N-CSR/A 1 i00459_natres-ncsra.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR/A

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-04282

 

Name of Fund: BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

 

Fund Address: 100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Name and address of agent for service: John M. Perlowski, Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock Natural Resources Trust, 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

 

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

 

Date of fiscal year end: 07/31/2010

 

Date of reporting period: 07/31/2010

 

Item 1 – Report to Stockholders

 


 

 

(BLACKROCK LOGO)

July 31, 2010

Annual Report

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.

 

Not FDIC Insured § No Bank Guarantee § May Lose Value



 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Page

 


 

 

 

 

Dear Shareholder

 

3

 

Annual Report:

 

 

 

Fund Summaries

 

4

 

About Fund Performance

 

10

 

Disclosure of Expenses

 

11

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

11

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Schedules of Investments

 

12

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

21

 

Statements of Operations

 

23

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

24

 

Financial Highlights

 

26

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

37

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

48

 

Important Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

48

 

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

49

 

Officers and Directors

 

53

 

Additional Information

 

57

 

Mutual Fund Family

 

59

 


 

 

 

 


2

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Dear Shareholder

The global economy is continuing to slowly improve, with the United States and emerging markets leading the way; however global and US economic statistics show that the pace of economic growth has trailed off in recent months. Market volatility has remained elevated over the past several months as investors remain uncertain about the future direction of economic growth. The sovereign debt crisis in Europe, slowing growth in China and concerns over the possibility that the United States and other developed markets are heading for a double-dip recession have all acted to depress investor sentiment. It is our view that the recent soft patch of economic data is just that — a slowdown in the pace of recovery and not an indication that the economy is sliding back into recession. In the United States, we expect to see slightly slower economic growth over the next several quarters; however, true double-dip recessions are quite rare, and unless there is a major shock to the economy, we believe the recovery will continue.

Global equity markets have moved unevenly higher since bottoming out in early 2009 as investors were enticed by depressed valuations, improved corporate earnings, and their desire for higher yields. Several significant downturns, however, have occurred — primarily as a result of mixed economic data and concerns about the possibility of prolonged deflation (especially in Europe). As the period drew to a close, equity markets were staging a muted recovery. On a 12-month basis global equities were still showing positive returns thanks to improving corporate revenues and profits and a reasonably strong macro backdrop. From a geographic perspective, US equities have significantly outpaced their international counterparts over the past six and twelve months, as the domestic economic recovery has been more pronounced and credit-related issues have held European markets down. Within the United States, smaller cap stocks have outperformed large caps year-to-date.

In fixed income markets, yields have fluctuated significantly over the past year as economic data has been mixed. Over recent months, risk aversion and credit issues kept interest rates low and US Treasury yields have fallen significantly as investors favored “safe haven” assets. As the period drew to a close, higher-risk fixed income assets performed well due to strong earnings announcements and better-than-expected results on European bank stress tests. Meanwhile, tax-exempt municipal bonds slightly outperformed US investment grade bonds on a 12-month basis, but underperformed year-to-date as investors rotated to the relative safety of Treasuries.

Regarding cash investments, yields on money market securities remain near all-time lows (producing returns only marginally above zero percent), with the Federal Open Market Committee reiterating that economic circumstances are likely to necessitate an accommodative interest rate stance for an “extended period.”

Against this backdrop, the major market averages posted the following returns:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Returns as of July 31, 2010

 

6-month

 

12-month

 


US large cap equities (S&P 500 Index)

 

3.61

%

 

13.84

%

 









US small cap equities (Russell 2000 Index)

 

8.79

 

 

18.43

 

 









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

 

(0.62

)

 

6.26

 

 









3-month Treasury bill (BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index)

 

0.06

 

 

0.16

 

 









US Treasury securities (BofA Merrill Lynch 10-Year US Treasury Index)

 

7.67

 

 

8.34

 

 









US investment grade bonds (Barclays Capital US Aggregate Bond Index)

 

4.85

 

 

8.91

 

 









Tax-exempt municipal bonds (Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index)

 

4.06

 

 

9.15

 

 









US high yield bonds (Barclays Capital US Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index)

 

6.72

 

 

23.69

 

 









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

Although conditions are certainly better than they were a couple of years ago, global financial markets continue to face high volatility while questions about the strength and sustainability of the recovery abound. Through periods of uncertainty, as ever, BlackRock’s full resources are dedicated to the management of our clients’ assets. For additional market perspective and investment insight, visit www.blackrock.com/shareholdermagazine, where you’ll find the most recent issue of our award-winning Shareholder® magazine, as well as its quarterly companion newsletter, Shareholder Perspectives. We thank you for entrusting BlackRock with your investments, and we look forward to your continued partnership in the months and years ahead.

 

Sincerely,

 

-s- Rob Kapito

 

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock Advisors, LLC


 

 

 

 


 

THIS PAGE NOT PART OF YOUR FUND REPORT

 

3



 

 


 

 

Fund Summary as of July 31, 2010

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

 

 


Portfolio Management Commentary


How did the Fund perform?

 

 

The Fund generated positive returns for the 12-month period, but underperformed its performance benchmarks, the Russell 1000 Value Index, and the broad market S&P 500 Index. The following discussion of relevant performance pertains to the Russell 1000 Value Index.

What factors influenced performance?

 

 

The largest single detractor from the Fund’s overall performance was an underweight position in the consumer discretionary sector. Stock selection in financials detracted significantly from performance, as the Fund’s more conservative holdings in the sector trailed lower-quality names that tended to perform well early in 2010. The Fund’s cash position also detracted from relative returns due largely to strong market advances in the first quarter of 2010.


 

 

On the positive side, the Fund’s large overweight position in the materials sector significantly aided relative performance during the period, as did the combination of a modest underweight position and individual stock selection in telecommunication services. Stock selection within the traditionally defensive health care sector also contributed to performance. The Fund’s underweight position in the energy sector benefited performance as well.

Describe recent portfolio activity.

 

 

The most notable change during the 12 months was an active reduction in the Fund’s overall energy weighting due largely to the sale of BP Plc and Diamond Offshore during the second quarter of 2010. The Fund’s cash position has been decreasing despite strong inflows, as volatile markets provided opportunities to purchase healthy companies at attractive prices. New positions were established in Home Depot, Inc. and Prudential Financial, Inc., which have been showing strong and improving business fundamentals. These purchases marginally increased exposure to the cyclical financials and consumer discretionary sectors, areas in which the Fund has typically been underweight. Even with these changes, we maintain our low-turnover philosophy, as we continue to believe that holding strong companies through complete business cycles enables the Fund to establish a growing income stream and deliver competitive total returns in the long run.

Describe Fund positioning at period end.

 

 

In this environment, our focus continues to be on the consistency and stability of revenues, earnings and dividends for predictability and growth of future income with careful consideration of downside risk. We continue to look for companies with the ability to grow their dividend distributions over time. We continue to position the Fund to benefit from what we believe are inevitable trends of global growth such as industrialization and urbanization. Market volatility has presented opportunities to buy new holdings at attractive valuations, add to strong convictions and utilize our sell discipline to exit positions that have had an adverse fundamental change at the company level.


 

 

We continue to believe that the balance between current income and capital appreciation will be of great importance as we move through the stages of economic recovery. Relative earnings strength, healthy balance sheets, sustainable growth and stability of income will continue to characterize our investment strategy for the Fund’s next fiscal year.

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.

 


Portfolio Information



 

 

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

 

Percent of
Long-Term
Investments

 


JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

3

%

 

Chevron Corp.

 

3

 

 

BHP Billiton Ltd.

 

3

 

 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

 

2

 

 

Deere & Co.

 

2

 

 

Total SA

 

2

 

 

Wells Fargo & Co.

 

2

 

 

Caterpillar, Inc.

 

2

 

 

United Technologies Corp.

 

2

 

 

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

 

2

 

 






 

 

 

 

 

Sector Allocation

 

Percent of
Long-Term
Investments

 


Industrials

 

16

%

 

Consumer Staples

 

15

 

 

Financials

 

15

 

 

Energy

 

14

 

 

Materials

 

10

 

 

Utilities

 

9

 

 

Telecommunication Services

 

6

 

 

Consumer Discretionary

 

5

 

 

Health Care

 

5

 

 

Information Technology

 

5

 

 







 

 

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s sector classifications refer to any one or more of the sector sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such sector sub-classifications for reporting ease.


 

 

 

 


4

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

 


Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment



 

 

 

 

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

 

 

 

1

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

 

 

 

 

2

The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities and dividend paying securities.

 

 

 

 

3

This unmanaged index covers 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the US markets (mostly New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) issues), representing about 75% of NYSE market capitalization and 30% of NYSE issues.

 

 

 

 

4

This unmanaged broad-based index is a subset of the Russell 1000 Index consisting of those Russell 1000 securities with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






















Performance Summary for the Period Ended July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






















 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns5

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

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

 

 

 

4.01

%

 

 

 

12.31

%

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

3.21

%

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

6.00

%

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

Service

 

 

 

3.91

 

 

 

 

12.07

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

2.95

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

5.74

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

Investor A

 

 

 

3.89

 

 

 

 

11.96

 

 

 

 

6.09

%

 

 

 

2.92

 

 

 

 

1.82

%

 

 

 

5.72

 

 

 

 

5.15

%

 

Investor B

 

 

 

3.49

 

 

 

 

11.10

 

 

 

 

6.60

 

 

 

 

2.12

 

 

 

 

1.75

 

 

 

 

5.06

 

 

 

 

5.06

 

 

Investor C

 

 

 

3.56

 

 

 

 

11.15

 

 

 

 

10.15

 

 

 

 

2.16

 

 

 

 

2.16

 

 

 

 

4.92

 

 

 

 

4.92

 

 

Class R

 

 

 

3.73

 

 

 

 

11.67

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

2.63

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

5.53

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

S&P 500 Index

 

 

 

3.61

 

 

 

 

13.84

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

(0.17

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

(0.76

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

Russell 1000 Value Index

 

 

 

4.24

 

 

 

 

15.39

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

(0.91

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

2.92

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 







































 

 

 

 

5

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 10 for a detailed description of share classes, including any related sales charges and fees.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Past performance is not indicative of future results.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Expense Example

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

















 

 

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical7

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
February 1, 2010

 

Ending
Account Value
July 31, 2010

 

Expenses Paid
During the Period6

 

Beginning
Account Value
February 1, 2010

 

Ending
Account Value
July 31, 2010

 

Expenses Paid
During the Period6

 

Annualized
Expense Ratio

 

















Institutional

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,040.10

 

$

4.00

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,020.88

 

$

3.96

 

 

0.79

%

Service

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,039.10

 

$

5.16

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,019.74

 

$

5.11

 

 

1.02

%

Investor A

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,038.90

 

$

5.36

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,019.54

 

$

5.31

 

 

1.06

%

Investor B

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,034.90

 

$

9.18

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,015.77

 

$

9.10

 

 

1.82

%

Investor C

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,035.60

 

$

9.03

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,015.92

 

$

8.95

 

 

1.79

%

Class R

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,037.30

 

$

6.97

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,017.96

 

$

6.90

 

 

1.38

%

























 

 

 

 

6

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown).

 

 

 

 

7

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


 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

5



 

 


 

 

Fund Summary as of July 31, 2010

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

 

 



Portfolio Management Commentary

 




 

 

How did the Fund perform?

 

 

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust (the “Fund”) outperformed its performance benchmark, the MSCI Natural Resources Index, and underperformed the broad market S&P 500 Index for the 12-month period. The following discussion of relative performance pertains to the MSCI Natural Resources Index.

 

 

What factors influenced performance?

 

 

During the 12 months, commodity prices remained elevated, supporting natural resources stock prices. Oil prices rallied on tight supply-demand fundamentals amid modestly improving global economic conditions. Stock selection within the oil & gas exploration & production segment benefited the Fund.

 

 

Conversely, the Fund’s underweight position in diversified metals & mining detracted from relative performance. As economic conditions improved, industrial metals producers rallied sharply. In addition, the Fund’s cash position detracted modestly in a generally upward-moving market.

 

 

Describe recent portfolio activity.

 

 

Portfolio turnover was low for the 12 months, as is typical for the Fund. We exited our position in BP plc on news of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

 

Describe Fund positioning at period end.

 

 

At period end, the Fund maintains its emphasis on oil exploration & production names and select natural gas shale stocks. The Fund is underweight in large-cap integrated oil and refining companies. We continue to prefer energy to metals. Early in 2010, we took a more defensive position and allowed cash to accumulate in the Fund. We are looking for attractive opportunities to invest this cash.


 

 

 

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.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 








Portfolio Information

 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

 

 

Percent of
Long-Term
Investments

 






EOG Resources, Inc.

 

 

 

5

%

 

Apache Corp.

 

 

 

4

 

 

Murphy Oil Corp.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Suncor Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Chevron Corp.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Devon Energy Corp.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Talisman Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

3

 

 

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

 

 

 

2

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industry Allocation

 

 

Percent of
Long-Term
Investments

 






Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

 

 

 

26

%

 

Integrated Oil & Gas

 

 

 

15

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services

 

 

 

12

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

 

 

11

 

 

Canadian Independents

 

 

 

9

 

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

 

9

 

 

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

 

 

 

8

 

 

Oil & Gas Drilling

 

 

 

5

 

 

Gold

 

 

 

2

 

 

Oil & Gas Producers

 

 

 

1

 

 

Gas Utilities

 

 

 

1

 

 

Chemicals

 

 

 

1

 

 








 

 

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such industry sub-classifications for reporting ease.


 

 

 

 


6

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

 


Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment


 

 

 

 

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

 

 

 

1

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

 

 

 

 

2

The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign companies with substantial natural resource assets.

 

 

 

 

3

This unmanaged index covers the 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the US markets (mostly NYSE issues), representing about 75% of NYSE market capitalization and 30% of NYSE issues.

 

 

 

 

4

This unmanaged index is an index consisting primarily of equity securities of companies engaged in the natural resources industry.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Performance Summary for the Period Ended July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






































 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns5

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

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

 

 

 

0.79

%

 

 

 

11.47

%

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

5.82

%

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

13.36

%

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

Investor A

 

 

 

0.67

 

 

 

 

11.17

 

 

 

 

5.34

%

 

 

 

5.54

 

 

 

 

4.41

%

 

 

 

13.06

 

 

 

 

12.46

%

 

Investor B

 

 

 

0.26

 

 

 

 

10.29

 

 

 

 

5.79

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

 

 

 

4.40

 

 

 

 

12.37

 

 

 

 

12.37

 

 

Investor C

 

 

 

0.24

 

 

 

 

10.28

 

 

 

 

9.28

 

 

 

 

4.72

 

 

 

 

4.72

 

 

 

 

12.19

 

 

 

 

12.19

 

 

S&P 500 Index

 

 

 

3.61

 

 

 

 

13.84

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

(0.17

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

(0.76

)

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

MSCI Natural Resources Index

 

 

 

(0.04

)

 

 

 

8.42

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

5.83

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

8.44

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 







































 

 

 

 

5

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 10 for a detailed description of share classes, including any related sales charges and fees.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Past performance is not indicative of future results.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




















Expense Example

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




















 

 

 

Actual

 

Hypothetical7

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
February 1, 2010

 

Ending
Account Value
July 31, 2010

 

Expenses Paid
During the Period6

 

Beginning
Account Value
February 1, 2010

 

Ending
Account Value
July 31, 2010

 

Expenses Paid
During the Period6

 

Annualized
Expense Ratio

 

















Institutional

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,007.90

 

$

4.08

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,020.73

 

$

4.11

 

 

0.82

%

Investor A

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,006.70

 

$

5.32

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,019.49

 

$

5.36

 

 

1.07

%

Investor B

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,002.60

 

$

9.24

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,015.57

 

$

9.30

 

 

1.86

%

Investor C

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,002.40

 

$

9.48

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,015.32

 

$

9.54

 

 

1.91

%

























 

 

 

 

6

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown).

 

 

 

 

7

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


 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

7



 

 


 

 

Fund Summary as of July 31, 2010

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.

 

 



Portfolio Management Commentary

 




 

 

How did the Fund perform?

 

 

For the 12-month period, the Fund underperformed its composite benchmark (70% S&P 500 Utilities Index/30% S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index) as well as the S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index, the broad market S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Utilities Index.

 

 

What factors influenced performance?

 

 

Relative to the Fund’s composite benchmark, the biggest boost to performance for the period came from an overweight position in the wireless telecommunication services industry, followed by individual stock selection and a significant underweight in diversified telecommunication services. Within the utilities space, stock selection in electric utilities significantly aided relative returns for the period. A marginal overweight position in gas utilities also helped bolster returns.

 

 

Within utilities, the biggest detriment to relative performance came from a large underweight position in the integrated utilities industry, followed by an overweight in independent power producers & energy traders. In industrials, a marginal overweight position in commercial services & supplies also detracted slightly from performance. Elsewhere, individual stock selection in wireless telecommunication services hindered relative performance.

 

 

Describe recent portfolio activity.

 

 

We continued to reduce the Fund’s exposure to European markets during the 12-month period. Several events had a negative impact on our outlook for European utilities. In particular, news of new taxes on nuclear energy production in Germany and concern regarding tariffs in France and Spain prompted us to reduce or eliminate selected holdings. Politics in Europe are unpredictable, and with a debt crisis in some markets, certain growing or profitable utility companies may become a source through which these countries can generate revenue. Continued pressures in European telecommunication services due to increased competition and lower prices in general, caused us to reduce our weighting in this industry as well. Proceeds from the sale of these securities were used to increase exposure to more defensive companies, such as US electric utilities.

 

 

Describe Fund positioning at period end.

 

 

At period end, the Fund was positioned to reflect conservatism in the current economic environment. We have been placing an emphasis on US-based companies, especially in light of the challenges evident in many overseas markets. At the sector level, we have been adding to the Fund’s electric utilities holdings, given signs of a stronger rebound in power demand, a more favorable competitive landscape, and a higher degree of pricing stability.


 

 

 

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.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 








Portfolio Information

 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

 

 

Percent of
Long-Term
Investments

 






NextEra Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

4

%

 

Dominion Resources, Inc.

 

 

 

4

 

 

The Southern Co.

 

 

 

4

 

 

Entergy Corp.

 

 

 

4

 

 

AT&T Inc.

 

 

 

3

 

 

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

 

 

 

3

 

 

ITC Holdings Corp.

 

 

 

3

 

 

PG&E Corp.

 

 

 

3

 

 

Constellation Energy Group, Inc.

 

 

 

2

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industry Allocation

 

 

Percent of
Long-Term
Investments

 






Utilities

 

 

 

71

%

 

Telecommunications Services

 

 

 

21

 

 

Energy

 

 

 

6

 

 

Consumer Discretionary

 

 

 

1

 

 

Information Technology

 

 

 

1

 

 








 

 

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such industry sub-classifications for reporting ease.


 

 

 

 


8

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.

 


Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment



 

 

 

 

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

 

 

 

1

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

 

 

 

 

2

The Fund invests primarily in equity and debt securities issued by domestic and foreign utilities companies and telecommunications companies.

 

 

 

 

3

This unmanaged index covers 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the US markets (mostly NYSE issues), representing about 75% of NYSE market capitalization and 30% of NYSE issues.

 

 

 

 

4

This unmanaged index is comprised of all stocks designed to measure the performance of electric and natural gas utilities within the S&P 500 Index.

 

 

 

 

5

This composite index is comprised 70% of the S&P 500 Utilities Index and 30% of the S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index.

 

 

 

 

6

This unmanaged index is comprised of all stocks designed to measure the performance of telecommunication services companies within the S&P 500 Index.


 


Performance Summary for the Period Ended July 31, 2010



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns7

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 



 

 

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

 

4.14

%

 

7.20

%

 

N/A

 

 

3.37

%

 

N/A

 

 

4.07

%

 

N/A

 

 

Investor A

 

4.02

 

 

6.96

 

 

1.35

%

 

3.13

 

 

2.02

%

 

3.81

 

 

3.26

%

 

Investor B

 

3.50

 

 

5.91

 

 

1.41

 

 

2.23

 

 

1.90

 

 

2.98

 

 

2.98

 

 

Investor B1

 

3.76

 

 

6.33

 

 

2.33

 

 

2.54

 

 

2.21

 

 

3.37

 

 

3.37

 

 

Investor C

 

3.54

 

 

6.02

 

 

5.02

 

 

2.29

 

 

2.29

 

 

3.01

 

 

3.01

 

 

Investor C1

 

3.65

 

 

6.17

 

 

5.17

 

 

2.49

 

 

2.49

 

 

3.23

 

 

3.23

 

 

S&P 500 Index

 

3.61

 

 

13.84

 

 

N/A

 

 

(0.17

)

 

N/A

 

 

(0.76

)

 

N/A

 

 

S&P 500 Utilities Index

 

5.06

 

 

9.47

 

 

N/A

 

 

2.60

 

 

N/A

 

 

2.83

 

 

N/A

 

 

S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index

 

9.18

 

 

8.23

 

 

N/A

 

 

2.00

 

 

N/A

 

 

(4.41

)

 

N/A

 

 

70% S&P 500 Utilities Index/30% S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index

 

6.30

 

 

9.15

 

 

N/A

 

 

2.67

 

 

N/A

 

 

1.20

 

 

N/A

 

 

























 

 

 

 

7

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 10 for a detailed description of share classes, including any related sales charges and fees.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Past performance is not indicative of future results.


 


Expense Example



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

Hypothetical9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
February 1, 2010

 

 

 

Ending
Account Value
July 31, 2010

 

 

 

Expenses Paid
During the Period8

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
February 1, 2010

 

 

 

Ending
Account Value
July 31, 2010

 

 

 

Expenses Paid
During the Period8

 

 

Annualized
Expense Ratio

 

 

















Institutional

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,041.40

 

 

 

$

5.21

 

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,019.69

 

 

 

$

5.16

 

 

1.03

%

 

Investor A

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,040.20

 

 

 

$

6.32

 

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,018.60

 

 

 

$

6.26

 

 

1.25

%

 

Investor B

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,035.00

 

 

 

$

11.30

 

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,013.69

 

 

 

$

11.18

 

 

2.24

%

 

Investor B1

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,037.60

 

 

 

$

9.19

 

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,015.77

 

 

 

$

9.10

 

 

1.82

%

 

Investor C

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,035.40

 

 

 

$

10.40

 

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,014.58

 

 

 

$

10.29

 

 

2.06

%

 

Investor C1

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,036.50

 

 

 

$

9.59

 

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

$

1,015.37

 

 

 

$

9.49

 

 

1.90

%

 





































 

 

 

 

8

For each class of the Fund, expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period shown).

 

 

 

 

9

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


 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

9



 


 

About Fund Performance

 


 

 

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

 

 

Service Shares (available only to BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund) are not subject to any sales charge. Service Shares are subject to a service fee of 0.25% per year (but no distribution fee) and are available only to eligible investors. Prior to October 2, 2006, Service Share performance results are those of Institutional Shares (which have no distribution or service fees) restated to reflect the Service Share fees.

 

 

Investor A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 5.25% and a service fee of 0.25% per year (but no distribution fee).

 

 

Investor B Shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 4.50% declining to 0% after six years. In addition, Investor B Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% per year and a service fee of 0.25% per year. These shares automatically convert to Investor A Shares after approximately eight years. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic share conversions.) For BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund and BlackRock Natural Resources Trust, all returns for periods greater than eight years reflect this conversion. For BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. prior to October 2, 2006, Investor B Share performance results are those of Institutional Shares (which have no distribution or service fees) restated to reflect the Investor B Share fees.

 

 

Investor B1 Shares (available only to BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.) are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 4% declining to 0% after six years. In addition, Investor B1 Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.50% per year and a service fee of 0.25% per year. These shares automatically convert to Investor A Shares after approximately eight years. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic share conversions.) All returns for periods greater than eight years reflect this conversion.

 

 

Investor C Shares are subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. In addition, Investor C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% and a service fee of 0.25% per year. For BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. prior to October 2, 2006, Investor C Share performance results are those of Institutional Shares (which have no distribution or service fees) restated to reflect the Investor C Share fees.

 

 

Investor C1 Shares (available only to BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.) are subject to a distribution fee of 0.55% per year and a service fee of 0.25% per year. In addition, Investor C1 Shares are subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase.

 

 

Class R Shares (available only to BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund) do not incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) or deferred sales charge. These shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.25% per year and a service fee of 0.25% per year. Class R Shares are available only to certain retirement plans. Prior to January 3, 2003, Class R Share performance results are those of Institutional Shares (which have no distribution or service fees) restated to reflect the Class R Share fees.

 

 

 

Investor B, B1 and C1 Shares of the Funds are only available for purchase through exchanges, dividend reinvestments by existing shareholders or for purchase by certain qualified employee benefit plans.

 

 

 

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 www.blackrock.com/funds 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 tables on the previous pages assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, at net asset value on the ex-dividend 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. Dividends 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. The Funds’ investment advisor waived a portion of its investment advisory fee. Without such a waiver, the Funds’ performance would have been lower.


 

 

 

 


10

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Disclosure of Expenses

Shareholders of the Funds may incur the following charges: (a) expenses related to transactions, including sales charges, redemption fees and exchange fees; and (b) operating expenses, including advisory fees, service and distribution fees including 12b-1 fees and other Fund expenses. The expense examples on the previous pages (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested on February 1, 2010 and held through July 31, 2010) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The tables provide 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 tables also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each 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 these Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in other funds’ shareholder reports.

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

 

 


 

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Funds may invest in various derivative instruments, including financial futures contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts and options, as specified in Note 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements, which may constitute forms of economic leverage. Such instruments are used to obtain exposure to a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities or to hedge market, equity and/or foreign currency exchange rate risks. Such derivative instruments involve risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of a derivative instrument and the underlying asset, possible default of the counterparty to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative instrument. A Fund’s ability to successfully use a derivative instrument depends on the investment advisor’s ability to accurately predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The use of derivative instruments may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require a Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for distressed values, may result in lower dividends paid to shareholders, may limit the amount of appreciation a Fund can realize on an investment or may cause a Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. The Funds’ investments in these instruments are discussed in detail in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

11



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments July 31, 2010

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

 

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 









Aerospace & Defense — 6.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Dynamics Corp.

 

 

1,458,200

 

$

89,314,750

 

Honeywell International, Inc.

 

 

883,400

 

 

37,862,524

 

Northrop Grumman Corp.

 

 

1,563,100

 

 

91,660,184

 

Raytheon Co.

 

 

2,899,500

 

 

134,159,865

 

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

 

 

421,200

 

 

24,075,792

 

United Technologies Corp.

 

 

2,035,100

 

 

144,695,610

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

521,768,725

 









Air Freight & Logistics — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B

 

 

979,600

 

 

63,674,000

 









Beverages — 2.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Coca-Cola Co.

 

 

1,935,200

 

 

106,648,872

 

Diageo Plc

 

 

5,030,900

 

 

87,308,236

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

193,957,108

 









Capital Markets — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

 

 

982,868

 

 

24,640,501

 









Chemicals — 3.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

 

 

379,200

 

 

27,522,336

 

The Dow Chemical Co.

 

 

842,000

 

 

23,011,860

 

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

 

 

3,366,300

 

 

136,907,421

 

Olin Corp.

 

 

2,100,100

 

 

42,632,030

 

Praxair, Inc.

 

 

743,100

 

 

64,515,942

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

294,589,589

 









Commercial Banks — 6.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

 

2,079,300

 

 

104,344,231

 

National Bank of Canada

 

 

1,709,300

 

 

98,080,450

 

Royal Bank of Canada

 

 

742,400

 

 

38,793,569

 

The Toronto-Dominion Bank

 

 

889,200

 

 

63,278,899

 

U.S. Bancorp

 

 

3,379,300

 

 

80,765,270

 

Wells Fargo & Co.

 

 

5,931,200

 

 

164,472,176

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

549,734,595

 









Computers & Peripherals — 1.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hewlett-Packard Co.

 

 

2,042,400

 

 

94,032,096

 









Containers & Packaging — 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packaging Corp. of America

 

 

964,600

 

 

23,150,400

 

Temple-Inland, Inc.

 

 

1,401,100

 

 

28,106,066

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,256,466

 









Diversified Financial Services — 4.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank of America Corp.

 

 

7,485,500

 

 

105,096,420

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

 

5,900,950

 

 

237,690,266

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

342,786,686

 









Diversified Telecommunication Services — 4.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AT&T Inc.

 

 

5,123,103

 

 

132,893,292

 

BCE, Inc.

 

 

960,773

 

 

29,409,261

 

CenturyTel, Inc.

 

 

1,084,000

 

 

38,612,080

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 









Diversified Telecommunication Services (concluded)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frontier Communications Corp.

 

 

641,367

 

$

4,900,044

 

Qwest Communications International, Inc.

 

 

18,311,300

 

 

103,641,958

 

Verizon Communications, Inc.

 

 

2,758,121

 

 

80,150,996

 

Windstream Corp.

 

 

2,629,042

 

 

29,971,079

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

419,578,710

 









Electric Utilities — 4.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

 

 

1,261,000

 

 

45,370,780

 

Duke Energy Corp.

 

 

2,146,620

 

 

36,707,202

 

Entergy Corp.

 

 

695,300

 

 

53,892,703

 

Exelon Corp.

 

 

675,600

 

 

28,260,348

 

FirstEnergy Corp.

 

 

520,800

 

 

19,634,160

 

ITC Holdings Corp.

 

 

323,700

 

 

18,366,738

 

NextEra Energy, Inc.

 

 

1,025,100

 

 

53,612,730

 

Northeast Utilities, Inc.

 

 

626,100

 

 

17,430,624

 

PPL Corp.

 

 

1,044,100

 

 

28,493,489

 

The Southern Co.

 

 

1,526,700

 

 

53,938,311

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

355,707,085

 









Electrical Equipment — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

 

 

479,600

 

 

25,970,340

 









Energy Equipment & Services — 1.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halliburton Co.

 

 

2,593,500

 

 

77,493,780

 

Schlumberger Ltd.

 

 

523,800

 

 

31,249,908

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

108,743,688

 









Food & Staples Retailing — 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

 

 

1,659,600

 

 

84,954,924

 









Food Products — 4.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Mills, Inc.

 

 

2,355,800

 

 

80,568,360

 

H.J. Heinz Co.

 

 

1,369,500

 

 

60,915,360

 

Kraft Foods, Inc.

 

 

2,124,703

 

 

62,062,574

 

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.

 

 

1,416,319

 

 

75,263,192

 

Unilever NV — ADR

 

 

4,082,700

 

 

120,398,823

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

399,208,309

 









Gas Utilities — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGL Resources, Inc.

 

 

267,500

 

 

10,165,000

 

EQT Corp.

 

 

1,343,900

 

 

49,294,252

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,459,252

 









Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McDonald’s Corp.

 

 

1,945,250

 

 

135,642,283

 









Household Products — 3.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clorox Co.

 

 

1,388,100

 

 

90,059,928

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

 

 

1,267,300

 

 

81,259,276

 

The Procter & Gamble Co.

 

 

2,108,800

 

 

128,974,208

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

300,293,412

 










 


Portfolio Abbreviations


To simplify the listings of portfolio holdings in the Schedules of Investments, the names and descriptions of many of the securities have been abbreviated according to the following list:

 

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipts

AUD

Australian Dollar

CAD

Canadian Dollar

GBP

British Pound

USD

US Dollar


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 





12

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

 

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 









IT Services — 1.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Business Machines Corp.

 

 

1,048,900

 

$

134,678,760

 









Industrial Conglomerates — 2.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3M Co.

 

 

1,127,000

 

 

96,403,580

 

General Electric Co.

 

 

8,360,403

 

 

134,769,696

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

231,173,276

 









Insurance — 3.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chubb Corp.

 

 

1,711,400

 

 

90,070,982

 

Prudential Financial, Inc.

 

 

1,069,900

 

 

61,294,571

 

The Travelers Cos., Inc.

 

 

2,496,794

 

 

125,963,257

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

277,328,810

 









Leisure Equipment & Products — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mattel, Inc.

 

 

1,353,300

 

 

28,635,828

 









Machinery — 3.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caterpillar, Inc. (a)

 

 

2,205,800

 

 

153,854,550

 

Deere & Co.

 

 

2,526,300

 

 

168,453,684

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

322,308,234

 









Media — 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comcast Corp., Special Class A

 

 

3,012,900

 

 

55,618,134

 

The McGraw-Hill Cos., Inc.

 

 

265,700

 

 

8,154,333

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,772,467

 









Metals & Mining — 5.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHP Billiton Ltd.

 

 

6,159,000

 

 

223,573,296

 

Barrick Gold Corp.

 

 

1,305,200

 

 

53,652,791

 

BlueScope Steel Ltd. (b)

 

 

13,260,400

 

 

28,533,999

 

Nucor Corp.

 

 

1,000,300

 

 

39,151,742

 

Rio Tinto Ltd.

 

 

1,096,429

 

 

70,373,235

 

Southern Copper Corp.

 

 

1,195,300

 

 

37,544,373

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

452,829,436

 









Multi-Utilities — 2.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

 

 

457,700

 

 

21,109,124

 

Dominion Resources, Inc.

 

 

1,845,800

 

 

77,505,142

 

PG&E Corp.

 

 

525,100

 

 

23,314,440

 

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

 

 

1,945,100

 

 

63,993,790

 

Sempra Energy

 

 

629,400

 

 

31,312,650

 

Wisconsin Energy Corp.

 

 

410,700

 

 

22,292,796

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

239,527,942

 









Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 11.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cameco Corp.

 

 

915,500

 

 

23,313,837

 

Chevron Corp. (a)

 

 

3,108,138

 

 

236,871,197

 

ConocoPhillips

 

 

1,455,498

 

 

80,372,600

 

Consol Energy, Inc.

 

 

440,100

 

 

16,494,948

 

Enbridge Inc.

 

 

1,968,400

 

 

95,811,231

 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

 

 

2,867,506

 

 

171,132,758

 

Marathon Oil Corp.

 

 

2,251,000

 

 

75,295,950

 

Murphy Oil Corp.

 

 

208,800

 

 

11,431,800

 

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

 

 

1,029,300

 

 

80,213,349

 

Peabody Energy Corp.

 

 

391,500

 

 

17,676,225

 

Spectra Energy Corp.

 

 

1,745,460

 

 

36,288,113

 

Total SA — ADR

 

 

3,301,200

 

 

167,139,756

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,012,041,764

 









Paper & Forest Products — 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MeadWestvaco Corp.

 

 

1,655,300

 

 

39,660,988

 

Weyerhaeuser Co.

 

 

840,400

 

 

13,631,288

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,292,276

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 









Personal Products — 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avon Products, Inc.

 

 

1,306,000

 

$

40,655,780

 









Pharmaceuticals — 4.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbott Laboratories

 

 

1,482,100

 

 

72,741,468

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

 

 

2,250,566

 

 

56,084,105

 

Johnson & Johnson

 

 

1,368,600

 

 

79,501,974

 

Merck & Co, Inc.

 

 

3,007,900

 

 

103,652,234

 

Pfizer, Inc.

 

 

5,917,268

 

 

88,759,020

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

400,738,801

 









Road & Rail — 1.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian National Railway Co.

 

 

1,539,800

 

 

96,961,206

 









Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intel Corp.

 

 

3,900,016

 

 

80,340,330

 









Software — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microsoft Corp.

 

 

2,435,930

 

 

62,871,353

 









Specialty Retail — 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Depot, Inc.

 

 

2,021,228

 

 

57,625,210

 

Limited Brands, Inc.

 

 

1,222,300

 

 

31,339,772

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,964,982

 









Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VF Corp.

 

 

1,086,700

 

 

86,207,911

 









Tobacco — 2.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Altria Group, Inc.

 

 

1,568,200

 

 

34,751,312

 

Lorillard, Inc.

 

 

436,300

 

 

33,263,512

 

Philip Morris International, Inc.

 

 

2,569,200

 

 

131,131,968

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

199,146,792

 









Water Utilities — 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Water Works Co, Inc.

 

 

2,072,600

 

 

44,312,188

 









Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rogers Communications, Inc., Class B

 

 

474,000

 

 

16,483,148

 

Vodafone Group Plc — ADR

 

 

1,709,081

 

 

40,129,222

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,612,370

 









Total Common Stocks — 93.4%

 

 

 

 

 

7,998,398,275

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apache Corp., 6.00% (c)

 

 

250,000

 

 

13,582,500

 









Total Preferred Stocks — 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

13,582,500

 









Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $7,820,428,967) — 93.5%

 

 

 

 

 

8,011,980,775

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class, 0.23% (d)(e)

 

 

750,064,318

 

 

750,064,318

 









Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $750,064,318) — 8.8%

 

 

 

 

 

750,064,318

 









Total Investments (Cost — $8,570,493,285*) — 102.3%

 

 

 

 

 

8,762,045,093

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (2.3)%

 

 

 

 

 

(198,122,348

)

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

 

 

 

$

8,563,922,745

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

13



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund


 

 

*

The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments as of July 31, 2010, as computed for federal income tax purposes, were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate cost

 

$

8,571,897,382

 

 

 



 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

$

573,204,189

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

 

(383,056,478

)

 

 



 

Net unrealized appreciation

 

$

190,147,711

 

 

 



 


 

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security has been pledged as collateral in connection with open financial futures contracts.

 

 

(b)

Non-income producing security.

 

 

(c)

Convertible security.

 

 

(d)

Investments in companies considered to be an affiliate of the Fund during the year, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











Affiliate

 

Shares/
Beneficial
Interest
Held at July 31,
2009

 

Net
Activity

 

Shares/
Beneficial
Interest
Held at July 31,
2010

 

Income

 











BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class

 

 

609,498,245

 

 

140,566,073

 

 

750,064,318

 

$

1,138,264

 

BlackRock Liquidity Series, LLC Money Market Series

 

$

24,668,750

 

$

(24,668,750

)

 

 

$

54,220

 
















 

 

(e)

Represents the current yield as of report date.

 

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such industry sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts as of July 31, 2010 were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











Currency
Purchased

 

Currency
Sold

 

Counterparty

 

Settlement
Date

 

Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 











USD

 

802,516

 

CAD

 

835,499

 

 

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

 

 

8/03/10

 

$

(10,187

)

CAD

 

11,249,138

 

USD

 

10,858,870

 

 

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

 

 

8/04/10

 

 

83,208

 

GBP

 

1,753,085

 

USD

 

2,746,962

 

 

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

 

 

8/04/10

 

 

3,878

 

AUD

 

10,172,063

 

USD

 

9,213,041

 

 

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

 

 

8/05/10

 

 

(11,444

)

















 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

65,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

Financial futures contracts purchased as of July 31, 2010 were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Contracts

 

 

 

Issue

 

 

Expiration
Date

 

 

Notional
Value

 

 

Unrealized
Appreciation

 


 

840

 

 

 

S&P 500 Index

 

 

September 2010

 

$

224,199,618

 

$

6,443,382

 















 


 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements — Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of investments and derivatives, which are as follows:

 

 

 

Level 1 — price quotations in active markets/exchanges for identical assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

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 Fund’s own assumptions used in determining the fair value of investments and derivatives)

 

 

 

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of investments and other significant accounting policies, please refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 





14

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments (concluded)

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

The following tables summarize the inputs used as of July 31, 2010 in determining the fair valuation of the Fund’s investments and derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











Valuation Inputs

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 











Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Defense

 

$

521,768,725

 

 

 

 

 

$

521,768,725

 

Air Freight & Logistics

 

 

63,674,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,674,000

 

Beverages

 

 

106,648,872

 

$

87,308,236

 

 

 

 

193,957,108

 

Capital Markets

 

 

24,640,501

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,640,501

 

Chemicals

 

 

294,589,589

 

 

 

 

 

 

294,589,589

 

Commercial Banks

 

 

549,734,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

549,734,595

 

Computers & Peripherals

 

 

94,032,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

94,032,096

 

Containers & Packaging

 

 

51,256,466

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,256,466

 

Diversified Financial Services

 

 

342,786,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

342,786,686

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services

 

 

419,578,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

419,578,710

 

Electric Utilities

 

 

355,707,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

355,707,085

 

Electrical Equipment

 

 

25,970,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,970,340

 

Energy Equipment & Services

 

 

108,743,688

 

 

 

 

 

 

108,743,688

 

Food & Staples Retailing

 

 

84,954,924

 

 

 

 

 

 

84,954,924

 

Food Products

 

 

399,208,309

 

 

 

 

 

 

399,208,309

 

Gas Utilities

 

 

59,459,252

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,459,252

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

135,642,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

135,642,283

 

Household Products

 

 

300,293,412

 

 

 

 

 

 

300,293,412

 

IT Services

 

 

134,678,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

134,678,760

 

Industrial Conglomerates

 

 

231,173,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

231,173,276

 

Insurance

 

 

277,328,810

 

 

 

 

 

 

277,328,810

 

Leisure Equipment & Products

 

 

28,635,828

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,635,828

 

Machinery

 

 

322,308,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

322,308,234

 

Media

 

 

63,772,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,772,467

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

130,348,906

 

 

322,480,530

 

 

 

 

452,829,436

 

Multi-Utilities

 

 

239,527,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

239,527,942

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

 

1,012,041,764

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,012,041,764

 

Paper & Forest Products

 

 

53,292,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,292,276

 

Personal Products

 

 

40,655,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,655,780

 

Pharmaceuticals

 

 

400,738,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

400,738,801

 

Road & Rail

 

 

96,961,206

 

 

 

 

 

 

96,961,206

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

 

 

80,340,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

80,340,330

 

Software

 

 

62,871,353

 

 

 

 

 

 

62,871,353

 

Specialty Retail

 

 

88,964,982

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,964,982

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

 

 

86,207,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

86,207,911

 

Tobacco

 

 

199,146,792

 

 

 

 

 

 

199,146,792

 

Water Utilities

 

 

44,312,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

44,312,188

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services

 

 

56,612,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,612,370

 

Preferred Stocks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

 

13,582,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,582,500

 

Short-Term Securities

 

 

750,064,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

750,064,318

 

 

 













Total

 

$

8,352,256,327

 

$

409,788,766

 

 

 

$

8,762,045,093

 

 

 














 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments1

 





Valuation Inputs

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 











Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity contracts

 

$

6,443,382

 

 

 

 

 

$

6,443,382

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

 

$

87,086

 

 

 

 

87,086

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

 

 

(21,631

)

 

 

 

(21,631

)

 

 













Total

 

$

6,443,382

 

$

65,455

 

 

 

$

6,508,837

 

 

 














 

 

 

 

1

Derivative financial instruments are financial futures contracts and foreign currency exchange contracts, which are shown at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

15



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments July 31, 2010

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

 

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 







Canadian Independents — 8.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

 

 

225,100

 

$

7,751,121

 

Crew Energy, Inc. (a)

 

 

302,600

 

 

4,856,670

 

EnCana Corp.

 

 

143,022

 

 

4,372,532

 

Husky Energy, Inc.

 

 

112,800

 

 

2,771,585

 

Nexen, Inc.

 

 

122,700

 

 

2,548,169

 

Niko Resources Ltd.

 

 

23,100

 

 

2,491,443

 

Pan Orient Energy Corp. (a)

 

 

224,000

 

 

1,307,330

 

Paramount Resources Ltd. (a)

 

 

75,000

 

 

1,572,151

 

Progress Energy Resources Corp.

 

 

162,753

 

 

1,964,656

 

Talisman Energy, Inc.

 

 

696,100

 

 

11,883,230

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41,518,887

 









Chemicals — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

 

 

33,400

 

 

1,358,378

 

Intrepid Potash, Inc. (a)

 

 

18,400

 

 

445,280

 

Praxair, Inc.

 

 

20,900

 

 

1,814,538

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,618,196

 









Energy Equipment & Services — 10.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acergy SA — ADR

 

 

85,000

 

 

1,391,450

 

Cameron International Corp. (a)

 

 

215,400

 

 

8,527,686

 

Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. (a)

 

 

207,900

 

 

7,735,959

 

Dril-Quip, Inc. (a)

 

 

90,400

 

 

4,726,112

 

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

 

 

277,201

 

 

10,855,191

 

Noble Corp.

 

 

173,400

 

 

5,635,500

 

Seahawk Drilling, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,713

 

 

46,800

 

Tesco Corp. (a)

 

 

106,300

 

 

1,456,310

 

Transocean Ltd. (a)

 

 

164,709

 

 

7,611,203

 

Trican Well Service Ltd.

 

 

49,200

 

 

746,579

 

Weatherford International Ltd. (a)

 

 

156,752

 

 

2,539,382

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,272,172

 









Gas Utilities — 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQT Corp.

 

 

114,000

 

 

4,181,520

 









Gold — 2.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrick Gold Corp.

 

 

59,900

 

 

2,462,307

 

Eldorado Gold Corp.

 

 

467,800

 

 

7,599,105

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,061,412

 









Integrated Oil & Gas — 13.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chevron Corp.

 

 

161,391

 

 

12,299,608

 

ConocoPhillips

 

 

130,175

 

 

7,188,263

 

Eni SpA — ADR

 

 

19,250

 

 

787,518

 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

 

 

205,690

 

 

12,275,579

 

Hess Corp.

 

 

100,700

 

 

5,396,513

 

Marathon Oil Corp.

 

 

164,700

 

 

5,509,215

 

Murphy Oil Corp.

 

 

271,300

 

 

14,853,675

 

Total SA — ADR

 

 

117,600

 

 

5,954,088

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

64,264,459

 









Metals & Mining — 7.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alcoa, Inc.

 

 

22,900

 

 

255,793

 

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. — ADR

 

 

205,700

 

 

4,558,312

 

BHP Billiton Ltd.

 

 

64,100

 

 

2,326,846

 

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

 

 

55,700

 

 

3,490,291

 

Franco-Nevada Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

75,000

 

 

2,285,638

 

Gammon Gold, Inc. (a)

 

 

139,100

 

 

826,712

 

Goldcorp, Inc.

 

 

144,182

 

 

5,651,996

 

HudBay Minerals, Inc. (a)

 

 

206,700

 

 

2,577,593

 

Inmet Mining Corp.

 

 

12,700

 

 

620,763

 

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

 

 

162,000

 

 

4,814,808

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 







Metals & Mining (concluded)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newmont Mining Corp.

 

 

9,900

 

$

553,410

 

Southern Copper Corp.

 

 

158,900

 

 

4,991,049

 

Vale SA — ADR (a)

 

 

201,300

 

 

5,596,140

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,549,351

 









Oil & Gas Drilling — 4.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

 

 

49,100

 

 

2,920,959

 

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

 

 

110,100

 

 

4,462,353

 

Nabors Industries Ltd. (a)

 

 

119,600

 

 

2,201,836

 

Pride International, Inc. (a)

 

 

146,300

 

 

3,480,477

 

Rowan Cos., Inc. (a)

 

 

57,800

 

 

1,460,028

 

Saipem SpA

 

 

164,500

 

 

5,909,580

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,435,233

 









Oil & Gas Equipment & Services — 7.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baker Hughes, Inc.

 

 

118,180

 

 

5,704,549

 

Exterran Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

521

 

 

13,895

 

FMC Technologies, Inc. (a)

 

 

164,900

 

 

10,434,872

 

Halliburton Co.

 

 

216,800

 

 

6,477,984

 

Schlumberger Ltd.

 

 

102,500

 

 

6,115,150

 

Smith International, Inc.

 

 

80,700

 

 

3,347,436

 

Technip SA — ADR

 

 

64,975

 

 

4,339,680

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36,433,566

 









Oil & Gas Exploration & Production — 23.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

 

 

154,200

 

 

7,580,472

 

Apache Corp.

 

 

162,860

 

 

15,566,159

 

Brigham Exploration Co. (a)

 

 

240,000

 

 

4,142,400

 

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., Class A

 

 

118,200

 

 

3,601,554

 

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. (a)(c)

 

 

68,400

 

 

1,341,324

 

Cimarex Energy Co.

 

 

51,294

 

 

3,532,617

 

Denbury Resources, Inc. (a)

 

 

63,413

 

 

1,004,462

 

Devon Energy Corp.

 

 

191,998

 

 

11,997,955

 

EOG Resources, Inc.

 

 

243,900

 

 

23,780,250

 

Forest Oil Corp. (a)

 

 

50,200

 

 

1,435,218

 

Mariner Energy, Inc. (a)

 

 

144,065

 

 

3,441,713

 

Newfield Exploration Co. (a)

 

 

79,800

 

 

4,266,108

 

Noble Energy, Inc.

 

 

91,900

 

 

6,162,814

 

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

 

 

162,300

 

 

12,648,039

 

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

 

 

53,500

 

 

3,098,720

 

Range Resources Corp.

 

 

181,600

 

 

6,740,992

 

Southwestern Energy Co. (a)

 

 

106,600

 

 

3,885,570

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

114,226,367

 









Oil & Gas Producers — 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whiting Petroleum Corp. (a)

 

 

54,100

 

 

4,761,341

 









Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 9.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arch Coal, Inc.

 

 

39,300

 

 

931,017

 

Berry Petroleum Co., Class A

 

 

65,000

 

 

1,938,300

 

CNOOC Ltd. — ADR

 

 

34,300

 

 

5,776,806

 

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

 

 

143,022

 

 

4,027,515

 

Chinook Energy Inc. (a)

 

 

21,956

 

 

48,266

 

Coastal Energy Co. (a)

 

 

527,400

 

 

2,513,749

 

Consol Energy, Inc.

 

 

71,900

 

 

2,694,812

 

EXCO Resources, Inc.

 

 

113,300

 

 

1,643,983

 

MEG Energy Corp. (a)(b)

 

 

49,400

 

 

1,681,825

 

Patriot Coal Corp. (a)

 

 

27,840

 

 

335,750

 

Peabody Energy Corp.

 

 

144,000

 

 

6,501,600

 

PetroBakken Energy Ltd.

 

 

63,337

 

 

1,389,280

 

PetroHawk Energy Corp. (a)

 

 

60,400

 

 

952,508

 

Petroleo Brasileiro SA — ADR

 

 

127,000

 

 

4,622,800

 

Suncor Energy, Inc.

 

 

392,804

 

 

12,948,911

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,007,122

 










 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.





16

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

 

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 









Paper & Forest Products — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fibria Celulose SA — ADR (a)

 

 

91,000

 

$

1,428,700

 









Refining, Marketing & Transportation — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valero Energy Corp.

 

 

89,000

 

 

1,512,110

 









Transportation Infrastructure — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aegean Marine Petroleum Network, Inc.

 

 

72,300

 

 

1,486,488

 









Utilities — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Williams Cos., Inc.

 

 

69,500

 

 

1,348,995

 









Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $250,568,167) — 90.3%

 

 

 

 

 

443,105,919

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class, 0.23% (d)(e)

 

 

49,573,332

 

 

49,573,332

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beneficial
Interest
(000)

 

 

 

 








BlackRock Liquidity Series, LLC Money Market Series, 0.34% (d)(e)(f)

 

$

300

 

 

300,000

 









Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $49,873,332) — 10.2%

 

 

 

 

 

49,873,332

 









Total Investments (Cost — $300,441,499*) — 100.5%

 

 

 

 

 

492,979,251

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.5)%

 

 

 

 

 

(2,629,275

)

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

 

 

 

$

490,349,976

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

*

The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments as of July 31, 2010, as computed for federal income tax purposes, were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate cost

 

$

299,982,475

 

 

 

 



 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

$

204,391,777

 

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

 

(11,395,001

)

 

 

 



 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

 

$

192,996,776

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

 

(b)

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

 

 

(c)

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

 

 

(d)

Investments in companies considered to be an affiliate of the Fund during the year, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















 

Affiliate

 

Shares/
Beneficial
Interest
Held at July 31,
2009

 

Net
Activity

 

Shares/
Beneficial
Interest
Held at July 31,
2010

 

Income

 

 











 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class

 

 

37,958,571

 

 

11,614,761

 

 

49,573,332

 

$

90,156

 

 

BlackRock Liquidity Series, LLC Money Market Series

 

$

4,872,250

 

$

(4,572,250)

 

$

300,000

 

$

14,755

 

 
















 

 

(e)

Represents the current yield as of report date.

 

 

(f)

Security was purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such industry sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts as of July 31, 2010 were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















 

Currency
Purchased

 

Currency
Sold

 

Counterparty

 

Settlement
Date

 

Unrealized
Appreciation

 

 











 

CAD 1,729,000

 

 

USD 1,679,587

 

 

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

 

 

8/06/10

 

$

2,107

 

 
















 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements — Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of investments and derivatives, which are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Level 1 — price quotations in active markets/exchanges for identical assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

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 Fund’s own assumptions used in determining the fair value of investments and derivatives)

 

 

 

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of investments and other significant accounting policies, please refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

17



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments (concluded)

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

The following tables summarize the inputs used as of July 31, 2010 in determining the fair valuation of the Fund’s investments and derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











Valuation Inputs

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 











Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Independents

 

$

41,518,887

 

 

 

 

 

$

41,518,887

 

Chemicals

 

 

3,618,196

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,618,196

 

Energy Equipment & Services

 

 

51,272,172

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,272,172

 

Gas Utilities

 

 

4,181,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,181,520

 

Gold

 

 

10,061,412

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,061,412

 

Integrated Oil & Gas

 

 

64,264,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

64,264,459

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

31,407,697

 

$

7,141,654

 

 

 

 

38,549,351

 

Oil & Gas Drilling

 

 

14,525,653

 

 

5,909,580

 

 

 

 

20,435,233

 

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

 

 

36,433,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

36,433,566

 

Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

 

 

114,226,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

114,226,367

 

Oil & Gas Producers

 

 

4,761,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,761,341

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

 

46,325,297

 

 

1,681,825

 

 

 

 

48,007,122

 

Paper & Forest Products

 

 

1,428,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,428,700

 

Refining, Marketing & Transportation

 

 

1,512,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,512,110

 

Transportation Infrastructure

 

 

1,486,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,486,488

 

Utilities

 

 

1,348,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,348,995

 

Short-Term Securities

 

 

49,573,332

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

49,873,332

 

 

 













Total

 

$

477,946,192

 

$

15,033,059

 

 

 

$

492,979,251

 

 

 














 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments1

 





Valuation Inputs

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 











Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

 

$

2,107

 

 

 

$

2,107

 

 

 














 

 

 

 

1

Derivative financial instruments are foreign currency exchange contracts, which are shown at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.





18

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments July 31, 2010

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.

 

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 









Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tetra Tech, Inc. (a)

 

 

9,600

 

$

201,312

 









Diversified Telecommunication Services — 10.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AT&T Inc.

 

 

126,462

 

 

3,280,424

 

BCE, Inc.

 

 

33,500

 

 

1,025,435

 

CenturyTel, Inc.

 

 

13,400

 

 

477,308

 

Frontier Communications Corp.

 

 

16,635

 

 

127,090

 

Qwest Communications International, Inc.

 

 

303,700

 

 

1,718,942

 

Swisscom AG

 

 

1,100

 

 

411,967

 

TW Telecom, Inc. (a)

 

 

31,500

 

 

595,980

 

Telefonica SA

 

 

25,648

 

 

580,809

 

Verizon Communications, Inc.

 

 

69,300

 

 

2,013,858

 

Windstream Corp.

 

 

40,241

 

 

458,747

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,690,560

 









Electric Utilities — 33.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

 

 

84,800

 

 

3,051,104

 

CEZ AS

 

 

5,800

 

 

265,589

 

CPFL Energia SA — ADR

 

 

6,400

 

 

447,168

 

Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais — ADR

 

 

28,050

 

 

426,360

 

Cleco Corp.

 

 

13,900

 

 

396,845

 

DPL, Inc.

 

 

75,000

 

 

1,898,250

 

Duke Energy Corp.

 

 

129,832

 

 

2,220,127

 

EDP — Energias do Brasil SA

 

 

34,200

 

 

689,717

 

Edison International

 

 

61,700

 

 

2,045,355

 

Entergy Corp.

 

 

44,900

 

 

3,480,199

 

Exelon Corp.

 

 

24,600

 

 

1,029,018

 

FirstEnergy Corp.

 

 

39,700

 

 

1,496,690

 

ITC Holdings Corp.

 

 

51,000

 

 

2,893,740

 

Iberdrola SA

 

 

62,600

 

 

440,481

 

NV Energy, Inc.

 

 

17,600

 

 

223,520

 

NextEra Energy, Inc.

 

 

79,600

 

 

4,163,080

 

Northeast Utilities, Inc.

 

 

31,600

 

 

879,744

 

PPL Corp.

 

 

38,300

 

 

1,045,207

 

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

 

 

19,300

 

 

735,137

 

Progress Energy, Inc.

 

 

28,800

 

 

1,212,768

 

The Southern Co.

 

 

109,800

 

 

3,879,234

 

Westar Energy, Inc.

 

 

31,000

 

 

740,280

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,659,613

 









Gas Utilities — 4.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQT Corp.

 

 

18,000

 

 

660,240

 

Energen Corp.

 

 

22,600

 

 

1,004,344

 

New Jersey Resources Corp.

 

 

20,400

 

 

761,532

 

Oneok, Inc.

 

 

7,400

 

 

344,322

 

Questar Corp.

 

 

45,700

 

 

751,765

 

UGI Corp.

 

 

19,600

 

 

528,416

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,050,619

 









Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders — 8.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The AES Corp. (a)

 

 

103,900

 

 

1,071,209

 

AES Tiete SA, Preference Shares

 

 

42,300

 

 

529,111

 

Calpine Corp. (a)

 

 

71,500

 

 

965,250

 

Cia Energetica de São Paulo, Preference ‘B’ Shares

 

 

41,700

 

 

635,885

 

Constellation Energy Group, Inc.

 

 

74,900

 

 

2,366,840

 

International Power Plc

 

 

136,400

 

 

764,768

 

NRG Energy, Inc. (a)

 

 

86,000

 

 

1,950,480

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,283,543

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks

 

Shares

 

Value

 









Internet Software & Services — 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equinix, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,700

 

$

439,497

 









Media — 1.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comcast Corp., Special Class A

 

 

44,400

 

 

819,624

 

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

 

 

8,000

 

 

457,360

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,276,984

 









Multi-Utilities — 20.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMS Energy Corp.

 

 

116,100

 

 

1,848,312

 

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

 

 

71,100

 

 

1,011,753

 

Centrica Plc

 

 

116,300

 

 

554,326

 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

 

 

32,500

 

 

1,498,900

 

DTE Energy Co.

 

 

9,300

 

 

429,288

 

Dominion Resources, Inc.

 

 

94,174

 

 

3,954,366

 

Integrys Energy Group, Inc.

 

 

7,300

 

 

345,655

 

NSTAR

 

 

27,000

 

 

1,003,320

 

NiSource, Inc.

 

 

20,800

 

 

343,200

 

OGE Energy Corp.

 

 

13,700

 

 

543,068

 

PG&E Corp.

 

 

56,100

 

 

2,490,840

 

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

 

 

92,400

 

 

3,039,960

 

Sempra Energy

 

 

25,600

 

 

1,273,600

 

United Utilities Group Plc

 

 

63,200

 

 

580,088

 

Wisconsin Energy Corp.

 

 

19,700

 

 

1,069,316

 

Xcel Energy, Inc.

 

 

30,900

 

 

679,491

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,665,483

 









Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 6.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., Class A

 

 

6,200

 

 

188,914

 

EOG Resources, Inc.

 

 

8,600

 

 

838,500

 

PetroHawk Energy Corp. (a)

 

 

11,600

 

 

182,932

 

QEP Resources, Inc. (a)

 

 

45,700

 

 

1,572,994

 

Range Resources Corp.

 

 

8,200

 

 

304,384

 

Southwestern Energy Co. (a)

 

 

18,100

 

 

659,745

 

Spectra Energy Corp.

 

 

51,616

 

 

1,073,097

 

Talisman Energy, Inc.

 

 

19,500

 

 

334,230

 

Williams Cos., Inc.

 

 

48,300

 

 

937,503

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,092,299

 









Water Utilities — 2.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American States Water Co.

 

 

3,400

 

 

119,952

 

American Water Works Co., Inc.

 

 

43,200

 

 

923,616

 

Aqua America, Inc.

 

 

32,400

 

 

631,476

 

California Water Service Group

 

 

14,200

 

 

504,810

 

Cia Saneamento, Preference Shares (a)(b)

 

 

314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,179,854

 









Wireless Telecommunication Services — 9.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

America Movil, SA de CV — ADR (b)

 

 

24,700

 

 

1,225,367

 

American Tower Corp., Class A (a)

 

 

14,600

 

 

675,104

 

Cellcom Israel Ltd.

 

 

11,200

 

 

309,120

 

Crown Castle International Corp. (a)

 

 

18,000

 

 

711,180

 

Millicom International Cellular SA

 

 

8,200

 

 

764,404

 

NII Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

34,400

 

 

1,288,624

 

NTELOS Holdings Corp.

 

 

20,400

 

 

381,684

 

Rogers Communications, Inc., Class B

 

 

16,500

 

 

573,780

 

SBA Communications Corp., Class A (a)

 

 

38,800

 

 

1,403,784

 

Sprint Nextel Corp. (a)

 

 

179,500

 

 

820,315

 

Vivo Participações SA — ADR

 

 

13,600

 

 

363,664

 

Vodafone Group Plc — ADR

 

 

60,512

 

 

1,420,822

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,937,848

 









Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $74,952,774) — 97.1%

 

 

 

 

 

97,477,612

 










 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

19



 

 


 

 

Schedule of Investments (concluded)

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.

 

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

 

Shares

 

Value

 







BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempCash, Institutional Class, 0.25% (c)(d)

 

 

2,505,607

 

$

2,505,607

 









Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $2,505,607) — 2.5%

 

 

 

 

 

2,505,607

 









Total Investments (Cost — $77,458,381*) — 99.6%

 

 

 

 

 

99,983,219

 

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

436,900

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

 

 

 

$

100,420,119

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 








 


 

 

*

The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments as of July 31, 2010, as computed for federal income tax purposes, were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate cost

 

$

77,568,169

 

 

 



 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

$

23,187,037

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

 

(771,987

)

 

 



 

Net unrealized appreciation

 

$

22,415,050

 

 

 



 


 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

 

(b)

Convertible security.

 

 

(c)

Investments in companies considered to be an affiliate of the Fund during the year, for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











Affiliate

 

Shares Held
at July 31,
2009

 

Net
Activity

 

Shares Held
at July 31,
2010

 

Income

 











BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempCash, Institutional Class

 

 

 

 

2,505,607

 

 

2,505,607

 

$

6,344

 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class

 

 

6,841,531

 

 

(6,841,531

)

 

 

 

 
















 

 

 

(d)

Represents the current yield as of report date.

 

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such industry sub-classifications for reporting ease.

 

 

Fair Value Measurements — Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of investments, which are as follows:

 

 

 

Level 1 — price quotations in active markets/exchanges for identical assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

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 Fund’s own assumptions used in determining the fair value of investments)

 

 

 

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. For information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of investments and other significant accounting policies, please refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used as of July 31, 2010 in determining the fair valuation of the Fund’s investments:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











Valuation Inputs

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 











Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks, Commercial Services & Supplies

 

$

201,312

 

 

 

 

 

$

201,312

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services

 

 

9,697,784

 

$

992,776

 

 

 

 

10,690,560

 

Electric Utilities

 

 

32,953,543

 

 

706,070

 

 

 

 

33,659,613

 

Gas Utilities

 

 

4,050,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,050,619

 

Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

 

 

7,518,775

 

 

764,768

 

 

 

 

8,283,543

 

Internet Software & Services

 

 

439,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

439,497

 

Media

 

 

1,276,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,276,984

 

Multi-Utilities

 

 

19,531,069

 

 

1,134,414

 

 

 

 

20,665,483

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

 

6,092,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,092,299

 

Water Utilities

 

 

2,179,854

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,179,854

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services

 

 

9,937,848

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,937,848

 

Short-Term Securities

 

 

2,505,607

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,505,607

 

 

 













Total

 

$

96,385,191

 

$

3,598,028

 

 

 

$

99,983,219

 

 

 













The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value:

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

Investments in
Securities

 





 

 

Common Stocks

 

 

 



Balance, as of July 31, 2009

 

$

21,003

 

Accrued discounts/premiums

 

 

 

Realized gain (loss)

 

 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)1

 

 

(21,003

)

Purchases

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

Transfers in

 

 

 

Transfers out

 

 

 

 

 



 

Balance, as of July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 

1

Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation in the Statement of Operations. The change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on securities still held at July 31, 2010 was $(21,003).


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 





20

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2010

 

BlackRock
Equity
Dividend
Fund

 

BlackRock
Natural
Resources
Trust

 

BlackRock
Utilities
and
Telecommunications
Fund, Inc.

 









Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Investments at value — unaffiliated1,2

 

$

8,011,980,775

 

$

443,105,919

 

$

97,477,612

 

Investments at value — affiliated3

 

 

750,064,318

 

 

49,873,332

 

 

2,505,607

 

Cash

 

 

3,750

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency at value4

 

 

812,958

 

 

187,036

 

 

29,193

 

Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

87,086

 

 

2,107

 

 

 

Dividends receivable

 

 

37,795,211

 

 

170,762

 

 

368,315

 

Capital shares sold receivable

 

 

26,246,154

 

 

613,432

 

 

125,832

 

Margin variation receivable

 

 

273,000

 

 

 

 

 

Securities lending income receivable — affiliated

 

 

2,435

 

 

3,286

 

 

 

Investments sold receivable

 

 

 

 

 

 

506,961

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

160,759

 

 

30,642

 

 

17,657

 

 

 










Total assets

 

 

8,827,426,446

 

 

493,986,516

 

 

101,031,177

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Collateral on securities loaned at value

 

 

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

21,631

 

 

 

 

 

Investments purchased payable

 

 

237,973,207

 

 

1,681,825

 

 

 

Capital shares redeemed payable

 

 

16,472,554

 

 

955,585

 

 

454,044

 

Investment advisory fees payable

 

 

3,828,995

 

 

232,643

 

 

47,797

 

Service and distribution fees payable

 

 

1,755,780

 

 

162,227

 

 

27,369

 

Other affiliates payable

 

 

49,997

 

 

3,165

 

 

5,425

 

Officer’s and Directors’ fees payable

 

 

3,888

 

 

255

 

 

67

 

Other accrued expenses payable

 

 

3,397,649

 

 

300,840

 

 

76,356

 

 

 










Total liabilities

 

 

263,503,701

 

 

3,636,540

 

 

611,058

 

 

 










Net Assets

 

$

8,563,922,745

 

$

490,349,976

 

$

100,420,119

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Net Assets Consist of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Paid-in capital

 

$

8,688,250,569

 

$

308,661,780

 

$

83,916,421

 

Undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)

 

 

26,719,936

 

 

(1,140,482

)

 

80,132

 

Accumulated net realized loss

 

 

(349,042,465

)

 

(9,706,681

)

 

(6,104,820

)

Net unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

197,994,705

 

 

192,535,359

 

 

22,528,386

 

 

 










Net Assets

 

$

8,563,922,745

 

$

490,349,976

 

$

100,420,119

 

 

 










1 Securities loaned at value

 

 

 

$

294,150

 

 

 

 

 










2 Investments at cost — unaffiliated

 

$

7,820,428,967

 

$

250,568,167

 

$

74,952,774

 

 

 










3 Investments at cost — affiliated

 

$

750,064,318

 

$

49,873,332

 

$

2,505,607

 

 

 










4 Foreign currency at cost

 

$

804,852

 

$

183,135

 

$

28,322

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Net Asset Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Institutional:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

3,058,137,400

 

$

65,221,456

 

$

14,120,289

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

195,291,595

 

 

1,240,244

 

 

1,288,274

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

$

15.66

 

$

52.59

 

$

10.96

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

100 million

 

 

 











 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

21



 


 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (concluded)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2010

 

BlackRock
Equity
Dividend
Fund

 

BlackRock
Natural
Resources
Trust

 

BlackRock
Utilities
and
Telecommunications
Fund, Inc.

 









Net Asset Value (concluded)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Service:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

37,479,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

2,398,630

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

$

15.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

$

0.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Investor A:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

4,055,035,539

 

$

301,812,987

 

$

67,298,557

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

259,423,152

 

 

5,878,511

 

 

6,135,127

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

$

15.63

 

$

51.34

 

$

10.97

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

100 million

 

 

 










Investor B:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

57,788,478

 

$

18,064,990

 

$

745,042

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

3,674,283

 

 

383,922

 

 

68,425

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

$

15.73

 

$

47.05

 

$

10.89

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

100 million

 

 

 










Investor B1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,802,059

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

164,152

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

 

 

 

 

$

10.98

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

 

 

 

 

100 million

 

 

 










Investor C:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

942,988,773

 

$

105,250,543

 

$

8,961,390

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

61,522,053

 

 

2,271,831

 

 

838,085

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

$

15.33

 

$

46.33

 

$

10.69

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

100 million

 

 

 










Investor C1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

 

 

 

 

$

7,492,782

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

693,552

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

 

 

 

 

$

10.80

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

 

 

 

 

100 million

 

 

 










Class R:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

412,493,285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Shares outstanding

 

 

26,264,319

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Net asset value

 

$

15.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Par value per share

 

$

0.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Shares authorized

 

 

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 





22

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Statements of Operations


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended July 31, 2010

 

BlackRock
Equity
Dividend
Fund

 

BlackRock
Natural
Resources
Trust

 

BlackRock
Utilities
and
Telecommunications
Fund, Inc.

 









Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Dividends — unaffiliated

 

$

219,032,555

 

$

5,698,470

 

$

3,890,390

 

Foreign taxes withheld

 

 

(4,210,348

)

 

(290,630

)

 

(70,348

)

Dividends — affiliated

 

 

1,138,264

 

 

90,156

 

 

6,344

 

Securities lending — affiliated

 

 

54,220

 

 

14,755

 

 

 

 

 










Total income

 

 

216,014,691

 

 

5,512,751

 

 

3,826,386

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Investment advisory

 

 

41,369,107

 

 

2,882,912

 

 

595,549

 

Service — Service

 

 

86,389

 

 

 

 

 

Service — Investor A

 

 

8,257,472

 

 

732,809

 

 

167,564

 

Service and distribution — Investor B

 

 

658,157

 

 

211,946

 

 

8,633

 

Service and distribution — Investor B1

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,340

 

Service and distribution — Investor C

 

 

7,867,219

 

 

1,027,002

 

 

60,475

 

Service and distribution — Investor C1

 

 

 

 

 

 

62,407

 

Service and distribution — Class R

 

 

1,573,881

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer agent — Institutional

 

 

3,329,180

 

 

83,168

 

 

23,352

 

Transfer agent — Service

 

 

42,100

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer agent — Investor A

 

 

5,300,645

 

 

412,845

 

 

90,421

 

Transfer agent — Investor B

 

 

129,273

 

 

37,693

 

 

3,354

 

Transfer agent — Investor B1

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,903

 

Transfer agent — Investor C

 

 

1,188,474

 

 

211,179

 

 

12,510

 

Transfer agent — Investor C1

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,879

 

Transfer agent — Class R

 

 

797,069

 

 

 

 

 

Accounting services

 

 

906,077

 

 

192,821

 

 

95,048

 

Registration

 

 

620,878

 

 

88,001

 

 

75,867

 

Printing

 

 

326,179

 

 

38,540

 

 

34,690

 

Custodian

 

 

316,325

 

 

42,033

 

 

2,149

 

Professional

 

 

174,101

 

 

62,118

 

 

49,808

 

Officer and Directors

 

 

169,496

 

 

27,201

 

 

18,653

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

202,889

 

 

38,860

 

 

30,497

 

 

 










Total expenses

 

 

73,314,911

 

 

6,089,128

 

 

1,375,099

 

Less fees waived by advisor

 

 

(505,414

)

 

(42,224

)

 

(2,967

)

Less transfer agent fees waived and/or reimbursed — class specific

 

 

(174,116

)

 

 

 

 

 

 










Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

 

 

72,635,381

 

 

6,046,904

 

 

1,372,132

 

 

 










Net investment income (loss)

 

 

143,379,310

 

 

(534,153

)

 

2,454,254

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

(48,594,113

)

 

(11,272

)

 

1,358,107

 

Financial futures contracts

 

 

46,848,160

 

 

 

 

 

Options written

 

 

1,641,924

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency transactions

 

 

(136,186

)

 

(56,433

)

 

(20,894

)

 

 










 

 

 

(240,215

)

 

(67,705

)

 

1,337,213

 

 

 










Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

510,990,990

 

 

39,310,639

 

 

2,424,877

 

Financial futures contracts

 

 

(14,744,162

)

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency transactions

 

 

(10,833

)

 

(1,651

)

 

703

 

 

 










 

 

 

496,235,995

 

 

39,308,988

 

 

2,425,580

 

 

 










Total realized and unrealized gain

 

 

495,995,780

 

 

39,241,283

 

 

3,762,793

 

 

 










Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

$

639,375,090

 

$

38,707,130

 

$

6,217,047

 

 

 











 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

23



 

 


 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 

 



Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

 

2010

 

2009

 







Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Net investment income

 

$

143,379,310

 

$

90,536,204

 

Net realized loss

 

 

(240,215

)

 

(351,860,650

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

496,235,995

 

 

(385,884,816

)

 

 







Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

639,375,090

 

 

(647,209,262

)

 

 







 









Dividends to Shareholders From

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Net investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional

 

 

(49,550,890

)

 

(32,915,278

)

Service

 

 

(615,011

)

 

(441,650

)

Investor A

 

 

(59,243,460

)

 

(43,343,425

)

Investor B

 

 

(568,911

)

 

(1,072,120

)

Investor C

 

 

(8,780,296

)

 

(8,613,642

)

Class R

 

 

(4,746,085

)

 

(3,118,066

)

 

 







Decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders

 

 

(123,504,653

)

 

(89,504,181

)

 

 







 









Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

 

 

3,027,983,606

 

 

2,116,568,607

 

 

 







 









Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Total increase in net assets

 

 

3,543,854,043

 

 

1,379,855,164

 

Beginning of year

 

 

5,020,068,702

 

 

3,640,213,538

 

 

 







End of year

 

$

8,563,922,745

 

$

5,020,068,702

 

 

 







Undistributed net investment income

 

$

26,719,936

 

$

6,981,465

 

 

 







BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 

 



Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

 

2010

 

2009

 







Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Net investment income (loss)

 

$

(534,153

)

$

226,535

 

Net realized loss

 

 

(67,705

)

 

(9,854,495

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

39,308,988

 

 

(169,541,098

)

 

 







Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

38,707,130

 

 

(179,169,058

)

 

 







 









Distributions to Shareholders From

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Net realized gain:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional

 

 

 

 

(844,577

)

Investor A

 

 

 

 

(3,222,416

)

Investor B

 

 

 

 

(481,269

)

Investor C

 

 

 

 

(1,286,378

)

 

 







Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

 

 

 

 

(5,834,640

)

 

 







 









Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









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

 

 

67,723,684

 

 

(1,540,412

)

 

 







 









Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Total increase (decrease) in net assets

 

 

106,430,814

 

 

(186,544,110

)

Beginning of year

 

 

383,919,162

 

 

570,463,272

 

 

 







End of year

 

$

490,349,976

 

$

383,919,162

 

 

 







Accumulated net investment loss

 

$

(1,140,482

)

$

(749,937

)

 

 








 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 





24

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 

 



Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

 

2010

 

2009

 







Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Net investment income

 

$

2,454,254

 

$

2,474,071

 

Net realized gain (loss)

 

 

1,337,213

 

 

(7,454,988

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

2,425,580

 

 

(28,570,566

)

 

 







Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

6,217,047

 

 

(33,551,483

)

 

 







 









Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders From

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Net investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional

 

 

(401,712

)

 

(482,687

)

Investor A

 

 

(1,731,290

)

 

(1,806,027

)

Investor B

 

 

(12,900

)

 

(16,021

)

Investor B1

 

 

(45,066

)

 

(93,438

)

Investor C

 

 

(135,167

)

 

(70,444

)

Investor C1

 

 

(150,894

)

 

(174,214

)

Net realized gain:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional

 

 

 

 

(712,777

)

Investor A

 

 

 

 

(2,825,656

)

Investor B

 

 

 

 

(41,376

)

Investor B1

 

 

 

 

(247,208

)

Investor C

 

 

 

 

(131,014

)

Investor C1

 

 

 

 

(373,896

)

 

 







Decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and distributions to shareholders

 

 

(2,477,029

)

 

(6,974,758

)

 

 







 









Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions

 

 

(2,893,693

)

 

(8,891,505

)

 

 







 









Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Total increase (decrease) in net assets

 

 

846,325

 

 

(49,417,746

)

Beginning of year

 

 

99,573,794

 

 

148,991,540

 

 

 







End of year

 

$

100,420,119

 

$

99,573,794

 

 

 







Undistributed net investment income

 

$

80,132

 

$

123,801

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

25



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional

 

 

Service

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period
October 2,
20061 to
July 31,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 































Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 































Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.22

 

$

18.23

 

$

19.57

 

$

17.20

 

$

15.32

 

 

$

14.19

 

$

18.19

 

$

19.55

 

$

17.34

 

 

 
















 













Net investment income2

 

 

0.37

 

 

0.37

 

 

0.45

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.34

 

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.23

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

1.38

 

 

(4.02

)

 

(1.12

)

 

2.60

 

 

1.88

 

 

 

1.39

 

 

(3.98

)

 

(1.11

)

 

2.56

 

 

 
















 













Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

1.75

 

 

(3.65

)

 

(0.67

)

 

2.99

 

 

2.22

 

 

 

1.71

 

 

(3.66

)

 

(0.72

)

 

2.79

 

 

 
















 













Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.31

)

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.35

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.03

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.23

)

Tax return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 
















 













Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.67

)

 

(0.62

)

 

(0.34

)

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.64

)

 

(0.58

)

 

 
















 













Net asset value, end of period

 

$

15.66

 

$

14.22

 

$

18.23

 

$

19.57

 

$

17.20

 

 

$

15.63

 

$

14.19

 

$

18.19

 

$

19.55

 

 

 
















 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 































Total Investment Return3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 































Based on net asset value

 

 

12.31

%

 

(19.80

)%

 

(3.67

)%

 

17.68

%

 

14.68

%

 

 

12.07

%

 

(19.95

)%

 

(3.93

)%

 

16.42

%4

 

 
















 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 































Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 































Total expenses

 

 

0.78

%

 

0.77

%

 

0.74

%

 

0.76

%

 

0.82

%

 

 

1.01

%

 

1.01

%

 

0.99

%

 

1.02

%5

 

 
















 













Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly

 

 

0.77

%

 

0.76

%

 

0.74

%

 

0.76

%

 

0.82

%

 

 

1.00

%

 

1.01

%

 

0.99

%

 

1.02

%5

 

 
















 













Net investment income

 

 

2.37

%

 

2.78

%

 

2.31

%

 

2.08

%

 

2.10

%

 

 

2.10

%

 

2.47

%

 

2.02

%

 

1.60

%5

 

 
















 













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 































Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 































Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$

3,058,137

 

$

1,651,607

 

$

1,107,277

 

$

496,465

 

$

276,433

 

 

$

37,479

 

$

31,356

 

$

9,688

 

$

1,642

 

 

 
















 













Portfolio turnover

 

 

4

%

 

7

%

 

2

%

 

9

%

 

2

%

 

 

4

%

 

7

%

 

2

%

 

9

%

 

 
















 














 

 

1

Commencement of operations.

 

 

2

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

3

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

 

 

4

Aggregate total investment return.

 

 

5

Annualized.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 





26

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor A

 

Investor B

 

 


 


 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 


 


 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 
























Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

14.20

 

$

18.20

 

$

19.55

 

$

17.19

 

$

15.31

 

 

$

14.28

 

$

18.27

 

$

19.62

 

$

17.24

 

$

15.36

 

 

 
















 
















Net investment income1

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.33

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.34

 

 

0.30

 

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.24

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.18

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

1.38

 

 

(4.01

)

 

(1.12

)

 

2.59

 

 

1.89

 

 

 

1.40

 

 

(4.03

)

 

(1.16

)

 

2.60

 

 

1.88

 

 

 
















 
















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

1.70

 

 

(3.68

)

 

(0.73

)

 

2.93

 

 

2.19

 

 

 

1.59

 

 

(3.79

)

 

(0.90

)

 

2.80

 

 

2.06

 

 

 
















 
















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.28

)

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.15

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.03

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.03

)

Tax return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 
















 
















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.62

)

 

(0.57

)

 

(0.31

)

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.45

)

 

(0.42

)

 

(0.18

)

 

 
















 
















Net asset value, end of year

 

$

15.63

 

$

14.20

 

$

18.20

 

$

19.55

 

$

17.19

 

 

$

15.73

 

$

14.28

 

$

18.27

 

$

19.62

 

$

17.24

 

 

 
















 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Based on net asset value

 

 

11.96

%

 

(20.03

)%

 

(3.94

)%

 

17.35

%

 

14.42

%

 

 

11.10

%

 

(20.62

)%

 

(4.75

)%

 

16.50

%

 

13.48

%

 

 
















 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Total expenses

 

 

1.05

%

 

1.09

%

 

1.02

%

 

1.03

%

 

1.07

%

 

 

1.84

%

 

1.87

%

 

1.80

%

 

1.82

%

 

1.84

%

 

 
















 
















Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly

 

 

1.04

%

 

1.08

%

 

1.02

%

 

1.03

%

 

1.07

%

 

 

1.83

%

 

1.86

%

 

1.80

%

 

1.82

%

 

1.84

%

 

 
















 
















Net investment income

 

 

2.09

%

 

2.46

%

 

2.01

%

 

1.80

%

 

1.85

%

 

 

1.26

%

 

1.73

%

 

1.31

%

 

1.05

%

 

1.09

%

 

 
















 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Net assets, end of year (000)

 

$

4,055,036

 

$

2,435,103

 

$

1,733,008

 

$

531,661

 

$

278,233

 

 

$

57,788

 

$

69,474

 

$

100,597

 

$

102,810

 

$

83,643

 

 

 
















 
















Portfolio turnover

 

 

4

%

 

7

%

 

2

%

 

9

%

 

2

%

 

 

4

%

 

7

%

 

2

%

 

9

%

 

2

%

 

 
















 

















 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

27



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor C

 

Class R

 

 


 


 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 


 


 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 
























Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

13.94

 

$

17.87

 

$

19.22

 

$

16.92

 

$

15.08

 

 

$

14.27

 

$

18.29

 

$

19.66

 

$

17.30

 

$

15.41

 

 

 
















 
















Net investment income1

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.25

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.17

 

 

 

0.30

 

 

0.29

 

 

0.33

 

 

0.27

 

 

0.27

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

1.36

 

 

(3.94

)

 

(1.11

)

 

2.56

 

 

1.86

 

 

 

1.37

 

 

(4.02

)

 

(1.13

)

 

2.61

 

 

1.89

 

 

 
















 
















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

1.56

 

 

(3.71

)

 

(0.86

)

 

2.75

 

 

2.03

 

 

 

1.67

 

 

(3.73

)

 

(0.80

)

 

2.88

 

 

2.16

 

 

 
















 
















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.16

)

 

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.24

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.03

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.03

)

Tax return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 
















 
















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.49

)

 

(0.45

)

 

(0.19

)

 

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.57

)

 

(0.52

)

 

(0.27

)

 

 
















 
















Net asset value, end of year

 

$

15.33

 

$

13.94

 

$

17.87

 

$

19.22

 

$

16.92

 

 

$

15.71

 

$

14.27

 

$

18.29

 

$

19.66

 

$

17.30

 

 

 
















 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Based on net asset value

 

 

11.15

%

 

(20.62

)%

 

(4.67

)%

 

16.50

%

 

13.56

%

 

 

11.67

%

 

(20.25

)%

 

(4.26

)%

 

16.96

%

 

14.18

%

 

 
















 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Total expenses

 

 

1.79

%

 

1.83

%

 

1.76

%

 

1.78

%

 

1.84

%

 

 

1.39

%

 

1.46

%

 

1.34

%

 

1.37

%

 

1.32

%

 

 
















 
















Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and paid indirectly

 

 

1.78

%

 

1.83

%

 

1.76

%

 

1.78

%

 

1.84

%

 

 

1.36

%

 

1.38

%

 

1.33

%

 

1.36

%

 

1.32

%

 

 
















 
















Net investment income

 

 

1.35

%

 

1.73

%

 

1.31

%

 

1.04

%

 

1.09

%

 

 

1.79

%

 

2.14

%

 

1.68

%

 

1.41

%

 

1.61

%

 

 
















 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Net assets, end of year (000)

 

$

942,989

 

$

615,159

 

$

570,963

 

$

295,005

 

$

135,557

 

 

$

412,493

 

$

217,370

 

$

118,681

 

$

32,259

 

$

10,204

 

 

 
















 
















Portfolio turnover

 

 

4

%

 

7

%

 

2

%

 

9

%

 

2

%

 

 

4

%

 

7

%

 

2

%

 

9

%

 

2

%

 

 
















 

















 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 





28

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional

 

Investor A

 

 

 


 


 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 

 


 


 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 























Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

































Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

47.18

 

$

71.61

 

$

63.83

 

$

55.85

 

$

44.93

 

 

$

46.18

 

$

70.34

 

$

62.73

 

$

54.94

 

$

44.32

 

 

 
















 
















Net investment income (loss)1

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.24

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.16

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.10

 

 

(0.02

)

 

0.03

 

 

0.03

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

5.23

 

 

(23.88

)

 

10.48

 

 

10.65

 

 

11.09

 

 

 

5.13

 

 

(23.47

)

 

10.32

 

 

10.48

 

 

10.92

 

 

 
















 
















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

5.41

 

 

(23.64

)

 

10.65

 

 

10.82

 

 

11.25

 

 

 

5.16

 

 

(23.37

)

 

10.30

 

 

10.51

 

 

10.95

 

 

 
















 
















Distributions from net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.79

)

 

(2.87

)

 

(2.84

)

 

(0.33

)

 

 

 

 

(0.79

)

 

(2.69

)

 

(2.72

)

 

(0.33

)

 

 
















 
















Net asset value, end of year

 

$

52.59

 

$

47.18

 

$

71.61

 

$

63.83

 

$

55.85

 

 

$

51.34

 

$

46.18

 

$

70.34

 

$

62.73

 

$

54.94

 

 

 
















 
















 


































Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Based on net asset value

 

 

11.47

%

 

(32.68

)%

 

16.86

%

 

20.98

%

 

25.10

%

 

 

11.17

%

 

(32.89

)%

 

16.57

%

 

20.66

%

 

24.77

%

 

 
















 
















 


































Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Total expenses

 

 

0.83

%

 

0.92

%

 

0.80

%

 

0.83

%

 

0.82

%

 

 

1.09

%

 

1.23

%

 

1.06

%

 

1.08

%

 

1.07

%

 

 
















 
















Total expenses after fees waived

 

 

0.82

%

 

0.91

%

 

0.80

%

 

0.83

%

 

0.82

%

 

 

1.08

%

 

1.22

%

 

1.06

%

 

1.08

%

 

1.07

%

 

 
















 
















Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.33

%

 

0.54

%

 

0.23

%

 

0.32

%

 

0.31

%

 

 

0.06

%

 

0.24

%

 

(0.03

)%

 

0.05

%

 

0.05

%

 

 
















 
















 


































Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Net assets, end of year (000)

 

$

65,221

 

$

49,900

 

$

87,353

 

$

69,739

 

$

75,429

 

 

$

301,813

 

$

229,126

 

$

317,892

 

$

239,916

 

$

208,789

 

 

 
















 
















Portfolio turnover

 

 

3

%

 

3

%

 

4

%

 

6

%

 

10

%

 

 

3

%

 

3

%

 

4

%

 

6

%

 

10

%

 

 
















 

















 

 

 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

29



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor B

 

 

Investor C

 

 

 


 


 

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

Year Ended July 31,

 

 

 


 


 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 























Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

































Net asset value, beginning of year

 

$

42.66

 

$

65.57

 

$

59.05

 

$

52.23

 

$

42.47

 

 

$

42.01

 

$

64.63

 

$

58.25

 

$

51.57

 

$

41.93

 

 

 
















 
















Net investment loss1

 

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.51

)

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.35

)

 

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.53

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.35

)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

4.73

 

 

(21.92

)

 

9.70

 

 

9.85

 

 

10.44

 

 

 

4.67

 

 

(21.61

)

 

9.58

 

 

9.72

 

 

10.32

 

 

 
















 
















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

4.39

 

 

(22.12

)

 

9.19

 

 

9.50

 

 

10.09

 

 

 

4.32

 

 

(21.83

)

 

9.05

 

 

9.36

 

 

9.97

 

 

 
















 
















Distributions from net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.79

)

 

(2.67

)

 

(2.68

)

 

(0.33

)

 

 

 

 

(0.79

)

 

(2.67

)

 

(2.68

)

 

(0.33

)

 

 
















 
















Net asset value, end of year

 

$

47.05

 

$

42.66

 

$

65.57

 

$

59.05

 

$

52.23

 

 

$

46.33

 

$

42.01

 

$

64.63

 

$

58.25

 

$

51.57

 

 

 
















 
















 


































Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Based on net asset value

 

 

10.29

%

 

(33.39

)%

 

15.69

%

 

19.74

%

 

23.82

%

 

 

10.28

%

 

(33.43

)%

 

15.67

%

 

19.72

%

 

23.84

%

 

 
















 
















 


































Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Total expenses

 

 

1.88

%

 

1.96

%

 

1.81

%

 

1.85

%

 

1.84

%

 

 

1.91

%

 

2.01

%

 

1.84

%

 

1.86

%

 

1.84

%

 

 
















 
















Total expenses after fees waived

 

 

1.87

%

 

1.96

%

 

1.81

%

 

1.85

%

 

1.84

%

 

 

1.90

%

 

2.01

%

 

1.84

%

 

1.86

%

 

1.84

%

 

 
















 
















Net investment loss

 

 

(0.71

)%

 

(0.50

)%

 

(0.77

)%

 

(0.70

)%

 

(0.71

)%

 

 

(0.75

)%

 

(0.55

)%

 

(0.81

)%

 

(0.71

)%

 

(0.71

)%

 

 
















 
















 


































Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


































Net assets, end of year (000)

 

$

18,065

 

$

21,719

 

$

46,394

 

$

47,381

 

$

57,926

 

 

$

105,251

 

$

83,174

 

$

118,825

 

$

99,115

 

$

96,895

 

 

 
















 
















Portfolio turnover

 

 

3

%

 

3

%

 

4

%

 

6

%

 

10

%

 

 

3

%

 

3

%

 

4

%

 

6

%

 

10

%

 

 
















 

















 

 

 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 


30

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period
December 1,
2007 to
July 31,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31,

 

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 





















Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.51

 

$

14.53

 

$

17.85

 

$

14.37

 

$

11.87

 

$

10.37

 

 

 



















Net investment income1

 

 

0.30

 

 

0.28

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.25

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.26

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

0.46

 

 

(3.54

)

 

(1.84

)

 

3.48

 

 

2.50

 

 

1.51

 

 

 



















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

0.76

 

 

(3.26

)

 

(1.63

)

 

3.73

 

 

2.85

 

 

1.77

 

 

 



















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.27

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.45

)

 

(1.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.76

)

 

(1.69

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.27

)

 

 



















Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.96

 

$

10.51

 

$

14.53

 

$

17.85

 

$

14.37

 

$

11.87

 

 

 



















 





















Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Based on net asset value

 

 

7.20

%

 

(21.93

)%

 

(10.03

)%3

 

26.10

%

 

24.45

%

 

17.25

%

 

 



















 





















Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Total expenses

 

 

1.07

%

 

1.13

%

 

0.98

%4

 

0.96

%

 

0.97

%

 

0.98

%

 

 



















Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

 

 

1.07

%

 

1.13

%

 

0.98

%4

 

0.96

%

 

0.97

%

 

0.98

%

 

 



















Net investment income

 

 

2.83

%

 

2.72

%

 

1.99

%4

 

1.57

%

 

2.77

%

 

2.32

%

 

 



















 





















Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$

14,120

 

$

15,834

 

$

24,428

 

$

29,915

 

$

27,255

 

$

25,125

 

 

 



















Portfolio turnover

 

 

25

%

 

30

%

 

8

%

 

31

%

 

44

%

 

25

%

 

 




















 

 

 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

 

 

 

 

3

Aggregate total investment return.

 

 

 

 

4

Annualized.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

31



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor A

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Period
December 1,
2007 to
July 31,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31,

 

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 





















Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.52

 

$

14.54

 

$

17.86

 

$

14.37

 

$

11.88

 

$

10.38

 

 

 



















Net investment income1

 

 

0.28

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.22

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.24

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

0.45

 

 

(3.55

)

 

(1.85

)

 

3.48

 

 

2.47

 

 

1.51

 

 

 



















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

0.73

 

 

(3.29

)

 

(1.66

)

 

3.70

 

 

2.79

 

 

1.75

 

 

 



















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.25

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.45

)

 

(1.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.73

)

 

(1.66

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 



















Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.97

 

$

10.52

 

$

14.54

 

$

17.86

 

$

14.37

 

$

11.88

 

 

 



















 





















Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Based on net asset value

 

 

6.96

%

 

(22.11

)%

 

(10.19

)%3

 

25.90

%

 

24.04

%

 

16.95

%

 

 



















 





















Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Total expenses

 

 

1.29

%

 

1.36

%

 

1.22

%4

 

1.20

%

 

1.22

%

 

1.23

%

 

 



















Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

 

 

1.29

%

 

1.36

%

 

1.22

%4

 

1.20

%

 

1.22

%

 

1.23

%

 

 



















Net investment income

 

 

2.55

%

 

2.51

%

 

1.76

%4

 

1.33

%

 

2.52

%

 

2.07

%

 

 



















 





















Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$

67,299

 

$

66,543

 

$

96,086

 

$

113,647

 

$

93,670

 

$

79,008

 

 

 



















Portfolio turnover

 

 

25

%

 

30

%

 

8

%

 

31

%

 

44

%

 

25

%

 

 




















 

 

 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

 

 

 

 

3

Aggregate total investment return.

 

 

 

 

4

Annualized.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 


32

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor B

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Period
December 1,
2007 to
July 31,
2008

 

Year
Ended
November 30,
2007

 

Period
October 2,
20061 to
November 30,
2006

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 


















Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.44

 

$

14.41

 

$

17.69

 

$

14.29

 

$

13.58

 

 

 
















Net investment income2

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.02

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

0.46

 

 

(3.51

)

 

(1.82

)

 

3.45

 

 

0.80

 

 

 
















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

0.62

 

 

(3.35

)

 

(1.72

)

 

3.53

 

 

0.82

 

 

 
















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.11

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.45

)

 

(1.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 
















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.62

)

 

(1.56

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 
















Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.89

 

$

10.44

 

$

14.41

 

$

17.69

 

$

14.29

 

 

 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Total Investment Return3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Based on net asset value

 

 

5.91

%

 

(22.84

)%

 

(10.64

)%4

 

24.79

%

 

6.05

%4

 

 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Total expenses

 

 

2.30

%

 

2.35

%

 

2.09

%5

 

2.07

%

 

1.96

%5

 

 
















Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

 

 

2.30

%

 

2.34

%

 

2.09

%5

 

2.07

%

 

1.96

%5

 

 
















Net investment income

 

 

1.54

%

 

1.53

%

 

0.94

%5

 

0.51

%

 

1.00

%5

 

 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$

745

 

$

921

 

$

1,483

 

$

1,334

 

$

238

 

 

 
















Portfolio turnover

 

 

25

%

 

30

%

 

8

%

 

31

%

 

44

%

 

 

















 

 

 

 

1

Commencement of operations.

 

 

 

 

2

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

3

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

 

 

 

 

4

Aggregate total investment return.

 

 

 

 

5

Annualized.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

33



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor B1

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Period
December 1,
2007 to
July 31,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31,

 

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

 

 


 

 



 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 





















Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.52

 

$

14.52

 

$

17.81

 

$

14.33

 

$

11.84

 

$

10.35

 

 

 



















Net investment income1

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.18

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

0.46

 

 

(3.54

)

 

(1.82

)

 

3.47

 

 

2.48

 

 

1.49

 

 

 



















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

0.67

 

 

(3.34

)

 

(1.70

)

 

3.59

 

 

2.74

 

 

1.67

 

 

 



















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.18

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.45

)

 

(1.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.66

)

 

(1.59

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.18

)

 

 



















Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.98

 

$

10.52

 

$

14.52

 

$

17.81

 

$

14.33

 

$

11.84

 

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Based on net asset value

 

 

6.33

%

 

(22.58

)%

 

(10.46

)%3

 

25.13

%

 

23.43

%

 

16.26

%

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Total expenses

 

 

1.90

%

 

1.94

%

 

1.77

%4

 

1.75

%

 

1.75

%

 

1.75

%

 

 



















Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

 

 

1.89

%

 

1.94

%

 

1.77

%4

 

1.75

%

 

1.75

%

 

1.75

%

 

 



















Net investment income

 

 

1.98

%

 

1.89

%

 

1.17

%4

 

0.77

%

 

2.02

%

 

1.56

%

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$

1,802

 

$

3,676

 

$

9,460

 

$

13,921

 

$

18,347

 

$

28,298

 

 

 



















Portfolio turnover

 

 

25

%

 

30

%

 

8

%

 

31

%

 

44

%

 

25

%

 

 




















 

 

 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

 

 

 

 

3

Aggregate total investment return.

 

 

 

 

4

Annualized.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.





34

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor C

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Period
December 1,
2007 to
July 31,
2008

 

Year
Ended
November 30,
2007

 

Period
October 2,
20061 to
November 30,
2006

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 













Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.28

 

$

14.23

 

$

17.50

 

$

14.15

 

$

13.44

 

 

 
















Net investment income2

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.02

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

0.43

 

 

(3.47

)

 

(1.80

)

 

3.41

 

 

0.80

 

 

 
















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

0.62

 

 

(3.30

)

 

(1.70

)

 

3.50

 

 

0.82

 

 

 
















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.11

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.45

)

 

(1.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 
















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.65

)

 

(1.57

)

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 
















Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.69

 

$

10.28

 

$

14.23

 

$

17.50

 

$

14.15

 

 

 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Total Investment Return3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Based on net asset value

 

 

6.02

%

 

(22.80

)%

 

(10.63

)%4

 

24.86

%

 

6.11

%4

 

 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Total expenses

 

 

2.10

%

 

2.25

%

 

2.06

%5

 

2.01

%

 

1.97

%5

 

 
















Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

 

 

2.10

%

 

2.25

%

 

2.06

%5

 

2.01

%

 

1.97

%5

 

 
















Net investment income

 

 

1.77

%

 

1.67

%

 

0.99

%5

 

0.56

%

 

0.98

%5

 

 
















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$

8,961

 

$

4,502

 

$

4,494

 

$

3,617

 

$

292

 

 

 
















Portfolio turnover

 

 

25

%

 

30

%

 

8

%

 

31

%

 

44

%

 

 

















 

 

 

 

1

Commencement of operations.

 

 

 

 

2

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

3

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

 

 

 

 

4

Aggregate total investment return.

 

 

 

 

5

Annualized.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

35



 

 


 

 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor C1

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Period
December 1,
2007 to
July 31,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31,

 

 

Year Ended November 30,

 

 

 


 

 



 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 





















Per Share Operating Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.37

 

$

14.34

 

$

17.61

 

$

14.18

 

$

11.73

 

$

10.25

 

 

 



















Net investment income1

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.25

 

 

0.17

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

0.44

 

 

(3.50

)

 

(1.81

)

 

3.43

 

 

2.45

 

 

1.50

 

 

 



















Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

 

 

0.64

 

 

(3.31

)

 

(1.69

)

 

3.55

 

 

2.70

 

 

1.67

 

 

 



















Dividends and distributions from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.19

)

Net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(0.45

)

 

(1.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



















Total dividends and distributions

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.66

)

 

(1.58

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.19

)

 

 



















Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.80

 

$

10.37

 

$

14.34

 

$

17.61

 

$

14.18

 

$

11.73

 

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Total Investment Return2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Based on net asset value

 

 

6.17

%

 

(22.62

)%

 

(10.48

)%3

 

25.11

%

 

23.30

%

 

16.34

%

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Ratios to Average Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Total expenses

 

 

1.95

%

 

2.02

%

 

1.83

%4

 

1.79

%

 

1.79

%

 

1.80

%

 

 



















Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

 

 

1.95

%

 

2.01

%

 

1.83

%4

 

1.79

%

 

1.79

%

 

1.80

%

 

 



















Net investment income

 

 

1.89

%

 

1.84

%

 

1.14

%4

 

0.74

%

 

1.94

%

 

1.49

%

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





















Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$

7,493

 

$

8,098

 

$

13,041

 

$

16,754

 

$

16,527

 

$

14,789

 

 

 



















Portfolio turnover

 

 

25

%

 

30

%

 

8

%

 

31

%

 

44

%

 

25

%

 

 




















 

 

 

 

1

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

2

Where applicable, total investment returns exclude the effects of any sales charges and include the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

 

 

 

 

3

Aggregate total investment return.

 

 

 

 

4

Annualized.


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.





36

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies:

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund (“Equity Dividend”), BlackRock Natural Resources Trust (“Natural Resources”) and BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. (“Utilities and Telecommunications”) (collectively referred to as the “Funds” or individually as a “Fund”) are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Equity Dividend and Utilities and Telecommunications are registered as diversified, open-end management investment companies. Natural Resources is registered as a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. Equity Dividend and Natural Resources are organized as Massachusetts business trusts and Utilities and Telecommunications is organized as a Maryland corporation. The Funds’ financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), which may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Boards of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Funds are referred to throughout this report as the “Board of Directors” or the “Board.” Each Fund offers multiple classes of shares. Institutional and Service Shares are sold without a sales charge and only to certain eligible investors. Investor A Shares are generally sold with a front-end sales charge. Investor B, Investor B1, Investor C and Investor C1 Shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Class R Shares are sold without a sales charge and only to certain retirement and other similar plans. All classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except that Service, Investor A, Investor B, Investor B1, Investor C, Investor C1 and Class R Shares bear certain expenses related to the shareholder servicing of such shares and Investor B, Investor B1, Investor C, Investor C1 and Class R Shares also bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Investor B and Investor B1 Shares automatically convert to Investor A Shares after approximately eight years. Investor B, Investor B1 and Investor C1 Shares are only available through exchanges, dividend reinvestment by existing shareholders or for purchase by certain qualified employee benefit plans. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its shareholder servicing and distribution expenditures (except that Investor B and Investor B1 shareholders may vote on material changes to the Investor A distribution plan).

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds:

Fund Reorganization: On November 17, 2008, Equity Dividend acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the liabilities of PNC Equity Income Fund (“Equity Income”), pursuant to a plan of reorganization. Under the Agreement and Plan of reorganization, the reorganization was a tax-free event. The acquisition was accomplished by an exchange of shares of Equity Income for shares in Equity Dividend in the following amounts and at the following conversion ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Equity Income
Share Class
Exchanged

 

Shares
Prior to
Reorganization

 

Conversion
Ratios

 

Equity
Dividend
Share
Class Issued

 

Equity
Dividend
Shares Issued

 











Institutional Shares

 

 

8,815,391

 

 

0.12845704

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

1,132,399

 

Investor A Shares

 

 

117,907

 

 

0.12848222

 

Investor A Shares

 

 

15,149

 

Investor C Shares

 

 

869

 

 

0.13157670

 

Investor C Shares

 

 

114

 














Equity Income’s net assets and composition of net assets on that date, which was combined with those of Equity Dividend, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 













Net Assets

 

Paid-In
Capital

 

Net Realized
Loss

 

Net Unrealized
Depreciation

 









$

15,092,663

 

$

47,569,726

 

$

(17,596,910

)

$

(14,880,153

)













The aggregate net assets of Equity Dividend immediately after the acquisition amounted to $3,196,818,529.

Valuation: The Funds fair value their financial instruments at market value using independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board. Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange or the NASDAQ Global Market System are valued at the last reported sale price that day or the NASDAQ official closing price, if applicable. For equity investments traded on more than one exchange, the last reported sale price on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded is used. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day are valued at the last available bid price. If no bid price is available, the prior day’s price will be used, unless it is determined that such prior day’s price no longer reflects the fair value of the security. Financial futures contracts traded on exchanges are valued at their last sale price. Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value each business day. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Certain Funds value their investments in BlackRock Liquidity Series, LLC Money Market Series (the “Money Market Series”) at fair value, which is ordinarily based upon their pro rata ownership in the net assets of the underlying fund. The Money Market Series seeks current income consistent with maintaining liquidity and preserving capital. Although the Money Market Series is not registered under the 1940 Act, its investments will follow the parameters of investments by a money market fund that is subject to Rule 2a-7 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the 1940 Act. The Funds may withdraw up to 25% of their investment daily, although the manager of the Money Market Series, in its

 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

37



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

sole discretion, may permit an investor to withdraw more than 25% on any one day.

Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into US dollars using exchange rates determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices and are determined as of the close of business on the NYSE. Interpolated values are derived when the settlement date of the contract is an interim date for which quotations are not available.

In the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment which is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment or is not available, the investment will be valued in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Value Assets”). When determining the price for Fair Value Assets, the investment advisor and/or the sub-advisor seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the investment advisor and/or sub-advisor deems relevant. The pricing of all Fair Value Assets is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the values of such instruments may occur between the foreign market close and the close of business on the NYSE that may not be reflected in the computation of each Fund’s net assets. If events (for example, a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur during such periods that are expected to materially affect the value of such instruments, those instruments may be Fair Value Assets and be valued at their fair values, as determined in good faith by the investment advisor using a pricing service and/or policies approved by the Board. Each business day, the Funds use a pricing service to assist with the valuation of certain foreign exchange-traded equity securities and foreign exchange-traded and OTC options (the “Systematic Fair Value Price”). Using current market factors, the Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities and foreign options at fair value as of the close of business on the NYSE, which follows the close of local markets.

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean between the last bid and ask prices at the close of the options market in which the options trade. An exchange-traded option for which there is no mean price is valued at the last bid (long positions) or ask (short positions) price. If no bid or ask price is available, the prior day’s price will be used, unless it is determined that the prior day’s price no longer reflects the fair value of the option. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and swaptions are valued by an independent pricing service using a mathematical model which incorporates a number of market data factors, such as the trades and prices of the underlying instruments.

Foreign Currency Transactions: The Funds’ books and records are maintained in US dollars. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the date the transactions are entered into. Generally, when the US dollar rises in value against foreign currency, the Funds’ investments denominated in that currency will lose value because its currency is worth fewer US dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the US dollar falls in relative value.

The Funds report foreign currency related transactions as components of realized gain (loss) for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

Preferred Stock: The Funds may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stock has a preference over common stock in liquidation (and generally in receiving dividends as well) but is subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer in all respects. As a general rule, the market value of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk, while the market price of convertible preferred stock generally also reflects some element of conversion value. Because preferred stock is junior to debt securities and other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similar stated yield characteristics. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases in which the 1940 Act and the interpretive positions of the SEC require that the Funds either deliver collateral or segregate assets in connection with certain investments (e.g., financial futures contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts and written options), the Funds will, consistent with SEC rules and/or certain interpretive letters issued by the SEC, segregate collateral or designate on their books and records cash or other liquid securities having a market value at least equal to the amount that would otherwise be required to be physically segregated. Furthermore, based on requirements and agreements with certain exchanges and third party broker-dealers, each party has requirements to deliver/deposit securities as collateral for certain investments.

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (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 dates. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Funds have determined the ex-dividend date. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Interest income, including amortization of

 

 

 

 


38

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recognized on the accrual basis. Income and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets.

Dividends and Distributions: Dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. If the total dividends and distributions made in any tax year exceeds net investment income and accumulated realized capital gains, a portion of the total distribution may be treated as a tax return of capital. The amount and timing of dividends and distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from US GAAP.

Securities Lending: The Funds may lend securities to financial institutions that provide cash as collateral, which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of business of the Funds and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Funds on the next business day. Securities lending income, as disclosed in the Statements of Operations, represents the income earned from the investment of the cash collateral, net of rebates paid to, or fees paid by, borrowers and less the fees paid to the securities lending agent. 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. In the event that the borrower defaults on its obligation to return borrowed securities because of insolvency or for any other reason, the Funds could experience delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral. The Funds also could suffer 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.

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

Each Fund files US federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Funds’ US federal tax returns remains open for each of the four periods ended as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

Four Years
Ended

 

 

Three Periods
Ended

 

 

One Year
Ended

 












Equity Dividend

 

 

July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Resources

 

 

July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Utilities and Telecommunications

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2010

 

 

November 30, 2007

 












The statutes of limitations on the Funds’ state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction.

Other: Expenses directly related to a Fund or its classes are charged to that Fund or class. Other operating expenses shared by several funds are pro rated among those funds on the basis of relative net assets or other appropriate methods. Other expenses of the Fund are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets. The Funds have an arrangement with the custodians whereby fees may be reduced by credits earned on uninvested cash balances, which if applicable are shown as fees paid indirectly in the Statements of Operations. The custodians impose fees on overdrawn cash balances, which can be offset by accumulated credits earned or may result in additional custody charges.

2. Derivative Financial Instruments:

The Funds engage in various portfolio investment strategies using derivative contracts both to increase the returns of the Funds and to economically hedge, or protect, their exposure to certain risks such as equity and foreign currency exchange rate risk. These contracts may be transacted on an exchange or OTC.

Losses may arise if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The Funds’ maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally the aggregate unrealized gain netted against any collateral pledged by/posted to the counterparty. For OTC options purchased, the Funds bear the risk of loss in the amount of the premiums paid plus the positive change in market values net of any collateral received on the options should the counterparty fail to perform under the contracts. Options written by the Funds do not give rise to counterparty credit risk, as options written obligate the Funds to perform and not the counterparty. Counterparty risk related to exchange-traded financial futures contracts and options is deemed to be minimal due to the protection against defaults provided by the exchange on which these contracts trade.

The Funds may mitigate counterparty risk by procuring collateral and through netting provisions included within an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreement implemented between a Fund and each of its respective counterparties. The ISDA Master Agreement allows each Fund to offset with each separate counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held. The amount of collateral moved to/from applicable counterparties is generally based upon minimum transfer amounts of up to $500,000. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. See Note 1 “Segregation and Collateralization” for information with respect to collateral practices. In addition, the Funds manage counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

39



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

Certain ISDA Master Agreements allow counterparties to OTC derivatives to terminate derivative contracts prior to maturity in the event the Funds’ net assets decline by a stated percentage or the Funds fail to meet the terms of its ISDA Master Agreements, which would cause the Funds to accelerate payment of any net liability owed to the counterparty.

Financial Futures Contracts: The Funds purchase or sell financial futures contracts and options on financial futures contracts to gain exposure to, or economically hedge against, changes in the values of equity securities (equity risk). Financial futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of securities or currencies at a specific future date and at a specific price or yield. Pursuant to the contract, the Funds agree to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as margin variation and are recognized by the Funds as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. The use of financial futures transactions involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of financial futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying assets.

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The Funds enter into foreign currency exchange contracts as an economic hedge against either specific transactions or portfolio instruments or to obtain exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk). A foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a future date. Foreign currency exchange contracts, when used by the Funds, help to manage the overall exposure to the currency backing some of the investments held by the Funds. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by a Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. The use of foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a foreign currency exchange contract changes unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies and the risk that a counterparty to the contract does not perform its obligations under the agreement.

Options: The Funds purchase and write call and put options to increase or decrease their exposure to underlying instruments (including equity risk) and/or, in the case of options written, to generate gains from options premiums. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right (but not the obligation) to buy, and obligates the seller to sell (when the option is exercised), the underlying instrument at the exercise price at any time or at a specified time during the option period. A put option gives the holder the right to sell and obligates the writer to buy the underlying instrument at the exercise price at any time or at a specified time during the option period. When the Funds purchase (write) an option, an amount equal to the premium paid (received) by the Funds is reflected as an asset (liability). The amount of the asset (liability) is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option purchased (written). When an instrument is purchased or sold through an exercise of an option, the related premium paid (or received) is added to (or deducted from) the basis of the instrument acquired or deducted from (or added to) the proceeds of the instrument sold. When an option expires (or the Funds enter into a closing transaction), the Funds realize a gain or loss on the option to the extent of the premiums received or paid (or gain or loss to the extent the cost of the closing transaction exceeds the premiums received or paid). When the Funds write a call option, such option is “covered,” meaning that the Funds hold the underlying instrument subject to being called by the option counterparty, or cash in an amount sufficient to cover the obligation. When the Funds write a put option, such option is covered by cash in an amount sufficient to cover the obligation.

In purchasing and writing options, the Funds bear the risk of an unfavorable change in the value of the underlying instrument or the risk that the Funds may not be able to enter into a closing transaction due to an illiquid market. Exercise of an option written could result in the Funds purchasing or selling a security at a price different from the current market value.

Derivative Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Fair Values of Derivative Instruments as of July 31, 2010


 

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

 

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

 

 

 









 

 

 

Statements of
Assets and
Liabilities Location

 

Value

 

Value

 












Foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

 

$

87,086

 

$

2,107

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability Derivatives

 

 

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

 

 

 









 

 

 

Statements of
Assets and
Liabilities Location

 

 

 

 

Value

 












Foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

 

 

 

 

$

21,631

 












Equity contracts

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation/depreciation*

 

 

 

 

 

6,443,382

 












Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

6,465,013

 

 

 

 










 

 

*

Includes cumulative unrealized appreciation/depreciation on financial futures contracts as reported in the Schedules of Investments. Only current day’s margin variation is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.


 

 

 

 


40

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations
Year Ended July 31, 2010

 












 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from

 

 

 










 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities and
Telecommu-
nications

 












Foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency transactions

 

$

(102,728

)

$

99,139

 

$

17,553

 












Equity contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial futures contracts

 

 

46,848,160

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

1,641,924

 

 

 

 

 












Total

 

$

48,387,356

 

$

99,139

 

$

17,553

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized
Appreciation/Depreciation on

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

 

 

 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 












Foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency transactions

 

 

 

 

$

(31,613

)

$

2,107

 

Equity contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial futures contracts

 

 

 

 

 

(14,744,162

)

 

 












Total

 

 

 

 

$

(14,775,775

)

$

2,107

 

 

 

 

 

 







For the year ended July 31, 2010, the average quarterly balance of outstanding derivative financial instruments was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities and
Telecommunications

 









Financial futures contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of contracts purchased

 

 

3,895

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

Average notional value of contracts purchased

 

$

258,024,955

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of contracts — US dollars purchased

 

 

1

 

 

0

 

 

1

 

Average number of contracts — US dollars sold

 

 

6

 

 

4

 

 

1

 

Average US dollar amounts purchased

 

$

200,629

 

 

 

$

311,396

 

Average US dollar amounts sold

 

$

9,766,882

 

$

1,208,287

 

$

125,791

 

Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of contracts written

 

 

3,938

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

Average notional value of contracts written

 

$

7,481,250

 

 

 

 

 









3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates:

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”), Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”) and Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) are the largest stockholders of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). Due to the ownership structure, PNC is an affiliate of the Funds for 1940 Act purposes, but BAC and Barclays are not.

Each Fund entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”), the Funds’ investment advisor, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock, to provide investment advisory and administration services. The Manager is responsible for the management of each Fund’s portfolio and provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operations of each Fund. For such services, each Fund pays the Manager a monthly fee at an annual rate 0.60% of each Fund’s average daily net assets.

The Manager has entered into a voluntary arrangement with Equity Dividend under which the expenses incurred by each class of shares of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses and certain other expenses) will not exceed 0.90% for Institutional Shares, 1.15% for Service and Investor A Shares, 1.90% for Investor B Shares and Investor C Shares and 1.40% for Class R Shares, of average daily net assets. The Manager may reduce or discontinue this arrangement at any time without notice.

As a result, the Manager waived or reimbursed the following amounts which are shown as transfer agent fees waived and/or reimbursed — class specific in the Statements of Operations:

 

 

 

 

 






Institutional

 

$

95,469

 

Service

 

$

256

 

Investor B

 

$

300

 

Class R

 

$

78,091

 






The Manager voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees each Fund pays to the Manager indirectly through each Fund’s investment in affiliated money market funds; however, the Manager does not waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees paid through each Fund’s investment in other affiliated investment companies, if any. These amounts are included in fees waived by advisor in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended July 31, 2010, the amounts waived were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

Fees Waived
By Manager

 





Equity Dividend

 

$

505,414

 

Natural Resources

 

$

42,224

 

Utilities and Telecommunications

 

$

2,967

 







 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

41



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

The Manager entered into a sub-advisory agreement with BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BIM”), an affiliate of the Manager. The Manager pays BIM for services it provides, a monthly fee that is a percentage of the investment advisory fees paid by each Fund to the Manager.

For the year ended July 31, 2010, each Fund reimbursed the Manager for certain accounting services, which are included in accounting services in the Statements of Operations. The reimbursements were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

Reimbursement

 





Equity Dividend

 

 

$

135,494

 

 

Natural Resources

 

 

$

9,198

 

 

Utilities and Telecommunications

 

 

$

1,877

 

 








The Funds entered into a Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plan with BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), an affiliate of BlackRock. Pursuant to the Distribution Plan and in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each 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 shares of Funds, as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

Service Fees

 





 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities and
Telecommunications

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

0.25

%

 

 

 

 

 

Investor A

 

0.25

%

 

0.25

%

 

0.25

%

 

Investor B

 

0.25

%

 

0.25

%

 

0.25

%

 

Investor B1

 

 

 

 

 

0.25

%

 

Investor C

 

0.25

%

 

0.25

%

 

0.25

%

 

Investor C1

 

 

 

 

 

0.25

%

 

Class R

 

0.25

%

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

Distribution Fees

 





 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities and
Telecommunications

 









Investor B

 

0.75

%

 

0.75

%

 

0.75

%

 

Investor B1

 

 

 

 

 

0.50

%

 

Investor C

 

0.75

%

 

0.75

%

 

0.75

%

 

Investor C1

 

 

 

 

 

0.55

%

 

Class R

 

0.25

%

 

 

 

 

 












Pursuant to sub-agreements with BRIL, broker-dealers and BRIL provide shareholder servicing and distribution services to each Fund. The ongoing service and/or distribution fee compensates BRIL and each broker-dealer for providing shareholder servicing and/or distribution related services to Service, Investor A, Investor B, Investor B1, Investor C, Investor C1 and Class R shareholders.

For the year ended July 31, 2010, affiliates earned underwriting discounts, direct commissions and dealer concessions on sales of the Funds’ Investor A Shares as follows:

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

Investor A

 





Equity Dividend

 

$

452,255

 

Natural Resources

 

$

50,478

 

Utilities and Telecommunications

 

$

5,743

 






For the year ended July 31, 2010, affiliates received the following contingent deferred sales charges relating to transactions in Investor B, Investor B1 and Investor C Shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

Investor B

 

Investor B1

 

Investor C

 









Equity Dividend

 

$

141,742

 

 

 

$

140,705

 

Natural Resources

 

$

35,677

 

 

 

$

26,909

 

Utilities and Telecommunications

 

$

2,613

 

$

2,166

 

$

1,472

 












Furthermore, affiliates received contingent deferred sale charges relating to transactions subject to front-end sales charge waivers as follows:

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

Investor A

 





Equity Dividend

 

$

48,433

 

Natural Resources

 

$

5,334

 






PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (“PNCGIS”), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PNC and an affiliate of the Manager, served as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent. Effective July 1, 2010, PNCGIS was sold to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and is no longer considered an affiliate of the Manager.At the close of the sale, PNCGIS changed its name to BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Transfer agency fees borne by each Fund are comprised of those fees charged for all shareholder communications including mailing of shareholder reports, dividend and distribution notices, and proxy materials for shareholder meetings, as well as per account and per transaction fees related to servicing and maintenance of shareholder accounts, including the issuing, redeeming and transferring of shares, check writing, anti-money laundering services, and customer identification services.

Pursuant to written agreements, certain affiliates provide the Funds with sub-accounting, recordkeeping, sub-transfer agency and other administrative services with respect to sub-accounts they service. For these services, these affiliates receive an annual fee per shareholder account which will vary depending on share class. For the year ended July 31, 2010, Equity Dividend paid $345,507 in return for these services which is included in transfer agent — class specific in the Statements of Operations.

 

 

 

 





42

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

The Manager maintains a call center, which is responsible for providing certain shareholder services to the Funds, such as responding to shareholder inquiries and processing transactions based upon instructions from shareholders with respect to the subscription and redemption of Fund shares. For the year ended July 31, 2010, the Funds reimbursed the Manager the following amounts for costs incurred in running the call center, which are included in transfer agent — class specific in the Statements of Operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities and
Telecommunications

 









Institutional

 

$

19,850

 

 

$

1,521

 

 

 

$

225

 

 

Service

 

$

1,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor A

 

$

100,261

 

 

$

10,955

 

 

 

$

1,810

 

 

Investor B

 

$

3,235

 

 

$

1,062

 

 

 

$

128

 

 

Investor B1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

38

 

 

Investor C

 

$

26,626

 

 

$

4,156

 

 

 

$

246

 

 

Investor C1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

135

 

 

Class R

 

$

4,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
















The Funds received an exemptive order from the SEC permitting, among other things, to pay an affiliated securities lending agent a fee based on a share of the income derived from the securities lending activities and have retained BIM as the securities lending agent. BIM may, on behalf of the Funds, invest cash collateral received by the Funds for such loans, among other things, in a private investment company managed by the Manager or in registered money market funds advised by the Manager or its affiliates. The market value of securities on loan and the value of the related collateral are shown in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as securities loaned and collateral on securities loaned at value, respectively. The cash collateral invested by BIM is disclosed in the Schedules of Investments. The share of income earned by the Funds on such investments is shown as securities lending — affiliated in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended July 31, 2010, BIM received securities lending agent fees related to securities lending agent fees as follows:

 

 

 

 

 






Equity Dividend

 

$

13,363

 

Natural Resources

 

$

3,517

 






Certain officers and/or directors of the Funds are officers and/or directors of BlackRock or its affiliates. The Funds reimburse the Manager for compensation paid to the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer.

4. Investments:

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended July 31, 2010, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

 

Purchases

 

Sales

 







Equity Dividend

 

$

3,370,873,762

 

$

216,206,052

 

Natural Resources

 

$

72,142,614

 

$

13,912,376

 

Utilities and Telecommunications

 

$

24,044,542

 

$

24,197,104

 









For Equity Dividend, transactions in options written for the year ended July 31, 2010 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

Calls

 





 

 

Contracts

 

Premiums
Received

 







Outstanding options, beginning of year

 

 

 

 

 

Options written

 

 

15,750

 

$

1,700,892

 

Options closed

 

 

(15,750

)

 

(1,700,892

)

 

 







Outstanding options, end of year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







5. Borrowings:

The Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager and its affiliates, are a party to a $500 million credit agreement with a group of lenders, which was renewed until November 2010. The Funds may borrow under the credit agreement to fund shareholder redemptions. Prior to its renewal, the credit agreement had the following terms: 0.02% upfront fee on the aggregate commitment amount which was allocated to each Fund based on its net assets as of October 31, 2008; a commitment fee of 0.08% per annum based on each Fund’s pro rata share of the unused portion of the credit agreement, which is included in miscellaneous in the Statements of Operations, and interest at a rate equal to the higher of the (a) federal funds effective rate and (b) reserve adjusted one-month LIBOR, plus, in each case, the higher of (i) 1.50% and (ii) 50% of the CDX Index (as defined in the credit agreement) on amounts borrowed. Effective November 2009, the credit agreement was renewed with the following terms: 0.02% upfront fee on the aggregate commitment amount which was allocated to each Fund based on its net assets as of October 31, 2009, a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum based on each Fund’s pro rata share of the unused portion of the credit agreement, which is included in Miscellaneous in the Statements of Operations and interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum and (b) the Fed Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. The Funds did not borrow under the credit agreement during the year ended July 31, 2010.

 

 

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

43



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

6. Income Tax Information:

Reclassifications: US GAAP require that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. The following permanent differences as of July 31, 2010 attributable to foreign currency transactions and net operating losses were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities
and Telecom-
munications

 









Paid-in capital

 

 

 

$

(200,041

)

 

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income (accumulated net investment loss)

 

$

(136,186

)

$

143,608

 

 

$

(20,894

)

 

Accumulated net realized loss

 

$

136,186

 

$

56,433

 

 

$

20,894

 

 














The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009 and fiscal year ended July 31, 2010 was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities
and Telecom-
munications

 









Ordinary income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/31/2010

 

$

123,504,653

 

 

 

 

$

2,477,029

 

 

7/31/2009

 

$

89,504,181

 

 

 

 

$

2,642,831

 

 

Long-term capital gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/31/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/31/2009

 

 

 

$

5,834,640

 

 

$

4,331,927

 

 

 

 












Total distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7/31/2010

 

$

123,504,653

 

 

 

 

$

2,477,029

 

 

 

 












7/31/2009

 

$

89,504,181

 

$

5,834,640

 

 

$

6,974,758

 

 

 

 












As of July 31, 2010 the tax components of accumulated net earnings (losses) were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities
and Telecom-
munications

 









Undistributed ordinary income

 

$

26,785,391

 

 

 

 

$

80,132

 

 

Capital loss carryforwards

 

 

(304,343,107

)

$

(10,277,026

)

 

 

(5,995,032

)

 

Net unrealized gains*

 

 

153,229,892

 

 

191,965,222

 

 

 

22,418,598

 

 

 

 












Total

 

$

(124,327,824

)

$

181,688,196

 

 

$

16,503,698

 

 

 

 













 

 

 

 

*

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized gains were attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains on investments in passive foreign investment companies, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains/(losses) on certain futures and foreign currency contracts, the deferral of post-October currency and capital losses for tax purposes, the difference between the book and tax treatment of certain stock lending transactions, and the timing and recognition of partnership income.

As of July 31, 2010, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains through the indicated expiration dates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Expires July 31,

 

Equity
Dividend

 

Natural
Resources

 

Utilities
and Telecom-

munications

 









2016

 

$

5,748,100

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

55,141,466

 

$

3,394,198

 

$

3,372,478

 

2018

 

 

243,453,541

 

 

6,882,828

 

 

2,622,554

 

 

 










Total

 

$

304,343,107

 

$

10,277,026

 

$

5,995,032

 

 

 










7. Concentration, Market and Credit Risk:

Natural Resources and Utilities and Telecommunications invest a significant portion of their assets in securities in the Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications Services sectors, respectively. Changes in economic conditions affecting the Energy, Utilities or Telecommunications Services sectors would have a greater impact on these Funds and could affect the value, income and/or liquidity of positions in such securities.

In the normal course of business, the Funds invest in securities and enter into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of the issuer of a security to meet all its obligations (issuer credit risk). The value of securities held by the Funds may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the issuers whose securities are owned by the Funds; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency and interest rate and price fluctuations. Similar to issuer credit risk, the Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Funds have unsettled or open transactions may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments. The Fund manages counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is generally approximated by their value recorded in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Fund.

 

 

 

 





44

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

8. Capital Share Transactions:

Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31, 2010

 

Year Ended
July 31, 2009

 

 

 


 



Equity Dividend

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 











Institutional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

112,716,024

 

$

1,749,154,256

 

 

85,273,667

 

$

1,158,962,325

 

Shares issued resulting from reorganization

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,132,399

 

 

14,892,266

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

2,488,467

 

 

39,482,348

 

 

1,808,228

 

 

23,709,571

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

115,204,491

 

 

1,788,636,604

 

 

88,214,294

 

 

1,197,564,162

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(36,031,762

)

 

(557,163,159

)

 

(32,849,312

)

 

(433,930,605

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

79,172,729

 

$

1,231,473,445

 

 

55,364,982

 

$

763,633,557

 

 

 






 





















Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

1,959,950

 

$

31,031,418

 

 

2,147,319

 

$

28,574,211

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

36,681

 

 

582,721

 

 

32,499

 

 

426,481

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

1,996,631

 

 

31,614,139

 

 

2,179,818

 

 

29,000,692

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(1,807,228

)

 

(27,593,319

)

 

(503,109

)

 

(6,876,054

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

189,403

 

$

4,020,820

 

 

1,676,709

 

$

22,124,638

 

 

 






 





















Investor A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold and automatic conversion of shares

 

 

146,971,643

 

$

2,282,326,523

 

 

128,665,167

 

$

1,740,272,534

 

Shares issued resulting from reorganization

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,149

 

 

198,923

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

3,521,305

 

 

55,783,817

 

 

3,032,599

 

 

39,687,011

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

150,492,948

 

 

2,338,110,340

 

 

131,712,915

 

 

1,780,158,468

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(62,552,678

)

 

(967,410,272

)

 

(55,457,983

)

 

(729,685,560

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

87,940,270

 

$

1,370,700,068

 

 

76,254,932

 

$

1,050,472,908

 

 

 






 





















Investor B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

307,081

 

$

4,780,670

 

 

1,704,379

 

$

23,542,604

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

30,346

 

 

482,516

 

 

69,684

 

 

912,365

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

337,427

 

 

5,263,186

 

 

1,774,063

 

 

24,454,969

 

Shares redeemed and automatic conversion of shares

 

 

(1,528,632

)

 

(23,754,278

)

 

(2,413,527

)

 

(32,409,042

)

 

 






 







Net decrease

 

 

(1,191,205

)

$

(18,491,092

)

 

(639,464

)

$

(7,954,073

)

 

 






 





















Investor C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

26,946,565

 

$

412,107,667

 

 

23,526,852

 

$

315,477,746

 

Shares issued resulting from reorganization

 

 

 

 

 

 

114

 

 

1,474

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

511,546

 

 

7,951,723

 

 

605,163

 

 

7,757,816

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

27,458,111

 

 

420,059,390

 

 

24,132,129

 

 

323,237,036

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(10,073,547

)

 

(152,503,502

)

 

(11,953,498

)

 

(154,732,240

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

17,384,564

 

$

267,555,888

 

 

12,178,631

 

$

168,504,796

 

 

 






 





















Class R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

15,681,924

 

$

244,739,743

 

 

11,884,889

 

$

161,173,864

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends

 

 

297,690

 

 

4,738,565

 

 

236,242

 

 

3,111,699

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

15,979,614

 

 

249,478,308

 

 

12,121,131

 

 

164,285,563

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(4,945,169

)

 

(76,753,831

)

 

(3,378,797

)

 

(44,498,782

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

11,034,445

 

$

172,724,477

 

 

8,742,334

 

$

119,786,781

 

 

 






 








 

 

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

45



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31, 2010

 

Year Ended
July 31, 2009

 

 

 


 



Natural Resources

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 











Institutional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

735,716

 

$

39,410,774

 

 

721,381

 

$

30,702,859

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,733

 

 

787,832

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

735,716

 

 

39,410,774

 

 

743,114

 

 

31,490,691

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(553,111

)

 

(28,591,815

)

 

(905,329

)

 

(38,272,947

)

 

 






 







Net increase (decrease)

 

 

182,605

 

$

10,818,959

 

 

(162,215

)

$

(6,782,256

)

 

 






 





















Investor A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold and automatic conversion of shares

 

 

2,436,230

 

$

127,245,444

 

 

2,116,516

 

$

85,633,415

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

78,069

 

 

2,776,988

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

2,436,230

 

 

127,245,444

 

 

2,194,585

 

 

88,410,403

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(1,519,130

)

 

(78,671,501

)

 

(1,752,753

)

 

(77,814,756

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

917,100

 

$

48,573,943

 

 

441,832

 

$

10,595,647

 

 

 






 





















Investor B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

23,917

 

$

1,155,470

 

 

114,649

 

$

4,463,330

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,362

 

 

408,559

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

23,917

 

 

1,155,470

 

 

127,011

 

 

4,871,889

 

Shares redeemed and automatic conversion of shares

 

 

(149,141

)

 

(7,105,308

)

 

(325,419

)

 

(13,754,126

)

 

 






 







Net decrease

 

 

(125,224

)

$

(5,949,838

)

 

(198,408

)

$

(8,882,237

)

 

 






 





















Investor C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

821,100

 

$

39,071,943

 

 

919,536

 

$

34,800,608

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,669

 

 

1,161,401

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

821,100

 

 

39,071,943

 

 

955,205

 

 

35,962,009

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(529,126

)

 

(24,791,323

)

 

(814,017

)

 

(32,433,575

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

291,974

 

$

14,280,620

 

 

141,188

 

$

3,528,434

 

 

 






 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilities and Telecommunications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Institutional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

354,269

 

$

3,891,766

 

 

327,663

 

$

3,046,917

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

 

 

31,094

 

 

342,703

 

 

108,979

 

 

1,054,924

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

385,363

 

 

4,234,469

 

 

436,642

 

 

4,101,841

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(603,111

)

 

(6,384,411

)

 

(611,411

)

 

(6,028,445

)

 

 






 







Net decrease

 

 

(217,748

)

$

(2,149,942

)

 

(174,769

)

$

(1,926,604

)

 

 






 





















Investor A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold and automatic conversion of shares

 

 

938,052

 

$

10,254,149

 

 

629,691

 

$

6,648,204

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

 

 

122,378

 

 

1,349,253

 

 

378,614

 

 

3,669,580

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

1,060,430

 

 

11,603,402

 

 

1,008,305

 

 

10,317,784

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(1,248,058

)

 

(13,530,700

)

 

(1,292,333

)

 

(13,548,146

)

 

 






 







Net decrease

 

 

(187,628

)

$

(1,927,298

)

 

(284,028

)

$

(3,230,362

)

 

 






 








 

 

 

 





46

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
July 31, 2010

 

Year Ended
July 31, 2009

 

 

 


 



Utilities and Telecommunications (concluded)

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 











Investor B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

9,262

 

$

99,769

 

 

32,062

 

$

337,758

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

 

 

955

 

 

10,452

 

 

4,710

 

 

45,191

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

10,217

 

 

110,221

 

 

36,772

 

 

382,949

 

Shares redeemed and automatic conversion of shares

 

 

(29,949

)

 

(322,803

)

 

(51,540

)

 

(525,621

)

 

 






 







Net decrease

 

 

(19,732

)

$

(212,582

)

 

(14,768

)

$

(142,672

)

 

 






 





















Investor B1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

4,333

 

$

46,938

 

 

32,874

 

$

352,001

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

 

 

2,855

 

 

31,478

 

 

25,815

 

 

248,940

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

7,188

 

 

78,416

 

 

58,689

 

 

600,941

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(192,400

)

 

(2,073,185

)

 

(360,956

)

 

(3,869,331

)

 

 






 







Net decrease

 

 

(185,212

)

$

(1,994,769

)

 

(302,267

)

$

(3,268,390

)

 

 






 





















Investor C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

567,288

 

$

6,067,328

 

 

251,243

 

$

2,467,863

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

 

 

9,968

 

 

107,069

 

 

18,752

 

 

178,076

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

577,256

 

 

6,174,397

 

 

269,995

 

 

2,645,939

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(177,079

)

 

(1,856,736

)

 

(147,914

)

 

(1,596,426

)

 

 






 







Net increase

 

 

400,177

 

$

4,317,661

 

 

122,081

 

$

1,049,513

 

 

 






 





















Investor C1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 















Shares sold

 

 

33,262

 

$

358,877

 

 

40,047

 

$

419,063

 

Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

 

 

11,273

 

 

122,416

 

 

47,865

 

 

456,610

 

 

 






 







Total issued

 

 

44,535

 

 

481,293

 

 

87,912

 

 

875,673

 

Shares redeemed

 

 

(131,963

)

 

(1,408,056

)

 

(216,475

)

 

(2,248,663

)

 

 






 







Net decrease

 

 

(87,428

)

$

(926,763

)

 

(128,563

)

$

(1,372,990

)

 

 






 







9. Subsequent Events:

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on each 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.

 

 

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

47



 


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund and BlackRock Natural Resources Trust and the Shareholders and Board of Directors of BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. (collectively, the “Funds”):

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund, BlackRock Natural Resources Trust and BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., including the schedules of investments, as of July 31, 2010, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2010, by correspondence with the custodians and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positions of BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund, BlackRock Natural Resources Trust and BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. as of July 31, 2010, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
September 28, 2010

 


Important Tax Information (Unaudited)


The entire amount of the ordinary income distributions paid by both BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund and BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010 qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporations and consists entirely of qualified dividend income for individuals.

 

 

 

 





48

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements and Sub-Advisory Agreements

The Board of Trustees of BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund (the “Equity Dividend Fund”), the Board of Trustees of BlackRock Natural Resources Trust (the “Natural Resources Trust”) and the Board of Directors of BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. (the “Utilities and Telecommunications Fund,” along with the Equity Dividend Fund and the Natural Resources Trust, each a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”) (the “Board,” and the members of which are referred to as “Board Members”) met on April 13, 2010 and May 11 – 12, 2010 to consider the approval of each Fund’s investment advisory agreement (collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”), each Fund’s investment advisor. The Board also considered the approval of the sub-advisory agreements (collectively, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) between the Manager and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (the “Sub-Advisor”), with respect to each Fund. The Manager and the Sub-Advisor are referred to herein as “BlackRock.” The Advisory Agreements and the Sub-Advisory Agreements are referred to herein as the “Agreements.”

Activities and Composition of the Board

The Board consists of fourteen individuals, eleven of whom are not “interested persons” of each Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Board Members”). The Board Members are responsible for the oversight of the operations of the Funds and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act. The Independent Board Members have retained independent legal counsel to assist them in connection with their duties. The Chairman of the Board is an Independent Board Member. The Board has established five standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Compliance Committee, a Performance Oversight Committee and an Executive Committee, each of which is composed of Independent Board Members (except for the Performance Oversight Committee and the Executive Committee, each of which also has one interested Board Member) and is chaired by Independent Board Members. The Board also has one ad hoc committee, the Joint Product Pricing Committee, which consists of Independent Board Members and directors/trustees of the boards of certain other BlackRock-managed funds, who are not “interested persons” of their respective funds.

The Agreements

Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Board is required to consider the continuation of the Agreements on an annual basis. In connection with this process, the Board assessed, among other things, the nature, scope and quality of the services provided to each Fund by the personnel of BlackRock and its affiliates, including investment management, administrative and shareholder services, oversight of fund accounting and custody, marketing services and assistance in meeting applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

From time to time throughout the year, the Board, acting directly and through its committees, considers at each of its meetings factors that are relevant to its annual consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, including the services and support provided by BlackRock to each Fund and its shareholders. Among the matters the Board considered were: (a) investment performance for one-, three- and five-year periods, as applicable, against peer funds, and applicable benchmarks, if any, as well as senior management’s and portfolio managers’ analysis of the reasons for any over performance or underperformance against its peers and/or benchmark, as applicable; (b) fees, including advisory, administration, if applicable, and other amounts paid to BlackRock and its affiliates by each Fund for services, such as transfer agency, marketing and distribution, call center and fund accounting; (c) Fund operating expenses; (d) the resources devoted to and compliance reports relating to each Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions; (e) each Fund’s compliance with its Code of Ethics and compliance policies and procedures; (f) the nature, cost and character of non-investment management services provided by BlackRock and its affiliates; (g) BlackRock’s and other service providers’ internal controls; (h) BlackRock’s implementation of the proxy voting policies approved by the Board; (i) the use of brokerage commissions and execution quality of portfolio transactions; (j) BlackRock’s implementation of each Fund’s valuation and liquidity procedures; (k) an analysis of contractual and actual management fees for products with similar investment objectives across the open-end fund, closed-end fund and institutional account product channels, as applicable; and (l) periodic updates on BlackRock’s business.

Board Considerations in Approving the Agreements

The Approval Process: Prior to the April 13, 2010 meeting, the Board requested and received materials specifically relating to the Agreements. The Board is engaged in a process with BlackRock to periodically review the nature and scope of the information provided to better assist its deliberations. The materials provided in connection with the April meeting included: (a) information independently compiled and prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”) on Fund fees and expenses, and the investment performance of each Fund as compared with a peer group of funds as determined by Lipper and, for the Natural Resources Trust, a customized peer group selected by BlackRock (collectively, “Peers”); (b) information on the profitability of the Agreements to BlackRock and a discussion of fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates and significant shareholders; (c) a general analysis provided by BlackRock concerning investment advisory fees charged to other clients, such as institutional clients and closed-end funds, under similar investment mandates, as well as the performance of such other clients, as applicable; (d) the impact of economies of scale; (e) a summary of aggregate amounts paid by each Fund to BlackRock; (f) sales and redemption data regarding each Fund’s shares; and (g) if applicable, a comparison of management fees to similar BlackRock open-end funds, as classified by Lipper.

 

 

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

49



 


 

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements and Sub-Advisory Agreements (continued)

At an in-person meeting held on April 13, 2010, the Board reviewed materials relating to its consideration of the Agreements. As a result of the discussions that occurred during the April 13, 2010 meeting, the Board presented BlackRock with questions and requests for additional information and BlackRock responded to these requests with additional written information in advance of the May 11 – 12, 2010 Board meeting.

At an in-person meeting held on May 11 – 12, 2010, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreements between the Manager and each Fund and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between the Manager and the Sub-Advisor with respect to each Fund, each for a one-year term ending June 30, 2011. In approving the continuation of the Agreements, the Board considered: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BlackRock; (b) the investment performance of each Fund and BlackRock; (c) the advisory fee and the cost of the services and profits to be realized by BlackRock and its affiliates from their relationship with each Fund; (d) economies of scale; and (e) other factors deemed relevant by the Board Members.

The Board also considered other matters it deemed important to the approval process, such as payments made to BlackRock or its affiliates relating to the distribution of Fund shares, services related to the valuation and pricing of Fund portfolio holdings, direct and indirect benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates and significant shareholders from their relationship with each Fund and advice from independent legal counsel with respect to the review process and materials submitted for the Board’s review. The Board noted the willingness of BlackRock personnel to engage in open, candid discussions with the Board. The Board did not identify any particular information as controlling, and each Board Member may have attributed different weights to the various items considered.

A. Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by BlackRock: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the nature, extent and quality of services provided by BlackRock, including the investment advisory services and the resulting performance of each Fund. Throughout the year, the Board compared Fund performance to the performance of a comparable group of mutual funds, and the performance of a relevant benchmark, if any. The Board met with BlackRock’s senior management personnel responsible for investment operations, including the senior investment officers. The Board also reviewed the materials provided by each Fund’s portfolio management team discussing Fund performance and the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and outlook.

The Board considered, among other factors, the number, education and experience of BlackRock’s investment personnel generally and each Fund’s portfolio management team, investments by portfolio managers in the funds they manage, BlackRock’s portfolio trading capabilities, BlackRock’s use of technology, BlackRock’s commitment to compliance, BlackRock’s credit analysis capabilities, BlackRock’s risk analysis capabilities and BlackRock’s approach to training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel. The Board also reviewed a general description of BlackRock’s compensation structure with respect to each Fund’s portfolio management team and BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain high-quality talent.

In addition to advisory services, the Board considered the quality of the administrative and non-investment advisory services provided to each Fund. BlackRock and its affiliates and significant shareholders provide each Fund with certain administrative, transfer agency, shareholder and other services (in addition to any such services provided to a Fund by third parties) and officers and other personnel as are necessary for the operations of the Fund. In addition to investment advisory services, BlackRock and its affiliates provide each Fund with other services, including: (i) preparing disclosure documents, such as the prospectus, the statement of additional information and periodic shareholder reports; (ii) assisting with daily accounting and pricing; (iii) overseeing and coordinating the activities of other service providers; (iv) organizing Board meetings and preparing the materials for such Board meetings; (v) providing legal and compliance support; and (vi) performing other administrative functions necessary for the operation of the Fund, such as tax reporting, fulfilling regulatory filing requirements, and call center services. The Board reviewed the structure and duties of BlackRock’s fund administration, accounting, legal and compliance departments and considered BlackRock’s policies and procedures for assuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

B. The Investment Performance of each Fund and BlackRock: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, also reviewed and considered the performance history of each Fund. In preparation for the April 13, 2010 meeting, the Board was provided with reports, independently prepared by Lipper, which included a comprehensive analysis of each Fund’s performance. The Board also reviewed a narrative and statistical analysis of the Lipper data that was prepared by BlackRock, which analyzed various factors that affect Lipper’s rankings. In connection with its review, the Board received and reviewed information regarding the investment performance of each Fund as compared to a representative group of similar funds as determined by Lipper and to all funds in the Fund’s applicable Lipper category and, for the Natural Resources Trust, a customized peer group selected by BlackRock. The Board was provided with a description of the methodology used by Lipper to select peer funds. The Board regularly reviews the performance of each Fund throughout the year. The Board attaches more importance to performance over relatively long periods of time, typically three to five years.

The Board noted that the Equity Dividend Fund ranked in the second, first and first quartiles against its Lipper Performance Universe for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, respectively.

The Board noted that the Natural Resources Trust ranked in the second, first and first quartiles against its Customized Lipper Peer Group for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, respectively.

 

 

 

 





50

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements and Sub-Advisory Agreements (continued)

The Board noted that the Utilities and Telecommunications Fund ranked in the third, second and second quartiles against its Lipper Performance Universe for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, respectively.

The Board noted that BlackRock has made changes to the organization of the overall fixed income group management structure designed to result in a strengthened leadership team with clearer accountability.

C. Consideration of the Advisory Fees and the Cost of the Services and Profits to be Realized by BlackRock and its Affiliates from their Relationship with each Fund: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed each Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate compared with the other funds in its Lipper category. It also compared each Fund’s total expenses, as well as actual management fees, to those of other funds in its Lipper category. The Board considered the services provided and the fees charged by BlackRock to other types of clients with similar investment mandates, including separately managed institutional accounts.

The Board received and reviewed statements relating to BlackRock’s financial condition and profitability with respect to the services it provided each Fund. The Board was also provided with a profitability analysis that detailed the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by BlackRock for services provided to each Fund. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s profitability with respect to each Fund and other funds the Board currently oversees for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to available aggregate profitability data provided for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s profitability with respect to other fund complexes managed by the Manager and/or its affiliates. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s assumptions and methodology of allocating expenses in the profitability analysis, noting the inherent limitations in allocating costs among various advisory products. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers and expense reimbursements by the Manager, the types of funds managed, expense allocations and business mix, and the difficulty of comparing profitability as a result of those factors.

The Board noted that, in general, individual fund or product line profitability of other advisors is not publicly available. Nevertheless, to the extent such information was available, the Board considered BlackRock’s operating margin, in general, compared to the operating margin for leading investment management firms whose operations include advising open-end funds, among other product types. That data indicates that operating margins for BlackRock with respect to its registered funds are generally consistent with margins earned by similarly situated publicly traded competitors. In addition, the Board considered, among other things, certain third party data comparing BlackRock’s operating margin with that of other publicly traded asset management firms. That third party data indicates that larger asset bases do not, in themselves, translate to higher profit margins.

In addition, the Board considered the cost of the services provided to each Fund by BlackRock, and BlackRock’s and its affiliates’ profits relating to the management and distribution of each Fund and the other funds advised by BlackRock and its affiliates. As part of its analysis, the Board reviewed BlackRock’s methodology in allocating its costs to the management of each Fund. The Board also considered whether BlackRock has the financial resources necessary to attract and retain high quality investment management personnel to perform its obligations under the Agreements and to continue to provide the high-quality of services that is expected by the Board.

The Board noted that the Equity Dividend Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate was lower than or equal to the median contractual advisory fee rate paid by the Equity Dividend Fund’s Peers, in each case, before taking into account any expense reimbursements or fee waivers. The Board also noted that BlackRock has voluntarily agreed to waive fees or reimburse expenses in order to limit, to a specified amount, the Equity Dividend Fund’s total net expenses on a class-by-class basis, as applicable.

The Board noted that the Natural Resources Trust’s contractual advisory fee rate was lower than or equal to the median contractual advisory fee rate paid by the Natural Resources Trust’s Peers, in each case, before taking into account any expense reimbursements or fee waivers.

The Board noted that the Utilities and Telecommunications Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate was lower than or equal to the median contractual advisory fee rate paid by the Utilities and Telecommunications Fund’s Peers, in each case, before taking into account any expense reimbursements or fee waivers.

D. Economies of Scale: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of each Fund increase. The Board also considered the extent to which each Fund benefits from such economies and whether there should be changes in the advisory fee rate or structure in order to enable the Fund to participate in these economies of scale, for example through the use of breakpoints in the advisory fee based upon the asset level of the Fund.

 

 

 

 





 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

51



 


 

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements and Sub-Advisory Agreements (concluded)

E. Other Factors Deemed Relevant by the Board Members: The Board, including the Independent Board Members, also took into account other ancillary or “fall-out” benefits that BlackRock or its affiliates and significant shareholders may derive from their respective relationships with each Fund, both tangible and intangible, such as BlackRock’s ability to leverage its investment professionals who manage other portfolios, an increase in BlackRock’s profile in the investment advisory community, and the engagement of BlackRock’s affiliates and significant shareholders as service providers to the Fund, including for administrative, transfer agency and distribution services. The Board also considered BlackRock’s overall operations and its efforts to expand the scale of, and improve the quality of, its operations. The Board also noted that BlackRock may use and benefit from third party research obtained by soft dollars generated by certain mutual fund transactions to assist in managing all or a number of its other client accounts. The Board further noted that BlackRock completed the acquisition of a complex of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) on December 1, 2009, and that BlackRock’s funds may invest in such ETFs without any offset against the management fees payable by the funds to BlackRock.

In connection with its consideration of the Agreements, the Board also received information regarding BlackRock’s brokerage and soft dollar practices. The Board received reports from BlackRock which included information on brokerage commissions and trade execution practices throughout the year.

The Board noted the competitive nature of the open-end fund marketplace, and that shareholders are able to redeem their Fund shares if they believe that a Fund’s fees and expenses are too high or if they are dissatisfied with the performance of the Fund.

Conclusion

The Board, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreements between the Manager and each Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2011 and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between the Manager and the Sub-Advisor, with respect to each Fund, for a one-year term ending June 30, 2011. As part of its approval, the Board considered the discussions of BlackRock’s fee structure, as it applies to each Fund, being conducted by the ad hoc Joint Product Pricing Committee. Based upon its evaluation of all of the aforementioned factors in their totality, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, was satisfied that the terms of the Agreements were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of each Fund and its shareholders. In arriving at a decision to approve the Agreements, the Board did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all-important or controlling, but considered all factors together, and different Board Members may have attributed different weights to the various factors considered. The Independent Board Members were also assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel in making this determination. The contractual fee arrangements for each Fund reflect the results of several years of review by the Board Members and predecessor Board Members, and discussions between such Board Members (and predecessor Board Members) and BlackRock. Certain aspects of the arrangements may be the subject of more attention in some years than in others, and the Board Members’ conclusions may be based in part on their consideration of these arrangements in prior years.

 

 

 

 





52

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Officers and Directors


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name, Address
and Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
Held with
Funds

 

Length
of Time
Served as
a Director2

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Number of BlackRock-
Advised Registered
Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen

 

Public
Directorships












Non-Interested Directors1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Robert M. Hernandez
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1944

 

Chairman of the Board, Director and Member of the Audit Committee

 

Since 2007

 

Director, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of USX Corporation (energy and steel business) from 1991 to 2001.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

ACE Limited (insurance company); Eastman Chemical Company (chemical); RTI International Metals, Inc. (metals); TYCO Electronics (electronics)












Fred G. Weiss
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1941

 

Vice Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Audit Committee and Director

 

Since 1998

 

Managing Director, FGW Associates (consulting and investment company) since 1997; Director, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research since 2000; Director, BTG International Plc (a global technology commercialization company) from 2001 to 2007.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

Watson Pharmaceutical Inc. (pharmaceutical)












James H. Bodurtha
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1944

 

Director

 

Since 1995

 

Director, The China Business Group, Inc. (consulting firm) since 1996 and Executive Vice President thereof from 1996 to 2003; Chairman of the Board, Berkshire Holding Corporation since 1980.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

None












Bruce R. Bond
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1946

 

Director

 

Since 2007

 

Trustee and Member of the Governance Committee, State Street Research Mutual Funds from 1997 to 2005; Board Member of Governance, Audit and Finance Committee, Avaya Inc. (computer equipment) from 2003 to 2007.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

None












Donald W. Burton
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1944

 

Director

 

Since 2002

 

Managing General Partner, The Burton Partnership, LP (an investment partnership) since 1979; Managing General Partner, The South Atlantic Venture Funds since 1983; Member of the Investment Advisory Council of the Florida State Board of Administration from 2001 to 2007.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

Knology, Inc. (telecommunications); Capital Southwest (financial)












Stuart E. Eizenstat
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1943

 

Director

 

Since 2007

 

Partner and Head of International Practice, Covington and Burling LLP (law firm) since 2001; International Advisory Board Member, The Coca-Cola Company since 2002; Advisory Board Member, BT Americas (telecommunications) since 2004; Member of the Board of Directors, Chicago Climate Exchange (environmental) since 2006; Member of the International Advisory Board, GML (energy) since 2003.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

Alcatel-Lucent (telecommunications); Global Specialty Metallurgical (metallurgical industry); UPS Corporation (delivery service)












Kenneth A. Froot
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1957

 

Director

 

Since 2007

 

Professor, Harvard University since 1992.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

None













 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

53



 


 

Officers and Directors (continued)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name, Address
and Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
Held with
Funds

 

Length
of Time
Served as
a Director2

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Number of BlackRock-
Advised Registered
Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen

 

Public
Directorships












Non-Interested Directors1 (concluded)

 

 

 

 

 

 












John F. O’Brien
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1943

 

Director

 

Since 2005

 

Chairman and Director, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute since 2009 and Trustee thereof from 2003 to 2009; Director, Allmerica Financial Corporation from 1995 to 2003; Director, ABIOMED from 1989 to 2006; Director, Ameresco, Inc. (energy solutions company) from 2006 to 2007; Vice Chairman and Director, Boston Lyric Opera from 2002 to 2007.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

Cabot Corporation (chemicals); LKQ Corporation (auto parts manufacturing); TJX Companies, Inc. (retailer)












Roberta Cooper Ramo
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1942

 

Director

 

Since 2007

 

Shareholder, Modrall, Sperling, Roehl, Harris & Sisk, P.A. (law firm) since 1993; Chairman of the Board, Cooper’s Inc. (retail) since 2000; Director, ECMC Group (service provider to students, schools and lenders) since 2001; President, The American Law Institute (non-profit) since 2008; President, American Bar Association from 1995 to 1996.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

None












David H. Walsh
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1941

 

Director

 

Since 2003

 

Director, National Museum of Wildlife Art since 2007; Director, Ruckleshaus Institute and Haub School of Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming from 2006 to 2008; Trustee, University of Wyoming Foundation since 2008; Director, The American Museum of Fly Fishing since 1997; Director, The National Audubon Society from 1998 to 2005.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

None












Richard R. West
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1938

 

Director and Member of the Audit Committee

 

Since 1987

 

Dean Emeritus, New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business Administration since 1995.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

Bowne & Co., Inc. (financial printers); Vornado Realty Trust (real estate company); Alexander’s Inc. (real estate company)


 

 

 

 


 

1

Directors serve until their resignation, removal or death, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 72.

 

 

 

 

2

Date shown is the earliest date a person has served for any of the Funds covered by this annual report. Following the combination of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) and BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) in September 2006, the various legacy MLIM and legacy BlackRock Fund boards were realigned and consolidated into three new Fund boards in 2007. As a result, although the chart shows certain directors as joining the Funds’ board in 2007, each director first became a member of the board of directors of other legacy MLIM or legacy BlackRock Funds as follows: James H. Bodurtha since 1995; Bruce R. Bond since 2005; Donald W. Burton since 2002; Stuart E. Eizenstat since 2001; Kenneth A. Froot since 2005; Robert M. Hernandez since 1996; John F. O’Brien since 2004; Roberta Cooper Ramo since 2000; David H. Walsh since 2003; Fred G. Weiss since 1998; and Richard R. West since 1978.


 

 

 

 


54

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Officers and Directors (continued)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name, Address
and Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
Held with
Funds

 

Length
of Time
Served as
a Director

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

 

Number of BlackRock-
Advised Registered
Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen

 

Public
Directorships












Interested Directors1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












Richard S. Davis
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1945

 

President2 and Director

 

Since 2007

 

Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. since 2005; Chief Executive Officer, State Street Research & Management Company from 2000 to 2005; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, State Street Research Mutual Funds from 2000 to 2005.

 

169 RICs consisting of
292 Portfolios

 

None












Laurence D. Fink
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1952

 

Director

 

Since 2007

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock, Inc. since its formation in 1998 and of BlackRock, Inc.’s predecessor entities since 1988 and Chairman of the Executive and Management Committees; Managing Director, The First Boston Corporation, Member of its Management Committee, Co-head of its Taxable Fixed Income Division and Head of its Mortgage and Real Estate Products Group; Chairman of the Board of several of BlackRock’s alternative investment vehicles; Director of several of BlackRock’s offshore funds; Member of the Board of Trustees of New York University, Chair of the Financial Affairs Committee and a member of the Executive Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee on Board Governance, and the Committee on Trustees; Co-Chairman of the NYU Hospitals Center Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Development/Trustee Stewardship Committee and Chairman of the Finance Committee; Trustee, The Boys’ Club of New York.

 

34 RICs consisting of
98 Portfolios

 

None












Henry Gabbay
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1947

 

Director

 

Since 2007

 

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 Bond Allocation Target Shares from 2005 to 2007 and Treasurer of certain closed-end funds in the BlackRock fund complex from 1989 to 2006.

 

169 RICs consisting of
292 Portfolios

 

None

 

 

 

 


 

1

Messrs. Davis and Fink are both “interested persons,” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, of the Funds based on their positions with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates. Mr. Gabbay is an “interested person” of the Funds based on his former positions with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates as well as his ownership of BlackRock, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Directors serve until their resignation, removal or death, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 72.

 

 

 

 

2

For Equity Dividend Fund.


 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

55



 


 

Officers and Directors (concluded)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name, Address
and Year of Birth

 

Position(s)
Held with
Funds

 

Length
of Time
Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years








Fund Officers1

 

 

 

 

 

 








Anne Ackerley
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1962

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Since 20092

 

Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2000; Vice President of the BlackRock-advised Funds from 2007 to 2009; Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock’s Global Client Group (GCG) since 2009; Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock’s US Retail Group from 2006 to 2009; Head of BlackRock’s Mutual Fund Group from 2000 to 2006.








Jeffrey Holland, CFA
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1971

 

Vice President

 

Since 2009

 

Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2010; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2006 to 2009; Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock’s U.S. Retail Group since 2009; Co-head of Product Development and Management for BlackRock’s US Retail Group from 2007 to 2009; Product Manager of Raymond James & Associates from 2003 to 2006.








Brendan Kyne
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1977

 

Vice President

 

Since 2009

 

Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2010; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2008 to 2009; Head of Product Development and Management for BlackRock’s U.S. Retail Group since 2009, Co-head thereof from 2007 to 2009; Vice President of BlackRock, Inc. from 2005 to 2008.








Brian Schmidt
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1958

 

Vice President

 

Since 2009

 

Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2004; Various positions with U.S. Trust Company from 1991 to 2003 including Director from 2001 to 2003 and Senior Vice President from 1998 to 2003; Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Excelsior Funds, Inc., Excelsior Tax-Exempt Funds, Inc. and Excelsior Funds Trust from 2001 to 2003.








Neal Andrews
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1966

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

Since 2007

 

Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006; Senior Vice President and Line of Business Head of Fund Accounting and Administration at PNC Global Investment Servicing (US) Inc. from 1992 to 2006.








Jay Fife
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1970

 

Treasurer

 

Since 2007

 

Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2007 and Director in 2006; Assistant Treasurer of the Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) and Fund Asset Management, L.P.-advised Funds from 2005 to 2006; Director of MLIM Fund Services Group from 2001 to 2006.








Brian Kindelan
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1959

 

Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds

 

Since 2007

 

Chief Compliance Officer of the BlackRock-advised Funds since 2007; Managing Director and Senior Counsel of BlackRock, Inc. since 2005.








Howard Surloff
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
1965

 

Secretary

 

Since 2007

 

Managing Director and General Counsel of US Funds at BlackRock, Inc. since 2006; General Counsel (US) of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. from 1993 to 2006.


 

 


1

Officers of the Funds serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

 

 

2

Ms. Ackerley has been President of Natural Resources and Utilities and Telecommunications and Chief Executive Officer since 2009 and was Vice President from 2007 to 2009. She has been the Chief Executive Officer of Equity Dividend since 2009.

 

 


Further information about the Funds’ Officers and Directors is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information, which can be obtained without charge by calling (800) 441-7762.


 


Custodians
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA 021113

The Bank of New York
Brooklyn, NY 112174

JPMorgan Chase Bank & Co.
Brooklyn, NY 112455

Investment Advisor
BlackRock Advisors, LLC
Wilmington, DE 19809

Sub-Advisor
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

Transfer Agent
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
Wilmington, DE 19809

Legal Counsel
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
New York, NY 10019

Accounting Agent
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Princeton, NJ 08540

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, NJ 08540

Distributor
BlackRock Investments, LLC
New York, NY 10022

Address of the Funds
100 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809

 

 

3

For Equity Dividend.

 

 

4

For Natural Resources.

 

 

5

For Utilities and Telecommunications.


 

Effective September 15, 2010, John M. Perlowski became President of Natural Resources and Utilities and Telecommunications and Chief Executive Officer of the Funds.


 

 

 

 


56

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

Additional Information


 


General Information


Electronic Delivery

Electronic copies of most financial reports and prospectuses are available on the Funds’ websites or shareholders can sign up for e-mail notifications of quarterly statements, annual and semi-annual reports and prospectuses by enrolling in the Funds’ electronic delivery program.

To enroll:

Shareholders Who Hold Accounts with Investment Advisors, Banks or Brokerages:

Please contact your financial advisor. Please note that not all investment advisors, banks or brokerages may offer this service.

Shareholders Who Hold Accounts Directly with BlackRock:

 

 

1)

Access the BlackRock website at http://www.blackrock.com/edelivery

 

 

2)

Select “eDelivery” under the “More Information” section

 

 

3)

Log into your account

Householding

The Funds 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 (800) 441-7762.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Security and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The Funds’ Forms 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 Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 441-7762; (2) at http://www.blackrock.com; and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Availability of Proxy Voting Record

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

 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

57



 


 

Additional Information (concluded)


 


Shareholder Privileges


Account Information

Call us at (800) 441-7762 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST on any business day to get information about your account balances, recent transactions and share prices. You can also reach us on the Web at http://www.blackrock.com/funds.

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.

 


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

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

 



 


 

A World-Class 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.

 


Equity Funds


 

BlackRock All-Cap Energy & Resources Portfolio

BlackRock Asset Allocation Portfolio†

BlackRock Balanced Capital Fund†

BlackRock Basic Value Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund

BlackRock Energy & Resources Portfolio

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

BlackRock EuroFund

BlackRock Focus Growth Fund

BlackRock Focus Value Fund

BlackRock Global Allocation Fund†

BlackRock Global Dynamic Equity Fund

BlackRock Global Emerging Markets Fund

BlackRock Global Financial Services Fund

BlackRock Global Growth Fund

BlackRock Global Opportunities Portfolio

BlackRock Global SmallCap Fund

BlackRock Health Sciences Opportunities Portfolio

BlackRock Healthcare Fund

BlackRock Index Equity Portfolio*

BlackRock International Fund

BlackRock International Index Fund

BlackRock International Opportunities Portfolio

BlackRock International Value Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Core Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Core Plus Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Growth Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Fund

BlackRock Latin America Fund

BlackRock Mid-Cap Growth Equity Portfolio

BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Equity Portfolio

BlackRock Mid Cap Value Opportunities Fund

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

BlackRock Pacific Fund

BlackRock Science & Technology Opportunities Portfolio

BlackRock Small Cap Core Equity Portfolio

BlackRock Small Cap Growth Equity Portfolio

BlackRock Small Cap Growth Fund II

BlackRock Small Cap Index Fund

BlackRock Small/Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio

BlackRock S&P 500 Index Fund

BlackRock U.S. Opportunities Portfolio

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund

BlackRock Value Opportunities Fund

BlackRock World Gold Fund

 


Fixed Income Funds


 

BlackRock Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Emerging Market Debt Portfolio

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Portfolio

BlackRock GNMA Portfolio

BlackRock Government Income Portfolio

BlackRock High Income Fund

BlackRock High Yield Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Income Portfolio†

BlackRock Income Builder Portfolio†

BlackRock Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Intermediate Government Bond Portfolio

BlackRock International Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Long Duration Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Low Duration Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Managed Income Portfolio

BlackRock Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Short-Term Bond Fund

BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio

BlackRock Total Return Fund

BlackRock Total Return Portfolio II

BlackRock World Income Fund

 


Municipal Bond Funds


 

BlackRock AMT-Free Municipal Bond Portfolio

BlackRock California Municipal Bond Fund

BlackRock High Yield Municipal Fund

BlackRock Intermediate Municipal Fund

BlackRock Kentucky Municipal Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Municipal Insured Fund

BlackRock National Municipal Fund

BlackRock New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund

BlackRock New York Municipal Bond Fund

BlackRock Ohio Municipal Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund

BlackRock Short-Term Municipal Fund

 


Target Risk & Target Date Funds†


 

BlackRock Prepared Portfolios

Conservative Prepared Portfolio

Moderate Prepared Portfolio

Growth Prepared Portfolio

Aggressive Growth Prepared Portfolio

 

BlackRock Lifecycle Prepared Portfolios

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

 

BlackRock LifePath Portfolios

Retirement

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

2055


 

 

*

See the prospectus for information on specific limitations on investments in the fund.

 

 

Mixed asset fund.

BlackRock mutual funds are currently distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the funds under consideration carefully before investing. Each fund’s prospectus contains this and other information and is available at www.blackrock.com or by calling (800) 441-7762 or from your financial advisor. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

 

 

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY 31, 2010

59



(PAPERLESS LOGO)

This report is not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Funds unless accompanied or preceded by the Funds’ 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.

 

 

#EDNRUT-7/10

(BLACKROCK LOGO)


Item 2 –

Code of Ethics – The registrant (or the “Fund”) has adopted a code of ethics, as of the end of the period covered by this report, applicable to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions. During the period covered by this report, there have been no amendments to or waivers granted under the code of ethics. A copy of the code of ethics is available without charge at www.blackrock.com.

 

 

Item 3 –

Audit Committee Financial Expert – The registrant’s board of directors or trustees, as applicable (the “board of directors”), has determined that (i) the registrant has the following audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee and (ii) each audit committee financial expert is independent:

 

Robert M. Hernandez

 

Fred G. Weiss

 

Richard R. West

 

 

 

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 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.

 

 

Item 4 –

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

 

(a) Audit Fees

(b) Audit-Related Fees1

(c) Tax Fees2

(d) All Other Fees3

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 Natural Resources Trust

$27,500

$27,500

$0

$0

$6,100

$6,100

$75

$1,028

1 The nature of the services include assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit of financial statements not included in Audit Fees.

2 The nature of the services include tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

3 The nature of the services include a review of compliance procedures and attestation thereto.

 

    

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures:

 

 

 

The registrant’s audit committee (the “Committee”) has adopted policies and procedures with regard to the pre-approval of services. Audit, audit-related and tax compliance services provided to the registrant on an annual basis require specific pre-approval by the Committee. The Committee also must approve other non-audit services provided to the registrant and those non-audit services provided to the registrant’s 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 operation or financial reporting of the registrant will only be deemed pre-approved provided that any individual project does not exceed $10,000 attributable to the registrant or $50,000 per project. For this purpose, multiple projects will be aggregated to determine if they exceed the previously mentioned cost levels.

 

 


     

Any proposed services exceeding the pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Committee, as will any other services not subject to general pre-approval (e.g., unanticipated but permissible services). The Committee is informed of each service approved subject to general pre-approval at the next regularly scheduled in-person board meeting. At this meeting, an analysis of such services is presented to the Committee for ratification. The Committee may delegate to the Committee Chairman the authority to approve the provision of and fees for any specific engagement of permitted non-audit services, including services exceeding pre-approved cost levels.

 

 

 

(e)(2) None of the services described in each of Items 4(b) through (d) were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

 

 

(f) Not Applicable

 

 

 

(g) Affiliates’ Aggregate Non-Audit Fees:

 

Entity Name

Current Fiscal Year End

Previous Fiscal Year End

 

 

 

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

$16,952

$409,628

 

 

(h) The registrant’s audit committee has considered and determined that the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any non-affiliated sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by the registrant’s investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant 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.

 

 

 

Regulation S-X Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) – $10,777, 0%

 

 

Item 5 –

Audit Committee of Listed Registrants – Not Applicable

 

 

Item 6 –

Investments

 

(a) The registrant’s Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

(b) Not Applicable due to no such divestments during the semi-annual period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.

 

 

Item 7 –

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – 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 – The registrant’s Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees to the board of directors recommended by shareholders when a vacancy becomes available. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send nominations which include biographical information and set forth the qualifications of the proposed nominee to the registrant’s Secretary. There have been no material changes to these procedures.

 

 

Item 11 –

Controls and Procedures

 

 

11(a) –

The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers or persons performing similar functions have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 15(d)-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

11(b) –

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Item 12 –

Exhibits attached hereto

 

 

12(a)(1) –

Code of Ethics – See Item 2

 

 

12(a)(2) –

Certifications – Attached hereto

 

 

12(a)(3) –

Not Applicable

 

 

12(b) –

Certifications – Attached hereto

   

    

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

   
  By: /s/ John M. Perlowski  
    John M. Perlowski
    Chief Executive Officer of
    BlackRock Natural Resources Trust
   
  Date: October 21, 2010
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
   
  By: /s/ John M. Perlowski  
    John M. Perlowski
    Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of
    BlackRock Natural Resources Trust
   
  Date: October 21, 2010
   
  By: /s/ Neal J. Andrews  
    Neal J. Andrews
    Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) of
    BlackRock Natural Resources Trust
     
  Date: October 21, 2010