N-CSR 1 d821375dncsr.htm BLACKROCK FUNDS VI BLACKROCK FUNDS VI

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: 811-23344 and 811-23343

Name of Fund: BlackRock Funds VI

            BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

      Master Investment Portfolio II

            CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

Fund Address:    100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809

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

Master Investment Portfolio II, 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055

Registrants’ telephone number, including area code: (800) 441-7762

Date of fiscal year end: 12/31/2019

Date of reporting period: 12/31/2019

 


Item 1 – Report to Stockholders

 


 

LOGO  

DECEMBER 31, 2019

 

   2019 Annual Report

 

BlackRock Funds VI

 

·  

BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the 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 (800) 441-7762 to inform BlackRock that you wish to 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, BlackRock Fund Advisors or their 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: (i) accessing the BlackRock website at blackrock.com/edelivery and logging into your accounts, if you hold accounts directly with BlackRock, or (ii) 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


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

U.S. equities and bonds finished the last year of the decade with impressive returns, putting an exclamation point on a decade of strong performance despite the fears and doubts about the economy that were ultimately laid to rest with unprecedented monetary stimulus and a sluggish yet resolute performance from the U.S. economy. In many ways, it was fitting that the themes of 2019 — geopolitical uncertainty, fears of recession, and decisive monetary stimulus — put the capstone on a decade that was defined by grappling with these competing forces.

Equity and bond markets posted solid returns, particularly in the second half of the year, as investors began to realize that the U.S. economy was maintaining the modest yet steady growth that has characterized this economic cycle. U.S. large cap equities advanced the most, while equities at the high end of the risk spectrum — emerging markets and U.S. small cap — lagged while still posting solid returns.

Fixed-income securities played an important role in diversified portfolios by delivering strong returns amid economic uncertainty, as interest rates declined (and bond prices rose). Long-term bonds, particularly long-term Treasuries, generally posted the strongest returns, as inflation remained low. Investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds also posted solid returns, as the credit fundamentals in corporate markets remained relatively solid.

As equity performance faltered in late 2018 and global economic growth slowed, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) shifted away from policies designed to decrease inflation in favor of renewed efforts to stimulate economic activity. The Fed left interest rates unchanged in January 2019, then reduced interest rates three times thereafter, starting in July 2019. Similarly, the Fed took measures to support liquidity in short-term lending markets. Following in the Fed’s footsteps, the European Central Bank announced aggressive economic stimulus measures, including lower interest rates and the return of its bond purchasing program. 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 despite the headwind of rising geopolitical and trade tensions. Hopes continued to remain high as the current economic expansion became the longest in U.S. history.

Looking ahead, we believe U.S. economic growth will stabilize and gradually improve in 2020. The primary drivers of recent market performance — trade and monetary policies — could take a back seat to a nascent expansion in manufacturing and a recent uptick in global growth. The headwinds of policy uncertainty in 2019 could become tailwinds in 2020 due to pro-cyclical policy shifts.

Overall, we favor increasing investment risk to benefit from the brighter outlook. In addition to having a positive view for equities overall, we favor emerging market equities over developed market equities. Increasing cyclical exposure through value-style investing and maintaining a meaningful emphasis on high-quality companies through quality factors also makes sense for diversified investors. In fixed income, government bonds continue to be important portfolio stabilizers, while emerging market bonds, particularly local currency bonds, offer relatively attractive income opportunities.

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 December 31, 2019
     6-month   12-month

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

  10.92%   31.49%

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

  7.30   25.52

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

  7.01   22.01

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

  7.09   18.42

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

  1.03   2.28

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

  1.36   8.91

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

  2.45   8.72

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

  2.21   7.26

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

  3.98   14.32
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 

 

 

2    THIS PAGE IS NOT PART OF YOUR FUND REPORT


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

The Markets in Review

     2  

Annual Report:

  

Fund Information

     4  

About Fund Performance

     6  

Disclosure of Expenses

     6  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     6  

Fund Financial Statements:

  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     7  

Statement of Operations

     8  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     9  

Fund Financial Highlights

     10  

Fund Notes to Financial Statements

     14  

Fund Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     19  

Important Tax Information

     19  

Master Portfolio Information

     20  

Master Portfolio Financial Statements:

  

Schedule of Investments

     21  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     38  

Statement of Operations

     39  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     40  

Master Portfolio Financial Highlights

     41  

Master Portfolio Notes to Financial Statements

     42  

Master Portfolio Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     52  

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

     53  

Trustee and Officer Information

     54  

Additional Information

     57  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     59  

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

          3  


Fund Information  as of December 31, 2019 (continued)    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

 

Investment Objective

BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund’s (the “Fund”) investment objective is to seek to provide a combination of income and capital growth.

At a meeting held on May 1, 2019, the Board of Directors of FDP Series II, Inc., the Board of Trustees of BlackRock Funds VI and the Board of Trustees of Master Investment Portfolio II, each approved a reorganization (“the Reorganization”) of FDP BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond (the “Target Fund”), a series of FDP Series II, Inc., with and into the Fund. Shareholders of the Target Fund or the Fund were not required to approve the Reorganization. The Reorganization closed on September 23, 2019.

Portfolio Management Commentary

How did the Fund perform?

For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2019, all of the Fund’s share classes outperformed the benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (the “Index”), except for its Investor C Shares, which underperformed.

The Fund invests all of its assets in the CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio (the “Master Portfolio”), a series of Master Investment Portfolio II.

What factors influenced performance?

During the period, the Master Portfolio’s credit security selection was the primary contributor to performance, driven by an overweight to consumer cyclicals, primarily within the consumer service and gaming sub-sectors. Global rate strategies also added to performance over most of the period due to the Master Portfolio’s long positioning in U.S. rates, versus short positions in European rates. The Master Portfolio’s asset allocation contributed to returns based on overweights to securitized credit and other spread sectors. Lastly, U.S. rate strategies were additive due to the Master Portfolio’s Treasury auction strategies.

The Master Portfolio’s mortgage strategies were the largest detractor from performance during the period, due to its 30-year pool selection and up-in-coupon positioning, which came under pressure as the yield curve flattened.

The Master Portfolio held a small portion of its assets in cash committed for pending transactions, which did not have a material impact on Fund performance during the period.

Describe recent portfolio activity.

Over the 12-month period, the Master Portfolio maintained, but slightly reduced, its overweight to industrials. Overweight positions to consumer non-cyclicals, technology and basic materials also were reduced. The Master Portfolio also shifted from a slight overweight in energy to an underweight. Finally, an overweight to communications was increased, as was an overweight to banking within financials.

Describe portfolio positioning at period end.

At period end, the Master Portfolio remained underweight in U.S. Treasury securities. Within spread sectors, the Master Portfolio was overweight in investment grade corporate credit, agency mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, with an underweight in energy. The Master Portfolio also held an out-of-benchmark allocation to high yield debt. Within investment grade, the Master Portfolio was overweight consumer sectors, banking names and select names within communications. In terms of global rate positioning, the Master Portfolio was long to Canadian, Australian and U.K. rates relative to European and U.S. dollar rates.

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.

 

 

4    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Fund Information  as of December 31, 2019 (continued)    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

 

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON A $10,000 INVESTMENT

 

LOGO

 

(a) 

Assuming maximum sales charges, transaction costs and other operating expenses, including administration fees, if any. Institutional Shares do not have a sales charge.

(b) 

The Fund invests all of its assets in the Master Portfolio. The Master Portfolio invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% the value of the Master Portfolio’s net assets, plus the amount of any borrowing for investment purposes, in bonds. On September 17, 2018, the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a series of BlackRock Funds III, through a tax-free reorganization (the “Board Reorganization”). The Predecessor Fund is the performance and accounting survivor of the Board Reorganization.

(c) 

A widely recognized unmanaged market-weighted index, comprised of investment-grade corporate bonds rated BBB or better, mortgages and U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government agency issues with at least one year to maturity.

Performance Summary for the Period Ended December 31, 2019

 

                            Average Annual Total Returns (a)  
                            1 Year           5 Years           10 Years  
    

Standardized

30-Day Yields

   

Unsubsidized

30-Day Yields

    6-Month
Total Returns
           w/o sales
charge
    w/sales
charge
           w/o sales
charge
    w/sales
charge
           w/o sales
charge
    w/sales
charge
 

Institutional

    2.40     2.39     2.37       9.62     N/A         3.24     N/A         3.95     N/A  

Investor A

    2.07       2.06       2.24         9.35       4.97       2.88       2.04       3.62       3.19

Investor C

    1.40       1.39       1.86         8.64       7.64         2.15       2.15         2.85       2.85  

Class K

    2.43       2.38       2.39         9.78       N/A         3.30       N/A         4.00       N/A  

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

                2.45               8.72       N/A               3.05       N/A               3.75       N/A  

 

  (a) 

Assuming maximum sales charges, if any. Average annual total returns with and without sales charges reflect reductions for distribution and service fees. See “About Fund Performance” on page 6 for a detailed description of share classes, including any related sales charges and fees, and how performance was calculated for certain share classes. On September 17, 2018, the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a series of BlackRock Funds III, through a tax-free reorganization (the “Board Reorganization”). The Predecessor Fund is the performance and accounting survivor of the Board Reorganization.

 

N/A — Not applicable as share class and index do not have a sales charge.

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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

Expense Example

 

    Actual           Hypothetical (b)           
     Beginning
Account Value
(07/01/19)
     Ending
Account Value
(12/31/19)
    

Expenses

Paid During

the Period (a)

           Beginning
Account Value
(07/01/19)
     Ending
Account Value
(12/31/19)
    

Expenses

Paid During

the Period (a)

      

Annualized
Expense

Ratio

 

Institutional

  $ 1,000.00      $ 1,023.70      $ 1.43       $ 1,000.00      $ 1,023.79      $ 1.43          0.28

Investor A

    1,000.00        1,022.40        2.70         1,000.00        1,022.53        2.70          0.53  

Investor C

    1,000.00        1,018.60        6.56         1,000.00        1,018.70        6.56          1.29  

Class K

    1,000.00        1,023.90        1.17               1,000.00        1,024.05        1.17          0.23  

 

  (a) 

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the annualized net expense ratio for the class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). Because the Fund invests all of its assets in the Master Portfolio, the expense example reflects the net expenses of both the Fund and the Master Portfolio in which it invests.

 
  (b) 

Hypothetical 5% annual return before expenses is calculated by prorating the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year divided by 365.

 

See “Disclosure of Expenses” on page 6 for further information on how expenses are calculated.

 

 

FUND INFORMATION      5  


About Fund Performance

 

Institutional and Class K Shares are not subject to any sales charge. These shares bear no ongoing distribution or service fees and are available only to certain eligible investors.

Investor A Shares are subject to a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 4.00% and a service fee of 0.25% per year (but no distribution fee). Certain redemptions of these shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase. These shares are generally available through financial intermediaries.

Investor C Shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC if redeemed within one year of purchase. In addition, these shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% per year and a service fee of 0.25% per year. These shares are generally available through financial intermediaries. These shares automatically convert to Investor A Shares after approximately ten years.

Prior to February 28, 2011 for Institutional Shares, April 30, 2012 for Investor A and Investor C Shares and March 28, 2016 for Class K Shares, the performance of the classes is based on the returns of a series of Master Investment Portfolio, adjusted to reflect the estimated annual fund fees and operating expenses of each respective share class of the Predecessor Fund.

Performance information reflects past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Refer to blackrock.com to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Figures shown in the performance table on the previous page assume reinvestment of all distributions, if any, at net asset value (“NAV”) on the ex-dividend/payable date. Investment return and principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Distributions paid to each class of shares will vary because of the different levels of service, distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to each class, which are deducted from the income available to be paid to shareholders.

BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BAL” or the “Administrator”), the Fund’s administrator, has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses. Without such waiver and/or reimbursement, the Fund’s performance would have been lower. With respect to the Fund’s contractual waiver, the Administrator is under no obligation to continue waiving and/or reimbursing its fees after the applicable termination date of such agreement. See Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information on waivers and/or reimbursements. The standardized 30-day yield includes the effects of any waivers and/ or reimbursements. The unsubsidized 30-day yield excludes the effects of any waivers and/or reimbursements.

Disclosure of Expenses

Shareholders of the Fund may incur the following charges: (a) transactional expenses, such as sales charges; and (b) operating expenses, including administration fees, service and distribution fees, including 12b-1 fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, and other fund expenses. The expense example shown on the previous page (which is based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested on July 1, 2019 and held through December 31, 2019) is intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in the Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The expense example provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number corresponding to their Fund and share class under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

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

The expenses shown in the expense example are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect transactional expenses, such as sales charges, if any. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing expenses only, and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses would have been higher.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund 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 Fund’s 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 the Fund can realize on an investment and/or may result in lower distributions paid to shareholders. The Fund’s investments in these instruments, if any, are discussed in detail in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

6    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

     BlackRock
CoreAlpha
Bond Fund
 

ASSETS

 

Investments at value — Master Portfolio

  $ 1,653,290,849  

Receivables:

 

Capital shares sold

    20,590,612  

From the Administrator

    936  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    1,673,882,397  
 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payables:

 

Administration fees

    128,692  

Capital shares redeemed

    1,028,972  

Contributions to the Master Portfolio

    19,561,640  

Income dividend distributions

    280,417  

Other accrued expenses

    11,001  

Service and distribution fees

    105,667  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    21,116,389  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,652,766,008  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 1,624,476,894  

Accumulated earnings

    28,289,114  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,652,766,008  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE

 

Institutional — Based on net assets of $1,121,105,958 and 106,322,636 shares outstanding, unlimited shares authorized, no par value

  $ 10.54  
 

 

 

 

Investor A — Based on net assets of $503,477,088 and 47,748,118 shares outstanding, unlimited shares authorized, no par value

  $ 10.54  
 

 

 

 

Investor C — Based on net assets of $209,655 and 19,870 shares outstanding, unlimited shares authorized, no par value

  $ 10.55  
 

 

 

 

Class K — Based on net assets of $27,973,307 and 2,651,303 shares outstanding, unlimited shares authorized, no par value

  $ 10.55  
 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      7  


Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

     BlackRock
CoreAlpha
Bond Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Net investment income allocated from the Master Portfolio:

 

Dividends — affiliated

  $ 1,156,107  

Interest — unaffiliated

    43,755,978  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    272,861  

Expenses

    (3,285,933

Fees waived

    97,822  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    41,996,835  
 

 

 

 

FUND EXPENSES

 

Service and distribution — class specific

    1,132,822  

Administration — class specific

    682,840  

Reorganization costs

    31,000  

Board realignment and consolidation

    17,757  

Professional

    11,004  

Miscellaneous

    1,765  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,877,188  

Less fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Administrator

    (43,496
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    1,833,692  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    40,163,143  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ALLOCATED FROM THE MASTER PORTFOLIO

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

    21,840,666  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (23,930

Foreign currency transactions

    (96,054

Investments — affiliated

    (459,500

Investments — unaffiliated

    12,032,451  

Swaps

    1,245,456  
 

 

 

 
    34,539,089  
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

    (9,682,588

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (45,367

Foreign currency translations

    15,016  

Investments — affiliated

    1,550,058  

Investments — unaffiliated

    51,271,495  

Swaps

    2,121,599  
 

 

 

 
    45,230,213  
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    79,769,302  
 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 119,932,445  
 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

8    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund  
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019     2018  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

 

OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

  $ 40,163,143     $ 20,730,517  

Net realized gain (loss)

    34,539,089       (13,774,098

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    45,230,213       3,264,199  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    119,932,445       10,220,618  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

 

Institutional

    (39,306,796     (18,916,261

Investor A

    (18,099,141     (1,760,243

Investor C

    (4,536     (3,565

Class K

    (158,787     (11,020
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (57,569,260     (20,691,089
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

    364,882,785       738,451,689  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

 

Total increase in net assets

    427,245,970       727,981,218  

Beginning of year

    1,225,520,038       497,538,820  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 1,652,766,008     $ 1,225,520,038  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      9  


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund  
    Institutional  
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018     2017      2016      2015  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 10.02      $ 10.35     $ 10.22      $ 10.32      $ 10.57  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.32        0.31       0.25        0.24        0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    0.64        (0.34     0.17        0.01        (0.20
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    0.96        (0.03     0.42        0.25        0.06  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(b)

 

From net investment income

    (0.32      (0.30     (0.25      (0.22      (0.25

From net realized gain

    (0.12      (0.00 )(c)             (0.12      (0.06

From return of capital

                 (0.04      (0.01       
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.44      (0.30     (0.29      (0.35      (0.31
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 10.54      $ 10.02     $ 10.35      $ 10.22      $ 10.32  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

 

Based on net asset value

    9.62      (0.18 )%      4.19      2.37      0.48
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(e)(f)

 

Total expenses

    0.29      0.37 %(g)      0.35      0.35      0.35
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    0.28      0.35 %(g)      0.34      0.35      0.35
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3.02      3.14     2.44      2.24      2.48
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $ 1,121,106      $ 791,197     $ 496,618      $ 345,259      $ 236,267  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate of the Master Portfolio(h)

    263      331     515      677      612
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.

(d) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Includes the Fund’s share of the Master Portfolio’s allocated expenses and/or net investment income.

(f) 

Includes the Fund’s share of its corresponding Master Portfolio’s allocated fees waived and expenses and/or net investment income. Excludes expenses incurred indirectly as a result of the Master Portfolio’s investments in underlying funds as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Allocated fees waived

    0.01      0.02      0.02      0.01      0.01

Investments in underlying funds

    0.01      0.02      0.02          
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(g) 

Includes reorganization and board realignment and consolidation costs. Without these costs, total expenses and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed would have been 0.33% and 0.31%, respectively.

(h) 

Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (“MDRs”). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding MDRs)

    166      189      322      459      540
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

10    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund  
    Investor A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018     2017      2016      2015  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 10.02      $ 10.35     $ 10.22      $ 10.32      $ 10.58  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.29        0.30       0.20        0.20        0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    0.64        (0.36     0.19        0.01        (0.21
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    0.93        (0.06     0.39        0.21        0.01  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(b)

 

From net investment income

    (0.29      (0.27     (0.22      (0.18      (0.21

From net realized gain

    (0.12      (0.00 )(c)             (0.12      (0.06

From return of capital

                 (0.04      (0.01       
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.41      (0.27     (0.26      (0.31      (0.27
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 10.54      $ 10.02     $ 10.35      $ 10.22      $ 10.32  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

 

Based on net asset value

    9.35      (0.52 )%      3.83      2.01      0.04
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(e)(f)

 

Total expenses

    0.54      0.56 %(g)      0.69      0.70      0.70
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    0.53      0.53 %(g)      0.69      0.69      0.70
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.76      3.05     1.99      1.92      2.13
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $ 503,477      $ 433,789     $ 485      $ 1,695      $ 2,463  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate of the Master Portfolio(h)

    263      331     515      677      612
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.

(d) 

Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Includes the Fund’s share of the Master Portfolio’s allocated expenses and/or net investment income.

(f) 

Includes the Fund’s share of its corresponding Master Portfolio’s allocated fees waived and expenses and/or net investment income. Excludes expenses incurred indirectly as a result of the Master Portfolio’s investments in underlying funds as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Allocated fees waived

    0.01      0.02      0.02      0.01      0.01

Investments in underlying funds

    0.01      0.02      0.02          
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(g) 

Includes reorganization and board realignment and consolidation costs. Without these costs, total expenses and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed would have been 0.52% and 0.49%, respectively.

(h) 

Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (“MDRs”). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding MDRs)

    166      189      322      459      540
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      11  


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund  
    Investor C  
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018     2017      2016      2015  

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 10.02      $ 10.36     $ 10.23      $ 10.32      $ 10.57  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income(a)

    0.22        0.20       0.13        0.12        0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    0.64        (0.35     0.18        0.02        (0.21
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

    0.86        (0.15     0.31        0.14        (0.06
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions(b)

 

From net investment income

    (0.21      (0.19     (0.15      (0.10      (0.13

From net realized gain

    (0.12      (0.00 )(c)             (0.12      (0.06

From return of capital

                 (0.03      (0.01       
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.33      (0.19     (0.18      (0.23      (0.19
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 10.55      $ 10.02     $ 10.36      $ 10.23      $ 10.32  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return(d)

 

Based on net asset value

    8.64      (1.36 )%      3.05      1.35      (0.61 )% 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(e)(f)

 

Total expenses

    1.29      1.46 %(g)      1.44      1.45      1.46
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    1.29      1.44 %(g)      1.44      1.45      1.45
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.08      2.02     1.30      1.14      1.39
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $ 210      $ 157     $ 238      $ 337      $ 272  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate of the Master Portfolio(h)

    263      331     515      677      612
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(b) 

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

(c) 

Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.

(d) 

Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(e) 

Includes the Fund’s share of the Master Portfolio’s allocated expenses and/or net investment income.

(f) 

Includes the Fund’s share of its corresponding Master Portfolio’s allocated fees waived and expenses and/or net investment income. Excludes expenses incurred indirectly as a result of the Master Portfolio’s investments in underlying funds as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Allocated fees waived

    0.01      0.02      0.02      0.01      0.01

Investments in underlying funds

    0.01      0.02      0.02          
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(g) 

Includes reorganization and board realignment and consolidation costs. Without these costs, total expenses and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed would have been 1.42% and 1.40%, respectively.

(h) 

Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (“MDRs”). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding MDRs)

    166      189      322      459      540
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

12    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund  
    Class K  
    Year Ended December 31,          

Period from
03/28/16 (a)

to 12/31/16

 
    2019      2018     2017        
           

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.02      $ 10.35     $ 10.23       $ 10.51  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(b)

    0.31        0.32       0.26         0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    0.66        (0.34     0.16         (0.17
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 
    0.97        (0.02     0.42         0.01  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 
Distributions(c)                               

From net investment income

    (0.32      (0.31     (0.26       (0.16

From net realized gain

    (0.12      (0.00 )(d)              (0.12

From return of capital

                 (0.04       (0.01
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.44      (0.31     (0.30       (0.29
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.55      $ 10.02     $ 10.35       $ 10.23  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

          

Based on net asset value

    9.78      (0.14 )%      4.14       0.00 %(f) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)(h)

          

Total expenses

    0.29      0.33 %(i)      0.30       0.30 %(j) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    0.24      0.30 %(i)      0.30       0.30 %(j) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2.97      3.19     2.48       2.25 %(j) 
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

          

Net assets, end of period (000)

  $ 27,973      $ 377     $ 197       $ 195  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate of the Master Portfolio(k)

    263      331     515       677
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Commencement of operations.

(b) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(c) 

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

(d) 

Amount is greater than $(0.005) per share.

(e) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

(f) 

Aggregate total return.

(g) 

Includes the Fund’s share of the Master Portfolio’s allocated expenses and/or net investment income.

(h) 

Includes the Fund’s share of its corresponding Master Portfolio’s allocated fees waived and expenses and/or net investment income. Excludes expenses incurred indirectly as a result of the Master Portfolio’s investments in underlying funds as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017           

Period from
03/28/16 (a)

to 12/31/16

 

Allocated fees waived

    0.01      0.02      0.02       0.01

Investments in underlying funds

    0.01      0.02      0.02      
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(i) 

Includes reorganization and board realignment and consolidation costs. Without these costs, total expenses and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed would have been 0.29% and 0.26%, respectively.

(j) 

Annualized.

(k) 

Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions (“MDRs”). Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:

 

     2019      2018      2017           

Period from
03/28/16 (a)

to 12/31/16

 

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding MDRs)

    166      189      322       459
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      13  


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

BlackRock Funds VI (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is a series of the Trust. The Fund is classified as diversified. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing all of its assets in CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio (the “Master Portfolio”), a series of Master Investment Portfolio II (“MIP II”), an affiliate of the Fund, which has the same investment objective and strategies as the Fund. The value of the Fund’s investment in the Master Portfolio reflects the Fund’s proportionate interest in the net assets of the Master Portfolio. The performance of the Fund is directly affected by the performance of the Master Portfolio. At December 31, 2019, the percentage of the Master Portfolio owned by the Fund was 85.30%. The financial statements of the Master Portfolio, including the Schedule of Investments, are included elsewhere in this report and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s financial statements.

The Fund offers multiple classes of shares. All classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and are subject to the same terms and conditions, except that Investor A and Investor C Shares bear expenses related to the shareholder servicing of such shares, and Investor C Shares also bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Institutional and Class K Shares are sold only to certain eligible investors. Investor A and Investor C Shares are generally available through financial intermediaries. Investor C Shares automatically convert to Investor A Shares after approximately ten years. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its shareholder servicing and distribution expenditures (except that Investor C shareholders may vote on material changes to the Investor A Shares distribution and service plan). The Board of Trustees of the Trust and Board of Trustees of MIP II are referred to throughout this report as the “Board of Trustees” or the “Board” and the members are referred to as “Trustees.”

 

Share Class   Initial Sales Charge    CDSC      Conversion Privilege

Institutional

  No      No      None

Investor A Shares

  Yes      No (a)     None

Investor C Shares

  No      Yes (b)     To Investor A Shares after approximately 10 years

Class K

  No      No      None

 

  (a) 

Investor A Shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for certain redemptions where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase.

 
  (b) 

A CDSC of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Investor C Shares made within one year after purchase.

 

The Fund, together with certain other registered investment companies advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BAL” or the “Administrator”) or its affiliates, is 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.

Reorganization: The Board of the Trust, the Board of MIP II and the Board of Directors of FDP Series II, Inc. approved the reorganization of FDP CoreAlpha Bond Fund (the “Target Fund”), a series of FDP Series II, Inc., into the Fund. As a result, the Fund acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund in exchange for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued shares of the Fund.

Each shareholder of the Target Fund received shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) of such shareholder’s Target Fund shares, as determined at the close of business on September 20, 2019, less the costs of the Target Fund’s reorganization. Cash was distributed for any fractional shares.

On September 23, 2019, all of the portfolio securities previously held by the Target Fund were subsequently contributed by the Fund to the Master Portfolio in exchange for an investment in the Master Portfolio.

The reorganization was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of shares of the Fund in the following amounts and at the following conversion ratios:

 

Target Fund’s Share Class   Shares Prior to Reorganization    Conversion Ratio    Fund’s Share Class    Shares of the Fund

Institutional

  402,761    0.97565426    Institutional    392,956

Investor A

  5,321,567    0.97598129    Investor A    5,193,750

Investor C

  2,329,750    0.97608421    Investor A    2,274,032

The Target Fund’s net assets and composition of net assets on September 20, 2019, the valuation date of the reorganization were as follows:

 

     Target Fund  

Net assets

  $ 84,011,793  

Paid-in-capital

    84,908,625  

Accumulated losses

    (896,832

For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund were recorded at fair value. However, the cost basis of the investments received from the Target Fund was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The net assets of the Fund before the reorganization were $1,381,148,135. The aggregate net assets of the Fund immediately after the reorganization amounted to $1,465,159,928. The Target Fund’s fair value and cost of investments prior to the reorganization were as follows:

 

Target Fund   Fair Value
of Investments
     Cost of
Investments
 

FDP BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

  $ 83,082,606      $ 81,106,915  

 

 

14    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

The purpose of these transactions was to combine two funds managed by BAL with substantially similar (but not identical) investment objectives, investment policies, strategies, risks and restrictions. The reorganization was a tax-free event and was effective on September 23, 2019.

Assuming the reorganization had been completed on January 1, 2019, the beginning of the fiscal reporting period of the Fund, the pro forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, are as follows:

 

   

Net investment income: $41,546,304

 

   

Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments: $79,012,860

 

   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations: $120,559,164

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the reorganization was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of the Target Fund that have been included in the Fund’s Statement of Operations since September 23, 2019.

Reorganization costs incurred by the Fund in connection with the reorganization were expensed by the Fund. BAL reimbursed the Fund $31,000, which is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Administrator in the Statement of Operations.

Prior Year Reorganization: The Board of the Trust and the Board of Trustees of State Farm Mutual Fund Trust and the shareholders of State Farm Bond Fund (the “State Farm Fund”), a series of State Farm Mutual Fund Trust, approved an agreement and plan of reorganization (the “State Farm Reorganization”) of the State Farm Fund into the Fund. As a result, the Fund acquired all of the assets and assumed certain stated liabilities of the State Farm Fund in exchange for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued shares of the Fund.

Each shareholder of the State Farm Fund received shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the aggregate NAV of the shareholder’s State Farm Fund shares, as determined at the close of business on November 16, 2018.

On November 19, 2018, all of the portfolio securities previously held by the State Farm Fund were subsequently contributed by the Fund to the Master Portfolio in exchange for an investment in the Master Portfolio.

The reorganization was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of shares of the Fund in the following amounts and at the following conversion ratios:

 

State Farm Fund’s Share Class   Shares Prior to Reorganization    Conversion Ratio    Fund’s Share Class    Shares of the Fund

Premier

  25,537,367.6520    1.08421723    Investor A    27,688,054

Legacy B

  98,760.3240    1.08476271    Investor A    107,132

Class A

  13,708,571.0790    1.08346971    Investor A    14,852,822

Class B

  237,859.5660    1.08218680    Investor A    257,408

Institutional

  5,178,385.6840    1.08354126    Institutional    5,610,994

Class R-1

  192,231.8120    1.08320706    Investor A    208,227

Class R-2

  740,366.4990    1.08229792    Investor A    801,297

Class R-3

  64,355.2510    1.08375340    Institutional    69,745

The State Farm Fund’s net assets and composition of net assets on November 16, 2018, the valuation date of the reorganization, were as follows:

 

     State Farm Fund  

Net assets

  $ 490,968,191  

Paid-in-capital

    512,783,899  

Accumulated losses

    (21,815,708

For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund were recorded at fair value. However, the cost basis of the investments received from the State Farm Fund was carried forward by the Master Portfolio to align ongoing reporting of the Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The net assets of the Fund before the acquisition were $741,214,553. The aggregate net assets of the Fund immediately after the acquisition amounted to $1,232,182,744. The State Farm Fund’s fair value and cost of investments prior to the reorganization were as follows:

 

State Farm Fund   Fair Value
of Investments
     Cost of
Investments
 

State Farm Bond Fund

  $ 474,337,429      $ 495,163,771  

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      15  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

The purpose of the transaction was to combine the assets of the State Farm Fund with the assets of the Fund. The reorganization was a tax-free event and closed on November 19, 2018. Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2018, the beginning of the fiscal reporting period of the Fund, the pro forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, are as follows:

 

   

Net investment income: $37,980,626

 

   

Net realized and change in unrealized loss on investments: $(48,129,426)

 

   

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations: $(10,148,800)

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of the State Farm Fund that have been included in the Fund’s Statement of Operations since November 19, 2018.

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, contributions to and withdrawals from the Master Portfolio are accounted for on a trade date basis. The Fund records its proportionate share of the Master Portfolio’s income, expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses on a daily basis. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are adjusted utilizing partnership tax allocation rules. In addition, the Fund accrues its own expenses. Income, expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets.

Distributions: Distributions from net investment income are declared daily 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.

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

Other: Expenses directly related to the Fund or its classes are charged to the Fund or the applicable class. Other operating expenses shared by several funds, including other funds managed by the Administrator, are prorated among those funds on the basis of relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Expenses directly related to the Fund and other shared expenses prorated to the Fund are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets or other appropriate methods.

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: The Fund’s policy is to value its financial instruments at fair value. The Fund records its investment in the Master Portfolio at fair value based on the Fund’s proportionate interest in the net assets of the Master Portfolio. Valuation of securities held by the Master Portfolio is discussed in Note 3 of the Master Portfolio’s Notes to Financial Statements, which are included elsewhere in this report.

 

4.

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Administration: The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, entered into an Administration Agreement with BAL, which has agreed to provide general administrative services (other than investment advice and related portfolio activities). BAL has agreed to bear all of the Fund’s ordinary operating expenses, excluding, generally, investment advisory fees, distribution fees, brokerage and other expenses related to the execution of portfolio transactions, extraordinary expenses and certain other expenses which are borne by the Fund. BAL is entitled to receive for these administrative services an annual fee based on the average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:

 

Institutional           Investor A           Investor C           Class K  
  0.05%            0.05%            0.05%            0.05%  

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the following table shows the class specific administration fees borne directly by each share class of the Fund:

 

Institutional           Investor A           Investor C           Class K           Total  
$ 454,988          $ 226,292          $ 68          $ 1,492          $ 682,840  

From time to time, BAL may waive such fees in whole or in part. Any such waiver will reduce the expenses of the Fund and, accordingly, have a favorable impact on its performance. BAL may delegate certain of its administration duties to sub-administrators.

 

 

16    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

Service and Distribution Fees: The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, entered into a Distribution Agreement and a Distribution and Service Plan with BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BAL. Pursuant to the Distribution and Service Plan and in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund pays BRIL ongoing service and distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the average daily net assets of the relevant share class of the Fund as follows:

 

     Distribution
Fees
     Service
Fees
 

Investor A

         0.25

Investor C

    0.75        0.25  

BRIL and broker-dealers, pursuant to sub-agreements with BRIL, provide shareholder servicing and distribution services to the Fund. The ongoing service and/or distribution fee compensates BRIL and each broker-dealer for providing shareholder servicing and/or distribution related services to shareholders.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the following table shows the class specific service and distribution fees borne directly by each share class of the Fund:

 

Institutional           Investor A           Investor C           Class K           Total  
$          $ 1,131,466          $ 1,356          $          $ 1,132,822  

Other Fees: For the year ended December 31, 2019, affiliates earned underwriting discounts, direct commissions and dealer concessions on sales of the Fund’s Investor A Shares, which totaled $24,473.

Expense Waivers and Reimbursements: The fees and expenses of the Fund’s trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”), counsel to the Independent Trustees and the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm (together, the “independent expenses”) are paid directly by the Fund. BAL has contractually agreed to reimburse the Fund or provide an offsetting credit against the administration fees paid by the Fund in an amount equal to these independent expenses through April 30, 2021. For the period ended December 31, 2019, the amount waived was $11,004 which is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Administrator in the Statement of Operations.

BAL has contractually agreed to waive 0.05% of the administration fee payable to BAL applicable to Class K Shares of the Fund through April 30, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2019 the amount waived was $1,492.

Interfund Lending: In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Fund may participate in a joint lending and borrowing facility for temporary purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions. The Fund is currently permitted to borrow and lend under the Interfund Lending Program.

A lending BlackRock fund may lend in aggregate up to 15% of its net assets, but may not lend more than 5% of its net assets to any one borrowing fund through the Interfund Lending Program. A borrowing BlackRock fund may not borrow through the Interfund Lending Program or from any other source more than 33 1/3% of its total assets (or any lower threshold provided for by the fund’s investment restrictions). If a borrowing BlackRock fund’s total outstanding borrowings exceed 10% of its total assets, each of its outstanding interfund loans will be subject to collateralization of at least 102% of the outstanding principal value of the loan. All interfund loans are for temporary or emergency purposes and the interest rate to be charged will be the average of the highest current overnight repurchase agreement rate available to a lending fund and the bank loan rate, as calculated according to a formula established by the Board.

During the year ended December 31, 2019 the Fund did not participate in the Interfund Lending Program.

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

 

5.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required.

The 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 the Fund’s U.S. federal tax returns generally remains open for each of the four years ended December 31, 2019. The statutes of limitations on the 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 Fund as of December 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 Fund’s financial statements.

The tax character of distributions paid was as follows:

 

     12/31/19      12/31/18  

Ordinary income

  $ 53,727,065      $ 20,691,089  

Long-term capital gains

    3,842,195         
 

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 57,569,260      $ 20,691,089  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      17  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

As of period end, the tax components of accumulated earnings were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

  $ 360,549  

Non-expiring capital loss carryforward(a)(b)

    (2,428,169

Net unrealized gains (losses)(c)

    35,300,657  

Qualified late-year losses(d)

    (4,943,023
 

 

 

 
  $ 28,289,114  
 

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Amounts available to offset future realized capital gains.

 
  (b) 

Subject to annual limitation.

 
  (c) 

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized gains (losses) was attributable primarily to the timing and recognition of partnership income.

 
  (d) 

The Fund has elected to defer certain qualified late-year losses and recognize such losses in the next taxable year.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund utilized the following amount of its capital loss carryforward:

 

     CoreAlpha Bond  

Amount utilized

  $ 11,421,188  

 

6.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
12/31/19
    Year Ended
12/31/18
 
     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Institutional

       

Shares sold

    40,057,494     $ 421,065,321       42,043,295     $ 422,102,732  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    3,732,006       39,199,121       1,864,126       18,707,975  

Shares issued resulting from reorganization

    392,956       4,199,797       5,680,740       56,235,352  

Shares redeemed

    (16,838,843     (175,929,930     (18,599,615     (186,877,150
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    27,343,613     $ 288,534,309       30,988,546     $ 310,168,909  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investor A

       

Shares sold and automatic conversion of shares

    2,279,068     $ 23,860,411       227,980     $ 2,273,577  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    1,701,867       17,869,357       172,572       1,722,898  

Shares issued resulting from reorganization

    7,467,482       79,811,996       43,914,939       434,732,839  

Shares redeemed

    (7,001,367     (72,907,600     (1,061,331     (10,563,280
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    4,447,050     $ 48,634,164       43,254,160     $ 428,166,034  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investor C

       

Shares sold

    12,658     $ 134,336           $  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    373       3,902       315       3,170  

Shares redeemed and automatic conversion of shares

    (8,801     (92,698     (7,687     (77,868
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    4,230     $ 45,540       (7,372   $ (74,698
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class K

       

Shares sold

    2,620,129     $ 27,739,215       21,966     $ 225,333  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    14,026       148,382       503       5,055  

Shares redeemed and automatic conversion of shares

    (20,490     (218,825     (3,860     (38,944
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    2,613,665     $ 27,668,772       18,609     $ 191,444  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Increase

    34,408,558     $ 364,882,785       74,253,943     $ 738,451,689  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, shares owned by BlackRock HoldCo 2, Inc., an affiliate of the Fund, were as follows:

 

Investor C

    1,924  

Class K

    19,029  

 

7.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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

 

 

18    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

 

To the Board of Trustees of

BlackRock Funds VI and Shareholders of BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund (the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements 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 Fund 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 of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, 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. 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the administrator of the Master Portfolio. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 27, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more BlackRock investment companies since 2000.

 

 

Important Tax Information  (unaudited)

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the following information is provided with respect to the ordinary income distributions paid by the Funds:

 

     Payable Dates    CoreAlpha
Bond Fund
     FDP
CoreAlpha
Bond Fund
 (a)
 

Interest-Related Dividends and Qualified Short-Term Gains for Non-U.S. Residents(b)

  January 2019 — December 2019      94.89   
  January 2019 — May 2019             100.00
  May 2019 — September 2019             91.83  

Federal Obligation Interest(c).

  January 2019 — December 2019      1.94        2.95  

 

  (a) 

On 9/20/19 CoreAlpha Bond Fund acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the liabilities of the FDP CoreAlpha Bond Fund in exchange for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued shares of the Fund.

 
  (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.

 

Additionally, CoreAlpha Bond Fund distributed long-term capital gains of $0.025824 per share to shareholders of record on December 11, 2019.

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM / IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION      19  


Master Portfolio Information  as of December 31, 2019   CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

Asset Type  

Percent of

Total Investments (a)

 

Corporate Bonds

    35

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities

    32  

Asset-Backed Securities

    14  

Short-Term Securities

    9  

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

    7  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    3  

Foreign Agency Obligations

    1  

Municipal Bonds

    (b) 

Common Stocks

    (b) 

TBA Sale Commitments

    (1

 

  (a) 

Excludes short-term securities.

 
  (b) 

Represents less than 1%.

 

CREDIT QUALITY ALLOCATION (c)

 

Credit Rating   Percent of
Total Investments
 (a)
 

AAA/Aaa

    34

AA/Aa

    21  

A

    19  

BBB/Baa

    20  

Not Rated(d)

    6  

 

  (c) 

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, Inc. 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.

 
  (d) 

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.

 
 

 

 

20    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Asset-Backed Securities — 14.7%  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2017-3:

   

Class C, 2.69%, 06/19/23

  $ 2,410     $ 2,433,536  

Class D, 3.18%, 07/18/23

    1,270       1,289,985  

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2004-R4, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.83%), 2.62%, 06/25/34(b)

    66       66,037  

Argent Securities, Inc., Series 2005-W2, Class A2C, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.36%), 2.15%, 10/25/35(b)

    57       57,007  

Avant Loans Funding Trust(c):

   

Series 2018-A, Class B, 3.95%, 12/15/22

    1,812       1,817,388  

Series 2018-B, Class A, 3.42%, 01/18/22

    722       723,663  

Series 2019-A, Class A, 3.48%, 07/15/22

    172       172,858  

Series 2019-A, Class B, 3.80%, 12/15/22

    3,500       3,536,047  

Series 2019-B, Class B, 3.15%, 10/15/26

    5,736       5,746,795  

Avid Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2019-1, Class A, 2.62%, 02/15/24(c)

    2,075       2,074,081  

Chase Funding Trust, Series 2004-2, Class 2A2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.50%), 2.29%, 02/26/35(b)

    119       115,324  

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2012-A7, Class A7, 2.16%, 09/15/24

    1,190       1,198,191  

CLUB Credit Trust(c):

   

Series 2017-P1, Class B, 3.56%, 09/15/23

    154       153,669  

Series 2017-P2, Class A, 2.61%, 01/15/24

    37       36,629  

College Loan Corp. Trust I, Series 2004-1, Class A4, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.19%), 2.13%, 04/25/24(b)

    751       715,432  

Conn’s Receivables Funding LLC, Class A(c):

   

Series 2018-A, 3.25%, 01/15/23

    61       61,112  

Series 2019-A, 3.40%, 10/16/23

    2,158       2,172,855  

Series 2019-B, 2.66%, 06/17/24

    7,469       7,472,965  

Conseco Finance Corp., Series 1996-9, Class M1, 7.63%, 08/15/27(d)

    49       52,846  

Consumer Loan Underlying Bond CLUB Credit Trust, Series 2019-HP1, Class A, 2.59%, 12/15/26(c)

    8,330       8,333,285  

Consumer Loan Underlying Bond Credit Trust, Class A(c):

   

Series 2018-P1, 3.39%, 07/15/25

    1,010       1,013,552  

Series 2018-P2, 3.47%, 10/15/25

    593       596,621  

Series 2018-P3, 3.82%, 01/15/26

    3,442       3,471,442  

Series 2019-P1, 2.94%, 07/15/26

    4,720       4,737,787  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-1, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 03/25/34(b)

    24       24,039  

Discover Card Execution Note Trust, Series 2015-A2, Class A, 1.90%, 10/17/22

    1,160       1,160,140  

Drive Auto Receivables Trust:

   

Series 2016-BA, Class D, 4.53%, 08/15/23(c)

    1,313       1,326,238  

Series 2016-CA, Class D, 4.18%, 03/15/24(c)

    1,042       1,054,718  

Series 2017-1, Class D, 3.84%, 03/15/23

    4,011       4,051,755  

Series 2017-2, Class D, 3.49%, 09/15/23

    1,435       1,445,884  

Series 2017-3, Class D, 3.53%, 12/15/23(c)

    8,940       9,022,262  

Series 2017-AA, Class D, 4.16%, 05/15/24(c)

    1,500       1,520,446  

Series 2017-BA, Class D, 3.72%, 10/17/22(c)

    2,516       2,525,912  

Series 2018-1, Class D, 3.81%, 05/15/24

    4,905       4,985,773  

Series 2018-2, Class C, 3.63%, 08/15/24

    3,917       3,935,370  

Series 2018-2, Class D, 4.14%, 08/15/24

    2,360       2,407,655  

Series 2018-3, Class B, 3.37%, 09/15/22

    830       830,540  

Series 2018-3, Class C, 3.72%, 09/16/24

    2,430       2,450,747  

Series 2018-3, Class D, 4.30%, 09/16/24

    4,840       4,959,808  

Series 2018-4, Class C, 3.66%, 11/15/24

    6,103       6,159,949  

Series 2018-4, Class D, 4.09%, 01/15/26

    1,420       1,459,597  

Series 2018-5, Class C, 3.99%, 01/15/25

    2,990       3,046,547  

Series 2019-1, Class B, 3.41%, 06/15/23

    7,400       7,457,911  

Series 2019-1, Class C, 3.78%, 04/15/25

    4,350       4,424,981  

Series 2019-1, Class D, 4.09%, 06/15/26

    5,610       5,776,190  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Asset-Backed Securities (continued)  

Series 2019-2, Class B, 3.17%, 11/15/23

  $ 425     $ 429,304  

Series 2019-2, Class C, 3.42%, 06/16/25

    8,500       8,641,720  

DT Auto Owner Trust, Class C(c):

   

Series 2017-4A, 2.86%, 07/17/23

    62       62,098  

Series 2019-3A, 2.74%, 04/15/25

    3,050       3,065,414  

Enva LLC, Class A(c):

   

Series 2018-A, 4.20%, 05/20/26

    614       615,230  

Series 2019-A, 3.96%, 06/22/26

    4,675       4,674,720  

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust(c):

   

Series 2018-1A, Class D, 3.53%, 11/15/23

    4,570       4,638,789  

Series 2018-4A, Class B, 3.64%, 11/15/22

    4,630       4,652,195  

Series 2019-1A, Class B, 3.45%, 02/15/23

    7,300       7,357,308  

Flagship Credit Auto Trust(c):

   

Series 2016-3, Class C, 2.72%, 07/15/22

    5,831       5,839,632  

Series 2016-4, Class B, 2.41%, 10/15/21

    228       227,536  

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, Class A(c):

   

Series 2018-1, 3.19%, 07/15/31

    2,870       2,982,733  

Series 2019-1, 3.52%, 07/15/30

    450       472,382  

GSAA Home Equity Trust, Series 2005-5, Class M3, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.95%), 2.74%, 02/25/35(b)

    59       60,127  

Marlette Funding Trust(c):

   

Series 2018-3A, Class A, 3.20%, 09/15/28

    728       729,767  

Series 2018-3A, Class A, 2.69%, 09/17/29

    4,423       4,434,539  

Series 2018-3A, Class B, 3.86%, 09/15/28

    2,000       2,017,533  

Series 2018-4A, Class A, 3.71%, 12/15/28

    1,491       1,501,322  

Series 2019-1A, Class A, 3.44%, 04/16/29

    4,091       4,120,889  

Series 2019-2A, Class A, 3.13%, 07/16/29

    2,727       2,744,824  

Series 2019-4A, Class A, 2.39%, 12/17/29

    5,106       5,110,045  

National Collegiate Student Loan Trust, Series 2007-1, Class A3, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.24%), 2.03%, 07/25/30(b)

    650       646,586  

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust, Series 2019-2A, Class A, 3.14%, 10/14/36(c)

    5,690       5,647,326  

Prestige Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-1A, Class D, 5.15%, 11/15/21(c)

    3,339       3,390,364  

Prosper Marketplace Issuance Trust, Class A(c):

   

Series 2018-2A, 3.35%, 10/15/24

    505       506,268  

Series 2019-1A, 3.54%, 04/15/25

    1,168       1,172,421  

Series 2019-2A, 3.20%, 09/15/25

    1,713       1,718,333  

Series 2019-3A, 3.19%, 07/15/25

    2,936       2,950,358  

Series 2019-4A, 2.48%, 02/17/26

    2,603       2,601,766  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust:

   

Series 2016-1, Class C, 3.09%, 04/15/22

    127       127,427  

Series 2016-3, Class D, 2.80%, 08/15/22

    3,450       3,471,313  

Series 2017-2, Class D, 3.49%, 07/17/23

    6,240       6,309,430  

Series 2017-3, Class D, 3.20%, 11/15/23

    8,000       8,097,896  

Series 2018-5, Class D, 4.19%, 12/16/24

    5,190       5,336,033  

Series 2019-3, Class B, 2.28%, 09/15/23

    5,330       5,333,371  

Santander Revolving Auto Loan Trust, Series 2019-A, Class A, 2.51%, 01/26/32(c)

    4,790       4,768,976  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC(c):

   

Series 2016-1, Class A, 3.26%, 08/25/25

    834       840,402  

Series 2016-2A, Class A, 3.09%, 10/27/25

    184       184,133  

Series 2016-3, Class A, 3.05%, 12/26/25

    227       227,284  

Series 2017-1, Class A, 3.28%, 01/26/26

    1,750       1,755,261  

Series 2017-3, Class A, 2.77%, 05/25/26

    633       634,756  

Series 2017-4, Class A, 2.50%, 05/26/26

    182       182,702  

Series 2017-6, Class A2, 2.82%, 11/25/26

    770       772,907  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program Trust(c):

   

Series 2018-1, Class A2, 3.14%, 02/25/27

    2,178       2,188,705  

Series 2018-3, Class A1, 3.20%, 08/25/27

    291       291,948  

SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC, Series 2015-B, Class A2, 2.51%, 09/27/32(c)

    55       55,336  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      21  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Asset-Backed Securities (continued)  

Springleaf Funding Trust, Series 2016-AA, Class A, 2.90%, 11/15/29(c)

  $ 1,579     $ 1,579,185  

Trafigura Securitisation Finance PLC, Series 2017-1A, Class A1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.85%), 2.59%, 12/15/20(b)(c)

    2,690       2,691,289  

Upgrade Master Pass-Through Trust, Class A(c):

   

Series 2019-ST3, 3.75%, 11/15/25

    2,827       2,828,586  

Series 2019-ST4, 3.75%, 12/15/25(a)

    3,533       3,532,814  

Upgrade Receivables Trust, Class A(c):

   

Series 2018-1A, 3.76%, 11/15/24

    638       639,835  

Series 2019-1A, 3.48%, 03/15/25

    1,076       1,079,180  

Series 2019-2A, 2.77%, 10/15/25

    3,866       3,871,849  

Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust(c):

   

Series 2017-1A, Class D, 3.46%, 10/17/22

    7,500       7,547,381  

Series 2018-1A, Class D, 3.41%, 05/15/23

    3,000       3,034,137  

Series 2018-2A, Class B, 3.20%, 01/16/24

    2,735       2,744,029  

Series 2018-3A, Class B, 3.32%, 10/16/23

    3,510       3,537,251  

Series 2018-3A, Class C, 3.61%, 10/16/23

    2,980       3,022,244  

Series 2018-3A, Class D, 4.00%, 10/16/23

    1,140       1,166,041  

Series 2019-2A, Class B, 2.62%, 07/15/24

    1,200       1,204,717  

Series 2019-2A, Class D, 3.20%, 11/15/24

    5,560       5,627,858  
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities — 14.7%
(Cost — $283,420,842)

 

    285,771,374  
 

 

 

 

Corporate Bonds — 37.1%

 

Aerospace & Defense — 0.3%  

Boeing Co., 3.60%, 05/01/34

    1,560       1,671,705  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc., 2.65%, 11/15/26(e)

    500       513,488  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc., 4.95%, 02/15/21(c)(e)

    1,618       1,657,781  

Raytheon Co., 3.13%, 10/15/20

    1,190       1,201,443  

Rockwell Collins, Inc., 2.80%, 03/15/22

    275       279,841  

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., 3.95%, 06/15/23

    435       448,489  
   

 

 

 
      5,772,747  
Airlines — 0.1%  

Delta Air Lines, Inc., 3.40%, 04/19/21(e)

    1,000       1,013,855  
   

 

 

 
Auto Components — 0.1%  

PACCAR Financial Corp., 1.90%, 02/07/23

    1,900       1,902,530  

Toyota Motor Corp., 2.76%, 07/02/29

    365       374,536  
   

 

 

 
      2,277,066  
Automobiles — 0.2%  

Ford Motor Co.:

   

4.35%, 12/08/26(e)

    1,700       1,756,642  

6.63%, 10/01/28

    800       891,222  

General Motors Co.:

   

5.20%, 04/01/45

    1,300       1,313,003  

5.95%, 04/01/49

    340       376,928  
   

 

 

 
      4,337,795  
Banks — 3.6%  

Bank of America NA (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.65%), 3.34%, 01/25/23(f)

    605       621,625  

Bank of Montreal, 2.05%, 11/01/22

    2,565       2,575,510  

Bank of Nova Scotia, 2.38%, 01/18/23(e)

    1,920       1,948,972  

Barclays Bank PLC, 2.65%, 01/11/21

    200       201,308  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.79%), 2.61%, 07/22/23(e)(f)

    350       353,819  

Capital One Financial Corp.:

   

2.50%, 05/12/20

    550       550,725  

2.40%, 10/30/20

    1,090       1,093,375  

3.45%, 04/30/21

    740       753,461  

Capital One NA, 2.65%, 08/08/22

    1,600       1,624,122  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Banks (continued)  

Citibank NA:

   

2.10%, 06/12/20(e)

  $ 1,150     $ 1,150,567  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.60%), 2.84%, 05/20/22(f)

    2,170       2,196,354  

3.65%, 01/23/24

    3,855       4,081,052  

Citizens Bank Providence, 2.25%, 03/02/20

    450       450,034  

Discover Bank:

   

3.10%, 06/04/20

    1,000       1,003,722  

4.20%, 08/08/23

    1,600       1,700,983  

Fifth Third Bancorp, 2.38%, 01/28/25

    850       851,491  

HSBC Holdings PLC:

   

3.40%, 03/08/21

    1,525       1,549,230  

3.60%, 05/25/23(e)

    2,350       2,451,720  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.92%), 3.03%, 11/22/23(f)

    1,835       1,877,819  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.99%), 3.95%, 05/18/24(f)

    605       636,556  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.21%), 3.80%, 03/11/25(f)

    895       939,576  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.14%), 2.63%, 11/07/25(e)(f)

    3,350       3,363,362  

4.30%, 03/08/26

    200       217,811  

3.90%, 05/25/26

    1,500       1,600,084  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.35%), 4.29%, 09/12/26(f)

    2,185       2,362,915  

4.38%, 11/23/26

    210       227,123  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.55%), 4.04%, 03/13/28(e)(f)

    2,000       2,139,937  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.61%), 3.97%, 05/22/30(f)

    200       215,673  

6.50%, 09/15/37

    400       553,015  

5.25%, 03/14/44(e)

    350       442,724  

Huntington National Bank, 2.38%, 03/10/20

    600       600,240  

ING Groep NV:

   

3.15%, 03/29/22

    415       424,319  

4.10%, 10/02/23

    2,290       2,434,961  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 3.10%, 07/06/21

    1,000       1,015,771  

Regions Bank/Birmingham AL, 2.75%, 04/01/21

    370       373,077  

Royal Bank of Canada, 2.25%, 11/01/24

    1,750       1,757,428  

Santander UK PLC, 3.75%, 11/15/21

    1,340       1,386,005  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB:

   

2.45%, 03/30/21

    800       805,323  

3.90%, 11/20/23

    2,700       2,892,204  

Synchrony Bank, 3.65%, 05/24/21

    1,290       1,317,180  

Toronto-Dominion Bank, 2.65%, 06/12/24

    3,300       3,380,496  

Truist Bank:

   

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.30%), 2.59%, 01/29/21(e)(f)

    975       977,133  

2.80%, 05/17/22

    200       203,805  

2.15%, 12/06/24

    1,860       1,857,065  

Wells Fargo & Co.:

   

3.75%, 01/24/24

    1,540       1,628,282  

3.30%, 09/09/24(e)

    1,590       1,666,360  

3.00%, 02/19/25

    800       825,538  

3.00%, 10/23/26

    2,654       2,720,094  

Series N, 2.15%, 01/30/20(e)

    800       800,120  

Wells Fargo Bank NA:

   

2.60%, 01/15/21

    1,600       1,611,220  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.61%), 2.90%, 05/27/22(f)

    250       253,296  

Zions Bancorp. NA, 3.50%, 08/27/21

    640       654,991  
   

 

 

 
      69,319,573  
Beverage: Brewers & Distillers — 0.0%  

CVS Health Corp., 3.00%, 08/15/26

    75       76,519  
   

 

 

 
Beverages — 1.0%  

Anheuser-Busch Cos. LLC/Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.:

   

4.70%, 02/01/36

    650       753,190  

4.90%, 02/01/46

    1,050       1,245,429  

Diageo Capital PLC:

   

2.13%, 10/24/24(e)

    4,280       4,281,001  

2.38%, 10/24/29

    3,265       3,221,489  

Keurig Dr. Pepper, Inc., 3.55%, 05/25/21

    3,015       3,079,398  
 

 

 

22    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Beverages (continued)  

Molson Coors Brewing Co., 2.25%, 03/15/20

  $ 405     $ 404,827  

PepsiCo, Inc.:

   

2.85%, 02/24/26

    800       830,988  

3.00%, 10/15/27

    1,190       1,261,508  

3.45%, 10/06/46

    1,100       1,167,752  

3.38%, 07/29/49

    955       1,001,788  

2.88%, 10/15/49

    1,230       1,189,692  
   

 

 

 
      18,437,062  
Biotechnology — 0.3%  

Amgen, Inc.:

   

2.65%, 05/11/22

    820       832,284  

3.63%, 05/22/24

    800       845,352  

3.13%, 05/01/25(e)

    800       834,687  

2.60%, 08/19/26

    800       810,504  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.:

   

2.35%, 02/01/20(e)

    400       400,092  

3.50%, 02/01/25

    400       424,590  

2.95%, 03/01/27(e)

    800       831,146  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc., 3.13%, 09/15/24(e)

    800       833,187  
   

 

 

 
      5,811,842  
Capital Markets — 1.3%  

Brookfield Finance, Inc., 3.90%, 01/25/28

    1,063       1,140,145  

FS KKR Capital Corp.:

   

4.63%, 07/15/24

    950       987,243  

4.13%, 02/01/25

    680       689,603  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.:

   

6.00%, 06/15/20

    1,040       1,058,356  

2.35%, 11/15/21

    490       491,947  

3.00%, 04/26/22

    2,000       2,025,260  

3.75%, 05/22/25

    2,300       2,441,572  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.20%), 3.27%, 09/29/25(f)

    2,200       2,277,669  

3.75%, 02/25/26

    1,900       2,011,181  

3.50%, 11/16/26

    365       384,143  

3.85%, 01/26/27

    1,090       1,160,357  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.30%), 4.22%, 05/01/29(e)(f)

    2,000       2,205,158  

6.75%, 10/01/37

    500       694,564  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.37%), 4.02%, 10/31/38(f)

    500       543,390  

Morgan Stanley:

   

2.63%, 11/17/21(e)

    1,195       1,209,325  

2.75%, 05/19/22

    900       916,621  

3.88%, 01/27/26

    200       214,819  

3.13%, 07/27/26

    1,000       1,032,541  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.63%), 4.43%, 01/23/30(f)

    3,130       3,540,267  

6.38%, 07/24/42

    460       678,155  
   

 

 

 
      25,702,316  
Chemicals — 1.0%  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc., 3.77%, 11/15/20

    945       958,097  

FMC Corp.:

   

3.20%, 10/01/26

    2,098       2,143,143  

3.45%, 10/01/29(e)

    2,015       2,083,471  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.:

   

3.40%, 09/25/20

    1,550       1,563,270  

3.20%, 05/01/23

    1,590       1,611,000  

RPM International, Inc., 3.75%, 03/15/27

    1,000       1,034,532  

Sherwin-Williams Co.:

   

4.20%, 01/15/22(e)

    1,590       1,652,048  

3.13%, 06/01/24

    265       273,963  

3.30%, 02/01/25

    800       812,629  

3.95%, 01/15/26

    400       428,107  

3.45%, 06/01/27

    4,710       4,983,840  

2.95%, 08/15/29

    1,605       1,621,097  
   

 

 

 
      19,165,197  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.2%  

Aviation Capital Group LLC, 6.75%, 04/06/21(c)(e)

  $ 300     $ 316,150  

Ecolab, Inc.:

   

2.25%, 01/12/20

    800       799,978  

3.25%, 12/01/27

    1,190       1,257,993  

IHS Markit Ltd., 4.13%, 08/01/23(e)

    1,244       1,321,837  

Waste Management, Inc., 2.40%, 05/15/23

    1,000       1,010,294  
   

 

 

 
      4,706,252  
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.1%  

IHS Markit Ltd., 4.25%, 05/01/29

    2,000       2,155,240  
   

 

 

 
Communications Equipment — 0.4%  

Cisco Systems, Inc., 2.45%, 06/15/20(e)

    800       802,370  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.:

   

4.60%, 02/23/28

    4,069       4,413,194  

4.60%, 05/23/29(e)

    1,100       1,200,807  

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., 3.70%, 03/15/29(e)

    1,600       1,753,576  
   

 

 

 
      8,169,947  
Construction — 0.2%  

Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg, 7.63%, 02/01/23

    2,974       3,467,156  
   

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering — 0.0%  

ABB Finance USA, Inc., 3.80%, 04/03/28

    400       436,811  
   

 

 

 
Construction Materials — 0.0%  

Allegion US Holding Co., Inc., 3.55%, 10/01/27

    125       128,233  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Discretionary — 0.0%  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., 2.65%, 11/28/20

    380       381,946  
   

 

 

 
Consumer Finance — 1.3%  

American Express Co.:

   

2.75%, 05/20/22

    3,400       3,462,321  

2.50%, 08/01/22

    1,000       1,011,947  

3.70%, 08/03/23

    1,500       1,577,094  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc., 2.25%, 09/15/20

    400       401,058  

Capital One NA, 2.35%, 01/31/20(e)

    1,500       1,500,297  

Caterpillar Financial Services Corp., 2.63%, 03/01/23

    1,590       1,620,128  

Global Payments, Inc., 4.00%, 06/01/23(e)

    1,400       1,473,049  

Mastercard, Inc.:

   

3.38%, 04/01/24

    900       955,086  

2.95%, 11/21/26

    1,335       1,388,979  

2.95%, 06/01/29

    1,220       1,273,197  

3.65%, 06/01/49

    3,150       3,499,272  

PayPal Holdings, Inc., 2.20%, 09/26/22

    1,670       1,679,497  

S&P Global, Inc.:

   

4.40%, 02/15/26

    1,000       1,109,093  

2.95%, 01/22/27

    685       707,590  

Synchrony Financial:

   

2.70%, 02/03/20

    600       600,206  

5.15%, 03/19/29(e)

    2,200       2,503,356  
   

 

 

 
      24,762,170  
Diversified Financial Services — 4.8%  

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust:

   

4.25%, 07/01/20

    250       252,517  

3.30%, 01/23/23

    1,000       1,025,102  

Ares Capital Corp., 4.20%, 06/10/24(e)

    5,000       5,235,979  

Banco Santander SA, 3.50%, 04/11/22

    600       616,397  

Bank of America Corp.(f):

   

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.63%), 3.50%, 05/17/22

    1,395       1,423,027  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.02%), 2.88%, 04/24/23

    3,000       3,050,476  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.79%), 3.00%, 12/20/23

    1,095       1,120,563  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.94%), 3.86%, 07/23/24

    3,400       3,578,100  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      23  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Diversified Financial Services (continued)  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.21%), 3.97%, 02/07/30

  $ 175     $ 192,127  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.81%), 4.24%, 04/24/38

    2,550       2,939,944  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.32%), 4.08%, 04/23/40

    70       79,402  

Citigroup, Inc.:

   

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.72%), 3.14%, 01/24/23(f)

    1,600       1,631,351  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.90%), 3.35%, 04/24/25(f)

    2,805       2,919,458  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.15%), 3.52%, 10/27/28(f)

    10,250       10,792,194  

4.75%, 05/18/46

    1,200       1,435,357  

4.65%, 07/23/48

    1,240       1,551,030  

Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey Ltd.:

   

3.45%, 04/16/21(e)

    2,030       2,064,772  

3.80%, 09/15/22

    670       697,568  

3.80%, 06/09/23

    300       314,107  

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC:

   

2.43%, 06/12/20

    1,255       1,254,232  

3.16%, 08/04/20

    500       501,985  

3.81%, 10/12/21

    1,845       1,879,200  

4.14%, 02/15/23

    900       925,984  

3.82%, 11/02/27(e)

    1,500       1,454,626  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.:

   

3.20%, 07/13/20(e)

    100       100,458  

4.20%, 03/01/21(e)

    900       919,459  

4.20%, 11/06/21

    1,500       1,555,186  

3.45%, 04/10/22(e)

    1,780       1,820,470  

3.55%, 07/08/22

    3,345       3,443,440  

3.25%, 01/05/23(e)

    1,200       1,226,528  

3.70%, 05/09/23

    5,800       5,979,743  

4.15%, 06/19/23

    1,155       1,213,315  

4.30%, 07/13/25(e)

    180       192,410  

5.25%, 03/01/26

    100       110,902  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.:

   

3.75%, 09/21/28

    1,870       2,041,922  

4.25%, 09/21/48

    350       414,260  

John Deere Capital Corp.:

   

2.30%, 06/07/21

    3,195       3,217,210  

2.60%, 03/07/24

    750       767,226  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.:

   

4.25%, 10/15/20

    1,770       1,801,457  

2.55%, 03/01/21

    1,100       1,108,508  

3.25%, 09/23/22(e)

    780       807,024  

3.20%, 01/25/23

    1,380       1,424,220  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.94%), 2.78%, 04/25/23(f)

    1,000       1,015,791  

3.63%, 05/13/24(e)

    400       424,045  

3.13%, 01/23/25

    800       834,910  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.16%), 3.22%, 03/01/25(f)

    600       622,068  

3.30%, 04/01/26

    600       631,590  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.25%), 3.96%, 01/29/27(f)

    2,845       3,087,764  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.12%), 4.01%, 04/23/29(f)

    355       389,944  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.16%), 3.70%, 05/06/30(f)

    3,200       3,447,621  

(3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.38%), 3.96%, 11/15/48(f)

    2,205       2,498,514  

Kimberly-Clark Corp., 2.40%, 06/01/23(e)

    800       812,215  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.:

   

3.54%, 07/26/21

    385       394,060  

3.00%, 02/22/22(e)

    335       341,442  

3.46%, 03/02/23

    1,600       1,655,957  

Nasdaq, Inc., 3.85%, 06/30/26

    32       34,292  

ORIX Corp., 2.90%, 07/18/22

    405       412,900  

S&P Global, Inc., 2.50%, 12/01/29

    965       965,742  
   

 

 

 
      92,648,091  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.0%  

AT&T, Inc.:

   

4.60%, 02/15/21

    1,000       1,023,064  

3.00%, 02/15/22

    800       816,040  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)  

3.20%, 03/01/22

  $ 810     $ 829,233  

2.63%, 12/01/22

    800       812,354  

4.05%, 12/15/23(e)

    400       428,634  

3.80%, 03/01/24

    2,360       2,504,805  

3.90%, 03/11/24

    1,590       1,691,381  

4.45%, 04/01/24

    1,280       1,387,597  

3.55%, 06/01/24

    1,190       1,251,543  

3.95%, 01/15/25

    200       214,380  

3.40%, 05/15/25

    1,590       1,665,163  

3.60%, 07/15/25

    1,175       1,243,800  

2.95%, 07/15/26(e)

    725       739,127  

4.35%, 03/01/29(e)

    1,130       1,257,139  

4.30%, 02/15/30

    1,200       1,333,429  

4.85%, 03/01/39(e)

    1,185       1,366,803  

4.80%, 06/15/44

    2,170       2,475,959  

5.45%, 03/01/47

    217       269,573  

4.50%, 03/09/48

    2,740       3,027,147  

CC Holdings GS V LLC/Crown Castle GS III Corp., 3.85%, 04/15/23

    1,270       1,331,259  

Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV, 8.75%, 06/15/30

    2,930       4,316,485  

Verizon Communications, Inc.:

   

3.50%, 11/01/24

    2,500       2,651,180  

3.38%, 02/15/25

    1,000       1,059,309  

4.50%, 08/10/33

    2,600       3,035,006  

4.86%, 08/21/46

    950       1,179,325  
   

 

 

 
      37,909,735  
Electric Utilities — 3.4%  

AEP Transmission Co. LLC, 3.15%, 09/15/49

    30       29,028  

Alabama Power Co.:

   

3.38%, 10/01/20(e)

    800       807,042  

2.80%, 04/01/25(e)

    800       817,490  

3.45%, 10/01/49

    370       379,623  

Ameren Corp., 2.50%, 09/15/24

    65       65,290  

Ameren Illinois Co., 3.25%, 03/15/50

    600       607,625  

Appalachian Power Co.:

   

3.40%, 06/01/25

    800       831,654  

Series X, 3.30%, 06/01/27

    1,190       1,235,784  

Arizona Public Service Co.:

   

3.15%, 05/15/25(e)

    400       414,813  

2.95%, 09/15/27

    800       821,686  

3.50%, 12/01/49(e)

    240       242,030  

Avangrid, Inc., 3.80%, 06/01/29(e)

    600       636,716  

Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.:

   

3.35%, 07/01/23(e)

    2,390       2,478,498  

2.40%, 08/15/26

    800       794,307  

4.25%, 09/15/48

    225       257,403  

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., 4.45%, 01/15/49

    500       595,104  

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC, Series Z, 2.40%, 09/01/26(e)

    800       796,787  

Commonwealth Edison Co.:

   

2.55%, 06/15/26

    800       809,828  

3.70%, 08/15/28

    2,200       2,406,978  

4.00%, 03/01/49

    90       101,920  

Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc.:

   

Series 06-A, 5.85%, 03/15/36

    1,000       1,295,357  

Series A, 4.13%, 05/15/49

    50       56,821  

Series B, 3.13%, 11/15/27

    800       837,053  

Consumers Energy Co., 3.38%, 08/15/23

    800       836,077  

Dominion Energy, Inc., 3.90%, 10/01/25

    500       537,225  

DTE Electric Co., 3.65%, 03/15/24(e)

    1,590       1,683,343  

DTE Energy Co., Series B, 2.60%, 06/15/22(e)

    495       498,471  
 

 

 

24    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)  

Duke Energy Corp.:

   

2.65%, 09/01/26

  $ 1,000     $ 1,004,869  

4.20%, 06/15/49

    700       774,006  

Duke Energy Florida LLC, 3.80%, 07/15/28

    1,365       1,495,339  

Duke Energy Ohio, Inc., 4.30%, 02/01/49

    100       116,604  

Duke Energy Progress LLC, 3.25%, 08/15/25(e)

    1,590       1,670,334  

Edison International, 4.13%, 03/15/28

    500       513,060  

Entergy Texas, Inc., 3.55%, 09/30/49

    520       529,887  

Evergy Kansas Central, Inc., 2.55%, 07/01/26

    800       802,470  

Evergy Metro, Inc.:

   

3.15%, 03/15/23

    1,590       1,638,919  

3.65%, 08/15/25

    300       320,036  

Evergy, Inc., 2.90%, 09/15/29

    50       49,765  

Eversource Energy:

   

Series L, 2.90%, 10/01/24

    1,530       1,564,076  

Series M, 3.30%, 01/15/28(e)

    1,000       1,030,608  

Florida Power & Light Co.:

   

2.75%, 06/01/23

    1,590       1,629,948  

3.25%, 06/01/24(e)

    800       838,027  

4.05%, 10/01/44

    500       570,475  

3.15%, 10/01/49(e)

    40       40,461  

Georgia Power Co., 3.25%, 04/01/26

    800       830,772  

Indiana Michigan Power Co., Series J, 3.20%, 03/15/23

    1,190       1,225,486  

Interstate Power & Light Co., 3.25%, 12/01/24

    800       833,173  

Kentucky Utilities Co., 3.25%, 11/01/20

    800       805,897  

MidAmerican Energy Co.:

   

3.10%, 05/01/27

    800       834,283  

3.15%, 04/15/50

    490       484,029  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.:

   

3.55%, 05/01/27

    645       685,311  

2.75%, 11/01/29(e)

    670       673,574  

Oglethorpe Power Corp., 5.05%, 10/01/48

    250       294,528  

Oncor Electric Delivery Co. LLC, 3.80%, 06/01/49

    320       347,996  

PacifiCorp:

   

2.95%, 06/01/23

    800       822,016  

4.13%, 01/15/49

    700       800,541  

Pennsylvania Electric Co., 3.25%, 03/15/28(c)

    1,590       1,630,093  

PPL Electric Utilities Corp.:

   

2.50%, 09/01/22

    400       404,034  

3.00%, 10/01/49

    275       262,940  

Progress Energy, Inc., 4.40%, 01/15/21

    1,110       1,131,702  

PSEG Power LLC:

   

4.15%, 09/15/21

    350       360,754  

3.85%, 06/01/23

    1,300       1,364,435  

Public Service Co. of Colorado:

   

3.20%, 11/15/20(e)

    800       803,628  

3.70%, 06/15/28

    1,800       1,963,954  

4.05%, 09/15/49

    20       22,988  

Public Service Electric & Gas Co.:

   

2.38%, 05/15/23(e)

    400       405,388  

2.25%, 09/15/26

    800       793,107  

3.00%, 05/15/27

    500       517,365  

3.70%, 05/01/28

    800       868,872  

Puget Sound Energy, Inc., 3.25%, 09/15/49

    390       388,631  

San Diego Gas & Electric Co., 2.50%, 05/15/26

    400       397,980  

Southern California Edison Co., Series B, 4.88%, 03/01/49

    260       308,456  

Southern Co., 3.25%, 07/01/26

    2,400       2,500,543  

Union Electric Co., 4.00%, 04/01/48

    500       554,939  

Virginia Electric & Power Co.:

   

3.30%, 12/01/49

    140       141,361  

Series A, 3.80%, 04/01/28

    3,300       3,591,017  

Series C, 2.75%, 03/15/23

    1,250       1,273,014  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)  

Wisconsin Electric Power Co., 3.10%, 06/01/25(e)

  $ 800     $ 834,879  

Wisconsin Power & Light Co., 3.05%, 10/15/27

    1,090       1,131,704  

Xcel Energy, Inc.:

   

4.00%, 06/15/28

    900       989,297  

3.50%, 12/01/49

    50       50,835  
   

 

 

 
      66,792,359  
Electrical Equipment — 0.3%  

Emerson Electric Co.:

   

2.63%, 12/01/21

    800       813,601  

2.63%, 02/15/23

    1,190       1,221,370  

Roper Technologies, Inc.:

   

3.80%, 12/15/26

    1,000       1,074,893  

4.20%, 09/15/28

    1,894       2,075,824  
   

 

 

 
      5,185,688  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.1%  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.:

   

4.60%, 04/06/27

    820       909,500  

3.00%, 10/30/29

    495       496,645  

Tyco Electronics Group SA, 3.13%, 08/15/27

    250       257,514  
   

 

 

 
      1,663,659  
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.0%  

Baker Hughes a GE Co. LLC / Baker Hughes Co-Obligor, Inc., 3.14%, 11/07/29

    205       211,089  
   

 

 

 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.3%  

American Tower Corp.:

   

3.70%, 10/15/49

    450       448,496  

2.80%, 06/01/20

    1,190       1,193,427  

2.25%, 01/15/22

    960       963,122  

4.70%, 03/15/22

    1,000       1,053,794  

3.00%, 06/15/23

    1,000       1,022,118  

4.40%, 02/15/26

    400       436,509  

3.38%, 10/15/26

    3,100       3,223,255  

Crown Castle International Corp.:

   

2.25%, 09/01/21

    275       275,799  

4.88%, 04/15/22

    830       879,238  

3.20%, 09/01/24(e)

    1,625       1,680,997  

3.70%, 06/15/26

    1,000       1,057,149  

3.80%, 02/15/28

    396       422,132  

5.20%, 02/15/49

    1,200       1,460,058  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc., 5.38%, 04/15/26

    2,010       2,221,854  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., 4.50%, 04/01/27(e)

    2,010       2,170,023  

Public Storage, 3.09%, 09/15/27

    2,500       2,607,363  

Service Properties Trust:

   

4.50%, 06/15/23

    135       140,351  

4.38%, 02/15/30

    2,200       2,159,812  

Spirit Realty LP, 4.00%, 07/15/29

    2,200       2,316,998  
   

 

 

 
      25,732,495  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.1%  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc., 5.25%, 06/01/25

    1,790       1,964,704  
   

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.3%  

McCormick & Co., Inc., 2.70%, 08/15/22

    880       894,006  

Mondelez International, Inc., 3.63%, 02/13/26

    2,095       2,230,733  

Walmart, Inc.:

   

2.55%, 04/11/23

    800       817,388  

2.95%, 09/24/49

    940       936,558  
   

 

 

 
      4,878,685  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      25  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Food Products — 0.1%  

Kellogg Co., 2.65%, 12/01/23(e)

  $ 918     $ 935,626  

Sysco Corp., 3.30%, 07/15/26

    800       843,648  
   

 

 

 
      1,779,274  
Gas Utilities — 0.2%  

Atmos Energy Corp., 3.00%, 06/15/27

    400       412,853  

Piedmont Natural Gas Co., Inc., 3.50%, 06/01/29

    1,500       1,604,188  

Sempra Energy, 3.75%, 11/15/25

    200       211,692  

Southern California Gas Co.:

   

3.15%, 09/15/24

    800       835,724  

Series TT, 2.60%, 06/15/26

    800       801,853  
   

 

 

 
      3,866,310  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.8%  

Abbott Laboratories, 3.40%, 11/30/23

    910       956,760  

Baxter International, Inc.:

   

1.70%, 08/15/21

    800       798,839  

2.60%, 08/15/26

    3,360       3,390,656  

3.50%, 08/15/46

    270       264,109  

Becton Dickinson & Co.:

   

2.40%, 06/05/20

    480       480,510  

3.25%, 11/12/20

    1,800       1,816,865  

3.13%, 11/08/21

    800       815,544  

2.89%, 06/06/22

    575       584,575  

Covidien International Finance SA, 2.95%, 06/15/23(e)

    2,390       2,458,496  

DH Europe Finance II Sarl:

   

2.60%, 11/15/29

    855       851,899  

3.25%, 11/15/39

    795       801,861  

Stryker Corp.:

   

2.63%, 03/15/21

    245       247,084  

3.50%, 03/15/26

    900       958,051  

3.65%, 03/07/28

    800       861,042  
   

 

 

 
      15,286,291  
Health Care Providers & Services — 1.0%  

Aetna, Inc., 2.75%, 11/15/22(e)

    1,000       1,016,296  

Anthem, Inc., 3.35%, 12/01/24

    1,395       1,456,147  

Cigna Corp., 3.75%, 07/15/23(e)

    1,230       1,290,019  

HCA, Inc.:

   

5.25%, 04/15/25

    3,653       4,087,377  

5.25%, 06/15/26

    500       560,166  

5.50%, 06/15/47

    1,797       2,065,648  

5.25%, 06/15/49

    805       899,933  

Humana, Inc.:

   

2.90%, 12/15/22(e)

    915       932,367  

3.85%, 10/01/24

    1,000       1,063,133  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., 4.95%, 04/01/24

    1,400       1,532,352  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc., 2.50%, 03/30/20

    705       705,169  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., 2.95%, 09/19/26

    400       411,359  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.:

   

2.38%, 08/15/24(e)

    1,035       1,048,733  

3.10%, 03/15/26

    150       157,124  

2.88%, 08/15/29

    310       319,080  

4.75%, 07/15/45

    800       985,153  
   

 

 

 
      18,530,056  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.0%  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.:

   

5.38%, 11/01/23(e)

    1,300       1,414,504  

5.75%, 06/01/28

    1,145       1,300,033  

5.30%, 01/15/29

    3,595       3,992,966  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.:

   

3.20%, 08/08/24

    1,905       1,961,399  

2.90%, 06/25/25

    1,520       1,536,159  

3.50%, 08/18/26

    5,160       5,308,569  

3.90%, 08/08/29

    720       751,786  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)  

McDonald’s Corp.:

   

3.70%, 01/30/26

  $ 1,000     $ 1,079,044  

3.50%, 03/01/27

    278       297,006  

3.80%, 04/01/28

    290       317,159  

6.30%, 10/15/37(e)

    310       421,060  

Starbucks Corp., 3.55%, 08/15/29

    1,140       1,236,716  
   

 

 

 
      19,616,401  
Household Products — 0.0%  

Clorox Co., 3.50%, 12/15/24

    800       846,813  
   

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.0%  

Exelon Corp., 5.15%, 12/01/20

    360       367,234  
   

 

 

 
Insurance — 0.9%  

Aflac, Inc.:

   

3.63%, 06/15/23

    500       526,146  

3.63%, 11/15/24(e)

    1,000       1,069,261  

American International Group, Inc., 3.30%, 03/01/21(e)

    320       324,657  

Aon PLC, 3.88%, 12/15/25

    3,400       3,659,644  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 3.13%, 03/15/26

    355       374,174  

Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 3.35%, 05/15/24

    660       695,447  

Fidelity National Financial, Inc., 5.50%, 09/01/22

    385       414,540  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., 3.60%, 08/19/49(e)

    190       195,002  

Markel Corp., 5.00%, 05/20/49(e)

    1,680       1,979,839  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.:

   

3.30%, 03/14/23

    175       181,066  

4.90%, 03/15/49

    4,935       6,267,574  

Old Republic International Corp., 3.88%, 08/26/26

    1,500       1,581,178  

Willis Towers Watson PLC, 5.75%, 03/15/21

    350       364,815  
   

 

 

 
      17,633,343  
Interactive Media & Services — 0.0%  

Alphabet, Inc., 2.00%, 08/15/26

    800       796,025  
   

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.7%  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.:

   

2.80%, 06/06/23

    200       202,596  

3.60%, 11/28/24(e)

    2,445       2,569,206  

3.40%, 12/06/27

    4,800       5,004,096  

4.50%, 11/28/34

    300       340,500  

Amazon.com, Inc.:

   

2.80%, 08/22/24

    440       455,386  

3.15%, 08/22/27

    2,390       2,532,880  

Expedia Group, Inc.:

   

3.80%, 02/15/28

    1,850       1,892,321  

3.25%, 02/15/30(c)

    385       370,548  
   

 

 

 
      13,367,533  
IT Services — 0.6%  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., 3.63%, 10/15/20

    714       722,029  

Global Payments, Inc., 3.20%, 08/15/29

    2,510       2,558,216  

International Business Machines Corp.:

   

2.85%, 05/13/22

    200       204,524  

3.38%, 08/01/23

    800       837,861  

4.25%, 05/15/49

    750       858,347  

PayPal Holdings, Inc., 2.85%, 10/01/29(e)

    4,520       4,561,988  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.:

   

4.13%, 03/15/29(e)

    790       867,602  

4.00%, 06/15/25

    1,400       1,507,598  
   

 

 

 
      12,118,165  
Leisure Products — 0.1%  

Hasbro, Inc., 3.90%, 11/19/29

    2,670       2,689,367  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

26    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Media — 1.5%  

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital:

   

3.58%, 07/23/20

  $ 1,395     $ 1,403,890  

4.46%, 07/23/22

    200       210,234  

4.91%, 07/23/25

    1,350       1,486,590  

3.75%, 02/15/28

    1,750       1,815,296  

4.20%, 03/15/28

    4,800       5,117,065  

5.05%, 03/30/29

    100       113,466  

5.38%, 04/01/38

    1,900       2,167,975  

5.38%, 05/01/47

    1,700       1,907,242  

Comcast Corp.:

   

3.38%, 02/15/25

    1,590       1,677,853  

2.35%, 01/15/27

    400       399,670  

4.15%, 10/15/28

    200       225,269  

2.65%, 02/01/30

    3,385       3,399,502  

4.60%, 10/15/38

    1,200       1,430,720  

3.25%, 11/01/39

    1,900       1,930,151  

4.70%, 10/15/48

    1,400       1,728,672  

Fox Corp., 4.03%, 01/25/24(c)

    1,040       1,108,284  

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., 3.75%, 10/01/21

    215       220,988  

Thomson Reuters Corp.:

   

3.85%, 09/29/24

    800       839,157  

3.35%, 05/15/26(e)

    800       824,322  

Time Warner Cable LLC, 5.00%, 02/01/20

    680       681,273  
   

 

 

 
      28,687,619  
Metals & Mining — 0.0%  

Rio Tinto Finance USA PLC, 4.13%, 08/21/42(e)

    528       605,687  
   

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities — 0.3%  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 4.25%, 11/01/28

    730       792,734  

Dominion Energy, Inc., 2.58%, 07/01/20

    210       210,437  

DTE Energy Co., Series D, 3.70%, 08/01/23

    835       871,726  

NiSource, Inc., 3.95%, 03/30/48

    310       326,928  

San Diego Gas & Electric Co., 3.60%, 09/01/23

    1,590       1,662,689  

Sempra Energy, 2.90%, 02/01/23

    255       260,071  

Southwest Gas Corp., 3.70%, 04/01/28(e)

    1,590       1,706,980  

Washington Gas Light Co., 3.65%, 09/15/49

    30       30,186  
   

 

 

 
      5,861,751  
Office Supplies & Equipment — 0.3%  

VMware, Inc.:

   

2.30%, 08/21/20

    470       470,664  

2.95%, 08/21/22

    3,800       3,872,042  

3.90%, 08/21/27

    1,675       1,753,429  
   

 

 

 
      6,096,135  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.6%  

CNOOC Finance 2013 Ltd., 3.00%, 05/09/23

    500       507,969  

CNOOC Finance 2015 USA LLC, 3.50%, 05/05/25

    1,500       1,564,478  

Equinor ASA:

   

2.75%, 11/10/21(e)

    2,480       2,523,641  

3.25%, 11/10/24

    400       421,529  

3.25%, 11/18/49

    500       504,157  

Exxon Mobil Corp., 3.18%, 03/15/24

    800       838,205  

MPLX LP, 4.88%, 06/01/25

    2,000       2,184,882  

ONEOK Partners LP:

   

3.38%, 10/01/22(e)

    1,000       1,029,194  

4.90%, 03/15/25

    2,000       2,202,850  

6.13%, 02/01/41(e)

    800       963,310  

ONEOK, Inc.:

   

2.75%, 09/01/24

    1,475       1,489,012  

4.00%, 07/13/27

    1,725       1,837,248  

4.55%, 07/15/28

    300       330,039  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)  

4.35%, 03/15/29

  $ 2,215     $ 2,399,260  

5.20%, 07/15/48

    320       363,169  

4.45%, 09/01/49

    2,100       2,178,278  

Petroleos Mexicanos:

   

5.35%, 02/12/28

    1,165       1,153,350  

6.50%, 06/02/41

    380       377,031  

6.38%, 01/23/45

    460       446,631  

5.63%, 01/23/46

    800       719,250  

6.75%, 09/21/47

    100       100,875  

7.69%, 01/23/50(c)

    100       109,571  

Phillips 66 Partners LP, 3.15%, 12/15/29

    3,270       3,258,563  

Shell International Finance BV, 2.38%, 11/07/29

    2,470       2,449,991  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., 3.75%, 10/16/23

    800       843,085  
   

 

 

 
      30,795,568  
Personal Products — 0.1%  

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc.:

   

1.70%, 05/10/21(e)

    400       399,508  

2.38%, 12/01/29

    1,175       1,174,674  

Unilever Capital Corp., 2.00%, 07/28/26(e)

    800       792,940  
   

 

 

 
      2,367,122  
Pharmaceuticals — 1.7%  

AbbVie, Inc.:

   

2.50%, 05/14/20(e)

    490       490,736  

2.60%, 11/21/24(c)

    3,520       3,548,484  

3.20%, 11/21/29(c)

    2,770       2,818,072  

4.05%, 11/21/39(c)

    890       935,441  

AstraZeneca PLC:

   

3.50%, 08/17/23

    1,200       1,255,845  

3.13%, 06/12/27

    1,490       1,554,207  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.:

   

2.25%, 08/15/21(c)

    1,700       1,710,631  

3.25%, 11/01/23(e)

    400       418,813  

3.45%, 11/15/27(c)

    557       596,141  

CVS Health Corp.:

   

3.35%, 03/09/21

    672       683,173  

4.78%, 03/25/38

    1,050       1,193,712  

Eli Lilly & Co., 2.75%, 06/01/25

    378       389,870  

GlaxoSmithKline Capital, Inc., 4.20%, 03/18/43

    993       1,154,061  

Johnson & Johnson, 2.95%, 03/03/27(e)

    2,530       2,653,738  

Merck & Co., Inc.:

   

2.80%, 05/18/23(e)

    800       824,301  

2.75%, 02/10/25

    800       830,084  

Novartis Capital Corp.:

   

2.40%, 09/21/22

    800       812,905  

3.10%, 05/17/27

    3,500       3,706,230  

Pfizer, Inc.:

   

3.00%, 12/15/26

    1,000       1,051,090  

7.20%, 03/15/39

    500       786,563  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 4.00%, 11/26/21

    1,800       1,861,470  

Zoetis, Inc.:

   

3.45%, 11/13/20

    355       358,830  

3.00%, 09/12/27

    1,800       1,850,994  

3.90%, 08/20/28

    1,155       1,253,336  
   

 

 

 
      32,738,727  
Professional Services — 0.1%  

IHS Markit Ltd., 4.75%, 08/01/28

    2,105       2,344,475  
   

 

 

 
Real Estate — 0.1%  

Equinix, Inc.:

   

2.63%, 11/18/24

    900       901,674  

3.20%, 11/18/29

    1,815       1,821,752  
   

 

 

 
      2,723,426  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      27  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Road & Rail — 0.5%  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 3.00%, 04/01/25

  $ 800     $ 832,847  

Canadian National Railway Co.:

   

2.75%, 03/01/26

    800       819,617  

3.65%, 02/03/48

    3,000       3,312,487  

CSX Corp.(e):

   

3.40%, 08/01/24

    800       844,924  

2.60%, 11/01/26

    800       813,779  

Kansas City Southern, 2.88%, 11/15/29

    655       653,466  

Union Pacific Corp.:

   

2.75%, 04/15/23

    1,590       1,620,158  

3.25%, 08/15/25(e)

    400       421,730  

2.75%, 03/01/26

    800       819,920  
   

 

 

 
      10,138,928  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.1%  

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd.:

   

2.38%, 01/15/20

    1,700       1,700,076  

3.00%, 01/15/22

    1,700       1,725,150  

3.63%, 01/15/24

    2,300       2,383,777  

3.13%, 01/15/25

    540       546,581  

3.88%, 01/15/27

    1,650       1,713,951  

3.50%, 01/15/28

    900       905,658  

Broadcom, Inc., 4.25%, 04/15/26(c)

    1,950       2,071,234  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.(e):

   

3.38%, 03/15/23

    1,000       1,022,933  

3.45%, 06/15/27

    1,015       1,045,310  

Micron Technology, Inc., 4.19%, 02/15/27

    3,400       3,629,088  

QUALCOMM, Inc.:

   

3.45%, 05/20/25

    800       846,151  

3.25%, 05/20/27

    2,335       2,457,706  

Texas Instruments, Inc., 2.25%, 05/01/23

    800       810,023  
   

 

 

 
      20,857,638  
Software — 0.2%  

Activision Blizzard, Inc., 2.30%, 09/15/21

    200       201,052  

Citrix Systems, Inc., 4.50%, 12/01/27

    1,300       1,408,861  

Microsoft Corp., 2.70%, 02/12/25

    800       826,711  

Oracle Corp.:

   

2.95%, 05/15/25

    800       832,840  

2.65%, 07/15/26

    400       409,194  
   

 

 

 
      3,678,658  
Specialty Retail — 0.1%  

Dollar Tree, Inc., 4.20%, 05/15/28

    518       555,681  

Home Depot, Inc.:

   

2.80%, 09/14/27(e)

    800       832,194  

5.40%, 09/15/40

    200       265,385  
   

 

 

 
      1,653,260  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.2%  

Apple, Inc., 3.00%, 06/20/27

    925       969,696  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp., 8.35%, 07/15/46(c)

    1,580       2,177,141  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 3.50%, 10/05/21

    615       630,481  
   

 

 

 
      3,777,318  
Tobacco — 0.9%  

Altria Group, Inc.:

   

3.49%, 02/14/22

    570       586,659  

5.80%, 02/14/39

    1,787       2,102,433  

5.38%, 01/31/44

    535       604,506  

3.88%, 09/16/46

    1,550       1,430,945  

5.95%, 02/14/49

    717       869,340  

6.20%, 02/14/59

    25       29,789  

BAT Capital Corp.:

   

2.76%, 08/15/22(e)

    1,070       1,085,773  

3.56%, 08/15/27

    4,360       4,451,674  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Tobacco (continued)  

4.39%, 08/15/37

  $ 670     $ 678,483  

4.76%, 09/06/49

    820       847,842  

Philip Morris International, Inc.:

   

6.38%, 05/16/38

    2,600       3,592,775  

4.25%, 11/10/44

    800       884,575  

Reynolds American, Inc.:

   

3.25%, 06/12/20

    127       127,578  

4.00%, 06/12/22

    305       317,484  
   

 

 

 
      17,609,856  
Water Utilities — 0.1%  

Aqua America, Inc., 3.57%, 05/01/29

    1,030       1,083,594  
   

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.5%  

American Tower Corp.:

   

3.45%, 09/15/21

    740       756,857  

3.50%, 01/31/23

    1,900       1,969,027  

3.95%, 03/15/29

    3,300       3,549,493  

Crown Castle International Corp.:

   

5.25%, 01/15/23

    1,000       1,086,314  

3.65%, 09/01/27

    200       211,663  

3.10%, 11/15/29

    705       714,038  

EPR Properties, 4.95%, 04/15/28

    140       152,984  

Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC, 3.36%, 03/20/23(c)

    726       732,714  
   

 

 

 
      9,173,090  
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds — 37.1%
(Cost — $688,018,366)

 

    720,197,896  
 

 

 

 

Foreign Agency Obligations — 0.6%

 

Colombia — 0.1%

 

Colombia Government International Bond:

   

3.88%, 04/25/27

    200       212,000  

5.00%, 06/15/45

    1,160       1,347,775  
   

 

 

 
      1,559,775  
Indonesia — 0.1%  

Indonesia Government International Bond:

   

3.50%, 01/11/28

    1,800       1,881,562  

4.75%, 07/18/47(c)(e)

    500       578,125  
   

 

 

 
      2,459,687  
Mexico — 0.3%  

Mexico Government International Bond:

   

4.15%, 03/28/27

    2,325       2,489,930  

4.50%, 04/22/29

    810       889,228  

6.75%, 09/27/34(e)

    720       984,600  

6.05%, 01/11/40(e)

    100       130,156  

4.60%, 02/10/48

    750       820,313  
   

 

 

 
      5,314,227  
Uruguay — 0.1%  

Uruguay Government International Bond:

   

4.38%, 01/23/31(e)

    530       593,103  

5.10%, 06/18/50

    1,200       1,441,500  

4.98%, 04/20/55

    50       58,953  
   

 

 

 
      2,093,556  
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Agency Obligations — 0.6%
(Cost — $10,376,381)

 

    11,427,245  
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

28    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Municipal Bonds — 0.5%  

California — 0.2%

 

Bay Area Toll Authority, RB, Build America Bonds, San Francisco Toll Bridge:

   

Series F-2, 6.26%, 04/01/49

  $ 500     $ 761,345  

Series S-1, 6.92%, 04/01/40

    50       73,247  

State of California, GO, Build America Bonds:

   

7.55%, 04/01/39

    1,025       1,640,031  

7.60%, 11/01/40

    500       820,260  

State of California, GO, Refunding, 3.50%, 04/01/28

    500       536,470  

University of California, RB, General, Series AD, 4.86%, 05/15/12

    165       204,087  

University of California, Refunding RB, Limited Project, Series J, 4.13%, 05/15/45

    150       165,532  
   

 

 

 
      4,200,972  
District of Columbia — 0.0%  

District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority, Refunding RB, Subordinate Lien, Series A, 3.21%, 10/01/48

    200       199,104  
   

 

 

 
Illinois — 0.1%  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, ARB, General Senior Lien, Series C, 4.47%, 01/01/49

    310       371,315  

State of Illinois, GO, Pension, 5.10%, 06/01/33(e)

    605       651,645  
   

 

 

 
      1,022,960  
Massachusetts — 0.0%  

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, GO, Consolidated Loan, Series H, 2.90%, 09/01/49

    545       518,829  
   

 

 

 
New Jersey — 0.0%  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority, RB, Build America Bonds, Series A, 7.10%, 01/01/41

    550       841,517  
   

 

 

 
New York — 0.2%  

City of New York Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue, RB, Build America Bonds, 5.51%, 08/01/37

    110       140,235  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, RB, Build America Bonds, Series E, 6.81%, 11/15/40

    355       506,219  

New York City Water & Sewer System, Refunding RB, Build America Bonds, 5.88%, 06/15/44

    500       718,310  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, ARB, 192nd Series, 4.81%, 10/15/65

    50       63,412  

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, RB:

   

4.03%, 09/01/48

    1,000       1,130,430  

191th Series, 4.82%, 06/01/45

    200       218,844  

State of New York Dormitory Authority, Refunding RB, Series B, 3.14%, 07/01/43

    255       252,784  
   

 

 

 
      3,030,234  
   

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds — 0.5%
(Cost — $9,447,590)

 

    9,813,616  
 

 

 

 

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 7.1%

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 3.8%  

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust, Series 2004-3, Class 4A, (6 mo. LIBOR US + 1.50%), 3.42%, 10/25/34(b)

    51       51,061  

Angel Oak Mortgage Trust I LLC, Series 2019-4, Class A1, 2.99%, 07/26/49(c)(d)

    5,351       5,366,938  

Citicorp Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2006-1, Class 2A1, 5.00%, 02/25/21

    4       3,522  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Class A(c)(d):

   

Series 2013-A, 3.00%, 05/25/42

    14       13,763  

Series 2014-A, 4.00%, 01/25/35

    83       85,673  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (continued)  

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust(b)(c):

   

Series 2019-R03, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 09/25/31

  $ 876     $ 875,708  

Series 2019-R05, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 07/25/39

    2,774       2,773,844  

Series 2019-R06, Class 2M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 09/25/39

    4,367       4,367,625  

Series 2019-R07, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.77%), 2.56%, 10/25/39

    4,617       4,618,500  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-6, Class 3A1, 5.00%, 09/25/19

    8       6,682  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates, Series 2009-15R, Class 3A1, 5.15%, 03/26/36(c)(d)

    13       13,337  

Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust, Series 2019-3A, Class A1, 2.96%, 07/25/59(c)(d)

    5,855       5,872,176  

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities:

   

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2F, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 4.54%, 01/25/29(b)

    4,288       4,323,818  

Series 2017-C02, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.15%), 2.94%, 09/25/29(b)

    304       304,661  

Series 2017-C04, Class 2M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.85%), 2.64%, 11/25/29(b)

    551       551,147  

Series 2017-C05, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.55%), 2.34%, 01/25/30(b)

    15       14,975  

Series 2017-C06, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 02/25/30(b)

    57       57,380  

Series 2018-C01, Class 1EA1, 2.24%, 07/25/30(d)

    6,092       6,055,354  

Freddie Mac STACR Trust(b)(c):

   

Series 2019-DNA3, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.73%), 2.52%, 07/25/49

    2,314       2,314,303  

Series 2019-DNA4, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.70%), 2.41%, 10/25/49

    2,367       2,367,134  

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes(b):

   

Series 2016-DNA1, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.90%), 4.69%, 07/25/28

    159       159,285  

Series 2017-HQA2, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.80%), 2.59%, 12/25/29

    1,681       1,681,448  

Series 2014-DN2, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.65%), 3.44%, 04/25/24

    428       429,257  

Series 2015-DN1, Class M3, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 4.15%), 5.94%, 01/25/25

    1,547       1,614,798  

Series 2015-DNA1, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.85%), 3.64%, 10/25/27

    5,130       5,162,433  

Series 2015-HQ1, Class M3, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 3.80%), 5.59%, 03/25/25

    1,242       1,274,181  

Series 2015-HQA1, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.65%), 4.44%, 03/25/28

    288       288,977  

Series 2016-DNA1, Class M3, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 5.55%), 7.34%, 07/25/28

    2,200       2,426,228  

Series 2017-DNA1, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.20%), 2.99%, 07/25/29

    1,621       1,623,923  

Series 2017-DNA2, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.20%), 2.99%, 10/25/29

    852       854,851  

Series 2017-DNA3, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 03/25/30

    1,077       1,077,757  

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Trust, Series 2019-HQA1, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.90%), 2.69%, 02/25/49(b)(c)

    821       821,436  

STACR Trust(b)(c):

   

Series 2018-DNA3, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 09/25/48

    1,594       1,594,863  

Series 2018-HRP1, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.65%), 3.44%, 04/25/43

    7,075       7,096,932  
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      29  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (continued)  

Series 2018-HRP1, Class M2B, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.65%), 3.44%, 04/25/43

  $ 2,000     $ 2,014,349  

Series 2018-HRP2, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.25%), 3.04%, 02/25/47

    2,390       2,393,759  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Class A5:

   

Series 2014-LC16, 3.82%, 08/15/50

    1,300       1,376,884  

Series 2018-C44, 4.21%, 05/15/51

    780       868,475  
   

 

 

 
      72,797,437  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities — 3.3%  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-UBS7, Class B, 4.36%, 09/15/48(d)

    360       384,499  

Benchmark Mortgage Trust, Series 2018-B2, Class A5, 3.88%, 02/15/51(d)

    1,450       1,582,341  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust:

   

Series 2006-C5, Class AJ, 5.48%, 10/15/49

    25       24,551  

Series 2015-GC29, Class A2, 2.67%, 04/10/48

    8,191       8,191,738  

Series 2015-GC35, Class A4, 3.82%, 11/10/48

    870       933,562  

Series 2016-GC36, Class A5, 3.62%, 02/10/49

    550       585,137  

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-CR22, Class A2, 2.86%, 03/10/48

    2,327       2,325,180  

Commercial Mortgage Trust:

   

Series 2012-CR3, Class AM, 3.42%, 10/15/45(c)

    1,680       1,713,404  

Series 2013-CR11, Class B, 5.11%, 08/10/50(d)

    380       406,402  

Series 2013-LC6, Class AM, 3.28%, 01/10/46

    400       409,237  

Series 2014-CR17, Class A5, 3.98%, 05/10/47

    670       712,857  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-CX10, Class A5, 3.46%, 11/15/50(d)

    800       841,785  

DBJPM Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C1, Class B, 4.20%, 05/10/49(d)

    330       348,839  

Eleven Madison Avenue Mortgage Trust,
Series 2015-11MD, Class A, 3.55%, 09/10/35(c)(d)

    150       157,040  

GE Commercial Mortgage Corp., Series 2007-C1, Class AM, 5.61%, 12/10/49(d)

    43       36,292  

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp. Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-GG7, Class AM, 5.62%, 07/10/38(d)

    29       29,571  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust:

   

Series 2012-GCJ7, Class AS, 4.09%, 05/10/45

    280       289,534  

Series 2013-GC13, Class A5, 4.05%, 07/10/46(d)

    170       180,609  

Series 2014-GC20, Class A5, 4.00%, 04/10/47

    730       774,675  

Series 2015-GC30, Class B, 4.01%, 05/10/50(d)

    300       314,006  

Series 2015-GS1, Class A3, 3.73%, 11/10/48

    2,030       2,168,900  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust:

   

Series 2013-C14, Class A4, 4.13%, 08/15/46(d)

    430       456,907  

Series 2013-C14, Class AS, 4.41%, 08/15/46(d)

    1,920       2,028,817  

Series 2013-C17, Class A3, 3.93%, 01/15/47

    1,224       1,292,827  

Series 2013-C17, Class A4, 4.20%, 01/15/47

    841       900,410  

Series 2014-C19, Class A4, 4.00%, 04/15/47

    1,320       1,406,095  

Series 2014-C22, Class A4, 3.80%, 09/15/47

    1,470       1,561,119  

Series 2014-C25, Class AS, 4.07%, 11/15/47

    2,180       2,305,010  

Series 2015-C30, Class A5, 3.82%, 07/15/48

    1,780       1,905,301  

Series 2015-C33, Class A4, 3.77%, 12/15/48

    2,360       2,526,468  

Series 2016-C1, Class A5, 3.58%, 03/15/49

    810       859,716  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust:

   

Series 2006-CB16, Class B, 5.67%, 05/12/45(d)

    210       10,823  

Series 2011-C5, Class A3, 4.17%, 08/15/46

    70       71,922  

Series 2012-CBX, Class AS, 4.27%, 06/15/45

    350       364,278  

Series 2016-JP3, Class A4, 2.63%, 08/15/49

    1,190       1,197,544  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Class A4:

   

Series 2013-C13, 4.04%, 11/15/46

    460       487,974  

Series 2015-C20, 3.25%, 02/15/48

    1,040       1,079,285  

Series 2015-C27, 3.75%, 12/15/47

    1,030       1,098,982  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (continued)  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust:

   

Series 2012-C4, Class A4, 3.24%, 03/15/45

  $ 680     $ 690,998  

Series 2012-C4, Class AS, 3.77%, 03/15/45

    2,900       2,973,694  

Series 2015-MS1, Class A4, 3.78%, 05/15/48(d)

    550       586,233  

Series 2015-UBS8, Class A3, 3.54%, 12/15/48

    3,010       3,167,558  

Series 2019-H6, Class A4, 3.42%, 06/15/52

    1,070       1,134,849  

Series 2019-L2, Class A4, 4.07%, 03/15/52

    2,900       3,220,881  

Series 2019-L3, Class AS, 3.49%, 11/15/29

    970       1,000,938  

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2012-C4, Class A5, 2.85%, 12/10/45

    505       513,359  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Class AS:

   

Series 2014-LC18, 3.81%, 12/15/47

    510       528,837  

Series 2015-C26, 3.58%, 02/15/48

    1,380       1,432,015  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust:

   

Series 2012-C08, Class AS, 3.66%, 08/15/45

    640       657,561  

Series 2012-C10, Class AS, 3.24%, 12/15/45

    460       468,708  

Series 2013-C18, Class A5, 4.16%, 12/15/46(d)

    620       662,162  

Series 2014-C23, Class A4, 3.65%, 10/15/57

    325       342,049  

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Class AS:

   

Series 2014-C23, 4.21%, 10/15/57(d)

    1,140       1,219,378  

Series 2014-C24, 3.93%, 11/15/47

    3,740       3,932,183  
   

 

 

 
      64,495,040  
   

 

 

 

Total Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 7.1%
(Cost — $136,527,492)

 

    137,292,477  
 

 

 

 

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities — 34.2%

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 2.6%  

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities(b):

   

Series 2018-C06, Class 2M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.55%), 2.34%, 03/25/31

    297       296,845  

Series 2018-C03, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.68%), 2.47%, 10/25/30

    951       951,111  

Series 2019-R04, Class 2M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 06/25/39(c)

    4,370       4,370,151  

Series 2017-C01, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.30%), 3.09%, 07/25/29

    200       200,261  

Series 2016-C04, Class 1M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.45%), 3.24%, 01/25/29

    11       10,664  

Series 2019-R04, Class 2M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.10%), 3.89%, 06/25/39(c)

    3,430       3,450,415  

Series 2017-C05, Class 1M2A, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.20%), 3.99%, 01/25/30(a)

    3,103       3,129,017  

Series 2017-C07, Class 2M2A, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.50%), 4.29%, 05/25/30

    1,447       1,466,741  

Series 2014-C02, Class 2M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.60%), 4.39%, 05/25/24

    1,513       1,568,507  

Series 2017-C06, Class 1M2A, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.65%), 4.44%, 02/25/30

    830       840,738  

Series 2014-C03, Class 2M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.90%), 4.69%, 07/25/24

    1,427       1,487,203  

Series 2017-C01, Class 1M2A, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 3.55%), 5.34%, 07/25/29

    2,570       2,632,288  

Series 2014-C01, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 4.40%), 6.19%, 01/25/24

    1,036       1,125,845  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 4.45%), 6.24%, 01/25/29

    508       536,896  

Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 4.55%), 6.34%, 02/25/25

    280       290,935  

Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 4.90%), 6.69%, 11/25/24

    876       962,429  

Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 5.00%), 6.79%, 11/25/24

    125       134,780  
 

 

 

30    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (continued)  

Freddie Mac STACR Trust(b)(c):

   

Series 2019-HQA2, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.70%), 2.49%, 04/25/49

  $ 2,167     $ 2,167,310  

Series 2019-HQA3, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.75%), 2.54%, 09/25/49

    2,247       2,247,071  

Series 2019-DNA1, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.90%), 2.69%, 01/25/49

    4,633       4,636,217  

Series 2019-FTR2, Class M1, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 0.95%), 2.74%, 11/25/48

    5,268       5,267,673  

Series 2019-HQA3, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.85%), 3.64%, 09/25/49

    5,000       5,000,488  

Series 2019-HQA2, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.05%), 3.84%, 04/25/49

    1,680       1,687,699  

Series 2018-HQA2, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.30%), 4.09%, 10/25/48

    2,000       2,025,739  

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes(b):

   

Series 2016-HQA3, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 1.35%), 3.14%, 03/25/29

    149       149,470  

Series 2014-DN1, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.20%), 3.99%, 02/25/24

    101       101,831  

Series 2016-HQA2, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.25%), 4.04%, 11/25/28

    191       191,401  

Series 2015-HQA2, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.80%), 4.59%, 05/25/28

    39       39,587  

Series 2015-DNA3, Class M2, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 2.85%), 4.64%, 04/25/28

    307       309,565  

Series 2014-DN4, Class M3, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 4.55%), 6.34%, 10/25/24

    149       159,961  

Series 2016-DNA2, Class M3, (1 mo. LIBOR US + 4.65%), 6.44%, 10/25/28

    2,333       2,512,016  
   

 

 

 
      49,950,854  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities — 2.7%  

Fannie Mae, Class A2:

   

Series 2012-M13, 2.38%, 05/25/22

    3,419       3,446,580  

Series 2012-M9, 2.48%, 04/25/22

    4,646       4,672,661  

Series 2016-M13, 2.48%, 09/25/26(d)

    800       804,586  

Series 2013-M3, 2.51%, 11/25/22(d)

    4,541       4,594,089  

Series 2017-M4, 2.59%, 12/25/26(d)

    4,000       4,072,189  

Series 2012-M5, 2.72%, 02/25/22

    2,071       2,093,507  

Series 2018-M1, 2.99%, 12/25/27(d)

    1,590       1,656,659  

Series 2018-M7, 3.05%, 03/25/28(d)

    1,590       1,667,854  

Freddie Mac:

   

Series K020, 2.37%, 05/25/22

    7,960       8,022,718  

Series K055, 2.67%, 03/25/26

    1,590       1,631,396  

Series K064, 3.22%, 03/25/27

    2,790       2,952,684  

Series K031, 3.30%, 04/25/23(d)

    281       291,999  

Series K060, 3.30%, 10/25/26

    1,190       1,264,705  

Series K061, 3.35%, 11/25/26(d)

    1,590       1,693,768  

Series K073, 3.35%, 01/25/28

    1,610       1,718,955  

Series K072, 3.44%, 12/25/27

    1,190       1,278,095  

Series K076, 3.90%, 04/25/28

    2,390       2,640,893  

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates, Class A2:

   

Series K056, 2.53%, 05/25/26

    1,480       1,506,324  

Series K057, 2.57%, 07/25/26

    250       255,137  

Series K025, 2.68%, 10/25/22

    3,980       4,046,855  

Series K062, 3.41%, 12/25/26

    2,520       2,695,305  
   

 

 

 
      53,006,959  
Mortgage-Backed Securities — 28.9%  

Fannie Mae Mortgage-Backed Securities:

   

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.54%), 2.02%, 06/01/43(b)

    140       143,426  
Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
Mortgage-Backed Securities (continued)  

(11th District Cost of Funds + 1.25%), 2.38%, 09/01/34(b)

  $ 148     $ 147,437  

2.50%, 09/01/28 - 01/01/50(g)

    3,182       3,190,656  

3.00%, 12/01/26 - 01/01/50(g)

    38,295       39,037,760  

(6 mo. LIBOR US + 1.04%), 3.04%, 05/01/33(b)

    4       4,041  

3.50%, 11/01/31 - 11/01/51(g)

    75,555       78,581,767  

(6 mo. LIBOR US + 1.36%), 3.60%, 10/01/32(b)

    26       26,364  

4.00%, 06/01/24 - 02/01/57(g)

    67,694       71,226,596  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.82%), 4.07%, 09/01/41(b)

    51       52,837  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.77%), 4.30%, 01/01/42(b)

    28       29,804  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 4.35%, 08/01/41(b)

    43       44,693  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.38%), 4.38%, 04/01/35(b)

    77       79,031  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.53%), 4.41%, 04/01/43 - 05/01/43(b)

    45       45,950  

4.50%, 04/01/23 - 01/01/50(g)

    54,540       58,047,050  

(1 year CMT + 1.94%), 4.56%, 04/01/35(b)

    15       15,619  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.73%), 4.64%, 04/01/40(b)

    13       14,061  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.81%), 4.93%, 02/01/42(b)

    4       3,788  

5.00%, 01/01/20 - 01/01/50(g)

    24,347       26,263,683  

5.50%, 10/01/32 - 01/01/47

    3,869       4,336,878  

6.00%, 11/01/22 - 02/01/49

    4,710       5,387,759  

6.50%, 12/01/30 - 01/01/36

    861       959,793  

7.00%, 01/01/32 - 06/01/32

    26       29,707  

7.50%, 09/01/29

    8       9,240  

Freddie Mac Mortgage-Backed Securities:

   

(11th District Cost of Funds + 1.25%), 2.38%, 11/01/27(b)

    82       81,112  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.65%), 2.46%, 05/01/43(b)

    113       114,060  

2.50%, 02/01/27 - 10/01/49

    1,361       1,374,748  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.60%), 2.51%, 08/01/43(b)

    44       44,762  

3.00%, 05/01/27 - 12/01/49

    6,089       6,244,815  

3.50%, 04/01/26 - 11/01/49

    29,697       30,938,861  

4.00%, 10/01/24 - 06/01/49

    19,929       21,017,327  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.77%), 4.37%, 08/01/41(b)

    40       42,050  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.50%), 4.37%, 06/01/43(b)

    11       11,615  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.79%), 4.38%, 09/01/32(b)

    3       2,837  

4.50%, 08/01/20 - 01/01/49

    13,780       14,673,340  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.90%), 4.53%, 01/01/42(b)

    1       1,425  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.89%), 4.58%, 07/01/41(b)

    31       32,272  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 4.65%, 04/01/38(b)

    98       102,482  

(12 mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 4.88%, 02/01/40(b)

    79       82,652  

(1 year CMT + 2.34%), 4.95%, 04/01/32(b)

    32       34,319  

5.00%, 01/01/20 - 07/01/48

    2,619       2,819,976  

5.50%, 07/01/20 - 08/01/38

    1,049       1,162,831  

6.00%, 07/01/21 - 04/01/38

    425       479,550  

6.50%, 05/01/21 - 08/01/36

    352       411,589  

7.50%, 12/01/30

    1       734  

Ginnie Mae Mortgage-Backed Securities:

   

3.00%, 01/20/43 - 02/20/48

    5,969       6,161,488  

3.50%, 01/15/41 - 01/01/50(g)

    55,390       57,498,516  

4.00%, 09/15/40 - 01/01/50(g)

    45,395       47,254,533  

4.50%, 03/15/39 - 01/01/50(g)

    50,210       52,805,158  

5.00%, 11/20/33 - 01/01/50(g)

    25,208       26,732,797  

5.50%, 06/15/34 - 04/20/48

    817       909,020  

6.00%, 01/15/32 - 10/20/38

    250       283,773  

6.50%, 06/15/28 - 07/15/38

    95       106,843  

7.00%, 06/15/29

    13       12,810  

7.50%, 08/20/30

    3       4,076  
   

 

 

 
      559,120,311  
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities — 34.2%
(Cost — $651,729,384)

 

    662,078,124  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      31  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security  

Par

(000)

    Value  
U.S. Treasury Obligations — 3.0%  

U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.38%, 11/15/48

  $ 13,550     $ 16,391,266  

U.S. Treasury Notes:

   

2.50%, 05/31/20

    2,000       2,006,865  

2.63%, 08/15/20

    3,980       4,003,942  

2.38%, 04/15/21(e)

    1,000       1,009,648  

1.38%, 04/30/21(e)

    3,980       3,967,873  

1.63%, 04/30/23

    2,390       2,389,813  

2.63%, 06/30/23

    10,000       10,338,281  

1.63%, 10/31/23

    1,990       1,988,212  

2.13%, 03/31/24

    500       509,297  

2.25%, 11/15/24(e)

    3,980       4,084,320  

2.00%, 08/15/25(e)

    3,680       3,730,456  

2.25%, 11/15/25

    2,960       3,040,591  

2.38%, 05/15/27

    2,390       2,479,158  

2.63%, 02/15/29

    1,644       1,743,539  
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations — 3.0%
(Cost — $55,470,669)

 

    57,683,261  
   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 97.2%
(Cost — $1,834,990,724)

 

    1,884,263,993  
   

 

 

 
     Shares         

Short-Term Securities — 9.3%

 

BlackRock Cash Funds: Institutional, SL Agency Shares, 1.84%(h)(i)(j)

    180,038,038       180,110,053  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares, 1.52%(i)(j)

    100,000       100,000  
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities — 9.3%
(Cost — $180,198,282)

 

    180,210,053  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments Before TBA Sale
Commitments — 106.5%
(Cost — $2,015,189,006)

 

    2,064,474,046  
   

 

 

 
Security   Par
(000)
    Value  

TBA Sale Commitments — (1.0%)

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities — (1.0%)

 

Fannie Mae Mortgage-Backed Securities(g):

   

3.00%, 01/15/35 - 01/15/50

  USD 11,395     $ (11,637,239

3.50%, 01/15/35 - 01/15/50

    1,687       (1,742,662

4.50%, 01/15/50

    3,054       (3,215,409

5.50%, 01/15/50

    75       (80,765

Ginnie Mae Mortgage-Backed Securities(g):

   

2.50%, 01/15/50

    100       (100,426

3.00%, 01/15/50

    240       (246,572

3.50%, 01/15/50

    1,479       (1,524,236

4.50%, 01/15/50

    500       (531,719

5.50%, 01/15/50

    675       (716,713
   

 

 

 

Total TBA Sale Commitments — (1.0)%
(Proceeds — $19,750,444)

 

    (19,795,741
 

 

 

 

Total Investments, Net of TBA Sale
Commitments — 105.5%
(Cost — $1,995,438,562)

 

    2,044,678,305  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (5.5)%

 

    (106,557,799
 

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 1,938,120,506  
 

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

(b) 

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

(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 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.

(e) 

Security, or a portion of the security, is on loan.

(f) 

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.

(g) 

Represents or includes a TBA transaction.

(h) 

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

(i) 

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

 
(j) 

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

 

Affiliated Persons and/or Related Parties   Shares
Held at
12/31/18
    Shares
Purchased
    Shares
Sold
    Shares
Held at
12/31/19
    Value at
12/31/19
    Income     Net
Realized
Gain (Loss) 
(a)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

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

    117,660,556       62,377,482             180,038,038     $ 180,110,053     $ 1,185,094 (c)    $ 33,892     $ 11,770  

BlackRock Cash Funds: Treasury, SL Agency Shares

    100,000                   100,000       100,000       2,126              

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

                                  4,401              

iShares iBoxx USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF(d)

    350,000       100,000       (450,000                 522,807       (562,555     2,073,256  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 180,210,053     $ 1,714,428     $ (528,663   $ 2,085,026  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes net capital gain distributions, if applicable.

 
  (b) 

Represents net shares purchased/sold.

 
  (c) 

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

 
  (d) 

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

 

 

 

32    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

 

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

                 

10-Year Australian Treasury Bond

     297          03/16/20        $ 29,795        $ (637,554

10-Year Canada Bond

     249          03/20/20          26,362          (311,313

Long U.S. Treasury Bond

     1,009          03/20/20          157,309          (504,706

Ultra Long U.S. Treasury Bond

     648          03/20/20          117,713          (3,322,281

Long Gilt

     209          03/27/20          36,371          (139,268

2-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     183          03/31/20          39,437          9,560  

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     1,180          03/31/20          139,959          (433,409
                 

 

 

 
                    (5,338,971
                 

 

 

 

Short Contracts

                 

Euro Bund Futures

     469          03/06/20          89,691          733,627  

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     436          03/20/20          55,992          153,526  

10-Year U.S. Ultra Long Treasury Note

     38          03/20/20          5,347          79,955  

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     1,911          03/31/20          226,663          (44,985
                 

 

 

 
                    922,123  
                 

 

 

 
                  $ (4,416,848
                 

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency
Purchased
       Currency
Sold
       Counterparty      Settlement Date        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD     1,779,955        AUD     2,580,000        Toronto-Dominion Bank        03/18/20        $ (33,917
USD     1,615,038        CAD     2,120,000        Deutsche Bank AG        03/18/20          (17,989
USD     129,682        CAD     170,000        Bank of New York Mellon        03/18/20          (1,269
USD     146,202        HKD     1,140,000        HSBC Bank PLC        03/18/20          (8
                       

 

 

 
    Net unrealized depreciation        $ (53,183
                       

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

 

Paid by the Master Portfolio  

Received by the Master Portfolio

  Effective
Date
    Termination
Date
    Notional
Amount (000)
    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Rate   Frequency   Rate   Frequency
3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly   1.67%   Semi-Annual     NA       10/17/21     USD     1,700     $ (2,191   $ 527     $ (2,718
3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly   1.63   Semi-Annual     NA       10/21/21     USD     18,130       (36,430     (2,589     (33,841
3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly   1.64   Semi-Annual     NA       11/18/21     USD     18,560       (26,443     (504     (25,939
0.74   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     NA       11/25/21     GBP     1,250       1,646       34       1,612  
0.73   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     NA       11/27/21     GBP     57,540       94,662       22,586       72,076  
0.76   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     NA       11/28/21     GBP     13,890       14,152       (923     15,075  
0.76   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     NA       11/29/21     GBP     14,040       11,946       6,691       5,255  
6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual   (0.32)   Annual     NA       12/04/21     EUR     1,710       (757     31       (788
6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual   (0.32)   Annual     NA       12/05/21     EUR     18,590       (10,183     1,449       (11,632
6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual   (0.34)   Annual     NA       12/06/21     EUR     51,330       (44,792     4,274       (49,066
6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual   (0.33)   Annual     NA       12/09/21     EUR     15,980       (12,813     (1,498     (11,315
0.77   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     NA       12/18/21     GBP     32,050       20,169       (5,579     25,748  
0.77   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     NA       12/19/21     GBP     15,070       10,455       767       9,688  
0.79   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     NA       12/20/21     GBP     8,230       2,342       1,666       676  
3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly   1.70   Semi-Annual     NA       01/02/22     USD     12,870       4,050       (600     4,650  
6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual   (0.33)   Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/22     EUR     208,350       (260,202     20,854       (281,056
1.52   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/22     USD     46,630       120,640       14,172       106,468  
6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual   (0.22)   Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/25     EUR     47,320       (292,031     (39,489     (252,542
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.86   Semi-Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/25     GBP     14,985       (32,972     (27,183     (5,789
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.92   Semi-Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/25     GBP     14,620       26,221       46,735       (20,514
3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly   1.52   Semi-Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/25     USD     19,000       (190,407     (10,350     (180,057
1-Month MXIBOR, 7.56%   Monthly   6.38   Monthly     03/18/20 (a)      03/12/25     MXN     26,470       (11,948     25       (11,973
1-Month MXIBOR, 7.56%   Monthly   6.45   Monthly     03/18/20 (a)      03/12/25     MXN     97,830       (28,546     92       (28,638

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      33  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps (continued)

 

Paid by the Master Portfolio  

Received by the Master Portfolio

  Effective
Date
    Termination
Date
    Notional
Amount (000)
    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Rate   Frequency   Rate   Frequency
3-Month STIBOR, 0.15%   Quarterly   0.02%   Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SEK     155,060     $ (337,917   $ (391   $ (337,526
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.54   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     8,560       9,147       112       9,035  
1.68   Annual   6-Month WIBOR, 1.69%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     PLN     98,620       141,055       454       140,601  
1.56   Quarterly   3-Month HIBOR, 2.43%   Quarterly     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     HKD     19,182       46,778       50       46,728  
(0.44)   Annual   6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     EUR     14,060       262,902       13,283       249,619  
(0.12)   Semi-Annual   6-Month JPY LIBOR, 1.51%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     JPY     63,000       4,607       12       4,595  
(0.32)   Annual   6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     EUR     2,760       32,640       62       32,578  
3-Month STIBOR, 0.15%   Quarterly   0.02   Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SEK     22,210       (46,626     47       (46,673
(0.39)   Annual   6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     EUR     6,140       98,736       138       98,598  
6-Month CAD BA, 2.07%   Semi-Annual   1.72   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     CAD     3,320       (41,065     51       (41,116
1.70   Annual   6-Month WIBOR, 1.69%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     PLN     23,270       27,446       105       27,341  
0.98   Semi-Annual   6-Month BBR, 0.21%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     AUD     6,230       48,434       87       48,347  
1.05   Semi-Annual   6-Month BBR, 0.21%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     AUD     3,540       18,287       49       18,238  
1.06   Semi-Annual   6-Month BBR, 0.21%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     AUD     3,500       17,663       49       17,614  
1.06   Semi-Annual   6-Month BBR, 0.21%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     AUD     3,540       17,804       49       17,755  
1.06   Semi-Annual   6-Month BBR, 0.21%   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     AUD     1,420       6,924       20       6,904  
3-Month STIBOR, 0.15%   Quarterly   0.19   Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SEK     38,750       (45,845     489       (46,334
3-Month STIBOR, 0.15%   Quarterly   0.25   Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SEK     19,430       (16,881     41       (16,922
3-Month STIBOR, 0.15%   Quarterly   0.26   Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SEK     38,220       (30,967     2,073       (33,040
3-Month STIBOR, 0.15%   Quarterly   0.31   Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SEK     38,910       (22,051     2,944       (24,995
3-Month STIBOR, 0.15%   Quarterly   0.34   Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SEK     32,480       (12,474     69       (12,543
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.48   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     6,160       (5,618     82       (5,700
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.50   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     4,240       (1,195     56       (1,251
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.50   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     7,100       (1,362     94       (1,456
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.51   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     2,950       (35     39       (74
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.54   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     6,910       8,628       92       8,536  
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.54   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     4,120       5,738       55       5,683  
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.56   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     2,440       5,023       32       4,991  
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.58   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     7,594       19,052       100       18,952  
6-Month SIBOR, 7.56%   Semi-Annual   1.60   Semi-Annual     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     SGD     3,996       13,622       53       13,569  
1.69   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     USD     9,670       20,150       197       19,953  
1.69   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     USD     6,540       12,063       1,267       10,796  
1.69   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     USD     3,270       5,954       67       5,887  
1.69   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     03/18/20 (a)      03/18/25     USD     3,270       5,797       67       5,730  
1.66   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     NA       10/21/29     USD     3,760       79,987       6,212       73,775  
1.74   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     NA       11/18/29     USD     2,050       29,617       641       28,976  
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.89   Semi-Annual     NA       11/25/29     GBP     170       (2,700     (42     (2,658
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.85   Semi-Annual     NA       11/27/29     GBP     5,790       (121,215     (14,193     (107,022
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.88   Semi-Annual     NA       11/28/29     GBP     2,890       (48,245     4,154       (52,399
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.89   Semi-Annual     NA       11/29/29     GBP     1,420       (22,774     (3,763     (19,011
0.13   Annual   6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual     NA       12/05/29     EUR     1,960       12,393       (899     13,292  
0.06   Annual   6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual     NA       12/06/29     EUR     4,940       70,497       (805     71,302  
0.09   Annual   6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual     NA       12/09/29     EUR     1,640       17,701       1,691       16,010  
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.96   Semi-Annual     NA       12/18/29     GBP     4,750       (34,149     8,424       (42,573
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   0.97   Semi-Annual     NA       12/19/29     GBP     1,550       (9,598     (968     (8,630
6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual   1.00   Semi-Annual     NA       12/20/29     GBP     1,640       (4,256     (2,069     (2,187
1.90   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     01/02/20 (a)      01/02/30     USD     2,530       (1,180     (1,248     68  
0.07   Annual   6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/30     EUR     124,860       2,018,344       24,192       1,994,152  
3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly   1.65   Semi-Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/30     USD     9,990       (228,352     (12,493     (215,859
0.97   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/30     GBP     7,650       49,890       30,418       19,472  
1.03   Semi-Annual   6-Month GBP LIBOR, 0.88%   Semi-Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/30     GBP     7,470       (1,395     (36,566     35,171  
6-Month EURIBOR, (0.32)%   Semi-Annual   0.47   Annual     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/50     EUR     26,900       (1,318,435     10,246       (1,328,681
1.83   Semi-Annual   3-Month LIBOR, 1.91%   Quarterly     03/06/20 (a)      03/06/50     USD     7,790       473,955       19,532       454,423  
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                $ 583,067     $ 85,646     $ 497,421  
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Forward swap.

 

 

 

34    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

 

OTC Interest Rate Swaps

 

Paid by the Master Portfolio

  Received by the
Master Portfolio
  Counterparty   Effective
Date
 (a)
    Termination
Date
   

Notional
Amount (000)

    Value     Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Rate   Frequency   Rate     Frequency
3-Month KRW CDC, 1.51%   Quarterly     1.14%     Quarterly   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     03/18/20       03/18/25       KRW       7,737,322     $ (61,109   $     $ (61,109
3-Month KRW CDC, 1.51%   Quarterly     1.12     Quarterly   Citibank N.A.     03/18/20       03/18/25       KRW       41,393,668       (361,411           (361,411
3-Month KRW CDC, 1.51%   Quarterly     1.16     Quarterly   Bank of America N.A.     03/18/20       03/18/25       KRW       2,809,520       (19,614           (19,614
3-Month KRW CDC, 1.51%   Quarterly     1.16     Quarterly   Citibank N.A.     03/18/20       03/18/25       KRW       2,809,520       (19,614           (19,614
                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  $ (461,748   $     $ (461,748
                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Forward swap.

 

Balances Reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Centrally Cleared Swaps and OTC Swaps

 

      Swap
Premiums
Paid
     Swap
Premiums
Received
     Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
Depreciation
 

Centrally Cleared Swaps(a)

   $ 247,798      $ (162,152    $ 3,759,939      $ (3,262,518

OTC Swaps

                          (461,748

 

  (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 Statement 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 Statement 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)

   $      $      $      $      $ 976,668      $      $ 976,668  

Swaps — centrally cleared

                    

Unrealized appreciation on centrally cleared swaps(a)

                                 3,759,939               3,759,939  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $      $      $      $ 4,736,607      $      $ 4,736,607  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments                                                 

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $      $      $ 5,393,516      $      $ 5,393,516  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          53,183                      53,183  

Swaps — centrally cleared

                    

Unrealized depreciation on centrally cleared swaps(a)

                                 3,262,518               3,262,518  

Swaps — OTC

                    

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swaps; Swap premiums received

                                 461,748               461,748  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $      $      $ 53,183      $ 9,117,782      $      $ 9,170,965  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts and centrally cleared swaps, if any, are reported in the Schedule of Investments. In the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, only current day’s variation margin is reported in receivables or payables and the net cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statement of Operations was as follows:

 

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

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $      $      $ 26,557,638      $      $ 26,557,638  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          (28,387                    (28,387

Swaps

            (254,327                    1,997,928        (137,355      1,606,246  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ (254,327    $      $ (28,387    $ 28,555,566      $ (137,355    $ 28,135,497  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      35  


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

 

      Commodity
Contracts
     Credit
Contracts
     Equity
Contracts
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
     Interest
Rate
Contracts
     Other
Contracts
     Total  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:                                                 

Futures contracts

   $      $      $      $      $ (11,862,991    $      $ (11,862,991

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          (53,183                    (53,183

Swaps

            1,685,841                      1,015,858        (216,540      2,485,159  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ 1,685,841      $      $ (53,183    $ (10,847,133    $ (216,540    $ (9,431,015
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Futures contracts:

 

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 466,109,822  

Average notional value of contracts — short

   $ 198,747,031  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ $3,344,489  

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ (a) 

Credit default swaps:

  

Average notional value — buy protection

   $ 19,444,059  

Average notional value — sell protection

   $ 1,182,584  

Interest rate swaps:

  

Average notional value — pays fixed rate

   $ 1,790,429,787  

Average notional value — receives fixed rate

   $ 1,712,450,065  

Inflation swaps:

  

Average notional value-pays fixed rate

   $ 7,812,500  

Average notional value-receives fixed rate

   $ (a) 

 

  (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 Master Portfolio’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of Period End

The Master Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) are as follows:

 

      Assets        Liabilities  

Derivative Financial Instruments:

       

Futures contracts

   $ 231,597        $ 1,271,363  

Swaps — Centrally cleared

              28,513  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

              53,183  

Swaps — OTC(a)

              461,748  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

   $ 231,597        $ 1,814,807  

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

     (231,597        (1,299,876
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

   $        $ 514,931  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Includes unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on OTC swaps and swap premiums (paid/received) in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

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

 

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

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 19,614        $        $        $        $ 19,614  

Citibank N.A.

     381,025                            (320,000        61,025  

Deutsche Bank AG

     17,989                                     17,989  

HSBC Bank PLC

     8                                     8  

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     61,109                                     61,109  

Bank of New York Mellon

     1,269                                     1,269  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

     33,917                                     33,917  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 514,931        $        $        $ (320,000      $ 194,931  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Excess of collateral pledged to the individual counterparty is not shown for financial reporting purposes.

 
  (b) 

Net amount may also include forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not required to be collateralized.

 

 

 

36    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Schedule of Investments  (continued)

December 31, 2019

  

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

 

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 Master Portfolio’s policy regarding valuation of investments and derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following tables summarize the Master Portfolio’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

   $        $ 282,238,559        $ 3,532,815        $ 285,771,374  

Corporate Bonds(a)

              720,197,896                   720,197,896  

Foreign Agency Obligations(a)

              11,427,245                   11,427,245  

Municipal Bonds(a)

              9,813,616                   9,813,616  

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

              137,292,477                   137,292,477  

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities

              658,949,107          3,129,017          662,078,124  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

              57,683,261                   57,683,261  

Short-Term Securities

     180,210,053                            180,210,053  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Subtotal

   $ 180,210,053        $ 1,877,602,161        $ 6,661,832        $ 2,064,474,046  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Liabilities:

                 

Investments:

                 

TBA Sale Commitments

              (19,795,741                 (19,795,741
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 180,210,053        $ 1,857,806,420        $ 6,661,832        $ 2,044,678,305  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(b)

                 

Assets:

                 

Interest rate contracts

   $ 976,668        $ 3,759,939        $        $ 4,736,607  

Liabilities:

                 

Forward foreign currency contracts

              (53,183                 (53,183

Interest rate contracts

     (5,393,516        (3,724,266                 (9,117,782
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ (4,416,848      $ (17,510      $        $ (4,434,358
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

See above Schedule of Investments for values in each industry/country/state or political subdivision.

 
  (b) 

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.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS      37  


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

     CoreAlpha
Bond Master
Portfolio
 

ASSETS

 

Investments at value — unaffiliated (including securities loaned at value of $45,770,454) (cost — $1,834,990,724)

  $ 1,884,263,994  

Investments at value — affiliated (cost — $180,198,282)

    180,210,053  

Cash

    214,847  

Cash pledged:

 

Collateral — OTC derivatives

    320,000  

Futures contracts

    7,751,000  

Centrally cleared swaps

    3,440,000  

Foreign currency at value (cost — $7,438,180)

    7,473,229  

Receivables:

 

Investments sold

    691,821  

Securities lending income — affiliated

    19,461  

TBA sale commitments

    19,778,895  

Contributions from investors

    28,394,914  

Dividends — affiliated

    173,431  

Interest — unaffiliated

    9,444,295  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    231,597  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    2,142,407,537  
 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Cash received as collateral for TBA commitments

    22,000  

Cash collateral on securities loaned at value

    47,186,472  

TBA sale commitments at value (proceeds — $19,750,444)

    19,795,741  

Payables:

 

Investments purchased

    134,434,310  

Investment advisory fees

    701,878  

Trustees’ fees

    457  

Other accrued expenses

    42,196  

Principal payups

    241,332  

Reorganization costs

    47,838  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,271,363  

Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

    28,513  

Unrealized depreciation on:

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    53,183  

OTC swaps

    461,748  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    204,287,031  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,938,120,506  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Investors’ capital

  $ 1,893,461,563  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    44,658,943  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

  $ 1,938,120,506  
 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

38    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

     CoreAlpha
Bond Master
Portfolio
 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Dividends — affiliated

  $ 1,384,091  

Interest — unaffiliated

    52,206,439  

Securities lending income — affiliated — net

    330,337  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    53,920,867  
 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

Investment advisory

    3,859,525  

Professional

    47,714  

Trustees

    19,012  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    3,926,251  

Less fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager

    (116,999
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    3,809,252  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    50,111,615  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Futures contracts

    26,557,638  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (28,387

Foreign currency transactions

    (117,720

Investments — affiliated

    (528,663

Investments — unaffiliated

    13,929,959  

Swaps

    1,606,246  
 

 

 

 
    41,419,073  
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Futures contracts

    (11,862,991

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (53,183

Foreign currency translations

    17,665  

Investments — affiliated

    2,085,026  

Investments — unaffiliated

    62,735,404  

Swaps

    2,485,159  
 

 

 

 
    55,407,080  
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

    96,826,153  
 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 146,937,768  
 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      39  


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio  
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019     2018  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   

OPERATIONS

   

Net investment income

  $ 50,111,615     $ 29,015,753  

Net realized gain (loss)

    41,419,073       (22,639,887

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    55,407,080       4,140,311  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    146,937,768       10,516,177  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

 

Proceeds from contributions

    629,572,441       958,651,640  

Value of withdrawals

    (324,078,511     (263,738,503
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets derived from capital transactions

    305,493,930       694,913,137  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

 

Total increase in net assets

    452,431,698       705,429,314  

Beginning of year

    1,485,688,808       780,259,494  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 1,938,120,506     $ 1,485,688,808  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

40    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Financial Highlights

 

    CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio  
    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018     2017      2016      2015  

Total Return

 

Total return

    9.74      (0.11 )%      4.28      2.46      0.60
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(a)

 

Total expenses

    0.24      0.27 %(b)      0.26      0.26      0.25
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

    0.23      0.24     0.24      0.25      0.24
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3.05      3.11     2.54      2.33      2.53
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $ 1,938,121      $ 1,485,689     $ 780,259      $ 672,181      $ 815,997  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate(c)(d)

    263      331     515      677      612
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Excludes expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investments in underlying funds as follows:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Investments in underlying funds

    0.01      0.02      0.02    %      %  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(b) 

Includes board realignment and consolidation costs. Without these costs, total expenses a would have been 0.25%.

(c) 

Portfolio turnover rates include TBA transactions, if any.

(d) 

Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions. Additional information regarding portfolio turnover rate is as follows:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018      2017      2016      2015  

Portfolio turnover rate (excluding MDRs)

    166      189      322      459      540
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS      41  


Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

Master Investment Portfolio II (“MIP II”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. MIP II is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio (the “Master Portfolio”) is a series of MIP II. The Master Portfolio is classified as diversified.

The Master Portfolio, together with certain other registered investment companies advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) or its affiliates, is included in a complex of non-index fixed-income mutual funds and all BlackRock-advised closed-end funds referred to as the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

Reorganization: The Board of BlackRock Funds VI, the Board of MIP II and the Board of Directors of FDP Series II, Inc. approved the reorganization of the FDP CoreAlpha Bond Fund (the “Target Fund”), a series of FDP Series II, Inc., into BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a series of BlackRock Funds VI. As a result, the Fund acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the liabilities of the Target Fund in exchange for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued shares of the Fund.

On September 23, 2019, all of the portfolio securities previously held by the Target Fund were subsequently contributed by the Fund to the Master Portfolio in exchange for an investment in the Master Portfolio.

For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund were recorded at fair value. However, the cost basis of the investments received from the Target Fund was carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The Target Fund’s fair value and cost of investments prior to the reorganization were as follows:

 

Target Fund   Fair Value
of Investments
     Cost of
Investments
 

FDP BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund

  $ 83,082,606      $ 81,106,915  

Prior Year Reorganization: The Board of BlackRock Funds VI and the Board of State Farm Mutual Fund Trust and the shareholders of State Farm Bond Fund (the “State Farm Fund”) approved the reorganization of the State Farm Fund into the Fund. As a result, the Fund acquired all of the assets and assumed certain stated liabilities of the State Farm Fund in exchange for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued shares of the Fund.

On November 19, 2018, all of the portfolio securities previously held by the State Farm Fund were subsequently contributed by the Fund to the Master Portfolio in exchange for an investment in the Master Portfolio.

For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Fund were recorded at fair value. However, the cost basis of the investments received from the State Farm Fund was carried forward by the Master Portfolio to align ongoing reporting of the Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The State Farm Fund’s fair value and cost of investments prior to the reorganization were as follows:

 

State Farm Fund   Fair Value
of Investments
     Cost of
Investments
 

State Farm Bond Fund

  $ 474,337,429      $ 495,163,771  

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Master Portfolio 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 (the “trade dates”). Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, is recognized on an accrual basis.

Foreign Currency Translation: The Master Portfolio’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.

The Master Portfolio 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 Statement of Operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. The Master Portfolio 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.

 

 

42    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where the Master Portfolio enters into certain investments (e.g., dollar rolls, TBA sale commitments, futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and swaps) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, the Master Portfolio 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. Doing so allows the investment to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Master Portfolio 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.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Under the Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) approved by the Board of Trustees of MIP II (the “Board”) effective January 1, 2019, the trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Master Portfolio, as defined in the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”), 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 Trustees. This has the same economic effect for the Independent Trustees as if the Independent Trustees had invested the deferred amounts directly in certain funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

The Plan is not funded and obligations thereunder represent general unsecured claims against the general assets of the Master Portfolio, as applicable. Deferred compensation liabilities are included in the Trustees’ fees payable in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and will remain as a liability of the Master Portfolio until such amounts are distributed in accordance with the Plan.

Recent Accounting Standards: The Master Portfolio has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2017-08 to amend the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Under the new standard, the Master Portfolio has changed the amortization period for the premium on certain purchased callable debt securities with non-contingent call features to the earliest call date. In accordance with the transition provisions of the standard, the Master Portfolio applied the amendments on a modified retrospective basis beginning with the fiscal period ended December 31, 2019. The adjusted cost basis of securities at December 31, 2018 is $1,725,846,036. This change in accounting policy has been made to comply with the newly issued accounting standard and had no impact on accumulated earnings (loss) or the net asset value of the Master Portfolio.

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

Other: Expenses directly related to the Master Portfolio are charged to the Master Portfolio. 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 Master Portfolio’s 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). U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price the Master Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Master Portfolio determines the fair values of its 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 the Master Portfolio’s assets and liabilities:

 

   

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 Master Portfolio’s net assets.

 

   

Municipal investments (including commitments to purchase such investments on a “when-issued” basis) are valued on the basis of prices provided by dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrixes, market transactions in comparable investments and information with respect to various relationships between investments.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) each business day.

 

   

Futures contracts traded on exchanges are valued at their last sale price.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      43  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

   

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.

 

   

Swap agreements are valued utilizing quotes received daily by the Master Portfolio’s 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.

 

   

To-be-announced (“TBA”) commitments are valued on the basis of last available bid prices or current market quotations provided by pricing services.

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 the Master Portfolio 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 the Master Portfolio. Typically, the most recently available information by a Private Company is as of a date that is earlier than the date the Master Portfolio is calculating its NAV. This factor may result in a difference between the value of the investment and the price the Master Portfolio 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 the Master Portfolio 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

 

 

44    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

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.

 

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.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds: Inflation-indexed bonds (other than municipal inflation-indexed and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds) are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. If the index measuring inflation rises or falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds (other than municipal inflation-indexed and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds) will be adjusted upward or downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a larger or smaller principal amount) will be increased or reduced, respectively. Any upward or downward adjustment in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be included as interest income in the Statement of Operations, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds. For bonds that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal. With regard to municipal inflation-indexed bonds and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds, the inflation adjustment is typically reflected in the semi-annual coupon payment. As a result, the principal value of municipal inflation-indexed bonds and such corporate inflation-indexed bonds does not adjust according to the rate of inflation.

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 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 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.

TBA Commitments: TBA commitments are forward agreements for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities for a fixed price, with payment and delivery on an agreed upon future settlement date. The specific securities to be delivered are not identified at the trade date. However, delivered securities must meet specified terms, including issuer, rate and mortgage terms. When entering into TBA commitments, a fund may take possession of or deliver the underlying mortgage-backed securities but can extend the settlement or roll the transaction. TBA commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased or sold declines or increases, respectively, prior to settlement date.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      45  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

In order to better define contractual rights and to secure rights that will help a fund mitigate their counterparty risk, TBA commitments may be entered into by a fund under Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (each, an “MSFTA”). An MSFTA typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of default and/or termination event. 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 the collateral currently pledged by a fund and the counterparty. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover the obligations of a fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately in the Statement[s] of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral for TBA commitments or cash received as collateral for TBA commitments, respectively. Non-cash collateral pledged by a fund, if any, is noted in the Schedule[s] of Investments. Typically, a fund is permitted to sell, re-pledge or use the collateral it receives; however, the counterparty is not permitted to do so. To the extent amounts due to a fund are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, a fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance.

Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions: The Master Portfolio may sell TBA mortgage-backed securities and simultaneously contract to repurchase substantially similar (i.e., same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specific future date at an agreed upon price. During the period between the sale and repurchase, a fund is not entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Mortgage dollar roll transactions are treated as purchases and sales and realize gains and losses on these transactions. Mortgage dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities that a fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities.

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

The market value of any securities on loan, all of which were classified as corporate bonds in the Master Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments, and the value of any related collateral are shown separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a component of investments at value-unaffiliated, and collateral on securities loaned at value, respectively. As of period end, any securities on loan were collateralized by cash and/or U.S. Government obligations. Cash collateral invested by the securities lending agent, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BTC”), if any, is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments.

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

As of period end, the following table is a summary of the Master Portfolio’s securities lending agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MSLA:

 

Counterparty   Securities
Loaned at Value
     Cash Collateral
Received
 (a)
    Net
Amount
 

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 1,307,109      $ (1,307,109   $  

Barclays Capital INC.

    2,170,023        (2,170,023      

BNP Paribas Securities Corp

    792,940        (792,940      

Bank of America N.A.

    32,210        (32,210      

Citadel Clearing LLC

    2,119,888        (2,119,888      

Citigroup Global Markets INC.

    335,829        (335,829      

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

    1,588,275        (1,588,275      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

    9,101,472        (9,101,472      

HSBC Securities (USA) INC.

    1,742,041        (1,742,041      

JP Morgan Securities LLC

    4,205,635        (4,205,635      

Morgan Stanley & Co LLC

    3,444,841        (3,444,841      

RBC Capital Markets LLC

    4,638,095        (4,638,095      

Scotia Capital (USA) Inc

    2,064,493        (2,064,493      

Wells Fargo Securities LLC

    12,227,603        (12,227,603      
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 45,770,454      $ (45,770,454   $  
 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Collateral received in excess of the market value of securities on loan is not presented in this table. The total cash collateral received by Master Portfolio is disclosed in the Master Portfolio’s Statement(s) of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

 

46    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

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

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Master Portfolio engages in various portfolio investment strategies using derivative contracts both to increase the returns of the Master Portfolio and/or to manage its 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 Schedule 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 Master Portfolio 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, Master Portfolio is required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Schedule of Investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Master Portfolio agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on futures contracts in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest, 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 Master Portfolio 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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When a contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Non-deliverable forward foreign currency exchange contracts are settled with the counterparty in cash without the delivery of foreign currency. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a 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 reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Cash amounts pledged for forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered restricted and are included in cash pledged as collateral for OTC derivatives in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Swaps: Swap contracts are entered into to manage exposure to issuers, markets and securities. Such contracts are agreements between the Master Portfolio 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 Statement 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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or paid are recorded in the Statement of Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. When an OTC swap is terminated, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Master Portfolio’s 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 Master Portfolio’s counterparty on the swap agreement becomes the CCP. The Master Portfolio is required to interface with the CCP through the broker. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap, the Master Portfolio is 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 Schedule of Investments and cash deposited is shown as cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted cash, are included in cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Master Portfolio agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on centrally cleared swaps in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received from (paid to) the counterparty, including at termination, are recorded as realized gains (losses) in the Statement 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 Master Portfolio is not otherwise exposed (credit risk).

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      47  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

The Master Portfolio 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 Master Portfolio 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 Master Portfolio 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.

 

   

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.

 

   

Forward swaps — The Master Portfolio enters into forward interest rate swaps and forward total return swaps. In a forward swap, the Master Portfolio and the counterparty agree to make periodic net payments beginning on a specified date or a net payment at termination.

 

   

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 Statement 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 its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help it mitigate its counterparty risk, the Master Portfolio may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Master Portfolio 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, the Master Portfolio 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 Master Portfolio and the counterparty.

Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Master Portfolio and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral and cash received as collateral, respectively. Non-cash collateral pledged by the Master Portfolio, if any, is noted in the Schedule 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 Master Portfolio. Any additional required collateral is delivered to/pledged by the Master Portfolio on the next business day. Typically, the counterparty is not permitted to sell, re-pledge or use cash and non-cash collateral it receives. The Master Portfolio 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 Master Portfolio from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, it bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. Likewise, to the extent the Master Portfolio has delivered collateral to a counterparty and stands ready to perform under the terms of its agreement with such counterparty, it bears the risk of loss from a counterparty in the amount of the value of the collateral in the event the counterparty fails to return such collateral. Based on the terms of agreements, collateral may not be required for all derivative contracts.

For financial reporting purposes, the Master Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements, if any, in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

MIP II, on behalf of the Master Portfolio, entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Manager, the Master Portfolio’s investment adviser and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, to provide investment advisory services. The Manager is responsible for the management of the Master Portfolio’s portfolio and provides the personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operations of the Master Portfolio.

 

 

48    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

For such services, the Master Portfolio pays the Manager a monthly fee at an annual rate equal to the following percentages of the average daily value of the Master Portfolio’s net assets.

 

Average Daily Net Assets   Investment
Advisory Fees
 

First $1 Billion

    0.24

$1 Billion — $3 Billion

    0.23  

$3 Billion — $5 Billion

    0.22  

$5 Billion — $10 Billion

    0.21  

Greater than $10 Billion

    0.20  

With respect to the Master Portfolio, the Manager entered into separate sub-advisory agreements with BlackRock International Limited (“BIL”) and BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) (collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”), each an affiliate of the Manager. The Manager pays each Sub-Adviser for services it provides for that portion of the Master Portfolio for which it acts as sub-adviser, a monthly fee that is equal to a percentage of the investment advisory fees paid by the Master Portfolio to the Manager.

Expense Waivers and Reimbursements: The fees and expenses of the MIP II’s Independent Trustees, counsel to the Independent Trustees and the Master Portfolio’s independent registered public accounting firm (together, the “independent expenses”) are paid directly by the Master Portfolio. The Manager has contractually agreed to reimburse the Master Portfolio or provide an offsetting credit against the investment advisory fees paid by the Master Portfolio in an amount equal to the independent expenses through April 30, 2021. This amount is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the amount waived was $66,726.

With respect to the Master Portfolio, the Manager voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees the Master Portfolio pays to the Manager indirectly through its investment in affiliated money market funds (the “affiliated money market fund waiver”). This amount is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the amount waived was $26,495.

The Manager has contractually agreed to waive the investment advisory fee with respect to any portion of the Master Portfolio’s assets invested in affiliated equity and fixed-income mutual funds and affiliated exchange-traded funds that have a contractual management fee through April 30, 2021. The contractual agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Master Portfolio. This amount is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Master Portfolio waived $23,778 in investment advisory fees pursuant to this arrangement.

Securities Lending: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has issued an exemptive order which permits BTC, an affiliate of the Manager, to serve as securities lending agent for the Master Portfolio, subject to applicable conditions. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. The Master Portfolio is responsible for fees in connection with the investment of cash collateral received for securities on loan (the “collateral investment fees”). The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by the Manager or its affiliates. However, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees the Master Portfolio bears to an annual rate of 0.04%. The shares of such money market fund will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. The money market fund in which the cash collateral has been invested may, under certain circumstances, impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% of the value redeemed or temporarily restrict redemptions for up to 10 business days during a 90 day period, in the event that the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets fall below certain thresholds.

Securities lending income is equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral, net of fees and other payments to and from borrowers of securities, and less the collateral investment fees. The Master Portfolio retains a portion of securities lending income and remits a remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent.

Pursuant to the current securities lending agreement, the Master Portfolio retains 82% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and this amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income earned across the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex in a calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, the Master Portfolio, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will retain for the remainder of that calendar year securities lending income in an amount equal to 85% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and this amount retained can never be less than 70% of the total of securities lending income plus the collateral investment fees.

The share of securities lending income earned by the Master Portfolio is shown as securities lending income — affiliated — net in the Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Master Portfolio paid BTC $69,758 for securities lending agent services.

Interfund Lending: In accordance with an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC, the Master Portfolio may participate in a joint lending and borrowing facility for temporary purposes (the “Interfund Lending Program”), subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order, and to the extent permitted by the Master Portfolio’s investment policies and restrictions. The Master Portfolio is currently permitted to borrow and lend under the Interfund Lending Program.

A lending BlackRock fund may lend in aggregate up to 15% of its net assets, but may not lend more than 5% of its net assets to any one borrowing fund through the Interfund Lending Program. A borrowing BlackRock fund may not borrow through the Interfund Lending Program or from any other source more than 33 1/3% of its total assets (or any lower threshold provided for by the fund’s investment restrictions). If a borrowing BlackRock fund’s total outstanding borrowings exceed 10% of its total assets, each of its outstanding interfund loans will be subject to collateralization of at least 102% of the outstanding principal value of the loan. All interfund loans are for temporary or emergency purposes and the interest rate to be charged will be the average of the highest current overnight repurchase agreement rate available to a lending fund and the bank loan rate, as calculated according to a formula established by the Board.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      49  


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Master Portfolio did not participate in the Interfund Lending Program.

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

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the year ended December 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investments, including paydowns and mortgage dollar rolls and excluding short-term securities and in-kind contributions, were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Non-U.S. Government Securities

  $ 4,537,218,509      $ 4,408,761,376

U.S. Government Securities

    72,885,054        80,895,903  

 

  *

Includes paydowns.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, purchases and sales related to mortgage dollar rolls were $1,650,567,144 and $1,650,914,175, respectively.

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

The Master Portfolio is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, each investor in the Master Portfolio is treated as the owner of its proportionate share of net assets, income, expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Master Portfolio. Therefore, no U.S. federal income tax provision is required. It is intended that the Master Portfolio’s assets will be managed so an investor in the Master Portfolio can satisfy the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The Master Portfolio files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Master Portfolio’s U.S. federal tax returns generally remains open for each of the four years ended December 31, 2019. The statutes of limitations on the Master Portfolio’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 Master Portfolio as of December 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 Master Portfolio’s financial statements.

As of December 31, 2019, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for investments and derivatives based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Tax cost

  $ 2,015,270,253  
 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

  $ 55,944,442  

Gross unrealized depreciation

    (11,220,304
 

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

  $ 44,724,138  
 

 

 

 

 

9.

BANK BORROWINGS

MIP II, on behalf of the Master Portfolio, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager and its affiliates (“Participating Funds”), is a party to a 364-day, $2.25 billion credit agreement with a group of lenders. Under this agreement, the Master Portfolio may borrow to fund shareholder redemptions. Excluding commitments designated for certain individual funds, the Participating Funds, including the Master Portfolio, can borrow up to an aggregate commitment amount of $1.75 billion at any time outstanding, subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the agreement. The credit agreement has the following terms: a fee of 0.10% per annum on unused commitment amounts and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR (but, in any event, not less than 0.00%) on the date the loan is made plus 0.80% per annum or (b) the Fed Funds rate (but, in any event, not less than 0.00%) in effect from time to time plus 0.80% per annum on amounts borrowed. The agreement expires in April 2020 unless extended or renewed. Prior to April 18, 2019, Participating Funds paid an upfront commitment fee of 0.02% on the total commitment amounts, in addition to administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are included in miscellaneous expenses in the Statement of Operations. These fees were allocated among such funds based upon portions of the aggregate commitment available to them and relative net assets of Participating Funds. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Master Portfolio did not borrow under the credit agreement.

 

10.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

Many municipalities insure repayment of their bonds, which may reduce the potential for loss due to credit risk. The market value of these bonds may fluctuate for other reasons, including market perception of the value of such insurance, and there is no guarantee that the insurer will meet its obligation.

Inventories of municipal bonds held by brokers and dealers may decrease, which would lessen their ability to make a market in these securities. Such a reduction in market making capacity could potentially decrease the Master Portfolio’s ability to buy or sell bonds. As a result, the Master Portfolio may sell a security at a lower price, sell other securities to raise cash, or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative impact on performance. If the Master Portfolio needed to sell large blocks of bonds, those sales could further reduce the bonds’ prices and impact performance.

In the normal course of business, the Master Portfolio invests in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject the Master Portfolio 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

 

 

50    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Notes to Financial Statements  (continued)

 

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. The Master Portfolio’s prospectus provides details of the risks to which the Master Portfolio is subject.

The Master Portfolio 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 the Master Portfolio to reinvest in lower yielding securities. The Master Portfolio may also be exposed to reinvestment risk, which is the risk that income from the Master Portfolio’s portfolio will decline if the Master Portfolio invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed-income securities at market interest rates that are below the Master Portfolio portfolio’s current earnings rate.

The Master Portfolio may be exposed to additional risks when reinvesting cash collateral in money market funds that do not seek to maintain a stable NAV per share of $1.00, which may be subject to redemption gates or liquidity fees under certain circumstances.

Valuation Risk: The price the Master Portfolio could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Master Portfolio’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 the Master Portfolio’s results of operations. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by the Master Portfolio, and the Master Portfolio could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. The Master Portfolio’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 Master Portfolio 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 Master Portfolio manages 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 Master Portfolio to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Master Portfolio’s exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Master Portfolio.

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.

The Master Portfolio’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 the Master Portfolio.

With exchange-traded futures and centrally cleared swaps, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Master Portfolio 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, the Master Portfolio 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 Master Portfolio.

Concentration Risk: The Master Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities and/or uses 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 Master Portfolio may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low rates.

The Master Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in securities backed by commercial or residential mortgage loans or in issuers that hold mortgage and other asset-backed securities. Investment percentages in these securities are presented in the Schedule of Investments. Changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults on assets underlying these securities, can affect the value, income and/or liquidity of such positions.

 

11.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      51  


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

 

To the Board of Trustees of

Master Investment Portfolio II and Investors of CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio (the “Master Portfolio”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Master Portfolio as of December 31, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Master Portfolio’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Master Portfolio’s financial statements 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 Master Portfolio 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 of these financial statements 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 are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, 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. 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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 27, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more BlackRock investment companies since 2000.

 

 

52    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”) to promote effective liquidity risk management throughout the open-end investment company industry, thereby reducing the risk that funds will be unable to meet their redemption obligations and mitigating dilution of the interests of fund shareholders.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of BlackRock Funds VI and MIP II, on behalf of BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund and CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio, respectively, met on November 14-15, 2019 (the “Meeting”) to review the liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) applicable to the BlackRock open-end funds, excluding money market funds (each, a “Fund”), pursuant to the Liquidity Rule. The Board has appointed BlackRock Advisors, LLC or BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BlackRock”), each an investment adviser to certain Funds, as the program administrator for each Fund’s Program, as applicable. BlackRock has delegated oversight of the Program to the 40 Act Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). At the Meeting, the Committee, on behalf of BlackRock, provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the operation of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from December 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report described the Program’s liquidity classification methodology for categorizing a Fund’s investments (including derivative transactions) into one of four liquidity buckets. It also described BlackRock’s methodology in establishing a Fund’s HLIM and noted that the Committee reviews and ratifies the HLIM assigned to each Fund no less frequently than annually.

The Report noted that the Program complied with the key factors for consideration under the Liquidity Rule for assessing, managing and periodically reviewing a Fund’s liquidity risk, as follows:

A. The Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions: During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure with a focus on Funds with more significant and consistent holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. The Committee also factored a Fund’s concentration in an issuer into the liquidity classification methodology by taking issuer position sizes into account. Where a Fund participated in borrowings for investment purposes (such as tender option bonds and reverse repurchase agreements), such borrowings were factored into the Program’s calculation of a Fund’s liquidity bucketing. Derivative exposure was also considered in such calculation.

B. Short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions: During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed historical net redemption activity and used this information as a component to establish each Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size (“RATS”). Each Fund has adopted an in-kind redemption policy which may be utilized to meet larger redemption requests. The Committee may also take into consideration a Fund’s shareholder ownership concentration (which, depending on product type and distribution channel, may or may not be available), a Fund’s distribution channels, and the degree of certainty associated with a Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections.

C. Holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements: The Committee considered the terms of the credit facility applicable to the Funds, the financial health of the institution providing the facility and the fact that the credit facility is shared among multiple Funds (including that a portion of the aggregate commitment amount is specifically designated for BlackRock Floating Rate Income Portfolio and BlackRock Credit Strategies Income Fund, each a series of BlackRock Funds V). The Committee also considered other types of borrowing available to the Funds, such as the ability to use reverse repurchase agreements and interfund lending, as applicable.

There were no material changes to the Program during the Program Reporting Period. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is operating as intended and is effective in implementing the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

STATEMENT REGARDING LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM      53  


Trustee and Officer Information

 

Independent Trustees (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
   Public Company and
Other Investment Company
Directorships Held During
Past Five Years

Richard E. Cavanagh

1946

  

Co-Chair of the Board and Trustee

(Since 2019)

   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.    86 RICs consisting of 110 Portfolios    None

Karen P. Robards

1950

  

Co-Chair of the Board and Trustee

(Since 2019)

   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.    86 RICs consisting of 110 Portfolios    Greenhill & Co., Inc.; AtriCure, Inc. (medical devices) from 2000 until 2017

Michael J. Castellano

1946

  

Trustee

(Since 2019)

   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.    86 RICs consisting of 110 Portfolios    None

Cynthia L. Egan

1955

  

Trustee

(Since 2019)

   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.    86 RICs consisting of 110 Portfolios    Unum (insurance); The Hanover Insurance Group (insurance); Envestnet (investment platform) from 2013 until 2016

Frank J. Fabozzi (d)

1948

  

Trustee

(Since 2019)

   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.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    None

Henry Gabbay

1947

  

Trustee

(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.    86 RICs consisting of 110 Portfolios    None

 

 

54    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Trustee and Officer Information  (continued)

 

Independent Trustees (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
   Public Company and
Other Investment Company
Directorships Held During
Past Five Years

R. Glenn Hubbard

1958

  

Trustee

(Since 2019)

   Dean, Columbia Business School from 2004 to 2019; Faculty member, Columbia Business School since 1988.    86 RICs consisting of 110 Portfolios    ADP (data and information services); Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (insurance); KKR Financial Corporation (finance) from 2004 until 2014

W. Carl Kester (d)

1951

  

Trustee

(Since 2019)

   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.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    None

Catherine A. Lynch (d)

1961

  

Trustee

(Since 2019)

   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.    87 RICs consisting of 111 Portfolios    None
Interested Trustees (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
   Public Company and
Other Investment Company
Directorships Held During
Past Five Years

Robert Fairbairn

1965

  

Trustee

(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.    123 RICs consisting of 287 Portfolios    None

John M. Perlowski (d)

1964

  

Trustee

(Since 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer

(Since 2010)

   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.    124 RICs consisting of 288 Portfolios    None

(a) The address of each Trustee is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055.

(b) Each Independent Trustee 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 Trust’s by-laws or charter or statute, or until December 31 of the year in which he or she turns 75. Trustees 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 Trust’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 Trustees 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 Trustees 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. Certain other Independent Trustees became members of the boards of the closed-end funds in the Fixed-Income Complex as follows: Michael J. Castellano, 2011; Cynthia L. Egan, 2016; and Catherine A. Lynch, 2016.

(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 Trust 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.

 

 

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION      55  


Trustee and Officer Information  (continued)

 

Officers Who Are Not Trustees (a)
     
Name
Year of Birth
 (b)
   Position(s) Held
(Length of Service)
   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

Jennifer McGovern

1977

  

Vice President

(Since 2014)

   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2016; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2011 to 2015; Head of Product Development and Oversight for BlackRock’s Strategic Product Management Group since 2019; Head of Product Structure and Oversight for BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory Group from 2013 to 2019.

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.

Lisa Belle

1968

  

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

(Since 2019)

   Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2019; Global Financial Crime Head for Asset and Wealth Management of JP Morgan from 2013 to 2019; Managing Director of RBS Securities from 2012 to 2013; Head of Financial Crimes for Barclays Wealth Americas from 2010 to 2012.

Janey Ahn

1975

  

Secretary

(Since 2019)

   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 Trust serve at the pleasure of the Board.

Further information about the Trust’s/MIP II’s Trustees and Officers is available in the Trust’s Statement of Additional Information, which can be obtained without charge by calling (800) 441-7762.

 

Effective September 4, 2019, Janey Ahn replaced Benjamin Archibald as the Secretary of the Trust/MIP II.

Effective September 5, 2019, Lisa Belle replaced John MacKessy as the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer of the Trust/MIP II.

Effective February 19, 2020, Henry Gabbay resigned as a Trustee of the Trust/MIP II.

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Wilmington, DE 19809

Sub-Advisers

BlackRock Fund Advisors

San Francisco, CA 94105

BlackRock International Limited

Edinburgh, EH3 8BL

United Kingdom

Accounting Agent and Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, MA 02111

Transfer Agent

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

Wilmington, DE 19809

Distributor

BlackRock Investments, LLC

New York, NY 10022

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Legal Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

New York, NY 10019

Address of the Trust/MIP II

100 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

 

 

56    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Additional Information

 

General Information

Householding

The Fund will mail only one copy of shareholder documents, including prospectuses, 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 Fund at (800) 441-7762.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The Fund/Master Portfolio 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 Fund’s/Master Portfolio’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. The Fund’s/Master Portfolio’s Form N-Q may also be obtained upon request and without charge by calling (800) 441-7762.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund/Master Portfolio uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available upon request and without charge (1) by calling (800) 441-7762; (2) at blackrock.com; and (3) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

Availability of Proxy Voting Record

Information about how the Fund/Master Portfolio voted proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s/Master Portfolio’s portfolio during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge (1) at blackrock.com; or by calling (800) 441-7762 and (2) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

BlackRock’s Mutual Fund Family

BlackRock offers a diverse lineup of open-end mutual funds crossing all investment styles and managed by experts in equity, fixed-income and tax-exempt investing. Visit blackrock.com for more information.

Shareholder Privileges

Account Information

Call us at (800) 441-7762 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET on any business day to get information about your account balances, recent transactions and share prices. You can also visit blackrock.com for more information.

Automatic Investment Plans

Investor class shareholders who want to invest regularly can arrange to have $50 or more automatically deducted from their checking or savings account and invested in any of the BlackRock funds.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans

Investor class shareholders can establish a systematic withdrawal plan and receive periodic payments of $50 or more from their BlackRock funds, as long as their account balance is at least $10,000.

Retirement Plans

Shareholders may make investments in conjunction with Traditional, Rollover, Roth, Coverdell, Simple IRAs, SEP IRAs and 403(b) Plans.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION      57  


Additional Information  (continued)

 

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.

 

 

58    2019 BLACKROCK ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Currency
AUD    Australian Dollar
CAD    Canadian Dollar
EUR    Euro
GBP    British Pound
HKD    Hong Kong Dollar
JPY    Japanese Yen
KRW    South Korean Won
PLN    Polish Zloty
SEK    Swedish Krona
SGD    Singapore Dollar
USD    United States Dollar
ZAR    South African Rand

 

Portfolio Abbreviations
BBR    Bank Bill Rate
ETF    Exchange-Traded Fund
EURIBOR    Euro Interbank Offered Rate
HIBOR    Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
MXIBOR    Mexico Interbank Offered Rate
OTC    Over-the-Counter
S&P    Standard & Poor’s
SIBOR    Singapore Interbank Offered Rate
STIBOR    Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate
WIBOR    Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate
 

 

 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT      59  


Want to know more?

blackrock.com    |    877-275-1255 (1-877-ASK-1BLK)

This report is intended for current holders. It is not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s current prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be considered a representation of future performance. Investment returns and principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Statements and other information herein are as dated and are subject to change.

CAB-12/19-AR

 

 

LOGO    LOGO


Item 2 –

Code of Ethics – Each registrant (or each, a “Fund”) has adopted a code of ethics, as of the end of the period covered by this report, applicable to the registrants’ 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 registrants undertake to provide a copy of the code of ethics to any person upon request, without charge, who calls 1-800-441-7762.

 

Item 3 –

Audit Committee Financial Expert – Each registrant’s board of directors (the “board of directors”), has determined that (i) the registrant has the following audit committee financial expert 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 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) in each of the last two fiscal years for the services rendered to the Funds:

 

     

(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 CoreAlpha Bond Fund    

   $11,000    $11,000    $0    $0    $8,100    $8,100    $0    $0
                 

CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio    

   $43,300    $39,500    $0    $0    $22,700    $20,700    $0    $0

 

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The following table presents fees billed by PwC that were required to be approved by each registrant’s audit committee (each a “Committee”) for services that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of each Fund and that are rendered on behalf of BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “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 each 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   $0   $0

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 Aggregate fees borne by BlackRock in connection with the review of compliance procedures and attestation thereto performed by PwC with respect to all of the registered closed-end funds and some of the registered open-end funds advised by BlackRock.

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures:

Each 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 registrant’s 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 registrant’s Committee, as will any other services not subject to general pre-approval (e.g., unanticipated but 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 either 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:

 

3


    Entity Name  

 

Current
Fiscal
  Year End  

 

 

Previous
  Fiscal Year  
End

 

    BlackRock CoreAlpha Bond Fund   $8,100   $8,100
    CoreAlpha Bond Master Portfolio   $22,700   $20,700

(h) Each 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 – Not Applicable

 

Item 6 –

Investments

(a) The registrants’ Schedules of Investments are 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 – Not Applicable

 

Item 8 –

Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not Applicable

 

Item 9 –

Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers – Not Applicable

 

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 registrants’ principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrants’ 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 15(d)-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(b) –     There were no changes in the registrants’ 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 registrants’ internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12 –

Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not Applicable to the registrants.

 

Item 13 –

Exhibits attached hereto

(a)(1) Code of Ethics – See Item 2

(a)(2) Certifications – Attached hereto

(a)(3) Not Applicable

 

4


(a)(4) Not Applicable

(b) Certifications – Attached hereto

 

 

5


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BlackRock Funds VI and Master Investment Portfolio II

 

  By:      /s/ John M. Perlowski                            
       John M. Perlowski
       Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of
       BlackRock Funds VI and Master Investment Portfolio II

Date: March 6, 2020

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 each 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 Funds VI and Master Investment Portfolio II

Date: March 6, 2020

 

  By:     

/s/ Neal J. Andrews                               

      

Neal J. Andrews

      

Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) of

      

BlackRock Funds VI and Master Investment Portfolio II

Date: March 6, 2020

 

 

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