57,965  

Air Water Inc.

    7,800       97,091  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    49,400       310,947  

Daicel Corp.

    11,700       97,880  

Denka Co. Ltd.

    2,600       46,965  

Fujimi Inc.

    1,300       26,104  

Fuso Chemical Co. Ltd.

    1,300       34,111  

Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.

    6,500       92,919  

KH Neochem Co. Ltd.

    1,300       19,933  

Kuraray Co. Ltd.

    11,700       138,600  

Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.

    52,000       327,604  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc.

    5,200       69,893  

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

    6,500       168,403  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

    40,300       270,660  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    7,800       184,677  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

    3,900       165,787  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    5,200       340,992  

NOF Corp.

    2,600       103,796  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    58,500       1,699,170  

Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd.

    1,300       56,599  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    57,200       155,579  

Taiyo Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       22,264  

Tokuyama Corp.

    2,600       40,837  

Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co. Ltd.

    1,300       77,226  

Toray Industries Inc.

    52,000       270,559  

Tosoh Corp.

    10,400       133,339  

Zeon Corp.

    5,200       54,309  
   

 

 

 
      5,108,607  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.6%            

Aeon Delight Co. Ltd.

    1,300       28,623  

Japan Elevator Service Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,600       38,084  

Pilot Corp.

    1,300       44,616  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    7,800       529,158  

Sohgo Security Services Co. Ltd.

    14,300       86,312  
   

 

 

 
      726,793  
Construction & Engineering — 1.1%            

COMSYS Holdings Corp.

    3,900       81,539  
 

 

 

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Construction & Engineering (continued)            

EXEO Group Inc.

    3,900     $ 79,908  

Hazama Ando Corp.

    6,500       50,698  

INFRONEER Holdings Inc.

    7,800       80,706  

Kajima Corp.

    16,900       275,098  

Kandenko Co. Ltd.

    3,900       35,911  

Kyudenko Corp.

    1,300       40,695  

MIRAIT ONE corp.

    3,900       51,268  

Obayashi Corp.

    27,300       240,237  

Shimizu Corp.

    22,100       153,513  

SHO-BOND Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       51,061  

Taisei Corp.

    7,800       274,528  
   

 

 

 
      1,415,162  
Consumer Finance — 0.1%            

Acom Co. Ltd.

    13,000       30,308  

AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd.

    3,900       33,621  

Jaccs Co. Ltd.

    1,300       44,880  

Orient Corp.

    1,600       12,413  
   

 

 

 
      121,222  
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail — 1.8%  

Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corp.

    900       92,014  

Create SD Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       29,459  

Kobe Bussan Co. Ltd.

    6,500       152,174  

Kusuri no Aoki Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       75,261  

Lawson Inc.

    2,600       119,529  

Life Corp.

    1,300       31,659  

MatsukiyoCocokara & Co.

    15,600       279,443  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    28,600       1,119,695  

Sugi Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       51,638  

Sundrug Co. Ltd.

    2,600       70,469  

Tsuruha Holdings Inc.

    1,300       87,322  

Welcia Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,900       67,349  

Yaoko Co. Ltd.

    1,300       66,860  
   

 

 

 
      2,242,872  
Containers & Packaging — 0.0%            

Rengo Co. Ltd.

    6,500       44,576  
   

 

 

 
Distributors — 0.0%            

PALTAC Corp.

    1,300       40,723  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.6%  

Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

    3,900       62,983  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    1,628,900       1,928,023  

Usen-Next Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       29,109  
   

 

 

 
      2,020,115  
Electric Utilities — 0.6%            

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    28,600       364,075  

Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc. (The)

    29,900       413,952  
   

 

 

 
      778,027  
Electrical Equipment — 1.7%            

Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.

    5,200       234,185  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    81,900       1,011,830  

Nidec Corp.

    19,500       900,382  
   

 

 

 
          2,146,397  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 4.8%  

Anritsu Corp.

    5,200       37,104  

Azbil Corp.

    5,200       158,857  

Canon Marketing Japan Inc.

    1,300       33,705  

Daiwabo Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,900       74,774  

Dexerials Corp.

    2,600       64,019  
Security   Shares     Value  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (continued)  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    6,500     $ 273,349  

Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.

    1,300       150,375  

Horiba Ltd.

    1,300       70,233  

Ibiden Co. Ltd.

    5,200       275,810  

Kaga Electronics Co. Ltd.

    1,300       56,315  

Keyence Corp.

    4,044       1,495,575  

Kyocera Corp.

    11,700       593,163  

Macnica Holdings Inc.

    2,600       122,065  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    70,200       1,280,599  

Omron Corp.

    7,800       347,111  

Shimadzu Corp.

    9,100       241,380  

Taiyo Yuden Co. Ltd.

    3,900       105,376  

TDK Corp.

    13,000       480,613  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    9,100       175,636  
   

 

 

 
      6,036,059  
Entertainment — 2.4%            

Capcom Co. Ltd.

    7,800       280,735  

GungHo Online Entertainment Inc.

    2,690       42,462  

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,280       75,016  

Konami Group Corp.

    3,900       205,626  

Nexon Co. Ltd.

    18,200       325,209  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    42,900       1,782,621  

Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,900       133,635  

Toho Co. Ltd.

    5,200       177,401  
   

 

 

 
      3,022,705  
Financial Services — 1.2%            

Fuyo General Lease Co. Ltd.

    1,300       104,623  

GMO Payment Gateway Inc.

    1,300       70,933  

Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

    29,900       199,226  

Mizuho Leasing Co. Ltd.

    1,300       42,652  

ORIX Corp.

    50,700       946,690  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    1,300       51,819  

Zenkoku Hosho Co. Ltd.

    2,600       85,370  
   

 

 

 
      1,501,313  
Food Products — 1.8%            

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    19,500       751,893  

Calbee Inc.

    3,900       74,183  

Kikkoman Corp.

    5,200       272,546  

MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd.

    9,100       226,172  

Morinaga & Co. Ltd.

    1,300       46,960  

Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd.

    1,300       48,917  

NH Foods Ltd.

    2,600       77,758  

Nichirei Corp.

    3,900       85,649  

Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    10,400       50,907  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,600       216,041  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    3,900       152,946  

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    10,400       252,584  
   

 

 

 
          2,256,556  
Gas Utilities — 0.6%            

Nippon Gas Co. Ltd.

    3,900       57,721  

Osaka Gas Co. Ltd.

    15,600       256,696  

Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.

    16,900       383,168  
   

 

 

 
      697,585  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.9%            

Asahi Intecc Co. Ltd.

    9,100       163,148  

Hoya Corp.

    16,000       1,638,679  

Jeol Ltd.

    2,600       77,351  

Nakanishi Inc.

    3,900       91,158  

Nihon Kohden Corp.

    3,900       96,278  
 

 

 

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

  7


Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)            

Olympus Corp.

    49,400     $ 641,384  

Sysmex Corp.

    6,500       308,861  

Terumo Corp.

    24,700       653,830  
   

 

 

 
      3,670,689  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.3%            

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    7,800       127,883  

BML Inc.

    1,300       24,280  

H.U. Group Holdings Inc.

    2,600       44,120  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    7,800       131,847  

Ship Healthcare Holdings Inc.

    2,600       39,403  
   

 

 

 
      367,533  
Health Care Technology — 0.2%            

M3 Inc.

    15,600       282,964  
   

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.4%            

Food & Life Companies Ltd.

    5,200       87,203  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

    5,200       198,688  

Zensho Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,200       225,808  
   

 

 

 
      511,699  
Household Durables — 3.3%            

Haseko Corp.

    7,800       99,433  

Iida Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    6,500       107,864  

Open House Group Co. Ltd.

    2,600       88,158  

Panasonic Holdings Corp.

    93,600       1,056,535  

Pressance Corp.

    1,300       15,921  

Rinnai Corp.

    3,900       72,926  

Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.

    15,600       224,436  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    23,400       465,694  

Sony Group Corp.

    21,400       1,749,997  

Sumitomo Forestry Co. Ltd.

    6,500       164,863  

Tama Home Co. Ltd.

    1,300       30,947  
   

 

 

 
      4,076,774  
Household Products — 0.6%            

Lion Corp.

    9,100       89,750  

Pigeon Corp.

    5,200       58,694  

Unicharm Corp.

    16,900       597,545  
   

 

 

 
      745,989  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.1%  

Electric Power Development Co. Ltd.

    5,200       83,967  

eRex Co. Ltd.(b)

    1,300       6,656  

RENOVA Inc.(a)

    2,600       19,616  

West Holdings Corp.

    1,300       27,910  
   

 

 

 
      138,149  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.7%            

Hikari Tsushin Inc.

    1,300       197,984  

Hitachi Ltd.

    31,200       1,933,699  
   

 

 

 
      2,131,683  
Insurance — 2.9%            

Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc.

    37,700       778,290  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc.

    15,600       570,871  

Sompo Holdings Inc.

    13,000       557,138  

Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.

    76,700       1,775,888  
   

 

 

 
      3,682,187  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%            

Kakaku.com Inc.

    6,500       65,823  

Z Holdings Corp.

    110,500       306,539  
   

 

 

 
      372,362  
Security   Shares     Value  
IT Services — 3.0%            

BIPROGY Inc.

    2,600     $ 64,924  

Change Holdings Inc.

    2,600       30,529  

Digital Garage Inc.

    1,300       29,873  

DTS Corp.

    1,300       27,734  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    7,800       917,366  

GMO internet group Inc.

    2,600       40,202  

Information Services International-Dentsu Ltd.

    1,300       49,660  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    2,600       74,965  

NEC Corp.

    11,700       646,105  

NEC Networks & System Integration Corp.

    2,600       34,139  

NET One Systems Co. Ltd.

    2,600       49,341  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    15,664       407,134  

NS Solutions Corp.

    1,300       36,965  

NSD Co. Ltd.

    2,600       49,284  

NTT Data Corp.

    26,000       347,915  

Obic Co. Ltd.

    2,600       393,953  

Otsuka Corp.

    3,900       165,003  

SCSK Corp.

    6,500       113,326  

SHIFT Inc.(a)

    500       90,927  

TIS Inc.

    9,100       200,101  
   

 

 

 
      3,769,446  
Leisure Products — 0.9%            

Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.

    22,100       449,525  

Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    1,300       59,577  

Sega Sammy Holdings Inc.

    6,500       119,876  

Shimano Inc.

    2,800       374,765  

Yamaha Corp.

    5,200       142,020  
   

 

 

 
      1,145,763  
Machinery — 6.0%            

Amada Co. Ltd.

    13,000       130,693  

Daifuku Co. Ltd.

    11,700       220,856  

DMG Mori Co. Ltd.

    5,200       88,249  

Ebara Corp.

    2,600       121,646  

FANUC Corp.

    39,000       1,014,289  

Fuji Corp./Aichi.

    3,900       60,503  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

    2,600       78,899  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    5,200       180,514  

IHI Corp.

    5,200       108,988  

Komatsu Ltd.

    37,700       1,016,811  

Kubota Corp.

    42,900       631,094  

Makita Corp.

    10,400       256,456  

MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.

    13,000       211,810  

MISUMI Group Inc.

    11,700       182,198  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    14,300       797,610  

Miura Co. Ltd.

    3,900       78,378  

Nabtesco Corp.

    5,200       93,576  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    9,100       120,608  

Organo Corp.

    1,300       36,456  

SMC Corp.

    2,600       1,165,482  

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

    5,200       131,680  

Takeuchi Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    1,300       42,510  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    5,200       409,320  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    9,100       327,700  
   

 

 

 
      7,506,326  
Marine Transportation — 0.9%            

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd.

    6,500       221,818  

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.

    14,300       392,951  

Nippon Yusen KK

    20,800       540,068  
   

 

 

 
      1,154,837  
 

 

 

8  

2 0 2 3   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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Media — 0.2%            

CyberAgent Inc.

    18,200     $ 97,972  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.

    10,400       85,426  

Kadokawa Corp.

    3,900       78,006  
   

 

 

 
      261,404  
Metals & Mining — 1.4%            

Asahi Holdings Inc.

    2,600       32,971  

Dowa Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,600       49,719  

JFE Holdings Inc.

    22,100       323,639  

Maruichi Steel Tube Ltd.

    2,600       64,634  

Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. Ltd.

    2,600       65,914  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    36,400       852,784  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    9,100       267,232  

Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    2,600       29,286  
   

 

 

 
      1,686,179  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.2%            

Cosmo Energy Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,600       91,195  

ENEOS Holdings Inc.

    133,900       527,049  

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.

    9,100       208,619  

Inpex Corp.

    40,300       604,432  

Itochu Enex Co. Ltd.

    2,600       26,184  

Iwatani Corp.

    1,300       65,441  
   

 

 

 
      1,522,920  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.1%            

Oji Holdings Corp.

    32,500       136,735  
   

 

 

 
Personal Care Products — 1.4%            

Kao Corp.

    18,200       674,583  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    2,600       115,962  

Kose Corp.

    1,300       94,227  

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    7,800       211,488  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    16,900       592,246  
   

 

 

 
      1,688,506  
Pharmaceuticals — 6.0%            

Astellas Pharma Inc.

    75,440       1,044,212  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    24,700       761,601  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    61,109       1,672,999  

Eisai Co. Ltd.

    9,100       504,356  

JCR Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.

    2,600       25,952  

Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd.

    9,100       158,221  

Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd.

    1,300       54,893  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    15,600       299,183  

Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd.

    16,900       600,036  

Shionogi & Co. Ltd.

    10,400       463,886  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    61,100       1,893,886  
   

 

 

 
      7,479,225  
Professional Services — 2.1%            

BayCurrent Consulting Inc.

    6,500       216,598  

Bell System24 Holdings Inc.

    1,300       13,736  

Benefit One Inc.

    3,900       28,166  

Dip Corp.

    1,300       32,003  

Fullcast Holdings Co. Ltd.

    1,300       16,340  

Meitec Corp.

    2,600       47,022  

Nihon M&A Center Holdings Inc.

    14,300       68,725  

Persol Holdings Co. Ltd.

    91,000       147,804  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    59,800       1,829,582  

SMS Co. Ltd.

    2,600       44,184  

TechnoPro Holdings Inc.

    5,200       113,013  

Transcosmos Inc.

    1,300       27,762  
Security   Shares     Value  
Professional Services (continued)            

UT Group Co. Ltd.(a)

    1,300     $ 19,362  
   

 

 

 
      2,604,297  
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.5%            

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

    2,600       273,867  

Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd.

    20,800       558,259  

Hulic Co. Ltd.

    16,900       151,539  

Katitas Co. Ltd.

    2,600       37,848  

Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.

    46,800       610,554  

Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd.

    32,500       715,780  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings Inc.

    5,200       130,549  

Relo Group Inc.

    3,900       42,165  

Starts Corp. Inc.

    1,300       25,373  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co. Ltd.

    14,300       371,250  

Tokyo Tatemono Co. Ltd.

    7,800       107,844  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

    22,100       135,795  
   

 

 

 
      3,160,823  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 4.5%  

Advantest Corp.

    26,000       725,231  

Disco Corp.

    3,900       720,549  

Ferrotec Holdings Corp.

    2,600       49,594  

Japan Material Co. Ltd.

    2,600       39,809  

Lasertec Corp.

    3,600       559,845  

Mitsui High-Tec Inc.

    1,300       67,326  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    52,000       794,298  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    15,600       293,268  

SCREEN Holdings Co. Ltd.

    2,600       126,350  

Shinko Electric Industries Co. Ltd.

    2,600       100,880  

SUMCO Corp.

    15,600       203,002  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    13,400       1,830,336  

Tokyo Seimitsu Co. Ltd.

    1,300       64,996  

Ulvac Inc.

    1,300       46,840  
   

 

 

 
      5,622,324  
Software — 0.3%            

Justsystems Corp.

    1,300       25,996  

Oracle Corp. Japan

    1,300       96,298  

Rakus Co. Ltd.

    3,900       53,506  

Systena Corp.

    13,000       23,366  

Trend Micro Inc.

    3,900       147,628  
   

 

 

 
      346,794  
Specialty Retail — 1.5%            

ABC-Mart Inc.

    3,900       70,092  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

    3,900       849,479  

Kohnan Shoji Co. Ltd.

    1,300       33,921  

Komeri Co. Ltd.

    1,300       27,399  

K’s Holdings Corp.

    5,200       47,717  

Nextage Co. Ltd.

    1,300       19,822  

Nitori Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,400       379,085  

Nojima Corp.

    2,600       22,730  

Shimamura Co. Ltd.

    1,300       128,482  

T-Gaia Corp.

    1,300       15,347  

USS Co. Ltd.

    7,800       128,944  

Workman Co. Ltd.(b)

    1,300       39,453  

ZOZO Inc.

    5,200       95,218  
   

 

 

 
      1,857,689  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.0%  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    10,400       167,524  

Elecom Co. Ltd.

    2,600       30,275  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    15,600       902,469  

MCJ Co. Ltd.

    2,600       19,499  
 

 

 

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)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (continued)  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    10,400     $ 163,327  

Wacom Co. Ltd.

    6,500       25,754  
   

 

 

 
      1,308,848  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.1%            

Goldwin Inc.

    1,300       88,032  
   

 

 

 
Tobacco — 0.9%            

Japan Tobacco Inc.

    46,800       1,076,776  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 6.7%            

Hanwa Co. Ltd.

    1,300       41,215  

Inabata & Co. Ltd.

    1,300       27,199  

ITOCHU Corp.

    49,400       1,784,028  

Kanematsu Corp.

    2,600       35,932  

Marubeni Corp.

    65,000       1,013,236  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    40,300       1,920,308  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    50,900       1,846,140  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

    11,700       124,736  

Sojitz Corp.

    7,820       171,302  

Sumitomo Corp.

    50,700       1,011,866  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    7,800       458,765  
   

 

 

 
      8,434,727  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 4.0%            

KDDI Corp.

    61,100       1,870,299  

SoftBank Corp.

    127,400       1,441,951  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    39,000       1,642,895  
   

 

 

 
      4,955,145  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 99.0%
(Cost: $119,588,061)

      123,778,935  
   

 

 

 
Security   Shares     Value  

Short-Term Securities

   
Money Market Funds — 0.1%            

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 5.54%(c)(d)(e)

    44,897     $ 44,910  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 5.31%(c)(d)

    40,000       40,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.1%
(Cost: $84,915)

      84,910  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.1%
(Cost: $119,672,976)

      123,863,845  

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.9%

      1,166,215  
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

    $ 125,030,060  
   

 

 

 

 

(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 September 30, 2023 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

 

 
Affiliated Issuer    Value at
03/31/23
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sale
     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
09/30/23
     Shares
Held at
09/30/23
     Income
     Capital
Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

 

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares

   $      $ 44,933 (a)     $      $ (18    $ (5    $ 44,910        44,897      $ 236 (b)     $  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury,
SL Agency Shares

     20,000        20,000 (a)                            40,000        40,000        1,192         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $ (18    $ (5    $ 84,910         $ 1,428      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (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

     79          12/07/23        $ 1,226        $ (14,493
                 

 

 

 

 

 

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Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

September 30, 2023

  

iShares® JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

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

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 14,493      $      $      $      $ 14,493  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statement 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 September 30, 2023, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statement of Operations was as follows:

 

 

 
     Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 93,214      $      $      $      $ 93,214  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (22,989    $      $      $      $ (22,989
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

 

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 796,639    

 

 

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  

 

 

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Common Stocks

   $ 198,688        $ 123,580,247        $             —        $ 123,778,935  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     84,910                            84,910  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $       283,598        $ 123,580,247        $        $ 123,863,845  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(a)

                 

Liabilities

                 

Equity Contracts

   $        $ (14,493      $        $ (14,493
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (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

  11


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) 

September 30, 2023

 

   

iShares

JPX-Nikkei

400 ETF

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)(b)

  $ 123,778,935  

Investments, at value — affiliated(c)

    84,910  

Cash

    9,553  

Foreign currency collateral pledged for futures contracts(d)

    6,391  

Foreign currency, at value(e)

    253,729  

Receivables:

 

Securities lending income — affiliated

    33  

Dividends — unaffiliated

    1,082,073  

Dividends — affiliated

    209  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    125,215,833  
 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Collateral on securities loaned, at value

    44,915  

Payables:

 

Investments purchased

    75,036  

Investment advisory fees

    50,697  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    15,125  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    185,773  
 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 125,030,060  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 146,253,895  

Accumulated loss

    (21,223,835
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 125,030,060  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETVALUE

 

Shares outstanding

    1,950,000  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value

  $ 64.12  
 

 

 

 

Shares authorized

    Unlimited  
 

 

 

 

Par value

    None  
 

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 119,588,061  

(b) Securities loaned, at value

  $ 42,562  

(c)  Investments, at cost — affiliated

  $ 84,915  

(d) Foreign currency collateral pledged, at cost

  $ 6,748  

(e) Foreign currency, at cost

  $ 257,342  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Statement of Operations (unaudited) 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2023

 

    iShares
JPX-Nikkei
400 ETF
 

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Dividends — unaffiliated

  $ 1,365,787  

Dividends — affiliated

    1,192  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    236  

Foreign taxes withheld

    (136,589
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    1,230,626  
 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

Investment advisory

    219,494  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    219,494  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,011,132  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments — unaffiliated

    (998,226

Investments — affiliated

    (18

Foreign currency transactions

    (52,471

Futures contracts

    93,214  
 

 

 

 
    (957,501
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Investments — unaffiliated

    782,515  

Investments — affiliated

    (5

Foreign currency translations

    (3,877

Futures contracts

    (22,989
 

 

 

 
    755,644  
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (201,857
 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 809,275  
 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

I N A N C I A L  T A T E M E N T S

  13


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

iShares

JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF

 
 

 

 

 
   

Six Months

Ended

09/30/23
(unaudited)

    Year Ended
03/31/23
 

 

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 1,011,132     $ 1,120,612  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (957,501     658,670  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    755,644       (5,205,255
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    809,275       (3,425,973
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

   

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (483,627     (865,818
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

   

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

    68,286,446       (17,344,758
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    68,612,094       (21,636,549

Beginning of period

    56,417,966       78,054,515  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 125,030,060     $ 56,417,966  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF  
 

 

 

 
    Six Months Ended
09/30/23
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
03/31/23
    Year Ended
03/31/22
    Year Ended
03/31/21
    Year Ended
03/31/20
    Year Ended
03/31/19
 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

                      $ 62.69                     $ 65.05                     $ 73.30                     $ 53.52                     $ 58.88                     $ 65.42  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

       0.72          1.16          1.12          0.88          0.96          1.06  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(b)

       1.17          (2.66        (7.51        19.82          (5.10        (6.73
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

       1.89          (1.50        (6.39        20.70          (4.14        (5.67
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(c)

       (0.46        (0.86        (1.86        (0.92        (1.22        (0.87
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 64.12        $ 62.69        $ 65.05        $ 73.30        $ 53.52        $ 58.88  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

                             

Based on net asset value

       3.07 %(e)          (2.28 )%         (8.94 )%         38.91        (7.29 )%         (8.67 )% 
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

                             

Total expenses

       0.48 %(g)          0.48        0.48        0.48        0.48        0.48
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net investment income

       2.21 %(g)          1.99        1.57        1.36        1.61        1.73
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                             

Net assets, end of period (000)

     $ 125,030        $ 56,418        $ 78,055        $ 87,962        $ 80,279        $ 114,817  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(h)

       7        12        11        10        7        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) 

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

  15


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 fund (the “Fund”):

 

   
iShares ETF   Diversification    
Classification    

JPX-Nikkei 400

  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. The 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 Fund is 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.

Foreign Currency Translation: The 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.

The Fund does not isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of investments for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the Statement of Operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. The 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 Fund 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 the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and are reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income, foreign taxes on securities lending income are presented as a reduction of securities lending income, foreign taxes on stock dividends are presented as “Other foreign taxes”, and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments and foreign taxes on foreign currency transactions are included in their respective net realized gain (loss) categories. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

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

Collateralization: If required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Fund may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments.

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 Fund. Because such gains or losses are not taxable to the Fund 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 Fund’s tax year. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value (“NAV”) per share.

Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by the 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 Fund.

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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: The 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. The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) of the Fund has approved the designation of BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the Fund’s investment adviser, as the valuation designee for the Fund. The Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under BFA’s policies. 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 BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value. BFA has formed a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to develop pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments, with assistance from other BlackRock pricing committees.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of the 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 Fund uses 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 Valuation Committee, in accordance with BFA’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the 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 Valuation Committee seeks to determine the price that the 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 Valuation Committee deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement.

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 the 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 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 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: The 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 the 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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

collateral is returned by the Fund, on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the 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 BFA, 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 the 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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Fund under Master Securities Lending Agreements (each, an “MSLA”) which provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate a net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. In the event that a borrower defaults, the Fund, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. 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 Fund 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     
Securities Loaned
at Value
 
 
    
Cash Collateral
Received
 
(a)  
   
Non-Cash Collateral
Received, at Fair Value
 
(a) 
    Net Amount  

JPX-Nikkei 400

         

Goldman Sachs & Co.

   $ 42,562      $ (42,562   $     $  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received, if any, in excess of the market value of securities on loan is not presented in this table. The total cash collateral received by the Fund is disclosed in the Fund’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The risks of securities lending include the risk that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or may not return the securities when due. To mitigate these risks, the 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. The 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 the 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 Fund 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 Fund is required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Schedule of Investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on futures contracts in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory Fees: Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, BFA manages the investment of the 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 Fund, 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 Fund, BFA is entitled to an annual investment advisory fee of 0.48%, accrued daily and paid monthly by the Fund, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

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 Fund, subject to applicable conditions. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending, including any custodial costs. The 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 the 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. The 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 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, the 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 the Fund is shown as securities lending income – affiliated – net in its Statement of Operations. For the six months ended September 30, 2023, the Fund paid BTC $56 for securities lending agent services.

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 September 30, 2023, transactions executed by the Fund pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

       
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales      Net Realized  
Gain (Loss)  
 

JPX-Nikkei 400

  $ 579,901      $ 10,242      $ (348)    

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

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

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

                                       
     
iShares ETF   Purchases      Sales  

JPX-Nikkei 400

  $ 8,350,111      $ 6,524,302  

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

                                       

iShares ETF

   
In-kind
Purchases
 
 
    
In-kind
Sales
 
 

JPX-Nikkei 400

  $ 66,475,566      $  

 

 

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  19


Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

The Fund is treated as an entity separate from the Trust’s other funds for federal income tax purposes. It is the 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 Fund as of September 30, 2023, 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 Fund’s financial statements.

As of March 31, 2023, the Fund had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards of $24,591,227 available to offset future realized capital gains and qualified late-year losses.

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 September 30, 2023, 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)
 

JPX-Nikkei 400

  $ 120,583,090      $ 11,335,868      $ (8,069,606   $ 3,266,262  

 

9.

LINE OF CREDIT

The Fund, 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 9, 2024. 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) Daily Simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 0.10% and 1.00% per annum or (b) the U.S. Federal Funds rate 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 September 30, 2023, the Fund did not borrow under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

 

10.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, the 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 Fund and its investments. The 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 the 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 Fund 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.

Infectious Illness Risk: An outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely impact the economies of many nations and the global economy, and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen. An infectious illness outbreak may result in, among other things, closed international borders, prolonged quarantines, supply chain disruptions, market volatility or disruptions and other significant economic, social and political impacts.

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

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)

 

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 Fund 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 Fund manages counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that BFA believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Fund to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Fund’s exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Fund.

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 Fund 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 Fund.

Geographic/Asset Class 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 the Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its Schedule of Investments.

The Fund invests a significant portion of its 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 Fund invests a significant portion of its 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 Fund’s 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.

 

11.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Capital shares are issued and redeemed by the 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 the Fund are not redeemable.

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

       
   

Six Months Ended

09/30/23

           

Year Ended

03/31/23

 
iShares ETF   Shares      Amount              Shares     Amount  

JPX-Nikkei 400

            

Shares sold

    1,050,000      $ 68,286,446               $  

Shares redeemed

                     (300,000     (17,344,758
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
    1,050,000      $ 68,286,446           (300,000   $ (17,344,758
 

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

12.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management’s evaluation of the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund’s financial statements was completed through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and the following item was noted:

Effective October 18, 2023, the Syndicated Credit Agreement to which the Participating Funds are party was amended to extend the maturity date to October 2024 under the same terms.

 

 

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Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract

 

iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 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 Board Members who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Board Members”), is required annually to consider the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and BFA (the “Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund. The Board’s consideration entails a year-long process whereby the Board and its committees (composed solely of Independent Board Members) assess BlackRock’s services to the Fund, including investment management; fund accounting; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Independent Board Members requested, and BFA provided, such information as the Independent Board Members, with advice from independent counsel, deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. At meetings on May 2, 2023 and May 15, 2023, a committee composed of all of the Independent Board Members (the “15(c) Committee”), with independent counsel, met with management and reviewed and discussed information provided in response to initial requests of the 15(c) Committee and/or its independent counsel, and requested certain additional information, which management agreed to provide. At a meeting held on June 7-8, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the additional information provided by management in response to these requests.

After extensive discussions and deliberations, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, based on a review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by BFA and their cumulative experience as Board Members. The Board noted its satisfaction with the extent and quality of information provided and its frequent interactions with management, as well as the detailed responses and other information provided by BFA. The Independent Board Members were advised by their independent counsel throughout the process, including about the legal standards applicable to their review. In approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered various factors, including: (i) the expenses and performance of the Fund; (ii) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BFA; (iii) the costs of services provided to the Fund and profits realized by BFA and its affiliates; (iv) 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, none of which was controlling, and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board, including the Independent Board Members, to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement are discussed below.

Expenses and Performance of the Fund: The Board reviewed statistical information prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, regarding the expense ratio components, including gross and net total expenses, fees and expenses of other fund(s) in which the Fund invests (if applicable), and waivers/reimbursements (if applicable) of the Fund in comparison with the same information for other ETFs, objectively selected by Broadridge as comprising the Fund’s applicable expense 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 noted that, due to the limitations in providing comparable funds in the Peer Group, the statistical information provided in Broadridge’s report may or may not provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund in all instances. The Board also noted that the investment advisory fee rate and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) for the Fund were higher than the median of the investment advisory fee rates and overall expenses (net of any waivers and reimbursements) of the funds in its Peer Group, excluding iShares funds.

In addition, to the extent that any of the comparison funds included in the Peer Group, excluding iShares funds, track the same index as the Fund, Broadridge also provided, and the Board reviewed, a comparison of the Fund’s performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, to that of such relevant comparison fund(s) for the same periods. The Board noted that the Fund seeks to track its specified underlying index and that, during the year, the Board received periodic reports on the Fund’s short- and longer-term performance in comparison with its underlying index. Such periodic comparative performance information, including additional detailed information as requested by the Board, was also considered. The Board noted that the Fund generally performed in line with its underlying index over the relevant periods.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided: Based on management’s representations, including information about ongoing enhancements and initiatives with respect to the iShares business, including with respect to capital markets support and analysis, technology, portfolio management, product design and quality, compliance and risk management, global public policy and other services, the Board expected that there would be no diminution in the scope of services required of or provided by BFA under the Advisory Agreement for the coming year as compared with the scope of services provided by BFA during prior years. In reviewing the scope of these services, the Board considered BFA’s investment philosophy and experience, noting that BFA and its affiliates have committed significant resources over time, including during the past year, to support the iShares funds and their shareholders and have made significant investments into the iShares business. The Board also considered BFA’s compliance program and its compliance record with respect to the Fund, including related programs implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. In that regard, the Board noted that BFA reports to the Board about portfolio management and compliance matters on a periodic basis in connection with regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, and on other occasions as necessary and appropriate, and has provided information and made relevant officers and other employees of BFA (and its affiliates) available as needed to provide further assistance with these matters. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the persons responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as the resources available to them in managing the Fund. In addition to the above considerations, the Board reviewed and considered detailed presentations regarding BFA’s investment performance, investment and risk management processes and strategies provided at the May 2, 2023 meeting and throughout the year, and matters related to BFA’s portfolio compliance program and other compliance programs and services.

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

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

 

 

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    A D V I S O R Y    O N T R A C T

  23


Board Review and Approval of Investment Advisory Contract  (continued)

 

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

Based on this review, the Board concluded that the information considered with respect to the profits realized by BFA and its affiliates under the Advisory Agreement and from other relationships between the Fund and BFA and/or its affiliates, if any, as well as the other factors considered at the meeting, supported the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

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

Fees and Services Provided for Other Comparable Funds/Accounts Managed by BFA and its Affiliates: The Board received and considered information regarding the investment advisory/management fee rates for other funds/accounts in the U.S. for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory/management services, including open-end funds registered under the 1940 Act (including sub-advised funds), collective trust funds and institutional separate accounts (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Board acknowledged BFA’s representation that the iShares funds are fundamentally different investment vehicles from the Other Accounts.

The Board received detailed information regarding how the Other Accounts generally differ from the Fund, including in terms of the types of services and generally more extensive services provided to the Fund, as well as other significant differences. In that regard, the Board considered that the pricing of services to institutional clients is typically based on a number of factors beyond the nature and extent of the specific services to be provided and often depends on the overall relationship between the client and its affiliates and the adviser and its affiliates. In addition, the Board considered the relative complexity and inherent risks and challenges of managing and providing other services to the Fund, as a publicly traded 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 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 also acknowledged management’s assertion that, for certain iShares funds, and for client segmentation purposes, BlackRock has launched an iShares fund that may provide a similar investment exposure at a lower investment advisory fee rate.

The Board considered the “all-inclusive” nature of the Fund’s advisory fee structure, and the Fund’s expenses borne by BFA under this arrangement and noted that the investment advisory fee rate under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund was generally higher than the investment advisory/management fee rates for certain of the Other Accounts (particularly institutional clients) and concluded that the differences appeared to be consistent with the factors discussed.

Other Benefits to BFA and/or its Affiliates: The Board reviewed other benefits or ancillary revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Fund by BFA, both direct and indirect, including, but not limited to, payment of revenue to BTC, the Fund’s securities lending agent, for loaning portfolio securities, as applicable (which was included in the profit margins reviewed by the Board pursuant to BFA’s estimated profitability methodology), payment of advisory fees or other fees to BFA (or its affiliates) in connection with any investments by the Fund in other funds for which BFA (or its affiliates) provides investment advisory services or other services, and BlackRock’s profile in the investment community. The Board further considered other direct benefits that might accrue to BFA, including the potential for reduction in the Fund’s expenses that are borne by BFA under the “all-inclusive” management fee arrangement, due in part to the size and scope of BFA’s investment operations servicing the Fund (and other funds in the iShares complex) as well as in response to a changing market environment. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided by BFA concerning authorized participant primary market order processing services that are provided by BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BFA, and paid for by authorized participants under the ETF Servicing Platform. The Board also noted the revenue received by BFA and/or its affiliates pursuant to an agreement that permits a service provider to use certain portions of BlackRock’s technology platform to service accounts managed by BFA and/or its affiliates, including the iShares funds. The Board noted that BFA generally does not use soft dollars or consider the value of research or other services that may be provided to BFA (including its affiliates) in selecting brokers for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Board concluded that any such ancillary benefits would not be disadvantageous to the Fund and thus would not alter the Board’s conclusion with respect to the appropriateness of approving the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the coming year.

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

 

 

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Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Open-End Mutual Funds and ETFs

Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require open-end mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

 

U P P L E M E N T A L  N F O R M A T I O N

  25


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 Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, the 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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Want to know more?

iShares.com    |     1-800-474-2737

This report is intended for the Fund’s 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 the Japan Exchange Group, Inc., JPX Market Innovation & Research, Inc. or Nikkei, Inc., nor do these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the iShares Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the companies listed above.

©2023 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-310-0923

 

 

LOGO

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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/ Dominik Rohe                            

      

Dominik Rohe, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 20, 2023

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/ Dominik Rohe                            

      

Dominik Rohe, President (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 20, 2023

 

 

By:

    

/s/ Trent Walker                            

      

Trent Walker, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 20, 2023