N-CSR 1 d76998dncsr.htm BLACKROCK LIMITED DURATION INCOME TRUST BlackRock Limited Duration Income 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: 811-21349

Name of Fund:  BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

Fund Address:    100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809

Name and address of agent for service: John M. Perlowski, Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock Limited

Duration Income Trust, 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 882-0052, Option 4

Date of fiscal year end: 08/31/2019

Date of reporting period: 08/31/2019


Item 1 –  Report to Stockholders


AUGUST 31, 2019

 

ANNUAL REPORT

  LOGO

 

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of each Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from BlackRock or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you hold accounts directly with BlackRock, you can call Computershare at (800) 699-1236 to request that you continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you hold accounts through a financial intermediary, you can follow the instructions included with this disclosure, if applicable, or contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC or its affiliates, or all funds held with your financial intermediary, as applicable.

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

 

Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • No Bank Guarantee


Supplemental Information

 

Section 19(b) Disclosure

On September 5, 2019, the Funds, acting pursuant to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) exemptive order and with the approval of each Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), each adopted a managed distribution plan, consistent with its investment objectives and policies to support a level distribution of income, capital gains and/or return of capital (the “Plan”). In accordance with the Plans, starting in October 2019, FRA will distribute a fixed amount of $0.0788 per share on a monthly basis and BLW will distribute a fixed amount of $0.0981 per share on a monthly basis.

The fixed amounts distributed per share are subject to change at the discretion of each Fund’s Board. Under its Plan, each Fund will distribute all available investment income to its shareholders as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If sufficient income (inclusive of net investment income and short-term capital gains) is not earned on a monthly basis, the Funds will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return of capital to shareholders in order to maintain a level distribution. Each monthly distribution to shareholders is expected to be at the fixed amount established by the Board; however, each Fund may make additional distributions from time to time, including additional capital gain distributions at the end of the taxable year, if required to meet requirements imposed by the Code and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about each Fund’s investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the Plan. Each Fund’s total return performance is presented in its financial highlights table.

The Board may amend, suspend or terminate a Fund’s Plan at any time without prior notice to the Fund’s shareholders if it deems such actions to be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders. The suspension or termination of the Plan could have the effect of creating a trading discount (if the Fund’s stock is trading at or above net asset value) or widening an existing trading discount. The Funds are subject to risks that could have an adverse impact on their ability to maintain level distributions. Examples of potential risks include, but are not limited to, economic downturns impacting the markets, changes in interest rates, decreased market volatility, companies suspending or decreasing corporate dividend distributions and changes in the Code.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported will be estimates and will be provided to you pursuant to regulatory requirements and will not be provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each Fund’s investment experience during its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Each Fund will provide a Form 1099-DIV each calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

 

2    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

Investment performance in the 12 months ended August 31, 2019 was a tale of two markets. The first half of the reporting period was characterized by restrictive monetary policy, deteriorating economic growth, equity market volatility, and rising fear of an imminent recession. During the second half of the reporting period, stocks and bonds rebounded sharply, as restrained inflation and weak economic growth led the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) to stop raising interest rates, which led to broad-based optimism that stimulative monetary policy could help forestall a recession.

After the dust settled, the U.S. equity and bond markets posted mixed returns while weathering significant volatility. Less volatile U.S. large cap equities and U.S. bonds advanced, while equities at the high end of the risk spectrum — emerging markets, international developed, and U.S. small cap — posted negative returns.

Fixed-income securities delivered strong returns with relatively low volatility, as interest rates declined (and bond prices rose). Longer-term U.S. Treasury yields declined further than short-term Treasury yields. This led to positive returns for U.S. Treasuries across the maturity spectrum and a substantial flattening of the yield curve. Investment grade and high yield corporate bonds also posted positive returns, as the credit fundamentals in corporate markets remained relatively solid.

In the U.S. equity market, volatility spiked in late 2018, as a wide range of risks were brought to bear on markets, ranging from rising interest rates and slowing global growth to heightened trade tensions and political turmoil. These risks manifested in a broad-based sell-off in December, leading to the worst December performance on record since 1931.

Volatility also rose in emerging markets, as the rising U.S. dollar and higher interest rates in the U.S. disrupted economic growth abroad. U.S.-China trade relations and debt concerns adversely affected the Chinese stock market, particularly in mainland China, while Turkey and Argentina became embroiled in currency crises, largely due to hyperinflation in both countries. An economic slowdown in Europe and ongoing uncertainty about Brexit led to modest performance for European equities.

As equity performance faltered and global economic growth slowed, the Fed shifted to a more patient perspective on the economy in January 2019. The Fed left interest rates unchanged for six months, then lowered interest rates for the first time in 11 years in July 2019. Similarly, the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan signaled a continuation of accommodative monetary policy, while China committed to looser credit conditions and an increase in fiscal spending.

The outpouring of global economic stimulus led to a sharp rally in risk assets throughout the world. Hopes continued to remain high thereafter, as the current economic expansion became the longest in U.S. history. Looking ahead, markets are pricing in additional rate cuts by the Fed over the next year, as investors anticipate a steady shift toward more stimulative monetary policy.

We expect a slowing expansion with additional room to run, as opposed to an economic recession. However, escalating trade tensions and the resulting disruptions in global supply chains have become the greatest risk to the global expansion.

We believe U.S. and emerging market equities remain relatively attractive. Within U.S. equities, companies with high-quality earnings and strong balance sheets offer the most attractive risk/reward trade-off. For bonds, U.S. Treasuries are likely to help buffer against volatility in risk assets, while income from other types of bonds can continue to offer steady returns.

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

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock Advisors, LLC

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

Total Returns as of August 31, 2019
     6-month   12-month

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

  6.15%   2.92%

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

  (4.43)   (12.89)

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

  0.34   (3.26)

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  (4.68)   (4.36)

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

  1.25   2.36

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

  12.18   15.06

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

  8.02   10.17

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(S&P Municipal Bond Index)

  5.92   8.26

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

  4.46   6.56
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 

 

 

THIS PAGE IS NOT PART OF YOUR FUND REPORT      3  


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

Section 19(b) Disclosure

     2  

The Markets in Review

     3  

Annual Report:

  

Fund Summaries

     5  

The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging

     11  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     11  

Financial Statements

  

Schedules of Investments

     12  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     56  

Statements of Operations

     57  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     58  

Statements of Cash Flows

     59  

Financial Highlights

     61  

Notes to Financial Statements

     63  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     76  

Important Tax Information

     76  

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements

     77  

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plans

     81  

Director and Officer Information

     82  

Additional Information

     85  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     87  

 

 

4        


Fund Summary  as of August 31, 2019    BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Overview

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.’s (FRA) (the “Fund”) investment objective is to provide shareholders with high current income and such preservation of capital as is consistent with investment in a diversified, leveraged portfolio consisting primarily of floating rate debt securities and instruments. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its managed assets in floating rate debt securities, including floating or variable rate debt securities that pay interest at rates that adjust whenever a specified interest rate changes and/or which reset on predetermined dates (such as the last day of a month or calendar quarter). The Fund invests a substantial portion of its investments in floating rate debt securities consisting of secured or unsecured senior floating rate loans that are rated below investment grade at the time of investment or, if unrated, are considered by the investment adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest directly in floating rate debt securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.

Fund Information

 

Symbol on New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)

  FRA

Initial Offering Date

  October 31, 2003

Current Distribution Rate on Closing Market Price as of August 31, 2019 ($12.46)(a)

  6.69%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share(b)

  $0.0695

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share(b)

  $0.8340

Leverage as of August 31, 2019(c)

  28%

 

  (a) 

Current Distribution Rate on closing market price is calculated by dividing the current annualized distribution per share by the closing market price. The current distribution rate may consist of income, net realized gains and/or a return of capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 
  (b) 

The monthly distribution per Common Share, declared on October 1, 2019, was increased to $0.0788 per share. The current distribution rate on closing market price, current monthly distribution per Common Share, and current annualized distribution per Common Share do not reflect the new distribution rate. The new distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change in the future.

 
  (c) 

Represents bank borrowings outstanding as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to borrowings) minus the sum of liabilities (other than borrowings representing financial leverage). Does not reflect derivatives or other instruments that may give rise to economic leverage. For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging and Derivative Financial Instruments on page 10.

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary

 

     08/31/19     

08/31/18

     Change      High      Low  

Market Price

  $ 12.46      $ 13.80        (9.71 )%     $ 13.85      $ 11.63  

Net Asset Value

    14.49        14.92        (2.88      14.98        13.75  

Market Price and Net Asset Value History For the Past Five Years

 

LOGO

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      5  


Fund Summary  as of August 31, 2019 (continued)    BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

 

Performance and Portfolio Management Commentary

Returns for the period ended August 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

    Average Annual Total Returns  
     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years  

Fund at NAV(a)(b)

    3.94      5.38      4.80

Fund at Market Price(a)(b)

    (3.37      2.77        3.23  

S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index(c)

    3.33        4.66        3.76  

 

  (a) 

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at actual reinvestment prices. Performance results reflect the Fund’s use of leverage.

 
  (b) 

The Fund’s discount to NAV widened during the period, which accounts for the difference between performance based on market price and performance based on NAV.

 
  (c) 

An unmanaged market value-weighted index (the “Reference Benchmark”) designed to measure the performance of the U.S. leveraged loan market based upon market weightings, spreads and interest payments.

 

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The following discussion relates to the Fund’s absolute performance based on NAV:

What factors influenced performance?

The largest absolute sector contributors to Fund performance included floating rate loan interests (“bank loans”) held within technology, consumer cyclical services and health care. The Fund’s B-rated positions were the largest contributors, followed by BB-rated positions. Importantly, returns for all ratings segments CCC and above were positive over the period. From an asset allocation perspective, indexed loan positions were additive as well.

The oil field services, banking and independent energy sectors were the largest detractors. In terms of rating categories, nonrated/other positions were the only detractors.

Describe recent portfolio activity.

Sector allocations were largely unchanged over the 12 months, although single-name relative positioning was arguably more important to portfolio performance. The investment adviser has been an active user of liquid products within the loan market, recently adding total return swaps to the portfolio.

From a credit quality standpoint, the portfolio remained concentrated on the B- and BB-rated segments of the bank loan market, while maintaining a much smaller allocation to CCC-rated risk. The investment adviser reduced the Fund’s CCC-rated exposure throughout the period.

Describe portfolio positioning at period end

The Fund’s largest allocation at period end was to B-rated loans, with a focus on higher quality segments within that rating category. The Fund had very little exposure to the CCC-rated component of the loan market. Also reflecting a focus on relative quality, the Fund had a clear preference for loans with spreads in the 200-300 basis point (2%-3%) range over the London InterBank Offered Rate reference rate as opposed to positions with spreads of 400 or more basis points. The largest sector positions included technology, health care and consumer cyclical services. The Fund had a preference for larger loan tranches of $1 billion or more. From a vintage perspective, the Fund had a cautious stance on transactions initiated since 2017, given the arguably more aggressive lending standards and weaker protections for loan holders seen in recent years.

The Fund’s top five issuer-level positions comprised approximately 8% of the portfolio. The largest overweights included Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (media & entertainment), Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. (financial other) and Infor US, Inc. (technology).

The views expressed reflect the opinions of BlackRock as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

 

6    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of August 31, 2019 (continued)    BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

     08/31/19    

08/31/18

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests

    95     94

Investment Companies

    4       (a) 

Corporate Bonds

    1       3  

Short-Term Securities

          (a) 

Asset-Backed Securities

          3  

Other

    (b)      (c) 

 

  (a) 

Representing less than 1% of the Fund’s total investments.

 
  (b) 

Includes a less than 1% holding in each of the following investment types: Common Stocks, Options Purchased, Other Interests and Warrants.

 
  (c) 

Includes a less than 1% holding in each of the following investment types: Other Interests, Preferred Securities, Rights and Warrants.

 

CREDIT QUALITY ALLOCATION (d)(e)

 

     08/31/19    

08/31/18

 

A(a)

           

BBB/Baa

    8     8

BB/Ba

    34       41  

B

    52       45  

CCC/Caa

    2       4  

N/R

    4       2  

 

  (d) 

For financial reporting purposes, credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either S&P Global Ratings or Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) if ratings differ. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

 
  (e) 

Excludes Short-Term Securities.

 
 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      7  


Fund Summary  as of August 31, 2019    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

 

Fund Overview

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust’s (BLW) (the “Fund”) investment objective is to provide current income and capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in three distinct asset classes:

 

   

intermediate duration, investment grade corporate bonds, mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities and U.S. Government and agency securities;

 

   

senior, secured floating rate loans made to corporate and other business entities; and

 

   

U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers rated below investment grade at the time of investment or unrated and deemed by the investment adviser to be of comparable quality and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. dollar denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers rated below investment grade or unrated and deemed by the investment adviser to be of comparable quality.

The Fund’s portfolio normally has an average portfolio duration of less than five years (including the effect of anticipated leverage), although it may be longer from time to time depending on market conditions. The Fund may invest directly in securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.

Fund Information

 

Symbol on NYSE

  BLW

Initial Offering Date

  July 30, 2003

Current Distribution Rate on Closing Market Price as of August 31, 2019 ($15.44)(a)

  6.18%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share(b)

  $0.0795

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share(b)

  $0.9540

Leverage as of August 31, 2019(c)

  25%

 

  (a) 

Current Distribution Rate on closing market price is calculated by dividing the current annualized distribution per share by the closing market price. The current distribution rate may consist of income, net realized gains and/or a return of capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 
  (b) 

The monthly distribution per Common Share, declared on October 1, 2019, was increased to $0.0981 per share. The current distribution rate on closing market price, current monthly distribution per Common Share, and current annualized distribution per Common Share do not reflect the new distribution rate. The new distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change in the future.

 
  (c) 

Represents reverse repurchase agreements outstanding as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to borrowing) minus the sum of liabilities (other than borrowings representing financial leverage). Does not reflect derivatives or other instruments that may give rise to economic leverage. For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging and Derivative Financial Instruments on page 10.

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary

 

     08/31/19     

08/31/18

     Change      High      Low  

Market Price

  $ 15.44      $ 15.06        2.52    $ 15.53      $ 13.00  

Net Asset Value

    17.03        16.71        1.92        17.03        15.57  

Market Price and Net Asset Value History For the Past Five Years

 

LOGO

 

 

8    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Summary  as of August 31, 2019 (continued)    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

 

Performance and Portfolio Management Commentary

Returns for the period ended August 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

    Average Annual Total Returns  
     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years  

Fund at NAV(a)(b)

    8.77      7.58      6.50

Fund at Market Price(a)(b)

    9.41        6.49        6.01  

Reference Benchmark(c)

    5.25        4.44        3.63  

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index(d)

    6.56        6.17        4.86  

S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index(e)

    3.33        4.66        3.76  

BATS S Benchmark(f)

    5.75        2.44        2.21  

 

  (a) 

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at actual reinvestment prices. Performance results reflect the Fund’s use of leverage.

 
  (b) 

The Fund’s discount to NAV narrowed during the period, which accounts for the difference between performance based on market price and performance based on NAV.

 
  (c) 

The Reference Benchmark is comprised of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index (33.33%), the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (33.33%), and the BATS S Benchmark (33.34%). The Reference Benchmark’s index content and weightings may have varied over past periods.

 
  (d) 

An unmanaged index comprised of issuers that meet the following criteria: at least $150 million par value outstanding; maximum credit rating of Ba1; at least one year to maturity; and no issuer represents more than 2% of the index.

 
  (e) 

An unmanaged market value-weighted index designed to measure the performance of the U.S. leveraged loan market based upon market weightings, spreads and interest payments.

 
  (f) 

A composite index comprised of Bloomberg Barclays ABS 1-3 Year AAA Rated ex Home Equity Index, Bloomberg Barclays Corporate 1-5 year Index, Bloomberg Barclays CMBS Investment Grade 1-3.5 Yr. Index, Bloomberg Barclays MBS 15 Yr Index and Bloomberg Barclays Credit Ex-Corporate 1-5 Yr Index.

 

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The following discussion relates to the Fund’s absolute performance based on NAV:

What factors influenced performance?

Positive contributions to the Fund’s performance over the period came from allocations to credit sensitive areas of the market including high yield corporate bonds, investment grade corporate bonds and floating rate loan interests (“bank loans”). Exposure to sovereign bonds and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) also added to the Fund’s return, as did the Fund’s currency exposures.

The largest detractors from the Fund’s performance came from its positioning within municipal bonds, equities and cash.

The Fund held derivatives during the period, including Treasury futures, currency forwards, currency options, interest rate swaps and credit default swaps. Derivative securities were employed primarily to adjust duration (sensitivity to interest rate changes) and yield curve exposure, as well as to manage credit and currency risk. Currency forwards were used to provide the portfolio with active currency exposure. The Fund’s use of derivatives contributed positively to Fund performance during the period.

Describe recent portfolio activity.

During the reporting period, the Fund’s defensive posture was maintained. The Fund had a slight increase in foreign currency exposure from 0.4% to 0.9%, and an increase in its U.S. Treasury position from 0% to 3%. Over the period, the Fund trimmed its asset-backed securities (“ABS”) position from 11.4% to 5%, and reduced its CMBS position from 6.5% to 1%.

Describe portfolio positioning at period end.

At period end, the Fund maintained a diversified exposure to non-government spread sectors including high yield corporate bonds, senior bank loans, investment grade corporate bonds, CMBS, ABS, agency and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, emerging market debt and foreign sovereign debt.

The views expressed reflect the opinions of BlackRock as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

 

FUND SUMMARY      9  


Fund Summary  as of August 31, 2019 (continued)    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

     08/31/19     08/31/18  

Corporate Bonds

    47     45

Floating Rate Loan Interests

    31       29  

Capital Trusts

    5       (a) 

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities

    4       3  

Asset-Backed Securities

    4       8  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    2       (a) 

Foreign Agency Obligations

    2       3  

Investment Companies

    2       (a) 

Preferred Stocks

    1       7  

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

    1       5  

Short-Term Securities

    1       (a) 

Others

    (b)      (c) 

 

  (a) 

Representing less than 1% of the Fund’s total investments.

 
  (b) 

Includes a less than 1% holding in each of the following investment types: Common Stocks, Other Interests, Trust Preferred and Warrants.

 
  (c) 

Includes a less than 1% holding in each of the following investment types: Common Stocks, Other Interests, and Warrants.

 

CREDIT QUALITY ALLOCATION (d)(e)

 

     08/31/19    

08/31/18

 

AAA/Aaa

    6     4

AA/Aa

          1  

A

    5       5  

BBB/Baa

    17       21  

BB/Ba

    35       31  

B

    31       27  

CCC/Caa

    5       6  

N/R

    1       5 (f) 

 

  (d) 

For financial reporting purposes, credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either S&P Global Ratings or Moody’s if ratings differ. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

 
  (e) 

Excludes Short-Term Securities.

 
  (f) 

The investment adviser evaluates the credit quality of not-rated investments based upon certain factors including, but not limited to, credit ratings for similar investments and financial analysis of sectors, individual investments and/or issuer. Using this approach, the investment adviser has deemed U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities and U.S. Treasury Obligations as AAA/Aaa.

 
 

 

 

10    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging

 

The Funds may utilize leverage to seek to enhance the distribution rate on, and net asset value (“NAV”) of, their common shares (“Common Shares”). However, there is no guarantee that these objectives can be achieved in all interest rate environments.

In general, the concept of leveraging is based on the premise that the financing cost of leverage, which is based on short-term interest rates, is normally lower than the income earned by a Fund on its longer-term portfolio investments purchased with the proceeds from leverage. To the extent that the total assets of the Funds (including the assets obtained from leverage) are invested in higher-yielding portfolio investments, the Funds’ shareholders benefit from the incremental net income. The interest earned on securities purchased with the proceeds from leverage (after paying the leverage costs) is paid to shareholders in the form of dividends, and the value of these portfolio holdings (less the leverage liability) is reflected in the per share NAV.

To illustrate these concepts, assume a Fund’s capitalization is $100 million and it utilizes leverage for an additional $30 million, creating a total value of $130 million available for investment in longer-term income securities. If prevailing short-term interest rates are 3% and longer-term interest rates are 6%, the yield curve has a strongly positive slope. In this case, a Fund’s financing costs on the $30 million of proceeds obtained from leverage are based on the lower short-term interest rates. At the same time, the securities purchased by a Fund with the proceeds from leverage earn income based on longer-term interest rates. In this case, a Fund’s financing cost of leverage is significantly lower than the income earned on a Fund’s longer-term investments acquired from such leverage proceeds, and therefore the holders of Common Shares (“Common Shareholders”) are the beneficiaries of the incremental net income.

However, in order to benefit shareholders, the return on assets purchased with leverage proceeds must exceed the ongoing costs associated with the leverage. If interest and other costs of leverage exceed the Funds’ return on assets purchased with leverage proceeds, income to shareholders is lower than if the Funds had not used leverage. Furthermore, the value of the Funds’ portfolio investments generally varies inversely with the direction of long-term interest rates, although other factors can influence the value of portfolio investments. In contrast, the value of the Funds’ obligations under their respective leverage arrangements generally does not fluctuate in relation to interest rates. As a result, changes in interest rates can influence the Funds’ NAVs positively or negatively. Changes in the future direction of interest rates are very difficult to predict accurately, and there is no assurance that the Funds’ intended leveraging strategy will be successful.

The use of leverage also generally causes greater changes in each Fund’s NAV, market price and dividend rates than comparable portfolios without leverage. In a declining market, leverage is likely to cause a greater decline in the NAV and market price of a Fund’s shares than if the Fund were not leveraged. In addition, each Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or at distressed values in order to comply with regulatory requirements applicable to the use of leverage or as required by the terms of leverage instruments, which may cause the Fund to incur losses. The use of leverage may limit a Fund’s ability to invest in certain types of securities or use certain types of hedging strategies. Each Fund incurs expenses in connection with the use of leverage, all of which are borne by shareholders and may reduce income to the shareholders. Moreover, to the extent the calculation of the Funds’ investment advisory fees includes assets purchased with the proceeds of leverage, the investment advisory fees payable to the Funds’ investment adviser will be higher than if the Funds did not use leverage.

Each Fund may utilize leverage through a credit facility or reverse repurchase agreements as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), each Fund is permitted to issue debt up to 3313% of its total managed assets. A Fund may voluntarily elect to limit its leverage to less than the maximum amount permitted under the 1940 Act. In addition, a Fund may also be subject to certain asset coverage, leverage or portfolio composition requirements imposed by its credit facility, which may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act.

If a Fund segregates or designates on its books and records cash or liquid assets having a value not less than the value of a Fund’s obligations under the reverse repurchase agreements (including accrued interest) then such transaction is not considered a senior security and is not subject to the foregoing limitations and requirements imposed by the 1940 Act.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Funds may invest in various derivative financial instruments. These instruments are used to obtain exposure to a security, commodity, index, market, and/or other assets without owning or taking physical custody of securities, commodities and/or other referenced assets or to manage market, equity, credit, interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, commodity and/or other risks. Derivative financial instruments may give rise to a form of economic leverage and involve risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of a derivative financial instrument and the underlying asset, possible default of the counterparty to the transaction or illiquidity of the instrument. The Funds’ successful use of a derivative financial instrument depends on the investment adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements accurately, which cannot be assured. The use of these instruments may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may limit the amount of appreciation a Fund can realize on an investment and/or may result in lower distributions paid to shareholders. The Funds’ investments in these instruments, if any, are discussed in detail in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF LEVERAGING / DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS      11  


Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security         
Shares
    Value  

Common Stocks — 0.2%

 

Diversified Financial Services — 0.0%

 

Kcad Holdings I Ltd.(a)(b)

      309,827,230     $ 216,879  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Management Services — 0.0%  

New Millennium HoldCo, Inc.(a)

      14,906       224  
   

 

 

 
Media — 0.1%  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.(a)

      114,650       298,090  

iHeartMedia, Inc., Class A(a)

      5,727       79,033  
   

 

 

 
        377,123  
Metals & Mining — 0.0%  

Preferred Proppants LLC(b)

      6,099       27,446  
   

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.0%  

SunPower Corp.(a)

      1,860       23,287  
   

 

 

 
Software — 0.0%  

Avaya Holdings Corp.(a)

      62       875  
   

 

 

 
Utilities — 0.1%  

Texgen LLC(a)(b)

      8,431       320,378  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 0.2%
(Cost — $4,775,645)

 

    966,212  
 

 

 

 
            Par
(000)
        

Corporate Bonds — 1.6%

 

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.0%

 

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc., 9.25%, 05/15/23(c)

    USD       170       178,772  
   

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment — 0.2%  

Vertiv Group Corp., (Acquired 05/09/19, cost $846,417), 10.00%, 06/30/24(b)(e)

      871       875,355  
   

 

 

 
Electric Utilities — 0.0%  

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC/TCEH Finance, Inc., 11.50%, 10/01/20(b)

      1,061        
   

 

 

 
Health Care Services — 0.0%  

Avaya, Inc. Escrow, 7.00%(a)(b)(d)

      1,347        
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 0.0%  

Colfax Corp., 6.00%, 02/15/24(c)

      203       216,449  
   

 

 

 
Media — 0.2%  

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Series B, 6.50%, 11/15/22

      968       988,977  

CSC Holdings LLC, 10.88%, 10/15/25(c)

      79       89,665  
   

 

 

 
        1,078,642  
Metals & Mining — 0.3%  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.:

     

3.55%, 03/01/22

      1,059       1,061,647  

3.88%, 03/15/23

      625       631,500  
   

 

 

 
        1,693,147  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.5%  

CNX Resources Corp., 5.88%, 04/15/22

      1,468       1,420,290  

CONSOL Energy, Inc., 11.00%, 11/15/25(c)

      985       1,014,550  
   

 

 

 
        2,434,840  
Software — 0.4%  

Infor US, Inc., 6.50%, 05/15/22

      1,176       1,195,110  

Informatica LLC, 7.13%, 07/15/23(c)

      658       669,515  
   

 

 

 
        1,864,625  
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds — 1.6%
(Cost — $8,364,108)

 

    8,341,830  
   

 

 

 
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  

Floating Rate Loan Interests(f) — 135.5%

 

Aerospace & Defense — 2.8%

 

1199169 B.C. Unlimited Liability Co., 2019 Term Loan B2, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 04/06/26

    USD       1,836     $ 1,834,065  

Atlantic Aviation FBO, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.87%, 12/06/25(b)

      1,166       1,171,971  

Dynasty Acquisition Co., Inc., 2019 Term Loan B1, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 04/06/26

      3,415       3,411,362  

MRO Holdings, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%), 7.48%, 06/04/26

      1,090       1,079,787  

Nordam Group Inc., Term Loan B, (6 mo. LIBOR + 5.50%), 7.88%, 04/09/26(b)

      790       788,045  

TransDigm, Inc., 2018 Term Loan F, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.83%, 06/09/23

      6,284       6,234,871  
   

 

 

 
        14,520,101  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.9%  

Avolon TLB Borrower 1 (US) LLC, Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.92%, 01/15/25

      1,757       1,759,543  

WestJet Airlines Ltd., Term Loan B, 08/06/26(g)

      3,195       3,201,997  
   

 

 

 
        4,961,540  
Airlines — 0.8%  

Allegiant Travel Co., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.71%, 02/05/24

      1,490       1,490,453  

American Airlines, Inc.:

     

2017 Incremental Term Loan, 12/14/23(g)

      1,852       1,843,992  

Repriced TL B due 2023, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 04/28/23

      1,079       1,074,396  
   

 

 

 
        4,408,841  
Auto Components — 1.3%  

Adient US LLC, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.46%, 05/06/24

      390       378,428  

Panther BF Aggregator 2 LP, USD Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 04/30/26

      2,233       2,199,505  

USI, Inc., 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.33%, 05/16/24

      2,948       2,875,215  

Wand NewCo 3, Inc., 2019 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.71%, 02/05/26

      1,423       1,426,558  
   

 

 

 
        6,879,706  
Banks — 0.4%  

Capri Finance LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.51%, 11/01/24

      2,045       2,000,527  
   

 

 

 
Building Materials — 1.0%  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC, 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.51%, 07/10/26

   

 

5,057

 

 

 

5,046,141

 

   

 

 

 
Building Products — 1.0%  

CPG International, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (6 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.93%, 05/05/24

      1,420       1,403,727  

Jeld-Wen, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 12/14/24

      1,199       1,194,599  

Wilsonart LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.58%, 12/19/23

      2,679       2,607,271  
   

 

 

 
        5,205,597  
Capital Markets — 2.4%  

Duff & Phelps Corp., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 02/13/25

      2,081       2,018,548  

EIG Management Co. LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.87%, 02/22/25

      1,682       1,680,642  

Fortress Investment Group LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 12/27/22

      1,217       1,218,875  
 

 

 

12    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Capital Markets (continued)  

Greenhill & Co., Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.45%, 04/12/24

    USD       1,174     $ 1,161,767  

Jefferies Finance LLC, 2019 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 6.00%, 06/03/26

      1,360       1,356,178  

RPI Finance Trust, Term Loan B6, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 03/27/23

      2,363       2,366,010  

Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) Sarl:

     

2019 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 9.00%), 11.54%, 05/28/27(b)

      1,145       996,150  

2019 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%), 7.54%, 05/29/26

      2,138       1,964,134  
   

 

 

 
        12,762,304  
Chemicals — 6.0%  

Alpha 3 BV, 2017 Term Loan B1, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.33%, 01/31/24

      4,557       4,417,223  

Axalta Coating Systems US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.08%, 06/01/24

      3,533       3,510,068  

Charter NEX US Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 05/16/24

      2,700       2,651,369  

Charter NEX US, Inc., Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 05/16/24

      1,074       1,071,992  

Chemours Co., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.87%, 04/03/25

      1,014       978,197  

Element Materials Technology Group US Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.15%, 06/28/24

      611       610,321  

Encapsys LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 11/07/24

      1,265       1,263,861  

Invictus US LLC:

     

1st Lien Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.15%, 03/28/25

      1,628       1,608,573  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 6.75%), 8.90%, 03/30/26

      430       426,237  

Messer Industries GmbH, 2018 USD Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.83%, 03/01/26

      4,360       4,328,942  

Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.59%, 05/15/24

      1,065       1,042,369  

Oxea Holding Drei GmbH, 2017 Term Loan B2, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.75%, 10/14/24

      3,626       3,599,051  

Plaskolite LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor), 6.43%, 12/15/25

      1,024       984,315  

PQ Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.76%, 02/08/25

      2,484       2,481,456  

Starfruit Finco BV, 2018 USD Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.46%, 10/01/25

      1,230       1,186,354  

Tata Chemicals North America, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.13%, 08/07/20

      422       420,935  

Vectra Co., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 03/08/25

      937       899,643  
   

 

 

 
        31,480,906  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 6.7%  

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc., Term Loan B3, (1 Week LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.39%, 11/10/23

      3,123       3,125,366  

Aramark Services, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B3, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.08%, 03/11/25

      274       273,542  

Asurion LLC:

     

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 6.50%), 8.61%, 08/04/25

      1,882       1,907,990  

2017 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 08/04/22

      1,718       1,718,534  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Commercial Services & Supplies (continued)  

2018 Term Loan B6, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 11/03/23

    USD       2,967     $ 2,967,734  

2018 Term Loan B7, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 11/03/24

      1,168       1,168,200  

Camelot UK Holdco Ltd., 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 10/03/23

      3,077       3,084,559  

Creative Artists Agency LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 02/15/24

      3,461       3,458,369  

Diamond (BC) BV, Term Loan, 09/06/24(g)

      1,175       1,072,188  

EnergySolutions LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 6.08%, 05/09/25

      578       543,470  

GFL Environmental, Inc., 2018 USD Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 05/30/25

      2,288       2,265,480  

Harland Clarke Holdings Corp., Term Loan B7, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%, 1.00% Floor), 7.08%, 11/03/23

      485       375,524  

KAR Auction Services, Inc., Term Loan B5, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.88%, 03/09/23

      659       657,924  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 05/02/22

      2,682       2,677,861  

US Ecology, Inc., Term Loan B, 08/14/26(g)

      408       409,530  

Verisure Holding AB, EUR Term Loan B1E, (EURIBOR + 3.00%), 3.00%, 10/20/22

    EUR       1,000       1,096,302  

Verscend Holding Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.61%, 08/27/25

    USD       5,350       5,358,614  

West Corp., 2017 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.11%, 10/10/24

      3,254       2,900,795  
   

 

 

 
        35,061,982  
Communications Equipment — 0.6%  

Avantor, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 11/21/24

      1,565       1,577,513  

Avaya, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (2 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.43%, 12/15/24

      266       261,103  

Ciena Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.17%, 09/26/25

      1,323       1,326,285  
   

 

 

 
        3,164,901  
Construction & Engineering — 1.2%  

AECOM, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 03/13/25

      703       703,287  

Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor), 6.51%, 06/21/24

      2,951       2,795,868  

Ply Gem Midco, Inc., 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.95%, 04/12/25

      452       437,892  

SRS Distribution, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 05/23/25

      1,380       1,337,983  

USIC Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 12/08/23

      908       895,251  
   

 

 

 
        6,170,281  
Construction Materials — 2.1%  

Core & Main LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (2 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.27%, 08/01/24

      4,017       4,005,312  

Filtration Group Corp., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 03/29/25

      4,685       4,682,062  

Foundation Building Materials LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 08/13/25

      808       805,447  

Tamko Building Products, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.37%, 06/01/26(b)

      578       578,000  

Xella International GmbH, 2017 EUR Term Loan B, (EURIBOR + 3.75%), 3.75%, 04/11/24

    EUR       1,000       1,083,938  
   

 

 

 
        11,154,759  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      13  


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Containers & Packaging — 2.6%  

Berry Global, Inc.:

     

Term Loan Q, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 10/01/22

    USD       4,783     $ 4,783,358  

USD Term Loan U, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 07/01/26

      2,640       2,638,548  

BWAY Holding Co., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.59%, 04/03/24

      2,715       2,636,738  

Flex Acquisition Co., Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 12/29/23(g)

      2,925       2,781,261  

Pregis Corp., Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.25%, 07/31/26

      836       831,469  
   

 

 

 
        13,671,374  
Distributors — 1.3%  

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 10/31/23

      4,604       4,559,311  

TriMark USA LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.70%, 08/28/24

      2,774       2,333,000  
   

 

 

 
        6,892,311  
Diversified Consumer Services — 3.9%  

Ascend Learning LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 07/12/24

      1,354       1,340,014  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 11/07/23

      2,888       2,886,587  

Genuine Financial Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 07/12/25

      1,392       1,350,896  

J.D. Power and Associates, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.86%, 09/07/23

      1,382       1,383,008  

Nomad Foods Europe Midco Ltd., 2017 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 05/15/24

      1,154       1,145,709  

Serta Simmons Bedding LLC:

     

1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.70%, 11/08/23

      948       629,253  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor), 10.18%, 11/08/24

      126       54,806  

ServiceMaster Co., 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 11/08/23

      256       255,625  

ServPro Borrower LLC, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 03/26/26

      428       426,592  

Spin Holdco, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.57%, 11/14/22

      4,067       3,973,452  

TruGreen LP, 2019 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.86%, 03/19/26

      2,253       2,260,007  

Uber Technologies, Inc.:

     

2018 Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.65%, 07/13/23

      3,714       3,699,775  

2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.20%, 04/04/25

      1,287       1,287,000  
   

 

 

 
        20,692,724  
Diversified Financial Services — 2.5%  

Advisor Group, Inc., 2019 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%), 7.11%, 07/31/26

      1,651       1,626,235  

AlixPartners LLP, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 04/04/24

      4,280       4,281,948  

CRCI Longhorn Holdings, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.71%, 08/08/25(b)

      727       707,496  

EG Finco Ltd., 2018 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 02/07/25

      2,010       1,978,265  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Diversified Financial Services (continued)  

Kingpin Intermediate Holdings LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 07/03/24

    USD       1,925     $ 1,919,992  

LTI Holdings, Inc., 2018 Add On 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 09/06/25

      837       788,660  

SSH Group Holdings, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.51%, 07/30/25

      1,117       1,106,350  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (2 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.78%, 07/27/26(b)

      608       609,520  

Tank Holding Corp., 2019 Term Loan B, (1 Week LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.12%, 03/26/26

      152       151,354  
   

 

 

 
        13,169,820  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.1%  

CenturyLink, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 01/31/25

      1,876       1,847,564  

Consolidated Communications, Inc., 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.12%, 10/04/23

      174       166,098  

Hargray Communications Group, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 05/16/24

      1,168       1,159,407  

Level 3 Financing, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 02/22/24

      2,862       2,863,175  

MTN Infrastructure TopCo, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 11/15/24

      2,225       2,183,331  

Sprint Communications, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.63%, 02/02/24

      1,346       1,336,169  

TDC A/S, Term Loan, (EURIBOR + 2.75%), 2.75%, 06/04/25

    EUR       819       900,915  

Telenet Financing USD LLC, Term Loan AN, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 08/15/26

    USD       1,367       1,362,334  

Telesat Canada, Term Loan B4, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.83%, 11/17/23

      808       806,667  

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd., Term Loan L, (LIBOR - GBP + 3.25%), 3.96%, 01/15/27

    GBP       1,000       1,210,582  

Zayo Group LLC:

     

2017 Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%, 1.00% Floor), 4.36%, 01/19/24

    USD       290       290,000  

2017 Term Loan B1, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 01/19/21

      2,347       2,347,276  
   

 

 

 
        16,473,518  
Electric Utilities — 0.6%  

TEX Operations Co. LLC, Exit Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 08/04/23

      1,372       1,372,768  

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC/TCEH Finance, Inc., Term Loan, 1.00%, 11/10/19(b)(d)

      1,710        

Vistra Energy Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan B3, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.18%, 12/31/25

      1,836       1,837,251  
   

 

 

 
        3,210,019  
Electrical Equipment — 0.7%  

Gates Global LLC, 2017 Repriced Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 04/01/24

      3,723       3,626,634  
   

 

 

 
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5%  

Gavilan Resources LLC, 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 6.00%, 1.00% Floor), 8.11%, 03/01/24

      771       327,676  

GrafTech Finance, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 02/12/25

    USD       1,613       1,567,004  

Pioneer Energy Services Corp., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.75%, 1.00% Floor), 9.90%, 11/08/22(b)

      845       802,750  
   

 

 

 
        2,697,430  
 

 

 

14    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.8%  

Capital Automotive LP, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.62%, 03/24/24

    USD       540     $ 538,778  

Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.46%, 08/10/26(b)

      1,614       1,611,983  

Iron Mountain, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 01/02/26(b)

      1,911       1,887,199  

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP, 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 03/21/25

      4,021       4,020,155  

RHP Hotel Properties LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 05/11/24

      1,339       1,340,019  

VICI Properties 1 LLC, Replacement Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.17%, 12/20/24

      5,382       5,389,181  
   

 

 

 
        14,787,315  
Food & Staples Retailing — 2.5%  

Albertsons LLC:

     

2019 Term Loan B7, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 11/17/25

      880       882,755  

2019 Term Loan B8, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 08/17/26

      11       11,597  

BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 06/11/26

      1,065       1,046,237  

Hearthside Food Solutions LLC:

     

2018 Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 05/23/25

      1,882       1,826,064  

2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.69%), 5.80%, 05/23/25

      580       562,544  

Hostess Brands LLC, 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 08/03/22

      2,899       2,891,981  

US Foods, Inc.:

     

2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 06/27/23

      2,667       2,668,456  

2019 Term Loan B, 08/14/26(g)

      3,018       3,023,040  
   

 

 

 
        12,912,674  
Food Products — 2.8%  

8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.96%, 10/01/25

      571       571,490  

Chobani LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, 10/10/23(g)

      3,477       3,415,914  

JBS USA LUX SA, 2019 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 05/01/26

      2,300       2,303,110  

Post Holdings, Inc., 2017 Series A Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.15%, 05/24/24

      1,579       1,578,996  

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 02/05/23

      6,930       6,922,104  
   

 

 

 
        14,791,614  
Gas Utilities — 0.3%  

AL Midcoast Holdings LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.50%), 7.83%, 07/31/25

      1,487       1,453,496  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.9%  

Agiliti Health, Inc., Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.25%, 01/04/26(b)

      735       736,076  

Immucor, Inc., Extended Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor), 7.33%, 06/15/21

      4,465       4,442,283  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 5.08%, 09/24/24

      803       621,875  

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics SA, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.56%, 06/30/25

      4,211       3,963,309  
   

 

 

 
        9,763,543  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Providers & Services — 7.4%  

AHP Health Partners, Inc., 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.61%, 06/30/25

    USD       820     $ 819,572  

CHG Healthcare Services, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 06/07/23

      4,251       4,212,305  

Concentra, Inc.:

     

2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 5.21%, 06/01/22

      1,840       1,838,875  

2018 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor), 8.96%, 06/01/23

      1,870       1,877,790  

DentalCorp Perfect Smile ULC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.86%, 06/06/25

      1,076       1,049,845  

Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.62%, 12/20/24

      852       788,155  

DuPage Medical Group Ltd.:

     

2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 08/15/24

      851       824,382  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.00%), 9.11%, 08/15/25

      395       385,125  

Envision Healthcare Corp., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 10/10/25

      2,207       1,703,594  

Explorer Holdings, Inc., 2016 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 6.08%, 05/02/23

      1,058       1,055,208  

Femur Buyer, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.98%, 03/05/26(b)

      611       611,000  

Gentiva Health Services, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.88%, 07/02/25

      2,351       2,349,683  

HC Group Holdings II, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.61%, 05/21/26

      1,161       1,156,159  

HCA, Inc.:

     

2018 Term Loan B10, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 03/13/25

      1,353       1,356,474  

Term Loan B11, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.08%, 03/17/23

      1,787       1,789,163  

LGC Science Holdings Ltd., USD Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 03/08/23

      1,000       984,170  

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 2016 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.08%, 06/07/23

      3,700       3,436,608  

nThrive, Inc., 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.61%, 10/20/22

      3,078       2,862,286  

NVA Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 02/02/25

      2,036       2,033,464  

Radiology Partners, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%), 7.39%, 07/09/25

      802       768,698  

Sotera Health Holdings LLC:

     

2017 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 05/15/22

      2,676       2,622,325  

2019 Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.74%, 05/15/22

      1,200       1,185,000  

Team Health Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 02/06/24

      1,548       1,242,344  

Vizient, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 05/06/26

      871       873,984  

Zotec Partners LLC, 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor), 7.12%, 02/14/24(b)

      1,201       1,201,250  
   

 

 

 
        39,027,459  
Health Care Services — 0.6%  

Emerald TopCo., Inc., Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 07/24/26

      1,723       1,712,955  

WP CityMD Bidco LLC, 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.71%, 08/07/26

      1,691       1,670,573  
   

 

 

 
        3,383,528  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      15  


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Technology — 1.9%  

Athenahealth, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.83%, 02/11/26

    USD       4,458     $ 4,432,775  

Change Healthcare Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.61%, 03/01/24

      3,823       3,778,446  

GoodRx, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.93%, 10/10/25

      1,065       1,054,564  

Quintiles IMS, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 03/07/24

      499       499,959  
   

 

 

 
        9,765,744  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 10.9%  

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.03%, 10/19/24

      1,510       1,509,640  

Boyd Gaming Corp., Term Loan B3, (1 Week LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.39%, 09/15/23

      3,719       3,717,061  

Burger King Newco Unlimited Liability Co., Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%, 1.00% Floor), 4.36%, 02/16/24

      5,249       5,239,171  

Caesars Resort Collection LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 12/22/24

      4,896       4,819,451  

CCM Merger, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 08/08/21

      1,392       1,391,765  

ESH Hospitality, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 08/30/23

      2,823       2,823,374  

Four Seasons Hotels Ltd., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 11/30/23

      3,113       3,115,551  

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.33%, 03/13/25

      148       146,458  

Golden Nugget LLC, 2017 Incremental Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.93%, 10/04/23

      1,916       1,914,998  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, 2019 Term Loan B2, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.90%, 06/22/26

      3,280       3,286,441  

IRB Holding Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.56%, 02/05/25

      3,763       3,733,534  

KFC Holding Co., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.93%, 04/03/25

      1,415       1,411,497  

Lakeland Tours LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.40%, 12/15/24

      1,045       1,047,092  

NASCAR Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 07/26/26(g)

      1,193       1,198,714  

Penn National Gaming, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 10/15/25

      602       603,329  

Playa Resorts Holding BV, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 04/29/24

      1,259       1,202,446  

Sabre GLBL, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, 02/22/24(g)

      2,829       2,830,377  

Scientific Games International, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B5, (2 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.90%, 08/14/24

      2,995       2,956,849  

Stars Group Holdings BV, 2018 USD Incremental Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.83%, 07/10/25

      5,503       5,516,551  

Station Casinos LLC, 2016 Term Loan B, 06/08/23(g)

      2,958       2,960,543  

Tackle Sarl, 2017 EUR Term Loan, (EURIBOR + 3.50%), 3.50%, 08/08/22

    EUR       1,000       1,096,027  

Whatabrands LLC, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.52%, 08/02/26

    USD       2,633       2,642,057  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 05/30/25

      1,573       1,577,045  

Wynn Resorts Ltd., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.37%, 10/30/24

      889       888,348  
   

 

 

 
        57,628,319  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Household Products — 0.3%  

Sunshine Luxembourg VII Sarl, USD 1st Lien Term Loan, 07/16/26(g)

    USD       1,339     $ 1,337,996  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.7%  

AES Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.87%, 05/31/22

      741       740,159  

Calpine Construction Finance Co. LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 01/15/25

      1,241       1,236,710  

Calpine Corp.:

     

2019 Term Loan B10, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 08/12/26

      1,314       1,309,890  

Term Loan B9, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 5.08%, 04/05/26

      2,692       2,687,504  

EIF Channelview Cogeneration LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor), 6.37%, 05/03/25

      427       429,352  

Granite Acquisition, Inc.:

     

Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.82%, 12/19/21

      2,035       2,039,498  

Term Loan C, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.83%, 12/19/21

      273       273,490  
   

 

 

 
        8,716,603  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.5%  

Cortes NP Acquisition Corp., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.33%, 11/30/23

      4,056       3,808,853  

Sequa Mezzanine Holdings LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor), 7.19%, 11/28/21

      1,863       1,839,155  

Sundyne US Purchaser, Inc., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 05/15/26(b)

      2,061       2,019,858  
   

 

 

 
        7,667,866  
Insurance — 5.0%  

Alliant Holdings I, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.15%, 05/09/25

      3,626       3,519,819  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.45%, 05/09/25

      1,812       1,785,962  

AmWINS Group, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 01/25/24

      3,873       3,864,849  

AssuredPartners, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Add-On Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 10/22/24

      2,891       2,873,048  

Davis Vision, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 12/02/24

      1,823       1,771,966  

Hub International Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.27%, 04/25/25

      3,159       3,093,258  

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.:

     

2019 Incremental Term Loan B, 08/07/26(g)

      2,630       2,619,033  

Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 12/31/25

      6,269       6,073,237  

Stratose Intermediate Holdings II LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 06/22/23

      819       810,629  
   

 

 

 
        26,411,801  
Interactive Media & Services — 1.0%  

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 02/15/24

      2,234       2,236,976  

Inmar Holdings, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.33%, 05/01/24

      445       420,236  

Rackspace Hosting, Inc., 2017 Incremental 1st Lien Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.29%, 11/03/23

      1,592       1,473,404  
 

 

 

16    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Interactive Media & Services (continued)  

TierPoint LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.86%, 05/06/24

    USD       1,233     $ 1,145,829  
   

 

 

 
        5,276,445  
IT Services — 3.3%  

Altran Technologies SA, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.89%, 03/20/25

      672       670,869  

Epicor Software Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.37%, 06/01/22

      2,144       2,140,648  

Evertec Group LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 11/27/24

      918       920,111  

Global Payments, Inc.:

     

2018 Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 04/21/23

      819       817,490  

2018 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 10/17/25

      274       273,283  

Greeneden US Holdings II LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 12/01/23

      1,613       1,593,584  

Optiv Security, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 02/01/24

      639       524,248  

Outfront Media Capital LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.21%, 03/18/24

      195       195,554  

Peak 10 Holding Corp., 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor), 9.48%, 08/01/25

      1,295       1,042,475  

Trans Union LLC:

     

2018 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 06/19/25

      18       17,830  

Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 04/10/23

      4,331       4,333,003  

WEX, Inc., Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 05/15/26

      4,642       4,651,175  
   

 

 

 
        17,180,270  
Leisure Products — 0.2%  

MND Holdings III Corp., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.83%, 06/19/24(b)

      1,016       987,650  
   

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.2%  

Albany Molecular Research, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 08/30/24

      553       531,405  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor), 9.11%, 08/30/25(b)

      395       390,063  
   

 

 

 
        921,468  
Machinery — 1.7%  

Clark Equipment Co., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 05/18/24

      648       647,638  

Columbus McKinnon Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.83%, 01/31/24

      155       154,539  

Gardner Denver, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 07/30/24

      2,278       2,282,658  

Terex Corp., 2019 Term Loan B1, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 01/31/24

      324       324,593  

Titan Acquisition Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 03/28/25

      5,019       4,807,731  

Welbilt, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 10/23/25

      993       982,405  
   

 

 

 
        9,199,564  
Media — 11.8%  

Altice Financing SA:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.95%, 01/31/26

      710       684,378  

2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.95%, 07/15/25

      242       234,098  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)  

Altice France SA:

     

2018 Term Loan B13, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.20%, 08/14/26

    USD       3,582     $ 3,547,711  

USD Term Loan B12, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.69%), 5.88%, 01/31/26

      535       525,423  

Charter Communications Operating LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 04/30/25

      4,418       4,427,325  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 08/21/26(g)

      7,677       7,667,404  

CSC Holdings LLC:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 07/17/25

      1,348       1,340,860  

2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 01/25/26

      1,674       1,671,017  

Cumulus Media New Holdings, Inc., Exit Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.62%, 05/15/22

      698       699,234  

Diamond Sports Group LLC, Term Loan, 08/24/26(g)

      3,087       3,087,000  

Gray Television, Inc.:

     

2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.58%, 02/07/24

      607       606,494  

2018 Term Loan C, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.83%, 01/02/26

      961       960,741  

iHeartCommunications, Inc., Exit Term Loan, 05/01/26(g)

      3,316       3,323,926  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 2017 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.65%, 01/02/24

      1,921       1,929,851  

Learfield Communications LLC, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.37%, 12/01/23

      2,489       2,493,065  

Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 03/24/25

      1,436       1,430,372  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.88%, 10/31/23(b)

      472       473,486  

MCC Iowa LLC, Term Loan N, (1 Week LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.89%, 02/15/24

      1,068       1,065,853  

Meredith Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 01/31/25

      778       778,416  

MH Sub I LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, 09/13/24(g)

      1,087       1,077,113  

Midcontinent Communications, 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 07/16/26

      740       742,596  

Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B4, 06/19/26(g)

      1,558       1,558,000  

PCI Gaming Authority, Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 05/29/26

      1,647       1,654,461  

PSAV Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.48%, 03/01/25

      1,021       989,107  

Radiate Holdco LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 02/01/24

      2,316       2,292,795  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., Term Loan B2, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.37%, 01/03/24

      191       190,596  

Trader Corp., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.15%, 09/28/23(b)

      3,656       3,610,127  

Tribune Media Co., Term Loan C, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 01/27/24

      3,696       3,688,788  

Univision Communications, Inc., Term Loan C5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 03/15/24

      1,151       1,098,618  

Virgin Media Bristol LLC, 2017 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 01/15/26

      1,853       1,851,573  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      17  


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)  

William Morris Endeavor Entertainment LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.87%, 05/18/25

    USD       4,406     $ 4,273,971  

Ziggo Secured Finance Partnership, Term Loan E, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 04/15/25

      2,392       2,374,236  
   

 

 

 
        62,348,635  
Metals & Mining — 0.6%  

Ball Metalpack LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.62%, 07/24/25

      800       774,356  

Equinox Holdings, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 03/08/24

      2,657       2,639,560  
   

 

 

 
    3,413,916  
Multiline Retail — 0.8%  

Eyemart Express LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.15%, 08/04/24

      968       961,714  

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 08/18/23

      1,304       1,253,564  

Hudson’s Bay Co., 2015 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.49%, 09/30/22

      1,435       1,433,346  

Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. LLC, Cash Pay Extended Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 6.00%), 8.23%, 10/25/23

      967       787,526  
   

 

 

 
    4,436,150  
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services — 0.2%  

McDermott Technology Americas, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor), 7.11%, 05/09/25

      1,356       1,241,327  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.0%  

BCP Raptor II LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%), 6.86%, 11/03/25

      837       739,347  

California Resources Corp., Second Out Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 10.38%, 1.00% Floor), 12.49%, 12/31/21

      1,160       1,026,349  

CONSOL Energy, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.62%, 09/27/24

      1,235       1,231,818  

Edgewater Generation LLC, Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 12/13/25

      1,307       1,289,029  

EG Group Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 02/07/25

      795       782,521  
   

 

 

 
    5,069,064  
Pharmaceuticals — 4.8%  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.63%, 05/04/25

      1,066       966,455  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., Term Loan B2, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%, 1.00% Floor), 4.36%, 05/18/26

      2,081       2,087,362  

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I Sarl, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.38%, 04/29/24

      2,792       2,543,979  

Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc., 2017 Acquisition Term Loan, (1 Week LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.39%, 01/31/25

      3,608       3,609,601  

Jaguar Holding Co. II, 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.61%, 08/18/22

      7,207       7,161,347  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.20%, 06/02/25

      8,721       8,731,036  
   

 

 

 
    25,099,780  
Professional Services — 1.6%  

Cast and Crew Payroll LLC, 2019 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.12%, 02/09/26

      2,076       2,081,630  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Professional Services (continued)  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%), 7.15%, 02/06/26

    USD       3,994     $ 4,002,308  

ON Assignment, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 04/02/25

      1,173       1,174,611  

SIRVA Worldwide, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.50%), 7.83%, 08/04/25(b)

      1,126       1,089,163  
   

 

 

 
    8,347,712  
Real Estate Management & Development — 2.3%  

CityCenter Holdings LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/18/24

      4,673       4,669,438  

DTZ US Borrower LLC, 2018 Add On Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 08/21/25

      3,127       3,123,357  

Forest City Enterprises LP, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 12/07/25

      2,101       2,114,574  

Realogy Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.42%, 02/08/25

      784       755,147  

SMG Holdings, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.51%, 01/23/25

      1,198       1,188,720  
   

 

 

 
    11,851,236  
Road & Rail — 0.2%  

Moda Ingleside Energy Center LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 09/29/25

      737       734,995  

Road Infrastructure Investment LLC, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 06/13/23

      384       350,439  
   

 

 

 
        1,085,434  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.3%  

Microchip Technology, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 05/29/25

      857       855,984  

Versum Materials, Inc., Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 09/29/23

      929       927,576  
   

 

 

 
        1,783,560  
Software — 16.7%  

Applied Systems, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.33%, 09/19/24

      2,684       2,673,662  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor), 9.33%, 09/19/25

      491       494,458  

BMC Software Finance, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.58%, 10/02/25

      2,977       2,807,583  

Cypress Intermediate Holdings III, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.87%, 04/26/24

      902       894,113  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 6.75%, 1.00% Floor), 8.86%, 04/27/25

      814       819,600  

Dell, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 09/07/23

      2,663       2,667,823  

Digicel International Finance Ltd., 2017 Term Loan B, (6 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.34%, 05/28/24

      1,466       1,241,298  

DTI Holdco, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%, 1.00% Floor), 7.01%, 09/30/23

      1,424       1,302,424  

Financial & Risk US Holdings, Inc., 2018 USD Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 10/01/25

      6,202       6,229,657  

Help/Systems Holdings, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 6.08%, 03/28/25

      1,178       1,167,061  

Infor (US), Inc., Term Loan B6, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.08%, 02/01/22

      7,178       7,170,016  

Informatica Corp., 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 08/05/22

      4,195       4,195,882  

Kronos, Inc.:

     

2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor) 5.25%, 11/01/23

      5,136       5,129,686  
 

 

 

18    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Software (continued)  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor), 10.50%, 11/01/24

    USD       2,135     $ 2,181,970  

McAfee LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.87%, 09/30/24

      4,259       4,260,215  

Mitchell International, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 11/29/24

      3,864       3,615,135  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.25%), 9.36%, 12/01/25

      850       792,625  

Renaissance Holding Corp., 2018 Add On Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 05/30/25

      698       682,421  

RP Crown Parent LLC, 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 10/12/23

      2,332       2,325,040  

Severin Acquisition LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.46%, 08/01/25

      1,004       984,709  

SolarWinds Holdings, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 02/05/24

      4,664       4,657,064  

Solera LLC, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 03/03/23

      5,363       5,332,637  

SonicWALL, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.64%, 05/16/25(b)

      566       526,124  

Sophia LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.58%, 09/30/22

      5,739       5,730,658  

SS&C Technologies Holdings Europe Sarl, 2018 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/16/25

      1,655       1,657,017  

SS&C Technologies, Inc.:

     

2017 Term Loan B1, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 07/08/22

      1,355       1,356,293  

2018 Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/16/25

      2,449       2,451,698  

2018 Term Loan B5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/16/25

      1,776       1,776,154  

Tempo Acquisition LLC, Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 05/01/24

      4,246       4,242,208  

Tibco Software, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.25%, 06/30/26

      4,378       4,374,034  

Ultimate Software Group, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 6.08%, 05/04/26

      2,402       2,406,300  

Vertafore, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 07/02/25

      1,772       1,709,814  
   

 

 

 
        87,855,379  
Specialty Retail — 2.1%  

Belron Finance US LLC(b):

     

Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.71%, 11/07/24

      2,944       2,947,208  

Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.68%, 11/13/25

      451       451,298  

CD&R Firefly Bidco Ltd., 2018 GBP Term Loan B1, (LIBOR - GBP + 4.25%), 5.02%, 06/23/25

    GBP       1,000       1,197,027  

IAA, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.63%, 06/28/26

    USD       851       854,455  

Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc., 2018 Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.76%, 08/16/23

      1,041       972,826  

MED ParentCo LP(g):

     

1st Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan, 07/31/26

      330       326,577  

1st Lien Term Loan, 07/31/26

      1,323       1,307,857  

Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC, Incremental Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.08%, 08/18/21

      973       937,536  

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B2, 03/11/22(g)

      1,090       1,057,300  

Research Now Group, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.50%, 1.00% Floor), 7.75%, 12/20/24

      1,246       1,244,156  
   

 

 

 
        11,296,240  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.8%  

Western Digital Corp., 2018 Term Loan B4, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 04/29/23

    USD       4,133     $ 4,117,603  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.5%  

Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC, 2019 Term Loan B, 08/15/26(g)

      2,484       2,480,895  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.6%  

IG Investment Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.33%, 05/23/25

      3,448       3,414,001  
   

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.0%  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 01/02/25

      1,082       1,073,356  

HD Supply, Inc., Term Loan B5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 10/17/23

      3,839       3,851,599  

United Rentals, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 10/31/25

      225       225,685  
   

 

 

 
        5,150,640  
Transportation — 0.1%  

Safe Fleet Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.21%, 02/01/25(b)

      821       786,160  
   

 

 

 
Utilities — 0.3%  

ExGen Renewables IV LLC, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.13%, 11/28/24

      1,908       1,836,839  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.4%  

Geo Group, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 03/22/24

      1,986       1,848,144  

Ligado Networks LLC, PIK Exit Term Loan (9.75% PIK), 9.75%, 12/07/20(h)

      1,456       1,258,072  

SBA Senior Finance II LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 04/11/25

      4,326       4,298,558  
   

 

 

 
    7,404,774  
 

 

 

 

Total Floating Rate Loan Interests — 135.5%
(Cost — $722,288,528)

 

    713,484,116  
 

 

 

 
       Shares         

Investment Companies — 5.7%

 

United States — 5.7%

 

Invesco Senior Loan ETF

      1,335,000       30,184,350  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 5.7%
(Cost — $30,213,594)

 

    30,184,350  
 

 

 

 
      

Beneficial
Interest

(000)

        

Other Interests(i) — 0.0%

 

IT Services — 0.0%

 

Millennium Corp.(a)(b)

    USD       1,607        

Millennium Lender Claims(a)(b)

      1,508        
   

 

 

 

Total Other Interests — 0.0%
(Cost — $—)

 

     
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      19  


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security     Shares     Value  

Warrants — 0.1%

 

Media — 0.1%

 

iHeartMedia, Inc. (Expires 05/01/39)

      43,029     $ 593,757  
     

 

 

 

Total Warrants — 0.1%
(Cost — $774,479)

 

    593,757  
 

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 143.1%
(Cost — $766,416,354)

 

    753,570,265  
 

 

 

 

Options Purchased — 0.0%
(Cost — $41,633)

 

    14,705  
 

 

 

 

Total Investments — 143.1%
(Cost — $766,457,987)

 

    753,584,970  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (43.1)%

 

    (227,138,070
 

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares — 100.0%

 

  $ 526,446,900  
 

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Non-income producing security.

(b) 

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

(c) 

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

(d) 

Issuer filed for bankruptcy and/or is in default.

(e) 

Restricted security as to resale, excluding 144A securities. The Fund held restricted securities with a current value of $875,355, representing 0.2% of its net assets as of period end, and an original cost of $846,417.

(f) 

Variable rate security. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of period end.

(g) 

Represents an unsettled loan commitment at period end. Certain details associated with this purchase are not known prior to the settlement date, including coupon rate.

(h) 

Payment-in-kind security which may pay interest/dividends in additional par/shares and/or in cash. Rates shown are the current rate and possible payment rates.

(i) 

Other interests represent beneficial interests in liquidation trusts and other reorganization or private entities.

 

During the year ended August 31, 2019, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate/affiliates of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or related parties of the Fund were as follows:

 

Affiliate    Shares
Held at
08/31/18
    

Shares

Purchased

    

Shares

Sold

    Shares
Held at
08/31/19
     Value at
08/31/19
     Income      Net Realized
Gain (Loss) 
(a)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund, Institutional Class(b)

     155,382               (155,382 )(c)           $      $ 38,562      $      $  

iShares iBoxx USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF(b)

            46,500        (46,500                          27,274         
             

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
              $      $ 38,562      $ 27,274      $  
             

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  (a) 

Includes net capital gain distributions, if applicable.

 
  (b) 

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

 
  (c) 

Represents net shares sold.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency
Purchased
       Currency
Sold
       Counterparty      Settlement Date        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD     5,112,331        EUR     4,575,000        Goldman Sachs International        09/05/19        $ 83,800  
USD     2,289,368        GBP     1,876,000        BNP Paribas S.A.        09/05/19          6,555  
USD     5,029,406        EUR     4,563,000        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        10/03/19          2,937  
USD     2,287,362        GBP     1,873,000        Standard Chartered Bank        10/03/19          5,329  
                       

 

 

 
                          98,621  
                       

 

 

 
EUR     4,563,000        USD     5,018,173        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/05/19          (2,832
GBP     1,873,000        USD     2,284,493        Standard Chartered Bank        09/05/19          (5,331
                       

 

 

 
                          (8,163
                       

 

 

 
    Net Unrealized Appreciation        $ 90,458  
                     

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Options Purchased

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
       Expiration
Date
       Exercise
Price
       Notional
Amount (000)
       Value  
Call  

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

     170          09/20/19        USD     315.00        USD     4,972        $ 255  
Put  

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

     170          09/20/19        USD     270.00        USD     4,972          14,450  
                          

 

 

 
     $ 14,705  
                          

 

 

 

 

 

20    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

 

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

                    

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $      $      $      $ 98,621      $      $      $ 98,621  

Options purchased

                    

Investments at value — unaffiliated(a)

                   14,705                             14,705  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $      $ 14,705      $ 98,621      $      $      $ 113,326  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $      $      $      $ 8,163      $      $      $ 8,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes options purchased at value as reported in the Schedule of Investments.

 

For the year ended August 31, 2019, 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:

                    

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $      $      $      $ 587,067      $      $      $ 587,067  

Swaps

                                 (610,309             (610,309

Options purchased(a)

                   124,969                             124,969  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $      $ 124,969      $ 587,067      $ (610,309    $      $ 101,727  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:                                                 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $      $      $      $ 36,256      $      $      $ 36,256  

Options purchased(b)

                   16,094                             16,094  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $      $ 16,094      $ 36,256      $      $      $ 52,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Options purchased are included in net realized gain (loss) from investments.

 
  (b) 

Options purchased are included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 14,824,361  

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 7,390,708  

Options:

 

Average value of option contracts purchased

   $ 14,234  

Total return swaps:

 

Average notional value

   $ 5,043,500  

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

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      21  


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of Period End

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

      Assets      Liabilities  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $ 98,621      $ 8,163  

Options

     14,705 (a)        
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   $ 113,326      $ 8,163  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

     (14,705       
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

   $ 98,621      $ 8,163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes options purchased at value which is included in Investments at value — unaffiliated in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and reported in the Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets (and liabilities) by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received (and pledged) by the Fund:

 

Counterparty    Derivative
Assets
Subject to
an MNA by
Counterparty
       Derivatives
Available
for Offset 
(a)
       Non-cash
Collateral
Received
       Cash
Collateral
Received
       Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets 
(b)
 

BNP Paribas S.A.

   $ 6,555        $        $        $        $ 6,555  

Goldman Sachs International

     83,800                                     83,800  

Standard Chartered Bank

     5,329          (5,329                           

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

     2,937          (2,832                          105  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 98,621        $ (8,161      $        $        $ 90,460  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
                      
Counterparty    Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to
an MNA by
Counterparty
       Derivatives
Available for
Offset 
(a)
       Non-cash
Collateral
Pledged
       Cash
Collateral
Pledged
       Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities 
(c)
 

Standard Chartered Bank

   $ 5,331        $ (5,329      $        $        $ 2  

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

     2,832          (2,832                           
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 8,163        $ (8,161      $        $        $ 2  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivative asset and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 
  (c)

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

 

22    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments   (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (FRA)

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

The following tables summarize the Fund’s investments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy:

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets:

                 

Investments:

                 

Long-Term Investments:

 

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 401,285        $ 224        $ 564,703        $ 966,212  

Corporate Bonds

              7,466,475          875,355          8,341,830  

Floating Rate Loan Interests

              688,501,539          24,982,577          713,484,116  

Investment Companies

     30,184,350                            30,184,350  

Warrants

              593,757                   593,757  

Options Purchased

     14,705                            14,705  

Liabilities:

                 

Investments:

                 

Unfunded Floating Rate Loan Interest(b)

              (4,797                 (4,797
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 30,600,340        $ 696,557,198        $ 26,422,635        $ 753,580,173  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(c)

                 

Assets:

                 

Forward foreign currency contracts

   $        $ 98,621        $        $ 98,621  

Liabilities:

                 

Forward foreign currency contracts

              (8,163                 (8,163
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $        $ 90,458        $        $ 90,458  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

See above Schedule of Investments for values in each industry.

 
  (b) 

Unfunded floating rate loan interests are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the commitment.

 
  (c) 

Derivative financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of period end, bank borrowings payable of $204,000,000 is categorized as Level 2 within the disclosure hierarchy.

A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented when the Fund had a significant amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning and/or end of the year in relation to net assets. The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value:

 

     Asset-Backed
Securities
    Common
Stocks
    Corporate
Bonds
    Floating
Rate Loan
Interests
    Warrants     Options
Purchased
    Total  

Assets:

             

Opening balance, as of August 31, 2018

  $ 2,698,550     $ 2,048,238     $ 2,892,436     $ 36,749,545     $     $     $ 44,388,769  

Transfers into Level 3(a)

                      10,346,533                   10,346,533  

Transfers out of Level 3(b)

                      (13,160,490                 (13,160,490

Accrued discounts/premiums

                1,547       10,362                   11,909  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (39,405     26,946       (405,297     (1,312,262     (24     (43,022     (1,773,064

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(c)(d)

          (1,291,122     (84,433     702,387       24       43,022       (630,122

Purchases

          2,940,312       977,128       12,857,976                   16,775,416  

Sales

    (2,659,145     (3,159,671     (2,506,026     (21,211,474                 (29,536,316
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing balance, as of August 31, 2019

  $     $ 564,703     $ 875,355     $ 24,982,577     $     $     $ 26,422,635  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 2019(d)

  $     $ (1,164,821   $ 28,938     $ (343,249   $     $     $ (1,479,132
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of August 31, 2018 the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2019, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments at beginning of period value were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 in the disclosure hierarchy.

 
  (b) 

As of August 31, 2018, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2019, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments at beginning of period value were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 in the disclosure hierarchy.

 
  (c) 

Included in the related change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Statements of Operations.

 
  (d) 

Any difference between net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 2019 is generally due to investments no longer held or categorized as Level 3 at period end.

 

The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of such Level 3 investments.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      23  


Schedule of Investments  

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security         
Shares
    Value  

Common Stocks — 0.1%

 

Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%

 

Kcad Holdings I Ltd.(a)(b)

      546,753,936     $ 382,728  
   

 

 

 
Health Care Management Services — 0.0%  

New Millennium HoldCo, Inc.(b)

      8,511       128  
   

 

 

 
Household Durables — 0.0%  

Berkline Benchcraft Equity LLC(a)

      3,155        
   

 

 

 
Media — 0.0%  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.(b)

      38,911       101,169  

iHeartMedia, Inc., Class A(b)

      1,943       26,813  
   

 

 

 
        127,982  
Metals & Mining — 0.0%  

Ameriforge Group, Inc.

      801       44,055  

Preferred Proppants LLC(a)

      5,738       12,910  
   

 

 

 
        56,965  
Software — 0.0%  

Avaya Holdings Corp.(b)

      18       254  
   

 

 

 
Utilities — 0.0%  

Texgen LLC(a)

      3,661       139,118  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks — 0.1%
(Cost — $6,581,039)

 

    707,175  
 

 

 

 
            Par
(000)
        
Asset-Backed Securities — 5.0%  

Allegro CLO II-S Ltd., Series 2014-1RA, Class C, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.00%), 5.28%, 10/21/28(c)(d)

    USD       1,000       966,588  

ALM VI Ltd., Series 2012-6A, Class BR3, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 4.05%, 07/15/26(c)(d)

      1,000       988,169  

ALM XII Ltd., Series 2015-12A, Class C1R2, 4.97%, 04/16/27(c)

      1,000       996,224  

ALM XVI Ltd./ALM XVI LLC, Series 2015-16A, Class CR2, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 2.70%), 5.00%, 07/15/27(c)(d)

      270       266,463  

Anchorage Capital CLO Ltd.(c)(d):

     

Series 2014-3RA, Class E, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
5.50%), 7.76%, 01/28/31

      850       771,738  

Series 2014-4RA, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
2.60%), 4.86%, 01/28/31

      250       238,341  

Series 2015-7A, Class DR, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
2.70%), 5.00%, 10/15/27

      1,000       987,067  

Series 2016-8A, Class ER, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
5.75%), 8.01%, 07/28/28

      1,000       982,068  

Benefit Street Partners CLO XII Ltd., Series 2017-12A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.41%), 8.71%, 10/15/30(c)(d)

      500       471,066  

Cedar Funding IV CLO Ltd., Series 2014-4A, Class DR, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.65%), 5.91%, 07/23/30(c)(d)

      500       494,627  

Credit Suisse ABS Repackaging Trust, Series 2013-A, Class B, 2.50%, 01/25/30(c)

      434       423,962  

DCP Rights LLC, Series 2014-1A, Class A, 5.46%, 10/25/44(a)(c)

      3,000       3,014,862  

Dryden CLO Ltd., Series 2018-64A, Class D, 4.95%, 04/18/31(c)

      250       231,373  

Highbridge Loan Management Ltd., Series 5A-2015, Class ERR, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.00%), 8.30%, 10/15/30(c)(d)

      450       405,717  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Asset-Backed Securities (continued)  

Litigation Fee Residual Funding, 4.00%, 10/30/27(a)(c)

    USD       950     $ 946,764  

Madison Park Funding X Ltd., Series 2012-10A, Class ER2, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.40%), 8.68%, 01/20/29(c)(d)

      500       489,182  

Madison Park Funding XIII Ltd., Series 2014-13A, Class ER, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 5.75%), 8.05%, 04/19/30(c)(d)

      1,250       1,171,516  

Madison Park Funding XV Ltd., Series 2014-15A, Class B1R, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 2.20%), 4.46%, 01/27/26(c)(d)

      1,500       1,503,383  

Madison Park Funding XVI Ltd., Series 2015-16A, Class C, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.70%), 5.98%, 04/20/26(c)(d)

      300       299,057  

Neuberger Berman CLO XX Ltd., Series 2015-20A, Class ER, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 5.00%), 7.30%, 01/15/28(c)(d)

      790       737,792  

Oaktree CLO Ltd., Series 2015-1A, Class DR, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 5.20%), 7.48%, 10/20/27(c)(d)

      500       488,666  

Octagon Investment Partners LLC, Series 2017-1A, Class E, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.30%), 8.58%, 07/20/30(c)(d)

      500       477,780  

OZLM Funding Ltd., Series 2012-1A, Class CR2, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.60%), 5.88%, 07/22/29(c)(d)

      250       247,520  

OZLM VIII Ltd., Series 2014-8A(c)(d):

     

Class BRR, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 2.20%), 4.50%, 10/17/29

      2,500       2,441,895  

Class CRR, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.15%), 5.45%, 10/17/29

      500       475,419  

OZLM XIX Ltd., Series 2017-19A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.60%), 8.90%, 11/22/30(c)(d)

      500       476,129  

OZLM XV Ltd., Series 2016-15A, Class C, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 4.00%), 6.28%, 01/20/29(c)(d)

      1,000       993,062  

OZLM XXI Ltd., Series 2017-21A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 5.54%), 7.82%, 01/20/31(c)(d)

      250       223,359  

Park Avenue Institutional Advisers CLO Ltd., Series 2017-1A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.22%), 8.40%, 11/14/29(c)(d)

      1,750       1,673,535  

Rockford Tower CLO Ltd.(c)(d):

     

Series 2017-1A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
3.25%), 5.55%, 04/15/29

      250       248,210  

Series 2017-2A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
3.45%), 5.75%, 10/15/29

      500       496,302  

Shackleton CLO Ltd., Series 2013-3A, Class DR, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.02%), 5.32%, 07/15/30(c)(d)

      500       470,970  

Symphony CLO XVIII Ltd., Series 2016-18A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 4.00%), 6.26%, 01/23/28(c)(d)

      1,000       992,661  

Thayer Park CLO Ltd., Series 2017-1A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.10%), 8.38%, 04/20/29(c)(d)

      500       463,731  

TICP CLO VII Ltd., Series 2017-7A, Class E, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.51%), 8.81%, 07/15/29(c)(d)

      500       485,612  

Venture XXVI CLO Ltd., Series 2017-26A, Class D, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 4.25%), 6.53%, 01/20/29(c)(d)

      1,000       994,204  

Wellfleet CLO Ltd., Series 2017-3A, Class B, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.95%), 4.25%, 01/17/31(c)(d)

      500       467,797  

Westcott Park CLO Ltd., Series 2016-1A, Class DR, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.25%), 5.53%, 07/20/28(c)(d)

      500       490,116  
 

 

 

24    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Asset-Backed Securities (continued)  

York CLO Ltd.(c)(d):

     

Series 2016-1A, Class DR, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
3.60%), 5.88%, 10/20/29

    USD       250     $ 247,864  

Series 2016-2A, Class E, (3 mo. LIBOR US +
6.94%), 9.22%, 01/20/30

      1,000       973,350  
   

 

 

 
        30,214,141  
Interest Only Asset-Backed Securities — 0.0%  

Sterling Bank Trust, Series 2004-2, Class Note, 2.08%, 03/30/30(a)(c)

      2,665       119,921  

Sterling Coofs Trust, Series 2004-1, Class A, 2.36%, 04/15/29(a)(c)

      1,790       74,019  
   

 

 

 
        193,940  
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities — 5.0%
(Cost — $31,301,187)

 

    30,408,081  
   

 

 

 

Corporate Bonds — 61.9%

 

Aerospace — 0.0%

 

TDC A/S, 6.88%, 02/23/23

    GBP       100       138,950  

Telecom Argentina SA, 8.00%, 07/18/26(c)

    USD       3       2,385  
   

 

 

 
        141,335  
Aerospace & Defense — 2.3%  

Amsted Industries, Inc., 5.63%, 07/01/27(c)

      156       166,530  

Arconic, Inc.:

     

5.40%, 04/15/21

      10       10,305  

5.87%, 02/23/22

      730       779,611  

5.13%, 10/01/24

      808       861,041  

BBA US Holdings, Inc., 5.38%, 05/01/26(c)

      271       283,195  

Bombardier, Inc.(c):

     

8.75%, 12/01/21

      635       688,975  

5.75%, 03/15/22

      108       108,945  

6.00%, 10/15/22

      8       7,940  

6.13%, 01/15/23

      338       336,310  

7.50%, 12/01/24

      642       639,657  

7.50%, 03/15/25

      679       661,176  

7.88%, 04/15/27

      1,929       1,868,719  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., 6.50%, 11/30/25(c)

      378       405,405  

Moog, Inc., 5.25%, 12/01/22(c)

      270       275,062  

TransDigm UK Holdings PLC, 6.88%, 05/15/26

      264       276,540  

TransDigm, Inc.:

     

6.00%, 07/15/22

      304       308,940  

6.50%, 05/15/25

      54       56,295  

6.25%, 03/15/26(c)

      5,564       6,002,054  
   

 

 

 
        13,736,700  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.0%  

XPO Logistics, Inc., 6.75%, 08/15/24(c)

      18       19,395  
   

 

 

 
Airlines — 1.5%  

Air Canada Pass-Through Trust, Series 2015-1, Class B, 3.88%, 09/15/24(c)(e)

      1,109       1,125,598  

American Airlines Pass-Through Trust:

     

Series 2013-2, Class A, 4.95%, 07/15/24(e)

      1,918       2,019,885  

Series 2013-2, Class B, 5.60%, 01/15/22(c)

      218       221,340  

Series 2017-1, Class B, 4.95%, 08/15/26

      1,212       1,289,374  

Avianca Holdings SA/Avianca Leasing LLC/Grupo Taca Holdings Ltd., 8.38%, 05/10/20

      239       185,524  

Latam Finance Ltd., 6.88%, 04/11/24(c)

      203       210,232  

United Airlines Pass-Through Trust(e):

     

Series 2014-2, Class B, 4.63%, 03/03/24

      1,547       1,599,582  

Series 2015-1, Class A, 3.70%, 06/01/24

      2,430       2,509,218  
   

 

 

 
        9,160,753  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Auto Components — 0.9%  

Allison Transmission, Inc.(c):

     

5.00%, 10/01/24

    USD       28     $ 28,808  

5.88%, 06/01/29

      319       342,127  

Aptiv PLC, 4.40%, 10/01/46

      240       240,891  

GKN Holdings Ltd., 4.63%, 05/12/32

    GBP       100       124,787  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 5.00%, 05/31/26

    USD       67       66,330  

Icahn Enterprises LP/Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.:

     

6.25%, 02/01/22

      299       307,970  

6.75%, 02/01/24

      246       257,377  

6.38%, 12/15/25

      149       157,754  

6.25%, 05/15/26(c)

      371       387,231  

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH, (4.38% PIK), 3.63%, 05/15/25(f)

    EUR       100       112,378  

Panther BF Aggregator 2 LP/Panther Finance Co., Inc.:

     

4.38%, 05/15/26

      100       112,103  

6.25%, 05/15/26(c)

    USD       1,604       1,664,150  

8.50%, 05/15/27(c)

      1,306       1,273,350  

Tesla, Inc., 5.30%, 08/15/25(c)

      271       241,868  
   

 

 

 
        5,317,124  
Banks — 2.1%  

Allied Irish Banks PLC(5 year EUR Swap + 3.95%), 4.13%, 11/26/25(g)

    EUR       100       114,439  

Banco BPM SpA, 2.50%, 06/21/24

      100       113,385  

Banco Espirito Santo SA(b)(h):

     

4.75%, 01/15/20(i)

      100       23,080  

4.00%, 01/21/19

      100       23,080  

Barclays PLC:

     

4.38%, 09/11/24

    USD       580       595,894  

3.65%, 03/16/25(e)

      3,600       3,667,176  

5.20%, 05/12/26

      200       212,330  

BBVA Bancomer SA, 6.75%, 09/30/22(c)

      192       207,360  

CIT Group, Inc.:

     

5.00%, 08/01/23

      582       630,742  

5.25%, 03/07/25

      599       670,880  

6.13%, 03/09/28

      98       117,233  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.38%, 11/23/26(e)

      395       424,550  

Nordea Bank AB, 4.50%, 03/26/20

    EUR       1,020       1,150,121  

Promerica Financial Corp., 9.70%, 05/14/24(c)

    USD       200       213,375  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc., 4.50%, 07/17/25(e)

      1,750       1,883,902  

Santander UK Group Holdings PLC, 2.88%, 08/05/21(e)

      950       953,342  

Standard Chartered PLC(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.08%), 3.89%, 03/15/24(c)(e)(g)

      1,500       1,548,220  
   

 

 

 
        12,549,109  
Beverages — 0.1%  

Central American Bottling Corp., 5.75%, 01/31/27(c)

      176       185,955  

Crown European Holdings SA, 2.25%, 02/01/23(c)

    EUR       100       116,741  
   

 

 

 
        302,696  
Building Materials — 0.0%  

CEMEX Finance LLC, 4.63%, 06/15/24

      100       115,403  

Jeld-Wen, Inc., 4.63%, 12/15/25(c)

    USD       138       135,240  
   

 

 

 
        250,643  
Building Products — 0.3%  

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 5.75%, 12/15/23(c)

      184       190,670  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., 4.88%, 11/01/25(c)

      18       17,753  

CPG Merger Sub LLC, 8.00%, 10/01/21(c)

      324       324,405  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      25  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Building Products (continued)  

Jeld-Wen, Inc., 4.88%, 12/15/27(c)

    USD       19     $ 18,383  

Masonite International Corp.(c):

     

5.75%, 09/15/26

      86       91,052  

5.38%, 02/01/28

      120       126,600  

PGT Escrow Issuer, Inc., 6.75%, 08/01/26(c)

      107       115,292  

Standard Industries, Inc.(c):

     

5.50%, 02/15/23

      66       67,650  

5.38%, 11/15/24

      404       415,615  

6.00%, 10/15/25

      600       630,750  

5.00%, 02/15/27

      36       36,900  

4.75%, 01/15/28

      46       46,230  
   

 

 

 
        2,081,300  
Cable Television Services — 0.0%  

Cincinnati Bell, Inc., 8.00%, 10/15/25(c)

      146       128,156  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 0.3%  

Intertrust Group BV, 3.38%, 11/15/25

    EUR       100       116,717  

LABL Escrow Issuer LLC, 6.75%, 07/15/26(c)

    USD       201       206,528  

Morgan Stanley, 4.00%, 07/23/25(e)

      965       1,045,191  

Owl Rock Capital Corp., 5.25%, 04/15/24

      192       201,751  

Stevens Holding Co., Inc., 6.13%, 10/01/26(c)

      167       173,680  
   

 

 

 
        1,743,867  
Chemicals — 1.4%  

Alpha 2 BV, (8.75% Cash or 9.50% PIK), 8.75%, 06/01/23(c)(f)

      256       247,360  

Alpha 3 BV/Alpha US Bidco, Inc., 6.25%, 02/01/25(c)

      1,830       1,816,275  

Axalta Coating Systems LLC, 4.88%, 08/15/24(c)

      608       629,341  

Blue Cube Spinco LLC:

     

9.75%, 10/15/23

      596       654,110  

10.00%, 10/15/25

      380       426,550  

Chemours Co.:

     

6.63%, 05/15/23

      211       214,692  

7.00%, 05/15/25

      112       110,600  

4.00%, 05/15/26

    EUR       186       189,421  

Cydsa SAB de CV, 6.25%, 10/04/27(c)

    USD       252       252,945  

Element Solutions, Inc., 5.88%, 12/01/25(c)

      1,491       1,556,231  

GCP Applied Technologies, Inc., 5.50%, 04/15/26(c)

      165       168,713  

NOVA Chemicals Corp., 4.88%, 06/01/24(c)

      67       68,759  

Orbia Advance Corp SAB de CV, 5.50%, 01/15/48(c)

      200       205,062  

PQ Corp.(c):

     

6.75%, 11/15/22

      444       460,739  

5.75%, 12/15/25

      543       556,575  

Versum Materials, Inc., 5.50%, 09/30/24(c)

      158       170,245  

WR Grace & Co-Conn(c):

     

5.13%, 10/01/21

      741       768,787  

5.63%, 10/01/24

      200       216,000  
   

 

 

 
        8,712,405  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.0%  

ADT Security Corp.:

     

6.25%, 10/15/21

      139       147,688  

3.50%, 07/15/22

      55       55,138  

4.13%, 06/15/23

      164       166,614  

4.88%, 07/15/32(c)

      575       500,969  

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc., 5.63%, 11/15/24(c)

      147       153,983  

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., 5.13%, 05/01/25(c)

      383       393,532  

Clean Harbors, Inc.(c):

     

4.88%, 07/15/27

      276       291,870  

5.13%, 07/15/29

      145       154,425  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Commercial Services & Supplies (continued)  

Core & Main LP, 6.13%, 08/15/25(c)

    USD       882     $ 895,230  

Fortress Transportation & Infrastructure Investors LLC(c):

     

6.75%, 03/15/22

      71       73,840  

6.50%, 10/01/25

      78       80,340  

GFL Environmental, Inc., 8.50%, 05/01/27(c)

      352       385,440  

Harland Clarke Holdings Corp., 8.38%, 08/15/22(c)

      398       315,415  

KAR Auction Services, Inc., 5.13%, 06/01/25(c)

      380       391,400  

Mobile Mini, Inc., 5.88%, 07/01/24

      499       517,712  

Pitney Bowes, Inc., 3.88%, 10/01/21(e)

      500       498,750  

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc., 5.38%, 01/15/25(c)

      472       491,470  

United Rentals North America, Inc.:

     

4.63%, 10/15/25

      383       393,896  

5.50%, 05/15/27

      339       363,750  
   

 

 

 
        6,271,462  
Communications Equipment — 0.9%  

CommScope, Inc.(c):

     

5.50%, 03/01/24

      880       892,100  

6.00%, 03/01/26

      413       420,641  

Motorola Solutions, Inc., 3.75%, 05/15/22(e)

      843       871,939  

Nokia OYJ:

     

3.38%, 06/12/22

      106       107,325  

4.38%, 06/12/27

      149       154,588  

6.63%, 05/15/39

      200       231,000  

ViaSat, Inc., 5.63%, 04/15/27(c)

      571       606,687  

Zayo Group LLC/Zayo Capital, Inc.:

     

6.00%, 04/01/23

      531       547,663  

6.38%, 05/15/25

      535       550,381  

5.75%, 01/15/27(c)

      1,200       1,224,000  
   

 

 

 
        5,606,324  
Construction & Engineering — 0.1%  

Brand Industrial Services, Inc., 8.50%, 07/15/25(c)

      271       238,819  

Frontdoor, Inc., 6.75%, 08/15/26(c)

      368       399,280  

SRS Distribution, Inc., 8.25%, 07/01/26(c)

      204       199,920  
   

 

 

 
        838,019  
Construction Materials — 0.5%  

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 5.88%, 05/15/26(c)

      256       271,360  

HD Supply, Inc., 5.38%, 10/15/26(c)

      1,806       1,923,751  

Navistar International Corp., 6.63%, 11/01/25(c)

      318       321,975  

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc., 10.13%, 04/01/22(c)

      136       139,060  

Williams Scotsman International, Inc.(c):

     

7.88%, 12/15/22

      109       114,791  

6.88%, 08/15/23

      391       409,572  
   

 

 

 
        3,180,509  
Consumer Discretionary — 0.4%  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp., 6.88%, 08/15/26(c)

      1,114       1,207,297  

Nielsen Co. Luxembourg Sarl, 5.00%, 02/01/25(c)

      135       133,313  

Silversea Cruise Finance Ltd., 7.25%, 02/01/25(c)

      56       59,990  

Viking Cruises Ltd.(c):

     

6.25%, 05/15/25

      315       326,025  

5.88%, 09/15/27

      893       926,488  
   

 

 

 
        2,653,113  
Consumer Finance — 1.8%  

Ally Financial, Inc., 8.00%, 11/01/31

      1,889       2,639,877  

Credit Acceptance Corp., 6.63%, 03/15/26(c)

      158       170,937  

Credivalores-Crediservicios SAS, 9.75%, 07/27/22(c)

      200       197,938  

Mulhacen Pte Ltd., (6.5% Cash or 7.25% PIK), 6.50%, 08/01/23(f)

    EUR       119       104,874  
 

 

 

26    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Consumer Finance (continued)  

Navient Corp.:

     

5.00%, 10/26/20

    USD       310     $ 317,362  

6.63%, 07/26/21

      113       120,910  

6.50%, 06/15/22

      85       92,013  

5.50%, 01/25/23

      241       253,122  

7.25%, 09/25/23

      257       285,270  

6.13%, 03/25/24

      86       91,268  

5.88%, 10/25/24

      145       152,539  

6.75%, 06/25/25

      105       112,875  

6.75%, 06/15/26

      108       115,560  

Refinitiv US Holdings, Inc.:

     

4.50%, 05/15/26

    EUR       100       118,968  

4.50%, 05/15/26(c)

      400       475,871  

6.25%, 05/15/26(c)

    USD       1,610       1,752,887  

8.25%, 11/15/26(c)

      1,402       1,577,250  

Springleaf Finance Corp.:

     

6.13%, 05/15/22

      70       75,425  

5.63%, 03/15/23

      8       8,600  

6.88%, 03/15/25

      281       318,584  

7.13%, 03/15/26

      374       426,547  

6.63%, 01/15/28

      221       242,547  

Verscend Escrow Corp., 9.75%, 08/15/26(c)

      1,310       1,402,460  
   

 

 

 
        11,053,684  
Containers & Packaging — 1.5%  

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc.:

     

4.63%, 05/15/23(c)

      990       1,013,225  

4.13%, 08/15/26(c)

      262       264,942  

4.75%, 07/15/27(c)

    GBP       100       122,948  

4.75%, 07/15/27

      100       122,948  

Berry Global, Inc., 4.88%, 07/15/26(c)

    USD       442       464,100  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. V, 4.25%, 09/30/26

      196       203,350  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. VI, 4.75%, 02/01/26

      523       549,150  

Greif, Inc., 6.50%, 03/01/27(c)

      61       64,050  

Intertape Polymer Group, Inc., 7.00%, 10/15/26(c)

      201       208,537  

Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co.:

     

4.75%, 04/15/24

    EUR       100       113,532  

5.50%, 04/15/24(c)

    USD       1,450       1,489,875  

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC/Reynolds Group Issuer Lu(c):

     

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.50%), 5.80%, 07/15/21(d)

      433       432,459  

5.13%, 07/15/23

      146       150,095  

7.00%, 07/15/24

      764       789,785  

Sealed Air Corp.(c):

     

5.13%, 12/01/24

      46       49,277  

6.88%, 07/15/33

      44       51,260  

Suzano Austria GmbH, 6.00%, 01/15/29

      517       572,552  

Trivium Packaging Finance BV:

     

3.75%, 08/15/26

    EUR       100       117,324  

5.50%, 08/15/26(c)

    USD       804       850,230  

8.50%, 08/15/27(c)

      1,167       1,254,525  
   

 

 

 
        8,884,164  
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.7%  

APX Group, Inc.:

     

8.75%, 12/01/20

      243       230,850  

7.88%, 12/01/22

      336       319,620  

Ascend Learning LLC, 6.88%, 08/01/25(c)

      994       1,030,032  

Graham Holdings Co., 5.75%, 06/01/26(c)

      211       225,770  

Laureate Education, Inc., 8.25%, 05/01/25(c)

      114       124,118  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Diversified Consumer Services (continued)  

Matthews International Corp., 5.25%, 12/01/25(c)

    USD       108     $ 102,870  

Pinnacle Bidco PLC, 6.38%, 02/15/25

    GBP       100       128,679  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.(c):

     

9.25%, 05/15/23

    USD       251       263,952  

5.25%, 04/15/24

      353       364,617  

5.75%, 04/15/26

      316       329,430  

Service Corp. International, 5.13%, 06/01/29

      288       308,160  

ServiceMaster Co. LLC, 5.13%, 11/15/24(c)

      797       836,555  

Verisure Holding AB, 3.50%, 05/15/23

    EUR       100       114,689  
   

 

 

 
        4,379,342  
Diversified Financial Services — 1.1%  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp., 6.63%, 07/15/26(c)

    USD       1,080       1,147,500  

Cabot Financial Luxembourg II SA (3 mo. EURIBOR + 6.38%), 6.38%, 06/14/24(d)

    EUR       100       113,321  

Controladora Mabe SA de CV, 5.60%, 10/23/28(c)

    USD       200       212,500  

F-Brasile SpA/F-Brasile US LLC, Series XR, 7.38%, 08/15/26(c)

      223       226,345  

FS Energy & Power Fund, 7.50%, 08/15/23(c)

      45       44,662  

Garfunkelux Holdco 3 SA, 7.50%, 08/01/22

    EUR       100       104,566  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 4.38%, 09/25/21(e)

    USD       530       548,886  

Gilex Holding Sarl, 8.50%, 05/02/23(c)

      182       194,285  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, 5.02%, 06/26/24(c)(e)

      2,442       2,503,071  

LHC3 PLC, (4.13% Cash or 4.88% PIK), 4.13%, 08/15/24(f)

    EUR       100       113,477  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (5 year CMT + 4.82%), 6.75%(g)(j)

    USD       450       455,625  

MSCI, Inc., 5.25%, 11/15/24(c)

      105       109,011  

Tempo Acquisition LLC/Tempo Acquisition Finance Corp., 6.75%, 06/01/25(c)

      710       729,383  

WMG Acquisition Corp., 5.50%, 04/15/26(c)

      166       173,885  
   

 

 

 
        6,676,517  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.4%  

CenturyLink, Inc.:

     

5.63%, 04/01/25

      566       578,735  

Series P, 7.60%, 09/15/39

      142       136,320  

Series U, 7.65%, 03/15/42

      142       135,610  

Series W, 6.75%, 12/01/23

      732       793,305  

Series Y, 7.50%, 04/01/24

      644       714,827  

Cincinnati Bell, Inc., 7.00%, 07/15/24(c)

      382       348,575  

Embarq Corp., 8.00%, 06/01/36

      428       419,594  

Frontier Communications Corp.(c):

     

8.50%, 04/01/26

      164       159,490  

8.00%, 04/01/27

      1,478       1,540,815  

GCI LLC, 6.63%, 06/15/24(c)

      153       163,327  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.:

     

5.38%, 08/15/22

      184       184,690  

5.63%, 02/01/23

      61       62,050  

5.13%, 05/01/23

      295       299,806  

5.38%, 05/01/25

      90       93,600  

5.25%, 03/15/26

      909       947,632  

SoftBank Group Corp., 4.75%, 07/30/25

    EUR       100       125,282  

Telecom Italia Capital SA:

     

6.38%, 11/15/33

    USD       137       144,878  

6.00%, 09/30/34

      244       250,100  

7.20%, 07/18/36

      19       21,185  

7.72%, 06/04/38

      58       66,990  

Telecom Italia SpA:

     

4.00%, 04/11/24

    EUR       150       182,647  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      27  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)  

Telecom Italia SpA (continued):

     

5.30%, 05/30/24(c)

    USD       600     $ 642,000  

2.75%, 04/15/25

    EUR       100       115,267  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 3.38%, 02/15/25(e)

    USD       156       165,546  
   

 

 

 
        8,292,271  
Electric Utilities — 0.5%  

AES Corp., 5.50%, 04/15/25

      152       158,654  

Black Hills Corp., 3.15%, 01/15/27(e)

      305       312,508  

DPL, Inc., 7.25%, 10/15/21

      15       16,087  

Enel Finance International NV, 3.63%, 05/25/27(c)(e)

      900       924,958  

Energuate Trust, 5.88%, 05/03/27(c)

      200       201,000  

Exelon Corp., 3.40%, 04/15/26(e)

      140       148,339  

Inkia Energy Ltd., 5.88%, 11/09/27(c)

      377       392,905  

NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP(c):

     

4.25%, 07/15/24

      528       542,520  

4.25%, 09/15/24

      101       104,737  

4.50%, 09/15/27

      128       131,520  

Talen Energy Supply LLC:

     

6.50%, 06/01/25

      50       38,000  

10.50%, 01/15/26(c)

      50       45,450  

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC/TCEH Finance, Inc.:

     

10.25%, 11/01/15(a)

      47        

10.50%, 11/01/19(h)

      31       146  

11.50%, 10/01/20(a)

      300        
   

 

 

 
        3,016,824  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.1%  

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.:

     

5.00%, 09/01/23

      72       73,440  

5.50%, 12/01/24

      521       567,239  

5.00%, 09/01/25

      107       111,815  

Itron, Inc., 5.00%, 01/15/26(c)

      25       25,562  
   

 

 

 
        778,056  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5%  

Apergy Corp., 6.38%, 05/01/26

      239       240,195  

Archrock Partners LP/Archrock Partners Finance Corp., 6.88%, 04/01/27(c)

      147       153,982  

Gates Global LLC/Gates Global Co., 6.00%, 07/15/22(c)

      442       439,790  

Halliburton Co., 3.80%, 11/15/25(e)

      100       106,000  

McDermott Technology Americas, Inc./McDermott Technology U.S., Inc., 10.63%, 05/01/24(c)

      192       135,600  

Odebrecht Oil & Gas Finance Ltd., 0.00%(c)(j)(k)

      43       320  

Pattern Energy Group, Inc., 5.88%, 02/01/24(c)

      299       309,465  

Transocean, Inc.:

     

8.38%, 12/15/21

      51       52,721  

9.00%, 07/15/23(c)

      657       679,161  

7.50%, 01/15/26(c)

      129       117,712  

USA Compression Partners LP/USA Compression Finance Corp.:

     

6.88%, 04/01/26

      245       251,125  

6.88%, 09/01/27(c)

      503       517,376  
   

 

 

 
        3,003,447  
Environmental, Maintenance, & Security Service — 0.2%  

GFL Environmental, Inc., 7.00%, 06/01/26(c)

      494       512,525  

Tervita Corp., 7.63%, 12/01/21(c)

      343       348,145  

Waste Pro USA, Inc., 5.50%, 02/15/26(c)

      148       153,920  
   

 

 

 
        1,014,590  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.9%  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., 3.45%, 06/01/25(e)

      1,245       1,327,167  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (continued)  

Brookfield Property REIT, Inc./BPR Cumulus LLC/BPR Nimbus LLC/GGSI Sellco LL, 5.75%, 05/15/26(c)

    USD       167     $ 175,767  

ERP Operating LP, 3.38%, 06/01/25(e)

      1,015       1,083,714  

Five Point Operating Co. LP/Five Point Capital Corp., 7.88%, 11/15/25(c)

      224       224,700  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.:

     

5.25%, 06/01/25

      108       118,744  

5.38%, 04/15/26

      174       190,993  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc., 4.25%, 09/01/24

      337       343,740  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC/Hilton Worldwide Finance Corp., 4.63%, 04/01/25

      30       30,975  

Iron Mountain, Inc., 4.88%, 09/15/27(c)

      397       407,671  

iStar, Inc.:

     

4.63%, 09/15/20

      33       33,413  

6.00%, 04/01/22

      62       63,627  

5.25%, 09/15/22

      67       68,675  

Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc./ILG LLC, 6.50%, 09/15/26

      40       43,168  

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP/MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc.:

     

5.63%, 05/01/24

      1,334       1,457,395  

4.50%, 09/01/26

      678       710,205  

5.75%, 02/01/27(c)

      27       29,807  

4.50%, 01/15/28

      254       259,715  

MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp.:

     

5.50%, 05/01/24

      73       75,099  

5.00%, 10/15/27

      991       1,057,892  

4.63%, 08/01/29

      456       474,240  

SBA Communications Corp., 4.88%, 09/01/24

      1,195       1,236,825  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc., 5.00%, 12/15/21

      234       242,775  

Trust F/1401, 6.95%, 01/30/44

      706       818,298  

Ventas Realty LP, 4.13%, 01/15/26(e)

      650       704,349  

VICI Properties 1 LLC/VICI FC, Inc., 8.00%, 10/15/23

      224       244,243  
   

 

 

 
        11,423,197  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.3%  

Albertsons Cos. LLC/Safeway, Inc./New Albertson’s, Inc./Albertson’s LLC:

     

6.63%, 06/15/24

      186       194,835  

5.75%, 03/15/25

      70       71,750  

Albertsons Cos. LLC/Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertson’s LLC(c):

     

7.50%, 03/15/26

      107       119,038  

5.88%, 02/15/28

      291       306,673  

B&M European Value Retail SA, 4.13%, 02/01/22

    GBP       100       123,314  

BRF GmbH, 4.35%, 09/29/26

    USD       200       195,500  

Post Holdings, Inc.(c):

     

5.63%, 01/15/28

      73       77,745  

5.50%, 12/15/29

      310       327,735  

Tesco Corporate Treasury Services PLC, 2.50%, 05/02/25

    GBP       100       124,722  
   

 

 

 
        1,541,312  
Food Products — 0.9%  

Aramark Services, Inc.(c):

     

5.00%, 04/01/25

    USD       79       81,619  

5.00%, 02/01/28

      382       396,802  

Chobani LLC/Chobani Finance Corp., Inc., 7.50%, 04/15/25(c)

      416       383,760  

Darling Ingredients, Inc., 5.25%, 04/15/27(c)

      124       132,060  
 

 

 

28    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Food Products (continued)  

Graphic Packaging International LLC, 4.75%, 07/15/27(c)

    USD       135     $ 141,750  

JBS USA LUX SA/JBS USA Finance, Inc.(c):

     

5.88%, 07/15/24

      412       424,162  

5.75%, 06/15/25

      1,006       1,046,869  

6.75%, 02/15/28

      217       239,921  

JBS USA LUX SA/JBS USA Food Co./JBS USA Finance, Inc.(c):

     

6.50%, 04/15/29

      735       814,012  

5.50%, 01/15/30

      606       642,360  

MARB BondCo PLC:

     

7.00%, 03/15/24

      200       204,000  

6.88%, 01/19/25(c)

      200       204,063  

Post Holdings, Inc.(c):

     

5.50%, 03/01/25

      246       257,378  

5.75%, 03/01/27

      253       268,812  

Simmons Foods, Inc., 7.75%, 01/15/24(c)

      270       291,600  
   

 

 

 
        5,529,168  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.9%  

Avantor, Inc.(c):

     

6.00%, 10/01/24

      1,750       1,876,875  

9.00%, 10/01/25

      1,182       1,329,750  

Hologic, Inc.(c):

     

4.38%, 10/15/25

      45       46,013  

4.63%, 02/01/28

      174       179,872  

Immucor, Inc., 11.13%, 02/15/22(c)

      100       101,250  

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc./Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics SA, 6.63%, 05/15/22(c)

      1,656       1,598,040  

Teleflex, Inc.:

     

5.25%, 06/15/24

      250       257,500  

4.88%, 06/01/26

      87       91,651  

4.63%, 11/15/27

      58       61,328  
   

 

 

 
        5,542,279  
Health Care Providers & Services — 3.1%  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., 5.13%, 07/01/22

      146       147,095  

AHP Health Partners, Inc., 9.75%, 07/15/26(c)

      205       220,196  

Centene Corp.:

     

6.13%, 02/15/24

      37       38,776  

5.38%, 06/01/26(c)

      2,014       2,153,067  

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.(c):

     

8.63%, 01/15/24

      663       663,000  

8.00%, 03/15/26

      575       552,000  

Eagle Holding Co. II LLC, (7.63% Cash or 8.38% PIK), 7.63%, 05/15/22(c)(f)

      97       97,970  

Encompass Health Corp., 5.75%, 11/01/24

      73       73,913  

Envision Healthcare Crop., 8.75%, 10/15/26(c)

      321       174,945  

HCA, Inc.:

     

5.38%, 02/01/25

      490       543,900  

5.88%, 02/15/26

      46       52,475  

5.38%, 09/01/26

      337       375,755  

5.63%, 09/01/28

      1,000       1,137,812  

5.88%, 02/01/29

      882       1,015,402  

MEDNAX, Inc., 5.25%, 12/01/23(c)

      168       168,840  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.:

     

5.38%, 11/15/22

      172       183,832  

4.88%, 06/15/25(c)

      238       242,760  

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 7.13%, 06/01/24(c)

      505       451,374  

NVA Holdings, Inc., 6.88%, 04/01/26(c)

      175       186,865  

Polaris Intermediate Corp., (8.50% Cash), 8.50%, 12/01/22(c)(f)

      667       560,000  

Regional Care Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc., 8.25%, 05/01/23(c)

      599       640,361  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)  

Sotera Health Holdings LLC, 6.50%, 05/15/23(c)

    USD       366     $ 372,405  

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc.(c):

     

6.75%, 07/01/25

      432       369,628  

10.00%, 04/15/27

      267       255,652  

Team Health Holdings, Inc., 6.38%, 02/01/25(c)

      265       177,550  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.:

     

6.00%, 10/01/20

      580       602,620  

8.13%, 04/01/22

      502       540,855  

4.63%, 07/15/24

      530       545,237  

4.63%, 09/01/24(c)

      377       388,310  

4.88%, 01/01/26(c)

      1,466       1,506,462  

6.25%, 02/01/27(c)

      537       557,137  

5.13%, 11/01/27(c)

      1,004       1,037,885  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 3.75%, 07/15/25(e)

      1,470       1,599,011  

Vizient, Inc., 6.25%, 05/15/27(c)

      407       437,525  

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.:

     

5.25%, 04/01/25

      310       324,585  

5.38%, 08/15/26(c)

      343       365,724  
   

 

 

 
        18,760,924  
Health Care Services — 0.0%  

Avaya, Inc. Escrow, 7.00%(a)(b)(h)

      183        
   

 

 

 
Health Care Technology — 0.4%  

Change Healthcare Holdings LLC/Change Healthcare Finance, Inc., 5.75%, 03/01/25(c)

      751       755,852  

IQVIA, Inc.:

     

3.25%, 03/15/25

    EUR       148       167,339  

3.25%, 03/15/25(c)

      100       113,067  

5.00%, 10/15/26(c)

    USD       463       488,465  

5.00%, 05/15/27(c)

      637       672,831  
   

 

 

 
        2,197,554  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.9%  

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance, Inc.(c):

     

4.25%, 05/15/24

      273       281,807  

5.00%, 10/15/25

      1,890       1,951,425  

Boyd Gaming Corp., 6.00%, 08/15/26

      112       118,300  

Boyne USA, Inc., 7.25%, 05/01/25(c)

      220       240,075  

Cedar Fair LP, 5.25%, 07/15/29(c)

      279       302,715  

Churchill Downs, Inc.(c):

     

5.50%, 04/01/27

      808       858,500  

4.75%, 01/15/28

      214       220,420  

Cirsa Finance International Sarl, 7.88%, 12/20/23(c)

      200       211,300  

CPUK Finance Ltd., 4.25%, 02/28/47

    GBP       100       122,821  

Eldorado Resorts, Inc.:

     

6.00%, 04/01/25

    USD       91       96,460  

6.00%, 09/15/26

      117       127,969  

ESH Hospitality, Inc., 5.25%, 05/01/25(c)

      285       294,619  

Golden Nugget, Inc., 6.75%, 10/15/24(c)

      1,271       1,299,597  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.:

     

5.13%, 05/01/26

      697       735,683  

4.88%, 01/15/30(c)

      917       981,190  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC/Hilton Worldwide Finance Corp., 4.88%, 04/01/27

      49       51,573  

IRB Holding Corp., 6.75%, 02/15/26(c)

      117       117,585  

KFC Holding Co./Pizza Hut Holdings LLC/Taco Bell of America LLC(c):

     

5.00%, 06/01/24

      35       36,181  

5.25%, 06/01/26

      368       389,160  

4.75%, 06/01/27

      5       5,238  

Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC(c):

     

6.38%, 02/01/24

      25       26,405  

5.88%, 11/01/24

      171       177,840  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      29  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)  

McDonald’s Corp., 3.70%, 01/30/26(e)

    USD       405     $ 439,454  

MGM Resorts International:

     

6.63%, 12/15/21

      992       1,078,800  

7.75%, 03/15/22

      453       508,597  

4.63%, 09/01/26

      11       11,385  

RHP Hotel Properties LP/RHP Finance Corp., 5.00%, 04/15/21

      494       494,617  

Sabre GLBL, Inc.(c):

     

5.38%, 04/15/23

      147       150,675  

5.25%, 11/15/23

      210       215,775  

Scientific Games International, Inc.:

     

5.00%, 10/15/25(c)

      1,026       1,060,104  

3.38%, 02/15/26

    EUR       100       112,048  

8.25%, 03/15/26(c)

    USD       850       901,000  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.(c):

     

4.88%, 07/31/24

      849       878,715  

5.50%, 04/15/27

      329       352,030  

Spirit Issuer PLC:

     

Series A2, (3 mo. LIBOR GBP + 2.70%), 3.47%, 12/28/31(d)

    GBP       1,800       2,135,483  

Series A5, 5.47%, 12/28/34

      4,500       5,694,400  

Station Casinos LLC, 5.00%, 10/01/25(c)

    USD       279       284,608  

Unique Pub Finance Co. PLC, Series A4, 5.66%, 06/30/27

    GBP       52       70,456  

Wyndham Destinations, Inc.:

     

5.40%, 04/01/24

    USD       13       13,646  

5.75%, 04/01/27

      64       68,320  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., 5.38%, 04/15/26(c)

      121       126,747  

Wynn Macau Ltd., 5.50%, 10/01/27(c)

      600       591,750  

Yum! Brands, Inc.:

     

3.88%, 11/01/23

      98       100,695  

5.35%, 11/01/43

      71       67,450  
   

 

 

 
        24,003,618  
Household Durables — 0.6%  

Algeco Global Finance PLC, 8.00%, 02/15/23(c)

      400       400,300  

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc./Brookfield Residential US Corp., 6.13%, 07/01/22(c)

      207       209,846  

Lennar Corp.:

     

8.38%, 01/15/21

      134       144,050  

6.25%, 12/15/21

      380       402,325  

4.88%, 12/15/23

      122       130,845  

4.75%, 05/30/25

      260       278,200  

5.25%, 06/01/26

      28       30,485  

4.75%, 11/29/27

      360       391,500  

Mattamy Group Corp.(c):

     

6.88%, 12/15/23

      113       117,661  

6.50%, 10/01/25

      172       182,320  

MDC Holdings, Inc., 6.00%, 01/15/43

      122       125,050  

Meritage Homes Corp., 5.13%, 06/06/27

      77       81,043  

PulteGroup, Inc., 6.38%, 05/15/33

      469       510,038  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc., 5.88%, 06/15/27(c)

      264       283,140  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc., 5.50%, 06/15/26

      180       188,100  

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.:

     

4.88%, 07/01/21

      112       115,500  

5.25%, 06/01/27

      15       15,225  

TRI Pointe Group, Inc./TRI Pointe Homes, Inc., 5.88%, 06/15/24

      11       11,825  
   

 

 

 
        3,617,453  
Household Products — 0.2%  

ACCO Brands Corp., 5.25%, 12/15/24(c)

      85       87,231  

Berkline Benchcraft LLC, 4.50%, 06/01/20(a)(b)(h)

      200        
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Household Products (continued)  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.(c):

     

6.38%, 07/15/26

    USD       46     $ 48,473  

7.75%, 01/15/27

      441       482,344  

Spectrum Brands, Inc., 6.63%, 11/15/22

      407       414,122  
   

 

 

 
        1,032,170  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.1%  

AES Corp.:

     

4.50%, 03/15/23

      187       192,217  

4.88%, 05/15/23

      166       168,282  

6.00%, 05/15/26

      230       246,615  

5.13%, 09/01/27

      45       48,241  

Calpine Corp.:

     

5.38%, 01/15/23

      1,158       1,173,830  

5.88%, 01/15/24(c)

      480       490,253  

5.75%, 01/15/25

      520       527,800  

5.25%, 06/01/26(c)

      638       645,975  

Clearway Energy Operating LLC:

     

5.38%, 08/15/24

      443       454,075  

5.75%, 10/15/25(c)

      271       282,523  

NRG Energy, Inc.:

     

6.63%, 01/15/27

      1,008       1,088,640  

5.75%, 01/15/28

      596       642,190  

5.25%, 06/15/29(c)

      570       608,230  

TerraForm Power Operating LLC(c):

     

4.25%, 01/31/23

      181       185,462  

6.63%, 06/15/25(l)

      30       31,650  

5.00%, 01/31/28

      181       188,470  
   

 

 

 
        6,974,453  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.1%  

Algeco Global Finance PLC, 6.50%, 02/15/23

    EUR       100       113,899  

BWX Technologies, Inc., 5.38%, 07/15/26(c)

    USD       209       221,018  

Vertiv Group Corp., 9.25%, 10/15/24(c)

      541       511,245  
   

 

 

 
        846,162  
Insurance — 1.5%  

Acrisure LLC/Acrisure Finance, Inc., 8.13%, 02/15/24(c)

      130       140,075  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC/Alliant Holdings Co-Issuer, 8.25%, 08/01/23(c)

      1,247       1,273,499  

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings Ltd., 4.35%, 10/29/25(e)

      360       374,268  

AmWINS Group, Inc., 7.75%, 07/01/26(c)

      221       232,050  

Aon PLC, 3.88%, 12/15/25(e)

      1,115       1,209,005  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA(3 mo. EURIBOR + 5.35%), 5.50%, 10/27/47(g)

    EUR       100       132,161  

CNO Financial Group, Inc., 5.25%, 05/30/29

    USD       352       388,960  

Global Atlantic Fin Co., 8.63%, 04/15/21(c)

      750       813,840  

GTCR AP Finance, Inc., 8.00%, 05/15/27(c)

      281       285,917  

HUB International Ltd., 7.00%, 05/01/26(c)

      1,254       1,272,810  

Lincoln National Corp., 3.35%, 03/09/25(e)

      845       877,415  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen (3 mo. EURIBOR + 3.50%), 6.00%, 05/26/41(g)

    EUR       400       486,593  

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc.(c):

     

8.13%, 07/15/23

    USD       712       737,333  

9.13%, 07/15/26

      144       152,280  

Nationwide Building Society (5 year USD ICE Swap + 1.85%), 4.13%, 10/18/32(c)(e)(g)

      595       591,198  
   

 

 

 
        8,967,404  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.5%  

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC/GD Finance Co., Inc., 5.25%, 12/01/27(c)

      303       319,665  
 

 

 

30    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Interactive Media & Services (continued)  

Match Group, Inc., 5.63%, 02/15/29(c)

    USD       177     $ 191,824  

Netflix, Inc.:

     

4.88%, 04/15/28

      109       114,041  

5.88%, 11/15/28

      601       672,369  

3.88%, 11/15/29

    EUR       100       118,753  

5.38%, 11/15/29(c)

    USD       579       629,662  

Rackspace Hosting, Inc., 8.63%, 11/15/24(c)

      154       141,295  

Symantec Corp., 5.00%, 04/15/25(c)

      197       198,298  

Uber Technologies, Inc.(c):

     

7.50%, 11/01/23

      342       357,390  

8.00%, 11/01/26

      184       193,545  

United Group BV, 4.38%, 07/01/22

    EUR       126       141,591  
   

 

 

 
        3,078,433  
IT Services — 0.5%  

Banff Merger Sub, Inc.:

     

8.38%, 09/01/26

      110       108,806  

9.75%, 09/01/26(c)

    USD       1,408       1,281,280  

Gartner, Inc., 5.13%, 04/01/25(c)

      174       182,481  

InterXion Holding NV, 4.75%, 06/15/25

    EUR       100       119,687  

Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital Corp., 5.00%, 08/15/27(c)

    USD       835       863,181  

WEX, Inc., 4.75%, 02/01/23(c)

      177       178,327  

Xerox Corp.:

     

4.80%, 03/01/35

      336       291,480  

6.75%, 12/15/39

      50       50,475  
   

 

 

 
        3,075,717  
Leisure Products — 0.1%  

Mattel, Inc., 6.75%, 12/31/25(c)

      712       731,580  
   

 

 

 
Machinery — 0.6%  

Colfax Corp.(c):

     

6.00%, 02/15/24

      575       613,094  

6.38%, 02/15/26

      270       293,625  

Manitowoc Co., Inc., 9.00%, 04/01/26(c)

      242       240,790  

Mueller Water Products, Inc., 5.50%, 06/15/26(c)

      233       245,232  

Platin 1426 GmbH, 5.38%, 06/15/23

    EUR       109       118,613  

RBS Global, Inc./Rexnord LLC, 4.88%, 12/15/25(c)

    USD       353       363,590  

SPX FLOW, Inc.(c):

     

5.63%, 08/15/24

      206       215,012  

5.88%, 08/15/26

      89       93,895  

Terex Corp., 5.63%, 02/01/25(c)

      758       771,318  

Titan Acquisition Ltd./Titan Co-Borrower LLC, 7.75%, 04/15/26(c)

      797       721,285  

Wabash National Corp., 5.50%, 10/01/25(c)

      241       237,665  
   

 

 

 
        3,914,119  
Media — 7.8%  

Altice Financing SA(c):

     

6.63%, 02/15/23

      440       453,750  

7.50%, 05/15/26

      743       791,295  

Altice France SA:

     

6.25%, 05/15/24(c)

      200       206,184  

7.38%, 05/01/26(c)

      2,104       2,246,020  

5.88%, 02/01/27

    EUR       100       121,582  

8.13%, 02/01/27(c)

    USD       707       779,467  

Altice Luxembourg SA(c):

     

7.75%, 05/15/22

      1,065       1,092,184  

7.63%, 02/15/25

      868       897,295  

10.50%, 05/15/27

      873       949,387  

AMC Networks, Inc., 4.75%, 08/01/25

      542       553,517  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.:

     

5.13%, 02/15/23

      270       274,388  

4.00%, 03/01/23(c)

      670       676,700  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)  

5.13%, 05/01/27(c)

    USD       1,447     $ 1,530,188  

5.88%, 05/01/27(c)

      349       371,685  

5.00%, 02/01/28(c)

      106       111,300  

5.38%, 06/01/29(c)

      1,401       1,497,319  

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital, 4.91%, 07/23/25(e)

      2,425       2,679,635  

Clear Channel International BV, 8.75%, 12/15/20(c)

      560       572,247  

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.:

     

6.50%, 11/15/22

      1,197       1,222,939  

9.25%, 02/15/24(c)

      1,889       2,070,816  

5.13%, 08/15/27(c)

      1,638       1,713,757  

Series B, 6.50%, 11/15/22

      1,570       1,604,022  

Comcast Corp., 3.95%, 10/15/25(e)

      3,000       3,288,285  

CSC Holdings LLC:

     

6.75%, 11/15/21

      187       201,960  

5.38%, 07/15/23(c)

      1,109       1,139,786  

5.25%, 06/01/24

      123       131,610  

7.75%, 07/15/25(c)

      202       216,898  

6.63%, 10/15/25(c)

      235       251,586  

10.88%, 10/15/25(c)

      1,614       1,831,890  

5.50%, 05/15/26(c)

      200       211,500  

5.38%, 02/01/28(c)

      200       213,552  

6.50%, 02/01/29(c)

      822       921,154  

5.75%, 01/15/30(c)

      503       526,264  

Series 144S, 5.13%, 12/15/21(c)

      493       493,616  

Diamond Sports Group LLC/Diamond Sports Finance Co., 5.38%, 08/15/26(c)

      845       887,250  

Discovery Communications LLC(e):

     

3.25%, 04/01/23

      1,490       1,536,437  

3.45%, 03/15/25

      170       175,432  

DISH DBS Corp.:

     

6.75%, 06/01/21

      461       485,571  

5.88%, 07/15/22

      945       978,075  

5.00%, 03/15/23

      358       351,288  

5.88%, 11/15/24

      217       206,432  

eircom Finance DAC, 3.50%, 05/15/26

    EUR       100       117,324  

Entercom Media Corp., 6.50%, 05/01/27(c)

    USD       286       296,010  

Gray Television, Inc., 7.00%, 05/15/27(c)

      227       248,213  

Hughes Satellite Systems Corp., 5.25%, 08/01/26

      177       187,620  

iHeartCommunications, Inc.:

     

6.38%, 05/01/26

      161       174,065  

5.25%, 08/15/27(c)

      327       343,818  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA:

     

5.50%, 08/01/23

      1,009       918,190  

8.50%, 10/15/24(c)

      851       844,617  

9.75%, 07/15/25(c)

      631       647,564  

Lamar Media Corp., 5.75%, 02/01/26

      124       131,440  

Level 3 Parent LLC, 5.75%, 12/01/22

      405       408,038  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 4.88%, 11/01/24(c)

      29       30,051  

MDC Partners, Inc., 6.50%, 05/01/24(c)

      190       172,900  

Meredith Corp., 6.88%, 02/01/26

      154       162,470  

Midcontinent Communications/Midcontinent Finance Corp., 5.38%, 08/15/27(c)

      177       183,731  

Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital Corp., 5.88%, 03/15/25

      54       55,823  

Qualitytech LP/QTS Finance Corp., 4.75%, 11/15/25(c)

      146       149,103  

Radiate Holdco LLC/Radiate Finance, Inc., 6.88%, 02/15/23(c)

      60       61,200  

Sable International Finance Ltd., 5.75%, 09/07/27(c)

      200       209,000  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      31  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc.(c):

     

4.63%, 07/15/24

    USD       152     $ 158,650  

5.00%, 08/01/27

      332       350,260  

5.50%, 07/01/29

      489       532,868  

TEGNA, Inc.:

     

5.13%, 10/15/19

      105       105,116  

5.50%, 09/15/24(c)

      66       67,650  

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes Sarl, 5.50%, 03/01/28(c)

      200       203,400  

Telenet Finance VI Luxembourg SCA, 4.88%, 07/15/27

    EUR       70       84,434  

Telesat Canada/Telesat LLC, 8.88%, 11/15/24(c)

    USD       129       139,561  

Tribune Media Co., 5.88%, 07/15/22

      302       306,436  

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG/Unitymedia NRW GmbH, 3.50%, 01/15/27

    EUR       100       116,775  

Univision Communications, Inc.(c):

     

5.13%, 05/15/23

    USD       366       361,425  

5.13%, 02/15/25

      133       128,330  

Videotron Ltd., 5.13%, 04/15/27(c)

      439       462,048  

Virgin Media Finance PLC, 5.75%, 01/15/25(c)

      855       888,952  

Virgin Media Receivables Financing Notes I DAC, 5.50%, 09/15/24

    GBP       100       124,903  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC:

     

5.13%, 01/15/25

      100       125,920  

5.50%, 08/15/26(c)

    USD       200       209,250  

5.50%, 05/15/29(c)

      200       209,000  

Ziggo Bond Co. BV(c):

     

5.88%, 01/15/25

      470       485,863  

6.00%, 01/15/27

      199       207,458  

Ziggo BV:

     

4.25%, 01/15/27

    EUR       100       119,490  

5.50%, 01/15/27(c)

    USD       516       544,354  
   

 

 

 
        47,737,583  
Metals & Mining — 1.9%  

Big River Steel LLC/BRS Finance Corp., 7.25%, 09/01/25(c)

      221       233,708  

Constellium SE(c):

     

5.75%, 05/15/24

      756       778,680  

6.63%, 03/01/25

      1,269       1,328,484  

5.88%, 02/15/26

      838       873,615  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.:

     

3.55%, 03/01/22

      686       687,715  

3.88%, 03/15/23

      1,394       1,408,498  

5.00%, 09/01/27

      226       225,435  

5.25%, 09/01/29

      245       242,920  

5.40%, 11/14/34

      161       154,560  

5.45%, 03/15/43

      1,747       1,594,137  

Gold Fields Orogen Holdings BVI Ltd., 5.13%, 05/15/24(c)

      200       213,000  

Grinding Media, Inc./Moly-Cop AltaSteel Ltd., 7.38%, 12/15/23(c)

      271       257,111  

Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc., 11.00%, 05/15/22(c)

      135       141,750  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 5.88%, 05/15/24

      112       116,200  

Nexa Resources SA, 5.38%, 05/04/27(c)

      237       248,169  

Novelis Corp.(c):

     

6.25%, 08/15/24

      1,373       1,438,217  

5.88%, 09/30/26

      502       530,238  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.:

     

5.25%, 04/15/23

      200       203,200  

5.50%, 10/01/24

      56       57,708  

4.13%, 09/15/25

      206       207,545  

5.00%, 12/15/26

      15       15,675  

thyssenkrupp AG, 2.88%, 02/22/24

    EUR       84       95,634  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Metals & Mining (continued)  

Usiminas International Sarl, 5.88%, 07/18/26(c)

    USD       200     $ 201,200  

Vale Overseas Ltd., 6.25%, 08/10/26(e)

      188       216,529  
   

 

 

 
        11,469,928  
Multi-Utilities — 0.3%  

Brooklyn Union Gas Co., 3.41%, 03/10/26(c)(e)

      1,475       1,553,022  

Superior Plus LP/Superior General Partner, Inc., 7.00%, 07/15/26(c)

      314       328,915  
   

 

 

 
        1,881,937  
Offshore Drilling & Other Services — 0.0%  

Entegris, Inc., 4.63%, 02/10/26(c)

      190       195,700  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 5.6%  

Aker BP ASA, 4.75%, 06/15/24(c)

      508       519,430  

Andeavor Logistics LP/Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 4.25%, 12/01/27

      185       195,728  

Antero Midstream Partners LP/Antero Midstream Finance Corp., 5.38%, 09/15/24

      55       51,838  

Antero Resources Corp., 5.38%, 11/01/21

      47       45,649  

Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ARU Finance Corp., 10.00%, 04/01/22(c)

      239       239,597  

Berry Petroleum Co. LLC, 7.00%, 02/15/26(c)

      149       136,708  

Brazos Valley Longhorn LLC/Brazos Valley Longhorn Finance Corp., 6.88%, 02/01/25

      160       142,400  

California Resources Corp., 8.00%, 12/15/22(c)

      126       72,450  

Callon Petroleum Co.:

     

6.13%, 10/01/24

      180       174,600  

Series WI, 6.38%, 07/01/26

      292       283,240  

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.:

     

6.25%, 04/15/23

      232       221,908  

8.25%, 07/15/25

      243       235,710  

Centennial Resource Production LLC, 6.88%, 04/01/27(c)

      219       219,000  

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC:

     

7.00%, 06/30/24

      623       718,786  

5.88%, 03/31/25

      382       425,930  

5.13%, 06/30/27

      991       1,093,816  

Cheniere Energy Partners LP:

     

5.63%, 10/01/26

      258       272,190  

Series WI, 5.25%, 10/01/25

      48       49,620  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.:

     

6.63%, 08/15/20

      349       348,145  

4.88%, 04/15/22

      300       248,625  

5.75%, 03/15/23

      75       60,000  

7.00%, 10/01/24

      136       103,700  

8.00%, 03/15/26(c)

      163       116,545  

8.00%, 06/15/27

      628       453,736  

CNX Resources Corp., 5.88%, 04/15/22

      1,823       1,763,752  

Comstock Resources, Inc., 9.75%, 08/15/26

      155       116,638  

CONSOL Energy, Inc., 11.00%, 11/15/25(c)

      632       650,960  

Covey Park Energy LLC/Covey Park Finance Corp., 7.50%, 05/15/25(c)

      210       149,100  

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP/Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp.:

     

6.25%, 04/01/23

      21       21,368  

5.63%, 05/01/27(c)

      389       388,876  

CrownRock LP/CrownRock Finance, Inc., 5.63%, 10/15/25(c)

      1,170       1,158,300  

DCP Midstream Operating LP:

     

5.38%, 07/15/25

      188       198,810  

5.13%, 05/15/29

      153       156,833  

6.45%, 11/03/36(c)

      226       236,735  

6.75%, 09/15/37(c)

      392       411,600  
 

 

 

32    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

Denbury Resources, Inc.(c):

     

9.00%, 05/15/21

    USD       80     $ 72,800  

9.25%, 03/31/22

      326       273,840  

eG Global Finance PLC:

     

4.38%, 02/07/25

    EUR       100       106,745  

6.75%, 02/07/25(c)

    USD       396       382,140  

Enbridge, Inc. (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.64%), 6.25%, 03/01/78(e)(g)

      1,565       1,631,512  

Endeavor Energy Resources LP/EER Finance, Inc.(c):

     

5.50%, 01/30/26

      650       675,187  

5.75%, 01/30/28

      277       290,157  

EnLink Midstream LLC, 5.38%, 06/01/29

      82       80,237  

EnLink Midstream Partners LP:

     

4.40%, 04/01/24

      240       237,600  

4.15%, 06/01/25

      24       22,920  

4.85%, 07/15/26

      108       105,840  

5.60%, 04/01/44

      176       148,720  

5.05%, 04/01/45

      220       181,500  

5.45%, 06/01/47

      31       26,195  

Extraction Oil & Gas, Inc.(c):

     

7.38%, 05/15/24

      182       136,500  

5.63%, 02/01/26

      439       289,740  

Genesis Energy LP/Genesis Energy Finance Corp.:

     

6.00%, 05/15/23

      78       77,415  

5.63%, 06/15/24

      41       39,155  

6.50%, 10/01/25

      95       92,506  

6.25%, 05/15/26

      111       106,048  

Geopark Ltd., 6.50%, 09/21/24(c)

      200       204,062  

Great Western Petroleum LLC/Great Western Finance, Inc., 9.00%, 09/30/21(c)

      495       434,362  

Hess Corp., 4.30%, 04/01/27

      50       52,341  

Hess Infrastructure Partners LP/Hess Infrastructure Partners Finance Corp., 5.63%, 02/15/26(c)

      210       217,350  

Impulsora Pipeline LLC, 6.05%, 12/31/42(a)

      1,469       1,577,528  

Indigo Natural Resources LLC, 6.88%, 02/15/26(c)

      355       292,875  

Matador Resources Co., 5.88%, 09/15/26

      321       310,969  

MEG Energy Corp.(c):

     

6.38%, 01/30/23

      173       163,485  

7.00%, 03/31/24

      61       58,026  

6.50%, 01/15/25

      813       817,065  

Murphy Oil Corp.:

     

5.75%, 08/15/25

      105       106,281  

5.63%, 12/01/42

      105       91,350  

Nabors Industries, Inc.:

     

5.00%, 09/15/20

      46       45,770  

4.63%, 09/15/21

      186       177,165  

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc., 6.25%, 03/15/26(c)

      74       75,887  

NGPL PipeCo LLC, 7.77%, 12/15/37(c)

      417       543,676  

Noble Holding International Ltd.:

     

7.75%, 01/15/24

      18       11,970  

7.88%, 02/01/26(c)

      646       521,645  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., (8.50% Cash or 1.00% PIK), 8.50%, 05/15/23(f)

      54       55,201  

NuStar Logistics LP, 6.00%, 06/01/26

      163       174,818  

Odebrecht Offshore Drilling Finance Ltd.(c):

     

6.72%, 12/01/22

      72       70,071  

(7.72% PIK), 7.72%, 12/01/26(f)

      8       2,149  

Pacific Drilling SA, 8.38%, 10/01/23(c)

      761       694,412  

Parsley Energy LLC/Parsley Finance Corp.(c):

     

6.25%, 06/01/24

      139       144,213  

5.38%, 01/15/25

      296       301,920  

5.25%, 08/15/25

      59       59,885  

5.63%, 10/15/27

      316       325,480  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

PBF Holding Co. LLC/PBF Finance Corp., 7.25%, 06/15/25

    USD       212     $ 219,613  

PDC Energy, Inc.:

     

1.13%, 09/15/21(m)

      888       822,788  

6.13%, 09/15/24

      103       102,743  

5.75%, 05/15/26

      108       105,559  

Petrobras Global Finance BV:

     

6.13%, 01/17/22

      114       122,229  

5.30%, 01/27/25

      152       164,532  

8.75%, 05/23/26

      176       219,912  

6.00%, 01/27/28

      189       207,002  

7.25%, 03/17/44

      160       189,250  

Petroleos Mexicanos:

     

5.38%, 03/13/22

      39       39,878  

6.50%, 03/13/27

      117       119,497  

QEP Resources, Inc.:

     

6.88%, 03/01/21

      456       452,580  

5.38%, 10/01/22

      122       109,800  

5.25%, 05/01/23

      96       84,000  

5.63%, 03/01/26

      165       133,650  

Range Resources Corp.:

     

5.75%, 06/01/21

      166       164,340  

5.88%, 07/01/22

      52       49,790  

5.00%, 08/15/22

      60       55,950  

4.88%, 05/15/25

      191       156,620  

Rowan Cos., Inc., 4.88%, 06/01/22

      527       429,505  

SM Energy Co.:

     

6.13%, 11/15/22

      42       39,060  

5.00%, 01/15/24

      142       124,250  

5.63%, 06/01/25

      125       106,250  

6.75%, 09/15/26

      27       22,950  

Southwestern Energy Co.:

     

6.20%, 01/23/25

      120       105,000  

7.75%, 10/01/27

      120       104,400  

SRC Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 12/01/25

      122       120,933  

Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations LP, 3.90%, 07/15/26(e)

      235       243,102  

Sunoco LP/Sunoco Finance Corp.:

     

6.00%, 04/15/27

      141       148,403  

Series WI, 4.88%, 01/15/23

      213       217,792  

Series WI, 5.50%, 02/15/26

      33       34,238  

Series WI, 5.88%, 03/15/28

      124       128,960  

Tallgrass Energy Partners LP/Tallgrass Energy Finance Corp.(c):

     

4.75%, 10/01/23

      26       25,773  

5.50%, 09/15/24

      462       450,450  

5.50%, 01/15/28

      628       591,105  

Targa Resources Partners LP/Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.:

     

5.13%, 02/01/25

      118       120,950  

5.88%, 04/15/26

      314       328,915  

5.38%, 02/01/27

      2       2,064  

6.50%, 07/15/27(c)

      324       351,540  

5.00%, 01/15/28

      279       280,395  

6.88%, 01/15/29(c)

      980       1,082,900  

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, 4.00%, 03/15/28(e)

      280       299,692  

Transocean Pontus Ltd., 6.13%, 08/01/25(c)

      80       81,213  

Transocean Poseidon Ltd., 6.88%, 02/01/27(c)

      293       305,819  

Transocean Sentry Ltd., 5.38%, 05/15/23(c)

      130       128,700  

Transocean, Inc., 7.25%, 11/01/25(c)

      196       178,360  

WPX Energy, Inc.:

     

6.00%, 01/15/22

      44       45,210  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      33  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

WPX Energy, Inc. (continued):

     

8.25%, 08/01/23

    USD       174     $ 193,575  

5.25%, 09/15/24

      84       85,260  

5.75%, 06/01/26

      45       46,688  

YPF SA, 8.50%, 07/28/25

      250       166,250  
   

 

 

 
        34,298,471  
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%  

Norbord, Inc., 6.25%, 04/15/23(c)

      152       161,120  
   

 

 

 
Personal Products — 0.0%  

Coty, Inc., 6.50%, 04/15/26(c)

      122       115,290  
   

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals — 2.9%  

AbbVie, Inc., 3.60%, 05/14/25(e)

      695       724,599  

Allergan Funding SCS, 3.45%, 03/15/22(e)

      2,460       2,526,820  

Bausch Health Americas, Inc.(c):

     

8.50%, 01/31/27

      1,163       1,290,907  

9.25%, 04/01/26

      241       272,932  

Bausch Health Cos., Inc.:

     

5.50%, 03/01/23(c)

      199       200,990  

4.50%, 05/15/23

    EUR       346       385,025  

5.88%, 05/15/23(c)

    USD       356       360,450  

7.00%, 03/15/24(c)

      476       502,732  

6.13%, 04/15/25(c)

      984       1,013,520  

5.50%, 11/01/25(c)

      1,148       1,203,942  

9.00%, 12/15/25(c)

      551       617,809  

5.75%, 08/15/27(c)

      145       155,513  

7.00%, 01/15/28(c)

      435       455,850  

7.25%, 05/30/29(c)

      525       555,187  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., 5.00%, 07/15/27(c)

      275       288,093  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., 5.50%, 04/01/26(c)

      365       390,513  

CVS Health Corp.:

     

4.75%, 12/01/22

      165       176,323  

4.10%, 03/25/25(e)

      2,355       2,520,914  

Eagle Holding Co. II LLC, (7.75% Cash), 7.75%, 05/15/22(c)(f)

      342       345,847  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc., 4.90%, 08/28/28

      187       203,778  

Jaguar Holding Co. II/Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, 6.38%, 08/01/23(c)

      1,567       1,617,927  

MEDNAX, Inc., 6.25%, 01/15/27(c)

      617       604,660  

Nidda BondCo GmbH, 7.25%, 09/30/25

    EUR       100       117,153  

Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., 7.50%, 04/01/27(c)

    USD       767       715,227  

Syneos Health, Inc./inVentiv Health, Inc./inVentiv Health Clinical, Inc., 7.50%, 10/01/24(c)

      208       216,320  
   

 

 

 
        17,463,031  
Professional Services — 0.0%  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp., 10.25%, 02/15/27(c)

      211       230,518  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate — 0.0%  

Prologis LP, 3.75%, 11/01/25(e)

      255       279,951  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.1%  

ADLER Real Estate AG, 3.00%, 04/27/26

    EUR       100       118,148  

Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, 5.75%, 12/01/25(c)

    USD       174       178,411  

Howard Hughes Corp., 5.38%, 03/15/25(c)

      186       191,580  

Newmark Group, Inc., 6.13%, 11/15/23

      106       115,105  

Residomo SRO, 3.38%, 10/15/24

    EUR       100       114,404  
   

 

 

 
        717,648  
Road & Rail — 0.9%  

Avis Budget Finance PLC, 4.75%, 01/30/26

      100       117,873  

Europcar Mobility Group, 4.00%, 04/30/26

      100       113,993  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Road & Rail (continued)  

Flexi-Van Leasing, Inc., 10.00%, 02/15/23(c)

    USD       169     $ 165,198  

Herc Holdings, Inc., 5.50%, 07/15/27(c)

      430       445,050  

Hertz Corp., 7.63%, 06/01/22(c)

      506       526,898  

Hertz Holdings Netherlands BV, 5.50%, 03/30/23

    EUR       100       115,568  

Lima Metro Line 2 Finance Ltd., 5.88%, 07/05/34(c)(e)

    USD       3,000       3,274,687  

United Rentals North America, Inc.:

     

4.63%, 07/15/23

      160       163,500  

5.88%, 09/15/26

      52       55,770  

5.25%, 01/15/30

      235       251,156  
   

 

 

 
        5,229,693  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.9%  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7.50%, 08/15/22

      73       82,401  

Analog Devices, Inc.(e):

     

3.90%, 12/15/25

      375       403,868  

3.50%, 12/05/26

      275       289,806  

Applied Materials, Inc., 3.90%, 10/01/25(e)

      285       312,632  

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd., 3.63%, 01/15/24(e)

      1,515       1,545,950  

Qorvo, Inc., 5.50%, 07/15/26

      422       450,493  

QUALCOMM, Inc., 3.45%, 05/20/25(e)

      1,570       1,668,264  

Sensata Technologies BV(c):

     

5.63%, 11/01/24

      179       194,215  

5.00%, 10/01/25

      324       343,440  
   

 

 

 
        5,291,069  
Software — 2.3%  

ACI Worldwide, Inc., 5.75%, 08/15/26(c)

      696       730,800  

CA, Inc., 3.60%, 08/15/22(e)

      555       565,810  

CDK Global, Inc.:

     

4.88%, 06/01/27

      655       676,772  

5.25%, 05/15/29(c)

      138       142,485  

Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc./Greeneden Lux 3 Sarl/Greeneden US Ho, 10.00%, 11/30/24(c)

      1,209       1,305,720  

Infor US, Inc., 6.50%, 05/15/22

      2,649       2,692,046  

Informatica LLC, 7.13%, 07/15/23(c)

      1,695       1,724,663  

Nuance Communications, Inc.:

     

6.00%, 07/01/24

      144       149,760  

5.63%, 12/15/26

      143       150,686  

PTC, Inc., 6.00%, 05/15/24

      227       237,783  

RP Crown Parent LLC, 7.38%, 10/15/24(c)

      758       789,995  

Solera LLC/Solera Finance, Inc., 10.50%, 03/01/24(c)

      1,829       1,938,740  

Sophia LP/Sophia Finance, Inc., 9.00%, 09/30/23(c)

      292       300,030  

SS&C Technologies, Inc., 5.50%, 09/30/27(c)

      1,484       1,558,200  

TIBCO Software, Inc., 11.38%, 12/01/21(c)

      784       823,200  

Veritas US, Inc./Veritas Bermuda Ltd., 7.50%, 02/01/23(c)

      400       396,000  
   

 

 

 
        14,182,690  
Specialty Retail — 0.6%  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., 6.00%, 12/15/24

      334       345,272  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., 4.88%, 01/15/26(c)

      324       328,860  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.:

     

5.00%, 06/01/22

      155       156,550  

5.25%, 12/15/23(c)

      18       18,450  

IAA, Inc., 5.50%, 06/15/27(c)

      372       396,180  

L Brands, Inc.:

     

6.88%, 11/01/35

      401       338,845  

6.75%, 07/01/36

      71       59,640  
 

 

 

34    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Specialty Retail (continued)  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., 5.50%, 05/15/26

    USD       32     $ 33,520  

PetSmart, Inc.(c):

     

7.13%, 03/15/23

      163       151,590  

5.88%, 06/01/25

      663       649,740  

Staples, Inc.(c):

     

7.50%, 04/15/26

      1,058       1,068,580  

10.75%, 04/15/27

      174       175,740  

Tendam Brands SAU, 5.00%, 09/15/24

    EUR       100       111,944  
   

 

 

 
        3,834,911  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.4%  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.(c):

     

4.42%, 06/15/21

    USD       40       41,253  

7.13%, 06/15/24

      931       981,479  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 4.90%, 10/15/25(e)

      375       415,227  

NCR Corp.(c):

     

5.75%, 09/01/27

      220       232,333  

6.13%, 09/01/29

      220       233,501  

Western Digital Corp., 4.75%, 02/15/26

      589       602,812  
   

 

 

 
        2,506,605  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.0%  

William Carter Co., 5.63%, 03/15/27(c)

      160       170,397  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.1%  

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP/Ladder Capital Finance Corp.(c):

     

5.25%, 03/15/22

      23       23,920  

5.25%, 10/01/25

      284       289,680  
   

 

 

 
        313,600  
Transportation Infrastructure — 0.2%  

Rumo Luxembourg Sarl, 7.38%, 02/09/24(c)

      293       315,341  

Swissport Financing Sarl, 5.25%, 08/15/24

    EUR       100       113,061  

Transurban Finance Co. Property Ltd., 4.13%, 02/02/26(c)(e)

    USD       435       466,536  
   

 

 

 
        894,938  
Utilities — 0.2%  

ContourGlobal Power Holdings SA, 3.38%, 08/01/23

    EUR       100       114,139  

Generacion Mediterranea SA/Generacion Frias SA/Central Termica Roca SA, 9.63%, 07/27/23(c)

    USD       293       146,500  

Orano SA, 3.38%, 04/23/26

    EUR       100       119,863  

Vistra Operations Co. LLC(c):

     

5.50%, 09/01/26

    USD       8       8,400  

5.63%, 02/15/27

      422       446,793  

5.00%, 07/31/27

      158       163,135  
   

 

 

 
        998,830  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.5%  

C&W Senior Financing DAC, 6.88%, 09/15/27(c)

      329       350,349  

Comunicaciones Celulares SA Via Comcel Trust, 6.88%, 02/06/24(c)

      1,273       1,314,770  

CyrusOne LP/CyrusOne Finance Corp., 5.38%, 03/15/27

      112       118,860  

Equinix, Inc., 2.88%, 10/01/25

    EUR       100       114,300  

Iron Mountain, Inc., 3.00%, 01/15/25

      100       113,114  

Matterhorn Telecom SA, 3.88%, 05/01/22

      100       111,004  

Radiate Holdco LLC/Radiate Finance, Inc., 6.63%, 02/15/25(c)

    USD       137       135,973  

Rogers Communications, Inc., 5.00%, 03/15/44(e)

      545       680,433  

SBA Communications Corp., 4.00%, 10/01/22

      401       408,017  

Sprint Capital Corp.:

     

6.88%, 11/15/28

      240       266,100  

8.75%, 03/15/32

      125       156,560  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Wireless Telecommunication Services (continued)  

Sprint Corp.:

     

7.88%, 09/15/23

    USD       601     $ 676,125  

7.13%, 06/15/24

      1,131       1,250,275  

7.63%, 02/15/25

      159       177,881  

7.63%, 03/01/26

      788       885,515  

Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC, 3.36%, 03/20/23(c)(e)

      293       293,611  

T-Mobile USA, Inc.:

     

4.00%, 04/15/22

      197       202,788  

6.38%, 03/01/25

      282       292,011  

6.50%, 01/15/26

      227       244,025  

4.50%, 02/01/26

      498       516,675  

4.75%, 02/01/28

      479       504,138  

Xplornet Communications, Inc., (9.63% Cash or 10.63% PIK), 9.63%, 06/01/22(c)(f)

    USD       141       144,322  
   

 

 

 
        8,956,846  
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds — 61.9%
(Cost — $367,550,357)

 

    377,958,104  
   

 

 

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests(d) — 39.9%

 

Aerospace & Defense — 0.7%  

1199169 B.C. Unlimited Liability Co., 2019 Term Loan B2, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 04/06/26

      659       658,466  

Atlantic Aviation FBO, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.87%, 12/06/25(a)

      395       396,991  

Dynasty Acquisition Co., Inc., 2019 Term Loan B1, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 04/06/26

      1,226       1,224,750  

TransDigm, Inc., 2018 Term Loan F, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.83%, 06/09/23

      2,206       2,188,940  
   

 

 

 
        4,469,147  
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%  

Avolon TLB Borrower 1 (US) LLC, Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.92%, 01/15/25

      714       714,882  

WestJet Airlines Ltd., Term Loan B, 08/06/26(n)

      1,143       1,145,503  
   

 

 

 
        1,860,385  
Airlines — 0.2%  

American Airlines, Inc.:

     

2017 Incremental Term Loan, 12/14/23(n)

      890       886,570  

Repriced TL B due 2023, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 04/28/23

      393       391,124  
   

 

 

 
        1,277,694  
Auto Components — 0.4%  

Adient US LLC, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.46%, 05/06/24

      146       141,433  

Panther BF Aggregator 2 LP, USD Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 04/30/26

      823       810,655  

USI, Inc., 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.33%, 05/16/24

      1,018       992,757  

Wand NewCo 3, Inc., 2019 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.71%, 02/05/26

      489       490,222  
   

 

 

 
        2,435,067  
Banks — 0.1%  

Capri Finance LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.51%, 11/01/24

      814       796,561  
   

 

 

 
Building Materials — 0.3%  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC, 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.51%, 07/10/26

      1,789       1,784,970  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      35  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Building Products — 0.3%  

CPG International, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (6 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.93%, 05/05/24

    USD       473     $ 467,411  

Jeld-Wen, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 12/14/24

      403       401,719  

Wilsonart LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.58%, 12/19/23

      769       748,865  
   

 

 

 
        1,617,995  
Capital Markets — 0.7%  

Duff & Phelps Corp., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 02/13/25

      845       819,669  

Fortress Investment Group LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 12/27/22

      486       486,745  

Greenhill & Co., Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.45%, 04/12/24

      403       398,801  

Jefferies Finance LLC, 2019 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 6.00%, 06/03/26

      468       466,685  

RPI Finance Trust, Term Loan B6, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 03/27/23

      817       817,739  

Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) Sarl:

     

2019 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 9.00%), 11.54%, 05/28/27(a)

      410       356,700  

2019 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%), 7.54%, 05/29/26

      765       702,827  
   

 

 

 
        4,049,166  
Chemicals — 1.8%  

Alpha 3 BV, 2017 Term Loan B1, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.33%, 01/31/24

      1,772       1,717,174  

Axalta Coating Systems US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.08%, 06/01/24

      1,152       1,144,369  

Charter NEX US Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 05/16/24

      969       951,712  

Charter NEX US, Inc., Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 05/16/24

      266       265,503  

Chemours Co., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.87%, 04/03/25

      346       333,552  

Element Materials Technology Group US Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.15%, 06/28/24

      261       261,235  

Encapsys LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 11/07/24

      422       421,363  

Invictus US LLC:

     

1st Lien Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.15%, 03/28/25

      611       603,865  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 6.75%), 8.90%, 03/30/26

      135       133,819  

Messer Industries GmbH, 2018 USD Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.83%, 03/01/26

      1,352       1,341,962  

Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.59%, 05/15/24

      272       266,220  

Oxea Holding Drei GmbH, 2017 Term Loan B2, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.75%, 10/14/24

      1,006       998,708  

Plaskolite LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor), 6.43%, 12/15/25

      375       360,560  

PQ Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.76%, 02/08/25

      985       984,248  

Starfruit Finco BV, 2018 USD Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.46%, 10/01/25

      404       389,678  

Tata Chemicals North America, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.13%, 08/07/20

      476       474,444  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Chemicals (continued)  

Vectra Co., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 03/08/25

    USD       315     $ 302,571  
   

 

 

 
        10,950,983  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.0%

 

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc., Term Loan B3, (1 Week LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.39%, 11/10/23

      1,063       1,064,074  

Aramark Services, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B3, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.08%, 03/11/25

      663       662,118  

Asurion LLC:

     

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 6.50%), 8.61%, 08/04/25

      671       680,267  

2017 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 08/04/22

      193       193,511  

2018 Term Loan B6, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 11/03/23

      1,364       1,364,498  

2018 Term Loan B7, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 11/03/24

      388       388,080  

Camelot UK Holdco Ltd., 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 10/03/23

      1,075       1,078,006  

Creative Artists Agency LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 02/15/24

      1,051       1,049,893  

Diamond (BC) BV, Term Loan, 09/06/24(n)

      455       415,188  

EnergySolutions LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 6.08%, 05/09/25

      191       179,606  

GFL Environmental, Inc., 2018 USD Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 05/30/25

      834       825,524  

Harland Clarke Holdings Corp., Term Loan B7, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%, 1.00% Floor), 7.08%, 11/03/23

      177       137,043  

KAR Auction Services, Inc., Term Loan B5, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.88%, 03/09/23

      130       129,668  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 05/02/22

      1,280       1,277,890  

US Ecology, Inc., Term Loan B, 08/14/26(n)

      158       158,593  

Verscend Holding Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.61%, 08/27/25

      1,796       1,799,221  

West Corp.:

     

2017 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.11%, 10/10/24

      1,067       950,835  

2018 Term Loan B1, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 10/10/24

      99       87,491  
   

 

 

 
        12,441,506  

Communications Equipment — 0.2%

 

Avantor, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, 11/21/24(n)

      529       533,297  

Avaya, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (2 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.43%, 12/15/24

      94       92,251  

Ciena Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (PRIME + 2.00%), 4.17%, 09/26/25

      582       583,322  
   

 

 

 
        1,208,870  

Construction & Engineering — 0.3%

 

Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor), 6.51%, 06/21/24

      1,034       980,138  

Ply Gem Midco, Inc., 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.95%, 04/12/25

      129       125,112  

SRS Distribution, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 05/23/25

      470       455,072  
 

 

 

36    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Construction & Engineering (continued)  

USIC Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 12/08/23

    USD       403     $ 397,186  
   

 

 

 
        1,957,508  

Construction Materials — 0.5%

 

Core & Main LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.27%, 08/01/24

      1,384       1,380,201  

Filtration Group Corp., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 03/29/25

      1,353       1,352,380  

Foundation Building Materials LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 08/13/25

      272       270,605  

Tamko Building Products, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.37%, 06/01/26(a)

      202       202,000  
   

 

 

 
        3,205,186  

Containers & Packaging — 0.8%

 

Berry Global, Inc.:

     

Term Loan Q, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 10/01/22

      1,595       1,595,013  

USD Term Loan U, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 07/01/26

      945       944,480  

BWAY Holding Co., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.59%, 04/03/24

      1,014       984,523  

Flex Acquisition Co., Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.32%, 12/29/23

      1,219       1,159,059  

Pregis Corp., Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.25%, 07/31/26

      301       299,369  
   

 

 

 
        4,982,444  

Distributors — 0.4%

 

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 10/31/23

      1,374       1,360,972  

TriMark USA LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (6 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.70%, 08/28/24

      1,113       936,069  
   

 

 

 
        2,297,041  

Diversified Consumer Services — 1.0%

 

Ascend Learning LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 07/12/24

      463       458,265  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (PRIME + 1.75%), 3.86%, 11/07/23

      596       595,819  

Genuine Financial Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 07/12/25

      475       461,540  

Nomad Foods Europe Midco Ltd., 2017 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 05/15/24

      415       411,514  

Serta Simmons Bedding LLC:

     

1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.70%, 11/08/23

      326       216,723  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor) 10.18%, 11/08/24

      40       17,217  

ServiceMaster Co., 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 11/08/23

      106       105,911  

Spin Holdco, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.57%, 11/14/22

      1,374       1,342,523  

TruGreen LP, 2019 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.86%, 03/19/26

      753       755,300  

Uber Technologies, Inc.:

     

2018 Incremental Term Loan, 07/13/23(n)

      1,321       1,316,138  

2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.20%, 04/04/25

      431       430,650  
   

 

 

 
        6,111,600  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.7%  

Advisor Group, Inc., 2019 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%), 7.11%, 07/31/26

    USD       568     $ 559,480  

AlixPartners LLP, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 04/04/24

      1,603       1,603,601  

CRCI Longhorn Holdings, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.71%, 08/08/25(a)

      247       240,336  

EG Finco Ltd., 2018 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 02/07/25

      546       537,526  

Kingpin Intermediate Holdings LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 07/03/24

      670       668,113  

LTI Holdings, Inc., 2018 Add On 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 09/06/25

      272       256,542  

SSH Group Holdings, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.51%, 07/30/25

      430       426,364  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (2 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.78%, 07/27/26(a)

      216       216,540  

Tank Holding Corp., 2019 Term Loan B, (1 Week LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.12%, 03/26/26

      52       51,344  
   

 

 

 
        4,559,846  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.9%  

CenturyLink, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 01/31/25

      690       680,022  

Consolidated Communications, Inc., 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.12%, 10/04/23

      58       55,192  

Hargray Communications Group, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 05/16/24

      442       438,202  

Level 3 Financing, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 02/22/24

      839       839,622  

MTN Infrastructure TopCo, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 11/15/24

      860       843,404  

Sprint Communications, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.63%, 02/02/24

      551       547,104  

TDC A/S, Term Loan, (EURIBOR + 2.75%), 2.75%, 06/04/25

    EUR       819       900,914  

Telenet Financing USD LLC, Term Loan AN, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 08/15/26

    USD       466       464,167  

Zayo Group LLC:

     

2017 Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%, 1.00% Floor), 4.36%, 01/19/24

      95       95,000  

2017 Term Loan B1, (1 mo. LIBOR +
2.00%), 4.11%, 01/19/21

      761       761,453  
   

 

 

 
        5,625,080  
Electric Utilities — 0.2%  

TEX Operations Co. LLC, Exit Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 08/04/23

      438       438,670  

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC/TCEH Finance, Inc., Term Loan, 1.00%, 11/10/19(a)(h)

      780        

Vistra Energy Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan B3, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.18%, 12/31/25

      606       606,151  
   

 

 

 
        1,044,821  
Electrical Equipment — 0.2%  

Gates Global LLC, 2017 Repriced Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 04/01/24

      1,370       1,334,659  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      37  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.2%  

Gavilan Resources LLC, 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 6.00%, 1.00% Floor), 8.11%, 03/01/24

    USD       255     $ 108,613  

GrafTech Finance, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 02/12/25

      612       594,307  

Pioneer Energy Services Corp., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.75%, 1.00% Floor), 9.90%, 11/08/22(a)

      260       247,000  
   

 

 

 
        949,920  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.8%  

Capital Automotive LP, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.62%, 03/24/24

      174       173,799  

Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.46%, 08/10/26(a)

      578       577,278  

Iron Mountain, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 01/02/26(a)

      685       676,264  

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP, 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 03/21/25

      1,353       1,352,764  

RHP Hotel Properties LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 05/11/24

      450       450,804  

VICI Properties 1 LLC, Replacement Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.17%, 12/20/24

      1,873       1,875,401  
   

 

 

 
        5,106,310  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.8%  

Albertsons LLC:

     

2019 Term Loan B7, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 11/17/25

      306       306,575  

2019 Term Loan B8, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 08/17/26

      4       4,281  

BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 06/11/26

      374       367,474  

Hearthside Food Solutions LLC:

     

2018 Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 05/23/25

      546       529,867  

2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.69%), 5.80%, 05/23/25

      272       263,514  

Hostess Brands LLC, 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 08/03/22

      1,088       1,085,642  

US Foods, Inc.:

     

2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 06/27/23

      1,091       1,092,243  

2019 Term Loan B, 08/14/26(n)

      1,075       1,076,795  
   

 

 

 
        4,726,391  
Food Products — 0.9%  

8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.96%, 10/01/25

      237       236,959  

Chobani LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 10/10/23

      1,388       1,364,078  

JBS USA LUX SA, 2019 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 05/01/26

      766       767,038  

Post Holdings, Inc., 2017 Series A Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.15%, 05/24/24

      532       532,077  

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 02/05/23

      2,590       2,587,052  
   

 

 

 
        5,487,204  
Gas Utilities — 0.1%  

AL Midcoast Holdings LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.50%), 7.83%, 07/31/25

      513       501,902  
   

 

 

 
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.5%  

Agiliti Health, Inc., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.25%, 01/04/26(a)

    USD       262     $ 262,671  

Immucor, Inc., Extended Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor), 7.33%, 06/15/21

      1,592       1,584,222  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 5.08%, 09/24/24

      267       206,474  

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics SA, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.56%, 06/30/25

      1,101       1,036,265  
   

 

 

 
        3,089,632  
Health Care Providers & Services — 2.0%  

AHP Health Partners, Inc., 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.61%, 06/30/25

      257       257,354  

CHG Healthcare Services, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 06/07/23

      1,546       1,532,039  

Concentra, Inc.:

     

2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR +
2.75%), 5.21%, 06/01/22

      540       539,505  

2018 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR +
6.50%, 1.00% Floor), 8.96%, 06/01/23

      624       626,599  

DentalCorp Perfect Smile ULC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.86%, 06/06/25

      361       352,384  

Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.62%, 12/20/24

      371       342,887  

Envision Healthcare Corp., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 10/10/25

      818       631,687  

Femur Buyer, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.98%, 03/05/26(a)

      218       218,000  

Gentiva Health Services, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.88%, 07/02/25

      824       822,945  

HC Group Holdings II, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.61%, 05/21/26

      409       407,294  

HCA, Inc., Term Loan B11, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.08%, 03/17/23

      771       771,777  

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, 2016 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.08%, 06/07/23

      1,275       1,184,158  

nThrive, Inc., 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.61%, 10/20/22

      1,095       1,018,769  

NVA Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 02/02/25

      806       804,688  

Radiology Partners, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%), 7.39%, 07/09/25

      272       260,463  

Sotera Health Holdings LLC:

     

2017 Term Loan, 05/15/22(n)

      1,103       1,081,200  

2019 Incremental Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR +
3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.74%, 05/15/22

      353       348,588  

Team Health Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 02/06/24

      538       431,865  

Vizient, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 05/06/26

      301       301,461  
   

 

 

 
    11,933,663  
Health Care Services — 0.2%  

Emerald TopCo., Inc., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 07/24/26

      607       603,461  

WP CityMD Bidco LLC, 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.71%, 08/07/26

      661       653,015  
   

 

 

 
    1,256,476  
 

 

 

38    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Technology — 0.5%  

Athenahealth, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.83%, 02/11/26

    USD       1,612     $ 1,602,901  

Change Healthcare Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.61%, 03/01/24

      1,352       1,336,723  

GoodRx, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.93%, 10/10/25

      396       391,807  
   

 

 

 
    3,331,431  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 3.2%  

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 4.03%, 10/19/24

      397       396,934  

Boyd Gaming Corp., Term Loan B3, (1 Week LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.39%, 09/15/23

      1,232       1,231,723  

Burger King Newco Unlimited Liability Co., Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%, 1.00% Floor), 4.36%, 02/16/24

      1,779       1,775,350  

Caesars Resort Collection LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 12/22/24

      1,797       1,769,587  

CCM Merger, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 08/08/21

      460       459,599  

ESH Hospitality, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 08/30/23

      861       861,699  

Four Seasons Hotels Ltd., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 11/30/23

      1,027       1,028,082  

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.33%, 03/13/25

      49       48,819  

Golden Nugget LLC, 2017 Incremental Term Loan B, (PRIME + 1.75%), 4.93%, 10/04/23

      536       535,353  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, 2019 Term Loan B2, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.90%, 06/22/26

      1,130       1,132,408  

IRB Holding Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.56%, 02/05/25

      1,411       1,399,612  

KFC Holding Co., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.93%, 04/03/25

      506       504,452  

Lakeland Tours LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.40%, 12/15/24

      363       363,330  

NASCAR Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 07/26/26(n)

      420       422,012  

Penn National Gaming, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 10/15/25

      197       197,453  

Playa Resorts Holding BV, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 04/29/24

      382       365,353  

Sabre GLBL, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 02/22/24

      990       990,355  

Scientific Games International, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B5, (2 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.90%, 08/14/24

      946       933,698  

Stars Group Holdings BV, 2018 USD Incremental Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.83%, 07/10/25

      1,866       1,870,823  

Station Casinos LLC, 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.62%, 06/08/23

      1,228       1,228,832  

Whatabrands LLC, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.52%, 08/02/26

      942       945,241  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 05/30/25

      586       587,238  

Wynn Resorts Ltd., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.37%, 10/30/24

      261       260,635  
   

 

 

 
    19,308,588  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Household Products — 0.1%  

Sunshine Luxembourg VII Sarl, USD 1st Lien Term Loan, 07/16/26(n)

    USD       491     $ 490,632  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.5%  

AES Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.87%, 05/31/22

      402       401,520  

Calpine Construction Finance Co. LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 01/15/25

      804       801,335  

Calpine Corp.:

     

2019 Term Loan B10, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 08/12/26

      800       797,022  

Term Loan B9, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 5.08%, 04/05/26

      276       275,539  

EIF Channelview Cogeneration LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor), 6.37%, 05/03/25

      136       137,027  

Granite Acquisition, Inc., 1.00% Floor):

     

Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 5.82%, 12/19/21

      665       666,188  

Term Loan C, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 5.83%, 12/19/21

      85       85,489  
   

 

 

 
        3,164,120  
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.4%  

Cortes NP Acquisition Corp., 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.33%, 11/30/23

      1,302       1,222,972  

Sequa Mezzanine Holdings LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor), 7.19%, 11/28/21

      684       675,089  

Sundyne US Purchaser, Inc., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 05/15/26(a)

      654       641,225  
   

 

 

 
        2,539,286  
Insurance — 1.5%  

Alliant Holdings I, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.15%, 05/09/25

      1,277       1,239,884  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.45%, 05/09/25

      315       310,473  

AmWINS Group, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 01/25/24

      1,359       1,355,826  

AssuredPartners, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Add-On Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 10/22/24

      956       950,216  

Davis Vision, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 12/02/24

      596       579,168  

Hub International Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.27%, 04/25/25

      1,099       1,076,165  

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.:

     

2019 Incremental Term Loan B, 08/07/26(n)

      1,154       1,149,188  

Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 12/31/25

      1,944       1,882,766  

Stratose Intermediate Holdings II LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 06/22/23

      378       374,258  
   

 

 

 
        8,917,944  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.3%  

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 02/15/24

      709       710,607  

Inmar Holdings, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.33%, 05/01/24

      127       119,501  

Rackspace Hosting, Inc., 2017 Incremental 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.29%, 11/03/23

      569       526,547  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      39  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Interactive Media & Services (continued)  

TierPoint LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.86%, 05/06/24

    USD       445     $ 413,087  
   

 

 

 
        1,769,742  

IT Services — 1.0%

 

Altran Technologies SA, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.89%, 03/20/25

      212       212,113  

Epicor Software Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.37%, 06/01/22

      693       691,916  

Evertec Group LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.61%, 11/27/24

      393       393,764  

Global Payments, Inc.:

     

2018 Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 04/21/23

      298       297,269  

2018 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 10/17/25

      99       99,376  

Greeneden US Holdings II LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 12/01/23

      676       667,867  

Optiv Security, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 02/01/24

      215       175,965  

Outfront Media Capital LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.21%, 03/18/24

      71       71,110  

Peak 10 Holding Corp., 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor), 9.48%, 08/01/25

      408       328,440  

Trans Union LLC:

     

2018 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 06/19/25

      166       166,410  

Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 04/10/23

      1,179       1,179,187  

WEX, Inc., Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 05/15/26

      1,615       1,618,262  
   

 

 

 
        5,901,679  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.1%  

Albany Molecular Research, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.36%, 08/30/24

      178       170,720  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor), 9.11%, 08/30/25(a)

      130       128,375  
   

 

 

 
        299,095  
Machinery — 0.5%  

Clark Equipment Co., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 05/18/24

      205       205,293  

Columbus McKinnon Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.83%, 01/31/24

      69       68,559  

Gardner Denver, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 07/30/24

      781       782,888  

Terex Corp., 2019 Term Loan B1, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 01/31/24

      117       116,853  

Titan Acquisition Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 03/28/25

      1,855       1,777,164  

Welbilt, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 10/23/25

      330       326,215  
   

 

 

 
        3,276,972  
Media — 3.4%  

Altice Financing SA, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.95%, 01/31/26

      82       79,126  

Altice France SA:

     

2018 Term Loan B13, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.20%, 08/14/26

      1,156       1,144,680  

USD Term Loan B12, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.68%), 5.88%, 01/31/26

      253       248,732  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)  

Cable One, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.87%, 05/01/24(a)

    USD       255     $ 255,118  

Charter Communications Operating LLC:

     

2017 Term Loan A2, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.50%), 3.83%, 03/31/23

      (o)      3  

2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.33%, 04/30/25

      1,489       1,491,695  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 08/21/26(n)

      2,763       2,759,546  

CSC Holdings LLC:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 07/17/25

      458       455,951  

2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 01/25/26

      454       453,491  

Cumulus Media New Holdings, Inc., Exit Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.62%, 05/15/22

      246       246,789  

Diamond Sports Group LLC, Term Loan, 08/24/26(n)

      1,095       1,095,000  

Gray Television, Inc.:

     

2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.58%, 02/07/24

      469       468,101  

2018 Term Loan C, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.83%, 01/02/26

      82       82,391  

iHeartCommunications, Inc., Exit Term Loan, 05/01/26(n)

      788       789,759  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 2017 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.65%, 01/02/24

      627       629,470  

Learfield Communications LLC, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.37%, 12/01/23

      785       786,095  

Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 03/24/25

      409       407,977  

Meredith Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 01/31/25

      250       250,093  

MH Sub I LLC, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, 09/13/24(n)

      214       211,651  

Midcontinent Communications, 2019 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.45%, 07/16/26

      263       264,384  

Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B4, 06/19/26(n)

      532       532,000  

PCI Gaming Authority, Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 05/29/26

      635       638,211  

PSAV Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 Week LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.48%, 03/01/25

      548       530,732  

Radiate Holdco LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 02/01/24

      788       779,970  

Trader Corp., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.15%, 09/28/23(a)

      1,292       1,275,382  

Tribune Media Co., Term Loan C, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 01/27/24

      1,222       1,219,470  

Univision Communications, Inc., Term Loan C5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 03/15/24

      371       353,917  

Virgin Media Bristol LLC, 2017 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 01/15/26

      685       684,473  

William Morris Endeavor Entertainment LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.87%, 05/18/25

      1,553       1,506,415  

Ziggo Secured Finance Partnership, Term Loan E, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.70%, 04/15/25

      824       817,980  
   

 

 

 
    20,458,602  
 

 

 

40    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Metals & Mining — 0.2%  

Ball Metalpack LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%), 6.62%, 07/24/25

    USD       288     $ 278,968  

Equinox Holdings, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.11%, 03/08/24

      943       936,321  
   

 

 

 
    1,215,289  

Multiline Retail — 0.2%

 

Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%), 4.61%, 08/18/23

      460       441,982  

Hudson’s Bay Co., 2015 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.49%, 09/30/22

      628       626,840  

Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. LLC, Cash Pay Extended Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 6.00%), 8.23%, 10/25/23

      355       289,665  
   

 

 

 
    1,358,487  

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services — 0.1%

 

McDermott Technology Americas, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor), 7.11%, 05/09/25

      501       458,816  
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.3%

 

BCP Raptor II LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%), 6.86%, 11/03/25

      279       246,449  

California Resources Corp., Second Out Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 10.38%, 1.00% Floor), 12.49%, 12/31/21

      483       427,190  

CITGO Holding, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, 07/24/23(n)

      2       2,025  

CONSOL Energy, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% Floor), 6.62%, 09/27/24

      392       391,038  

Edgewater Generation LLC, Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 12/13/25

      453       447,412  

EG Group Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.33%, 02/07/25

      252       247,879  
   

 

 

 
    1,761,993  

Pharmaceuticals — 1.5%

 

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%), 5.63%, 05/04/25

      410       371,650  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., Term Loan B2, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%, 1.00% Floor), 4.36%, 05/18/26

      729       731,487  

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I Sarl, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.38%, 04/29/24

      992       904,490  

Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc., 2017 Acquisition Term Loan, (1 Week LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.39%, 01/31/25

      1,159       1,159,431  

Jaguar Holding Co. II, 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.50%, 1.00% Floor), 4.61%, 08/18/22

      2,959       2,939,725  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.20%, 06/02/25

      3,278       3,281,892  
   

 

 

 
    9,388,675  
Professional Services — 0.5%  

Cast and Crew Payroll LLC, 2019 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.12%, 02/09/26

      659       661,200  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp., Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 5.00%), 7.15%, 02/06/26

      1,356       1,358,821  

ON Assignment, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.11%, 04/02/25

      402       402,050  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Professional Services (continued)  

SIRVA Worldwide, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.50%), 7.83%, 08/04/25(a)

    USD       407     $ 393,627  
   

 

 

 
        2,815,698  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.7%  

CityCenter Holdings LLC, 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/18/24

      1,609       1,607,133  

DTZ US Borrower LLC, 2018 Add On Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 08/21/25

      1,054       1,052,992  

Forest City Enterprises LP, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.11%, 12/07/25

      784       788,960  

Realogy Corp., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.42%, 02/08/25

      267       257,462  

SMG Holdings, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.51%, 01/23/25

      385       382,206  
   

 

 

 
        4,088,753  
Road & Rail — 0.0%  

Road Infrastructure Investment LLC, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.61%, 06/13/23

      137       125,287  
   

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.1%  

Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.38%, 11/14/25

      477       477,885  

Microchip Technology, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 05/29/25

      350       349,316  
   

 

 

 
        827,201  
Software — 5.3%  

Applied Systems, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR +
3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.33%, 09/19/24

      940       936,413  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR +
7.00%, 1.00% Floor), 9.33%, 09/19/25

      160       160,815  

BMC Software Finance, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.25%), 6.58%, 10/02/25

      1,145       1,079,480  

Cypress Intermediate Holdings III, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR +
2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.87%, 04/26/24

      566       560,922  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR +
6.75%, 1.00% Floor), 8.86%, 04/27/25

      248       249,706  

Dell, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 09/07/23

      1,192       1,194,362  

Digicel International Finance Ltd., 2017 Term Loan B, (6 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.34%, 05/28/24

      501       424,407  

DTI Holdco, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.75%, 1.00% Floor), 7.01%, 09/30/23

      497       454,959  

Financial & Risk US Holdings, Inc., 2018 USD Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.86%, 10/01/25

      2,254       2,264,031  

Infor (US), Inc., Term Loan B6, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.08%, 02/01/22

      2,988       2,985,027  

Informatica Corp., 2018 Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 08/05/22

      1,543       1,543,397  

Kronos, Inc.:

     

2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR +
3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.25%, 11/01/23

      1,772       1,770,410  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR +
8.25%, 1.00% Floor), 10.50%, 11/01/24

      615       628,530  

McAfee LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 5.87%, 09/30/24

      1,490       1,490,438  

Mitchell International, Inc.:

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR +
3.25%), 5.36%, 11/29/24

      1,365       1,276,919  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR +
7.25%), 9.36%, 12/01/25

      267       248,667  
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      41  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Software (continued)  

Renaissance Holding Corp., 2018 Add On Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 05/30/25

    USD       238     $ 232,313  

RP Crown Parent LLC, 2016 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 4.86%, 10/12/23

      817       815,097  

Severin Acquisition LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.46%, 08/01/25

      409       401,106  

SolarWinds Holdings, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 02/05/24

      1,712       1,709,665  

Solera LLC, Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%), 4.86%, 03/03/23

      1,869       1,858,633  

Sophia LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%, 1.00% Floor), 5.58%, 09/30/22

      2,177       2,173,378  

SS&C Technologies Holdings Europe Sarl, 2018 Term Loan B4, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/16/25

      530       530,206  

SS&C Technologies, Inc.:

     

2017 Term Loan B1, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 07/08/22

      414       414,138  

2018 Term Loan B3, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/16/25

      784       785,192  

2018 Term Loan B5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 04/16/25

      1,149       1,148,427  

Tempo Acquisition LLC, Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%), 5.11%, 05/01/24

      1,777       1,775,545  

Tibco Software, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%), 6.25%, 06/30/26

      1,456       1,454,591  

Ultimate Software Group, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.75%), 6.08%, 05/04/26

      865       866,548  

Vertafore, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.25%), 5.36%, 07/02/25

      627       605,179  
   

 

 

 
        32,038,501  
Specialty Retail — 0.7%  

Belron Finance US LLC(a):

     

4.71%, 11/07/24

      751       751,508  

4.68%, 11/13/25

      185       185,301  

CD&R Firefly Bidco Ltd., 2018 GBP Term Loan B1, (LIBOR - GBP + 4.25%), 5.02%, 06/23/25

    GBP       1,000       1,197,027  

IAA, Inc., Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.63%, 06/28/26

    USD       296       297,276  

Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc., 2018 Term Loan, (2 mo. LIBOR + 3.50%, 1.00% Floor), 5.76%, 08/16/23

      370       346,016  

MED ParentCo LP(n):

     

1st Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan, 07/31/26

      114       112,706  

1st Lien Term Loan, 07/31/26

      457       451,360  

Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC, Incremental Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 2.75%, 1.00% Floor), 5.08%, 08/18/21

      364       351,017  

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B2, 03/11/22(n)

      420       407,400  

Research Now Group, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 5.50%, 1.00% Floor), 7.75%, 12/20/24

      389       388,491  
   

 

 

 
        4,488,102  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.3%  

Western Digital Corp., 2018 Term Loan B4, (3 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 04/29/23

      1,557       1,551,444  
   

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.1%  

Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC, 2019 Term Loan B, 08/15/26(n)

      906       904,868  
   

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.2%  

IG Investment Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3 mo. LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor), 6.33%, 05/23/25

      1,261       1,248,392  
   

 

 

 
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.3%  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.25%), 4.36%, 01/02/25

    USD       433     $ 429,889  

HD Supply, Inc., Term Loan B5, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 10/17/23

      1,071       1,074,977  

United Rentals, Inc., Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 1.75%), 3.86%, 10/31/25

      105       104,790  
   

 

 

 
        1,609,656  
Transportation — 0.0%  

Safe Fleet Holdings LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.21%, 02/01/25(a)

      270       258,592  
   

 

 

 
Utilities — 0.1%  

ExGen Renewables IV LLC, Term Loan B, (3 mo. LIBOR + 3.00%, 1.00% Floor), 5.13%, 11/28/24

      688       662,231  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.3%  

Geo Group, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 03/22/24

      637       592,486  

Ligado Networks LLC:

     

2015 2nd Lien Term Loan, 0.00%, 12/07/20

      43       17,310  

PIK Exit Term Loan (9.75% PIK), 0.00%, 12/07/20(f)

      516       445,664  

SBA Senior Finance II LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1 mo. LIBOR + 2.00%), 4.12%, 04/11/25

      932       926,019  
   

 

 

 
        1,981,479  
   

 

 

 

Total Floating Rate Loan Interests — 39.9%
(Cost — $246,277,590)

 

    243,303,582  
 

 

 

 

Foreign Agency Obligations — 2.7%

 

Argentine Republic Government International Bond:

     

6.88%, 04/22/21

      236       98,530  

4.63%, 01/11/23

      118       45,135  

Colombia Government International Bond:

     

8.13%, 05/21/24

      238       298,095  

4.50%, 01/28/26(e)

      236       261,149  

3.88%, 04/25/27

      200       216,563  

Cyprus Government International Bond, 4.63%, 02/03/20(c)

    EUR       2,600       2,913,937  

Egypt Government International Bond, 5.75%, 04/29/20

    USD       882       890,820  

Iceland Government International Bond, 5.88%, 05/11/22

      3,030       3,351,574  

Indonesia Government International Bond:

     

4.75%, 01/08/26

      395       440,795  

5.35%, 02/11/49(e)

      200       261,625  

Indonesia Treasury Bond, 6.13%, 05/15/28

    IDR       6,090,000       393,049  

Mexico Government International Bond, 4.15%, 03/28/27

    USD       210       224,700  

Nigeria Government International Bond, 7.63%, 11/21/25

      484       530,282  

Portugal Government International Bond, 5.13%, 10/15/24(c)

      3,190       3,652,410  

Qatar Government International Bond:

     

4.50%, 04/23/28

      490       574,525  

4.00%, 03/14/29(c)(e)

      200       228,437  

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond, 5.88%, 05/30/22

      199       212,930  

Russian Foreign Bond — Eurobond:

     

4.75%, 05/27/26

      400       438,000  

4.25%, 06/23/27

      400       426,000  

Saudi Government International Bond, 4.50%, 04/17/30

      385       449,872  
 

 

 

42    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  

Foreign Agency Obligations (continued)

 

Turkey Government International Bond, 6.25%, 09/26/22

    USD       200     $ 202,000  

Ukraine Government International Bond:

     

7.75%, 09/01/22

      118       124,903  

9.75%, 11/01/28

      236       278,185  
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Agency Obligations — 2.7%
(Cost — $16,132,999)

 

    16,513,516  
 

 

 

 
            Shares         

Investment Companies — 2.5%

 

Diversified Financial Services — 2.5%

 

Invesco Senior Loan ETF

      665,757       15,052,766  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies — 2.5%
(Cost — $15,176,334)

 

    15,052,766  
 

 

 

 
            Par
(000)
        

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 1.5%

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 0.6%

 

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-54CB, Class 3A4, 5.50%, 11/25/35

    USD       1,833       1,566,533  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust:

     

Series 2005-17, Class 1A6, 5.50%, 09/25/35

      320       322,242  

Series 2006-17, Class A2, 6.00%, 12/25/36

      1,029       793,741  

Series 2007-HY5, Class 3A1, 3.75%, 09/25/37(i)

      669       630,911  

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR5, Class 2A3, 4.31%, 10/25/35(i)

      558       458,942  
   

 

 

 
        3,772,369  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities — 0.9%  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2015-200P, Class C, 3.72%, 04/14/33(c)(i)

      4,830       5,129,683  

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp. Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-GG7, Class AM, 5.82%, 07/10/38(i)

      292       293,368  
   

 

 

 
        5,423,051  
   

 

 

 

Total Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 1.5%
(Cost — $8,889,879)

 

    9,195,420  
 

 

 

 
       Beneficial
Interest
(000)
        

Other Interests(a)(p) — 0.0%

 

Auto Components — 0.0%

 

Lear Corp. Escrow(h)

    USD       1,000       10  
   

 

 

 
IT Services — 0.0%  

Millennium Corp.(b)

      918        

Millennium Lender Claims(b)

      861        
   

 

 

 
         
   

 

 

 

Total Other Interests — 0.0%
(Cost — $—)

 

    10  
 

 

 

 
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  

Preferred Securities — 9.0%

 

Capital Trusts — 6.8%

 

Banks — 1.1%  

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA, 6.75%(c)(g)(j)

    USD       396     $ 391,198  

Bankia SA, 6.38%(g)(j)

      200       227,839  

Capital One Financial Corp., Series E, 5.55%(e)(g)(j)

      3,000       3,033,750  

CIT Group, Inc., Series A, 5.80%(g)(j)

      235       238,927  

Wells Fargo & Co.(g)(j):

     

Series S, 5.90%(e)

      1,500       1,601,250  

Series U, 5.88%

      968       1,067,501  
   

 

 

 
        6,560,465  
Building Materials — 0.0%  

Holcim Finance Luxembourg SA, 3.00% (g)(j)

      100       115,618  
   

 

 

 
Capital Markets — 1.0%  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.(g)(j):

     

Series M, 5.38%(e)

      1,730       1,747,300  

Series P, 5.00%

      123       121,693  

Morgan Stanley, Series H, 5.91%(e)(g)(j)

      2,546       2,552,365  

State Street Corp., Series F, 5.25%(e)(g)(j)

      1,625       1,655,469  
   

 

 

 
        6,076,827  
Chemicals — 0.0%  

Solvay Finance SA, 5.43%(g)(j)

      100       126,802  
   

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services — 3.7%  

Bank of America Corp.(g)(j):

     

Series AA, 6.10%

      1,038       1,131,420  

Series DD, 6.30%

      215       242,681  

Series U, 5.20%(e)

      1,250       1,287,500  

Series V, 5.80%

      70       70,155  

Series X, 6.25%(e)

      1,929       2,102,610  

Series Z, 6.50%

      143       160,160  

Credit Agricole SA, 6.50%(g)(j)

      100       118,697  

Credit Suisse Group AG(g)(j):

     

6.25%

      200       211,054  

6.38%(c)

      495       511,335  

HBOS Capital Funding LP, 6.85%(j)

      100       101,682  

HSBC Holdings PLC(g)(j):

     

6.00%

      415       416,038  

6.25%

      695       710,512  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.(g)(j):

     

Series 1, 5.74%

      214       215,113  

Series FF, 5.00%

      1,345       1,395,437  

Series R, 6.00%

      120       127,800  

Series S, 6.75%

      160       178,200  

Series U, 6.13%(e)

      6,690       7,200,112  

Series V, 5.64%(e)

      4,060       4,051,880  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 8.63%(g)(j)

      200       211,750  

Societe Generale SA, 6.00%(c)(e)(g)(j)

      2,000       2,004,452  

Telefonica Europe BV, 4.38%(g)(j)

      100       121,397  

UniCredit SpA, 6.75%(g)(j)

      200       231,350  
   

 

 

 
        22,801,335  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.1%  

Telefonica Europe BV(g)(j):

     

3.75%

      100       116,499  

5.88%

      100       128,177  
   

 

 

 
        244,676  
Electric Utilities — 0.3%  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 5.65%, 05/01/79(e)(g)

      1,750       1,866,954  
   

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.0%  

Belden, Inc., 4.13%, 10/15/26

      100       116,216  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      43  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Insurance — 0.6%  

Voya Financial, Inc., 5.65%, 05/15/53(e)(g)

    USD       3,500     $ 3,674,545  
   

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.0%  

Naturgy Finance BV, 3.38%(g)(j)

      100       117,161  

Repsol International Finance BV, 4.50%, 03/25/75(g)

      100       126,015  
   

 

 

 
        243,176  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.0%  

Vodaphone Group PLC, 3.10%, 01/03/79

      100       115,525  
     

 

 

 

Total Capital Trusts — 6.8%
(Cost — $40,356,034)

 

    41,942,139  
 

 

 

 
            Shares         

Preferred Stocks — 1.8%

 

Capital Markets — 1.8%  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Series J, 5.50%(g)(j)

      202,526       5,300,105  

Morgan Stanley(g)(j):

     

Series F, 6.88%

      120       3,362,400  

Series K, 5.85%

      53       1,437,831  

SCE Trust III, Series H, 5.75%(g)(j)

      21,200       531,908  
   

 

 

 
        10,632,244  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.0%  

CF-B L2 (D) LLC, (Acquired 04/08/15, cost $131,171),
0.00%(q)

      134,077       83,182  
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks — 1.8%
(Cost — $10,174,955)

 

    10,715,426  
   

 

 

 

Trust Preferred — 0.4%

 

Diversified Financial Services — 0.4%

 

GMAC Capital Trust I, Series 2, 7.94%(g)

      105,753       2,770,729  
   

 

 

 

Total Trust Preferred — 0.4%
(Cost — $2,686,547)

 

    2,770,729  
 

 

 

 

Total Preferred Securities — 9.0%
(Cost — $53,217,536)

 

    55,428,294  
 

 

 

 
            Par
(000)
        

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency
Securities — 5.5%

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 1.2%  

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities, Series 2017-C03, Class 1M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 3.00%), 5.15%, 10/25/29(d)

    USD       1,600       1,660,632  

Freddie Mac Mortgage-Backed Securities, Series 4480, Class ZX, 4.00%, 11/15/44

      4,724       5,411,183  
   

 

 

 
        7,071,815  
Interest Only Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 0.3%  

Freddie Mac Mortgage-Backed Securities, Series K042, Class X1, 1.18%,
12/25/24(i)

      34,044       1,621,317  
   

 

 

 
Mortgage-Backed Securities — 4.0%  

Fannie Mae Mortgage-Backed
Securities(e):

     

2.50%, 10/01/28 - 06/01/32

      2,508       2,545,109  

3.00%, 05/01/30

      13,875       14,289,438  

3.50%, 08/01/49

      3,015       3,139,540  

5.00%, 07/01/20 - 08/01/23

      95       97,948  

Freddie Mac Mortgage-Backed Securities, 3.50%, 07/01/49(e)

      4,448       4,645,055  
   

 

 

 
        24,717,090  
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Government Sponsored Agency
Securities — 5.5%
(Cost — $32,795,781)

 

    33,410,222  
 

 

 

 
Security          Par
(000)
        

U.S. Treasury Obligations — 3.0%

 

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.88%, 05/15/49

    USD       1,350     $ 1,625,854  

U.S. Treasury Notes(e):

     

2.75%, 09/30/20

      1,600       1,616,750  

2.75%, 04/30/23

      8,000       8,375,312  

2.75%, 08/31/25

      6,150       6,608,367  
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations — 3.0%
(Cost — $17,021,838)

 

    18,226,283  
   

 

 

 
            Shares         

Warrants — 0.0%

 

Media — 0.0%  

iHeartMedia, Inc. (Expires 05/01/39)

      14,604       201,521  
   

 

 

 
Metals & Mining — 0.0%  

AFGlobal Corp. (Expires 12/20/20)(a)

      2,542        
   

 

 

 

Total Warrants — 0.0%
(Cost — $262,857)

 

    201,521  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 131.1%
(Cost — $795,207,397)

 

    800,404,974  
   

 

 

 
       Par
(000)
        

Short-Term Securities — 0.7%

 

Foreign Agency Obligations — 0.1%

 

Nigeria Treasury Bill, 0.00%, 02/27/20(k)

    NGN       131,600       339,993  
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Agency Obligations — 0.1%
(Cost — $343,806)

 

    339,993  
   

 

 

 
       Shares         
Money Market Funds — 0.6%                  

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund,
Institutional Class,
1.99%(s)(t)

      3,688,908       3,688,908  
   

 

 

 

Total Money Market Funds — 0.6%
(Cost — $3,688,908)

 

    3,688,908  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 0.7%
(Cost — $4,032,714)

 

    4,028,901  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments — 131.8%
(Cost — $799,240,111)

 

    804,433,875  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (31.8)%

 

    (194,182,568
   

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 610,251,307  
   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

(b) 

Non-income producing security.

(c) 

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

(d) 

Variable rate security. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of period end.

(e) 

All or a portion of the security has been pledged as collateral in connection with outstanding reverse repurchase agreements.

(f) 

Payment-in-kind security which may pay interest/dividends in additional par/shares and/or in cash. Rates shown are the current rate and possible payment rates.

(g) 

Variable rate security. Security may be issued at a fixed coupon rate, which converts to a variable rate at a specified date. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of period end.

(h) 

Issuer filed for bankruptcy and/or is in default.

 

 

 

44    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

(i) 

Variable or floating rate security, which interest rate adjusts periodically based on changes in current interest rates and prepayments on the underlying pool of assets. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of period end.

(j) 

Perpetual security with no stated maturity date.

(k) 

Zero-coupon bond.

(l) 

Step-up bond that pays an initial coupon rate for the first period and then a higher coupon rate for the following periods. Rate as of period end.

(m) 

Convertible security.

(n) 

Represents an unsettled loan commitment at period end. Certain details associated with this purchase are not known prior to the settlement date, including coupon rate.

(o) 

Amount is less than $500.

(p) 

Other interests represent beneficial interests in liquidation trusts and other reorganization or private entities.

(q) 

Restricted security as to resale, excluding 144A securities. As of period end, the Fund held restricted securities with a current value of $83,182 and an original cost of $131,171, which was less than 0.05% of its net assets.

(r) 

All or a portion of the security has been pledged as collateral in connection with outstanding OTC derivatives.

(s) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

 

 

(t) 

During the year ended August 31, 2019, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate/affiliates of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

 

Affiliate    Shares
Held at
08/31/18
     Net
Activity
     Shares
Held at
08/31/19
     Value at
08/31/19
     Income      Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
 (a)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund, Institutional Class

     180,494        3,508,414        3,688,908      $ 3,688,908      $ 171,752      $      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes net capital gain distributions, if applicable.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

Counterparty    Interest
Rate
    Trade
Date
     Maturity
Date
 (a)
     Face Value      Face Value
Including
Accrued Interest
     Type of Non-Cash
Underlying Collateral
   Remaining Contractual
Maturity of the Agreements
 (a)

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

     0.70     09/13/18        Open      $ 77,400      $ 78,032      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

UBS Ltd.

     2.50       09/20/18        Open        3,026,213        3,104,121      Foreign Agency Obligations    Open/Demand

UBS Ltd.

     2.70       09/20/18        Open        746,250        766,892      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

UBS Ltd.

     2.70       09/20/18        Open        250,200        257,121      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

UBS Ltd.

     2.70       09/20/18        Open        362,780        372,815      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

UBS Ltd.

     2.70       09/20/18        Open        1,730,000        1,777,854      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       10/09/18        Open        2,808,000        2,874,296      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       10/09/18        Open        256,000        262,044      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.65       10/09/18        Open        417,000        427,792      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.65       10/09/18        Open        496,000        508,837      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

     2.75       11/15/18        Open        2,730,000        2,795,065      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.65       11/27/18        Open        839,000        857,630      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/11/18        Open        740,835        756,993      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

UBS Ltd.

     2.70       12/12/18        Open        250,582        255,937      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     1.50       12/14/18        Open        403,705        405,372      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     (1.75     12/14/18        Open        101,640        100,453      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       12/14/18        Open        2,119,500        2,161,107      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        551,700        563,519      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        399,757        408,321      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        403,124        411,760      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        636,334        649,965      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        640,888        654,617      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        624,025        637,393      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        436,500        445,851      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        483,862        494,228      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        589,235        601,858      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        449,970        459,609      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/14/18        Open        442,531        452,011      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        160,000        163,026      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        3,148,000        3,207,541      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        771,000        785,583      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        908,000        925,174      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        866,000        882,379      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        2,522,000        2,569,701      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        1,357,000        1,382,666      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        6,371,000        6,491,500      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        503,000        512,514      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       12/14/18        Open        908,000        931,500      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.65       12/14/18        Open        381,000        388,889      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      45  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements (continued)

 

Counterparty    Interest
Rate
    Trade
Date
     Maturity
Date
 (a)
     Face Value      Face Value
Including
Accrued Interest
     Type of Non-Cash
Underlying Collateral
   Remaining Contractual
Maturity of the Agreements
 (a)

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.65 %       12/14/18        Open      $ 2,927,000      $ 2,987,605      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

UBS Securities LLC

     2.70       12/18/18        Open        1,944,443        1,985,251      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     1.00       12/21/18        Open        245,265        247,217      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     1.70       12/24/18        Open        361,600        367,102      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       12/24/18        Open        38,070        38,860      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       01/08/19        Open        989,063        998,678      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     1.80       01/16/19        Open        98,972        100,113      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     1.00       01/18/19        Open        192,965        194,155      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.40       01/18/19        Open        824,440        836,173      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.50       02/12/19        Open        527,217        534,539      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.50       02/12/19        Open        382,826        388,143      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

     2.15       02/26/19        Open        207,680        210,523      Foreign Agency Obligations    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     0.75       03/04/19        Open        258,126        259,094      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.40       03/04/19        Open        242,685        245,597      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.60       03/04/19        Open        273,257        276,809      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.60       03/04/19        Open        441,559        447,300      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.60       03/04/19        Open        477,720        483,931      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.60       03/04/19        Open        659,311        667,882      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.60       03/04/19        Open        1,207,335        1,223,030      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.60       03/04/19        Open        383,152        388,133      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.60       03/04/19        Open        158,392        160,451      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       03/05/19        Open        474,881        481,965      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.50       03/11/19        Open        190,858        193,124      Foreign Agency Obligations    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       03/26/19        Open        802,710        813,523      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       03/26/19        Open        691,437        700,693      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       03/29/19        Open        190,275        192,701      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       04/12/19        Open        781,750        790,051      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       04/12/19        Open        1,316,875        1,330,858      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       04/12/19        Open        1,370,625        1,385,178      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       04/12/19        Open        1,552,845        1,569,333      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       04/12/19        Open        1,259,375        1,272,747      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.25       04/12/19        Open        2,272,050        2,296,175      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       04/12/19        Open        855,400        865,308      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       04/12/19        Open        1,181,575        1,195,262      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       04/12/19        Open        2,340,000        2,367,105      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       04/12/19        Open        1,345,075        1,360,655      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       04/12/19        Open        1,089,108        1,101,723      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

     2.40       04/12/19        Open        1,354,175        1,366,994      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       04/18/19        Open        130,579        132,015      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       04/24/19        Open        307,440        310,800      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.65       04/29/19        Open        470,000        474,733      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.30       05/03/19        Open        286,877        289,510      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

     2.25       05/07/19        Open        176,500        178,001      Foreign Agency Obligations    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       05/13/19        Open        1,004,981        1,014,277      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       05/13/19        Open        869,535        877,578      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       05/13/19        Open        784,988        792,249      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       05/15/19        Open        224,338        226,264      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.00       05/20/19        Open        106,080        106,839      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.40       05/24/19        Open        812,000        817,977      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

     1.95       06/11/19        Open        210,250        211,409      Foreign Agency Obligations    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     0.67       06/20/19        Open        10,912        10,938      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.36       06/21/19        Open        94,510        95,003      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.50       06/21/19        Open        369,922        372,172      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.51       06/21/19        Open        581,788        584,999      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.52       06/21/19        Open        219,794        221,011      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.64       06/21/19        Open        252,450        253,985      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.64       06/21/19        Open        2,421,969        2,435,384      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.65       06/21/19        Open        703,099        707,177      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.65       06/21/19        Open        2,902,500        2,919,334      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.65       06/21/19        Open        1,483,125        1,491,727      Capital Trusts    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.70       06/21/19        Open        838,189        843,285      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.70       06/21/19        Open        618,008        621,654      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

 

 

46    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements (continued)

 

Counterparty    Interest
Rate
    Trade
Date
     Maturity
Date
 (a)
     Face Value      Face Value
Including
Accrued Interest
     Type of Non-Cash
Underlying Collateral
   Remaining Contractual
Maturity of the Agreements
 (a)

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.70 %       06/21/19        Open      $ 944,843      $ 950,417      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.70       06/21/19        Open        157,885        158,816      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.70       06/21/19        Open        130,975        131,716      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.72       06/21/19        Open        5,264,190        5,291,742      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.72       06/21/19        Open        531,644        534,802      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        457,209        459,989      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        1,351,565        1,359,674      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        802,240        806,973      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        226,187        227,563      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        993,200        999,239      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        292,777        294,558      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        590,008        593,595      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        1,015,728        1,021,903      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,776,250        1,785,748      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        98,375        98,901      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        993,431        998,744      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        535,575        538,439      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        392,531        394,630      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,455,000        1,462,781      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        465,000        467,487      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        2,364,675        2,377,320      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        263,312        264,721      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        285,937        287,467      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,218,544        1,225,060      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        430,650        432,953      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,452,506        1,460,274      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        370,781        372,764      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        843,750        848,262      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        162,350        163,218      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        134,925        135,646      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        343,350        345,186      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,434,125        1,441,794      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,493,888        1,501,876      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        654,063        657,560      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,528,788        1,536,963      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        407,531        409,711      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        154,635        155,462      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        256,275        257,645      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        386,250        388,315      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        288,562        290,106      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        680,231        683,869      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        229,125        230,350      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       06/21/19        Open        1,110,819        1,116,759      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.79       06/21/19        Open        275,224        276,696      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       06/26/19        Open        842,310        846,943      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/10/19        Open        608,130        610,816      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/10/19        Open        707,350        710,474      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/10/19        Open        587,400        589,994      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       07/11/19        Open        255,780        256,885      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/12/19        Open        1,233,568        1,238,502      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/12/19        Open        1,066,051        1,070,582      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/16/19        Open        110,760        111,185      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.25       07/16/19        Open        457,464        458,925      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.30       07/16/19        Open        569,250        571,105      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.30       07/16/19        Open        795,150        797,741      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.30       07/16/19        Open        334,051        335,140      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.26       07/17/19        Open        6,512,000        6,532,538      U.S. Treasury Obligations    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.26       07/17/19        Open        8,316,000        8,342,228      U.S. Treasury Obligations    Open/Demand

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     1.75       07/19/19        Open        117,972        118,241      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.30       07/25/19        Open        179,000        179,515      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/26/19        Open        414,335        415,509      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       07/26/19        Open        331,380        332,319      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      47  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements (continued)

 

Counterparty    Interest
Rate
    Trade
Date
     Maturity
Date
 (a)
     Face Value      Face Value
Including
Accrued Interest
     Type of Non-Cash
Underlying Collateral
   Remaining Contractual
Maturity of the Agreements
 (a)

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80 %       07/26/19        Open      $ 88,125      $ 88,379      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       08/01/19        Open        1,333,745        1,336,801      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.50       08/07/19        Open        455,809        456,568      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     0.00       08/08/19        Open        168,937        168,939      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

TD Securities (USA) LLC

     2.33       08/12/19        9/12/19        4,492,000        4,497,524      U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities    Up to 30 Days

TD Securities (USA) LLC

     2.33       08/12/19        9/12/19        3,056,000        3,059,758      U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities    Up to 30 Days

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.75       08/14/19        Open        507,895        508,555      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.75       08/15/19        Open        852,319        853,360      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/15/19        Open        389,215        389,699      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Bank of America Securities, Inc.

     2.36       08/16/19        9/17/19        13,833,000        13,844,789      U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities    Up to 30 Days

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     2.36       08/16/19        9/17/19        2,124,647        2,126,458      U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities    Up to 30 Days

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     2.36       08/16/19        9/17/19        88,661        88,737      U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities    Up to 30 Days

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     2.36       08/16/19        9/17/19        346,830        347,125      U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities    Up to 30 Days

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.75       08/16/19        Open        438,997        439,433      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     2.75       08/19/19        Open        996,694        997,607      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

BNP Paribas S.A.

     2.30       08/19/19        Open        297,040        297,268      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/26/19        Open        1,543,200        1,543,920      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/26/19        Open        2,125,125        2,126,117      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/26/19        Open        1,737,075        1,737,886      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/26/19        Open        1,682,738        1,683,523      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

     2.26       08/27/19        Open        1,636,000        1,636,511      U.S. Treasury Obligations    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     1.60       08/29/19        Open        264,127        264,151      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       08/29/19        Open        39,000        39,005      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.54       08/29/19        Open        754,298        754,404      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.65       08/29/19        Open        643,125        643,220      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        796,320        796,444      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        419,542        419,608      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        453,050        453,120      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        567,484        567,572      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        620,613        620,709      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        527,467        527,550      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        821,950        822,078      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        405,520        405,583      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        447,367        447,437      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        535,301        535,385      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        1,561,573        1,561,815      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        487,491        487,567      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        532,406        532,489      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        1,075,718        1,075,885      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        952,455        952,603      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        1,218,870        1,219,060      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        1,060,275        1,060,440      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

     2.80       08/29/19        Open        1,073,600        1,073,767      Corporate Bonds    Open/Demand
          

 

 

    

 

 

       
   $ 200,832,421      $ 202,539,453        
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

  (a) 

Certain agreements have no stated maturity and can be terminated by either party at any time.

 

 

 

48    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

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 600 Index

     1          09/20/19        $ 7        $ (507

10-Year Canada Bond

     34          12/18/19          3,705          (12,050

10-Year U.S. Ultra Long Treasury Note

     249          12/19/19          35,965          (19,451

Ultra Long U.S. Treasury Bond

     48          12/19/19          9,477          128,875  

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     12          12/31/19          1,440          (485
                 

 

 

 
                    96,382  
                 

 

 

 

Short Contracts

                 

Euro Bund

     1          09/06/19          197          (8,914

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     290          12/19/19          38,198          (39,048

Long U.S. Treasury Bond

     17          12/19/19          2,809          (9,113

Long Gilt

     1          12/27/19          163          (1,035

2-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     134          12/31/19          28,960          1,923  
                 

 

 

 
                    (56,187
                 

 

 

 
                  $ 40,195  
                 

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency
Purchased
       Currency
Sold
       Counterparty      Settlement Date        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD     10,596,204        EUR     9,480,000        BNP Paribas S.A.        09/05/19        $ 176,428  
USD     8,186,823        EUR     7,325,000        Citibank N.A.        09/05/19          135,677  
USD     955,417        EUR     855,000        Deutsche Bank AG        09/05/19          15,659  
USD     1,123,907        GBP     921,000        Bank of America N.A.        09/05/19          3,188  
USD     1,361,607        GBP     1,116,000        Citibank N.A.        09/05/19          3,601  
USD     6,481,899        GBP     5,309,000        Goldman Sachs International        09/05/19          21,637  
USD     520,283        MXN     10,254,000        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/05/19          8,734  
USD     56,786        NZD     86,000        HSBC Bank PLC        09/05/19          2,595  
CAD     3,975,801        EUR     2,700,000        Deutsche Bank AG        09/18/19          16,242  
JPY     325,802,220        USD     3,050,000        Bank of America N.A.        09/18/19          19,901  
JPY     326,304,245        USD     3,030,000        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/18/19          44,631  
USD     3,050,000        SEK     28,553,563        JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.        09/18/19          137,960  
USD     3,030,000        SEK     28,516,651        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/18/19          121,725  
USD     8,128,025        EUR     7,325,000        Citibank N.A.        10/03/19          59,016  
USD     940,189        EUR     853,000        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        10/03/19          549  
USD     3,394,606        EUR     3,080,000        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        10/03/19          1,767  
USD     1,365,232        GBP     1,116,000        Citibank N.A.        10/03/19          5,515  
USD     1,124,706        GBP     921,000        Standard Chartered Bank        10/03/19          2,575  
USD     6,481,927        GBP     5,309,000        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        10/03/19          13,527  
USD     54,555        NZD     86,000        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        10/03/19          321  
                       

 

 

 
                          791,248  
                       

 

 

 
EUR     7,325,000        USD     8,110,240        Citibank N.A.        09/05/19          (59,095
EUR     853,000        USD     938,089        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/05/19          (529
EUR     3,080,000        USD     3,387,024        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/05/19          (1,696
GBP     1,116,000        USD     1,363,529        Citibank N.A.        09/05/19          (5,523
GBP     921,000        USD     1,123,295        Standard Chartered Bank        09/05/19          (2,575
GBP     5,309,000        USD     6,473,799        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/05/19          (13,537
NZD     86,000        USD     54,512        State Street Bank and Trust Co.        09/05/19          (322
EUR     2,700,000        CAD     3,968,922        Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC        09/18/19          (11,073
JPY     324,229,521        USD     3,060,000        Citibank N.A.        09/18/19          (4,918
SEK     28,123,227        USD     3,050,000        JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.        09/18/19          (181,848
SEK     28,546,412        USD     3,030,000        JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.        09/18/19          (118,690

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      49  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Currency
Purchased
       Currency
Sold
       Counterparty      Settlement Date        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD     3,050,000        JPY     325,247,425        Bank of America N.A.        09/18/19        $ (14,673
USD     3,030,000        JPY     325,884,681        Standard Chartered Bank        09/18/19          (40,678
                       

 

 

 
                          (455,157
                       

 

 

 
    Net Unrealized Appreciation        $ 336,091  
                       

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps — Buy Protection

 

Reference Obligation/Index    Financing
Rate Paid
by the Fund
    Payment
Frequency
    Termination
Date
  Notional
Amount (000)
    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

CDX.NA.HY.32.V1

     5.00     Quarterly     06/20/24     USD       2,673     $ (207,084   $ (178,926   $ (28,158

CDX.NA.IG.32.V1

     1.00       Quarterly     06/20/24     USD       64,700       (1,502,421     (1,234,333     (268,088
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
             $ (1,709,505   $ (1,413,259   $ (296,246
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps — Sell Protection

 

Reference Obligation/Index    Financing
Rate Received
by the Fund
  Payment
Frequency
  Termination
Date
    Credit
Rating
 (a)
    Notional
Amount (000)
 (b)
    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

iTraxx.XO.31.V1

   5.00%   Quarterly     06/20/24       B     EUR     80     $ 10,633     $ 8,778     $ 1,855  
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Using the rating of the issuer or the underlying securities of the index, as applicable, provided by S&P Global Ratings.

 
  (b) 

The maximum potential amount the Fund may pay should a negative credit event take place as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps — Buy Protection

 

Reference Obligation/Index    Financing
Rate Paid
by the Fund
    Payment
Frequency
    Counterparty   Termination
Date
    Notional
Amount (000)
    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

UPC Holding BV

     5.00     Quarterly     JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     06/20/24       EUR       30     $ (7,303   $ (6,826   $ (477

UPC Holding BV

     5.00       Quarterly     BNP Paribas S.A.     06/20/24       EUR       4       (1,005     (993     (12

UPC Holding BV

     5.00       Quarterly     Bank of America N.A.     06/20/24       EUR       10       (2,435     (2,374     (61
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
               $ (10,743   $ (10,193   $ (550
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps — Sell Protection

 

Reference Obligation/Index   Financing
Rate Received
by the Fund
    Payment
Frequency
    Counterparty   Termination
Date
    Credit
Rating
 (a)
  Notional
Amount
(000)
 (b)
    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Casino Guichard Perrachon SA

    1.00     Quarterly     Citibank N.A.     06/20/23     B     EUR       11     $ (2,377   $ (1,232   $ (1,145

Casino Guichard Perrachon SA

    1.00       Quarterly     Barclays Bank PLC     12/20/23     B     EUR       40       (9,800     (5,544     (4,256

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    5.00       Quarterly     Barclays Bank PLC     12/20/23     B+     USD       79       (15,808     131       (15,939

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    5.00       Quarterly     Barclays Bank PLC     12/20/23     B+     USD       62       (12,406     520       (12,926

Garfunkelux Holdco 2 SA

    5.00       Quarterly     JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     12/20/23     B-     EUR       13       (317     (80     (237

Garfunkelux Holdco 2 SA

    5.00       Quarterly     Credit Suisse International     12/20/23     B-     EUR       24       (603     408       (1,011

Telecom Italia SpA

    1.00       Quarterly     Citibank N.A.     06/20/24     BB+     EUR       5       (166     (171     5  

Telecom Italia SpA

    1.00       Quarterly     Bank of America N.A.     06/20/24     BB+     EUR       5       (164     (169     5  

Telecom Italia SpA

    1.00       Quarterly     Citibank N.A.     06/20/24     BB+     EUR       5       (166     (176     10  

Telecom Italia SpA

    1.00       Quarterly     Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC     06/20/24     BB+     EUR       5       (159     (174     15  

Telecom Italia SpA

    1.00       Quarterly     Citibank N.A.     06/20/26     BB+     EUR       10       (916     (1,483     567  

Tesco PLC

    1.00       Quarterly     Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC     12/20/28     BB+     EUR       60       (4,241     (5,703     1,462  

CMBX.NA.8

    3.00       Monthly     Barclays Bank PLC     10/17/57     NR     USD       5,000       (254,802     (506,217     251,415  

 

 

50    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Reference Obligation/Index   Financing
Rate Received
by the Fund
    Payment
Frequency
    Counterparty   Termination
Date
    Credit
Rating
 (a)
  Notional
Amount
(000)
 (b)
    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

CMBX.NA.8

    3.00 %       Monthly     Credit Suisse International     10/17/57     NR     USD       2,500     $ (127,401   $ (250,179   $ 122,778  

CMBX.NA.8

    3.00       Monthly     Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC     10/17/57     NR     USD       4,450       (228,257     (592,032     363,775  

CMBX.NA.9

    3.00       Monthly     Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC     09/17/58     NR     USD       7,550       (258,080     (929,170     671,090  

CMBX.NA.9

    3.00       Monthly     Credit Suisse International     09/17/58     NR     USD       5,000       (170,914     (541,682     370,768  

CMBX.NA.9

    3.00       Monthly     Credit Suisse International     09/17/58     NR     USD       5,000       (170,914     (541,682     370,768  

CMBX.NA.9

    3.00       Monthly     Credit Suisse International     09/17/58     NR     USD       5,000       (170,914     (535,765     364,851  
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ (1,428,405   $ (3,910,400   $ 2,481,995  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Using the rating of the issuer or the underlying securities of the index, as applicable, provided by S&P Global Ratings.

 
  (b)

The maximum potential amount the Fund may pay should a negative credit event take place as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

Balances Reported in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities for Centrally Cleared Swaps and OTC Swaps

 

      Swap
Premiums
Paid
     Swap
Premiums
Received
     Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
Depreciation
     Value  

Centrally Cleared Swaps(a)

   $ 8,778      $ (1,413,259    $ 1,855      $ (296,246    $  

OTC Swaps

     1,059        (3,921,652      2,517,509        (36,064       

 

  (a)

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on centrally cleared swaps, as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and is net of any previously paid (received) swap premium amounts.

 

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)

   $      $      $      $      $ 130,798      $      $ 130,798  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          791,248                      791,248  

Swaps — centrally cleared

                    

Unrealized appreciation on centrally cleared swaps(a)

            1,855                                    1,855  

Swaps — OTC

                    

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swaps; Swap premiums paid

            2,518,568                                    2,518,568  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ 2,520,423      $      $ 791,248      $ 130,798      $      $ 3,442,469  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 507      $      $ 90,096      $      $ 90,603  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          455,157                      455,157  

Swaps — centrally cleared

                    

Unrealized depreciation on centrally cleared swaps(a)

            296,246                                    296,246  

Swaps — OTC

                    

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swaps; Swap premiums received

            3,957,716                                    3,957,716  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ 4,253,962      $ 507      $ 455,157      $ 90,096      $      $ 4,799,722  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts and centrally cleared swaps, if any, 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).

 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      51  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

For the year ended August 31, 2019, 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

   $      $      $ (2,953    $      $ 770,244      $      $ 767,291  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          2,682,747                      2,682,747  

Options purchased(a)

                   (44,978                           (44,978

Swaps

            877,528                      1,481,567        1,429        2,360,524  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ 877,528      $ (47,931    $ 2,682,747      $ 2,251,811      $ 1,429      $ 5,765,584  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 304      $      $ 36,695      $      $ 36,999  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          (108,409                    (108,409

Options purchased(b)

                   44,978                             44,978  

Swaps

            1,082,174                      (846,994             235,180  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ 1,082,174      $ 45,282      $ (108,409    $ (810,299    $      $ 208,748  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Options purchased are included in net realized gain (loss) from investments.

 
  (b) 

Options purchased are included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

        

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 91,479,563  

Average notional value of contracts — short

   $ 72,603,069  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 61,310,270  

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 32,932,221  

Credit default swaps:

  

Average notional value — buy protection

   $ 38,813,875  

Average notional value — sell protection

   $ 36,717,907  

Interest rate swaps:

  

Average notional value — pays fixed rate

   $ 98,270,000  

Average notional value — receives fixed rate

   $ 89,642,500  

Inflation swaps:

  

Average notional value — receives fixed rate

   $ (a) 

Total return swaps:

  

Average notional value

   $ 2,375,000  

 

  (a)

Derivative not held at quarter-end. The risk exposure table serves as an indicator of activity during the period.

 

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

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of Period End

 

      Assets        Liabilities  

Futures contracts

   $ 43,448        $ 43,246  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     791,248          455,157  

Swaps — Centrally cleared

     972           

Swaps — OTC(a)

     2,518,568          3,957,716  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   $ 3,354,236        $ 4,456,119  

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

     (44,420        (43,246
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

   $ 3,309,816        $ 4,412,873  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

Includes unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on OTC swaps and swap premiums (paid/received) in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

 

52    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets (and liabilities) by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an MNA and net of the related collateral received (and pledged ) by the Fund:

 

Counterparty    Derivative
Assets
Subject to
an MNA by
Counterparty
       Derivatives
Available
for Offset
 (a)
       Non-cash
Collateral
Received
       Cash
Collateral
Received
       Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets
  (b)
 

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 23,094        $ (17,277      $        $        $ 5,817  

Barclays Bank PLC

     252,066          (252,066                           

BNP Paribas S.A.

     176,428          (1,005                          175,423  

Citibank N.A.

     204,391          (73,743                          130,648  

Credit Suisse International

     1,229,573          (1,229,573                           

Deutsche Bank AG

     31,901                                     31,901  

Goldman Sachs International

     21,637                                     21,637  

HSBC Bank PLC

     2,595                                     2,595  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     137,960          (137,960                           

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

     1,036,342          (1,036,342                           

Standard Chartered Bank

     2,575          (2,575                           

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

     191,254          (16,084                          175,170  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 3,309,816        $ (2,766,625      $        $        $ 543,191  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
                      
Counterparty    Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to
an MNA by
Counterparty
       Derivatives
Available
for Offset
 (a)
       Non-cash
Collateral
Pledged
       Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 (c)
       Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
  (d)
 

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 17,277        $ (17,277      $        $        $  

Barclays Bank PLC

     544,882          (252,066                 (292,816         

BNP Paribas S.A.

     1,005          (1,005                           

Citibank N.A.

     73,743          (73,743                           

Credit Suisse International

     1,870,319          (1,229,573                 (640,746         

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     308,158          (137,960                 (10,000        160,198  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

     1,538,152          (1,036,342                 (390,000        111,810  

Standard Chartered Bank

     43,253          (2,575                          40,678  

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

     16,084          (16,084                           
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 4,412,873        $ (2,766,625      $        $ (1,333,562      $ 312,686  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

The amount of derivatives available for offset is limited to the amount of derivative asset and/or liabilities that are subject to an MNA.

 
  (b)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 
  (c)

Excess of collateral pledged to the individual counterparty is not shown for financial reporting purposes.

 
  (d)

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      53  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

The following tables summarize the Fund’s investments and derivative financial instruments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy:

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets:

                 

Investments:

                 

Long-Term Investments:

                 

Asset-Backed Securities

   $        $ 26,252,515        $ 4,155,566        $ 30,408,081  

Common Stocks(a)

     128,236          44,183          534,756          707,175  

Corporate Bonds

              376,380,576          1,577,528          377,958,104  

Floating Rate Loan Interests

              236,020,674          7,282,908          243,303,582  

Foreign Agency Obligations

              16,513,516                   16,513,516  

Investment Companies

     15,052,766                            15,052,766  

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

              9,195,420                   9,195,420  

Other Interests

                       10          10  

Preferred Securities(a)

     13,402,973          41,942,139                   55,345,112  

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities

              33,410,222                   33,410,222  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

              18,226,283                   18,226,283  

Warrants

              201,521                   201,521  

Short-Term Securities:

                 

Foreign Agency Obligations

              339,993                   339,993  

Money Market Funds

     3,688,908                            3,688,908  

Liabilities:

                 

Investments:

                 

Unfunded Floating Rate Loan Interests(b)

              (1,688                 (1,688
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Subtotal

   $ 32,272,883        $ 758,525,354        $ 13,550,768        $ 804,349,005  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Investments Valued at NAV(c)

                    83,182  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments

                  $ 804,432,187  
                 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(d)

                 

Assets:

                 

Credit contracts

   $        $ 2,519,364        $        $ 2,519,364  

Forward foreign currency contracts

              791,248                   791,248  

Interest rate contracts

     130,798                            130,798  

Liabilities:

                 

Credit contracts

              (332,310                 (332,310

Equity contracts

     (507                          (507

Forward foreign currency contracts

              (455,157                 (455,157

Interest rate contracts

     (90,096                          (90,096
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 40,195        $ 2,523,145        $        $ 2,563,340  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)

See above Schedule of Investments for values in each industry.

 
  (b)

Unfunded floating rate loan interests are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the commitment.

 
  (c)

Certain investments of the Fund were fair valued using NAV per share as no quoted market value is available and therefore have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy.

 
  (d)

Derivative financial instruments are swaps, futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Swaps, futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount or face value, including accrued interest, for financial statement purposes. As of period end, reverse repurchase agreements of $202,539,453 are categorized within as Level 2 the disclosure hierarchy.

 

 

54    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

August 31, 2019

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

A reconciliation of Level 3 Investments is presented when the Fund had a significant amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning and/or end of the year in relation to net assets. The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value:

 

     Asset-Backed
Securities
    Common
Stocks
    Corporate
Bonds
    Floating
Rate Loan
Interests
    Options
Purchased
    Other
Interests
    Warrants     Grand Total  

Assets:

               

Opening balance, as of August 31, 2018

  $ 1,581,044     $ 2,336,114     $ 1,507,493     $ 9,733,052     $     $ 10     $     $ 15,157,713  

Transfers into Level 3(a)

    3,052,756                   3,230,188                         6,282,944  

Transfers out of Level 3

                (13     (4,260,723                       (4,260,736

Accrued discounts/premiums

    (131,390           (50,411     2,026                         (179,775

Net realized gain (loss)

    (87,372     27,445       848       (86,089     (44,978           (31     (190,177

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(b)(c)

    147,709       (1,786,361     151,761       (74,343     44,978             31       (1,516,225

Purchases

          100,687             4,231,258                         4,331,945  

Sales

    (407,181     (143,129     (32,150     (5,492,461                       (6,074,921
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing balance, as of August 31, 2019

  $ 4,155,566     $ 534,756     $ 1,577,528     $ 7,282,908     $     $ 10     $     $ 13,550,768  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 2019(c)

  $ 147,709     $ (1,786,361   $ 151,761     $ (98,502   $     $     $     $ (1,585,393
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of August 31, 2018, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2019, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments at beginning of period value were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 in the disclosure hierarchy.

 
  (b) 

Included in the related change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Statements of Operations.

 
  (c) 

Any difference between net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 2019 is generally due to investments no longer held or categorized as Level 3 at period end.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS      55  


Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2019

 

     FRA     BLW  

ASSETS

   

Investments at value — unaffiliated(a)

  $ 753,584,970     $ 800,744,967  

Investments at value — affiliated(b)

          3,688,908  

Cash

    1,243,343       988,391  

Cash pledged:

   

Collateral — OTC derivatives

          1,930,000  

Futures contracts

          342,300  

Centrally cleared swaps

          689,000  

Foreign currency at value(c)

    15,335       9,548,558  

Receivables:

   

Investments sold

    10,114,109       2,315,812  

Reverse repurchase agreements

          307,700  

Dividends — affiliated

    2,498       18,560  

Interest — unaffiliated

    2,473,041       8,128,051  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          43,448  

Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

          972  

Swap premiums paid

          1,059  

Unrealized appreciation on:

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    98,621       791,248  

OTC swaps

          2,517,509  

Prepaid expenses

    6,534       6,669  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    767,538,451       832,063,152  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

   

Collateral — reverse repurchase agreements

          59,288  

Reverse repurchase agreements at value

          202,539,453  

Payables:

   

Investments purchased

    35,681,515       13,447,899  

Bank borrowings

    204,000,000        

Income dividend distributions

    80,967       105,844  

Interest expense

    530,521        

Investment advisory fees

    465,119       376,789  

Offering costs

    4,000        

Directors’ and Officer’s fees

    7,323       428,702  

Other accrued expenses

    309,146       396,063  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          43,246  

Swap premiums received

          3,921,652  

Unrealized depreciation on:

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    8,163       455,157  

OTC swaps

          36,064  

Unfunded floating rate loan interests

    4,797       1,688  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    241,091,551       221,811,845  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 526,446,900     $ 610,251,307  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

   

Paid-in capital(d)(e)(f)

  $ 564,639,181     $ 636,378,755  

Accumulated loss

    (38,192,281     (26,127,448
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 526,446,900     $ 610,251,307  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 14.49     $ 17.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 766,457,987     $ 795,551,203  

(b) Investments at cost — affiliated

  $     $ 3,688,908  

(c) Foreign currency at cost

  $ 15,518     $ 9,647,175  

(d) Par value

  $ 0.100     $ 0.001  

(e) Shares outstanding

    36,325,253       35,832,657  

(f)  Shares authorized

    200 million       unlimited  

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

56    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Operations

Year Ended August 31, 2019

 

     FRA     BLW  

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Interest — unaffiliated

  $ 42,149,744     $ 43,277,038  

Dividends — unaffiliated

    1,151,000       1,323,406  

Other income

    584,116       224,044  

Dividends — affiliated

    38,562       171,752  

Foreign taxes withheld

          (12,750
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    43,923,422       44,983,490  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory

    5,651,988       4,443,460  

Professional

    193,421       170,541  

Accounting services

    111,942       115,798  

Transfer agent

    57,141       71,995  

Directors and Officer

    43,190       54,293  

Custodian

    37,942       75,575  

Offering

    30,883        

Printing

    29,541       23,989  

Registration

    14,061       13,877  

Miscellaneous

    28,298       95,711  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding interest expense

    6,198,407       5,065,239  

Interest expense

    6,951,555       5,810,660  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

    13,149,962       10,875,899  

Less fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager

    (1,728     (5,603
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    13,148,234       10,870,296  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    30,775,188       34,113,194  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — unaffiliated

    (9,904,223     (9,484,091

Investments — affiliated

    27,274        

Futures contracts

          767,291  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    587,067       2,682,747  

Foreign currency transactions

    117,500       (399,761

Swaps

    (610,309     2,360,524  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (9,782,691     (4,073,290
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — unaffiliated

    (6,292,224     14,278,431  

Futures contracts

          36,999  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    36,256       (108,409

Foreign currency translations

    (130,922     (54,655

Swaps

          235,180  

Unfunded floating rate loan interests

    (1,585     (906
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (6,388,475     14,386,640  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (16,171,166     10,313,350  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 14,604,022     $ 44,426,544  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      57  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    FRA            BLW  
    Year Ended August 31,            Year Ended August 31,  
     2019     2018 (a)             2019     2018  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

          

OPERATIONS

          

Net investment income

  $ 30,775,188     $ 29,305,147        $ 34,113,194     $ 34,941,919  

Net realized gain (loss)

    (9,782,691     638,332          (4,073,290     7,252,073  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (6,388,475     (3,031,229        14,386,640       (19,132,912
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    14,604,022       26,912,250          44,426,544       23,061,080  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b)(c)

          

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (32,025,983     (27,514,809        (34,575,364     (35,259,837
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

          

Redemption of shares resulting from share repurchase program (including transaction costs)

    (11,500,788              (11,648,172     (5,481,140
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS(c)

          

Total decrease in net assets

    (28,922,749     (602,559        (1,796,992     (17,679,897

Beginning of year

    555,369,649       555,972,208          612,048,299       629,728,196  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 526,446,900     $ 555,369,649        $ 610,251,307     $ 612,048,299  
 

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets through November 30, 2017.

(b) 

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

(c) 

Prior year distribution character information and undistributed net investment income has been modified or removed to conform with current year Regulation S-X presentation changes. Refer to Note 12 for this prior year information.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

58    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Cash Flows

Year Ended August 31, 2019

 

     FRA     BLW  

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 14,604,022     $ 44,426,544  

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

 

Proceeds from sales of long-term investments and principal paydowns

    449,031,617       449,365,731  

Purchases of long-term investments

    (406,462,634     (399,504,230

Net proceeds from sales (purchases) of short-term securities

    155,382       (3,770,137

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on investments and other fees

    (386,564     372,746  

Net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments, swaps, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency translations and unfunded floating rate loan interests

    6,257,553       (15,551,799

Net realized loss on investments

    9,882,763       9,484,002  

(Increase) Decrease in Assets:

   

Receivables:

   

Dividends — affiliated

    (1,011     (9,055

Interest — unaffiliated

    299,782       101,721  

Variation margin on futures contracts

          (16,354

Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

          (972

Swap premiums paid

          19,832  

Prepaid expenses

    2,463       3,082  

Deferred offering costs

    30,883        

Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities:

   

Cash received:

   

Collateral — reverse repurchase agreements

          59,288  

Collateral — OTC derivatives

          (150,000

Payables:

   

Interest expense and fees

    (35,153     982,760  

Investment advisory fees

    (38,541     (23,117

Directors’ and Officer’s fees

    (1,216     (618

Other accrued expenses

    (72,636     (44,422

Variation margin on futures contracts

          (17,893

Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

          (114,007

Swap premiums received

          (52,099
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    73,266,710       85,561,003  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   

Cash dividends paid to Common Shareholders

    (32,025,792     (34,562,280

Payments for bank borrowings

    (306,000,000      

Payments on Common Shares redeemed

    (11,500,788     (11,769,182

Proceeds from bank borrowings

    277,000,000        

Net borrowing of reverse repurchase agreements

          (33,373,160
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

    (72,526,580     (79,704,622
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH IMPACT FROM FOREIGN EXCHANGE FLUCTUATIONS

   

Cash impact from foreign exchange fluctuations

  $ (169   $ (57,073
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY

   

Net increase in restricted and unrestricted cash and foreign currency

    739,961       5,799,308  

Restricted and unrestricted cash and foreign currency at beginning of year

    518,717       7,698,941  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restricted and unrestricted cash and foreign currency at end of year

  $ 1,258,678     $ 13,498,249  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Cash paid during the year for interest expense

  $ 6,986,708     $ 4,827,900  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      59  


Statements of Cash Flows  (continued)

Year Ended August 31, 2019

 

     FRA      BLW  

RECONCILIATION OF RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY AT THE END OF YEAR TO THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Cash

  $ 1,243,343      $ 988,391  

Cash pledged:

 

Collateral — OTC derivatives

           1,930,000  

Futures contracts

           342,300  

Centrally cleared swaps

           689,000  

Foreign currency at value

    15,335        9,548,558  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 1,258,678      $ 13,498,249  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

RECONCILIATION OF RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY AT THE BEGINNING OF YEAR TO
THE STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Cash

  $ 508,498      $ 172,706  

Cash pledged:

 

Collateral — reverse repurchase agreements

           908,000  

Collateral — OTC derivatives

           3,540,000  

Futures contracts

           497,859  

Centrally cleared swaps

           1,017,170  

Foreign currency at value

    10,219        1,563,206  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 518,717      $ 7,698,941  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

60    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    FRA  
    Year Ended August 31,  
     2019      2018 (a)      2017 (a)      2016 (a)      2015 (a)  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 14.92      $ 14.93      $ 14.78      $ 14.91      $ 15.38  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.84        0.79        0.76        0.76        0.81  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.40      (0.06      0.20        (0.14      (0.47
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    0.44        0.73        0.96        0.62        0.34  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(c)

    (0.87      (0.74      (0.81      (0.75      (0.81
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 14.49      $ 14.92      $ 14.93      $ 14.78      $ 14.91 (d) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 12.46      $ 13.80      $ 14.10      $ 13.70      $ 12.94  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

 

Based on net asset value

    3.94      5.28      6.93      5.00      2.88 %(d) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (3.37 )%       3.11      8.95      12.14      (3.71 )% 
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(f)

 

Total expenses

    2.45      2.23      1.88      1.54      1.56
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    2.45      2.22      1.88      1.54      1.56
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense

    1.16      1.20      1.21      1.14      1.19
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    5.74      5.27      5.08      5.27      5.39
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $ 526,447      $ 555,370      $ 555,972      $ 550,271      $ 555,104  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 204,000      $ 233,000      $ 237,000      $ 225,000      $ 196,000  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Asset coverage, end of year per $1,000 of bank borrowings

  $ 3,582      $ 3,385      $ 3,346      $ 3,446      $ 3,832  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    53      57      64      48      43
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Financial Highlights through November 30, 2017.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

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

(d) 

For financial reporting purposes, the market value of certain investments were adjusted as of report date. Accordingly, the net asset value per share and total return performance presented herein are different than the information previously published on August 31, 2015.

(e) 

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

(f) 

Excludes expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds as follows:

 

    Year Ended August 31,  
    2019           2018           2017           2016           2015        

Investments in underlying funds

    0.03             0.01                                                  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      61  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

    BLW  
    Year Ended August 31,  
     2019     2018      2017      2016      2015(a)  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 16.71     $ 17.02      $ 16.84      $ 17.04      $ 18.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.94       0.95        1.01        1.32        1.16  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    0.33       (0.31      0.44        (0.22      (0.92
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    1.27       0.64        1.45        1.10        0.24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income(c)

    (0.95     (0.95      (1.27      (1.30      (1.29
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 17.03     $ 16.71      $ 17.02      $ 16.84      $ 17.04 (d) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 15.44     $ 15.06      $ 15.99      $ 15.74      $ 14.60  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

 

Based on net asset value

    8.77     4.42      9.62      7.78      2.23 %(d) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on market price

    9.41     0.18      10.18      17.59      (5.74 )% 
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

Total expenses

    1.81 %(f)      1.73      1.45      1.21      1.15
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    1.81 %(f)      1.73      1.45      1.21      1.15
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense

    0.84 %(f)      0.89      0.89      0.89      0.92
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    5.69 %(f)      5.60      6.00      8.04      6.65
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $ 610,251     $ 612,048      $ 629,728      $ 623,219      $ 630,388  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 202,539     $ 234,622      $ 252,280      $ 263,445      $ 264,036  
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    50     50      55      54      47
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

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

(d) 

For financial reporting purposes, the market value of certain investments were adjusted as of report date. Accordingly, the net asset value per share and total return performance presented herein are different than the information previously published on August 31, 2015.

(e) 

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions at actual reinvestment prices.

(f) 

Excludes 0.02% of expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

62    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

The following are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as closed-end management investment companies and are referred to herein collectively as the “Funds”, or individually as a “Fund”:

 

Fund Name   Herein Referred To As    Organized    Diversification
Classification

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

  FRA    Maryland    Diversified

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

  BLW    Delaware    Diversified

The Boards of Directors and Boards of Trustees of the Funds are collectively referred to throughout this report as the “Board of Directors” or the “Board,” and the directors/trustees thereof are collectively referred to throughout this report as “Directors”. The Funds determine and make available for publication the net asset values (“NAVs”) of their Common Shares on a daily basis.

The Funds, together with certain other registered investment companies advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) or its affiliates, are included in a complex of open-end non-index fixed-income mutual funds and all BlackRock-advised closed-end funds referred to as the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of FRA include the account of FRA Subsidiary, LLC (the “Taxable Subsidiary”). As of period end, the Taxable Subsidiary, which was wholly-owned by FRA, was dissolved. The Taxable Subsidiary enabled FRA to hold an investment in an operating partnership and satisfy Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) tax requirements. Income earned and gains realized on the investment held by the Taxable Subsidiary were taxable to such subsidiary. There was no tax provision required for income or realized gains during the period.

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. 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, 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, and payment-in-kind interest are recognized 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 exchange rates determined as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). 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 portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of investments held or sold 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.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options written and swaps) or certain borrowings (e.g., reverse repurchase transactions) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and records cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of its future obligations under such investments or borrowings. Doing so allows the investment or borrowings to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Funds may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

Distributions: Distributions from net investment income are declared monthly and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and made at least annually. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Under the Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) approved by each Fund’s Board, the directors who are not “interested persons” of the Funds, as defined in the 1940 Act (“Independent Directors”), may defer a portion of their annual complex-wide compensation. Deferred amounts earn an approximate return as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in common shares of certain funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex selected by the Independent Directors. This has the same economic effect for the Independent Directors as if the Independent Directors had invested the deferred amounts directly in certain funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      63  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

The Plan is not funded and obligations thereunder represent general unsecured claims against the general assets of each Fund, as applicable. Deferred compensation liabilities are included in the Directors’ and Officer’s fees payable in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and will remain as a liability of the Funds until such amounts are distributed in accordance with the Plan.

Recent Accounting Standards: In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update “Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities” which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities. Under the new guidance, the premium amortization of purchased callable debt securities that have explicit, non-contingent call features and are callable at fixed prices will be amortized to the earliest call date. The guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis and is effective for fiscal years, and their interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Management continues to evaluate the impact of this guidance on the Funds.

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

Other: Expenses directly related to a Fund are charged to that Fund. Other operating expenses shared by several funds, including other funds managed by the Manager, are prorated among those funds on the basis of relative net assets or other appropriate methods.

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: The Funds’ investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) as of the close of trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (or if the reporting date falls on a day the NYSE is closed, investments are valued at fair value as of the period end). U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price the Funds would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Funds determine the fair values of their financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board. The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments.

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

 

   

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at the official closing price each day, if available. For equity investments traded on more than one exchange, the official closing price on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded is used. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day may be valued at the last available bid (long positions) or ask (short positions) price.

 

   

Fixed-income securities for which market quotations are readily available are generally valued using the last available bid prices or current market quotations provided by independent dealers or third party pricing services. Floating rate loan interests are valued at the mean of the bid prices from one or more independent brokers or dealers as obtained from a third party pricing service. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but a fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. The pricing services may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values, including transaction data (e.g., recent representative bids and offers), credit quality information, perceived market movements, news, and other relevant information. Certain fixed-income securities, including asset-backed and mortgage related securities may be valued based on valuation models that consider the estimated cash flows of each tranche of the entity, establish a benchmark yield and develop an estimated tranche specific spread to the benchmark yield based on the unique attributes of the tranche. The amortized cost method of valuation may be used with respect to debt obligations with sixty days or less remaining to maturity unless the Manager determines such method does not represent fair value.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the values of such instruments may occur between the foreign market close and the close of trading on the NYSE that may not be reflected in the computation of the Funds’ net assets. Each business day, the Funds use a pricing service to assist with the valuation of certain foreign exchange-traded equity securities and foreign exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options (the “Systematic Fair Value Price”). Using current market factors, the Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities and foreign options at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds are valued at NAV each business day.

 

   

Futures contracts traded on exchanges are valued at their last sale price.

 

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices and are determined as of the close of trading on the NYSE based on that day’s prevailing forward exchange rate for the underlying currencies. Interpolated values are derived when the settlement date of the contract is an interim date for which quotations are not available.

 

   

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean between the last bid and ask prices at the close of the options market in which the options trade. An exchange-traded option for which there is no mean price is valued at the last bid (long positions) or ask (short positions) price. If no bid or ask price is available, the prior day’s price will be used, unless it is determined that the prior day’s price no longer reflects the fair value of the option. OTC options and options on swaps (“swaptions”) are valued by an independent pricing service using a mathematical model, which incorporates a number of market data factors, such as the trades and prices of the underlying instruments.

 

   

Swap agreements are valued utilizing quotes received daily by the Funds’ pricing service or through brokers, which are derived using daily swap curves and models that incorporate a number of market data factors, such as discounted cash flows, trades and values of the underlying reference instruments.

 

 

64    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such investments, or in the event that the application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Global Valuation Committee will include market approach, income approach and cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

For investments in equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds (“Private Company” or collectively, the “Private Companies”) and other Fair Valued Investments, the fair valuation approaches that are used by the Global Valuation Committee and third party pricing services utilize one or a combination of, but not limited to, the following inputs.

 

     Standard Inputs Generally Considered By Third Party Pricing Services

Market approach

 

(i)  recent market transactions, including subsequent rounds of financing, in the underlying investment or comparable issuers;

(ii) recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure; and

(iii)   market multiples of comparable issuers.

Income approach

 

(i)  future cash flows discounted to present and adjusted as appropriate for liquidity, credit, and/or market risks;

(ii) quoted prices for similar investments or assets in active markets; and

(iii)   other risk factors, such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, recovery rates, liquidation amounts and/or default rates.

Cost approach

 

(i)  audited or unaudited financial statements, investor communications and financial or operational metrics issued by the Private Company;

(ii) changes in the valuation of relevant indices or publicly traded companies comparable to the Private Company;

(iii)   relevant news and other public sources; and

(iv)   known secondary market transactions in the Private Company’s interests and merger or acquisition activity in companies comparable to the Private Company.

Investments in series of preferred stock issued by Private Companies are typically valued utilizing market approach in determining the enterprise value of the company. Such investments often contain rights and preferences that differ from other series of preferred and common stock of the same issuer. Valuation techniques such as an option pricing model (“OPM”), a probability weighted expected return model (“PWERM”) or a hybrid of those techniques are used in allocating enterprise value of the company, as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. The use of OPM and PWERM techniques involve a determination of the exit scenarios of the investment in order to appropriately allocate the enterprise value of the company among the various parts of its capital structure.

The Private Companies are not subject to the public company disclosure, timing, and reporting standards as other investments held by a Fund. Typically, the most recently available information by a Private Company is as of a date that is earlier than the date a Fund is calculating its NAV. This factor may result in a difference between the value of the investment and the price a Fund could receive upon the sale of the investment.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of investments and derivative financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial statement 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)

 

   

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

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by Private Companies. There may not be a secondary market, and/or there are a limited number of investors. The categorization of a value determined for investments and derivative financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the investments and derivative financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

As of August 31, 2019, certain investments of BLW were valued using NAV per share as no quoted market value is available and therefore have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      65  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities: Asset-backed securities are generally issued as pass-through certificates or as debt instruments. Asset-backed securities issued as pass-through certificates represent undivided fractional ownership interests in an underlying pool of assets. Asset-backed securities issued as debt instruments, which are also known as collateralized obligations, are typically issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. The yield characteristics of certain asset-backed securities may differ from traditional debt securities. One such major difference is that all or a principal part of the obligations may be prepaid at any time because the underlying assets (i.e., loans) may be prepaid at any time. As a result, a decrease in interest rates in the market may result in increases in the level of prepayments as borrowers, particularly mortgagors, refinance and repay their loans. An increased prepayment rate with respect to an asset-backed security will have the effect of shortening the maturity of the security. In addition, a fund may subsequently have to reinvest the proceeds at lower interest rates. If a fund has purchased such an asset-backed security at a premium, a faster than anticipated prepayment rate could result in a loss of principal to the extent of the premium paid.

For mortgage pass-through securities (the “Mortgage Assets”) there are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government that issue mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. For example, mortgage-related securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by Ginnie Mae and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. However, mortgage-related securities issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, including Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates, which are solely the obligations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States, but are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury.

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities are securities issued by non-governmental issuers and have no direct or indirect government guarantees of payment and are subject to various risks. Non-agency mortgage loans are obligations of the borrowers thereunder only and are not typically insured or guaranteed by any other person or entity. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan is dependent upon the income or assets of the borrower. A number of factors, including a general economic downturn, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances, may impair a borrower’s ability to repay its loans.

Collateralized Debt Obligations: Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), including collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), are types of asset-backed securities. A CDO is an entity that is backed by a diversified pool of debt securities (CBOs) or syndicated bank loans (CLOs). The cash flows of the CDO can be split into multiple segments, called “tranches,” which will vary in risk profile and yield. The riskiest segment is the subordinated or “equity” tranche. This tranche bears the greatest risk of defaults from the underlying assets in the CDO and serves to protect the other, more senior, tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is shielded from defaults by the more junior tranches, a “senior” tranche will typically have higher credit ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and often receive investment grade ratings from one or more of the nationally recognized rating agencies. Despite the protection from the more junior tranches, senior tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to future defaults and the disappearance of one or more protecting tranches as a result of changes in the credit profile of the underlying pool of assets.

Multiple Class Pass-Through Securities: Multiple class pass-through securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities, may be issued by Ginnie Mae, U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities or by trusts formed by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. In general, CMOs are debt obligations of a legal entity that are collateralized by a pool of residential or commercial mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (the “Mortgage Assets”). The payments on these are used to make payments on the CMOs or multiple pass-through securities. Multiple class pass-through securities represent direct ownership interests in the Mortgage Assets. Classes of CMOs include interest only (“IOs”), principal only (“POs”), planned amortization classes and targeted amortization classes. IOs and POs are stripped mortgage-backed securities representing interests in a pool of mortgages, the cash flow from which has been separated into interest and principal components. IOs receive the interest portion of the cash flow while POs receive the principal portion. IOs and POs can be extremely volatile in response to changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise and fall, the value of IOs tends to move in the same direction as interest rates. POs perform best when prepayments on the underlying mortgages rise since this increases the rate at which the principal is returned and the yield to maturity on the PO. When payments on mortgages underlying a PO are slower than anticipated, the life of the PO is lengthened and the yield to maturity is reduced. If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a fund’s initial investment in the IOs may not fully recoup.

Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities: Stripped mortgage-backed securities are typically issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest (IOs) and principal (POs) distributions on a pool of the Mortgage Assets. Stripped mortgage-backed securities may be privately issued.

Zero-Coupon Bonds: Zero-coupon bonds are normally issued at a significant discount from face value and do not provide for periodic interest payments. These bonds may experience greater volatility in market value than other debt obligations of similar maturity which provide for regular interest payments.

Capital Securities and Trust Preferred Securities: Capital securities, including trust preferred securities, are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics. In the case of trust preferred securities, an affiliated business trust of a corporation issues these securities, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The securities can be structured with either a fixed or adjustable coupon that can have either a perpetual or stated maturity date. For trust preferred securities, the issuing bank or corporation pays interest to the trust, which is then distributed to holders of these securities as a dividend. Dividends can be deferred without creating an event of default or acceleration, although maturity cannot take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met. The deferral of payments does not affect the purchase or sale of these securities in the open market. These securities generally are rated below that of the issuing company’s senior debt securities and are freely callable at the issuer’s option.

Preferred Stocks: Preferred stock has a preference over common stock in liquidation (and generally in receiving dividends as well), but is subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer in all respects. As a general rule, the market value of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk, while the market price of convertible preferred stock generally also reflects some element of conversion value. Because preferred stock is junior

 

 

66    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

to debt securities and other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similar stated yield characteristics. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.

Warrants: Warrants entitle a fund to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock and are non-income producing. The purchase price and number of shares are subject to adjustment under certain conditions until the expiration date of the warrants, if any. If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the strike price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and a fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant. Thus, investments in warrants may involve more risk than investments in common stock. Warrants may trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however, the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.

Floating Rate Loan Interests: Floating rate loan interests are typically issued to companies (the “borrower”) by banks, other financial institutions, or privately and publicly offered corporations (the “lender”). Floating rate loan interests are generally non-investment grade, often involve borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or uncertain and companies that are highly leveraged or in bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, transactions in floating rate loan interests may settle on a delayed basis, which may result in proceeds from the sale not being readily available for a fund to make additional investments or meet its redemption obligations. Floating rate loan interests may include fully funded term loans or revolving lines of credit. Floating rate loan interests are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. Floating rate loan interests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. Since the rates reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the NAV of a fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate loan interests. The base lending rates are generally the lending rate offered by one or more European banks, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. Floating rate loan interests may involve foreign borrowers, and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. These investments are treated as investments in debt securities for purposes of a fund’s investment policies.

When a fund purchases a floating rate loan interest, it may receive a facility fee and when it sells a floating rate loan interest, it may pay a facility fee. On an ongoing basis, a fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit amount of a floating rate loan interest. Facility and commitment fees are typically amortized to income over the term of the loan or term of the commitment, respectively. Consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned. Prepayment penalty fees, which may be received by a fund upon the prepayment of a floating rate loan interest by a borrower, are recorded as realized gains. A fund may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan. A different series or tranche may have varying terms and carry different associated risks.

Floating rate loan interests are usually freely callable at the borrower’s option. A fund may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans (“Participations”) or assignments (“Assignments”) of all or a portion of loans from third parties. Participations typically will result in a fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the borrower. A fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, a fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of offset against the borrower. A fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, a fund assumes the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the Participation. A fund’s investment in loan participation interests involves the risk of insolvency of the financial intermediaries who are parties to the transactions. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the Participation, a fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any offset between the lender and the borrower. Assignments typically result in a fund having a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, and a fund may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement.

In connection with floating rate loan interests, certain funds may also enter into unfunded floating rate loan interests (“commitments”). In connection with these commitments, a fund earns a commitment fee, typically set as a percentage of the commitment amount. Such fee income, which is included in interest income in the Statements of Operations, is recognized ratably over the commitment period. Unfunded floating rate loan interests are marked-to-market daily, and any unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Statements of Operations. As of period end, the funds had the following unfunded floating rate loan interests:

 

Fund Name   Borrower    Par     

Commitment

Amount

     Value      Unrealized
(Depreciation)
 

FRA

  Allied Universal Holdco LLC    $ 500,745      $ 500,745      $ 499,619      $ (1,126
  BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc.      209,748        209,748        206,077        (3,671

BLW

  Allied Universal Holdco LLC      177,128        177,128        176,729        (399
    BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc.      73,670        73,670        72,381        (1,289

Forward Commitments, When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities: Certain funds may purchase securities on a when-issued basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase or sale commitment is made. A fund may purchase securities under such conditions with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, a fund may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, a fund is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement. When purchasing a security on a delayed delivery basis, a fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations. In the event of default by the counterparty, a fund’s maximum amount of loss is the unrealized appreciation of unsettled when-issued transactions.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements: Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements with qualified third party broker dealers in which a fund sells securities to a bank or broker-dealer and agrees to repurchase the same securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price. A fund receives cash from the sale to use for other investment purposes. During the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, a fund continues to receive the principal and interest payments on the securities sold. Certain agreements have no stated maturity and can be terminated by either party at any time. Interest on the value of the reverse repurchase agreements issued and outstanding

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      67  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

is based upon competitive market rates determined at the time of issuance. A fund may utilize reverse repurchase agreements when it is anticipated that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the transaction. Reverse repurchase agreements involve leverage risk. If a fund suffers a loss on its investment of the transaction proceeds from a reverse repurchase agreement, a fund would still be required to pay the full repurchase price. Further, a fund remains subject to the risk that the market value of the securities repurchased declines below the repurchase price. In such cases, a fund would be required to return a portion of the cash received from the transaction or provide additional securities to the counterparty.

Cash received in exchange for securities delivered plus accrued interest due to the counterparty is recorded as a liability in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at face value including accrued interest. Due to the short-term nature of the reverse repurchase agreements, face value approximates fair value. Interest payments made by a fund to the counterparties are recorded as a component of interest expense in the Statements of Operations. In periods of increased demand for the security, a fund may receive a fee for the use of the security by the counterparty, which may result in interest income to a fund.

For the year ended August 31, 2019, the average amount of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding and the daily weighted average interest rate for BLW was $207,992,983 and 2.80%, respectively.

Reverse repurchase transactions are entered into by a fund under Master Repurchase Agreements (each, an “MRA”), which permit a fund, under certain circumstances, including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset payables and/or receivables under the MRA with collateral held and/or posted to the counterparty and create one single net payment due to or from a fund. With reverse repurchase transactions typically a fund and counterparty under an MRA are permitted to sell, re-pledge, or use the collateral associated with the transaction. Bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of the MRA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Pursuant to the terms of the MRA, a fund receives or posts securities as collateral with a market value in excess of the repurchase price to be paid or received by a fund upon the maturity of the transaction. Upon a bankruptcy or insolvency of the MRA counterparty, a fund is considered an unsecured creditor with respect to excess collateral and, as such, the return of excess collateral may be delayed.

As of period end, the following table is a summary of BLW’s open reverse repurchase agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MRA on a net basis:

 

Counterparty   Reverse Repurchase
Agreements
    

Fair Value of

Non-cash Collateral
Pledged Including
Accrued Interest
 (a)

    Cash Collateral
Pledged/Received
     Net
Amount
 

Bank of America Securities, Inc.

  $ 13,844,789      $ (13,844,789   $      $  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

    41,480,860        (41,480,860             

BNP Paribas S.A.

    25,836,897        (25,836,897             

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    2,680,561        (2,680,561             

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    599,933        (599,933             

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

    2,873,097        (2,873,097             

Goldman Sachs & Co LLC

    7,665,355        (7,665,355             

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

    43,962,664        (43,962,664             

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

    47,518,024        (47,518,024             

TD Securities (USA) LLC

    7,557,282        (7,557,282             

UBS Ltd.

    6,534,740        (6,534,740             

UBS Securities LLC

    1,985,251        (1,985,251             
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 202,539,453      $ (202,539,453   $      $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net collateral, including accrued interest, with a value of $230,888,481 has been pledged/received in connection with open reverse repurchase agreements. Excess of net collateral pledged to the individual counterparty is not shown for financial reporting purposes.

 

In the event the counterparty of securities under an MRA files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a fund’s use of the proceeds from the agreement may be restricted while the counterparty, or its trustee or receiver, determines whether or not to enforce a fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities.

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Funds engage in various portfolio investment strategies using derivative contracts both to increase the returns of the Funds and/or to manage their exposure to certain risks such as credit risk, equity risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk or other risks (e.g., inflation risk). Derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure are included in the Schedules of Investments. These contracts may be transacted on an exchange or OTC.

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 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 Schedules 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

 

 

68    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

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, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are entered into to gain or reduce exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a specified date. These contracts help to manage the overall exposure to the currencies in which some of the investments held by the Funds are denominated and in some cases, may be used to obtain exposure to a particular market.

The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When a contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements of Operations equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Non-deliverable forward foreign currency exchange contracts are settled with the counterparty in cash without the delivery of foreign currency. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies, and such value may exceed the amount(s) reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Cash amounts pledged for forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered restricted and are included in cash pledged as collateral for OTC derivatives in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Options: Certain Funds purchase and write call and put options to increase or decrease their exposure to the risks of underlying instruments, including equity risk, interest rate risk and/or commodity price risk and/or, in the case of options written, to generate gains from options premiums.

A call option gives the purchaser (holder) of the option the right (but not the obligation) to buy, and obligates the seller (writer) to sell (when the option is exercised) the underlying instrument at the exercise or strike price at any time or at a specified time during the option period. A put option gives the holder the right to sell and obligates the writer to buy the underlying instrument at the exercise or strike price at any time or at a specified time during the option period.

Premiums paid on options purchased and premiums received on options written, as well as the daily fluctuation in market value, are included in investments at value — unaffiliated and options written at value, respectively, in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When an instrument is purchased or sold through the exercise of an option, the premium is offset against the cost or proceeds of the underlying instrument. When an option expires, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements of Operations to the extent of the premiums received or paid. When an option is closed or sold, a gain or loss is recorded in the Statements of Operations to the extent the cost of the closing transaction exceeds the premiums received or paid. When the Funds write a call option, such option is typically “covered,” meaning that they hold the underlying instrument subject to being called by the option counterparty. When the Funds write a put option, such option is covered by cash in an amount sufficient to cover the obligation. These amounts, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged as collateral for options written in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

   

Swaptions — Certain Funds purchase and write options on swaps (“swaptions”) primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of the Funds’ holdings, as a duration management technique or to protect against an increase in the price of securities it anticipates purchasing at a later date. The purchaser and writer of a swaption is buying or granting the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate or credit default swap agreement (interest rate risk and/or credit risk) at any time before the expiration of the option.

 

   

Foreign currency options — Certain Funds purchase and write foreign currency options, foreign currency futures and options on foreign currency futures to gain or reduce exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk). Foreign currency options give the purchaser the right to buy from or sell to the writer a foreign currency at any time before the expiration of the option.

In purchasing and writing options, the Funds bear the risk of an unfavorable change in the value of the underlying instrument or the risk that they may not be able to enter into a closing transaction due to an illiquid market. Exercise of a written option could result in the Funds purchasing or selling a security when they otherwise would not, or at a price different from the current market value.

Swaps: Swap contracts are entered into to manage exposure to issuers, markets and securities. Such contracts are agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to make periodic net payments on a specified notional amount or a net payment upon termination. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the OTC market and may be entered into as a bilateral contract (“OTC swaps”) or centrally cleared (“centrally cleared swaps”).

For OTC swaps, any upfront premiums paid and any upfront fees received are shown as swap premiums paid and swap premiums received, respectively, in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and amortized over the term of the contract. The daily fluctuation in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on OTC Swaps in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or paid are recorded in the Statements of Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. When an OTC swap is terminated, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements of Operations equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Funds’ basis in the contract, if any. Generally, the basis of the contract is the premium received or paid.

In a centrally cleared swap, immediately following execution of the swap contract, the swap contract is novated to a central counterparty (the “CCP”) and the Funds’ counterparty on the swap agreement becomes the CCP. The Funds are required to interface with the CCP through the broker. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap, 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 the size and risk profile of the particular swap. Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Schedules of Investments and cash deposited is shown as cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted cash, are included in cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps in the

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      69  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

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 shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on centrally cleared swaps in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received from (paid to) the counterparty, including at termination, are recorded as realized gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations.

 

   

Credit default swaps — Credit default swaps are entered into to manage exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce risk exposure to defaults of corporate and/or sovereign issuers or to create exposure to corporate and/or sovereign issuers to which a fund is not otherwise exposed (credit risk).

The Funds may either buy or sell (write) credit default swaps on single-name issuers (corporate or sovereign), a combination or basket of single-name issuers or traded indexes. Credit default swaps are agreements in which the protection buyer pays fixed periodic payments to the seller in consideration for a promise from the protection seller to make a specific payment should a negative credit event take place with respect to the referenced entity (e.g., bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration, repudiation, moratorium or restructuring). As a buyer, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Funds will either (i) receive from the seller an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced security or underlying securities comprising the index, or (ii) receive a net settlement of cash equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the security or underlying securities comprising the index. As a seller (writer), if an underlying credit event occurs, the Funds will either pay the buyer an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced security or underlying securities comprising the index or pay a net settlement of cash equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the security or underlying securities comprising the index.

 

   

Total return swaps — Total return swaps are entered into to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning such security or investing directly in such market or to exchange the risk/return of one security or market (e.g., fixed-income) with another security or market (e.g., equity or commodity prices) (equity risk, commodity price risk and/or interest rate risk).

Total return swaps are agreements in which there is an exchange of cash flows whereby one party commits to make payments based on the total return (distributions plus capital gains/losses) of an underlying instrument, or basket of underlying instruments, in exchange for fixed or floating rate interest payments. If the total return of the instrument or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting fixed or floating interest rate obligation, the Funds receive payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

 

   

Interest rate swaps — Interest rate swaps are entered into to gain or reduce exposure to interest rates or to manage duration, the yield curve or interest rate (interest rate risk).

Interest rate swaps are agreements in which one party pays a stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating, in exchange for another party’s stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating, on the same notional amount for a specified period of time. In more complex interest rate swaps, the notional principal amount may decline (or amortize) over time.

 

   

Inflation swaps — Inflation swaps are entered into to gain or reduce exposure to inflation (inflation risk). In an inflation swap, one party makes fixed interest payments on a notional principal amount in exchange for another party’s variable payments based on an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index.

Swap transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of interest rate, credit and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of the contractual terms in the agreements, and that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates and/or market values associated with these transactions.

Master Netting Arrangements: In order to define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help them mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between each Fund and a counterparty that governs certain OTC derivatives and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, each Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. Bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may restrict or prohibit the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency or other events.

Collateral Requirements: For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty.

Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral and cash received as collateral, respectively. Non-cash collateral pledged by the Funds, if any, is noted in the Schedules of Investments. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty is subject to a certain minimum transfer amount threshold before a transfer is required, which is determined at the close of business of the Funds. Any additional required collateral is delivered to/pledged by the Funds on the next business day. Typically, the counterparty is not permitted to sell, re-pledge or use cash and non-cash collateral it receives. A Fund generally agrees not to use non-cash collateral that it receives but may, absent default or certain other circumstances defined in the underlying ISDA Master Agreement, be permitted to use cash collateral received. In such cases, interest may be paid pursuant to the collateral arrangement with the counterparty. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, they bear the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. Likewise, to the extent the Funds have delivered collateral to a counterparty and stand ready to perform under the terms of their agreement with such counterparty, they bear the risk of loss from a counterparty in the amount of the value of the collateral in the event the counterparty fails to return such collateral. Based on the terms of agreements, collateral may not be required for all derivative contracts.

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements, if any, in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

70    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory: Each Fund entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Manager, the Funds’ investment adviser and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), to provide investment advisory and administrative services. The Manager is responsible for the management of each Fund’s portfolio and provides the personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operations of each Fund.

For such services, FRA pays the Manager a monthly fee at an annual rate equal to 0.75% of the average daily value of the Fund’s net assets, plus the proceeds of any debt securities or outstanding borrowings used for leverage. For purposes of calculating this fee, “net assets” mean the total assets of the Fund minus the sum of its accrued liabilities.

For such services, BLW pays the Manager a monthly fee at an annual rate equal to 0.55% of the average weekly value of the Fund’s managed assets, plus the proceeds of any debt securities or outstanding borrowings used for leverage. For purposes of calculating this fee, “managed assets” mean the total assets of the Fund minus the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than the aggregate indebtedness constituting financial leverage).

Distribution Fees: FRA had entered into a Distribution Agreement with BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of the Manager, to provide for distribution of FRA common shares on a reasonable best efforts basis through an equity shelf offering (a “Shelf Offering”) (the “Distribution Agreement”); however, as of August 31, 2019, FRA is no longer actively engaged in a Shelf Offering and has no effective registration statement or current prospectus and the Distribution Agreement with FRA has been terminated. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, FRA will compensate BRIL with respect to sales of common shares at a commission rate of 1.00% of the gross proceeds of the sale of FRA’s common shares and a portion of such commission is re-allowed to broker-dealers engaged by BRIL. The commissions retained by BRIL during the period ended August 31, 2019 amounted to $0 since no sales of FRA’s common shares were made prior to termination of the Distribution Agreement.

Expense Waivers: With respect to each Fund, the Manager voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees each Fund pays to the Manager indirectly through its investment in affiliated money market funds (the “affiliated money market fund waiver”). The amounts are included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended August 31, 2019, the amounts waived were as follows:

 

     FRA      BLW  

Amounts waived

  $ 1,255      $ 5,603  

The Manager contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fee with respect to any portion of each Fund’s assets invested in affiliated equity and fixed-income mutual funds and affiliated exchange-traded funds that have a contractual management fee through June 30, 2020. The agreement can be renewed for annual periods thereafter, and may be terminated on 90 days’ notice, each subject to approval by a majority of the Funds’ Independent Directors. These amounts are included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended August 31, 2019, FRA waived $473 in investment advisory fees pursuant to these arrangements.

Directors and Officers: Certain directors and/or officers of the Funds are directors and/or officers of BlackRock or its affiliates. The Funds reimburse the Manager for a portion of the compensation paid to the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer, which is included in Directors and Officer in the Statements of Operations.

Other Transactions: The Funds may purchase securities from, or sell securities to, an affiliated fund provided the affiliation is due solely to having a common investment adviser, common officers, or common directors. For the year ended August 31, 2019, the purchase and sale transactions and any net realized gains (losses) with affiliated funds in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales      Net Realized Gain  

BLW

  $      $ 117,597      $ 10,622  

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the year ended August 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investments, including paydowns and excluding short-term securities, were as follows:

 

Purchases  
     FRA      BLW  

Non-U.S. Government Securities

  $ 409,935,764      $ 306,571,295  

U.S. Government Securities

           97,657,770  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 409,935,764      $ 404,229,065  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
Sales  
     FRA      BLW  

Non-U.S. Government Securities (includes paydowns)

  $ 452,854,550      $ 418,860,053  

U.S. Government Securities

           29,975,760  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 452,854,550      $ 448,835,813  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

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.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      71  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

Each Fund files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on each Fund’s U.S. federal tax returns generally remains open for each of the four years ended August 31, 2019. The statutes of limitations on each Fund’s state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction.

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

U.S. GAAP require that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. As of period end, the following permanent differences attributable to the the expiration of capital loss carryforwards, and non-deductible expenses were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

     FRA     BLW  

Paid-in capital

  $ (2,243,773   $ —    

Accumulated loss

    2,243,773       —    

The tax character of distributions paid was as follows:

 

     FRA      BLW  

Ordinary income

    

8/31/2019

  $ 32,025,983      $ 34,575,364  

8/31/2018

    27,514,809        35,259,837  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    

8/31/2019

  $ 32,025,983      $ 34,575,364  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

8/31/2018

  $ 27,514,809      $ 35,259,837  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of period end the tax components of accumulated losses were as follows:

 

     FRA     BLW  

Undistributed ordinary income.

  $ 2,849,166     $ 4,140,000  

Non-expiring Capital loss carryforwards(a)

    (27,905,824     (36,950,737

Net unrealized gains (losses)(b)

    (13,135,623     6,683,289  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (38,192,281   $ (26,127,448
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (a)

Amounts available to offset future realized capital gains.

 
  (b)

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized gains (losses) were attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and straddles, the accrual of income on securities in default, the classification of investments, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain futures and foreign currency contracts, the timing and recognition of partnership income, the accounting for swap agreements and the deferral of compensation to directors.

 

As of August 31, 2019, gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation on investments and derivatives based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

     FRA     BLW  

Tax cost

  $ 766,689,343     $ 799,246,812  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

  $ 1,872,607     $ 25,145,009  

Gross unrealized depreciation

    (14,976,980     (17,772,335
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  $ (13,104,373   $ 7,372,674  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

9. BANK BORROWINGS

FRA is party to a senior committed secured, 360-day rolling line of credit facility and a separate security agreement (the “SSB Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”). SSB may elect to terminate its commitment upon 360-days written notice to FRA. As of period end, FRA has not received any notice to terminate. FRA has granted a security interest in substantially all of its assets to SSB. The SSB Agreement allows for a maximum commitment of $274,000,000.

Advances will be made by SSB to FRA, at FRA’s option of (a) the higher of (i) 0.80% above the Fed Funds rate and (ii) 0.80% above Overnight LIBOR or (b) 0.80% above 7-day, 30-day, 60-day or 90-day LIBOR. Overnight LIBOR and LIBOR rates are subject to a 0% floor.

In addition, FRA paid a commitment fee (based on the daily unused portion of the commitments). The fees associated with each of the agreements are included in the Statements of Operations as borrowing costs, if any. Advances to FRA as of period end, if any, are shown in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as bank borrowings payable. Based on the short-term nature of the borrowings under the line of credit and the variable interest rate, the carrying amount of the borrowings approximates fair value.

FRA may not declare dividends or make other distributions on shares or purchase any such shares if, at the time of the declaration, distribution or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding short-term borrowings is less than 300%.

 

 

72    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

For the year ended August 31, 2019, the average amount of bank borrowings and the daily weighted average interest rates for FRA for loans under the revolving credit agreements were $217,657,534 and 3.19%, respectively.

 

10.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, certain Funds invest in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject each 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 and price fluctuations.

Each Fund may be exposed to prepayment risk, which is the risk that borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled during periods of declining interest rates, which would force each Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. Each Fund may also be exposed to reinvestment risk, which is the risk that income from each Fund’s portfolio will decline if each Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed-income securities at market interest rates that are below each Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate.

Each Fund may invest without limitation in illiquid or less liquid investments or investments in which no secondary market is readily available or which are otherwise illiquid, including private placement securities. A Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which a Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, a Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise funds to meet its obligations. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of investments, thereby adversely affecting a Fund’s net asset value and ability to make dividend distributions. Privately issued debt securities are often of below investment grade quality, frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as investing in below investment grade public debt securities.

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 they believe 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 each 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 a Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from a 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 a 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 a Fund, and a Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. A 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. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

A Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally limited to the aggregate unrealized gain less the value of any collateral held by such Fund.

For OTC options purchased, each Fund bears the risk of loss in the amount of the premiums paid plus the positive change in market values net of any collateral held by the Funds should the counterparty fail to perform under the contracts. Options written by the Funds do not typically give rise to counterparty credit risk, as options written generally obligate the Funds, and not the counterparty, to perform. The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk with respect to options written to the extent the Funds deposit collateral with its counterparty to a written option.

With exchange-traded options purchased and futures and centrally cleared swaps, 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 and centrally cleared swaps 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.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      73  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

Concentration Risk: Certain Funds may invest in securities that are rated below investment grade quality (sometimes called “junk bonds”), which are predominantly speculative, have greater credit risk and generally are less liquid than, and have more volatile prices than higher quality securities.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in fixed-income securities and/or use derivatives tied to the fixed-income markets. Changes in market interest rates or economic conditions may affect the value and/or liquidity of such investments. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. The Funds may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low rates.

 

11.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

FRA is authorized to issue 200 million shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. BLW is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. The par value for each Fund’s shares is $0.10 and $0.001, respectively. Each Board is authorized, however, to reclassify any unissued Common Shares to Preferred Shares without the approval of Common Shareholders.

Each Fund participates in an open market share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”). From December 1, 2017 through November 30, 2018, each Fund was permitted to repurchase up to 5% of its outstanding common shares under the Repurchase Program, based on common shares outstanding as of the close of business on November 30, 2017, subject to certain conditions. From December 1, 2018 through November 30, 2019, each Fund may repurchase up to 5% of its outstanding common shares under the Repurchase Program, based on common shares outstanding as of the close of business on November 30, 2018, subject to certain conditions. There is no assurance that the Funds will purchase shares in any particular amounts.

The total cost of the shares repurchased is reflected in Fund’s Statements of Changes in Net Assets. For the periods shown, shares repurchased and cost, including transaction costs were as follows:

 

     FRA      BLW  
     Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

Year Ended August 31, 2019

    907,235      $ 11,500,788        803,959      $ 11,648,172  

Year Ended August 31, 2018

                  367,238        5,481,140  

 

12.

REGULATION S-X AMENDMENTS

On August 17, 2018, the SEC adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification. The Funds have adopted the amendments pertinent to Regulation S-X in this shareholder report. The amendments impacted certain disclosure presentation on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, Statements of Changes in Net Assets and Notes to the Financial Statements.

Prior year distribution information and undistributed net investment income in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets has been modified to conform to the current year presentation in accordance with the Regulation S-X changes.

Distributions for the year ended August 31, 2018 were classified as follows:

 

     Net Investment Income  

FRA

  $ 27,514,809  

BLW

    35,259,837  

Undistributed net investment income as of August 31, 2018 was as follows:

 

     Undistributed
net investment income
 

FRA

  $ 3,993,685  

BLW

    634,190  

 

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 issued and the following items were noted:

 

     Common Dividend
Per Share
 
     Paid (a)      Declared (b)  

FRA

  $ 0.0695      $ 0.0788  

BLW

    0.0795        0.0981  

 

  (a) 

Net investment income dividend paid on September 30, 2019 to Common Shareholders of record on September 16, 2019.

 
  (b) 

Net investment income dividend declared on October 1, 2019, payable to Common Shareholders of record on October 15, 2019.

 

 

 

74    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

On September 5, 2019, each Fund announced a continuation of its open market share repurchase program. Commencing on December 1, 2019, each Fund may repurchase through November 30, 2020, up to 5% of its common shares outstanding as of the close of business on November 30, 2019, subject to certain conditions. There is no assurance that the Funds will purchase shares in any particular amounts.

On September 5, 2019, the Board approved a change in the fiscal year end (“FYE”) of FRA and BLW, effective as of December 31, 2019, as follows:

 

     Current FYE      Approved FYE  

FRA

    August 31        December 31  

BLW

    August 31        December 31  

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      75  


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors/Trustees of BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. and BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust:

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. and BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of August 31, 2019, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes. For BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc., the presented statements of changes in net assets and financial highlights were consolidated through November 30, 2017. For BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust, the presented financial highlights were consolidated through December 19, 2014. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of August 31, 2019, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian, agent banks, and brokers; when replies were not received from agent banks or brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

October 22, 2019

We have served as the auditor of one or more BlackRock investment companies since 1992.

 

 

Important Tax Information  (unaudited)

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, the following information is provided with respect to the ordinary income distributions paid:

 

     Payable Dates    FRA      BLW  

Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals(a)

  September 2018      —          8.81
  October 2018 — January 2019      —          8.02  
  February 2019 — August 2019      —          8.88  

Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations(a)

  September 2018 — August 2019      —          6.45  

Interest-Related Dividends for Non-U.S. Residents(b)

  September 2018 — January 2019      75.00      75.60  
  February 2019 — August 2019      74.13        57.22  

Federal Obligation Interest(c)

  February 2019 — August 2019      —          0.98  

 

  (a)

The Fund hereby designates the percentage indicated above or the maximum amount allowable by law.

 
  (b)

Represents the portion of the taxable ordinary income dividends eligible for exemption from U.S. withholding tax for nonresident aliens and foreign corporations.

 
  (c) 

The law varies in each state as to whether and what percentage of dividend income attributable to federal obligations is exempt from state income tax. We recommend that you consult your tax advisor to determine if any portion of the dividends you received is exempt from state income taxes.

 
   

 

 

76    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

The Board of Directors of BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (“FRA”) and the Board of Trustees of BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (“BLW” and together with FRA, the “Funds” and each, a “Fund”) (collectively, the “Board,” the members of which are referred to as “Board Members”) met in person on May 1, 2019 (the “May Meeting”) and June 5-6, 2019 (the “June Meeting”) to consider the approval of the investment advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements” or the “Agreements”) between each Fund and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager” or “BlackRock”), each Fund’s investment advisor.

Activities and Composition of the Board

On the date of the June Meeting, the Board consisted of eleven individuals, nine of whom were not “interested persons” of each Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Board Members”). The Board Members are responsible for the oversight of the operations of each Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act. The Independent Board Members have retained independent legal counsel to assist them in connection with their duties. The Co-Chairs of the Board are Independent Board Members. The Board has established five standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Compliance Committee, a Performance Oversight Committee and an Executive Committee, each of which is chaired by an Independent Board Member and composed of Independent Board Members (except for the Executive Committee, which also has one interested Board Member).

The Agreements

Consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Board considers the continuation of the Agreements on an annual basis. The Board has four quarterly meetings per year, each typically extending for two days, and additional in-person and telephonic meetings throughout the year, as needed. While the Board also has a fifth one-day meeting to consider specific information surrounding the renewal of the Agreements, the Board’s consideration entails a year-long deliberative process whereby the Board and its committees assess BlackRock’s services to each Fund. In particular, the Board assessed, among other things, the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to each Fund by BlackRock, BlackRock’s personnel and affiliates, including (as applicable): investment management; accounting, administrative and shareholder services; oversight of each Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; legal and compliance services; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Throughout the year, including during the contract renewal process, the Independent Board Members were advised by independent legal counsel, and met with independent legal counsel in various executive sessions outside of the presence of management.

During the year, the Board, acting directly and through its committees, considers information that is relevant to its annual consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, including the services and support provided by BlackRock to each Fund and its shareholders. BlackRock also furnished additional information to the Board in response to specific questions from the Board. This additional information is discussed further below in the section titled “Board Considerations in Approving the Agreements.” Among the matters the Board considered were: (a) investment performance for one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and/or since inception periods, as applicable, against peer funds, applicable benchmarks, and performance metrics, as applicable, as well as senior management’s and portfolio managers’ analyses of the reasons for any over-performance or underperformance relative to its peers, benchmarks, and other performance metrics, as applicable; (b) leverage management, as applicable; (c) fees, including advisory, administration, if applicable, and other amounts paid to BlackRock and its affiliates by each Fund for services; (d) Fund operating expenses and how BlackRock allocates expenses to each Fund; (e) the resources devoted to, risk oversight of, and compliance reports relating to, implementation of each Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, and meeting regulatory requirements; (f) BlackRock and each Fund’s adherence to applicable compliance policies and procedures; (g) the nature, character and scope of non-investment management services provided by BlackRock and its affiliates and the estimated cost of such services; (h) BlackRock’s and other service providers’ internal controls and risk and compliance oversight mechanisms; (i) BlackRock’s implementation of the proxy voting policies approved by the Board; (j) execution quality of portfolio transactions; (k) BlackRock’s implementation of each Fund’s valuation and liquidity procedures; (l) an analysis of management fees for products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, closed-end fund, sub-advised mutual fund, collective investment trust, and institutional separate account product channels, as applicable, and the similarities and differences between these products and the services provided as compared to each Fund; (m) BlackRock’s compensation methodology for its investment professionals and the incentives and accountability it creates, along with investment professionals’ investments in the fund(s) they manage; (n) periodic updates on BlackRock’s business; and (o) each Fund’s market discount/premium compared to peer funds.

Board Considerations in Approving the Agreements

The Approval Process: Prior to the May Meeting, the Board requested and received materials specifically relating to the Agreements. The Independent Board Members are continuously engaged in a process with their independent legal counsel and BlackRock to review the nature and scope of the information provided to better assist its deliberations. The materials provided in connection with the May Meeting included, among other things: (a) information independently compiled and prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), based on Lipper classifications, regarding each Fund’s fees and expenses as compared with a peer group of funds as determined by Broadridge (“Expense Peers”), the investment performance of each Fund as compared with a peer group of funds (“Performance Peers”) and other metrics, as applicable; (b) information on the composition of the Expense Peers and Performance Peers, and a description of Broadridge’s methodology; (c) information on the estimated profits realized by BlackRock and its affiliates pursuant to the Agreements and a discussion of fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates; (d) a general analysis provided by BlackRock concerning investment management fees received in connection with other types of investment products, such as institutional accounts, sub-advised mutual funds, closed-end funds, and open-end funds, under similar investment mandates, as applicable; (e) review of non-management fees; (f) the existence, impact and sharing of potential economies of scale, if any, with each Fund; (g) a summary of aggregate amounts paid by each Fund to BlackRock; and (h) various additional information requested by the Board as appropriate regarding BlackRock’s and each Fund’s operations.

At the May Meeting, the Board reviewed materials relating to its consideration of the Agreements. As a result of the discussions that occurred during the May Meeting, and as a culmination of the Board’s year-long deliberative process, the Board presented BlackRock with questions and requests for additional information. BlackRock responded to these requests with additional written information in advance of the June Meeting. Topics covered included: (a) the methodology for measuring estimated fund profitability; (b) fund expenses and potential fee waivers; (c) differences in services provided and management fees between closed-end funds and other product channels; and (d) BlackRock’s option overwrite strategy.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS      77  


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements  (continued)

 

At the June Meeting, the Board concluded its assessment of, among other things: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BlackRock; (b) the investment performance of each Fund as compared with Performance Peers and other metrics, as applicable; (c) the advisory fee and the estimated cost of the services and estimated profits realized by BlackRock and its affiliates from their relationship with each Fund; (d) each Fund’s fees and expenses compared to Expense Peers; (e) the sharing of potential economies of scale; (f) fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates as a result of BlackRock’s relationship with each Fund; and (g) other factors deemed relevant by the Board Members.

The Board also considered other matters it deemed important to the approval process, such as other payments made to BlackRock or its affiliates relating to securities lending and cash management, and BlackRock’s services related to the valuation and pricing of Fund portfolio holdings. The Board noted the willingness of BlackRock personnel to engage in open, candid discussions with the Board. The Board did not identify any particular information as determinative, and each Board Member may have attributed different weights to the various items considered.

A. Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by BlackRock: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the nature, extent and quality of services provided by BlackRock, including the investment advisory services and the resulting performance of each Fund. Throughout the year, the Board compared Fund performance to the performance of a comparable group of closed-end funds, relevant benchmarks, and performance metrics, as applicable. The Board met with BlackRock’s senior management personnel responsible for investment activities, including the senior investment officers. The Board also reviewed the materials provided by each Fund’s portfolio management team discussing each Fund’s performance and each Fund’s investment objective, strategies and outlook.

The Board considered, among other factors, with respect to BlackRock: the number, education and experience of investment personnel generally and each Fund’s portfolio management team; BlackRock’s research capabilities; investments by portfolio managers in the funds they manage; portfolio trading capabilities; use of technology; commitment to compliance; credit analysis capabilities; risk analysis and oversight capabilities; and the approach to training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel. The Board also considered BlackRock’s overall risk management program, including the continued efforts of BlackRock and its affiliates to address cybersecurity risks and the role of BlackRock’s Risk & Quantitative Analysis Group. The Board engaged in a review of BlackRock’s compensation structure with respect to each Fund’s portfolio management team and BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain high-quality talent and create performance incentives.

In addition to investment advisory services, the Board considered the nature and quality of the administrative and other non-investment advisory services provided to each Fund. BlackRock and its affiliates provide each Fund with certain administrative, shareholder and other services (in addition to any such services provided to each Fund by third parties) and officers and other personnel as are necessary for the operations of each Fund. In particular, BlackRock and its affiliates provide each Fund with administrative services including, among others: (i) responsibility for disclosure documents, such as the prospectus and the statement of additional information in connection with the initial public offering and periodic shareholder reports; (ii) preparing communications with analysts to support secondary market trading of each Fund; (iii) oversight of daily accounting and pricing; (iv) responsibility for periodic filings with regulators and stock exchanges; (v) overseeing and coordinating the activities of other service providers including, among others, each Fund’s custodian, fund accountant, transfer agent, and auditor; (vi) organizing Board meetings and preparing the materials for such Board meetings; (vii) providing legal and compliance support; (viii) furnishing analytical and other support to assist the Board in its consideration of strategic issues such as the merger, consolidation or repurposing of certain closed-end funds; and (ix) performing or managing administrative functions necessary for the operation of each Fund, such as tax reporting, expense management, fulfilling regulatory filing requirements, and shareholder call center and other services. The Board reviewed the structure and duties of BlackRock’s fund administration, shareholder services, and legal & compliance departments and considered BlackRock’s policies and procedures for assuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

B. The Investment Performance of each Fund and BlackRock: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, also reviewed and considered the performance history of each Fund. In preparation for the May Meeting, the Board was provided with reports independently prepared by Broadridge, which included a comprehensive analysis of each Fund’s performance as of December 31, 2018. The performance information is based on net asset value (NAV), and utilizes Lipper data. Lipper’s methodology calculates a fund’s total return assuming distributions are reinvested on the ex-date at a fund’s ex-date NAV. Broadridge ranks funds in quartiles, ranging from first to fourth, where first is the most desirable quartile position and fourth is the least desirable. In connection with its review, the Board received and reviewed information regarding the investment performance of each Fund as compared to its Performance Peers, with respect to FRA, a custom peer group of funds as defined by BlackRock (“Customized Peer Group”), and the performance of BLW as compared with its custom benchmark. The Board and its Performance Oversight Committee regularly review, and meet with Fund management to discuss, the performance of each Fund throughout the year.

In evaluating performance, the Board focused particular attention on funds with less favorable performance records. The Board also noted that while it found the data provided by Broadridge generally useful, it recognized the limitations of such data, including in particular, that notable differences may exist between a fund and the Performance Peer funds (for example, the investment objective(s) and investment strategies). Further, the Board recognized that the performance data reflects a snapshot of a period as of a particular date and that selecting a different performance period could produce significantly different results. The Board also acknowledged that long-term performance could be impacted by even one period of significant outperformance or underperformance, and that a single investment theme could have the ability to affect long-term performance disproportionately.

The Board noted that for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, FRA ranked in the third, fourth and second quartiles, respectively, against its Customized Peer Group. The Board noted that BlackRock believes that the Customized Peer Group is an appropriate performance metric for FRA, and that BlackRock has explained its rationale for this belief to the Board. The Board and BlackRock reviewed FRA’s underperformance during the applicable periods.

The Board noted that for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, BLW underperformed, outperformed, and outperformed, respectively, its customized benchmark. The Board noted that BlackRock believes that performance relative to the customized benchmark is an appropriate performance metric for BLW, and that BlackRock has explained its rationale for this belief to the Board. The Board and BlackRock reviewed BLW’s underperformance during the applicable periods.

C. Consideration of the Advisory/Management Fees and the Estimated Cost of the Services and Estimated Profits Realized by BlackRock and its Affiliates from their Relationship with each Fund: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed each Fund’s contractual management fee rate compared with

 

 

78    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements  (continued)

 

those of its Expense Peers. The contractual management fee rate represents a combination of the advisory fee and any administrative fees, before taking into account any reimbursements or fee waivers. The Board also compared each Fund’s total expense ratio, as well as its actual management fee rate as a percentage of total assets, to those of its Expense Peers. The total expense ratio represents a fund’s total net operating expenses, excluding any investment related expenses. The total expense ratio gives effect to any expense reimbursements or fee waivers that benefit a fund, and the actual management fee rate gives effect to any management fee reimbursements or waivers that benefit a fund. The Board considered the services provided and the fees charged by BlackRock and its affiliates to other types of clients with similar investment mandates, as applicable, including institutional accounts and sub-advised mutual funds (including mutual funds sponsored by third parties).

The Board received and reviewed statements relating to BlackRock’s financial condition. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s profitability methodology and was also provided with an estimated profitability analysis that detailed the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by BlackRock for services provided to each Fund. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s estimated profitability with respect to each Fund and other funds the Board currently oversees for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to available aggregate estimated profitability data provided for the prior two years. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s estimated profitability with respect to certain other U.S. fund complexes managed by the Manager and/or its affiliates. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s assumptions and methodology of allocating expenses in the estimated profitability analysis, noting the inherent limitations in allocating costs among various advisory products. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers and expense reimbursements by the Manager, the types of funds managed, precision of expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is difficult.

The Board noted that, in general, individual fund or product line profitability of other advisors is not publicly available. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s overall operating margin, in general, compared to that of certain other publicly-traded asset management firms. The Board considered the differences between BlackRock and these other firms, including the contribution of technology at BlackRock, BlackRock’s expense management, and the relative product mix.

In addition, the Board considered the estimated cost of the services provided to each Fund by BlackRock, and BlackRock’s and its affiliates’ estimated profits relating to the management of each Fund and the other funds advised by BlackRock and its affiliates. As part of its analysis, the Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology in allocating its costs of managing the Funds, to each Fund. The Board considered whether BlackRock has the financial resources necessary to attract and retain high quality investment management personnel to perform its obligations under the Agreements and to continue to provide the high quality of services that is expected by the Board. The Board further considered factors including but not limited to BlackRock’s commitment of time, assumption of risk, and liability profile in servicing each Fund, including in contrast to what is required of BlackRock with respect to other products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, closed-end fund, sub-advised mutual fund, collective investment trust, and institutional separate account product channels, as applicable.

The Board noted that FRA’s contractual management fee rate ranked in the first quartile, and that the actual management fee rate and total expense ratio each ranked in the first quartile, relative to the Expense Peers.

The Board noted that BLW’s contractual management fee rate ranked in the first quartile, and that the actual management fee rate and total expense ratio each ranked in the first quartile, relative to the Expense Peers.

D. Economies of Scale: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of each Fund increase. The Board also considered the extent to which each Fund benefits from such economies in a variety of ways, and whether there should be changes in the advisory fee rate or breakpoint structure in order to enable each Fund to more fully participate in these economies of scale. The Board considered each Fund’s asset levels and whether the current fee was appropriate.

Based on the Board’s review and consideration of the issue, the Board concluded that most closed-end funds do not have fund level breakpoints because closed-end funds generally do not experience substantial growth after the initial public offering. They are typically priced at scale at a fund’s inception.

E. Other Factors Deemed Relevant by the Board Members: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, also took into account other ancillary or “fall-out” benefits that BlackRock or its affiliates may derive from BlackRock’s respective relationships with each Fund, both tangible and intangible, such as BlackRock’s ability to leverage its investment professionals who manage other portfolios and risk management personnel, an increase in BlackRock’s profile in the investment advisory community, and the engagement of BlackRock’s affiliates as service providers to each Fund, including for administrative, securities lending and cash management services. The Board also considered BlackRock’s overall operations and its efforts to expand the scale of, and improve the quality of, its operations. The Board also noted that, subject to applicable law, BlackRock may use and benefit from third party research obtained by soft dollars generated by certain registered fund transactions to assist in managing all or a number of its other client accounts.

In connection with its consideration of the Agreements, the Board also received information regarding BlackRock’s brokerage and soft dollar practices. The Board received reports from BlackRock which included information on brokerage commissions and trade execution practices throughout the year.

The Board noted the competitive nature of the closed-end fund marketplace, and that shareholders are able to sell their Fund shares in the secondary market if they believe that each Fund’s fees and expenses are too high or if they are dissatisfied with the performance of each Fund.

The Board also considered the various notable initiatives and projects BlackRock performed in connection with its closed-end fund product line. These initiatives included developing equity shelf programs; efforts to eliminate product overlap with fund mergers; ongoing services to manage leverage that has become increasingly complex; periodic evaluation of share repurchases and other support initiatives for certain BlackRock funds; and continued communications efforts with shareholders, fund analysts and financial advisers. With respect to the latter, the Independent Board Members noted BlackRock’s continued commitment to supporting the secondary market for the common shares of its closed-end funds through a comprehensive secondary market communication program designed to raise investor and analyst awareness and understanding of closed-end funds. BlackRock’s support services included, among other things: sponsoring and participating in conferences; communicating with closed-end fund analysts covering the BlackRock funds throughout the year; providing marketing and product updates for the closed-end funds; and maintaining and enhancing its closed-end fund website.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS      79  


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements  (continued)

 

Conclusion

The Board, including the Independent Board Members, approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreements between the Manager and each Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2020. Based upon its evaluation of all of the aforementioned factors in their totality, as well as other information, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, was satisfied that the terms of the Agreements were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of each Fund and its shareholders. In arriving at its decision to approve the Agreements, the Board did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all-important or controlling, but considered all factors together, and different Board Members may have attributed different weights to the various factors considered. The Independent Board Members were also assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel in making this determination.

 

 

80    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Pursuant to each Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Reinvestment Plan”), Common Shareholders are automatically enrolled to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains and other distributions reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Reinvestment Plan Agent”) in the respective Fund’s Common Shares pursuant to the Reinvestment Plan. Shareholders who do not participate in the Reinvestment Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check and mailed directly to the shareholders of record (or if the shares are held in street name or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Reinvestment Plan Agent, which serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Reinvestment Plan.

After the Funds declare a dividend or determine to make a capital gain or other distribution, the Reinvestment Plan Agent will acquire shares for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the following circumstances, either (i) through receipt of unissued but authorized shares from the Funds (“newly issued shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding shares on the open market or on the Fund’s primary exchange (“open-market purchases”). If, on the dividend payment date, the net asset value per share (“NAV”) is equal to or less than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition often referred to as a “market premium”), the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in newly issued shares acquired on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the NAV on the date the shares are issued. However, if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the dividend payment date, the dollar amount of the dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the dividend payment date. If, on the dividend payment date, the NAV is greater than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition often referred to as a “market discount”), the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open-market purchases. If the Reinvestment Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases, or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest any un-invested portion in newly issued shares. Investments in newly issued shares made in this manner would be made pursuant to the same process described above and the date of issue for such newly issued shares will substitute for the dividend payment date.

You may elect not to participate in the Reinvestment Plan and to receive all dividends in cash by contacting the Reinvestment Plan Agent, at the address set forth below.

Participation in the Reinvestment Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Reinvestment Plan Agent prior to the dividend record date. Additionally, the Reinvestment Plan Agent seeks to process notices received after the record date but prior to the payable date and such notices often will become effective by the payable date. Where late notices are not processed by the applicable payable date, such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution.

The Reinvestment Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of distributions will be paid by each Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Reinvestment Plan Agent’s open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of all distributions. The automatic reinvestment of all distributions will not relieve participants of any U.S. federal, state or local income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

Each Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Reinvestment Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Reinvestment Plan; however, each Fund reserves the right to amend the Reinvestment Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Participants that request a sale of shares are subject to a $2.50 sales fee and a $0.15 per share sold brokerage commission fee. All correspondence concerning the Reinvestment Plan should be directed to Computershare Trust Company, N. A. through the internet at http://www.computershare.com/blackrock, or in writing to Computershare, P. O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233, Telephone: (800) 699-1236. Overnight correspondence should be directed to the Reinvestment Plan Agent at Computershare, 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202.

 

 

AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN      81  


Director and Officer Information

 

Independent Directors (a)
         
Name
Year of Birth
 (b)
   Position(s) Held
(Length of Service)
 (c)
   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Number of BlackRock-Advised
Registered Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment  Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen
 (d)
   Public Company and Other
Investment Company
Directorships Held During
Past Five Years

Richard E. Cavanagh

1946

   Co-Chair of the Board and Director
(Since 2007)
   Director, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America since 1998; Board Chair, Volunteers of America (a not-for-profit organization) from 2015 to 2018 (board member since 2009); Director, Arch Chemicals (chemical and allied products) from 1999 to 2011; Trustee, Educational Testing Service from 1997 to 2009 and Chairman thereof from 2005 to 2009; Senior Advisor, The Fremont Group since 2008 and Director thereof since 1996; Faculty Member/Adjunct Lecturer, Harvard University since 2007 and Executive Dean from 1987 to 1995; President and Chief Executive Officer, The Conference Board, Inc. (global business research organization) from 1995 to 2007.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    None

Karen P. Robards

1950

   Co-Chair of the Board and Director
(Since 2007)
   Principal of Robards & Company, LLC (consulting and private investing) since 1987; Co-founder and Director of the Cooke Center for Learning and Development (a not-for-profit organization) since 1987; Director of Enable Injections, LLC (medical devices) since 2019; Investment Banker at Morgan Stanley from 1976 to 1987.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    Greenhill & Co., Inc.; AtriCure, Inc. (medical devices) from 2000 until 2017

Michael J. Castellano

1946

   Director
(Since 2011)
   Chief Financial Officer of Lazard Group LLC from 2001 to 2011; Chief Financial Officer of Lazard Ltd from 2004 to 2011; Director, Support Our Aging Religious (non-profit) from 2009 to June 2015 and since 2017; Director, National Advisory Board of Church Management at Villanova University since 2010; Trustee, Domestic Church Media Foundation since 2012; Director, CircleBlack Inc. (financial technology company) since 2015.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    None

Cynthia L. Egan

1955

   Director
(Since 2016)
   Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury from 2014 to 2015; President, Retirement Plan Services, for T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. from 2007 to 2012; executive positions within Fidelity Investments from 1989 to 2007.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    Unum (insurance); The Hanover Insurance Group (insurance); Envestnet (investment platform) from 2013 until 2016

Frank J. Fabozzi (d)

1948

   Director
Director
(Since 2007)
   Editor of The Journal of Portfolio Management since 1986; Professor of Finance, EDHEC Business School (France) since 2011; Visiting Professor, Princeton University for the 2013 to 2014 academic year and Spring 2017 semester; Professor in the Practice of Finance, Yale University School of Management from 1994 to 2011 and currently a Teaching Fellow in Yale’s Executive Programs; Board Member, BlackRock Equity-Liquidity Funds from 2014 to 2016; affiliated professor Karlsruhe Institute of Technology from 2008 to 2011.    88 RICs consisting of 112 Portfolios    None

Henry Gabbay

1947

   Director
(Since 2019)
   Board Member, BlackRock Equity-Bond Board from 2007 to 2018; Board Member, BlackRock Equity-Liquidity and BlackRock Closed-End Fund Boards from 2007 through 2014; Consultant, BlackRock, Inc. from 2007 to 2008; Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. from 1989 to 2007; Chief Administrative Officer, BlackRock Advisors, LLC from 1998 to 2007; President of BlackRock Funds and BlackRock Allocation Target Shares (formerly, BlackRock Bond Allocation Target Shares) from 2005 to 2007 and Treasurer of certain closed-end funds in the BlackRock fund complex from 1989 to 2006.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    None

 

 

82    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Director and Officer Information  (continued)

 

Independent Directors (a) (continued)
         
Name
Year of Birth
 (b)
   Position(s) Held
(Length of Service)
 (c)
   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Number of BlackRock-Advised
Registered Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment  Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen
 (d)
   Public Company and Other
Investment Company
Directorships Held During
Past Five Years

R. Glenn Hubbard

1958

   Director
(Since 2007)
   Dean, Columbia Business School from 2004 to 2019; Faculty member, Columbia Business School since 1988.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    ADP (data and information services); Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (insurance); KKR Financial Corporation (finance) from 2004 until 2014

W. Carl Kester (d)

1951

   Director
(Since 2007)
   George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School since 2008; Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs from 2006 to 2010; Chairman of the Finance Unit, from 2005 to 2006; Senior Associate Dean and Chairman of the MBA Program from 1999 to 2005; Member of the faculty of Harvard Business School since 1981.    88 RICs consisting of 112 Portfolios    None

Catherine A. Lynch (d)

1961

   Director
(Since 2016)
   Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and various other positions, National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust from 2003 to 2016; Associate Vice President for Treasury Management, The George Washington University from 1999 to 2003; Assistant Treasurer, Episcopal Church of America from 1995 to 1999.    88 RICs consisting of 112 Portfolios    None
Interested Directors (a)(e)
         
Name
Year of Birth
 (b)
   Position(s) Held
(Length of Service)
 (c)
   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years    Number of BlackRock-Advised
Registered Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen
  (d)
   Public Company and Other
Investment Company
Directorships Held During
Past Five Years

Robert Fairbairn

1965

   Director
(Since 2018)
   Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. since 2019; Member of BlackRock’s Global Executive and Global Operating Committees; Co-Chair of BlackRock’s Human Capital Committee; Senior Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2010 to 2019; oversaw BlackRock’s Strategic Partner Program and Strategic Product Management Group from 2012 to 2019; Member of the Board of Managers of BlackRock Investments, LLC from 2011 to 2018; Global Head of BlackRock’s Retail and iShares® businesses from 2012 to 2016.    125 RICs consisting of 293 Portfolios    None

John M. Perlowski (d)

1964

   Director
(Since 2015);
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Since 2011)
   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009; Head of BlackRock Global Accounting and Product Services since 2009; Advisory Director of Family Resource Network (charitable foundation) since 2009.    126 RICs consisting of 294 Portfolios    None

(a) The address of each Director is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

(b) Each Independent Director holds office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal as provided by the Fund’s by-laws or charter or statute, or until December 31 of the year in which he or she turns 75. Directors who are “interested persons,” as defined in the Investment Company Act serve until their successor is duly elected and qualifies or until their earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal as provided by the Fund’s by-laws or statute, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 72. The Board may determine to extend the terms of Independent Directors on a case-by-case basis, as appropriate.

(c) Following the combination of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) and BlackRock, Inc. in September 2006, the various legacy MLIM and legacy BlackRock fund boards were realigned and consolidated into three new fund boards in 2007. Certain Independent Directors first became members of the boards of other legacy MLIM or legacy BlackRock funds as follows: Richard E. Cavanagh, 1994; Frank J. Fabozzi, 1988; R. Glenn Hubbard, 2004; W. Carl Kester, 1995; and Karen P. Robards, 1998. Mr. Gabbay became a member of the boards of the open-end funds in the Fixed-Income Complex in 2007.

(d) Dr. Fabozzi, Dr. Kester, Ms. Lynch and Mr. Perlowski are also trustees of the BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund.

(e) Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Perlowski are both “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Fund based on their positions with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates. Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Perlowski are also board members of the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex.

 

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INFORMATION      83  


Director and Officer Information  (continued)

 

 

Officers Who Are Not Directors (a)
     
Name
Year of Birth
 (b)
   Position(s) Held
(Length of Service)
   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

Jonathan Diorio

1980

   Vice President
(Since 2015)
   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2015; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2011 to 2015.

Neal J. Andrews

1966

   Chief Financial Officer
(Since 2007)
   Chief Financial Officer of the iShares® exchange traded funds since 2019; Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006.

Jay M. Fife

1970

   Treasurer
(Since 2007)
   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2007.

Charles Park

1967

   Chief Compliance Officer
(Since 2014)
   Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer for certain BlackRock-advised Funds from 2014 to 2015; Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRock Advisors, LLC and the BlackRock-advised Funds in the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex and the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex since 2014; Principal of and Chief Compliance Officer for iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC since 2012 and BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for the BFA-advised iShares® exchange traded funds since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. since 2012.

Janey Ahn

1975

   Secretary
(Since 2012)
   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2018; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2009 to 2017.

(a) The address of each Officer is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

(b) Officers of the Fund serve at the pleasure of the Board.

 

As of the date of this report, the portfolio managers of FRA are David Delbos, Carly Wilson, Abigail Apistolas and Mitchell Garfin.

 

Investment Adviser

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Wilmington, DE 19809

Accounting Agent and Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, MA 02111

Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Canton, MA 02021

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, MA 02116

Legal Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

New York, NY 10019

Address of the Funds

100 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

 

 

84    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Additional Information

 

Proxy Results

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on July 29, 2019 for shareholders of record on May 30, 2019, to elect trustee or director nominees for each Fund. There were no broker non-votes with regard to any of the Funds.

Shareholders elected the Class III Trustees as follows:

 

  

 

  Richard E. Cavanagh     Cynthia L. Egan     Robert Fairbairn     Henry Gabbay  
     Votes For     Votes Withheld     Votes For     Votes Withheld     Votes For     Votes Withheld     Votes For     Votes Withheld  

BLW

    31,042,537       1,753,731       32,297,257       499,011       32,311,973       484,295       32,296,633       499,635  

For the Fund listed above, Directors whose term of office continued after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders because they were not up for election are Michael J. Castellano, R. Glenn Hubbard, Catherine A. Lynch, John M. Perlowski, Karen P. Robards, Frank J. Fabozzi and W. Carl Kester.

Shareholders elected the Class III Directors as follows:

 

  

 

  Richard E. Cavanagh     Frank J. Fabozzi     Robert Fairbairn     Henry Gabbay  
     Votes For     Votes Withheld     Votes For     Votes Withheld     Votes For     Votes Withheld     Votes For     Votes Withheld  

FRA

    28,060,956       4,757,344       28,063,766       4,754,534       29,028,668       3,789,632       29,017,195       3,801,105  

For the Fund listed above, Trustees whose term of office continued after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders because they were not up for election are Michael J. Castellano, Cynthia L. Egan, R. Glenn Hubbard, Catherine A. Lynch, John M. Perlowski, Karen P. Robards, and W. Carl Kester.

Fund Certification

The Funds are listed for trading on the NYSE and have filed with the NYSE their annual chief executive officer certification regarding compliance with the NYSE’s listing standards. The Funds filed with the SEC the certification of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer required by section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Dividend Policy

Each Fund’s policy is to make monthly distributions to shareholders. In order to provide shareholders with a more stable level of dividend distributions, each Fund employs a managed distribution plan (the “Plan”), the goal of which is to provide shareholders with consistent and predictable cash flows by setting distribution rates based on expected long-term returns of each Fund.

The distributions paid by each Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income earned by each Fund during such month. Furthermore, the final tax characterization of distributions is determined after the year-end of the Trust and is reported in each Fund’s annual report to shareholders. Distributions can be characterized as ordinary income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The Fund’s taxable net investment income and net realized capital gains (“taxable income”) may not be sufficient to support the level of distributions paid. To the extent that distributions exceed the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess may be treated as a non-taxable return of capital.

A return of capital is a return of a portion of an investor’s original investment. A return of capital is not expected to be taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent disposition by the shareholder of his or her shares. It is possible that a substantial portion of the distributions paid during a calendar year may ultimately be classified as return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes when the final determination of the source and character of the distributions is made.

Such distributions, under certain circumstances, may exceed a Fund’s total return performance. When total distributions exceed total return performance for the period, the difference reduces the Fund’s total assets and net asset value per share (“NAV”) and, therefore, could have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio and reducing the amount of assets the Fund has available for long term investment.

General Information

The Funds do not make available copies of their Statement of Additional Information because the Funds’ shares are not continuously offered, which means that the Statement of Additional Information has not been updated after completion of the respective Fund’s offerings and the information contained in its Statement of Additional Information may have become outdated.

During the period, there were no material changes in the Funds’ investment objectives or policies or to the Funds’ charters or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control of the Funds that were not approved by the shareholders or in the principal risk factors associated with investment in the Funds. There have been no changes in the persons who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios.

In accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, each Fund may from time to time purchase shares of its common stock in the open market or in private transactions.

Quarterly performance, semi-annual and annual reports, current net asset value and other information regarding the Funds may be found on BlackRock’s website, which can be accessed at http://www.blackrock.com. Any reference to BlackRock’s website in this report is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this report.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION      85  


Additional Information  (continued)

 

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail notifications of quarterly statements, annual and semi-annual shareholder reports by enrolling in the electronic delivery program. Electronic copies of shareholder reports are available on BlackRock’s website.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

Shareholders Who Hold Accounts with Investment Advisers, Banks or Brokerages:

Please contact your financial advisor. Please note that not all investment advisers, banks or brokerages may offer this service.

Householding

The Funds will mail only one copy of shareholder documents, annual and semi-annual reports and proxy statements, to shareholders with multiple accounts at the same address. This practice is commonly called “householding” and is intended to reduce expenses and eliminate duplicate mailings of shareholder documents. Mailings of your shareholder documents may be householded indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please call the Funds at (800) 882-0052.

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 its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q may also be obtained upon request and without charge by calling (800) 882-0052.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available upon request and without charge (1) by calling (800) 882-0052; (2) at http://www.blackrock.com; and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Availability of Proxy Voting Record

Information about how the Funds voted proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge (1) at http://www.blackrock.com or by calling (800) 882-0052 and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Availability of Fund Updates

BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Funds on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of http://www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Funds. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this report.

BlackRock Privacy Principles

BlackRock is committed to maintaining the privacy of its current and former fund investors and individual clients (collectively, “Clients”) and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information BlackRock collects, how we protect that information and why in certain cases we share such information with select parties.

If you are located in a jurisdiction where specific laws, rules or regulations require BlackRock to provide you with additional or different privacy-related rights beyond what is set forth below, then BlackRock will comply with those specific laws, rules or regulations.

BlackRock obtains or verifies personal non-public information from and about you from different sources, including the following: (i) information we receive from you or, if applicable, your financial intermediary, on applications, forms or other documents; (ii) information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others; (iii) information we receive from a consumer reporting agency; and (iv) from visits to our websites.

BlackRock does not sell or disclose to non-affiliated third parties any non-public personal information about its Clients, except as permitted by law or as is necessary to respond to regulatory requests or to service Client accounts. These non-affiliated third parties are required to protect the confidentiality and security of this information and to use it only for its intended purpose.

We may share information with our affiliates to service your account or to provide you with information about other BlackRock products or services that may be of interest to you. In addition, BlackRock restricts access to non-public personal information about its Clients to those BlackRock employees with a legitimate business need for the information. BlackRock maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that are designed to protect the non-public personal information of its Clients, including procedures relating to the proper storage and disposal of such information.

 

 

86    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


 

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

 

Currency
BRL    Brazilian Real
EUR    Euro
GBP    British Pound
MXN    Mexican Peso
NZD    New Zealand Dollar
USD    U.S. Dollar

 

Portfolio Abbreviations
ABS    Asset-Backed Security
CLO    Collateralized Loan Obligation
ETF    Exchange-Traded Fund
EURIBOR    Euro Interbank Offered Rate
FNMA    Federal National Mortgage Association
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
PIK    Payment-In-Kind
 

 

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT      87  


This report is intended for current holders. It is not a prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be considered a representation of future performance. The Funds have leveraged their Common Shares, which creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares, and the risk that fluctuations in short-term interest rates may reduce the Common Shares’ yield. Statements and other information herein are as dated and are subject to change.

 

LOGO

 

 

CEFT-BK3-8/19-AR    LOGO


Item 2 –

Code of Ethics – The registrant (or the “Fund”) has adopted a code of ethics, as of the end of the period covered by this report, applicable to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. During the period covered by this report, the code of ethics was amended to update certain information and to make other non-material changes. During the period covered by this report, there have been no waivers granted under the code of ethics. The registrant undertakes to provide a copy of the code of ethics to any person upon request, without charge, who calls 1-800-882-0052, option 4.

 

Item 3 –

Audit Committee Financial Expert – The registrant’s board of directors (the “board of directors”), has determined that (i) the registrant has the following audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee and (ii) each audit committee financial expert is independent:

 

  

Michael Castellano

  

Frank J. Fabozzi

  

Henry Gabbay

  

Catherine A. Lynch

  

Karen P. Robards

 

  

The registrant’s board of directors has determined that Karen P. Robards qualifies as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to Item 3(c)(4) of Form N-CSR.

 

  

Ms. Robards has a thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as well as audit committee functions. Ms. Robards has been President of Robards & Company, a financial advisory firm, since 1987. Ms. Robards was formerly an investment banker for more than 10 years where she was responsible for evaluating and assessing the performance of companies based on their financial results. Ms. Robards has over 30 years of experience analyzing financial statements. She also is a member of the audit committee of one publicly held company and a non-profit organization.

 

  

Under applicable securities laws, a person determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and board of directors in the absence of such designation or identification. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not affect the duties, obligations, or liability of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.

 

Item 4 –

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

  

The following table presents fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”) in each of the last two fiscal years for the services rendered to the Fund:

 

2


     (a) Audit Fees   (b) Audit-Related Fees1   (c) Tax Fees2   (d) All Other Fees

Entity Name

  Current
    Fiscal Year    
End
  Previous
    Fiscal Year    
End
  Current
    Fiscal Year    
End
  Previous
    Fiscal Year    
End
  Current
    Fiscal Year    
End
  Previous
    Fiscal Year    
End
  Current
    Fiscal Year    
End
  Previous
    Fiscal Year    
End

BlackRock Limited    

Duration Income

Trust

  $72,420   $72,420   $0   $0   $16,900   $16,900   $0   $0

The following table presents fees billed by D&T that were required to be approved by the registrant’s audit committee (the “Committee”) for services that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund and that are rendered on behalf of BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“Investment Adviser” or “BlackRock”) and entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with BlackRock (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Service Providers”):

 

      Current Fiscal Year End    Previous Fiscal Year End

(b) Audit-Related Fees1

   $0    $0

(c) Tax Fees2

   $0    $0

(d) All Other Fees3

   $2,050,500    $2,274,000

1 The nature of the services includes assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements not included in Audit Fees, including accounting consultations, agreed-upon procedure reports, attestation reports, comfort letters, out-of-pocket expenses and internal control reviews not required by regulators.

2 The nature of the services includes tax compliance and/or tax preparation, including services relating to the filing or amendment of federal, state or local income tax returns, regulated investment company qualification reviews, taxable income and tax distribution calculations.

3 Non-audit fees of $2,050,500 and $2,274,000 for the current fiscal year and previous fiscal year, respectively, were paid to the Fund’s principal accountant in their entirety by BlackRock, in connection with services provided to the Affiliated Service Providers of the Fund and of certain other funds sponsored and advised by BlackRock or its affiliates for a service organization review and an accounting research tool subscription. These amounts represent aggregate fees paid by BlackRock and were not allocated on a per fund basis.

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures:

The Committee has adopted policies and procedures with regard to the pre-approval of services. Audit, audit-related and tax compliance services provided to the registrant on an annual basis require specific pre-approval by the Committee. The Committee also must approve other non-audit services provided to the registrant and those non-audit services provided to the Investment Adviser and Affiliated Service Providers that relate directly to the operations and the financial reporting of the registrant. Certain of these non-audit services that the Committee believes are (a) consistent with the SEC’s auditor independence rules and (b) routine and recurring services that will not impair the independence of the independent accountants may be approved by the Committee without consideration on a specific case-by-case basis (“general pre-approval”). The term of any general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of the pre-approval, unless the Committee provides for a different period. Tax or other non-audit services provided to the registrant which have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the registrant will only be deemed pre-approved provided that any individual project does not exceed $10,000 attributable to the registrant or $50,000 per project. For this purpose, multiple projects will be aggregated to determine if they exceed the previously mentioned cost levels.

Any proposed services exceeding the pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Committee, as will any other services not subject to general pre-approval (e.g., unanticipated but

 

3


permissible services). The Committee is informed of each service approved subject to general pre-approval at the next regularly scheduled in-person board meeting. At this meeting, an analysis of such services is presented to the Committee for ratification. The Committee may delegate to the Committee Chairman the authority to approve the provision of and fees for any specific engagement of permitted non-audit services, including services exceeding pre-approved cost levels.

(e)(2) None of the services described in each of Items 4(b) through (d) were approved by the Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception in paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) Not Applicable

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees, defined as the sum of the fees shown under “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees,” paid to the accountant for services rendered by the accountant to the registrant, the Investment Adviser and the Affiliated Service Providers were:

 

Entity Name        Current Fiscal Year    
End
     Previous Fiscal Year    
End
                           

BlackRock Limited Duration

Income Trust

   $16,900    $16,900   

Additionally, the amounts billed by D&T in connection with services provided to the Affiliated Service Providers of the Fund and of other funds sponsored or advised by BlackRock or its affiliates during the current and previous fiscal years for a service organization review and an accounting research tool subscription were:

 

Current Fiscal  

Year End  

  Previous Fiscal  
Year End  
$2,050,500   $2,274,000

These amounts represent aggregate fees paid by BlackRock and were not allocated on a per fund basis.

(h) The Committee has considered and determined that the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the Investment Adviser, and the Affiliated Service Providers that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5 –

Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

  (a)

The following individuals are members of the registrant’s separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)):

 

    

Michael Castellano

    

Frank J. Fabozzi

    

Henry Gabbay

    

Catherine A. Lynch

    

Karen P. Robards

 

4


(b) Not Applicable

 

Item 6 –

Investments

(a) The registrant’s Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

(b) Not Applicable due to no such divestments during the semi-annual period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.

 

Item 7 –

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – The board of directors has delegated the voting of proxies for the Fund’s portfolio securities to the Investment Adviser pursuant to the Investment Adviser’s proxy voting guidelines. Under these guidelines, the Investment Adviser will vote proxies related to Fund securities in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders. From time to time, a vote may present a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s stockholders, on the one hand, and those of the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person of the Fund or the Investment Adviser, on the other. In such event, provided that the Investment Adviser’s Equity Investment Policy Oversight Committee, or a sub-committee thereof (the “Oversight Committee”) is aware of the real or potential conflict or material non-routine matter and if the Oversight Committee does not reasonably believe it is able to follow its general voting guidelines (or if the particular proxy matter is not addressed in the guidelines) and vote impartially, the Oversight Committee may retain an independent fiduciary to advise the Oversight Committee on how to vote or to cast votes on behalf of the Investment Adviser’s clients. If the Investment Adviser determines not to retain an independent fiduciary, or does not desire to follow the advice of such independent fiduciary, the Oversight Committee shall determine how to vote the proxy after consulting with the Investment Adviser’s Portfolio Management Group and/or the Investment Adviser’s Legal and Compliance Department and concluding that the vote cast is in its client’s best interest notwithstanding the conflict. A copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are attached as Exhibit 99.PROXYPOL. Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, (i) at www.blackrock.com and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Item 8 –

Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

(a)(1) As of the date of filing this Report:

The registrant is managed by a team of investment professionals comprised of James E. Keenan, Managing Director of BlackRock, Thomas Musmanno, Managing Director at BlackRock, Mitchell Garfin, Managing Director at BlackRock, Scott MacLellan, Director at BlackRock and David Delbos, Managing Director at BlackRock. Mr. Keenan is responsible for setting the registrant’s overall investment strategy and overseeing the registrant’s investment process and performance. Messrs. Musmanno, Garfin, MacLellan, and Delbos are jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the registrant’s portfolio, which includes setting the registrant’s overall investment strategy, overseeing the management of the registrant and/or selection of its investments. Messrs. Keenan, Musmanno and Garfin have been members of the registrant’s portfolio management team since 2007, 2012, and 2016, respectively. Messrs. MacLellan and Delbos have been members of the registrant’s portfolio management ream since 2018.

 

5


  Portfolio Manager    Biography

  James E. Keenan

   Managing Director of BlackRock since 2008 and Head of the Leveraged Finance Portfolio team; Director of BlackRock from 2006 to 2007.

  Thomas Musmanno

   Managing Director of BlackRock since 2010; Director of BlackRock from 2006 to 2009.

  Mitchell Garfin

   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2005 to 2008.

  Scott MacLellan

   Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2010; Vice President of BlackRock, Inc. from 2007 to 2009.

  David Delbos

   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2012; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2007 to 2011; Vice President of BlackRock, Inc. from 2005 to 2006.

(a)(2) As of August 31, 2019:

 

    

(ii) Number of Other Accounts Managed

and Assets by Account Type

 

(iii) Number of Other Accounts and

Assets for Which Advisory Fee is

Performance-Based

(i) Name of

Portfolio Manager

 

Other

Registered

    Investment    

Companies

 

    Other Pooled    

Investment

Vehicles

 

Other    

    Accounts        

 

Other

Registered

     Investment     

Companies

 

Other Pooled

    Investment    

Vehicles

 

Other    

    Accounts        

James E. Keenan

  19   32   15   0   11   13
    $29.46 Billion

 

  $15.90 Billion

 

  $7.35 Billion

 

  $0

 

  $9.68 Billion

 

  $7.29 Billion

 

Thomas Musmanno

  12   12   134   0   0   127
    $17.64 Billion

 

  $4.03 Billion

 

  $40.29 Billion

 

  $0

 

  $0

 

  $35.19 Million

 

Mitchell Garfin

  20   20   22   0   4   22
    $31.67 Billion

 

  $12.39 Billion

 

  $11.49 Billion

 

  $0

 

  $6.40 Billion

 

  $11.49 Billion

 

Scott MacLellan

  12   12   139   0   0   129
    $17.64 Billion

 

  $4.03 Billion

 

  $46.92 Billion

 

  $0

 

  $0

 

  $41.77 Million

 

David Delbos

  20   13   22   0   4   21
    $28.69 Billion

 

  $12.01 Billion

 

  $11.48 Billion

 

  $0

 

  $6.40 Billion

 

  $11.48 Billion

 

(iv) Portfolio Manager Potential Material Conflicts of Interest

BlackRock has built a professional working environment, firm-wide compliance culture and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against potential incentives that may favor one account over another. BlackRock has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities, execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated equitably over time. Nevertheless, BlackRock furnishes investment management and advisory services to numerous clients in addition to the Fund, and BlackRock

 

6


may, consistent with applicable law, make investment recommendations to other clients or accounts (including accounts which are hedge funds or have performance or higher fees paid to BlackRock, or in which portfolio managers have a personal interest in the receipt of such fees), which may be the same as or different from those made to the Fund. In addition, BlackRock, Inc., its affiliates and significant shareholders and any officer, director, shareholder or employee may or may not have an interest in the securities whose purchase and sale BlackRock recommends to the Fund. BlackRock, Inc., or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders, or any officer, director, shareholder, employee or any member of their families may take different actions than those recommended to the Fund by BlackRock with respect to the same securities. Moreover, BlackRock may refrain from rendering any advice or services concerning securities of companies of which any of BlackRock, Inc.’s (or its affiliates’ or significant shareholders’) officers, directors or employees are directors or officers, or companies as to which BlackRock, Inc. or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders or the officers, directors and employees of any of them has any substantial economic interest or possesses material non-public information. Certain portfolio managers also may manage accounts whose investment strategies may at times be opposed to the strategy utilized for a fund. It should also be noted that Messrs. Keenan, Musmanno, Garfin, MacLellan and Delbos may be managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, or may be part of a team managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, subject to incentive fees. Messrs. Keenan, Musmanno, Garfin, MacLellan and Delbos may therefore be entitled to receive a portion of any incentive fees earned on such accounts.

As a fiduciary, BlackRock owes a duty of loyalty to its clients and must treat each client fairly. When BlackRock purchases or sells securities for more than one account, the trades must be allocated in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties. BlackRock attempts to allocate investments in a fair and equitable manner among client accounts, with no account receiving preferential treatment. To this end, BlackRock, Inc. has adopted policies that are intended to ensure reasonable efficiency in client transactions and provide BlackRock with sufficient flexibility to allocate investments in a manner that is consistent with the particular investment discipline and client base, as appropriate.

(a)(3) As of August 31, 2019:

Portfolio Manager Compensation Overview

The discussion below describes the portfolio managers’ compensation as of August 31, 2019.

BlackRock’s financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The principal components of compensation include a base salary, a performance-based discretionary bonus, participation in various benefits programs and one or more of the incentive compensation programs established by BlackRock.

Base Compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base compensation based on their position with the firm.

 

7


Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is a function of several components: the performance of BlackRock, Inc., the performance of the portfolio manager’s group within BlackRock, the investment performance, including risk-adjusted returns, of the firm’s assets under management or supervision by that portfolio manager relative to predetermined benchmarks, and the individual’s performance and contribution to the overall performance of these portfolios and BlackRock. In most cases, these benchmarks are the same as the benchmark or benchmarks against which the performance of the Funds or other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are measured. Among other things, BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officers make a subjective determination with respect to each portfolio manager’s compensation based on the performance of the Funds and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager relative to the various benchmarks. Performance of fixed income funds is measured on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis over various time periods including 1-, 3- and 5- year periods, as applicable. With respect to these portfolio managers, such benchmarks for the Fund and other accounts are:

 

Portfolio Manager    Benchmark

 James Keenan
 Mitchell Garfin
 David Delbos

 

  

 A combination of market-based indices (e.g., The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate

 High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index), certain customized indices and certain fund industry

 peer groups.

 

 Thomas Musmanno
 Scott MacLellan

 

  

 A combination of market-based indices (e.g., Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S.  Corporate & Government Index, 1-3 Years), certain customized indices and certain fund  industry peer groups.

 

Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a combination of cash, deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards, and/or deferred cash awards that notionally track the return of certain BlackRock investment products.

Portfolio managers receive their annual discretionary incentive compensation in the form of cash. Portfolio managers whose total compensation is above a specified threshold also receive deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards annually as part of their discretionary incentive compensation. Paying a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in the form of deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given year “at risk” based on BlackRock’s ability to sustain and improve its performance over future periods. In some cases, additional deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock may be granted to certain key employees as part of a long-term incentive award to aid in retention, align interests with long-term shareholders and motivate performance. Deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that vest pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan and, once vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. The portfolio managers of this Fund have deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards.

For certain portfolio managers, a portion of the discretionary incentive compensation is also distributed in the form of deferred cash awards that notionally track the returns of select BlackRock investment products they manage, which provides direct alignment of portfolio manager discretionary incentive compensation with investment product results. Deferred cash awards vest ratably over a number of years and, once vested, settle in the form of cash. Only portfolio managers

 

8


who manage specified products and whose total compensation is above a specified threshold are eligible to participate in the deferred cash award program.

Other Compensation Benefits. In addition to base salary and discretionary incentive compensation, portfolio managers may be eligible to receive or participate in one or more of the following:

Incentive Savings Plans — BlackRock, Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock, Inc. employees are eligible to participate, including a 401(k) plan, the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The employer contribution components of the RSP include a company match equal to 50% of the first 8% of eligible pay contributed to the plan capped at $5,000 per year, and a company retirement contribution equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation up to the Internal Revenue Service limit ($280,000 for 2019). The RSP offers a range of investment options, including registered investment companies and collective investment funds managed by the firm. BlackRock, Inc. contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, absent participant investment direction, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock, Inc. common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the purchase date. All of the eligible portfolio managers are eligible to participate in these plans.

(a)(4) Beneficial Ownership of Securities – As of August 31, 2019.

 

Portfolio Manager   

Dollar Range of Equity Securities    

of the Fund Beneficially Owned

James E. Keenan

   None

Thomas Musmanno

   $50,001-$100,000

Mitchell Garfin

   $10,001-$50,000

Scott MacLellan

   None

David Delbos

   None

(b) Not Applicable

 

Item 9 –

Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

 

Period   (a) Total
Number of
    
Shares
Purchased
  (b) Average
Price Paid per
    
Share
  (c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as Part
    
of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 

(d) Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
    
Purchased Under the Plans  

or Programs1

March 1-31, 2019

  63,530   $14.6974   63,530   1,599,269

April 1-31, 2019

  67,193   $14.8554   67,193   1,532,076

May 1-31, 2019

  87,700   $14.7985   87,700   1,444,376

June 1-30, 2019

  78,659   $14.9973   78,659   1,365,717

July 1-31, 2019

  61,648   $15.1484   61,648   1,304,069

August 1-31, 2019        

  0   $0   0   1,304,069

Total:

  358,730   $14.8950   358,730   1,304,069

 

9


1On September 7, 2018, the Fund announced a continuation of its open market share repurchase program. Commencing on December 1, 2018, the Fund may repurchase through November 30, 2019, up to 5% of its common shares outstanding as of the close of business on November 30, 2018, subject to certain conditions. On September 5, 2019, the Fund announced a further continuation of its open market share repurchase program. Commencing on December 1, 2019, the Fund may repurchase through November 30, 2020, up to 5% of its common shares outstanding as of the close of business on November 30, 2019, subject to certain conditions.

 

Item 10 –

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – There have been no material changes to these procedures.

 

Item 11 –

Controls and Procedures

(a) – The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(b) – There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) 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

 

Item 13 –

Exhibits attached hereto

(a)(1) – Code of Ethics – See Item 2

(a)(2) – Certifications – Attached hereto

(a)(3) – Not Applicable

(a)(4) – Not Applicable

(b) – Certifications – Attached hereto

 

10


 

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.

 

  BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust   
  By:   /s/ John M. Perlowski                                
    John M. Perlowski   
    Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of   
    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust   
                  Date:   November 5, 2019   
 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

  By:   /s/ John M. Perlowski                               
    John M. Perlowski   
    Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of   
    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust   
  Date:   November 5, 2019   
  By:   /s/ Neal J. Andrews                                    
    Neal J. Andrews   
    Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) of   
    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust   
  Date:   November 5, 2019   

 

11