BLACKROCK FLOATING RATE INCOME STRATEGIES FUND, INC.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-21413

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

Fund Address: 100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809

Name and address of agent for service: John M. Perlowski, Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055

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

Date of fiscal year end: 08/31/2015

Date of reporting period: 08/31/2015


Item 1 – Report to Stockholders


AUGUST 31, 2015

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

    LOGO

 

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

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

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • No Bank Guarantee


Table of Contents     

 

     Page  

The Markets in Review

    3   

Annual Report:

 

Fund Summaries

    4   

The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging

    10   

Derivative Financial Instruments

    10   
Financial Statements  

Schedules of Investments

    11   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

    58   

Statements of Operations

    59   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

    60   

Statements of Cash Flows

    63   

Financial Highlights

    64   

Notes to Financial Statements

    67   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    80   

Important Tax Information

    80   

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements

    81   

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plans

    85   

Officers and Directors

    86   

Additional Information

    89   

 

                
2    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


The Markets in Review

 

Dear Shareholder,

Diverging monetary policies and shifting economic outlooks between regions were the broader themes underlying market conditions during the 12-month period ended August 31, 2015. The period began with investors caught between the forces of low interest rates and an improving U.S. economy, high asset valuations, oil price instability and lingering geopolitical risks in Ukraine and the Middle East. U.S. growth picked up considerably in the fourth quarter of 2014, while the broader global economy showed signs of slowing. Investors favored the stability of U.S. assets despite expectations that the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) would eventually be inclined to raise short-term interest rates. International markets continued to struggle even as the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan eased monetary policy. Oil prices plummeted in late 2014 due to a global supply-and-demand imbalance, sparking a sell-off in energy-related assets and emerging markets. Investors piled into U.S. Treasury bonds as their persistently low yields had become attractive as compared to the even lower yields on international sovereign debt.

Equity markets reversed in early 2015, with international markets outperforming the United States as global risks abated. Investors had held high expectations for the U.S. economy, but a harsh winter and west coast port strike brought disappointing first-quarter data and high valuations took their toll on U.S. stocks, while bond yields fell to extreme lows. (Bond prices rise as yields fall.) In contrast, economic reports in Europe and Asia easily beat investors’ very low expectations, and accommodative policies from central banks in those regions helped international equities rebound. Oil prices stabilized, providing some relief for emerging market stocks, although a stronger U.S. dollar continued to be a headwind for the asset class.

U.S. economic data regained momentum in the second quarter, helping U.S. stocks resume an upward path; however, the improving data underscored the likelihood that the Fed would raise short-term rates before the end of 2015 and bond yields moved swiftly higher. The month of June brought a sharp, but temporary, sell-off across most asset classes as Greece’s long-brewing debt troubles came to an impasse. Although these concerns abated in the later part of July when the Greek parliament passed a series of austerity and reform measures, the calm was short-lived. Chinese equity prices plunged and experienced extreme volatility despite policymakers’ attempts to stabilize the market. Financial markets broadly were highly volatile during the month of August as evidence of a further deceleration in China’s economy stoked worries about global growth. Equity and high yield assets declined, with emerging markets especially hard hit given falling commodity prices and lower growth estimates for many of those economies. High quality fixed income assets such as U.S. Treasury and municipal bonds benefited from investors seeking shelter from global volatility.

At BlackRock, we believe investors need to think globally, extend their scope across a broad array of asset classes and be prepared to move freely as market conditions change over time. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit blackrock.com for further insight about investing in today’s markets.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

LOGO

Rob Kapito

President, BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

Total Returns as of August 31, 2015  
    6-month     12-month  

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

    (5.32 )%      0.48

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

    (5.36     0.03   

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

    (6.30     (7.47

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets
Index)

    (15.97     (22.95

3-month Treasury bills
(BofA Merrill Lynch
3-Month U.S. Treasury

Bill Index)

    0.02        0.03   

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

    (0.86     3.24   

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

    (0.68     1.56   

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

    0.21        2.38   

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

    (2.85     (2.93
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.    

 

                
   THIS PAGE NOT PART OF YOUR FUND REPORT       3


Fund Summary as of August 31, 2015    BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust

 

 

Fund Overview

 

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust’s (BHL) (the “Fund”) primary investment objective is to provide high current income, with a secondary objective of long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing substantially all of its assets in loan and debt instruments and loan-related and debt-related instruments (collectively “credit securities”). The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in any combination of the following credit securities: (i) senior secured floating rate and fixed rate loans; (ii) second lien or other subordinated or unsecured floating rate and fixed rate loans or debt; (iii) credit securities that are rated below investment grade quality; and (iv) investment grade corporate bonds. The Fund may invest directly in such securities or synthetically through the use of derivatives.

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

 

Portfolio Management Commentary

Returns for the 12 months ended August 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price     NAV3  

BHL1

    0.15     2.80

Lipper Loan Participation Funds2

    (3.67 )%      0.25

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions.

 

  2   

Average return.

 

  3  

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

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

What factors influenced performance?

 

 

Despite weakness in late 2014, the loan market provided a modest positive return for the full 12-month period. Given the positive returns experienced, the Fund’s use of leverage added modestly to performance for the period. The Fund’s exposure to names in the health care and technology sectors were amongst the top performers over the period.

 

 

During the period, oil prices experienced a significant decline and most commodity prices came under pressure as well. As a result, prices for the Fund’s holdings within the energy sector fell notably during the period and detracted from returns. The metals & mining sector, while a smaller component of the market, declined also. The electric segment, and in particular Texas Utilities, was an additional detractor. Finally, the Fund’s modest position in equity was a negative contributor.

Describe recent portfolio activity.

 

 

During the period, the Fund maintained its overall focus on the higher quality segments of the loan market in terms of loan structure, liquidity and overall credit quality. The Fund has concentrated its investments in strong companies with stable cash flows and high quality collateral, with the ability to meet interest obligations and ultimately return principal. From a sector perspective, the Fund added to names in the pharmaceuticals and health care sectors, where increased merger and acquisition activity has led to some attractive investment opportunities.

Describe portfolio positioning at period end.

 

 

At period end, the Fund held a majority of its total portfolio in floating rate loan interests (bank loans), with a small position in high yield corporate bonds and other interests. The Fund maintained its highest concentration in higher coupon B-rated loans of select issuers while limiting exposure to low coupon BB-rated loans. Additionally, the Fund held a modest position in CCC-rated loans, with a focus on names that have shown consistent credit improvement. In general, the Fund maintained a bias toward more liquid loans, which have held up better during recent market volatility.

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

 

                
4    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


     BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust

 

 

Fund Information     

Symbol on New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)

  BHL

Initial Offering Date

  January 31, 2008

Current Distribution Rate on Closing Market Price as of August 31, 2015 ($12.95)1

  5.40%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share2

  $0.0583

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share2

  $0.6996

Economic Leverage as of August 31, 20153

  26%

 

  1   

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

 

  2   

The monthly distribution per Common Share, declared on October 1, 2015, was decreased to $0.0510 per share. The current distribution rate on closing market price, current monthly distribution per Common Share, and current annualized distribution per Common Share do not reflect the new distribution rate. The new distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change in the future.

 

  3   

Represents bank borrowings outstanding as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to borrowings) minus the sum of liabilities (other than borrowings representing financial leverage). For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 10.

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary

 

     8/31/15     8/31/14     Change     High     Low  

Market Price

  $ 12.95      $ 13.84        (6.43 )%    $ 13.89      $ 12.60   

Net Asset Value

  $ 13.84      $ 14.41        (3.96 )%    $ 14.42      $ 13.72   

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments

 

Portfolio Composition   8/31/15     8/31/144  

Floating Rate Loan Interests

    94     94

Corporate Bonds

    3        2   

Asset-Backed Securities

    3        2   

Short-Term Securities

    5      1   

Common Stocks

    5      1   

Other6

             

 

  4   

Information has been revised to conform to current year presentation.

 

  5   

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

 

  6   

Includes a less than 1% holding in each of the following investment types: Investment Companies, Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities and Warrants.

 

Credit Quality Allocation7,8   8/31/15     8/31/144  

A

    1       

BBB/Baa

    8        6

BB/Ba

    45        43   

B

    40        44   

CCC/Caa

    3        4   

N/R

    3        3   

 

  7   

For financial reporting purposes, credit quality ratings shown above reflect the highest rating assigned by either Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) if ratings differ. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organizations and are widely used.

       Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated N/R are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change.

 

  8   

Excludes short-term securities.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    5


Fund Summary as of August 31, 2015    BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Overview

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

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

 

Portfolio Management Commentary

 

Returns for the 12 months ended August 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price     NAV3  

FRA1

    (3.71 )%      2.88 %4 

Lipper Loan Participation Funds2

    (3.67 )%      0.25

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions.

 

  2   

Average return.

 

  3  

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

 

  4   

For financial reporting purposes, the market value of certain investments were adjusted as of report date. Accordingly, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share and total return based on net asset value performance presented herein are different than the information previously published on August 31, 2015.

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

What factors influenced performance?

 

 

During the 12-month period, oil prices experienced a significant decline and most commodity prices came under pressure as well. As a result, prices for the Fund’s holdings within the energy sector fell notably during the period and detracted from returns. The metals & mining sector, while a smaller component of the market, declined also.

 

 

Leading positive contributors to the Fund’s absolute performance included holdings within health care and technology.

Describe recent portfolio activity.

 

 

During the period, the Fund maintained its overall focus on the higher quality segments of the loan market in terms of loan structure, liquidity and overall credit quality. The Fund has concentrated its investments in strong companies with stable cash flows and high quality collateral, with the ability to meet interest obligations and ultimately return principal. The Fund has been actively participating in the new-issue market when possible, however new issuance for loans is at its lowest level in years. In view of limited upside within the CCC-rated loans space, exposure there has been reduced to a modest amount in line with the benchmark. Additionally, the portfolio increased its exposure to higher quality A- rated and BBB-rated collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and from a sector perspective added to names in the pharmaceuticals and technology sectors, while reducing risk in lodging.

Describe portfolio positioning at period end.

 

 

At period end, the Fund held a majority of its total portfolio in floating rate loan interests (bank loans), with a meaningful position as well in floating rate CLOs based on attractive relative valuations. The Fund also held a relatively small position in high yield bonds. The Fund maintained its highest concentration in higher coupon B-rated loans of select issuers while limiting exposure to low coupon BB-rated loans. Additionally, the Fund held a modest position in CCC-rated loans, while generally maintaining low exposure to lower quality, less liquid loans. The Fund’s largest positions included Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., First Data Corp. (technology), and Level 3 Communications (telecommunications).

 

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

 

                
6    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


     BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

 

 

Fund Information

Symbol on NYSE

  FRA

Initial Offering Date

  October 31, 2003

Current Distribution Rate on Closing Market Price as of August 31, 2015 ($12.94)1

  6.25%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share2

  $0.0674

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share2

  $0.8088

Economic Leverage as of August 31, 20153

  26%

 

  1   

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

 

  2   

The monthly distribution per Common Share, declared on October 1, 2015, was decreased to $0.0610 per share. The current distribution rate on closing market price, current monthly distribution per Common Share, and current annualized distribution per Common Share do not reflect the new distribution rate. The new distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change in the future.

 

  3   

Represents bank borrowings outstanding as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to borrowings) minus the sum of liabilities (other than borrowings representing financial leverage). For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 10.

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary

 

      8/31/15      8/31/14      Change      High      Low  

Market Price

     $12.94         $14.26         (9.26)%         $14.32         $11.84   

Net Asset Value

     $14.91         $15.38         (3.06)%         $15.38         $14.69   

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments

 

Portfolio Composition   8/31/15     8/31/144  

Floating Rate Loan Interests

    92     93

Corporate Bonds

    3        3   

Asset-Backed Securities

    4        2   

Common Stocks

    1        1   

Other

    5       1   

 

  4   

Information has been revised to conform to current year presentation.

 

  5   

Includes a less than 1% holding in each of the following investment types: Investment Companies, Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities, Options Purchased, Other Interests, Short-Term Securities and Warrants.

 

Credit Quality Allocation6,7   8/31/15     8/31/144  

A

    1       

BBB/Baa

    8        6

BB/Ba

    44        43   

B

    40        43   

CCC/Caa

    3        4   

N/R

    4        4   

 

  6   

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

 

  7   

Excludes short-term securities.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    7


Fund Summary as of August 31, 2015    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

 

Fund Overview

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers rated below investment grade and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. dollar denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers rated below investment grade.

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

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

 

Portfolio Management Commentary

Returns for the 12 months ended August 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

    Returns Based On  
     Market Price     NAV3  

BLW1

    (5.74 )%      2.23 %4 

Lipper High Yield Funds (Leveraged)2

    (12.17 )%      (5.11 )% 

 

  1   

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions.

 

  2   

Average return.

 

  3  

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

 

  4   

For financial reporting purposes, the market value of certain investments were adjusted as of report date. Accordingly, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share and total return based on net asset value performance presented herein are different than the information previously published on August 31, 2015.

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

What factors influenced performance?

 

 

The main contributors to the Fund’s absolute performance were its exposure to term loans, asset-backed securities (“ABS”) and its duration and yield curve positioning.

 

 

The main detractors from the Fund’s absolute performance during the period were its marginal positions in equity securities.

 

 

The Fund held derivatives during the reporting period, which had a neutral effect on performance.

Describe recent portfolio activity.

 

 

The Fund reduced its exposure to high yield, while it increased its allocation to ABS and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). The Fund made these moves in anticipation of a negative impact on credit sentiment as the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing program came to an end, and in the belief that ABS and CMBS offered attractive relative value.

Describe portfolio positioning at period end.

 

 

At period end, the Fund maintained a diversified exposure to non-government spread sectors including high yield and term loans as well as investment grade corporate credit, CMBS, ABS, and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”).

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.

 

                
8    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


     BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

 

 

Fund Information                              

 

Symbol on NYSE

  BLW

Initial Offering Date

  July 30, 2003

Current Distribution Rate on Closing Market Price as of August 31, 2015 ($14.60)1

  8.18%

Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share2

  $0.0995

Current Annualized Distribution per Common Share2

  $1.1940

Economic Leverage as of August 31, 20153

  30%

 

  1   

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

 

  2   

The monthly distribution per Common Share, declared on October 1, 2015, was decreased to $0.0870 per share. The current distribution rate on closing market price, current monthly distribution per Common Share, and current annualized distribution per Common Share do not reflect the new distribution rate. The new distribution rate is not constant and is subject to change in the future.

 

  3   

Represents reverse repurchase agreements outstanding as a percentage of total managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to borrowing) minus the sum of liabilities (other than borrowings representing financial leverage). For a discussion of leveraging techniques utilized by the Fund, please see The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging on page 10.

 

Market Price and Net Asset Value Per Share Summary                              

 

      8/31/15     8/31/14     Change     High     Low  

Market Price

   $ 14.60      $ 16.81        (13.15 )%    $ 16.84      $ 13.76   

Net Asset Value

   $ 17.04      $ 18.09        (5.80 )%    $ 18.10      $ 16.93   

 

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

 

LOGO

 

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments                              

 

Portfolio Composition   8/31/15     8/31/144  

Corporate Bonds

    38     42

Floating Rate Loan Interests

    26        32   

Asset-Backed Securities

    16        5   

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

    10        7   

Preferred Securities

    8        8   

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities

    1        4   

Foreign Agency Obligations

    1        5 

Common Stocks

    5      1   

Short-Term Securities

    5      1   

Other

    6       7  

 

  4   

Information has been revised to conform to current year presentation.

 

  5   

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

 

  6   

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

 

  7   

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

 

Credit Quality Allocation8,9   8/31/15     8/31/144  

AAA/Aaa10

    2     6

AA/Aa

    2        2   

A

    8        3   

BBB/Baa

    17        15   

BB/Ba

    31        32   

B

    25        31   

CCC/Caa

    5        7   

N/R

    10        4   

 

  8   

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

 

  9   

Excludes short-term securities.

 

  10  

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

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    9


The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging     

 

The Funds may utilize leverage to seek to enhance the distribution rate on, and net asset value (“NAV”) of, their common shares (“Common Shares”). However, these objectives cannot be achieved in all interest rate environments.

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

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

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

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

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

Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Funds are permitted to issue debt up to 33 1/3% of their total managed assets. A Fund may voluntarily elect to limit its leverage to less than the maximum amount permitted under the 1940 Act. In addition, a Fund may also be subject to certain asset coverage, leverage or portfolio composition requirements imposed by its credit facility, which may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act.

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

 

Derivative Financial Instruments     

 

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

 

                
10    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments August 31, 2015

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Common Stocks               
Shares
    Value  

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.4%

  

Cengage Thomson Learning

       8,922      $ 233,087   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co. (a)

  

    12,055        272,202   
Total Common Stocks — 0.4%                      505,289   
      
                          
Asset-Backed Securities (b)          

Par

(000)

        

ALM Loan Funding, Series 2013-7RA, Class C, 3.74%, 4/24/24 (c)

     USD        500        487,710   

ALM XIV Ltd., Series 2014-14A, Class C, 3.74%, 7/28/26 (c)

       713        682,492   

ALM XVI Ltd./ALM XVI LLC, Series 2015-16A, Class B, 3.16%, 7/15/27 (c)

       350        347,620   

Atlas Senior Loan Fund Ltd., Series 2014-6A, Class D, 3.98%, 10/15/26 (c)

       250        240,778   

Atrium CDO Corp., Series 9A, Class D, 3.83%, 2/28/24 (c)

       250        241,959   

Benefit Street Partners CLO VII Ltd., Series 2015-VIIA, Class B, 3.23%, 7/18/27 (c)

       295        290,280   

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd., Series 2012-4A, Class D, 4.79%, 1/20/25 (c)

   

    250        250,168   

Cent CLO 22 Ltd., Series 2014-22A, Class C, 4.06%, 11/07/26 (c)

       250        243,950   

LCM XVIII LP, Series 18A, Class INC, 0.00%, 4/20/27 (d)

       500        430,000   

North End CLO Ltd., Series 2013-1A, Class D, 3.79%, 7/17/25 (c)

       250        240,000   

Octagon Investment Partners XVII Ltd., Series 2013-1A, Class D,
3.48%, 10/25/25 (c)

       250        230,796   

Sound Point CLO IV Ltd., Series 2013-3A, Class A, 1.66%, 1/21/26 (c)

       250        248,177   

Venture XXI CLO Ltd., Series 2015-21A, Class A, 1.77%, 7/15/27 (c)

       250        249,250   

Voya CLO Ltd., Series 2014-4A, Class SUB, 0.00%, 10/14/26 (d)

             1,000        785,915   
Total Asset-Backed Securities — 4.0%                      4,969,095   
      
                          
Corporate Bonds                      

Airlines — 0.7%

  

American Airlines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2013-2, Class C, 6.00%, 1/15/17 (b)

       247        252,894   

Delta Air Lines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2009-1, Class B, 9.75%, 12/17/16

       42        44,550   

US Airways Pass-Through Trust, Series 2012-2, Class C, 5.45%, 6/03/18

       590        594,425   
      

 

 

 
                       891,869   

Auto Components — 0.1%

  

Icahn Enterprises LP/Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp., 3.50%, 3/15/17

             164        163,180   
Corporate Bonds          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.2%

  

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc., 3.07%, 12/01/17 (c)

     USD        68      $ 67,660   

AWAS Aviation Capital Ltd., 7.00%, 10/17/16 (b)

       187        187,806   
      

 

 

 
                       255,466   

Communications Equipment — 0.1%

  

Avaya, Inc., 7.00%, 4/01/19 (b)

             101        90,648   

Containers & Packaging — 0.2%

  

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., 3.34%, 12/15/19 (b)(c)

             260        254,800   

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.3%

  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.:

      

3.91%, 1/15/18 (c)

       228        229,710   

6.13%, 1/15/21

       127        133,033   
      

 

 

 
                       362,743   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.1%

  

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp., 8.13%, 6/15/21 (b)

             75        77,588   

Health Care Providers & Services — 0.2%

  

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 3.84%, 6/15/20 (b)(c)

             310        311,705   

Media — 0.9%

  

Altice Financing SA, 6.63%, 2/15/23 (b)

       200        199,000   

Altice US Finance I Corp., 5.38%, 7/15/23 (b)

       275        272,250   

CCO Safari II LLC, 4.91%, 7/23/25 (b)

       420        416,007   

Numericable Group SA, 6.00%, 5/15/22 (b)

       200        200,000   
      

 

 

 
                       1,087,257   

Metals & Mining — 0.0%

      

Novelis, Inc., 8.38%, 12/15/17

             60        60,075   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.5%

      

California Resources Corp., 5.50%, 9/15/21

       400        310,152   

CONSOL Energy, Inc., 5.88%, 4/15/22

       140        100,100   

MEG Energy Corp., 7.00%, 3/31/24 (b)

       200        163,500   
      

 

 

 
                       573,752   

Pharmaceuticals — 0.5%

      

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (b):

      

5.38%, 3/15/20

       315        320,512   

5.88%, 5/15/23

       190        193,800   

6.13%, 4/15/25

       105        108,150   
      

 

 

 
                       622,462   

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.2%

      

Sprint Communications, Inc., 7.00%, 3/01/20 (b)

             275        292,105   
Total Corporate Bonds — 4.0%                      5,043,650   
      
                          
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)                   

Aerospace & Defense — 1.4%

                        

BE Aerospace, Inc., 2014 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 12/16/21

       629        630,782   

 

Portfolio Abbreviations                              

 

ABS    Asset-Backed Security      DIP    Debtor-In-Possession    NZD    New Zealand Dollar
ADS    American Depositary Shares     

EUR

  

Euro

   OTC    Over-the-Counter
AUD    Australian Dollar     

GBP

  

British Pound

   PIK    Payment-In-Kind
CAD    Canadian Dollar     

JPY

  

Japanese Yen

  

USD

  

U.S. Dollar

CLO    Collateralized Loan Obligation     

MSCI

  

Morgan Stanley Capital International

  

VA

  

Department of Veterans Affairs

CR    Custodian Receipt     

NYSE

  

New York Stock Exchange

     
                

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    11


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Aerospace & Defense (concluded)

      

DigitalGlobe, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/31/20

     USD        429      $ 426,743   

TASC, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 12.00%, 5/30/21

       275        282,562   

Transdigm, Inc.:

      

2015 Term Loan E, 3.50%, 5/14/22

       219        216,717   

Term Loan D, 3.75%, 6/04/21

       198        195,773   
      

 

 

 
                       1,752,577   

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.4%

      

CEVA Group PLC, Synthetic LC, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       156        140,228   

CEVA Intercompany BV, Dutch Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       162        146,028   

CEVA Logistics Canada ULC, Canadian Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       25        22,871   

CEVA Logistics US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       224        201,419   
      

 

 

 
                       510,546   

Airlines — 0.7%

      

Delta Air Lines, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B1, 3.25%, 10/18/18

       320        319,603   

Northwest Airlines, Inc.:

      

2.25%, 3/10/17

       120        116,432   

1.63%, 9/10/18

       127        121,203   

1.64%, 9/10/18

       64        61,440   

US Airways Group, Inc., Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 5/23/19

       255        253,207   
      

 

 

 
                       871,885   

Auto Components — 3.7%

      

Affinia Group Intermediate Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.75%, 4/27/20

       282        281,449   

Autoparts Holdings Ltd.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 7.00%, 7/29/17

       593        521,964   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 11.00%, 1/29/18

       200        169,575   

Dayco Products LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 12/12/19

       355        354,157   

FPC Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 11/19/19

       325        313,625   

Gates Global, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/05/21

       1,970        1,883,741   

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 3.75%, 4/30/19

       633        634,384   

INA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/15/20

       407        407,855   

UCI International, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.50%, 7/26/17

       52        51,742   
      

 

 

 
                       4,618,492   

Automobiles — 0.4%

      

Chrysler Group LLC, Term Loan B:

      

3.25%, 12/31/18

       188        186,805   

3.50%, 5/24/17

       317        316,149   
      

 

 

 
                       502,954   

Banks — 0.3%

      

Redtop Acquisitions Ltd.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/03/20

       256        256,100   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 6/03/21

       69        68,376   
      

 

 

 
                       324,476   

Biotechnology — 0.1%

  

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 8/13/21

             195        194,513   

Building Products — 3.7%

  

Continental Building Products LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 8/28/20

       316        313,721   

CPG International, Inc., Term Loan, 4.75%, 9/30/20

       1,185        1,173,421   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Building Products (concluded)

  

GYP Holdings III Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 4/01/21

     USD        316      $ 308,694   

Hanson Building Products Ltd., 1st Lien Term Loan, 6.50%, 2/18/22

       144        143,298   

Jeld-Wen, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 10/15/21

       697        695,908   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/01/21

       222        219,633   

Quikrete Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 9/28/20

       383        380,779   

Universal Services of America LP:

      

2015 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.50%, 7/28/23

       136        134,761   

2015 Delayed Draw Term Loan, 6.00%, 7/28/22

       1        1,302   

2015 Term Loan, 4.75%, 7/28/22

       515        507,718   

Wilsonart LLC:

      

Incremental Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 10/31/19

       108        107,335   

Term Loan B, 4.00%, 10/31/19

       635        629,051   
      

 

 

 
                       4,615,621   

Capital Markets — 1.0%

  

Affinion Group, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.75%, 4/30/18

       298        280,455   

American Capital Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, 3.50%, 8/22/17

       193        192,784   

RPI Finance Trust, Term Loan B4, 3.50%, 11/09/20

       784        783,220   
      

 

 

 
                       1,256,459   

Chemicals — 4.7%

  

Allnex (Luxembourg) & Cy SCA, Term Loan B1, 4.50%, 10/03/19

       252        251,248   

Allnex USA, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.50%, 10/03/19

       131        130,361   

Axalta Coating Systems US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 2/01/20

       512        509,752   

CeramTec Acquisition Corp., Term Loan B2, 4.25%, 8/30/20

       27        26,505   

Charter NEX US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 2/07/22

       260        260,325   

The Chemours Co., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/12/22

       191        184,213   

Chemtura Corp., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 8/27/16

       62        62,173   

Chromaflo Technologies Corp.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/02/19

       51        49,591   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 6/02/20

       110        103,396   

Evergreen Acqco 1 LP, Term Loan, 5.00%, 7/09/19

       334        310,904   

INEOS US Finance LLC, 6 Year Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/04/18

       159        158,609   

Klockner-Pentaplast of America, Inc., Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/28/20

       165        164,517   

Kronos Worldwide, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/18/20

       114        109,304   

MacDermid, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/07/20

       651        648,248   

Term Loan B2, 4.75%, 6/07/20

       166        165,697   

Minerals Technologies Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/09/21

       334        334,017   

Nexeo Solutions LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 9/08/17

       325        315,691   

OXEA Finance LLC:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 7/15/20

       315        293,999   

Term Loan B2, 4.25%, 1/15/20

       575        559,675   

Royal Holdings, Inc.:

      

2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/19/22

       260        258,809   

2015 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 6/19/23

       110        109,588   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
12    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Chemicals (concluded)

  

Solenis International LP:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/31/21

     USD        352      $ 347,162   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.75%, 7/31/22

       390        373,425   

Tata Chemicals North America, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/07/20

       128        128,292   
      

 

 

 
                       5,855,501   

Commercial Services & Supplies — 6.8%

  

ADMI Corp., 2015 Term Loan B, 5.50%, 4/30/22

       190        190,950   

ADS Waste Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 10/09/19

       710        702,924   

ARAMARK Corp.:

      

Extended Synthetic Line of Credit 2, 0.04%, 7/26/16

       14        13,735   

Extended Synthetic Line of Credit 3, 3.65%, 7/26/16

       9        9,289   

Term Loan E, 3.25%, 9/07/19

       645        642,651   

Term Loan F, 3.25%, 2/24/21

       194        192,632   

Asurion LLC, Term Loan B4, 5.00%, 8/04/22

       280        276,850   

Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 11/26/20

       859        771,757   

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/20/21

       756        755,338   

Connolly Corp.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/14/21

       678        676,529   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 5/14/22

       325        325,000   

Creative Artists Agency LLC, Term Loan B, 5.50%, 12/17/21

       239        240,293   

Dealer Tire LLC, Term Loan B, 5.50%, 12/22/21

       181        182,019   

KAR Auction Services, Inc., Term Loan B2, 3.50%, 3/11/21

       306        305,136   

Koosharem LLC, Exit Term Loan, 7.50%, 5/15/20

       545        537,255   

Livingston International, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/18/19

       304        296,205   

PSSI Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 12/02/21

       373        372,192   

Spin Holdco, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 11/14/19

       1,072        1,056,670   

US Ecology, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 6/17/21

       196        196,951   

Waste Industries USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 2/27/20

       206        206,388   

West Corp., Term Loan B10, 3.25%, 6/30/18

       598        592,140   
      

 

 

 
                       8,542,904   

Communications Equipment — 1.8%

  

Applied Systems, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 1/25/21

       326        324,776   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.50%, 1/24/22

       85        84,448   

Avaya, Inc., Term Loan B7, 6.25%, 5/29/20

       548        469,802   

CommScope, Inc., Term Loan B5, 3.75%, 12/29/22

       210        209,038   

Riverbed Technology, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/24/22

       135        134,606   

Zayo Group LLC, Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21

       1,028        1,021,521   
      

 

 

 
                       2,244,191   

Construction & Engineering — 0.1%

  

AECOM Technology Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 10/15/21

             178        178,484   

Construction Materials — 0.4%

  

Filtration Group Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 11/21/20

       309        308,588   

Headwaters, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 3/24/22

       164        164,366   

McJunkin Red Man Corp., Term Loan, 4.75%, 11/08/19

       100        97,676   
      

 

 

 
                       570,630   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Containers & Packaging — 0.8%

  

Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., Incremental Term Loan, 4.00%, 12/17/19

     USD        182      $ 181,429   

Berry Plastics Holding Corp., Term Loan E, 3.75%, 1/06/21

       286        283,630   

BWAY Holding Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 5.50%, 8/14/20

       342        341,550   

Rexam PLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 5/02/21

       168        167,879   
      

 

 

 
                       974,488   

Distributors — 0.6%

      

ABC Supply Co., Inc., Term Loan, 3.50%, 4/16/20

       462        459,712   

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 5.25%, 9/01/21

       349        349,998   
      

 

 

 
                       809,710   

Diversified Consumer Services — 2.6%

  

Allied Security Holdings LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 2/12/21

       648        645,205   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 8/13/21

       321        318,085   

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.:

      

Incremental Term Loan B1, 4.25%, 1/30/20

       80        79,600   

Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/30/20

       629        627,749   

CT Technologies Intermediate Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 12/01/21

       174        174,107   

ROC Finance LLC, Term Loan, 5.00%, 6/20/19

       246        233,754   

ServiceMaster Co., 2014 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/01/21

       1,208        1,200,985   
      

 

 

 
                       3,279,485   

Diversified Financial Services — 3.1%

      

AlixPartners LLP, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.50%, 7/28/22

       215        214,785   

AssuredPartners Capital, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 3/31/21

       596        595,792   

Diamond US Holding LLC, Term Loan B, 4.75%, 12/17/21

       224        223,781   

Jefferies Finance LLC, Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/14/20

       600        594,000   

Onex Wizard US Acquisition, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/13/22

       464        463,160   

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., Dollar Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/01/18

       723        722,212   

SAM Finance Luxembourg Sarl, Term Loan, 4.25%, 12/17/20

       420        420,225   

TransFirst, Inc.:

      

2014 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.00%, 11/12/22

       190        188,480   

Incremental Term Loan B, 4.75%, 11/12/21

       412        410,863   
      

 

 

 
                       3,833,298   

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 4.1%

      

Altice Financing SA, Term Loan:

      

Delayed Draw, 5.50%, 7/02/19

       393        394,344   

5.25%, 2/04/22

       160        160,800   

Consolidated Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 12/23/20

       258        256,925   

Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.00%, 6/06/19

       516        516,032   

Integra Telecom, Inc.:

      

2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 8/14/20

       509        507,895   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.75%, 2/21/20

       168        166,896   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.:

      

2013 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 1/15/20

       2,330        2,327,810   

2019 Term Loan, 4.00%, 8/01/19

       350        349,012   

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd., Term Loan F, 3.50%, 6/30/23

       525        518,815   
      

 

 

 
                       5,198,529   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    13


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Electrical Equipment — 0.7%

      

Southwire Co., Term Loan, 3.00%, 2/10/21

     USD        262      $ 257,435   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC:

      

DIP Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/05/16

       448        448,169   

Extended Term Loan, 4.67%, 10/10/17 (a)(e)

       380        171,433   
      

 

 

 
                       877,037   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%

  

CDW LLC, Term Loan, 3.25%, 4/29/20

       372        368,991   

CPI Acquisition, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.75%, 8/17/22

       245        241,019   
      

 

 

 
                       610,010   

Energy Equipment & Services — 1.1%

      

Dynegy Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 4/23/20

       255        254,056   

Exgen Texas Power LLC, Term Loan B, 5.75%, 9/16/21

       263        251,982   

MEG Energy Corp., Refinancing Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/31/20

       951        885,077   
      

 

 

 
                       1,391,115   

Food & Staples Retailing — 1.2%

  

New Albertson’s, Inc., Term Loan, 4.75%, 6/27/21

       332        331,344   

Rite Aid Corp., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 5.75%, 8/21/20

       235        237,204   

Supervalu, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan B, 4.50%, 3/21/19

       505        506,583   

US Foods, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan, 4.50%, 3/31/19

       378        378,260   
      

 

 

 
                       1,453,391   

Food Products — 3.4%

  

CTI Foods Holding Co. LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/29/20

       255        250,980   

Diamond Foods, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 8/20/18

       675        672,096   

Dole Food Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 11/01/18

       618        617,686   

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/02/21

       320        318,460   

New HB Acquisition LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 8/03/22

       375        374,884   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 8/03/23

       80        80,100   

Pabst Brewing Co., Inc., Term Loan, 5.75%, 10/21/21

       428        427,258   

Performance Food Group Co., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 6.25%, 11/14/19

       370        369,919   

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, Term Loan G, 3.00%, 4/29/20

       605        601,504   

Post Holdings Inc., Series A Incremental Term Loan, 3.75%, 6/02/21

       (f)      134   

Reddy Ice Corp.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 6.75%, 5/01/19

       363        301,018   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 10.75%, 11/01/19

       270        189,000   
      

 

 

 
                       4,203,039   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 4.1%

  

Alere, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/18/22

       285        284,803   

Auris Luxembourg III Sarl, Term Loan B4, 4.25%, 1/15/22

       223        223,078   

Capsugel Holdings US, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 8/01/18

       435        434,076   

DJO Finance LLC, 2015 Term Loan, 4.25%, 6/08/20

       710        705,740   

Iasis Healthcare LLC, Term Loan B2, 4.50%, 5/03/18

       611        611,457   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies (concluded)

  

Immucor, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan B2, 5.00%, 8/17/18

     USD        794      $ 791,125   

Leonardo Acquisition Corp., Term Loan, 4.25%, 1/31/21

       500        497,633   

Millennium Health LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 4/16/21

       348        170,107   

National Vision, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 3/12/21

       701        683,010   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 6/30/21

       622        612,024   

Sage Products Holdings III LLC, Refinancing Term Loan B2, 4.25%, 12/13/19

       169        168,279   
      

 

 

 
                       5,181,332   

Health Care Providers & Services — 7.6%

  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 2/11/22

       111        112,089   

Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/06/22

       295        289,469   

Amsurg Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan B, 3.75%, 7/16/21

       297        296,667   

CHG Healthcare Services Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 11/19/19

       564        561,651   

Community Health Systems, Inc.:

      

Term Loan F, 3.58%, 12/31/18

       338        337,607   

Term Loan G, 3.75%, 12/31/19

       555        553,699   

Term Loan H, 4.00%, 1/27/21

       1,021        1,022,559   

Curo Health Services LLC, 2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 6.50%, 2/07/22

       349        349,561   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 6/24/21

       2,193        2,186,907   

Envision Healthcare Corp., Term Loan, 4.00%, 5/25/18

       420        419,108   

Genesis HealthCare Corp., Term Loan B, 10.00%, 12/04/17

       265        268,887   

HC Group Holdings III, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/07/22

       170        170,251   

HCA, Inc., Term Loan B5, 2.95%, 3/31/17

       313        312,662   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/31/21

       438        432,265   

National Mentor Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 1/31/21

       316        314,073   

Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/15/22

       720        714,154   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 11/03/20

       439        438,877   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/17/22

       509        507,438   

U.S. Renal Care, Inc., 2013 Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/03/19

       194        193,367   
      

 

 

 
                       9,481,291   

Health Care Technology — 0.9%

      

IMS Health, Inc., Term Loan, 3.50%, 3/17/21

       751        744,715   

MedAssets, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 12/13/19

       419        416,007   
      

 

 

 
                       1,160,722   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 10.4%

      

Amaya Holdings BV:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 8/01/21

       285        282,466   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 8/01/22

       322        321,698   

Boyd Gaming Corp., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 8/14/20

       238        237,786   

Bronco Midstream Funding LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 8/15/20

       654        627,907   

Burger King Newco Unlimited Liability Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 12/12/21

       1,084        1,082,157   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
14    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (concluded)

      

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC, Term Loan B, 7.00%, 10/11/20

     USD        1,349      $ 1,285,088   

CCM Merger, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 8/08/21

       353        352,278   

Diamond Resorts Corp., Term Loan, 5.50%, 5/09/21

       421        420,541   

Eldorado Resorts LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/13/22

       205        205,000   

ESH Hospitality, Inc., Term Loan, 5.00%, 6/24/19

       210        211,445   

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.50%, 10/26/20

       607        605,249   

Intrawest ULC, Term Loan, 4.75%, 12/09/20

       364        363,539   

La Quinta Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.00%, 4/14/21

       1,827        1,821,437   

Las Vegas Sands LLC, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 12/19/20

       591        587,531   

MGM Resorts International, Term Loan B, 3.50%, 12/20/19

       778        770,600   

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 8/13/20

       310        309,743   

RHP Hotel Properties LP, Term Loan B, 3.50%, 1/15/21

       292        291,758   

Sabre, Inc.:

      

Incremental Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/19/19

       113        112,611   

Term Loan B, 4.00%, 2/19/19

       521        519,720   

Scientific Games International, Inc., 2014 Term Loan B1, 6.00%, 10/18/20

       746        737,248   

Station Casinos LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/02/20

       1,091        1,087,788   

Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) Sarl, 2014 Term Loan B, 5.75%, 9/02/21

       759        758,883   
      

 

 

 
                       12,992,473   

Household Durables — 0.3%

      

Jarden Corp., 2015 Term Loan B2, 2.95%, 7/27/22

             355        353,846   

Household Products — 1.0%

      

Bass Pro Group LLC, 2015 Term Loan, 4.00%, 6/05/20

       533        529,727   

Spectrum Brands, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 6/23/22

       689        688,201   
      

 

 

 
                       1,217,928   

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.9%

  

 

Aria Energy Operating LLC, Term Loan, 5.00%, 5/27/22

       330        326,700   

Calpine Corp., Term Loan B5, 3.50%, 5/27/22

       320        315,501   

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co. LLC, DIP Term Loan, 4.25%, 6/19/16

       648        648,118   

Granite Acquisition, Inc.:

      

Term Loan B, 5.00%, 12/19/21

       707        706,010   

Term Loan C, 5.00%, 12/19/21

       31        31,221   

Terra-Gen Finance Co. LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 12/09/21

       358        351,858   
      

 

 

 
                       2,379,408   

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.2%

  

Sequa Corp., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 6/19/17

             298        252,541   

Insurance — 1.0%

  

AmWINS Group LLC, 2014 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.50%, 9/04/20

       249        248,529   

Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford of Delaware Holding Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/16/20

       367        333,710   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/01/21

       454        444,257   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 6.75%, 2/28/22

       260        253,744   
      

 

 

 
                       1,280,240   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Internet Software & Services — 1.6%

  

Dealertrack Technologies, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 2/28/21

     USD        420      $ 418,195   

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/13/21

       569        568,755   

Interactive Data Corp., 2014 Term Loan, 4.75%, 5/02/21

       858        856,515   

W3 Co., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.25%, 9/11/20

       155        122,659   
      

 

 

 
                       1,966,124   

IT Services — 4.3%

  

Blue Coat Holdings Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/20/22

       475        471,438   

Epicor Software Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 6/01/22

       700        697,249   

First Data Corp.:

      

2018 Extended Term Loan, 3.70%, 3/24/18

       2,845        2,820,816   

2018 Term Loan, 3.70%, 9/24/18

       295        292,566   

InfoGroup, Inc., Term Loan, 7.50%, 5/26/18

       245        233,970   

SunGard Data Systems, Inc.:

      

Term Loan C, 3.94%, 2/28/17

       350        349,388   

Term Loan E, 4.00%, 3/08/20

       126        126,118   

Vantiv LLC, 2014 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/13/21

       390        389,444   
      

 

 

 
                       5,380,989   

Leisure Products — 0.3%

  

Bauer Performance Sports Ltd., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 4/15/21

             364        361,987   

Machinery — 2.1%

  

Allison Transmission, Inc., Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 8/23/19

       274        273,555   

Faenza Acquisition GmbH:

      

Term Loan B1, 4.25%, 8/30/20

       258        257,833   

Term Loan B3, 4.25%, 8/30/20

       78        78,036   

Infiltrator Systems, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 5.25%, 5/27/22

       340        338,848   

Mueller Water Products, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 11/25/21

       179        179,100   

Rexnord LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan B, 4.00%, 8/21/20

       561        555,408   

Silver II US Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 4.00%, 12/13/19

       764        711,415   

Wabash National Corp., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/16/22

       247        246,728   
      

 

 

 
                       2,640,923   

Manufacture Goods — 0.1%

  

KP Germany Erste GmbH, 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/28/20

             70        70,307   

Media — 11.2%

  

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 7.00%, 3/31/20

       963        961,079   

Term Loan, 0.00%, 7/03/16 (a)(e)

       591          

Charter Communications Operating LLC:

      

Term Loan H, 3.25%, 7/21/22

       240        239,266   

Term Loan I, 3.50%, 1/20/23

       1,465        1,461,704   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Term Loan D, 6.95%, 1/30/19

       1,364        1,202,003   

Hemisphere Media Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 7/30/20

       381        374,880   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 5/31/21

       542        535,130   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 6/30/19

       458        449,187   

Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 1/07/22

       320        310,666   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    15


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Media (concluded)

  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 2020 Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 8/16/20

     USD        113      $ 112,310   

MCC Iowa LLC:

      

Term Loan I, 2.66%, 6/30/17

       248        245,800   

Term Loan J, 3.75%, 6/30/21

       124        123,193   

Media General, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 7/31/20

       246        245,483   

Mediacom Communications Corp., Term Loan F, 2.66%, 3/31/18

       252        249,420   

Mediacom Illinois LLC, Term Loan E, 3.16%, 10/23/17

       475        472,625   

Numericable U.S. LLC:

      

Term Loan B1, 4.50%, 5/21/20

       506        505,591   

Term Loan B2, 4.50%, 5/21/20

       438        437,405   

SBA Senior Finance II LLC:

      

Incremental Term Loan B, 3.25%, 6/10/22

       330        325,403   

Term Loan B1, 3.25%, 3/24/21

       703        694,880   

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.00%, 4/09/20

       39        38,723   

Tribune Media Co., Term Loan, 3.75%, 12/27/20

       824        819,969   

TWCC Holding Corp., Extended Term Loan, 5.75%, 2/13/20

       354        351,088   

Univision Communications, Inc., Term Loan C4, 4.00%, 3/01/20

       1,012        1,003,790   

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd., Term Loan E, 4.25%, 6/30/23

     GBP        650        991,101   

WideOpenWest Finance LLC, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/01/19

     USD        755        751,581   

Ziggo Financing Partnership:

      

Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       425        418,934   

Term Loan B2A, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       276        271,758   

Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       453        446,945   
      

 

 

 
                       14,039,914   

Metals & Mining — 1.1%

  

Ameriforge Group, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.75%, 12/19/20

       100        67,500   

Novelis, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 6/02/22

       1,116        1,102,331   

Windsor Financing LLC, Term Loan B, 6.25%, 12/05/17

       216        215,546   
      

 

 

 
                       1,385,377   

Multiline Retail — 2.1%

  

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 9/26/19

       826        822,365   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 3/26/20

       200        198,000   

Dollar Tree, Inc., Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 7/06/22

       545        544,717   

Hudson’s Bay Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.75%, 8/10/22

       445        445,000   

The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., 2020 Term Loan, 4.25%, 10/25/20

       577        570,046   
      

 

 

 
                       2,580,128   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.3%

  

CITGO Holding Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 9.50%, 5/12/18

       370        371,080   

Drillships Financing Holding, Inc., Term Loan B1, 6.00%, 3/31/21

       504        358,131   

EP Energy LLC/Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc., Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 5/24/18

       440        416,535   

Green Energy Partners/Stonewall LLC, Term Loan B1, 6.50%, 11/13/21

       205        205,000   

Obsidian Natural Gas Trust, Term Loan, 7.00%, 11/02/15

       40        39,485   

Offshore Group Investment Ltd., Term Loan B, 5.75%, 3/28/19

       27        11,674   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (concluded)

  

Panda Patriot LLC, Term Loan B1, 6.75%, 12/19/20

     USD        325      $ 313,625   

Power Buyer LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 5/06/20

       115        113,945   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 11/06/20

       105        103,162   

Samchully Midstream 3 LLC, Term Loan B, 5.75%, 10/20/21

       403        392,901   

Seventy Seven Operating LLC, Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/25/21

       61        51,440   

Southcross Energy Partners LP, 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 8/04/21

       467        446,271   

Southcross Holdings Borrower LP, Term Loan B, 6.00%, 8/04/21

       213        176,489   

Stonewall Gas Gathering LLC, Term Loan B, 8.75%, 1/28/22

       311        307,706   

TPF II Power LLC, Term Loan B, 5.50%, 10/02/21

       356        356,198   

Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership, Term Loan B1, 5.25%, 3/31/22

       379        378,417   

WTG Holdings III Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 1/15/21

       133        131,978   
      

 

 

 
                       4,174,037   

Personal Products — 0.2%

      

Prestige Brands, Inc., Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 9/03/21

             301        300,407   

Pharmaceuticals — 8.5%

      

Akorn, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.50%, 4/16/21

       566        564,842   

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Term Loan, 5.00%, 11/01/19

       399        398,393   

CCC Information Services, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 12/20/19

       210        207,948   

Concordia Healthcare Corp., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 4/21/22

       285        285,180   

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I Sarl:

      

2014 Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/01/21

       356        355,411   

2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/11/22

       1,015        1,014,817   

Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.20%, 2/27/21

       971        969,274   

Horizon Pharma Holdings USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/22/21

       502        500,876   

Jaguar Holding Co. II, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 8/18/22

       1,076        1,068,801   

JLL/Delta Dutch Newco BV, 2014 Incremental Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/11/21

       786        776,087   

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA:

      

Incremental Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 3/19/21

       328        325,819   

Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/19/21

       523        519,125   

Par Pharmaceutical Cos., Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 9/30/19

       966        963,993   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.:

      

Series C2 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 12/11/19

       524        522,501   

Series D2 Term Loan B, 3.50%, 2/13/19

       568        565,442   

Series E Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/05/20

       326        325,138   

Term Loan B F1, 4.00%, 4/01/22

       1,267        1,266,919   
      

 

 

 
                       10,630,566   

Professional Services — 3.9%

      

Acosta Holdco, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.25%, 9/26/21

       433        428,107   

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc.:

      

2014 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/23/21

       486        480,529   

2014 2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.50%, 7/25/22

       160        155,120   

Emdeon Business Services LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 11/02/18

       714        710,563   

Intertrust Group Holding BV, 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 4/16/22

       275        274,486   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
16    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Professional Services (concluded)

      

ON Assignment, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/19/22

     USD        303      $ 301,789   

SIRVA Worldwide, Inc., Term Loan, 7.50%, 3/27/19

       408        406,084   

Sterling Infosystems, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, 4.50%, 6/20/22

       495        493,352   

TransUnion LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 4/09/21

       1,241        1,230,484   

Truven Health Analytics, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 6/06/19

       389        385,574   
      

 

 

 
                       4,866,088   

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.2%

      

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.00%, 10/24/22

             220        210,032   

Real Estate Management & Development — 2.2%

  

CityCenter Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 10/16/20

       523        521,520   

DTZ US Borrower LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan:

      

5.50%, 11/04/21

       490        484,629   

2015, 4.25%, 8/05/21

       515        509,423   

Realogy Corp.:

      

Extended Letter of Credit, 0.03%, 10/10/16

       40        39,745   

Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/05/20

       1,176        1,171,783   
      

 

 

 
                       2,727,100   

Road & Rail — 1.0%

      

The Hertz Corp., Term Loan B2, 3.00%, 3/11/18

       327        323,392   

Quality Distribution, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 7/20/22

       290        286,920   

Road Infrastructure Investment LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/31/21

       459        450,004   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.75%, 9/30/21

       225        210,375   
      

 

 

 
                       1,270,691   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.6%

  

Avago Technologies Cayman Ltd., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21

       1,012        1,010,430   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.:

      

Term Loan B4, 4.25%, 2/28/20

       526        525,538   

Term Loan B5, 5.00%, 1/15/21

       162        162,215   

NXP BV, Term Loan D, 3.25%, 1/11/20

       324        322,335   
      

 

 

 
                       2,020,518   

Software — 4.6%

      

Evertec Group LLC, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 4/17/20

       240        230,796   

GCA Services Group, Inc.:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.25%, 10/22/20

       176        175,120   

Term Loan B, 4.25%, 11/01/19

       384        381,431   

Infor US, Inc., Term Loan B5, 3.75%, 6/03/20

       830        805,338   

Informatica Corp., Term Loan, 4.50%, 8/05/22

       874        868,188   

IQOR US, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/01/21

       202        163,465   

Kronos, Inc.:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.75%, 4/30/20

       409        415,706   

Initial Incremental Term Loan, 4.50%, 10/30/19

       243        242,999   

Mitchell International, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 10/12/20

       496        493,507   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 10/11/21

       350        348,103   

Sophia LP, 2014 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 7/19/18

       635        633,546   

SS&C Technologies, Inc.:

      

2015 Term Loan B1, 4.00%, 7/08/22

       803        803,260   

2015 Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 7/08/22

       130        130,137   

Tibco Software, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.50%, 12/04/20

       75        74,415   
      

 

 

 
                       5,766,011   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)          

Par

(000)

    Value  

Specialty Retail — 3.7%

      

Equinox Holdings, Inc., Repriced Term Loan B, 5.00%, 1/31/20

     USD        297      $ 296,689   

General Nutrition Centers, Inc., Term Loan, 3.25%, 3/04/19

       288        285,349   

Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 10/16/19

       546        539,503   

Michaels Stores, Inc.:

      

Incremental 2014 Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 1/28/20

       658        658,041   

Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/28/20

       512        510,454   

Party City Holdings Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/28/22

       635        633,812   

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 11/24/17

       633        631,532   

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/11/22

       823        821,226   

Things Remembered, Inc., Term Loan B, 8.25%, 5/24/18

       351        254,808   
      

 

 

 
                       4,631,414   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.7%

  

 

Dell International LLC, Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 4/29/20

       316        314,370   

Dell, Inc., Term Loan C, 3.75%, 10/29/18

       347        346,048   

Linxens France SA, Term Loan, 5.00%, 7/27/22

       180        179,100   
      

 

 

 
                       839,518   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%

      

ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.50%, 5/27/21

       120        119,803   

Ascend Performance Materials LLC, Term Loan B, 6.75%, 4/10/18

       525        464,378   

Polymer Group, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 12/19/19

       377        376,700   
      

 

 

 
                       960,881   

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.3%

      

IG Investment Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 6.00%, 10/29/21

             439        438,386   

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.5%

      

HD Supply, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/13/21

             700        695,044   

Transportation Infrastructure — 0.2%

      

Penn Products Terminals LLC, Term Loan B, 4.75%, 4/13/22

             255        252,770   

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.8%

      

LTS Buyer LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 4/13/20

       943        936,908   

New Lightsquared LLC, PIK Exit Term Loan, 9.75%, 6/15/20

       1,300        1,267,500   
      

 

 

 
                       2,204,408   
Total Floating Rate Loan Interests — 127.3%                      159,382,736   
      
                          
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities                      

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 0.3%

      

Hilton USA Trust, Series 2013-HLT, Class EFX, 4.60%, 11/05/30 (b)(c)

             304        304,952   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    17


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Investment Companies        

Shares

    Value  

Capital Markets — 0.0%

      

Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust

       12      $ 163   

Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust

         3,347        20,517   
Total Investment Companies — 0.0%                  20,680   
      
                      
Warrants                    

Software — 0.0%

      

HMH Holdings/EduMedia (Issued/exercisable 3/09/10, 19 Shares for 1 Warrant, Expires 6/22/19, Strike Price $42.27)

         691        5,940   
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $172,368,741) — 136.0%
                 170,232,342   
Short-Term Securities        

Shares

    Value  

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class, 0.08% (g)(h)

         254,052      $ 254,052   
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $254,052) — 0.2%
        254,052   
Total Investments (Cost — $172,622,793) — 136.2%          170,486,394   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (36.2)%

      (45,303,603
      

 

 

 
Net Assets — 100.0%        $ 125,182,791   
      

 

 

 

 

Notes to Schedule of Investments

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

(c)   Variable rate security. Rate shown is as of report date.

 

(d)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(e)   Issuer filed for bankruptcy and/or is in default of interest payments.

 

(f)   Amount is less than $500.

 

(g)   Represents the current yield as of report date.

 

(h)   During the year ended August 31, 2015, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliate      Shares Held
at August 31,
2014
       Net
Activity
       Shares Held
at August 31,
2015
       Income  

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class

       2,958,501           (2,704,449        254,052         $ 315   

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of August 31, 2015      

Financial Futures Contracts

 

Contracts
Short
  Issue   Exchange   Expiration   Notional Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
 
(4)   10-Year U.S. Treasury Note   Chicago Board of Trade   December 2015     USD    508,250      $ 503   

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency
Purchased
       Currency
Sold
    Counterparty   Settlement
Date
       Unrealized
Appreciation
 
USD        812,141         GBP        522,000      HSBC Bank PLC     10/20/15         $ 11,340   

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps — Sold Protection

 

Index    Receive
Fixed Rate
     Clearinghouse      Expiration
Date
       Credit
Rating
       Notional
Amount
(000)
       Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Dow Jones CDX North America High Yield Index,
Series 24, Version 2
     5.00    Chicago Mercantile Exchange        6/20/20           B           USD    644         $ (7,012

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
18    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure      

The following is a summary of the Fund’s derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure. For information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

As of August 31, 2015, the fair values of derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

      Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  

Commodity

Contracts

    

Credit

Contracts

    

Equity

Contracts

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

    

Interest

Rate

Contracts

     Total  
Derivative Financial Instruments — Assets                                                

Financial futures contracts

   Net unrealized apppreciation1                                    $ 503       $ 503   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts                            $ 11,340                 11,340   
                                  $ 11,340       $ 503       $ 11,843   

 

Derivative Financial Instruments — Liabilities

 

Swaps — centrally cleared

   Net unrealized depreciation1            $ 7,012                               $ 7,012   

1    Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on financial futures contracts and centrally cleared swaps, if any, as reported in the Schedules of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

        

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statement of Operations was as follows:

 

    

Commodity

Contracts

      

Credit

Contracts

      

Equity

Contracts

      

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

      

Interest

Rate

Contracts

       Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

                          

Financial futures contracts

                                          $ (5,430      $ (5,430

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                                $ 250,768                     250,768   

Swaps

            $ (751                                      (751
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

            $ (751                $ 250,768         $ (5,430      $ 244,587   
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
                          
    

Commodity

Contracts

      

Credit

Contracts

      

Equity

Contracts

      

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

      

Interest

Rate

Contracts

       Total  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

                          

Financial futures contracts

                                          $ 503         $ 503   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                                $ (67,873                  (67,873

Swaps

            $ (7,012                                      (7,012
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

            $ (7,012                $ (67,873      $ 503         $ (74,382
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the average quarterly balances of outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

Financial futures contracts:        

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 127,063   
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

  $ 1,337,830   

Average amounts sold — in USD

  $ 140,064   
Credit default swaps:  

Average notional value — sell protection

  $ 160,875   

 

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of August 31, 2015

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

 

     Assets     Liabilities  
Derivative Financial Instruments:    

Financial futures contracts

  $ 563          

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    11,340          

Swaps — Centrally cleared

         $ 1,640   
 

 

 

 

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

    11,903        1,640   
 

 

 

 

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

    (563     (1,640
 

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

  $ 11,340          
 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    19


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

 

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

 

Counterparty        Derivative Assets Subject to
an MNA by Counterparty
   

Derivatives Available

for Offset1

    Non-cash
Collateral
Received
   

Cash Collateral

Received

    Net Amount of
Derivative Assets2
 

HSBC Bank PLC

    $ 11,340                           $ 11,340   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $ 11,340                           $ 11,340   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

       

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

       

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of August 31, 2015

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

The following tables summarize the Fund’s investments and derivative financial instruments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy:

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets:

                
Investments:                 

Long-Term Investments:

                

Asset-Backed Securities

            $ 3,167,995         $ 1,801,100         $ 4,969,095   

Common Stocks

  $ 272,202           233,087                     505,289   

Corporate Bonds

              5,043,650                     5,043,650   

Floating Rate Loan Interests

              151,789,717           7,593,019           159,382,736   

Investment Companies

    20,680                               20,680   

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

              304,952                     304,952   

Warrants

                        5,940           5,940   

Short-Term Securities

    254,052                               254,052   

Liabilities:

                

Unfunded floating rate loan interest

              (116                  (116
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 546,934         $ 160,539,285         $ 9,400,059         $ 170,486,278   
 

 

 

 
                
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  
Derivative Financial Instruments3                 

Assets:

                

Interest rate contracts

  $ 503                             $ 503   

Foreign currency exchange contracts

            $ 11,340                     11,340   

Liabilities:

                

Credit contracts

              (7,012                  (7,012
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 503         $ 4,328                   $ 4,831   
 

 

 

 

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

        

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of August 31, 2015, such assets and/or liabilities are categorized within the disclosure hierarchy as follows:

 

   

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets:

                

Cash

  $ 4,641,589                             $ 4,641,589   

Foreign currency at value

    729                               729   

Liabilities:

                

Bank borrowings payable

            $ (45,000,000                  (45,000,000
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 4,642,318         $ (45,000,000                $ (40,357,682
 

 

 

 

During the year ended August 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
20    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

 

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

 

     Asset-Backed
Securities
       Floating
Rate Loan
Interests
       Warrants        Unfunded
Floating Rate
Loan Interest
(Liabilities)
       Grand Total  

Opening balance, as of August 31, 2014

  $ 921,580         $ 13,599,109                   $ (85      $ 14,520,604   

Transfers into Level 31

    236,452           2,670,847         $ 3,214                     2,910,513   

Transfers out of Level 32

    (676,305        (5,898,550                            (6,574,855

Accrued discounts/premiums

    3,795           20,841                               24,636   

Net realized gain (loss)

    1,600           (101,729                            (100,129

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)3,4

    3,226           (342,200        2,726           85           (336,163

Purchases

    1,557,627           3,358,304                               4,915,931   

Sales

    (246,875        (5,713,603                            (5,960,478

Closing Balance, as of August 31, 2015

  $ 1,801,100         $ 7,593,019         $ 5,940                   $ 9,400,059   
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 20154

  $ 3,226         $ (314,855      $ 2,726                   $ (308,903
 

 

 

 

1   As of August 31, 2014, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2015, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments with a beginning of period value of $2,910,513 transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 in the disclosure hierarchy.

        

 

2   As of August 31, 2014, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2015, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments with a beginning of period value of $6,574,855 transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 in the disclosure hierarchy.

        

 

3   Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Statement of Operations.

      

 

4   Any difference between net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 2015 is generally due to investments no longer held or categorized as Level 3 at period end.

       

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    21


Consolidated Schedule of Investments August 31, 2015

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Common Stocks (a)               
Shares
    Value  

Chemicals — 0.0%

      

GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

       143,928      $ 89,235   

GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc. (b)

       23,849        14,787   
      

 

 

 
                       104,022   

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.4%

      

Cengage Thomson Learning

       37,579        981,751   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co.

       53,827        1,215,414   
      

 

 

 
                       2,197,165   

Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%

      

Kcad Holdings I Ltd.

             309,827,230        241,665   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.0%

  

SunPower Corp.

             1,860        45,123   
Total Common Stocks — 0.5%                      2,587,975   
      
                          
Asset-Backed Securities (b)          

Par

(000)

        

ALM Loan Funding (c):

      

Series 2012-5A, Class BR, 3.26%, 10/18/27

     USD        740        737,558   

Series 2013-7R2A, Class B, 2.89%, 4/24/24

       555        548,971   

Series 2013-7RA, Class C, 3.74%, 4/24/24

       1,075        1,048,609   

Series 2013-7RA, Class D, 5.29%, 4/24/24

       900        875,581   

Series 2013-8A, Class B, 3.04%, 1/20/26

       1,150        1,130,502   

ALM XIV Ltd., Series 2014-14A, Class C, 3.74%, 7/28/26 (c)

       713        682,492   

ALM XVI Ltd./ALM XVI LLC, Series 2015-16A, Class B, 3.16%, 7/15/27 (c)

       1,420        1,410,344   

AMMC CLO 15 Ltd., Series 2014-15A, Class D, 4.48%, 12/09/26 (c)

       1,250        1,240,625   

Ares CLO Ltd., Series 2014-32A, Class C, 4.47%, 11/15/25 (c)

       1,000        993,722   

Atlas Senior Loan Fund Ltd., Series 2014-6A, Class D, 3.98%, 10/15/26 (c)

       860        828,278   

Atrium CDO Corp., Series 9A, Class D, 3.83%, 2/28/24 (c)

       1,100        1,064,619   

Atrium X, Series 10A, Class D, 3.79%, 7/16/25 (c)

       250        240,984   

Benefit Street Partners CLO II Ltd., Series 2013-IIA, Class C, 3.79%, 7/15/24 (c)

       650        613,156   

Benefit Street Partners CLO VII Ltd., Series 2015-VIIA, Class B, 3.23%, 7/18/27 (c)

       680        669,120   

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd. (c):

      

Series 2012-4A, Class D, 4.79%, 1/20/25

       700        700,470   

Series 2013-1A, Class C, 4.31%, 2/14/25

       250        248,013   

Cent CLO 22 Ltd., Series 2014-22A, Class C, 4.06%, 11/07/26 (c)

       625        609,875   

CIFC Funding 2014-II Ltd., Series 2014-2A, Class A3L, 3.18%, 5/24/26 (c)

       280        275,443   

CIFC Funding 2014-V Ltd., Series 2014-5A, Class D2, 4.79%, 1/17/27 (c)

       1,000        1,000,773   

CIFC Funding Ltd., Series 2014-3A, Class C1, 3.10%, 7/22/26 (c)

       250        243,135   

LCM XVIII LP, Series 18A, Class INC, 0.00%, 4/20/27 (c)(d)

       2,500        2,150,000   
Asset-Backed Securities (b)           Par
(000)
    Value  

Madison Park Funding XI Ltd., Series 2013-11A, Class D, 3.79%, 10/23/25 (c)

     USD        370      $ 356,375   

North End CLO Ltd., Series 2013-1A, Class D, 3.79%, 7/17/25 (c)

       750        720,000   

Octagon Investment Partners XVII Ltd., Series 2013-1A, Class D, 3.48%, 10/25/25 (c)

       1,000        923,182   

Octagon Investment Partners XXI Ltd., Series 2014-1A, Class C, 3.93%, 11/14/26 (c)

       500        479,914   

OZLM Funding Ltd. (c):

      

Series 2012-1A, Class BR, 3.29%, 7/22/27

       455        455,000   

Series 2012-2A, Class C, 4.65%, 10/30/23

       500        501,231   

OZLM VII Ltd., Series 2014-7A, Class C, 3.89%, 7/17/26 (c)

       250        235,418   

OZLM VIII Ltd., Series 2014-8A, Class B, 3.29%, 10/17/26 (c)

       475        472,034   

Regatta Funding LP, Series 2013-2A, Class C, 4.29%, 1/15/25 (c)

       500        489,255   

Seneca Park CLO, Ltd., Series 2014-1A, Class C, 3.19%, 7/17/26 (c)

       250        247,107   

Sound Point CLO IV Ltd., Series 2013-3A, Class A, 1.66%, 1/21/26 (c)

       640        635,335   

Sound Point CLO Ltd., Series 2014-3A, Class D, 3.89%, 1/23/27 (c)

       1,250        1,194,381   

Treman Park CLO LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class D, 4.12%, 4/20/27 (c)

       1,400        1,368,500   

Venture XXI CLO Ltd., Series 2015-21A, Class A, 1.77%, 7/15/27 (c)

       663        661,011   

Voya CLO Ltd. :

      

Series 2014-3A, Class C, 3.90%, 7/25/26 (c)

       250        237,114   

Series 2014-4A, Class C, 4.29%, 10/14/26 (c)

       1,000        981,615   

Series 2014-4A, Class SUB, 0.00%, 10/14/26 (d)

             1,000        785,915   
Total Asset-Backed Securities — 5.1%                      28,055,657   
      
                          
Corporate Bonds  

Airlines — 0.7%

      

American Airlines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2013-2, Class C, 6.00%, 1/15/17 (b)

       1,125        1,153,196   

Delta Air Lines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2009-1, Class B, 9.75%, 6/17/18

       166        178,200   

US Airways Pass-Through Trust, Series 2012-2, Class C, 5.45%, 6/03/18

       2,605        2,624,538   
      

 

 

 
                       3,955,934   

Auto Components — 0.1%

      

Icahn Enterprises LP/Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp., 3.50%, 3/15/17

             717        713,415   

Banks — 0.0%

      

CIT Group, Inc., 5.00%, 8/01/23

             135        136,688   

Capital Markets — 0.2%

      

Blackstone CQP Holdco LP, 9.30%, 3/19/19

       971        944,697   

E*Trade Financial Corp., 0.00%, 8/31/19 (b)(d)(e)

       129        327,366   
      

 

 

 
                       1,272,063   

Chemicals — 0.4%

      

GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc., 7.50%, 10/30/18

             1,559        2,042,405   

Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.2%

      

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc., 3.07%, 12/01/17 (c)

       295        293,525   

AWAS Aviation Capital Ltd., 7.00%, 10/17/16 (b)

       757        761,215   
      

 

 

 
                       1,054,740   

Communications Equipment — 0.1%

      

Avaya, Inc., 7.00%, 4/01/19 (b)

             390        350,025   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
22    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Corporate Bonds           Par
(000)
    Value  

Consumer Finance — 0.2%

      

Ally Financial, Inc.:

      

7.50%, 9/15/20

     USD        128      $ 148,480   

8.00%, 11/01/31

       621        740,585   
      

 

 

 
                       889,065   

Containers & Packaging — 0.3%

      

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., 3.34%, 12/15/19 (b)(c)

             1,425        1,396,500   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.1%

      

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp., 8.13%, 6/15/21 (b)

             315        325,867   

Health Care Providers & Services — 0.2%

      

Tenet Healthcare Corp., 3.84%, 6/15/20 (b)(c)

             1,375        1,382,562   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.0%

      

Tropicana Entertainment LLC/Tropicana Finance Corp., 9.63%, 12/15/14 (a)(f)

             120          

Media — 0.8%

      

Altice Financing SA, 6.63%, 2/15/23 (b)

       550        547,250   

Altice US Finance I Corp., 5.38%, 7/15/23 (b)

       1,225        1,212,750   

CCO Safari II LLC, 4.91%, 7/23/25 (b)

       1,870        1,852,224   

Numericable Group SA, 6.00%, 5/15/22 (b)

       842        842,000   
      

 

 

 
                       4,454,224   

Metals & Mining — 0.0%

  

Novelis, Inc., 8.38%, 12/15/17

             255        255,319   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.5%

  

California Resources Corp., 5.50%, 9/15/21

       1,800        1,395,684   

CONSOL Energy, Inc., 5.88%, 4/15/22

       620        443,300   

MEG Energy Corp., 7.00%, 3/31/24 (b)

       850        694,875   
      

 

 

 
                       2,533,859   

Pharmaceuticals — 0.5%

  

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (b):

      

5.38%, 3/15/20

       1,400        1,424,500   

5.88%, 5/15/23

       840        856,800   

6.13%, 4/15/25

       460        473,800   
      

 

 

 
                       2,755,100   

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.2%

  

Sprint Communications, Inc., 7.00%, 3/01/20 (b)

             1,205        1,279,951   
Total Corporate Bonds — 4.5%                      24,797,717   
      
                          
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)                      

Aerospace & Defense — 1.4%

  

BE Aerospace, Inc., 2014 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 12/16/21

       2,763        2,772,547   

DigitalGlobe, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/31/20

       1,862        1,852,392   

TASC, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 12.00%, 5/30/21

       1,175        1,207,312   

Transdigm, Inc.:

      

2015 Term Loan E, 3.50%, 5/14/22

       878        866,870   

Term Loan D, 3.75%, 6/04/21

       817        807,562   
      

 

 

 
                       7,506,683   

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.4%

  

CEVA Group PLC, Synthetic LC, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       693        623,031   

CEVA Intercompany BV, Dutch Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       722        648,802   

CEVA Logistics Canada ULC, Canadian Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       113        101,570   

CEVA Logistics US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       995        894,900   
      

 

 

 
                       2,268,303   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)           Par
(000)
    Value  

Airlines — 0.7%

  

Delta Air Lines, Inc., 2018 Term Loan B1, 3.25%, 10/18/18

     USD        1,414      $ 1,410,706   

Northwest Airlines, Inc.:

      

2.25%, 3/10/17

       521        510,038   

1.63%, 9/10/18

       556        532,290   

1.64%, 9/10/18

       282        269,776   

US Airways Group, Inc., Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 5/23/19

       1,127        1,119,956   
      

 

 

 
                       3,842,766   

Auto Components — 3.7%

  

Affinia Group Intermediate Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.75%, 4/27/20

       1,236        1,235,248   

Autoparts Holdings Ltd.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 7.00%, 7/29/17

       2,646        2,328,763   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 11.00%, 1/29/18

       907        770,525   

Dayco Products LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 12/12/19

       1,571        1,569,111   

FPC Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 11/19/19

       1,536        1,481,878   

Gates Global, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/05/21

       8,639        8,260,900   

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 3.75%, 4/30/19

       2,754        2,758,739   

GPX International Tire Corp., Term Loan (a)(f):

      

12.25%, 3/30/2012

       1,097          

PIK, 13.00%, 3/30/2012 (g)

       18          

INA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/15/20

       1,783        1,786,582   

UCI International, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.50%, 7/26/17

       225        221,752   
      

 

 

 
                       20,413,498   

Automobiles — 0.4%

  

Chrysler Group LLC, Term Loan B:

      

2018, 3.25%, 12/31/18

       815        811,128   

3.50%, 5/24/17

       1,401        1,398,041   
      

 

 

 
                       2,209,169   

Banks — 0.3%

  

Redtop Acquisitions Ltd.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/03/20

       1,148        1,147,525   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 6/03/21

       305        302,806   
      

 

 

 
                       1,450,331   

Biotechnology — 0.1%

  

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 8/13/21

             845        842,887   

Building Products — 3.7%

  

Continental Building Products LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 8/28/20

       1,378        1,366,060   

CPG International, Inc., Term Loan, 4.75%, 9/30/20

       5,342        5,292,326   

GYP Holdings III Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 4/01/21

       1,397        1,365,007   

Hanson Building Products Ltd., 1st Lien Term Loan, 6.50%, 2/18/22

       638        632,901   

Jeld-Wen, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 10/15/21

       3,050        3,047,083   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/01/21

       1,007        995,667   

Quikrete Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 9/28/20

       1,679        1,668,870   

Universal Services of America LP:

      

2015 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.50%, 7/28/23

       606        599,455   

2015 Delayed Draw Term Loan, 1.98%, 7/28/22

       6        5,799   

2015 Term Loan, 4.75%, 7/28/22

       2,292        2,261,688   

Wilsonart LLC:

      

Incremental Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 10/31/19

       497        492,764   

Term Loan B, 4.00%, 10/31/19

       2,824        2,797,172   
      

 

 

 
                       20,524,792   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    23


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)           Par
(000)
    Value  

Capital Markets — 1.0%

  

Affinion Group, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.75%, 4/30/18

     USD        1,352      $ 1,273,884   

American Capital Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, 3.50%, 8/22/17

       861        859,100   

RPI Finance Trust, Term Loan B4, 3.50%, 11/09/20

       3,386        3,382,243   
      

 

 

 
                       5,515,227   

Chemicals — 4.5%

  

Allnex (Luxembourg) & Cy SCA, Term Loan B1, 4.50%, 10/03/19

       1,093        1,091,964   

Allnex USA, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.50%, 10/03/19

       567        566,567   

Axalta Coating Systems US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 2/01/20

       2,255        2,244,838   

CeramTec Acquisition Corp., Term Loan B2, 4.25%, 8/30/20

       116        115,313   

Charter NEX US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 2/07/22

       977        978,629   

The Chemours Co., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/12/22

       846        815,685   

Chemtura Corp., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 8/27/16

       243        242,523   

Chromaflo Technologies Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/02/19

       243        235,572   

Evergreen Acqco 1 LP, Term Loan, 5.00%, 7/09/19

       1,489        1,388,396   

INEOS US Finance LLC, 6 Year Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/04/18

       707        703,574   

Klockner-Pentaplast of America, Inc., Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/28/20

       732        731,577   

Kronos Worldwide, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/18/20

       504        484,739   

MacDermid, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/07/20

       2,844        2,833,589   

Term Loan B2, 4.75%, 6/07/20

       744        743,396   

Minerals Technologies, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/09/21

       1,504        1,503,078   

Nexeo Solutions LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 9/08/17

       1,436        1,393,101   

OXEA Finance LLC:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 7/15/20

       1,365        1,273,995   

Term Loan B2, 4.25%, 1/15/20

       2,505        2,439,609   

Royal Holdings, Inc.:

      

2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/19/22

       1,135        1,129,802   

2015 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 6/19/23

       465        463,256   

Solenis International LP:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/31/21

       1,533        1,510,887   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.75%, 7/31/22

       1,725        1,651,688   

Tata Chemicals North America, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/07/20

       561        560,682   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
                       25,102,460   

Commercial Services & Supplies — 6.8%

  

ADMI Corp., 2015 Term Loan B, 5.50%, 4/30/22

       840        844,200   

ADS Waste Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 10/09/19

       3,119        3,088,267   

ARAMARK Corp.:

      

Extended Synthetic Line of Credit 2, 0.04%, 7/26/16

       46        45,725   

Extended Synthetic Line of Credit 3, 3.65%, 7/26/16

       32        31,918   

Term Loan E, 3.25%, 9/07/19

       2,848        2,836,264   

Term Loan F, 3.25%, 2/24/21

       858        854,497   

Asurion LLC, Term Loan B4, 5.00%, 8/04/22

       1,300        1,285,375   

Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 11/26/20

       3,771        3,387,350   

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/20/21

       3,330        3,327,644   

Connolly Corp.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/14/21

       3,000        2,992,425   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 5/14/22

       1,500        1,500,000   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)           Par
(000)
    Value  

Commercial Services & Supplies (concluded)

  

Creative Artists Agency LLC, Term Loan B, 5.50%, 12/17/21

     USD        955      $ 961,170   

Dealer Tire LLC, Term Loan B, 5.50%, 12/22/21

       865        868,646   

KAR Auction Services, Inc., Term Loan B2, 3.50%, 3/11/21

       1,340        1,338,660   

Koosharem LLC, Exit Term Loan, 7.50%, 5/15/20

       2,376        2,344,387   

Livingston International, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/18/19

       1,333        1,299,480   

PSSI Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 12/02/21

       1,642        1,637,646   

Spin Holdco, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 11/14/19

       4,773        4,702,512   

US Ecology, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 6/17/21

       828        831,571   

Waste Industries USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 2/27/20

       920        920,807   

West Corp., Term Loan B10, 3.25%, 6/30/18

       2,606        2,578,811   
      

 

 

 
                       37,677,355   

Communications Equipment — 2.1%

      

Applied Systems, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 1/25/21

       1,421        1,417,216   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.50%, 1/24/22

       380        377,530   

Avaya, Inc., Term Loan B7, 6.25%, 5/29/20

       2,442        2,092,784   

CommScope, Inc., Term Loan B5, 3.75%, 12/29/22

       915        910,809   

Riverbed Technology, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/24/22

       603        603,234   

Telesat Canada, Term Loan A, 4.09%, 3/24/17

     CAD        2,000        1,506,917   

Zayo Group LLC, Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21

     USD        4,527        4,497,621   
      

 

 

 
                       11,406,111   

Construction & Engineering — 0.1%

      

AECOM Technology Corp., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 10/15/21

             785        785,331   

Construction Materials — 0.5%

      

Filtration Group Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 11/21/20

       1,424        1,420,042   

Headwaters, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 3/24/22

       735        736,073   

McJunkin Red Man Corp., Term Loan, 4.75%, 11/08/19

       444        433,031   
      

 

 

 
                       2,589,146   

Containers & Packaging — 0.8%

      

Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc., Incremental Term Loan, 4.00%, 12/17/19

       811        806,993   

Berry Plastics Holding Corp., Term Loan E, 3.75%, 1/06/21

       1,246        1,235,148   

BWAY Holding Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 5.50%, 8/14/20

       1,495        1,494,900   

Rexam PLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 5/02/21

       767        765,332   
      

 

 

 
                       4,302,373   

Distributors — 0.6%

  

ABC Supply Co., Inc., Term Loan, 3.50%, 4/16/20

       2,062        2,050,724   

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 5.25%, 9/01/21

       1,546        1,549,990   
      

 

 

 
                       3,600,714   

Diversified Consumer Services — 2.6%

  

Allied Security Holdings LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 2/12/21

       2,855        2,841,801   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 8/13/21

       1,417        1,405,674   

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.:

      

Incremental Term Loan B1, 4.25%, 1/30/20

       239        238,800   

Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/30/20

       2,754        2,749,445   

CT Technologies Intermediate Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 12/01/21

       752        751,185   

ROC Finance LLC, Term Loan, 5.00%, 6/20/19

       1,061        1,009,817   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
24    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)           Par
(000)
    Value  

Diversified Consumer Services (concluded)

  

ServiceMaster Co., 2014 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/01/21

     USD        5,323      $ 5,292,672   
      

 

 

 
                       14,289,394   

Diversified Financial Services — 3.1%

  

AlixPartners LLP, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.50%, 7/28/22

       945        944,055   

AssuredPartners Capital, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 3/31/21

       2,658        2,656,234   

Diamond US Holding LLC, Term Loan B, 4.75%, 12/17/21

       970        969,718   

Jefferies Finance LLC, Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/14/20

       2,775        2,747,250   

Onex Wizard US Acquisition, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/13/22

       2,085        2,081,731   

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., Dollar Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/01/18

       3,162        3,159,714   

SAM Finance Luxembourg Sarl, Term Loan, 4.25%, 12/17/20

       1,844        1,843,575   

TransFirst, Inc.:

      

2014 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.00%, 11/12/22

       851        845,672   

Incremental Term Loan B, 4.75%, 11/12/21

       1,817        1,812,993   
      

 

 

 
                       17,060,942   

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 4.0%

  

Altice Financing SA, Term Loan, 5.25%, 2/04/22

       1,100        1,105,500   

Consolidated Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 12/23/20

       1,130        1,125,067   

Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.00%, 6/06/19

       2,689        2,692,128   

Integra Telecom, Inc.:

      

2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 8/14/20

       2,278        2,271,654   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.75%, 2/21/20

       750        746,641   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.:

      

2013 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 1/15/20

       10,260        10,250,356   

2019 Term Loan, 4.00%, 8/01/19

       1,647        1,644,147   

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd., Term Loan F, 3.50%, 6/30/23

       2,299        2,271,477   
      

 

 

 
                       22,106,970   

Electrical Equipment — 0.7%

  

Southwire Co., Term Loan, 3.00%, 2/10/21

       1,165        1,146,315   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC:

      

DIP Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/05/16

       1,971        1,971,075   

Extended Term Loan, 4.67%, 10/10/17 (a)(f)

       1,710        771,449   
      

 

 

 
                       3,888,839   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.5%

  

CDW LLC, Term Loan, 3.25%, 4/29/20

       1,728        1,713,032   

CPI Acquisition, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.75%, 8/17/22

       1,095        1,077,206   
      

 

 

 
                       2,790,238   

Energy Equipment & Services — 1.3%

  

Dynegy Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 4/23/20

       1,803        1,797,935   

Exgen Texas Power LLC, Term Loan B, 5.75%, 9/16/21

       1,161        1,112,525   

MEG Energy Corp., Refinancing Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/31/20

       4,943        4,599,327   
      

 

 

 
                       7,509,787   

Food & Staples Retailing — 1.1%

  

New Albertson’s, Inc., Term Loan, 4.75%, 6/27/21

       1,464        1,458,901   

Rite Aid Corp., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 5.75%, 8/21/20

       1,040        1,049,755   

Supervalu, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan B, 4.50%, 3/21/19

       2,206        2,211,430   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)           Par
(000)
    Value  

Food & Staples Retailing (concluded)

  

US Foods, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan, 4.50%, 3/31/19

     USD        1,662      $ 1,662,354   
      

 

 

 
                       6,382,440   

Food Products — 3.3%

  

CTI Foods Holding Co. LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/29/20

       1,115        1,095,622   

Diamond Foods, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 8/20/18

       2,971        2,958,223   

Dole Food Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 11/01/18

       2,693        2,691,548   

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/02/21

       1,479        1,469,827   

New HB Acquisition LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 8/03/22

       1,655        1,654,487   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 8/03/23

       340        340,425   

Pabst Brewing Co., Inc., Term Loan, 5.75%, 10/21/21

       1,890        1,888,699   

Performance Food Group Co., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 6.25%, 11/14/19

       1,444        1,444,377   

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, Term Loan G, 3.00%, 4/29/20

       2,638        2,620,840   

Post Holdings Inc., Series A Incremental Term Loan, 3.75%, 6/02/21

       1        595   

Reddy Ice Corp.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 6.75%, 5/01/19

       1,616        1,341,253   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 10.75%, 11/01/19

       1,195        836,500   
      

 

 

 
                       18,342,396   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 4.1%

  

Alere, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/18/22

       1,270        1,269,124   

Auris Luxembourg III Sarl, Term Loan B4, 4.25%, 1/15/22

       1,057        1,056,466   

Capsugel Holdings US, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 8/01/18

       1,912        1,906,198   

DJO Finance LLC, 2015 Term Loan, 4.25%, 6/08/20

       3,150        3,131,100   

Iasis Healthcare LLC, Term Loan B2, 4.50%, 5/03/18

       2,726        2,726,116   

Immucor, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan B2, 5.00%, 8/17/18

       3,500        3,485,746   

Leonardo Acquisition Corp., Term Loan, 4.25%, 1/31/21

       2,161        2,151,530   

Millennium Health LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 4/16/21

       1,494        729,767   

National Vision, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 3/12/21

       3,164        3,083,675   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 6/30/21

       2,759        2,715,625   

Sage Products Holdings III LLC, Refinancing Term Loan B2, 4.25%, 12/13/19

       785        783,682   
      

 

 

 
                       23,039,029   

Health Care Providers & Services — 7.5%

  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 2/11/22

       467        469,371   

Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/06/22

       1,310        1,285,437   

Amsurg Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan B, 3.75%, 7/16/21

       1,292        1,290,503   

CHG Healthcare Services Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 11/19/19

       2,521        2,508,065   

Community Health Systems, Inc.:

      

Term Loan F, 3.58%, 12/31/18

       1,598        1,595,958   

Term Loan G, 3.75%, 12/31/19

       2,439        2,434,436   

Term Loan H, 4.00%, 1/27/21

       4,488        4,495,858   

Curo Health Services LLC, 2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 6.50%, 2/07/22

       1,596        1,597,995   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 6/24/21

       9,618        9,591,786   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    25


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Health Care Providers & Services (concluded)

  

Envision Healthcare Corp., Term Loan, 4.00%, 5/25/18

     USD        1,892      $ 1,889,183   

Genesis HealthCare Corp., Term Loan B, 10.00%, 12/04/17

       1,193        1,211,059   

HC Group Holdings III, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/07/22

       741        742,414   

HCA, Inc., Term Loan B5, 2.95%, 3/31/17

       1,394        1,391,171   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/31/21

       1,932        1,906,352   

National Mentor Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 1/31/21

       1,315        1,305,025   

Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/15/22

       3,110        3,084,747   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 11/03/20

       1,863        1,860,186   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/17/22

       2,298        2,289,373   

U.S. Renal Care, Inc., 2013 Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/03/19

       879        876,175   
      

 

 

 
                       41,825,094   

Health Care Technology — 0.9%

  

IMS Health, Inc., Term Loan, 3.50%, 3/17/21

       3,328        3,302,223   

MedAssets, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 12/13/19

       1,833        1,821,539   
      

 

 

 
                       5,123,762   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 10.4%

  

Amaya Holdings BV:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 8/01/21

       1,294        1,280,226   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 8/01/22

       1,526        1,527,079   

Boyd Gaming Corp., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 8/14/20

       2,190        2,183,728   

Bronco Midstream Funding LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 8/15/20

       2,860        2,746,046   

Burger King Newco Unlimited Liability Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 12/12/21

       4,758        4,751,346   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC, Term Loan B, 7.00%, 10/11/20

       5,979        5,696,883   

CCM Merger, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 8/08/21

       1,557        1,555,511   

Diamond Resorts Corp., Term Loan, 5.50%, 5/09/21

       1,792        1,788,405   

Eldorado Resorts LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/13/22

       900        900,000   

ESH Hospitality, Inc., Term Loan, 5.00%, 6/24/19

       940        946,467   

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.50%, 10/26/20

       2,651        2,644,994   

Intrawest ULC, Term Loan, 4.75%, 12/09/20

       1,596        1,591,711   

La Quinta Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.00%, 4/14/21

       7,444        7,422,548   

Las Vegas Sands LLC, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 12/19/20

       2,463        2,448,045   

MGM Resorts International, Term Loan B, 3.50%, 12/20/19

       3,429        3,397,631   

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 8/13/20

       1,358        1,355,126   

RHP Hotel Properties LP, Term Loan B, 3.50%, 1/15/21

       1,272        1,270,878   

Sabre, Inc.:

      

Incremental Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/19/19

       501        499,406   

Term Loan B, 4.00%, 2/19/19

       2,300        2,294,669   

Scientific Games International, Inc., 2014 Term Loan B1, 6.00%, 10/18/20

       3,323        3,283,461   

Station Casinos LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/02/20

       4,798        4,786,268   

Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) Sarl, 2014 Term Loan B, 5.75%, 9/02/21

       3,320        3,318,252   
      

 

 

 
                       57,688,680   

Household Durables — 0.3%

  

Jarden Corp., 2015 Term Loan B2, 2.95%, 7/27/22

             1,580        1,574,865   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Household Products — 1.0%

  

Bass Pro Group LLC, 2015 Term Loan, 4.00%, 6/05/20

     USD        2,317      $ 2,303,322   

Spectrum Brands, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 6/23/22

       3,068        3,064,353   
      

 

 

 
                       5,367,675   

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 1.9%

  

Aria Energy Operating LLC, Term Loan, 5.00%, 5/27/22

       1,470        1,455,300   

Calpine Corp., Term Loan B5, 3.50%, 5/27/22

       1,425        1,404,965   

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co. LLC, DIP Term Loan, 4.25%, 6/19/16

       2,845        2,845,460   

Granite Acquisition, Inc.:

      

Term Loan B, 5.00%, 12/19/21

       3,100        3,097,202   

Term Loan C, 5.00%, 12/19/21

       137        136,961   

Terra-Gen Finance Co. LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 12/09/21

       1,572        1,544,220   
      

 

 

 
                       10,484,108   

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.2%

  

Sequa Corp., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 6/19/17

             1,279        1,083,459   

Insurance — 1.0%

  

AmWINS Group LLC, 2014 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.50%, 9/04/20

       1,090        1,089,706   

Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford of Delaware Holding Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/16/20

       1,609        1,463,834   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/01/21

       2,005        1,960,523   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 6.75%, 2/28/22

       1,155        1,127,211   
      

 

 

 
                       5,641,274   

Internet Software & Services — 1.5%

  

Dealertrack Technologies, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 2/28/21

       1,856        1,848,614   

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/13/21

       2,525        2,522,303   

Interactive Data Corp., 2014 Term Loan, 4.75%, 5/02/21

       3,801        3,795,106   
      

 

 

 
                       8,166,023   

IT Services — 4.2%

  

Blue Coat Holdings Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/20/22

       2,120        2,104,100   

Epicor Software Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 6/01/22

       3,180        3,167,503   

First Data Corp.:

      

2018 Extended Term Loan, 3.70%, 3/24/18

       12,519        12,415,197   

2018 Term Loan, 3.70%, 9/24/18

       1,150        1,140,512   

InfoGroup, Inc., Term Loan, 7.50%, 5/26/18

       1,015        968,875   

SunGard Data Systems, Inc.:

      

Term Loan C, 3.94%, 2/28/17

       1,515        1,512,349   

Term Loan E, 4.00%, 3/08/20

       567        565,358   

Vantiv LLC, 2014 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/13/21

       1,715        1,714,401   
      

 

 

 
                       23,588,295   

Leisure Products — 0.3%

  

Bauer Performance Sports Ltd., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 4/15/21

             1,616        1,608,833   

Machinery — 2.1%

  

Allison Transmission, Inc., Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 8/23/19

       1,207        1,203,642   

Faenza Acquisition GmbH:

      

Term Loan B1, 4.25%, 8/30/20

       1,124        1,121,742   

Term Loan B3, 4.25%, 8/30/20

       340        339,507   

Infiltrator Systems, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 5.25%, 5/27/22

       1,518        1,514,314   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
26    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Machinery (concluded)

  

Mueller Water Products, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 11/25/21

     USD        796      $ 796,000   

Rexnord LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan B, 4.00%, 8/21/20

       2,391        2,365,921   

Silver II US Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 4.00%, 12/13/19

       3,479        3,237,828   

Wabash National Corp., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/16/22

       1,122        1,121,492   
      

 

 

 
                       11,700,446   

Manufacture Goods — 0.1%

  

KP Germany Erste GmbH, 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/28/20

             313        312,640   

Media — 10.8%

  

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 7.00%, 3/31/20

       4,235        4,224,873   

Term Loan, 0.00%, 7/03/16 (a)(d)(f)

       2,489          

Charter Communications Operating LLC:

      

Term Loan H, 3.25%, 7/21/22

       1,060        1,056,756   

Term Loan I, 3.50%, 1/20/23

       6,485        6,470,409   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Term Loan D, 6.95%, 1/30/19

       6,175        5,441,597   

Hemisphere Media Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 7/30/20

       1,656        1,629,399   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 5/31/21

       2,397        2,366,921   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 6/30/19

       1,988        1,950,406   

Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 1/07/22

       1,380        1,339,745   

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 2020 Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 8/16/20

       491        488,302   

MCC Iowa LLC:

      

Term Loan I, 2.66%, 6/30/17

       1,069        1,061,855   

Term Loan J, 3.75%, 6/30/21

       520        517,411   

Media General, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 7/31/20

       1,128        1,126,074   

Mediacom Communications Corp., Term Loan F, 2.66%, 3/31/18

       1,106        1,095,493   

Numericable U.S. LLC:

      

Term Loan B1, 4.50%, 5/21/20

       2,225        2,222,203   

Term Loan B2, 4.50%, 5/21/20

       1,925        1,922,508   

SBA Senior Finance II LLC:

      

Incremental Term Loan B, 3.25%, 6/10/22

       1,475        1,454,453   

Term Loan B1, 3.25%, 3/24/21

       3,019        2,985,047   

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.00%, 4/09/20

       199        195,685   

Tribune Media Co., Term Loan, 3.75%, 12/27/20

       3,675        3,655,829   

TWCC Holding Corp., Extended Term Loan, 5.75%, 2/13/20

       1,571        1,557,646   

Univision Communications, Inc., Term Loan C4, 4.00%, 3/01/20

       4,484        4,448,615   

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd., Term Loan E, 4.25%, 6/30/23

     GBP        2,840        4,330,351   

WideOpenWest Finance LLC, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/01/19

     USD        3,194        3,181,662   

Ziggo Financing Partnership:

      

Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       1,879        1,852,302   

Term Loan B2A, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       1,219        1,201,407   

Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       2,004        1,975,886   
      

 

 

 
                       59,752,835   

Metals & Mining — 1.0%

      

Novelis, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 6/02/22

       4,929        4,869,750   

Windsor Financing LLC, Term Loan B, 6.25%, 12/05/17

       954        953,992   
      

 

 

 
                       5,823,742   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Multiline Retail — 2.0%

      

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 9/26/19

     USD        3,628      $ 3,611,571   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 3/26/20

       870        861,300   

Dollar Tree, Inc., Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 7/06/22

       2,412        2,412,202   

Hudson’s Bay Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.75%, 8/10/22

       1,970        1,970,000   

The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., 2020 Term Loan, 4.25%, 10/25/20

       2,567        2,536,836   
      

 

 

 
                       11,391,909   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.3%

      

CITGO Holding, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 9.50%, 5/12/18

       1,765        1,769,103   

Drillships Financing Holding, Inc., Term Loan B1, 6.00%, 3/31/21

       2,211        1,569,509   

EP Energy LLC/Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc., Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 5/24/18

       1,920        1,817,606   

Green Energy Partners/Stonewall LLC, Term Loan B1, 6.50%, 11/13/21

       895        895,000   

Obsidian Natural Gas Trust, Term Loan, 7.00%, 11/02/15

       177        175,858   

Offshore Group Investment Ltd., Term Loan B, 5.75%, 3/28/19

       110        48,131   

Panda Patriot LLC, Term Loan B1, 6.75%, 12/19/20

       1,435        1,384,775   

Power Buyer LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 5/06/20

       510        505,323   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 11/06/20

       470        461,775   

Samchully Midstream 3 LLC, Term Loan B, 5.75%, 10/20/21

       1,791        1,746,225   

Seventy Seven Operating LLC, Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/25/21

       265        225,164   

Southcross Energy Partners LP, 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 8/04/21

       1,963        1,874,904   

Southcross Holdings Borrower LP, Term Loan B, 6.00%, 8/04/21

       941        779,834   

Stonewall Gas Gathering LLC, Term Loan B, 8.75%, 1/28/22

       1,381        1,367,339   

TPF II Power LLC, Term Loan B, 5.50%, 10/02/21

       1,547        1,548,473   

Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership, Term Loan B1, 5.25%, 3/31/22

       1,681        1,677,981   

WTG Holdings III Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 1/15/21

       596        591,456   
      

 

 

 
                       18,438,456   

Personal Products — 0.2%

      

Prestige Brands, Inc., Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 9/03/21

             1,327        1,324,363   

Pharmaceuticals — 8.4%

      

Akorn, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.50%, 4/16/21

       2,471        2,467,470   

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Term Loan, 4.50%, 11/01/19

       1,783        1,780,762   

CCC Information Services, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 12/20/19

       907        899,496   

Concordia Healthcare Corp., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 4/21/22

       1,280        1,280,806   

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I Sarl:

      

2014 Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/01/21

       1,560        1,559,860   

2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/11/22

       4,510        4,509,188   

Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.20%, 2/27/21

       4,240        4,231,161   

Horizon Pharma Holdings USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/22/21

       2,226        2,223,570   

Jaguar Holding Co. II, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 8/18/22

       4,769        4,736,961   

JLL/Delta Dutch Newco BV, 2014 Incremental Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/11/21

       3,527        3,483,138   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    27


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Pharmaceuticals (concluded)

      

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA:

      

Incremental Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 3/19/21

     USD        1,429      $ 1,421,754   

Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/19/21

       2,296        2,277,294   

Par Pharmaceutical Cos., Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 9/30/19

       4,258        4,250,851   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.:

      

Series C2 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 12/11/19

       2,303        2,293,908   

Series D2 Term Loan B, 3.50%, 2/13/19

       2,008        2,000,600   

Series E Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/05/20

       1,436        1,431,472   

Term Loan B F1, 4.00%, 4/01/22

       5,689        5,687,369   
      

 

 

 
                       46,535,660   

Professional Services — 3.8%

      

Acosta Holdco, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.25%, 9/26/21

       1,922        1,899,371   

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc.:

      

2014 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/23/21

       2,129        2,103,652   

2014 2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.50%, 7/25/22

       880        853,160   

Emdeon Business Services LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 11/02/18

       3,211        3,197,532   

Intertrust Group Holding BV, 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 4/16/22

       975        973,177   

ON Assignment, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/19/22

       1,331        1,327,872   

SIRVA Worldwide, Inc., Term Loan, 7.50%, 3/27/19

       1,765        1,756,549   

Sterling Infosystems, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan B, 4.50%, 6/20/22

       2,230        2,222,574   

TransUnion LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 4/09/21

       5,468        5,422,104   

Truven Health Analytics, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 6/06/19

       1,626        1,611,492   
      

 

 

 
                       21,367,483   

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.2%

      

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.00%, 10/24/22

             970        926,049   

Real Estate Management & Development — 2.1%

      

CityCenter Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 10/16/20

       2,296        2,290,154   

DTZ US Borrower LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan:

      

4.25%, 8/05/21

       2,270        2,245,416   

5.50%, 11/04/21

       2,146        2,122,601   

Realogy Corp.:

      

Extended Letter of Credit, 0.13%, 10/10/16

       114        113,166   

Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/05/20

       5,159        5,139,825   
      

 

 

 
                       11,911,162   

Road & Rail — 1.0%

      

The Hertz Corp., Term Loan B2, 3.00%, 3/11/18

       1,440        1,425,863   

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/31/21

       2,015        1,974,210   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.75%, 9/30/21

       975        911,625   

Quality Distribution, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 7/20/22

       1,270        1,256,513   

Road Infrastructure Investment LLC:

      
      

 

 

 
                       5,568,211   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.8%

  

   

Avago Technologies Cayman Ltd., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21

       4,439        4,432,993   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.:

      

Term Loan B4, 4.25%, 2/28/20

       3,526        3,520,628   

Term Loan B5, 5.00%, 1/15/21

       702        702,930   

NXP BV, Term Loan D, 3.25%, 1/11/20

       1,405        1,396,784   
      

 

 

 
                       10,053,335   

Software — 4.6%

      

Evertec Group LLC, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 4/17/20

       1,049        1,007,967   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Software (concluded)

      

GCA Services Group, Inc.:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.25%, 10/22/20

     USD        780      $ 776,100   

Term Loan B, 4.25%, 11/01/19

       1,674        1,664,425   

Infor US, Inc., Term Loan B5, 3.75%, 6/03/20

       3,372        3,272,062   

Informatica Corp., Term Loan, 4.50%, 8/05/22

       3,880        3,852,465   

IQOR US, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/01/21

       884        716,131   

Kronos, Inc.:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.75%, 4/30/20

       1,787        1,814,912   

Initial Incremental Term Loan, 4.50%, 10/30/19

       1,469        1,468,111   

Mitchell International, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 10/12/20

       2,143        2,133,638   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 10/11/21

       1,600        1,591,328   

Sophia LP, 2014 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 7/19/18

       2,779        2,773,457   

SS&C Technologies, Inc.:

      

2015 Term Loan B1, 4.00%, 7/08/22

       3,564        3,566,477   

2015 Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 7/08/22

       577        577,809   

Tibco Software, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.50%, 12/04/20

       323        322,466   
      

 

 

 
                       25,537,348   

Specialty Retail — 3.8%

      

Equinox Holdings, Inc., Repriced Term Loan B, 5.00%, 1/31/20

       1,310        1,308,818   

General Nutrition Centers, Inc., Term Loan, 3.25%, 3/04/19

       1,272        1,258,132   

Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 10/16/19

       2,353        2,326,790   

Michaels Stores, Inc.:

      

Incremental 2014 Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 1/28/20

       2,891        2,889,441   

Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/28/20

       2,230        2,221,612   

Party City Holdings Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/28/22

       2,795        2,789,773   

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 11/24/17

       3,335        3,326,672   

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/11/22

       3,651        3,643,256   

Things Remembered, Inc., Term Loan B, 8.25%, 5/24/18

       1,524        1,105,224   
      

 

 

 
                       20,869,718   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.7%

  

   

Dell International LLC, Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 4/29/20

       1,414        1,405,259   

Dell, Inc., Term Loan C, 3.75%, 10/29/18

       1,511        1,508,087   

Linxens France SA, Term Loan, 5.00%, 7/27/22

       795        791,025   
      

 

 

 
                       3,704,371   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%

      

ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.50%, 5/27/21

       522        519,594   

Ascend Performance Materials LLC, Term Loan B, 6.75%, 4/10/18

       2,275        2,013,294   

Polymer Group, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 12/19/19

       1,659        1,659,204   
      

 

 

 
                       4,192,092   

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.3%

      

IG Investment Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 6.00%, 10/29/21

             1,911        1,909,414   

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.6%

      

HD Supply, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/13/21

             3,100        3,078,052   

Transportation Infrastructure — 0.2%

      

Penn Products Terminals LLC, Term Loan B, 4.75%, 4/13/22

             1,134        1,122,691   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
28    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (c)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.8%

      

LTS Buyer LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 4/13/20

     USD        4,161      $ 4,135,192   

New Lightsquared LLC, PIK Exit Term Loan, 9.75%, 6/15/20 (g)

       5,750        5,606,250   
      

 

 

 
                       9,741,442   
Total Floating Rate Loan Interests — 126.6%                      702,860,668   
      
                          
Investment Companies           Shares         

Capital Markets — 0.0%

      

Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust

       54        732   

Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust

             13,945        85,483   
Total Investment Companies — 0.0%                86,215   
      
                          
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities   

Par  

(000)

        

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 0.2%

  

 

Hilton USA Trust, Series 2013-HLT, Class EFX, 4.60%, 11/05/30 (b)(c)

     USD        1,336        1,340,186   
      
                          
Other Interests (h)           Beneficial
Interest
(000)
        

Auto Components — 0.0%

  

 

Intermet Liquidating Trust, Class A

             256        3   

Household Durables — 0.3%

  

 

Stanley Martin, Class B Membership Units (i)

             1,250        1,715,000   
Total Other Interests — 0.3%                1,715,003   

 

Preferred Securities             
Shares
    Value  

Preferred Stock — 0.0%

      

Consumer Finance — 0.0%

  

Ally Financial, Inc., Series A, 0.00% (c)(j)

         2,075      $ 53,950   
      
                      
Trust Preferreds — 0.3%                    

Diversified Financial Services — 0.3%

      

GMAC Capital Trust I, Series 2, 8.13%, 2/15/40 (c)

         60,894        1,549,126   
Total Preferred Securities — 0.3%        1,603,076   
      
                      
Warrants                    

Software — 0.0%

  

 

HMH Holdings/EduMedia (Issued/exercisable 3/09/10, 19 Shares for 1 Warrant, Expires 6/22/19, Strike Price $42.27)

         2,406        20,682   
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $774,867,940) — 137.5%
        763,067,179   

Options Purchased

(Cost — $43,022) — 0.0%

                
Total Investments (Cost — $774,910,962) — 137.5%        763,067,179   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (37.5)%

  

    (207,963,068
      

 

 

 
Net Assets — 100.0%        $ 555,104,111   
      

 

 

 
Notes to Consolidated Schedule of Investments      

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

(c)   Variable rate security. Rate shown is as of report date.

 

(d)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(e)   Convertible security.

 

(f)   Issuer filed for bankruptcy and/or is in default of interest payments.

 

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

 

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

 

(i)   All or a portion of Security is held by a wholly owned subsidiary. See Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details on the wholly owned subsidiary

 

(j)   Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity date.

 

*   During the year ended August 31, 2015, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliate      Shares Held
at August 31,
2014
       Net
Activity
       Shares Held
at August 31,
2015
       Income  

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class

       3,456,864           (3,456,864                $ 513   

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of August 31, 2015

 

Financial Futures Contracts  
Contracts
Short
  Issue   Exchange   Expiration   Notional Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
 
(18)   10-Year U.S. Treasury Note   Chicago Board of Trade   December 2015     USD    2,287,125      $ 2,213   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    29


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency
Purchased
      

Currency
Sold

    Counterparty   Settlement
Date
       Unrealized
Appreciation
      
USD        1,136,112         CAD        1,467,000      Westpac Banking Corp.     10/20/15         $ 21,170     
USD        3,147,434         GBP        2,023,000      HSBC Bank PLC     10/20/15           43,948       
Total                         $ 65,118     
                       

 

 

OTC Options Purchased

 

Description      Put/Call        Counterparty        Expiration
Date
       Strike Price        Contracts        Value  
Marsico Parent Superholdco LLC        Call           Goldman Sachs & Co.           12/14/19           USD    942.86           44             

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps — Sold Protection

 

Index   Receive
Fixed Rate
    Clearinghouse   Expiration
Date
    Credit
Rating
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Dow Jones CDX North America High Yield Index, Series 24, Version 2     5.00   Chicago Mercantile Exchange     6/20/20        B        USD    2,896      $ (31,556

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure      

The following is a summary of the Fund’s derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure. For information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

As of August 31, 2015, the fair values of derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

     Consolidated Statement of Assets
and Liabilities Location
 

Commodity

Contracts

   

Credit

Contracts

   

Equity

Contracts

   

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

   

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    Total  
Derivative Financial Instruments — Assets                                          

Financial futures contracts

  Net unrealized apppreciation1                               $ 2,213      $ 2,213   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts                        $ 65,118               65,118   
                             $ 65,118      $ 2,213      $ 67,331   
             
Derivative Financial Instruments — Liabilities                                          

Swaps — centrally cleared

  Net unrealized depreciation1          $ 31,556                           $ 31,556   

1    Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on financial futures contracts and centrally cleared swaps, if any, as reported in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

        

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations was as follows:

 

    

Commodity

Contracts

      

Credit

Contracts

      

Equity

Contracts

      

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

      

Interest

Rate

Contracts

       Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

                          

Financial futures contracts

                                          $ (24,385      $ (24,385

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                                $ 1,385,850                     1,385,850   

Swaps

            $ (3,377                                      (3,377
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
            $ (3,377                $ 1,385,850         $ (24,385      $ 1,358,088   
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
                          
    

Commodity

Contracts

      

Credit

Contracts

      

Equity

Contracts

      

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

      

Interest

Rate

Contracts

       Total  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

                          

Financial futures contracts

                                          $ 2,213         $ 2,213   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                                $ (261,421                  (261,421

Swaps

            $ (31,556                                      (31,556
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
            $ (31,556                $ (261,421      $ 2,213         $ (290,764
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
30    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

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

 

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the average quarterly balances of outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

Financial futures contracts:       

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 571,781   
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:  

Average amounts purchased – in USD

  $ 7,043,294   

Average amounts sold — in USD

  $ 659,161   
Credit default swaps:  

Average notional value-sell protection

  $ 723,938   

 

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of August 31, 2015

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

 

     Assets     Liabilities  
Derivative Financial Instruments:    

Financial futures contracts

  $ 2,531          

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    65,118          

Swaps — Centrally cleared

         $ 7,382   
 

 

 

 

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

    67,649        7,382   
 

 

 

 

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

    (2,531     (7,382
 

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

  $ 65,118          
 

 

 

 

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

 

Counterparty   Derivative Assets Subject to
an MNA by  Counterparty
    Derivatives Available
for Offset1
    Non-cash
Collateral
Received
   

Cash Collateral

Received

    Net Amount of
Derivative Assets2
 

HSBC Bank PLC

  $ 43,948                           $ 43,948   

Westpac Banking Corp.

    21,170                             21,170   
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 65,118                           $ 65,118   
 

 

 

 

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

       

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

       

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of August 31, 2015      

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

The following tables summarize the Fund’s investments and derivative financial instruments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy:

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets:

                
Investments:                 

Long-Term Investments:

                

Asset-Backed Securities

            $ 18,033,624         $ 10,022,033         $ 28,055,657   

Common Stocks

  $ 1,260,537           981,751           345,687           2,587,975   

Corporate Bonds

              21,810,615           2,987,102           24,797,717   

Floating Rate Loan Interests

              669,755,279           33,105,389           702,860,668   

Investment Companies

    86,215                               86,215   

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

              1,340,186                     1,340,186   

Other Interests

                        1,715,003           1,715,003   

Preferred securities

    1,603,076                               1,603,076   

Warrants

                        20,682           20,682   

Liabilities:

                

Unfunded floating rate loan interest

              (519                  (519
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,949,828         $ 711,920,936         $ 48,195,896         $ 763,066,660   
 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    31


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

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

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  
Derivative Financial Instruments 1                 

Assets:

                

Interest rate contracts

  $ 2,213                             $ 2,213   

Foreign currency exchange contracts

            $ 65,118                     65,118   

Liabilities:

                

Credit contracts

              (31,556                  (31,556
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,213         $ 33,562                   $ 35,775   
 

 

 

 

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

        

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of August 31, 2015, such assets and/or liabilities are categorized within the disclosure hierarchy as follows:    
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets:

                

Cash

  $ 9,531,960                             $ 9,531,960   

Cash pledged for financial futures contracts

    45,000                               45,000   

Cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps

    170,000                               170,000   

Foreign currency at value

    6,465                               6,465   

Liabilities:

                

Bank borrowings payable

            $ (196,000,000                  (196,000,000
 

 

 

 

Total

  $ 9,753,425         $ (196,000,000                $ (186,246,575
 

 

 

 

During the year ended August 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

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

 

     Common
Stocks
    Asset-Backed
Securities
    Corporate
Bonds
    Floating
Rate Loan
Interests
    Other
Interests
    Warrants     Unfunded
Floating Rate
Loan Interest
(Liabilities)
    Grand Total  

Opening balance, as of August 31, 2014

  $ 1,510,942      $ 1,159,180      $ 4,766,957      $ 58,688,498      $ 1,858,753      $ 138,171      $ (374   $ 68,122,127   

Transfers into Level 32

           709,356               11,738,674               11,191               12,459,221   

Transfers out of Level 33

           (913,905            (27,135,051                          (28,048,956

Accrued discounts/premiums

           17,556        50,007        80,579                             148,142   

Net realized gain (loss)

    (5,161,104     1,600               (292,729                          (5,452,233

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)4,5

    3,877,394        34,345        (1,980,312     (1,539,831     (80,900     (128,680     374        182,390   

Purchases

    118,455        9,260,776        150,450        14,984,805                             24,514,486   

Sales

           (246,875            (23,419,556     (62,850                   (23,729,281

Closing Balance, as of August 31, 2015

  $ 345,687      $ 10,022,033      $ 2,987,102      $ 33,105,389      $ 1,715,003      $ 20,682             $ 48,195,896   
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 20155

  $ (1,283,707   $ 34,345      $ (1,980,311   $ (1,349,570   $ (80,900   $ 9,491             $ (4,650,652
 

 

 

 

2    As of August 31, 2014, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2015, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments with a beginning of period value of $12,459,221 transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 in the disclosure hierarchy.

3    As of August 31, 2014, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2015, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments with a beginning of period value of $28,048,956 transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 in the disclosure hierarchy.

4    Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

5    Any difference between net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 2015 is generally due to investments no longer held or categorized as Level 3 at period end.

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
32    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments August 31, 2015

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Common Stocks        
Shares
    Value  

Chemicals — 0.0%

      

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

             37      $ 3,159   

Construction & Engineering — 0.0%

      

USI United Subcontractors

             6,454        193,619   

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.3%

      

Cengage Thomson Learning

       22,058        576,265   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co. (a)

       61,641        1,391,854   
      

 

 

 
                       1,968,119   

Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%

      

Kcad Holdings I Ltd. (a)

             546,753,936        426,468   

Household Durables — 0.0%

      

Berkline Benchcraft Equity LLC (a)(b)

             3,155          
Total Common Stocks — 0.4%                      2,591,365   
      
                          
Asset-Backed Securities    Par  
(000)
        

Asset-Backed Securities — 22.6%

      

ACAS CLO Ltd., Series 2014-1A, Class C, 3.19%, 7/18/26 (c)(d)

     USD        1,500        1,464,587   

Adirondack Park CLO Ltd., Series 2013-1A, Class D, 3.94%, 4/15/24 (c)(d)

       1,750        1,701,863   

Aircraft Lease Securitisation Ltd.,
Series 2007-1A, Class G3,
0.45%, 5/10/32 (c)(d)

       283        280,760   

ALM Loan Funding, Series 2013-7RA (c)(d):

      

Class C, 3.74%, 4/24/24

       1,210        1,180,294   

Class D, 5.29%, 4/24/24

       1,040        1,011,782   

ALM VI, Ltd., Series 2012-6A, Class B2R, 3.09%, 7/15/26 (c)(d)

       1,000        1,000,000   

ALM XIV Ltd., Series 2014-14A, Class C, 3.74%, 7/28/26 (c)(d)

       3,140        3,007,754   

AmeriCredit Automobile, Receivables 2014-3, AMCAR 2014-3 C, 2.58%, 9/08/20

       4,850        4,890,881   

AMMC CLO 15 Ltd., Series 2014-15A,
Class D, 4.48%, 12/09/26 (c)(d)

       2,000        1,985,000   

Apidos CLO XVII, Series 2014-17A, Class B, 3.14%, 4/17/26 (c)(d)

       3,000        2,947,362   

Ares CLO Ltd. (c)(d):

      

Series 2014 32A B 144A, 3.52%, 11/15/25

       1,250        1,247,739   

Series 2012-2A, Class CR, 2.99%, 10/12/23

       1,000        997,500   

Atrium CDO Corp., Series 9A, Class D, 3.79%, 2/28/24 (c)(d)

       1,850        1,790,496   

Babson CLO Ltd., Series 2014-3A, Class C1, 3.29%, 1/15/26 (c)(d)

       2,000        1,997,000   

Benefit Street Partners CLO II Ltd., Series 2013-IIA, Class C,
3.79%, 7/15/24 (c)(d)

       750        707,488   

Benefit Street Partners CLO IV Ltd., Series 2014-IVA, Class B,
3.09%, 7/20/26 (c)(d)

       1,250        1,231,250   

Benefit Street Partners CLO V Ltd., Series 2014-VA, Class C,
3.39%, 10/20/26 (c)(d)

       2,500        2,465,625   

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd., Class C (c)(d):

      

Series 2013-1A, 4.31%, 2/14/25

       250        248,013   

Series 2014-5A, 4.44%, 10/16/25

       2,000        1,999,839   

Series 2015-1A, 3.44%, 4/20/27

       1,000        998,332   

CIFC Funding 2014-IV Ltd., Series 2014-4A, Class C1, 3.19%, 10/17/26 (c)(d)

       2,850        2,798,700   
Asset-Backed Securities    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Asset-Backed Securities (continued)

      

CIFC Funding 2014-V Ltd.,
Series 2014-5A (c)(d):

      

Class C, 3.64%, 1/17/27

     USD        445      $ 444,388   

Class D2, 4.79%, 1/17/27

       445        445,344   

CIFC Funding Ltd., Class D (c)(d):

      

Series 2014-3A, 3.70%, 7/22/26

       420        391,040   

Series 2015-1A, 4.27%, 1/22/27

       600        588,146   

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-7, Class 2A2, 0.36%, 10/25/47 (d)

       22        22,209   

Credit Suisse ABS Repackaging Trust, Series 2013-A, Class B,
2.50%, 1/25/30 (c)

       2,035        1,974,597   

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

       3,214        3,234,439   

Flagship CLO, Series 2014-8A, Class C, 3.42%, 1/16/26 (c)(d)

       2,000        1,995,270   

Gramercy Park CLO, Ltd., Series 2012-1AR, Class CR, 4.34%, 7/17/23 (c)(d)

       5,000        4,999,901   

GSAA Trust, Series 2007-3, Class 1A2, 0.37%, 3/25/47 (d)

       2,606        1,317,209   

LIitigation Fee Residual FDG,
3.50%, 10/30/27

       2,060        2,060,000   

Madison Park Funding Ltd., Series 2012-10A, Class D, 4.54%, 1/20/25 (c)(d)

       700        700,030   

Madison Park Funding XI Ltd., Series 2013-11A, Class D,
3.79%, 10/23/25 (c)(d)

       420        404,534   

Madison Park Funding XV, Ltd.,
Series 2014-15A, Class B1,
3.55%, 1/27/26 (c)(d)

       1,500        1,503,000   

Neuberger Berman CLO XVIII, Ltd.,
Series 2014-18A, Class B,
3.43%, 11/14/25 (c)(d)

       2,250        2,248,605   

Octagon Investment Partners XVI Ltd.,
Series 2013-1A, Class D,
3.64%, 7/17/25 (c)(d)

       2,000        1,866,558   

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust (c):

      

Series 2015-1A, Class D, 6.63%, 3/18/26

       4,350        4,480,369   

Series 2015-2A, Class C, 4.32%, 7/18/25

       4,000        3,999,880   

Series 2015-2A, Class D, 5.64%, 7/18/25

       2,000        1,999,580   

OZLM Funding Ltd., Series 2012-2A, Class C, 4.65%, 10/30/23 (c)(d)

       500        501,231   

OZLM IX, Ltd., Series 2014-9A, Class C, 3.89%, 1/20/27 (c)(d)

       1,500        1,433,716   

OZLM VII Ltd., Series 2014-7A, Class C, 3.89%, 7/17/26 (c)(d)

       780        734,504   

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

      

Class B, 3.29%, 10/17/26

       2,500        2,484,389   

Class C, 3.79%, 10/17/26

       500        475,329   

OZLM XII, Ltd., Series 2015-12A, Class C, 3.98%, 4/30/27 (c)(d)

       1,000        957,303   

Regatta Funding LP, Series 2013-2A, Class C, 4.29%, 1/15/25 (c)(d)

       500        489,255   

Regatta V Funding Ltd., Series 2014-1A, Class B, 3.30%, 10/25/26 (c)(d)

       2,000        1,939,292   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-4, Class C, 2.60%, 11/16/20

       4,500        4,533,511   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2014-3, Series 2014-3, Class D, 2.65%, 8/17/20

       4,015        4,013,695   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    33


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Asset-Backed Securities    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Asset-Backed Securities (concluded)

      

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2014-4, Series 2014-4, Class D, 3.10%, 11/16/20

     USD        4,500      $ 4,515,174   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-S1, 0.00%, 8/16/18

       3        8,284,950   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-S2, 0.00%, 11/16/18

       3        6,412,500   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-S3, 0.00%, 2/19/19

       3        9,502,270   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-S4, 0.00%, 4/16/19

       3        12,587,553   

Sound Point CLO Ltd., Series 2014-3A, Class D, 3.89%, 1/23/27 (c)(d)

       2,000        1,911,009   

Symphony CLO XV Ltd., Series 2014-15A, Class C, 3.49%, 10/17/26 (c)(d)

       4,000        3,995,270   

Venture XIX CLO Ltd., Series 2014-19A, Class C, 3.59%, 1/15/27 (c)(d)

       445        445,000   

Venture XXI CLO Ltd., Series 2015-21A, Class D, 3.78%, 7/15/27 (c)(d)

       400        382,640   

Voya CLO Ltd., Series 2014-4A (c):

      

Class C, 4.29%, 10/14/26 (d)

       2,500        2,454,038   

Class SUB, 0.00%, 10/14/26 (e)

       1,000        785,915   

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, Series 2012-C, Class B, 3.57%, 8/15/22

       3,000        3,117,642   
      

 

 

 
                       142,583,550   

Interest Only Asset-Backed Securities — 0.2%

  

 

Sterling Bank Trust, Series 2004-2, Class Note, 2.08%, 3/30/30 (c)

       5,783        397,573   

Sterling Coofs Trust, Series 2004-1, Class A, 2.36%, 4/15/29

       7,708        517,911   
      

 

 

 
                       915,484   
Total Asset-Backed Securities — 22.8%                      143,499,034   
      
                          
Corporate Bonds                      

Aerospace & Defense — 0.7%

      

Bombardier, Inc., 7.50%, 3/15/25 (c)

       167        126,503   

DigitalGlobe, Inc., 5.25%, 2/01/21 (c)(f)

       928        890,880   

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., 5.00%, 12/15/21 (c)(f)

       250        258,125   

Meccanica Holdings USA, Inc., 6.25%, 7/15/19 (c)(f)

       339        364,472   

TransDigm, Inc. (f):

      

6.00%, 7/15/22

       1,795        1,768,344   

6.50%, 7/15/24

       835        816,213   
      

 

 

 
                       4,224,537   

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.2%

      

WFS Global Holding SAS, 9.50%, 7/15/22

     EUR        100        116,434   

XPO Logistics, Inc., 6.50%, 6/15/22 (c)(f)

     USD        1,050        1,034,250   
      

 

 

 
                       1,150,684   

Airlines — 2.8%

      

Air Canada Pass-Through Trust (c)(f):

      

Series 2013-1, Class C, 6.63%, 5/15/18

       651        675,347   

Series 2015-1, Class B, 3.88%, 9/15/24

       1,500        1,451,250   

American Airlines Group, Inc., 4.63%, 3/01/20 (c)(f)

       315        309,488   

American Airlines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2013-2 (f):

      

Class A, 4.95%, 7/15/24

       3,352        3,570,334   

Class B, 5.60%, 1/15/22 (c)

       659        677,406   

Class C, 6.00%, 1/15/17 (c)

       2,566        2,630,097   
Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Airlines (concluded)

      

Continental Airlines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2012-3, Class C,
6.13%, 4/29/18 (f)

     USD        2,090      $ 2,168,375   

Delta Air Lines Pass-Through Trust,
Series 2009-1, Class B,
9.75%, 6/17/18

       197        211,167   

United Airlines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2014-2, Class B, 4.63%, 3/03/24 (f)

       2,300        2,300,000   

US Airways Pass-Through Trust,
Series 2012-1, Class C,
9.13%, 10/01/15 (f)

       1,062        1,066,442   

Virgin Australia Trust, Series 2013-1 (c):

      

Class A, 5.00%, 4/23/25

       629        648,936   

Class B, 6.00%, 4/23/22 (f)

       1,243        1,267,563   

Class C, 7.13%, 10/23/18 (f)

       867        879,719   
      

 

 

 
                       17,856,124   

Auto Components — 1.1%

      

Affinia Group, Inc., 7.75%, 5/01/21 (f)

       1,095        1,160,700   

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.,
6.50%, 3/01/21

       531        562,064   

Icahn Enterprises LP/Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp., 4.88%, 3/15/19 (f)

       2,058        2,084,754   

Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC,
8.00%, 11/15/18 (c)

       186        193,440   

Schaeffler Holding Finance BV (g):

      

(5.75% Cash or 6.50% PIK),
5.75%, 11/15/21

     EUR        115        138,625   

(6.25% Cash or 0.00% PIK),
6.25%, 11/15/19 (c)(f)

     USD        804        846,210   

(6.75% Cash or 0.00% PIK),
6.75%, 11/15/22 (c)(f)

       943        1,006,653   

(6.88% Cash), 6.88%, 8/15/18

     EUR        375        435,934   

ZF North America Capital, Inc.:

      

4.50%, 4/29/22 (c)

       168        162,750   

2.75%, 4/27/23

       200        211,525   

4.75%, 4/29/25 (c)(f)

     USD        326        308,885   
      

 

 

 
                       7,111,540   

Automobiles — 0.4%

      

General Motors Co., 3.50%, 10/02/18 (f)

             2,478        2,512,841   

Banks — 2.0%

      

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA,
3.63%, 4/01/19

     EUR        100        113,965   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA,
6.75% (d)(h)

       200        224,206   

Banco Espirito Santo SA:

      

4.75%, 1/15/18

       100        113,690   

4.00%, 1/21/19

       100        110,354   

Banco Santander SA, 6.25% (d)(h)

       200        222,859   

Bankia SA, 4.00%, 5/22/24 (d)

       100        110,579   

Barclays PLC, 3.65%, 3/16/25 (f)

     USD        3,600        3,419,640   

CIT Group, Inc. (f):

      

5.00%, 5/15/17

       890        915,588   

5.50%, 2/15/19 (c)

       1,370        1,440,212   

5.00%, 8/01/23

       235        237,938   

Citigroup, Inc., 5.95% (d)(f)(h)

       1,370        1,343,285   

HSBC Holdings PLC, 6.25%, 3/19/18

     EUR        1,000        1,264,565   

Ibercaja Banco SA, 5.00%, 7/28/25 (d)

       100        109,902   

Nordea Bank AB, 4.50%, 3/26/20

       1,020        1,300,296   

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.,
4.50%, 7/17/25

     USD        1,750        1,754,690   
      

 

 

 
                       12,681,769   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
34    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Beverages — 0.1%

      

Constellation Brands, Inc.:

      

7.25%, 5/15/17

     USD        82      $ 88,355   

3.88%, 11/15/19 (f)

       294        301,718   
      

 

 

 
                       390,073   

Building Products — 0.7%

  

 

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 5.63%, 4/15/21 (c)

       190        189,525   

Cemex SAB de CV, 4.38%, 3/05/23

     EUR        100        106,524   

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

     USD        1,030        1,048,025   

LSF9 Balta Issuer SA, 7.75%, 9/15/22

     EUR        100        112,916   

Masonite International Corp., 5.63%, 3/15/23 (c)(f)

     USD        329        330,645   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc., 6.50%, 2/01/22 (f)

       745        734,756   

USG Corp., 9.75%, 1/15/18 (f)

       1,390        1,563,750   
      

 

 

 
                       4,086,141   

Capital Markets — 0.6%

  

American Capital Ltd., 6.50%, 9/15/18 (c)(f)

       975        1,001,813   

Blackstone CQP Holdco LP, 9.30%, 3/19/19

       1,126        1,095,312   

E*Trade Financial Corp.:

      

0.00%, 8/31/19 (c)(e)(i)

       249        631,892   

5.38%, 11/15/22 (f)

       627        655,215   

UBS Group AG, 7.00% (d)(h)

       200        206,750   
      

 

 

 
                       3,590,982   

Chemicals — 0.5%

  

Axalta Coating Systems US Holdings, Inc./Axalta Coating Systems Dutch Holding BV, 7.38%, 5/01/21 (c)

       398        425,820   

The Chemours Co. (c):

      

6.63%, 5/15/23

       3        2,610   

7.00%, 5/15/25 (f)

       301        257,355   

Chemtura Corp., 5.75%, 7/15/21

       200        200,500   

Huntsman International LLC:

      

8.63%, 3/15/21 (f)

       264        275,856   

5.13%, 4/15/21

     EUR        331        377,932   

INEOS Group Holdings SA:

      

6.13%, 8/15/18 (c)(f)

     USD        314        314,393   

6.50%, 8/15/18

     EUR        122        138,956   

Platform Specialty Products Corp.,
6.50%, 2/01/22 (c)

     USD        1,300        1,258,829   
      

 

 

 
                       3,252,251   

Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.9%

  

AA Bond Co., Ltd., 5.50%, 7/31/43

     GBP        125        188,935   

Abengoa Greenfield SA,
6.50%, 10/01/19 (c)(f)

     USD        556        325,260   

ADS Waste Holdings, Inc., 8.25%, 10/01/20

       292        302,220   

Aviation Capital Group Corp., 4.63%, 1/31/18 (c)(f)

       1,000        1,027,500   

Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., 8.50%, 12/01/21 (c)

       203        181,685   

Mobile Mini, Inc., 7.88%, 12/01/20 (f)

       915        953,887   

Modular Space Corp.,
10.25%, 1/31/19 (c)(f)

       1,253        914,690   

Silk Bidco, 7.50%, 2/01/22

     EUR        120        139,371   

United Rentals North America, Inc. (f):

      

7.63%, 4/15/22

     USD        658        708,995   

5.75%, 11/15/24

       1,039        1,023,415   

Verisure Holding AB, 8.75%, 12/01/18

     EUR        100        118,724   
      

 

 

 
                       5,884,682   
Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Communications Equipment — 1.3%

  

Alcatel-Lucent USA, Inc.,
6.75%, 11/15/20 (c)(f)

     USD        2,150      $ 2,295,125   

Avaya, Inc., 7.00%, 4/01/19 (c)

       317        284,507   

CommScope Technologies Finance LLC, 6.00%, 6/15/25 (c)(f)

       494        480,415   

CommScope, Inc. (c):

      

4.38%, 6/15/20 (f)

       465        469,069   

5.50%, 6/15/24

       99        96,154   

Motorola Solutions, Inc.,
3.75%, 5/15/22 (f)

       1,500        1,389,960   

Plantronics, Inc., 5.50%, 5/31/23 (c)

       229        230,145   

Zayo Group LLC/Zayo Capital, Inc. (f):

      

10.13%, 7/01/20

       1,946        2,140,600   

6.00%, 4/01/23 (c)

       952        950,762   
      

 

 

 
                       8,336,737   

Construction & Engineering — 0.4%

  

Abengoa Finance SAU, 7.00%, 4/15/20

     EUR        100        70,195   

AECOM Technology Corp. (c):

      

5.75%, 10/15/22

     USD        150        150,000   

5.88%, 10/15/24 (f)

       701        706,258   

BlueLine Rental Finance Corp., 7.00%, 2/01/19 (c)(f)

       255        240,975   

Novafives SAS, 4.50%, 6/30/21

     EUR        100        104,416   

Safway Group Holding LLC/Safway Finance Corp., 7.00%, 5/15/18 (c)(f)

     USD        963        982,154   

Weekley Homes LLC/Weekley Finance Corp., 6.00%, 2/01/23

       320        297,600   
      

 

 

 
                       2,551,598   

Construction Materials — 0.9%

  

HD Supply, Inc. (f):

      

11.00%, 4/15/20

       770        855,662   

7.50%, 7/15/20

       2,696        2,877,980   

5.25%, 12/15/21 (c)

       1,828        1,878,270   

Officine MaccaFerri SpA, 5.75%, 6/01/21

     EUR        150        164,545   
      

 

 

 
                       5,776,457   

Consumer Finance — 1.4%

  

Ally Financial, Inc. (f):

      

4.63%, 3/30/25

     USD        1,891        1,824,815   

8.00%, 11/01/31

       2,840        3,362,475   

General Motors Financial Co., Inc. (f):

      

2.63%, 7/10/17

       2,760        2,783,672   

4.38%, 9/25/21

       530        535,080   

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.,
2.50%, 8/15/18 (c)

       445        447,364   
      

 

 

 
                       8,953,406   

Containers & Packaging — 0.7%

  

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

      

3.29%, 12/15/19 (c)(d)(f)

       995        975,100   

6.00%, 6/30/21 (c)

       380        377,074   

4.25%, 1/15/22

     EUR        320        359,354   

Beverage Packaging Holdings Luxembourg II SA, 6.00%, 6/15/17 (c)(f)

     USD        1,560        1,552,200   

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. III, 6.25%, 2/01/21 (f)

       144        149,940   

Crown European Holdings SA, 4.00%, 7/15/22

     EUR        149        172,091   

JH-Holding Finance SA, (8.25% Cash), 8.25%, 12/01/22 (g)

       100        116,258   

Sealed Air Corp.:

      

4.50%, 9/15/23

       100        115,525   

5.50%, 9/15/25 (c)(f)

     USD        274        282,905   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    35


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Containers & Packaging (concluded)

  

SGD Group SAS, 5.63%, 5/15/19

     EUR        100      $ 114,067   
      

 

 

 
                       4,214,514   

Distributors — 0.1%

  

VWR Funding, Inc., 7.25%, 9/15/17 (f)

     USD        874        899,783   

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.1%

  

Laureate Education, Inc.,
10.00%, 9/01/19 (c)

             588        493,185   

Diversified Financial Services — 1.3%

  

AerCap Ireland Capital Ltd./AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 5.00%, 10/01/21 (f)

       500        516,875   

Aircastle Ltd., 6.25%, 12/01/19 (f)

       367        398,195   

Bank of America Corp., Series L,
3.95%, 4/21/25 (f)

       1,855        1,795,705   

BNP Paribas SA, 7.38% (c)(d)(h)

       200        204,800   

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Series M, 5.38% (d)(f)(h)

       1,730        1,694,319   

HSH Nordbank AG, 0.82%, 2/14/17 (d)

     EUR        153        116,749   

International Lease Finance Corp.:

      

5.88%, 4/01/19

     USD        160        170,200   

8.25%, 12/15/20

       150        177,750   

4.63%, 4/15/21

       147        149,572   

5.88%, 8/15/22 (f)

       560        604,100   

Morgan Stanley, 4.00%, 7/23/25

       965        984,904   

MSCI, Inc., 5.75%, 8/15/25 (c)

       416        424,320   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc.:

      

5.75%, 10/15/20 (f)

       625        644,531   

6.88%, 2/15/21

       210        219,975   

UniCredit SpA, 6.95%, 10/31/22

     EUR        100        131,089   
      

 

 

 
                       8,233,084   

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.1%

  

CenturyLink, Inc.:

      

6.45%, 6/15/21

     USD        155        154,783   

Series V, 5.63%, 4/01/20 (f)

       751        749,130   

Frontier Communications Corp.:

      

6.25%, 9/15/21

       45        41,081   

7.13%, 1/15/23

       120        108,360   

7.63%, 4/15/24

       56        49,980   

6.88%, 1/15/25

       90        76,162   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.:

      

3.91%, 1/15/18 (d)

       411        414,082   

6.13%, 1/15/21 (f)

       1,682        1,761,895   

5.38%, 8/15/22 (f)

       1,055        1,058,735   

5.13%, 5/01/23 (c)

       905        882,375   

5.38%, 5/01/25 (c)(f)

       1,881        1,817,516   

Telecom Italia Finance SA, 7.75%, 1/24/33

     EUR        37        54,908   

Telecom Italia SpA:

      

6.38%, 6/24/19

     GBP        200        334,727   

5.88%, 5/19/23

       450        736,049   

Telenet Finance V Luxembourg SCA:

      

6.25%, 8/15/22

     EUR        271        329,039   

6.75%, 8/15/24

       397        487,329   

Verizon Communications, Inc., 3.65%, 9/14/18 (f)

     USD        4,000        4,192,336   
      

 

 

 
                       13,248,487   

Electric Utilities — 0.4%

  

ContourGlobal Power Holdings SA, 7.13%, 6/01/19 (c)(f)

       728        748,930   

Gas Natural Fenosa Finance BV,
3.38% (d)(h)

     EUR        100        101,470   

Homer City Generation LP (g):

      

(8.14% Cash), 8.14%, 10/01/19

     USD        303        303,359   

(8.73% Cash), 8.73%, 10/01/26 (f)

       575        569,408   
Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Electric Utilities (concluded)

  

Mirant Mid Atlantic Pass-Through Trust, Series B, 9.13%, 6/30/17

     USD        303      $ 314,896   

Talen Energy Supply LLC,
6.50%, 6/01/25 (c)(f)

       235        217,963   
      

 

 

 
                       2,256,026   

Electrical Equipment — 0.1%

  

Belden, Inc., 5.50%, 4/15/23

     EUR        349        389,672   

Techem Energy Metering Service GmbH & Co., 7.88%, 10/01/20

       106        128,345   
      

 

 

 
                       518,017   

Energy Equipment & Services — 0.4%

  

Calfrac Holdings LP, 7.50%, 12/01/20 (c)(f)

     USD        503        337,010   

Genesis Energy LP/Genesis Energy Finance Corp., 6.75%, 8/01/22

       197        191,090   

MEG Energy Corp., 6.50%, 3/15/21 (c)(f)

       384        320,832   

Precision Drilling Corp.,
5.25%, 11/15/24 (f)

       522        409,770   

Transocean, Inc.:

      

3.00%, 10/15/17 (f)

       594        546,480   

6.00%, 3/15/18 (f)

       575        549,125   

6.50%, 11/15/20 (f)

       179        147,451   

4.30%, 10/15/22

       61        42,243   
      

 

 

 
                       2,544,001   

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.9%

  

Brakes Capital, 7.13%, 12/15/18

     GBP        255        403,827   

Family Tree Escrow LLC (c):

      

5.25%, 3/01/20

     USD        178        186,455   

5.75%, 3/01/23 (f)

       2,276        2,384,110   

R&R Ice Cream PLC, 4.75%, 5/15/20

     EUR        150        170,847   

Rite Aid Corp. (f):

      

9.25%, 3/15/20

     USD        1,095        1,179,178   

6.13%, 4/01/23 (c)

       1,570        1,611,213   
      

 

 

 
                       5,935,630   

Food Products — 0.4%

  

Anna Merger Sub, Inc.,
7.75%, 10/01/22 (c)

       635        629,044   

Boparan Finance PLC, 5.50%, 7/15/21

     GBP        115        160,753   

Post Holdings, Inc. (c):

      

7.75%, 3/15/24

     USD        844        871,430   

8.00%, 7/15/25

       416        429,520   

Smithfield Foods, Inc., 5.88%, 8/01/21 (c)

       193        200,237   
      

 

 

 
                       2,290,984   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.6%

  

Crimson Merger Sub, Inc.,
6.63%, 5/15/22 (c)

       485        433,469   

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp., 8.13%, 6/15/21 (c)(f)

       1,259        1,302,436   

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, 5.75%, 8/01/22 (c)(f)

       640        653,760   

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA/Mallinckrodt CB LLC,
4.88%, 4/15/20 (c)(f)

       284        286,840   

Smithfield Foods, Inc., 6.63%, 8/15/22 (f)

       783        832,916   
      

 

 

 
                       3,509,421   

Health Care Providers & Services — 2.4%

  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., 5.13%, 7/01/22 (f)

       240        241,200   

Alere, Inc., 6.38%, 7/01/23 (c)

       330        338,250   

Amsurg Corp., 5.63%, 7/15/22 (f)

       1,016        1,036,960   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
36    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Health Care Providers & Services (concluded)

  

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. (f):

      

5.13%, 8/15/18

     USD        490      $ 501,637   

6.88%, 2/01/22

       1,404        1,492,185   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc. (f):

      

5.13%, 7/15/24

       1,093        1,088,218   

5.00%, 5/01/25

       997        977,060   

ExamWorks Group, Inc., 5.63%, 4/15/23

       381        390,049   

HCA Holdings, Inc., 6.25%, 2/15/21

       35        37,975   

HCA, Inc.:

      

3.75%, 3/15/19 (f)

       786        789,930   

6.50%, 2/15/20

       125        138,125   

7.50%, 2/15/22

       572        656,193   

5.88%, 3/15/22 (f)

       82        89,175   

4.75%, 5/01/23 (f)

       108        109,484   

5.00%, 3/15/24 (f)

       335        342,956   

HealthSouth Corp., 5.75%, 11/01/24

       203        205,822   

Hologic, Inc., 5.25%, 7/15/22 (c)

       420        427,875   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc., 6.38%, 4/15/22

       186        190,650   

Omnicare, Inc. (f):

      

4.75%, 12/01/22

       165        175,313   

5.00%, 12/01/24

       104        111,800   

Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings LLC, 6.50%, 5/15/23 (c)

       104        106,078   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.:

      

6.25%, 11/01/18 (f)

       264        286,110   

4.75%, 6/01/20 (f)

       520        530,075   

3.79%, 6/15/20 (c)(d)(f)

       805        809,427   

6.00%, 10/01/20 (f)

       811        867,770   

8.13%, 4/01/22

       198        219,285   

6.75%, 6/15/23

       975        1,004,250   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.,
3.75%, 7/15/25 (f)

       1,470        1,506,527   

Voyage Care Bondco PLC, 6.50%, 8/01/18

     GBP        355        560,681   
      

 

 

 
                       15,231,060   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.1%

  

Boyd Gaming Corp., 6.88%, 5/15/23 (f)

     USD        925        950,438   

Carlson Travel Holdings, Inc., (7.50% Cash or 8.25% PIK), 7.50%, 8/15/19 (c)(g)

       204        206,550   

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.:

      

6.00%, 8/15/22

       535        561,081   

5.00%, 9/01/23

       122        120,475   

5.50%, 12/01/24 (f)

       1,302        1,288,980   

Cirsa Funding Luxembourg SA,
5.88%, 5/15/23

     EUR        200        199,765   

CPUK Finance Ltd., 7.00%, 2/28/42

     GBP        100        153,992   

Enterprise Funding Ltd., Series ETI,
3.50%, 9/10/20 (i)

     GBP        100        140,982   

ESH Hospitality, Inc., 5.25%, 5/01/25 (c)(f)

     USD        371        359,870   

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc., 4.38%, 11/01/18 (f)

       357        367,710   

International Game Technology PLC:

      

6.25%, 2/15/22 (c)

       200        192,376   

4.75%, 2/15/23

     EUR        125        132,467   

MGM Resorts International:

      

6.75%, 10/01/20 (f)

     USD        270        287,550   

6.00%, 3/15/23

       234        237,510   

New Red Finance, Inc., 6.00%, 4/01/22 (c)(f)

       860        885,800   

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., 6.38%, 8/01/21 (f)

       485        516,525   

PortAventura Entertainment Barcelona BV, 7.25%, 12/01/20

     EUR        100        115,542   

RHP Hotel Properties LP/RHP Finance Corp., 5.00%, 4/15/23 (c)(f)

     USD        335        331,650   

Sabre GLBL, Inc., 5.38%, 4/15/23 (c)(f)

       317        310,660   
Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (concluded)

  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp., 5.25%, 1/15/21 (c)(f)

     USD        576      $ 584,640   

Snai SpA, 7.63%, 6/15/18

     EUR        205        233,491   

Spirit Issuer PLC (d):

      

Series A1, 1.13%, 12/28/28

     GBP        445        594,658   

Series A2, 3.28%, 12/28/31

       1,800        2,665,427   

Series A5, 5.47%, 12/28/34

       4,500        6,905,251   

Series A6, 2.38%, 12/28/36

       2,670        3,933,157   

Station Casinos LLC, 7.50%, 3/01/21 (f)

     USD        2,245        2,374,986   

Tropicana Entertainment LLC/Tropicana Finance Corp., 1.00%, 12/15/14 (a)(b)

       375          

The Unique Pub Finance Co. PLC:

      

Series A4, 5.66%, 6/30/27

     GBP        752        1,167,686   

Series N, 6.46%, 3/30/32

       100        135,036   
      

 

 

 
                       25,954,255   

Household Durables — 0.9%

  

Ashton Woods USA LLC/Ashton Woods Finance Co., 6.88%, 2/15/21 (c)

     USD        510        476,850   

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.:

      

6.63%, 4/15/18 (f)

       760        782,800   

5.75%, 6/15/19

       523        503,388   

Berkline/Benchcraft LLC,
4.50%, 11/03/15 (a)(b)

       200          

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc./Brookfield Residential US Corp., 6.13%, 7/01/22 (c)(f)

       259        251,230   

Shea Homes LP/Shea Homes Funding Corp. (c)(f):

      

5.88%, 4/01/23

       503        514,318   

6.13%, 4/01/25

       509        520,452   

Standard Pacific Corp., 8.38%, 1/15/21 (f)

       1,000        1,175,000   

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc./Monarch Communities, Inc.,
5.25%, 4/15/21 (c)(f)

       297        298,485   

TRI Pointe Holdings, Inc. (f):

      

4.38%, 6/15/19

       500        495,625   

5.88%, 6/15/24

       340        334,900   
      

 

 

 
                       5,353,048   

Household Products — 0.3%

      

Spectrum Brands, Inc.:

      

6.38%, 11/15/20 (f)

       250        264,688   

6.63%, 11/15/22 (f)

       1,125        1,207,946   

5.75%, 7/15/25 (c)

       546        562,380   
      

 

 

 
                       2,035,014   

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.6%

  

Calpine Corp.:

      

6.00%, 1/15/22 (c)

       143        152,116   

5.38%, 1/15/23 (f)

       624        601,973   

5.88%, 1/15/24 (c)(f)

       438        459,900   

5.50%, 2/01/24 (f)

       639        616,635   

Dynegy, Inc., 6.75%, 11/01/19 (f)

       610        632,494   

NRG Energy, Inc.:

      

7.88%, 5/15/21

       177        182,752   

6.25%, 5/01/24

       137        130,150   

NRG REMA LLC:

      

Series B, 9.24%, 7/02/17

       44        45,644   

Series C, 9.68%, 7/02/26 (f)

       589        600,780   
      

 

 

 
                       3,422,444   

Insurance — 1.2%

      

Allied World Assurance Co., Ltd., 7.50%, 8/01/16 (f)

       1,500        1,579,969   

American International Group, Inc., 3.75%, 7/10/25 (f)

       2,705        2,716,926   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    37


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Insurance (concluded)

      

CNO Financial Group, Inc., 4.50%, 5/30/20

     USD        30      $ 30,900   

Forethought Financial Group, Inc., 8.63%, 4/15/21 (c)(f)

       750        865,700   

Hockey Merger Sub 2, Inc., 7.88%, 10/01/21 (c)

       391        390,023   

Lincoln National Corp., 3.35%, 3/09/25 (f)

       845        817,470   

MPL 2 Acquisition Canco, Inc., 9.88%, 8/15/18 (c)

       595        621,775   

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG, 6.00%, 5/26/41 (d)

     EUR        400        530,895   

Pension Insurance Corp. PLC, 6.50%, 7/03/24

     GBP        125        193,730   
      

 

 

 
                       7,747,388   

Internet Software & Services — 0.2%

      

IAC/InterActiveCorp, 4.88%, 11/30/18 (f)

     USD        695        714,113   

Interactive Data Corp.,
5.88%, 4/15/19 (c)(f)

       741        750,262   
      

 

 

 
                       1,464,375   

IT Services — 0.9%

      

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc., 11.00%, 3/15/21 (c)(f)

       664        655,700   

First Data Corp.:

      

6.75%, 11/01/20 (c)(f)

       1,488        1,566,120   

11.75%, 8/15/21

       392        441,588   

5.38%, 8/15/23 (c)

       1,015        1,027,687   

Open Text Corp., 5.63%, 1/15/23 (c)(f)

       614        614,000   

SunGard Data Systems, Inc., 6.63%, 11/01/19 (f)

       800        830,000   

WEX, Inc., 4.75%, 2/01/23 (c)(f)

       550        533,500   
      

 

 

 
                       5,668,595   

Machinery — 0.0%

      

Selecta Group BV, 6.50%, 6/15/20

     EUR        100        105,074   

Media — 5.4%

      

Altice Financing SA:

      

6.50%, 1/15/22 (c)(f)

     USD        645        646,613   

5.25%, 2/15/23

     EUR        100        113,292   

6.63%, 2/15/23 (c)(f)

     USD        786        782,070   

Altice Finco SA, 7.63%, 2/15/25 (c)

       200        196,000   

Altice SA:

      

7.25%, 5/15/22

     EUR        400        451,105   

7.75%, 5/15/22 (c)(f)

     USD        850        828,750   

6.25%, 2/15/25

     EUR        175        184,348   

7.63%, 2/15/25 (c)(f)

     USD        740        703,000   

Altice US Finance I Corp.,
5.38%, 7/15/23 (c)(f)

       1,751        1,733,490   

Altice US Finance II Corp.,
7.75%, 7/15/25 (c)

       606        590,850   

Altice US Finance SA, 7.75%, 7/15/25 (c)

       670        641,525   

AMC Networks, Inc.:

      

7.75%, 7/15/21 (f)

       865        923,387   

4.75%, 12/15/22

       70        68,992   

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.:

      

6.50%, 4/30/21

       245        256,074   

5.13%, 2/15/23 (f)

       270        269,325   

5.13%, 5/01/23 (c)

       160        160,000   

5.88%, 5/01/27 (c)

       125        122,500   

CCO Safari II LLC, 4.91%, 7/23/25 (c)

       2,425        2,401,948   

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc., 11.50%, 4/15/20 (a)(b)

       509          

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.:

      

7.63%, 3/15/20 (f)

       677        700,695   

6.50%, 11/15/22 (f)

       965        975,132   

6.50%, 11/15/22

       213        220,029   
Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Media (concluded)

      

Columbus International, Inc., 7.38%, 3/30/21 (c)(f)

     USD        686      $ 722,015   

DISH DBS Corp. (f):

      

4.25%, 4/01/18

       1,330        1,325,997   

5.88%, 11/15/24

       1,336        1,217,430   

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., 6.88%, 8/15/20 (c)

       185        173,900   

Gannett Co., Inc., 5.13%, 10/15/19

       197        203,403   

Gray Television, Inc., 7.50%, 10/01/20 (f)

       323        333,998   

iHeartCommunications, Inc.:

      

9.00%, 12/15/19

       345        324,731   

9.00%, 3/01/21 (f)

       966        856,118   

9.00%, 9/15/22

       755        656,850   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA (f):

      

7.25%, 10/15/20

       1,660        1,595,675   

5.50%, 8/01/23

       1,295        1,139,600   

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., 7.00%, 9/01/20 (c)

       185        196,100   

Midcontinent Communications & Midcontinent Finance Corp., 6.25%, 8/01/21 (c)(f)

       245        246,838   

NAI Entertainment Holdings/NAI Entertainment Holdings Finance Corp., 5.00%, 8/01/18 (c)(f)

       345        351,900   

Nielsen Finance LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., 5.00%, 4/15/22 (c)(f)

       330        325,463   

Numericable Group SA:

      

4.88%, 5/15/19 (c)(f)

       1,770        1,781,062   

5.38%, 5/15/22

     EUR        110        127,105   

6.00%, 5/15/22 (c)(f)

     USD        1,770        1,770,000   

5.63%, 5/15/24

     EUR        260        297,577   

6.25%, 5/15/24 (c)

     USD        270        269,916   

Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital Corp.:

      

5.25%, 2/15/22

       105        105,722   

5.63%, 2/15/24

       95        97,256   

5.63%, 2/15/24 (c)

       104        107,120   

RCN Telecom Services LLC/RCN Capital Corp., 8.50%, 8/15/20 (c)(f)

       450        475,875   

Sirius XM Radio, Inc. (c):

      

5.75%, 8/01/21 (f)

       424        438,840   

4.63%, 5/15/23

       40        38,100   

5.38%, 4/15/25 (f)

       1,315        1,298,562   

Sterling Entertainment Corp., 9.75%, 12/15/19

       1,175        1,198,500   

Tribune Media Co., 5.88%, 7/15/22 (c)(f)

       768        773,760   

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG/Unitymedia NRW GmbH, 4.00%, 1/15/25

     EUR        236        264,618   

Univision Communications, Inc., 5.13%, 2/15/25 (c)

     USD        535        518,950   

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, 6.00%, 4/15/21

     GBP        1,143        1,810,936   

Ziggo Bond Finance BV, 4.63%, 1/15/25

     EUR        137        146,048   
      

 

 

 
                       34,159,090   

Metals & Mining — 1.6%

      

Alcoa, Inc., 5.13%, 10/01/24 (f)

     USD        1,843        1,806,140   

Constellium NV, 5.75%, 5/15/24 (c)(f)

       358        275,660   

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (c):

      

7.00%, 2/15/21

       119        83,895   

7.25%, 5/15/22

       356        248,310   

Global Brass & Copper, Inc., 9.50%, 6/01/19 (f)

       695        747,994   

Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 8.25%, 6/01/20 (f)

       510        543,150   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
38    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Metals & Mining (concluded)

      

Novelis, Inc.:

      

8.38%, 12/15/17

     USD        175      $ 175,219   

8.75%, 12/15/20 (f)

       2,868        2,860,830   

Peabody Energy Corp., 6.50%, 9/15/20 (f)

       311        82,415   

Ryerson, Inc./Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc., 9.00%, 10/15/17

       100        91,250   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.:

      

5.13%, 10/01/21 (f)

       645        632,422   

6.38%, 8/15/22 (f)

       555        573,038   

5.25%, 4/15/23

       105        101,981   

5.50%, 10/01/24

       16        15,540   

Wise Metals Group LLC/Wise Alloys Finance Corp., 8.75%, 12/15/18 (c)(f)

       2,156        2,042,810   
      

 

 

 
                       10,280,654   

Multi-Utilities — 0.0%

      

CE Energy AS, 7.00%, 2/01/21

     EUR        150        171,689   

Multiline Retail — 0.1%

      

Hema Bondco I BV, 6.25%, 6/15/19

       205        142,625   

The Neiman Marcus Group Ltd.,
8.00%, 10/15/21 (c)(f)

     USD        516        544,380   
      

 

 

 
                       687,005   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 3.4%

      

Antero Resources Finance Corp.,
5.38%, 11/01/21

       450        414,000   

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.,
6.75%, 4/15/21

       126        93,240   

California Resources Corp. (f):

      

5.50%, 9/15/21

       689        534,237   

6.00%, 11/15/24

       2,606        1,932,349   

Concho Resources, Inc., 5.50%, 4/01/23 (f)

       933        921,720   

CONSOL Energy, Inc., 5.88%, 4/15/22 (f)

       1,653        1,181,895   

Denbury Resources, Inc., 5.50%, 5/01/22

       105        74,813   

Energy Transfer Equity LP (f):

      

7.50%, 10/15/20

       674        722,036   

5.88%, 1/15/24

       875        844,375   

EP Energy LLC/EP Energy Finance, Inc., 9.38%, 5/01/20

       325        314,762   

EP Energy LLC/Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc., 6.38%, 6/15/23

       404        343,400   

Halcon Resources Corp.,
8.63%, 2/01/20 (c)(f)

       340        298,350   

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co., 5.00%, 12/01/24 (c)(f)

       377        326,143   

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP,
4.25%, 9/01/24 (f)

       1,035        946,089   

Laredo Petroleum, Inc., 7.38%, 5/01/22

       132        128,700   

MarkWest Energy Partners LP/MarkWest Energy Finance Corp.,
4.88%, 6/01/25 (f)

       534        493,950   

MEG Energy Corp., 7.00%, 3/31/24 (c)(f)

       2,059        1,683,232   

Memorial Resource Development Corp., 5.88%, 7/01/22

       61        55,510   

NGPL PipeCo LLC, 9.63%, 6/01/19 (c)

       353        328,290   

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.:

      

7.25%, 2/01/19

       380        340,100   

6.50%, 11/01/21

       410        330,050   

6.88%, 1/15/23

       90        71,100   

Paramount Resources Ltd.,
6.88%, 6/30/23 (c)

       326        291,770   

Petrobras Global Finance BV,
4.75%, 1/14/25

     EUR        110        103,472   

Range Resources Corp., 5.75%, 6/01/21

     USD        161        154,560   

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC,
6.85%, 7/15/18 (c)

       273        278,460   
Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (concluded)

      

Rose Rock Midstream LP/Rose Rock Finance Corp., 5.63%, 7/15/22

     USD        376      $ 342,160   

RSP Permian, Inc., 6.63%, 10/01/22 (c)

       359        351,820   

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC:

      

5.63%, 2/01/21

       315        310,275   

5.63%, 4/15/23 (f)

       536        520,590   

5.75%, 5/15/24 (f)

       566        553,265   

5.63%, 3/01/25 (c)(f)

       323        312,301   

Sabine Pass LNG LP, 7.50%, 11/30/16 (f)

       3,000        3,090,000   

Sanchez Energy Corp., 6.13%, 1/15/23 (f)

       781        585,750   

SandRidge Energy, Inc., 8.75%, 1/15/20

       79        23,700   

Seven Generations Energy Ltd., 6.75%, 5/01/23 (c)

       216        198,720   

Seventy Seven Energy, Inc.,
6.50%, 7/15/22

       258        119,970   

Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp.,
7.50%, 7/01/21 (f)

       636        636,000   

Tesoro Logistics LP/Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 5.88%, 10/01/20 (f)

       138        138,345   

Whiting Petroleum Corp., 5.00%, 3/15/19

       671        600,545   

WPX Energy, Inc., 5.25%, 9/15/24

       95        78,005   
      

 

 

 
                       21,068,049   

Pharmaceuticals — 2.8%

      

AbbVie, Inc., 3.60%, 5/14/25 (f)

       695        684,208   

Actavis Funding SCS, 3.45%, 3/15/22 (f)

       2,460        2,403,550   

Capsugel SA, (7.00% Cash or 7.75% PIK), 7.00%, 5/15/19 (c)(g)

       156        157,170   

Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc. (c):

      

7.25%, 12/15/20

       135        140,738   

7.75%, 1/15/22

       121        129,168   

6.00%, 7/15/23

       829        862,160   

6.00%, 2/01/25 (f)

       798        819,945   

Ephios Bondco PLC, 6.25%, 7/01/22

     EUR        225        255,865   

Grifols Worldwide Operations Ltd.,
5.25%, 4/01/22 (f)

     USD        759        771,334   

Jaguar Holding Co. II/Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, 6.38%, 8/01/23 (c)

       1,086        1,076,226   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.:

      

6.75%, 8/15/18 (c)(f)

       2,214        2,316,397   

5.38%, 3/15/20 (c)(f)

       747        760,072   

6.38%, 10/15/20 (c)(f)

       597        622,372   

7.50%, 7/15/21 (c)

       335        359,706   

5.63%, 12/01/21 (c)

       520        529,100   

5.50%, 3/01/23 (c)

       519        526,136   

4.50%, 5/15/23

     EUR        300        323,947   

5.88%, 5/15/23 (c)(f)

     USD        2,775        2,830,500   

6.13%, 4/15/25 (c)(f)

       2,118        2,181,540   
      

 

 

 
                       17,750,134   

Professional Services — 0.1%

      

Truven Health Analytics, Inc.,
10.63%, 6/01/20 (f)

             540        564,975   

Real Estate — 0.2%

      

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.,
3.45%, 6/01/25 (f)

             1,245        1,217,925   

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.6%

  

 

Aroundtown Property Holdings PLC, 3.00%, 12/09/21

     EUR        200        208,895   

ERP Operating LP, 3.38%, 6/01/25 (f)

     USD        1,015        988,564   

iStar Financial, Inc.:

      

4.00%, 11/01/17

       435        425,125   

5.00%, 7/01/19 (f)

       305        295,850   

Ventas Realty LP, 4.13%, 1/15/26

       650        644,246   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    39


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) (concluded)

  

 

Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp., 4.75%, 6/01/21 (f)

     USD        1,300      $ 1,394,523   
      

 

 

 
                       3,957,203   

Real Estate Management & Development — 0.5%

  

Realogy Corp. (c):

      

7.63%, 1/15/20 (f)

       1,837        1,931,146   

9.00%, 1/15/20

       301        319,060   

Realogy Group LLC/Realogy Co-Issuer Corp. (c)(f):

      

4.50%, 4/15/19

       531        534,319   

5.25%, 12/01/21

       228        232,275   

Rialto Holdings LLC/Rialto Corp.,
7.00%, 12/01/18 (c)

       220        226,600   
      

 

 

 
                       3,243,400   

Road & Rail — 1.0%

      

EC Finance PLC, 5.13%, 7/15/21

     EUR        180        207,037   

Florida East Coast Holdings Corp.,
6.75%, 5/01/19 (c)(f)

     USD        701        706,257   

The Hertz Corp.:

      

7.50%, 10/15/18

       540        551,475   

6.75%, 4/15/19

       405        414,113   

5.88%, 10/15/20

       435        439,507   

7.38%, 1/15/21 (f)

       675        703,687   

Lima Metro Line 2 Finance Ltd.,
5.88%, 7/05/34 (c)(f)

       3,000        3,006,000   

Watco Cos. LLC/Watco Finance Corp., 6.38%, 4/01/23 (c)

       319        324,710   
      

 

 

 
                       6,352,786   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.7%

  

Micron Technology, Inc. (f):

      

5.25%, 1/15/24 (c)

       400        371,000   

5.50%, 2/01/25

       185        172,050   

NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC (c)(f):

      

4.13%, 6/15/20

       597        597,746   

5.75%, 2/15/21

       560        584,500   

Seagate HDD Cayman, 4.88%, 6/01/27 (c)(f)

       2,000        1,844,534   

Sensata Technologies BV (c):

      

5.63%, 11/01/24

       179        183,475   

5.00%, 10/01/25 (f)

       812        787,640   
      

 

 

 
                       4,540,945   

Software — 0.7%

  

Autodesk, Inc., 3.13%, 6/15/20 (f)

       820        821,385   

Infor Software Parent LLC/Infor Software Parent, Inc., (7.13% Cash or 7.88% PIK),
7.13%, 5/01/21 (c)(g)

       744        674,250   

Infor US, Inc., 6.50%, 5/15/22 (c)(f)

       1,279        1,199,063   

Italics Merger Sub, Inc., 7.13%, 7/15/23 (c)

       285        275,678   

Nuance Communications, Inc.,
5.38%, 8/15/20 (c)(f)

       1,115        1,117,096   

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.,
5.88%, 7/15/23 (c)

       327        337,202   
      

 

 

 
                       4,424,674   

Specialty Retail — 0.2%

  

New Look Secured Issuer PLC, 6.50%, 7/01/22

     GBP        200        296,158   

Party City Holdings, Inc., 8.88%, 8/01/20

     USD        187        199,389   

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc., 5.50%, 11/01/23 (f)

       508        525,780   

THOM Europe SAS, 7.38%, 7/15/19

     EUR        230        270,354   
      

 

 

 
                       1,291,681   
Corporate Bonds    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.2%

  

Levi Strauss & Co.:

      

6.88%, 5/01/22 (f)

     USD        380      $ 409,450   

5.00%, 5/01/25

       320        313,200   

The William Carter Co., 5.25%, 8/15/21 (f)

       346        357,245   
      

 

 

 
                       1,079,895   

Tobacco — 0.1%

  

Reynolds American, Inc., 3.25%, 6/12/20 (f)

             735        744,603   

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.2%

  

Ashtead Capital, Inc. (c)(f):

      

6.50%, 7/15/22

       534        555,360   

5.63%, 10/01/24

       420        417,115   
      

 

 

 
                       972,475   

Transportation Infrastructure — 1.2%

  

Aguila 3 SA, 7.88%, 1/31/18 (c)(f)

       378        383,670   

JCH Parent, Inc., (10.50% Cash or 11.25% PIK), 10.50%, 3/15/19 (c)(g)

       867        633,193   

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP/PTL Finance Corp., 3.38%, 3/15/18 (c)(f)

       6,155        6,339,816   
      

 

 

 
                       7,356,679   

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.0%

  

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (c):

      

6.00%, 4/15/23 (f)

       330        310,200   

8.25%, 10/15/23

       674        613,340   

Crown Castle International Corp., 4.88%, 4/15/22

       73        74,916   

Digicel Ltd., 6.00%, 4/15/21 (c)(f)

       2,073        1,898,474   

The Geo Group, Inc., 5.88%, 1/15/22 (f)

       340        353,600   

Matterhorn Telecom SA, 3.88%, 5/01/22

     EUR        100        102,806   

SBA Communications Corp., 4.88%, 7/15/22 (f)

     USD        815        807,869   

Sprint Communications, Inc. (c)(f):

      

9.00%, 11/15/18

       2,020        2,249,775   

7.00%, 3/01/20

       1,141        1,211,970   

Sprint Corp. (f):

      

7.88%, 9/15/23

       1,735        1,667,769   

7.13%, 6/15/24

       590        545,567   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.:

      

6.63%, 4/28/21 (f)

       263        274,835   

6.13%, 1/15/22

       75        77,344   

6.73%, 4/28/22

       173        181,650   

6.00%, 3/01/23 (f)

       478        487,316   

6.50%, 1/15/24 (f)

       535        549,712   

6.38%, 3/01/25 (f)

       270        275,940   

Wind Acquisition Finance SA, 4.00%, 7/15/20

     EUR        695        786,914   
      

 

 

 
                       12,469,997   
Total Corporate Bonds — 52.7%                331,818,066   
      
                          
Foreign Agency Obligations                      

Cyprus Government International Bond,
4.63%, 2/03/20 (c)

       2,600        3,059,766   

Iceland Government International Bond:

      

4.88%, 6/16/16

     USD        187        191,528   

5.88%, 5/11/22

       3,030        3,436,262   

Portugal Government International Bond, 5.13%, 10/15/24 (c)

             4,680        4,923,454   
Total Foreign Agency Obligations — 1.8%                11,611,010   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
40    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Aerospace & Defense — 0.6%

  

BE Aerospace, Inc., 2014 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 12/16/21

     USD        854      $ 856,733   

DigitalGlobe, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/31/20

       639        635,856   

TASC, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 12.00%, 5/30/21

       1,375        1,412,812   

Transdigm, Inc.:

      

2015 Term Loan E, 3.50%, 5/14/22

       644        635,705   

Term Loan D, 3.75%, 6/02/21

       297        293,659   
      

 

 

 
                       3,834,765   

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.4%

  

CEVA Group PLC, Synthetic LC, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       678        609,760   

CEVA Intercompany BV, Dutch Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       706        634,982   

CEVA Logistics Canada ULC, Canadian Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       122        109,480   

CEVA Logistics US Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 6.50%, 3/19/21

       974        875,837   
      

 

 

 
                       2,230,059   

Airlines — 0.1%

  

Northwest Airlines, Inc.:

      

2.25%, 3/10/17

       301        294,119   

1.63%, 9/10/18

       321        307,198   

1.64%, 9/10/18

       162        155,275   

US Airways Group, Inc., Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 5/23/19

       7        6,689   
      

 

 

 
                       763,281   

Auto Components — 1.2%

  

Affinia Group Intermediate Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.75%, 4/27/20

       712        711,440   

Autoparts Holdings Ltd.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 7.00%, 7/29/17

       913        803,022   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 11.00%, 1/29/18

       1,050        892,500   

Dayco Products LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 12/12/19

       847        846,041   

Gates Global, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/05/21

       1,791        1,712,841   

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 3.75%, 4/30/19

       1,643        1,645,227   

INA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/15/20

       690        691,580   
      

 

 

 
                       7,302,651   

Banks — 0.1%

  

Redtop Acquisitions Ltd.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/03/20

       414        413,700   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 6/03/21

       350        346,762   
      

 

 

 
                       760,462   

Building Products — 1.3%

  

Continental Building Products LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 8/28/20

       732        725,568   

CPG International, Inc., Term Loan, 4.75%, 9/30/20

       1,622        1,607,256   

GYP Holdings III Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 4/01/21

       933        911,612   

Hanson Building Products Ltd., 1st Lien Term Loan, 6.50%, 2/18/22

       385        382,129   

Jeld-Wen, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 10/15/21

       1,020        1,019,008   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/01/21

       636        628,315   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Building Products (concluded)

  

Universal Services of America LP:

      

2015 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.50%, 7/28/22

     USD        460      $ 455,400   

2015 Delayed Draw Term Loan, 1.98%, 7/28/22

       2        2,330   

2015 Term Loan, 4.75%, 7/28/22

       921        908,758   

Wilsonart LLC:

      

Incremental Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 10/31/19

       758        751,343   

Term Loan B, 4.00%, 10/31/19

       800        792,010   
      

 

 

 
                       8,183,729   

Capital Markets — 0.3%

  

Affinion Group, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.75%, 4/30/18

       519        488,535   

American Capital Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, 3.50%, 8/22/17

       570        568,349   

RPI Finance Trust, Term Loan B4, 3.50%, 11/09/20

       1,137        1,135,960   
      

 

 

 
                       2,192,844   

Chemicals — 1.1%

  

Evergreen Acqco 1 LP, Term Loan, 5.00%, 7/09/19

       237        221,366   

INEOS US Finance LLC, 6 Year Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/04/18

       544        540,898   

Kronos Worldwide, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/18/20

       232        223,360   

MacDermid, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/07/20

       657        654,243   

Minerals Technologies Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/09/21

       499        498,454   

OXEA Finance LLC:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 7/15/20

       705        657,998   

Term Loan B2, 4.25%, 1/15/20

       668        650,562   

Royal Holdings, Inc.:

      

2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 6/19/22

       665        661,954   

2015 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 6/19/23

       535        532,994   

Solenis International LP:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/31/21

       516        508,519   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.75%, 7/31/22

       1,050        1,005,375   

Tata Chemicals North America, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/07/20

       633        631,955   
      

 

 

 
                       6,787,678   

Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.4%

  

ADS Waste Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 10/09/19

       976        966,512   

Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 11/26/20

       801        719,605   

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/20/21

       989        988,484   

Connolly Corp.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/14/21

       794        792,197   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 5/14/22

       1,000        1,000,000   

Koosharem LLC, Exit Term Loan, 7.50%, 5/15/20

       1,856        1,831,553   

Livingston International, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/18/19

       335        326,318   

Spin Holdco, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 11/14/19

       1,760        1,734,292   

Waste Industries USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 2/27/20

       379        378,755   
      

 

 

 
                       8,737,716   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    41


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Communications Equipment — 0.9%

  

Applied Systems, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 1/25/21

     USD        325      $ 324,061   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.50%, 1/24/22

       265        263,278   

Avaya, Inc., Term Loan B7, 6.25%, 5/29/20

       1,968        1,687,026   

Riverbed Technology, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/24/22

       289        289,153   

Telesat Canada, Term Loan A, 4.09%, 3/28/17

     CAD        1,468        1,106,077   

Zayo Group LLC, Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21

     USD        1,975        1,961,930   
      

 

 

 
                       5,631,525   

Containers & Packaging — 0.1%

  

Berry Plastics Holding Corp., Term Loan E, 3.75%, 1/06/21

             454        450,436   

Distributors — 0.2%

  

ABC Supply Co., Inc., Term Loan, 3.50%, 4/16/20

       748        744,048   

American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 5.25%, 9/01/21

       224        224,998   
      

 

 

 
                       969,046   

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.7%

  

Allied Security Holdings LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 2/14/21

       511        508,698   

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 1/30/20

       650        648,837   

ROC Finance LLC, Term Loan, 5.00%, 6/20/19

       619        589,060   

ServiceMaster Co., 2014 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/01/21

       2,469        2,455,206   
      

 

 

 
                       4,201,801   

Diversified Financial Services — 0.4%

  

AlixPartners LLP, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.50%, 7/28/22

       290        289,710   

AssuredPartners Capital, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/02/21

       856        855,161   

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., Dollar Term Loan, 4.50%, 12/01/18

       1,464        1,462,578   

SAM Finance Luxembourg Sarl, Term Loan, 4.25%, 12/17/20

       177        177,250   
      

 

 

 
                       2,784,699   

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 1.3%

  

Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.00%, 6/06/19

       707        707,747   

Integra Telecom, Inc.:

      

2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 8/14/20

       1,149        1,145,175   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.75%, 2/21/20

       860        856,441   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.:

      

2013 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 1/15/20

       4,240        4,236,015   

2019 Term Loan, 4.00%, 8/01/19

       659        657,565   

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd., Term Loan F, 3.50%, 6/30/23

       276        272,710   
      

 

 

 
                       7,875,653   

Electrical Equipment — 0.2%

  

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC:

      

DIP Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/05/16

       668        667,903   

Extended Term Loan, 4.67%, 10/10/17 (a)(b)

       1,780        803,029   
      

 

 

 
                       1,470,932   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.1%

  

CDW LLC, Term Loan, 3.25%, 4/29/20

             831        823,743   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1%

  

Dynegy Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 4/23/20

     USD        868      $ 865,266   

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.4%

  

New Albertson’s, Inc., Term Loan, 4.75%, 6/27/21

       625        623,124   

Rite Aid Corp., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 5.75%, 8/21/20

       240        242,251   

Supervalu, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan B,
4.50%, 3/21/19

       894        896,262   

US Foods, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan, 4.50%, 3/31/19 (j)

       500        500,250   
      

 

 

 
                       2,261,887   

Food Products — 1.3%

  

Diamond Foods, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 8/20/18

       1,487        1,480,850   

Dole Food Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 11/01/18

       1,050        1,049,896   

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC, Term Loan,
4.50%, 6/02/21

       238        236,337   

New HB Acquisition LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 8/03/22

       580        579,820   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 8/03/23

       155        155,194   

Pabst Brewing Co., Inc., Term Loan, 5.75%, 10/21/21

       1,092        1,091,092   

Performance Food Group Co., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 6.25%, 11/14/19

       1,029        1,029,000   

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC, Term Loan G,
3.00%, 4/29/20

       738        733,061   

Reddy Ice Corp.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 6.75%, 5/01/19

       1,143        948,431   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 10.75%, 11/01/19

       1,380        966,000   
      

 

 

 
                       8,269,681   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.7%

  

Alere, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 6/18/22

       355        354,755   

Capsugel Holdings US, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 8/01/18

       507        505,153   

DJO Finance LLC, 2015 Term Loan, 4.25%, 6/08/20

       1,160        1,153,040   

Immucor, Inc., Refinancing Term Loan B2, 5.00%, 8/17/18

       627        624,152   

Millennium Health LLC, Term Loan B, 5.25%, 4/15/21

       853        416,687   

National Vision, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 3/12/21

       739        720,252   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 6/30/21

       723        711,205   
      

 

 

 
                       4,485,244   

Health Care Providers & Services — 2.1%

  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 2/11/22

       237        238,188   

Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/06/22

       680        667,250   

Amsurg Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan B, 3.75%, 7/16/21

       455        454,890   

CHG Healthcare Services, Inc., Term Loan, 4.25%, 11/19/19 (j)

       320        318,400   

Community Health Systems, Inc.:

      

Term Loan F, 3.57%, 12/31/18

       922        920,745   

Term Loan G, 3.75%, 12/31/19

       1,129        1,126,399   

Term Loan H, 4.00%, 1/27/21

       2,076        2,080,207   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
42    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Health Care Providers & Services (concluded)

  

Curo Health Services LLC, 2015 1st Lien Term Loan, 6.50%, 2/07/22

     USD        798      $ 798,998   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 6/24/21

       2,817        2,808,917   

Genesis HealthCare Corp., Term Loan B, 10.00%, 12/04/17

       1,000        1,014,875   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/31/21

       651        642,265   

National Mentor Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 1/27/21

       573        568,454   

Sterigenics-Nordion Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/15/22

       375        371,955   

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 11/03/20

       403        402,870   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/17/22

       269        268,315   

U.S. Renal Care, Inc., 2013 Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/03/19

       740        737,410   
      

 

 

 
                       13,420,138   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.8%

  

Amaya Holdings BV:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 8/01/21

       1,375        1,360,164   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 8/01/22

       646        646,021   

Bronco Midstream Funding LLC, Term Loan B, 5.00%, 8/15/20

       1,160        1,113,488   

Burger King Newco Unlimited Liability Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 12/12/21

       1,588        1,585,191   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC, Term Loan B, 7.00%, 10/11/20

       4,468        4,257,761   

CCM Merger, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 8/08/21

       724        722,855   

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.50%, 10/26/20

       492        490,687   

Intrawest ULC, Term Loan, 4.75%, 12/09/20

       606        604,261   

La Quinta Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 3.75%, 4/14/21

       1,551        1,546,934   

Las Vegas Sands LLC, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 12/19/20

       640        636,492   

MGM Resorts International, Term Loan B, 3.50%, 12/20/19

       1,059        1,049,082   

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 8/13/20

       552        550,985   

Sabre, Inc.:

      

Incremental Term Loan, 4.00%, 2/19/19

       393        391,691   

Term Loan B, 4.00%, 2/19/19

       556        554,461   

Station Casinos LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/02/20

       895        892,655   

Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) Sarl, 2014 Term Loan B, 5.75%, 9/02/21

       1,191        1,190,405   
      

 

 

 
                       17,593,133   

Household Products — 0.3%

  

Bass Pro Group LLC, 2015 Term Loan, 4.00%, 6/05/20

       638        634,286   

Spectrum Brands, Inc., Term Loan, 3.75%, 6/23/22

       1,234        1,232,252   
      

 

 

 
                       1,866,538   

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.4%

  

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co. LLC, DIP Term Loan, 4.25%, 6/19/16

       1,313        1,313,384   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers (concluded)

  

Granite Acquisition, Inc.:

      

Term Loan B, 5.00%, 12/19/21

     USD        1,110      $ 1,109,446   

Term Loan C, 5.00%, 12/19/21

       49        49,061   
      

 

 

 
                       2,471,891   

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.1%

  

Sequa Corp., Term Loan B, 5.25%, 6/19/17

             735        622,806   

Insurance — 0.4%

  

Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford of Delaware Holding Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.00%, 4/16/20

       924        840,924   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 3.75%, 3/01/21

       1,091        1,067,182   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 6.75%, 2/28/22

       665        649,000   
      

 

 

 
                       2,557,106   

Internet Software & Services — 0.4%

  

Dealertrack Technologies, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.50%, 2/24/21

       1,169        1,164,294   

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 5/13/21

       797        796,257   

Interactive Data Corp., 2014 Term Loan, 4.75%, 5/02/21

       557        556,243   
      

 

 

 
                       2,516,794   

IT Services — 1.8%

  

Blue Coat Holdings Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.50%, 5/20/22

       470        466,475   

Epicor Software Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 6/01/22

       990        986,109   

First Data Corp.:

      

2018 Extended Term Loan, 3.70%, 3/24/18

       5,587        5,540,159   

2018 Term Loan, 3.70%, 9/24/18

       1,640        1,626,470   

InfoGroup, Inc., Term Loan, 7.50%, 5/26/18

       754        719,907   

SunGard Data Systems, Inc.:

      

Term Loan C, 3.94%, 2/28/17

       705        703,766   

Term Loan E, 4.00%, 3/08/20

       379        378,355   

Vantiv LLC, 2014 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/13/21

       805        804,287   
      

 

 

 
                       11,225,528   

Machinery — 0.3%

      

Mueller Water Products, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 11/25/21

       303        303,475   

Rexnord LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan B, 4.00%, 8/21/20

       645        637,863   

Silver II US Holdings LLC, Term Loan, 4.00%, 12/13/19

       795        739,851   
      

 

 

 
                       1,681,189   

Media — 3.0%

      

Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 7.00%, 3/31/20

       1,944        1,939,807   

Term Loan, 0.00%, 7/03/16 (a)(b)(e)

       2,005          

Charter Communications Operating LLC, Term Loan I, 3.50%, 1/20/23 (j)

       2,085        2,080,309   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Term Loan D, 6.95%, 1/30/19

       2,563        2,258,340   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 5/31/21

       1,501        1,482,438   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 6/30/19

       649        636,778   

Media General, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.00%, 7/31/20

       577        576,456   

Numericable U.S. LLC:

      

Term Loan B1, 4.50%, 5/21/20

       1,100        1,099,111   

Term Loan B2, 4.50%, 5/21/20

       952        950,881   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    43


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Media (concluded)

      

Tribune Media Co., Term Loan, 3.75%, 12/27/20

     USD        1,083      $ 1,077,730   

TWCC Holding Corp., Extended Term Loan, 5.75%, 2/13/20

       863        855,469   

Univision Communications, Inc., Term Loan C4, 4.00%, 3/01/20

       2,398        2,379,663   

Virgin Media Investment Holdings Ltd., Term Loan E, 4.25%, 6/30/23

     GBP        790        1,204,569   

WideOpenWest Finance LLC, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/01/19

     USD        1,172        1,167,730   

Ziggo Financing Partnership:

      

Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       489        481,634   

Term Loan B2A, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       333        328,520   

Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 1/15/22

       548        540,297   
      

 

 

 
                       19,059,732   

Metals & Mining — 0.5%

      

Ameriforge Group, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.75%, 12/18/20

       255        172,125   

Novelis, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 6/02/22

       1,986        1,961,707   

Windsor Financing LLC, Term Loan B, 6.25%, 12/05/17

       1,031        1,030,706   
      

 

 

 
                       3,164,538   

Multiline Retail — 0.9%

      

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 9/26/19

       581        578,095   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 3/26/20

       575        569,250   

Dollar Tree, Inc., Term Loan B1, 3.50%, 7/06/22

       2,332        2,331,634   

Hudson’s Bay Co., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.75%, 8/10/22 (j)

       815        815,000   

The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., 2020 Term Loan, 4.25%, 10/25/20

       1,626        1,607,074   
      

 

 

 
                       5,901,053   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.3%

      

CITGO Holding Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 9.50%, 5/12/18

       1,150        1,152,075   

Drillships Financing Holding, Inc., Term Loan B1, 6.00%, 3/31/21

       1,915        1,359,893   

EP Energy LLC/Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc., Term Loan B3, 3.50%, 5/24/18

       1,127        1,066,581   

Obsidian Natural Gas Trust, Term Loan, 7.00%, 11/02/15

       179        178,564   

Offshore Group Investment Ltd., Term Loan B, 5.75%, 3/28/19

       111        48,679   

Panda Patriot LLC, Term Loan B1, 6.75%, 12/19/20

       1,645        1,587,425   

Power Buyer LLC, 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.25%, 11/06/20

       275        270,187   

Samchully Midstream 3 LLC, Term Loan B, 5.75%, 10/20/21

       1,000        974,976   

Seventy Seven Operating LLC, Term Loan B, 3.75%, 6/25/21

       104        88,381   

Southcross Energy Partners LP, 1st Lien Term Loan, 5.25%, 8/04/21

       455        434,907   

Southcross Holdings Borrower LP, Term Loan B, 6.00%, 8/04/21

       366        303,725   

Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership, Term Loan B1, 5.25%, 3/31/22

       730        728,943   

WTG Holdings III Corp., 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.75%, 1/15/21

       296        293,284   
      

 

 

 
                       8,487,620   
Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Pharmaceuticals — 2.8%

      

Akorn, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.50%, 4/16/21

     USD        1,285      $ 1,283,282   

Concordia Healthcare Corp., Term Loan B, 4.75%, 4/21/22

       340        340,214   

Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I Sarl:

      

2014 Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/01/21

       844        844,101   

2015 Term Loan B, 6.00%, 6/11/22 (j)

       1,655        1,654,702   

Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 3.20%, 2/27/21

       1,329        1,325,818   

Horizon Pharma Holdings USA, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 4/22/21

       255        254,681   

Jaguar Holding Co. II, 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 8/18/22

       2,016        2,002,552   

JLL/Delta Dutch Newco BV, 2014 Incremental Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/11/21

       870        859,264   

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, Term Loan B, 3.25%, 3/19/21

       785        778,688   

Par Pharmaceutical Cos., Inc., Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 9/30/19

       1,634        1,630,749   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.:

      

Series C2 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 12/11/19

       478        475,774   

Series E Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/05/20

       721        718,079   

Series F1 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 4/01/22

       5,746        5,743,891   
      

 

 

 
                       17,911,795   

Professional Services — 1.2%

      

Acosta Holdco, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 4.25%, 9/26/21

       500        494,065   

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc.:

      

2014 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 7/25/21

       601        593,776   

2014 2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.50%, 7/25/22

       605        586,548   

Emdeon Business Services LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 11/02/18

       605        602,110   

Intertrust Group Holding BV, 2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.00%, 4/16/22

       850        848,410   

ON Assignment, Inc., 2015 Term Loan, 3.75%, 5/19/22

       419        417,862   

SIRVA Worldwide, Inc., Term Loan, 7.50%, 3/27/19

       1,016        1,010,488   

TransUnion LLC, Term Loan B2, 3.75%, 4/09/21

       1,560        1,547,081   

Truven Health Analytics, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.50%, 6/06/19

       1,155        1,144,399   
      

 

 

 
                       7,244,739   

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.0%

  

   

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc., Term Loan B, 5.00%, 10/24/22

             255        243,446   

Real Estate Management & Development — 0.8%

  

   

CityCenter Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 4.25%, 10/16/20

       941        938,736   

DTZ US Borrower LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan:

      

5.50%, 11/04/21

       1,139        1,127,045   

2015, 4.25%, 8/05/21 (j)

       1,015        1,004,008   

Realogy Corp.:

      

Extended Letter of Credit, 2.13%, 10/10/16

       47        46,501   

Term Loan B, 3.75%, 3/05/20

       2,080        2,072,047   
      

 

 

 
                       5,188,337   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
44    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Floating Rate Loan Interests (d)    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Road & Rail — 0.2%

      

Road Infrastructure Investment LLC:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.25%, 3/31/21

     USD        494      $ 483,728   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.75%, 9/30/21

       675        631,125   
      

 

 

 
                       1,114,853   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.4%

  

 

Avago Technologies Cayman Ltd., Term Loan B, 3.75%, 5/06/21

       1,500        1,497,995   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.:

      

Term Loan B4, 4.25%, 3/01/20

       712        711,229   

Term Loan B5, 5.00%, 1/15/21

       373        373,585   
      

 

 

 
                       2,582,809   

Software — 1.6%

  

GCA Services Group, Inc.:

      

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.25%, 11/01/20

       560        557,200   

Term Loan B, 4.25%, 11/01/19

       520        517,266   

Infor US, Inc., Term Loan B5, 3.75%, 6/03/20

       1,099        1,066,834   

Informatica Corp., Term Loan, 4.50%, 8/05/22

       900        893,628   

IQOR US, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.00%, 4/01/21

       605        490,394   

Kronos, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.75%, 4/30/20

       1,837        1,865,608   

Mitchell International, Inc.:

      

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.50%, 10/12/20

       617        614,139   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.50%, 10/11/21

       1,200        1,193,496   

Sophia LP, 2014 Term Loan B, 4.00%, 7/19/18

       811        809,102   

SS&C Technologies, Inc.:

      

2015 Term Loan B1, 4.00%, 7/08/22

       1,629        1,630,619   

2015 Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 7/08/22

       264        264,178   

Tibco Software, Inc., Term Loan B, 6.50%, 12/04/20

       149        148,831   
      

 

 

 
                       10,051,295   

Specialty Retail — 0.7%

  

Michaels Stores, Inc., Incremental 2014 Term Loan B2, 4.00%, 1/28/20

       689        688,936   

Party City Holdings Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 4.25%, 7/28/22

       1,220        1,217,719   

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., Term Loan, 4.00%, 11/24/17

       884        881,454   

PetSmart, Inc., Term Loan B, 4.25%, 3/11/22

       1,880        1,876,376   
      

 

 

 
                       4,664,485   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.2%

  

Ascend Performance Materials LLC, Term Loan B, 6.75%, 4/10/18

             1,234        1,091,703   

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.1%

  

IG Investment Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, 6.00%, 10/29/21

             848        847,546   

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.3%

  

HD Supply, Inc., 2015 Term Loan B, 3.75%, 8/13/21

             1,600        1,588,672   

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.4%

  

Lightsquared LP, Term Loan B, 0.00%, 1/01/16

       382        602,996   

LTS Buyer LLC, 1st Lien Term Loan, 4.00%, 4/11/20

       1,519        1,509,506   
      

 

 

 
                       2,112,502   
Total Floating Rate Loan Interests 35.9%                226,093,346   
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 2.2%

  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2005-54CB, Class 3A4, 5.50%, 11/25/35

     USD        4,431      $ 4,193,794   

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust:

      

Series 2005-17, Class 1A6, 5.50%, 9/25/35

       967        949,415   

Series 2006-17, Class A2, 6.00%, 12/25/36

       2,197        2,027,297   

Series 2007-HY5, Class 3A1, 4.73%, 9/25/37 (d)

       1,641        1,502,961   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR5, Class 2A3, 2.74%, 10/25/35 (d)

       1,566        1,397,032   

Hilton USA Trust, Series 2013-HLT, Class EFX, 4.60%, 11/05/30 (c)(d)

       4,162        4,175,040   
      

 

 

 
                       14,245,539   

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities — 11.1%

  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-4, Class A4, 5.93%, 2/10/51 (d)

       1,498        1,595,831   

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, 3.72%, 4/14/33 (c)(d)

       5,310        5,197,131   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-SSHP, Series 2015-SSHP, Class D, 3.25%, 9/15/17 (c)(d)

       2,825        2,826,302   

COMM 2015-3BP Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-3BP, Class A, 3.18%, 2/10/35 (c)

       5,930        5,829,148   

COMM 2015-CCRE22 Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-CR22, Class B, 3.93%, 3/10/48

       5,000        4,909,565   

Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2015-LC21, Class XA, 1.04%, 7/10/48 (d)

       16,263        888,660   

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (c)(d):

      

Series 2013-LC13, Class D, 5.21%, 8/10/46

       3,530        3,506,165   

Series 2014-KYO, Class F, 3.69%, 6/11/27

       1,855        1,842,994   

Series 2014-PAT, Class E, 3.34%, 8/13/27

       1,000        989,426   

Series 2014-PAT, Class F, 2.63%, 8/13/27

       2,000        1,908,764   

Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-LC6:

      

Class B, 3.74%, 1/10/46

       1,110        1,124,406   

Class D, 4.43%, 1/10/46 (c)(d)

       1,330        1,252,468   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-C5, Class AM, 5.34%, 12/15/39

       1,850        1,925,484   

Core Industrial Trust 2015-TEXW, Series 2015-TEXW, Class D, 3.98%, 2/10/34 (c)(d)

       3,615        3,581,764   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates (d):

      

Series 2007-C2, Class A2, 5.45%, 1/15/49

       5        5,006   

Series 2007-C5, Class AAB, 5.62%, 9/15/40

       657        673,145   

CSAIL 2015-C1 Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C1, Class B, 4.04%, 4/15/50

       890        892,601   

GAHR Commericial Mortgage Trust 2015-NRF, Series 2015-NRF, (c)(d):

      

Class D, 3.98%, 2/10/34

       2,500        2,252,485   

Class DFX, 3.49%, 12/15/19

       4,830        4,703,290   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    45


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (concluded)

  

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp., Series 2006-GG7, Class AM, 6.01%, 7/10/38 (d)

     USD        1,610      $ 1,652,377   

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II, Series 2013-GC10, Class B, 3.68%, 2/10/46 (c)

       1,995        1,993,195   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-GSFL, Class D, 4.10%, 7/15/31 (c)(d)

       1,140        1,131,165   

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-C15, Class D, 5.25%, 11/15/45 (c)(d)

       1,400        1,355,465   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp.:

      

Series 2004-LN2, Class A2, 5.12%, 7/15/41

       94        93,681   

Series 2007-CB19, Class A4, 5.88%, 2/12/49 (d)

       2,127        2,240,721   

Series 2012-LC9, Class XA, 2.02%, 12/15/47 (d)

       14,400        1,203,392   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2007-CB18, Class A4, 5.44%, 6/12/47

       1,986        2,067,094   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust (d):

      

Series 2007-C2, Class AM, 5.49%, 2/15/40 (f)

       2,500        2,613,525   

Series 2007-C6, Class A4, 5.86%, 7/15/40

       3,735        3,893,733   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust,
Series 2007-C1, Class A1A, 6.03%, 6/12/50 (d)

       1,389        1,443,851   

Talisman Finance PLC, Series 6, Class A, 0.16%, 10/22/16 (d)

     EUR        51        56,952   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-C33, Class A4, 6.15%, 2/15/51 (d)

     USD        1,948        2,036,223   

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust:

      

Series 2012-C8, Class B, 4.31%, 8/15/45

       1,085        1,131,965   

Series 2012-C8, Class C, 5.04%, 8/15/45 (d)

       1,395        1,466,452   
      

 

 

 
                       70,284,426   

Interest Only Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities — 0.2%

  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-C20, Class XA, 1.38%, 5/15/47 (d)

          

 

14,761

  

 

 

1,011,996

  

Total Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 13.5%        85,541,961   
      
                          
U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities  

Interest Only Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 1.1%

  

Fannie Mae Mortgage-Backed Securities, Series 2012-M9, Class X1, 4.20%, 12/25/17 (d)

       17,619        1,204,391   

Freddie Mac Mortgage-Backed Securities, Class X1 (d):

      

Series K042, 1.19%, 12/25/24

       35,020        2,782,055   

Series K707, 1.68%, 12/25/18

       41,921        1,848,045   

Series K710, 1.90%, 5/25/19

       13,046        724,134   
      

 

 

 
                       6,558,625   
U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Mortgage-Backed Securities — 0.6%

  

Fannie Mae Mortgage-Backed Securities, 5.00%, 7/1/20 - 8/1/23

     USD         3,719      $ 3,888,918   
Total U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities — 1.7%        10,447,543   
       
                           
Other Interests (k)            Beneficial
Interest
(000)
        

Auto Components — 0.0%

  

Lear Corp. Escrow

              1,000        8,750   

Construction Materials — 0.0%

  

USI Senior Holdings

              6        135,533   
Total Other Interests — 0.0%                 144,283   
       
                           
Preferred Securities                       
Capital Trusts   

Par  

(000)

        

Banks — 2.3%

       

Bank of America Corp., Series X, 6.25% (d)(f)(h)

        1,929        1,909,710   

Capital One Financial Corp., Series E, 5.55% (d)(f)(h)

        3,000        2,980,320   

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Series U, 6.13% (d)(f)(h)

        6,690        6,690,000   

Wells Fargo & Co., Series S, 5.90% (d)(f)(h)

        3,000        3,011,250   
       

 

 

 
                        14,591,280   

Capital Markets — 0.7%

  

Credit Suisse Group AG, 6.25% (c)(d)(f)(h)

        1,445        1,387,200   

Morgan Stanley, Series H, 5.45% (d)(f)(h)

        1,426        1,415,305   

State Street Corp., Series F, 5.25% (d)(f)(h)

        1,625        1,627,031   

UBS Group AG, 5.75% (d)(h)

        200        232,090   
       

 

 

 
                        4,661,626   

Diversified Financial Services — 2.7%

  

Bank of America Corp., Series AA, 6.10% (d)(f)(h)

        1,241        1,211,526   

Bank of America Corp., Series U, 5.20% (d)(f)(h)

        1,250        1,180,313   

Citigroup, Inc., 5.90% (d)(f)(h)

        5,000        4,912,500   

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Series V, 5.00% (d)(f)(h)

        3,000        2,925,000   

Macquarie Bank Ltd., 10.25%, 6/20/57 (d)

        1,450        1,577,633   

Orange SA, 4.00% (d)(h)

        200        231,305   

Societe Generale SA, 6.00% (c)(d)(f)(h)

        4,825        4,553,825   

Telefonica Europe BV, 4.20% (d)(h)

        200        227,965   
       

 

 

 
                        16,820,067   

Insurance — 2.9%

  

AXA SA, 6.46% (c)(d)(f)(h)

        1,031        1,058,064   

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., 8.13%, 6/15/68 (d)(f)

        2,500        2,793,750   

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 7.00%, 3/07/67 (c)(d)(f)

        1,575        1,515,937   

7.80%, 3/07/87 (c)(f)

        1,500        1,747,500   

Metlife, Inc., 5.25% (d)(f)(h)

        1,600        1,592,000   

Prudential Financial, Inc., 5.63%, 6/15/43 (d)(f)

        3,250        3,336,125   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
46    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Capital Trust    Par  
(000)
    Value  

Insurance (concluded)

  

Swiss Re Capital I LP, 6.85% (c)(d)(f)(h)

     USD        2,410      $ 2,458,200   

Voya Financial, Inc., 5.65%, 5/15/53 (d)(f)

       3,500        3,535,000   
      

 

 

 
                       18,036,576   
Total Capital Trusts 8.6%                      54,109,549   
      
                          
Preferred Stocks    Shares         

Capital Markets — 1.4%

      

CF-B L2 (D) LLC, 0.00% (Acquired 4/08/15, cost $111,497) (l)

       111,497        112,143   

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Series J, 5.50% (d)(h)

       202,526        4,986,190   

Morgan Stanley, 6.88% (d)(h)

       120,000        3,250,800   

SCE Trust III, 5.75% (d)(h)

       21,200        574,944   
      

 

 

 
                       8,924,077   

Consumer Finance — 0.0%

      

Ally Financial, Inc., Series A, 8.50% (d)(h)

             3,610        93,860   
Total Preferred Stocks 1.4%                      9,017,937   
      
   
Trust Preferred               

Diversified Financial Services — 0.4%

      

GMAC Capital Trust I, Series 2, 2/15/40, 8.13% (d)

             105,753        2,690,327   
Total Preferred Securities — 10.4%                      65,817,813   
Warrants      
Shares
    Value  

Software — 0.0%

      

HMH Holdings/EduMedia (Issued/exercisable 3/09/10, 19 Shares for 1 Warrant, Expires 6/22/19, Strike Price $42.27)

         3,100      $ 26,648   
Total Long-Term Investments
(Cost — $892,660,047) — 139.2%
                 877,591,069   
      
   
Short-Term Securities               

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class, 0.08% (m)(n)

         5,757,976        5,757,976   
Total Short-Term Securities
(Cost — $5,757,976) — 0.9%
        5,757,976   
Options Purchased
(Cost — $44,978) — 0.0%
          
Total Investments (Cost — $898,463,001) — 140.1%        883,349,045   
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (40.1)%        (252,961,010
      

 

 

 

Net Assets — 100.0%

  

  $ 630,388,035   
      

 

 

 

 

Notes to Schedule of Investments

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Issuer filed for bankruptcy and/or is in default of interest payments.

 

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

 

(d)   Variable rate security. Rate shown is as of report date.

 

(e)   Zero-coupon bond.

 

(f)   All or a portion of security has been pledged as collateral in connection with outstanding reverse repurchase agreements.

 

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

 

(h)   Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity date.

 

(i)   Convertible security.

 

(j)   When-issued security.

 

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

 

(l)   Restricted security as to resale, excluding 144A securities. As of report date, the Trust held restricted securities with a current value of $112,143 and an original cost of $111,497 which was 0.02% of its net assets.

 

(m)   During the year ended August 31, 2015, investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act, were as follows:

 

Affiliate      Shares Held
at August 31,
2014
       Net
Activity
       Shares Held
at August 31,
2015
       Income  

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, TempFund, Institutional Class

       7,390,390           (1,632,414        5,757,976         $ 2,697   

 

(n)   Represents the current yield as of report date.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    47


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

As of August 31, 2015, reverse repurchase agreements outstanding were as follows:

 

Counterparty      Interest
Rate
       Trade
Date
       Maturity
Date1
       Face Value        Face Value
Including
Accrued
Interest
 

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.35        2/28/14           Open         $ 3,109,000         $ 3,125,625   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.35        2/28/14           Open           3,202,000           3,219,269   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        4/17/14           Open           502,000           506,167   

UBS Securities LLC

       (0.50 %)         5/13/14           Open           980,000           973,535   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.45        5/13/14           Open           811,000           815,815   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        5/13/14           Open           2,326,000           2,342,884   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        5/13/14           Open           788,000           793,718   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        7/02/14           Open           1,288,000           1,296,850   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        7/15/14           Open           1,208,000           1,216,315   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.44        9/17/14           Open           1,061,000           1,065,513   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.55        9/17/14           Open           1,278,000           1,284,795   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        9/17/14           Open           489,000           491,836   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        9/17/14           Open           1,242,000           1,249,204   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        9/17/14           Open           941,000           946,458   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        9/17/14           Open           658,000           661,816   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        9/17/14           Open           716,000           720,153   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.48        9/22/14           Open           2,610,000           2,621,936   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.50        9/22/14           Open           4,400,000           4,420,961   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.50        9/22/14           Open           4,071,094           4,090,488   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.50        12/09/14           Open           1,878,000           1,885,603   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.50        12/09/14           Open           2,160,000           2,168,745   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.50        12/09/14           Open           2,035,000           2,043,239   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        12/09/14           Open           1,580,000           1,586,397   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.65        12/09/14           Open           294,334           294,514   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           344,000           345,473   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           456,000           457,953   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           138,000           138,591   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           1,344,000           1,349,757   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           384,000           385,645   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           397,000           398,700   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           521,000           523,232   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           79,000           79,338   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           473,000           475,026   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           122,000           122,523   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           488,000           490,090   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/17/14           Open           541,000           543,317   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.40        12/18/14           Open           2,857,500           2,865,660   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.50        12/18/14           Open           1,234,955           1,239,363   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

       0.40        12/19/14           Open           1,309,000           1,313,600   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

       0.40        12/19/14           Open           5,929,000           5,949,834   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

       0.50        12/19/14           Open           1,426,000           1,431,011   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        12/19/14           Open           576,105           577,833   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.60        12/19/14           Open           1,050,975           1,055,459   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.60        12/19/14           Open           845,813           849,421   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.65        12/19/14           Open           1,031,835           1,036,604   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        1/06/15           Open           427,000           428,694   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        1/13/15           Open           1,523,000           1,528,864   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        2/04/15           Open           495,000           496,724   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        2/06/15           Open           959,669           962,704   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        2/11/15           Open           642,000           644,161   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        2/25/15           Open           655,785           657,669   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        2/25/15           Open           712,215           714,261   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       (1.00 %)         3/03/15           Open           240,248           239,033   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.40        3/19/15           Open           1,467,857           1,470,565   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.40        3/19/15           Open           3,445,714           3,452,070   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/23/15           Open           520,000           521,404   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,579,000           1,583,184   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           742,000           743,966   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,246,000           1,249,302   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           941,000           943,494   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           824,000           826,184   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,019,000           1,021,700   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,005,000           1,007,663   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
48    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

As of August 31, 2015, reverse repurchase agreements outstanding were as follows (continued):

 

Counterparty      Interest
Rate
       Trade
Date
       Maturity
Date1
       Face Value        Face Value
Including
Accrued
Interest
 

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open         $ 821,000         $ 823,176   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,495,000           1,498,962   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           783,000           785,075   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,444,000           1,447,827   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,085,000           1,087,875   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,541,000           1,545,084   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,585,000           1,589,200   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           710,000           711,882   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,139,000           1,142,018   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           795,000           797,107   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           768,000           770,035   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           967,000           969,563   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           645,000           646,709   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           2,113,000           2,118,599   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,979,000           1,984,244   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           962,000           964,549   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,377,000           1,380,649   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           901,000           903,388   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           1,082,000           1,084,867   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        3/25/15           Open           708,000           709,876   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.40        3/25/15           Open           818,594           820,049   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        3/25/15           Open           2,361,600           2,365,693   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        3/26/15           Open           599,400           601,373   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        3/26/15           Open           987,188           990,437   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        3/26/15           Open           836,913           839,667   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        3/26/15           Open           695,460           697,749   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.65        3/27/15           Open           1,956,503           1,962,084   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.65        3/27/15           Open           2,542,594           2,549,847   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.65        3/27/15           Open           675,101           677,027   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.65        3/27/15           Open           739,935           742,046   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           692,000           693,628   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           2,457,000           2,462,781   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           1,660,000           1,663,906   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           2,224,000           2,229,233   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           975,000           977,294   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           702,000           703,652   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           525,000           526,235   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           579,000           580,362   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           357,000           357,840   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           517,000           518,216   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           816,000           817,920   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           2,478,000           2,483,830   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           3,487,000           3,495,204   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           330,000           330,776   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           161,000           161,379   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/30/15           Open           816,000           817,920   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        3/30/15           Open           833,000           835,138   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        3/30/15           Open           853,000           855,189   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        3/30/15           Open           923,000           925,369   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        3/30/15           Open           966,000           968,479   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        3/30/15           Open           2,703,000           2,709,938   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        3/30/15           Open           1,288,000           1,291,306   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        3/30/15           Open           355,000           355,911   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.65        3/30/15           Open           702,000           703,952   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.65        3/30/15           Open           632,000           633,757   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.65        3/30/15           Open           960,000           962,669   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        3/31/15           Open           2,857,000           2,863,722   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        4/01/15           Open           591,874           593,257   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        4/02/15           Open           595,920           597,430   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        4/06/15           Open           1,244,000           1,253,558   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       0.60        4/06/15           Open           567,720           569,120   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.50        4/08/15           Open           427,455           428,322   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        4/08/15           Open           376,125           377,269   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    49


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

As of August 31, 2015, reverse repurchase agreements outstanding were as follows (continued):

 

Counterparty      Interest
Rate
       Trade
Date
       Maturity
Date1
       Face Value        Face Value
Including
Accrued
Interest
 

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        4/08/15           Open         $ 486,850         $ 488,331   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        4/08/15           Open           471,263           472,314   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        4/09/15           Open           674,725           676,220   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        4/09/15           Open           469,676           470,717   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        4/09/15           Open           612,893           614,250   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        4/09/15           Open           628,215           629,607   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        4/10/15           Open           1,845,304           1,849,363   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        4/17/15           Open           1,750,000           1,754,662   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        4/17/15           Open           646,000           647,721   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        4/17/15           Open           473,000           474,260   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        4/22/15           Open           1,095,000           1,097,811   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        4/22/15           Open           1,743,700           1,746,193   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        4/22/15           Open           422,470           423,477   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        4/22/15           Open           521,875           523,119   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        4/22/15           Open           417,490           418,485   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.65        4/23/15           Open           2,148,000           2,153,081   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        4/23/15           Open           1,489,000           1,492,793   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        4/23/15           Open           807,570           809,774   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        4/23/15           Open           786,050           788,195   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        4/23/15           Open           544,800           546,287   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

       (3.00 %)         4/24/15           Open           593,206           586,780   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        4/27/15           Open           785,400           787,478   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        4/27/15           Open           1,310,950           1,314,419   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.71        4/28/15           Open           618,000           619,298   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.71        4/28/15           Open           1,315,000           1,317,762   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        5/01/15           Open           623,351           624,522   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        5/01/15           Open           558,090           559,329   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.70        5/01/15           Open           1,061,570           1,064,109   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.70        5/01/15           Open           1,216,800           1,219,710   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        5/06/15           Open           678,283           679,616   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        5/06/15           Open           1,392,000           1,394,738   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        5/07/15           Open           1,029,233           1,031,741   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        5/07/15           Open           688,875           690,554   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        5/13/15           Open           550,586           551,690   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

       (0.25 %)         5/14/15           Open           185,513           185,443   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

       0.50        5/14/15           Open           907,156           908,542   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        5/14/15           Open           1,170,300           1,171,695   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        5/14/15           Open           1,870,000           1,872,228   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        5/15/15           Open           653,300           654,071   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        5/21/15           Open           2,696,000           2,701,399   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        5/21/15           Open           1,443,000           1,445,890   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.40        5/21/15           Open           2,815,625           2,818,847   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.60        5/21/15           Open           6,447,488           6,458,545   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        5/21/15           Open           392,625           393,468   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        5/21/15           Open           1,130,900           1,133,327   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        5/21/15           Open           616,070           617,392   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        5/26/15           Open           777,750           779,020   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        5/26/15           Open           266,288           266,686   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        5/28/15           Open           671,709           672,694   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.70        5/29/15           Open           506,150           507,085   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.75        6/01/15           Open           1,446,000           1,448,772   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.70        6/01/15           Open           1,083,600           1,085,538   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        6/02/15           Open           1,610,000           1,612,415   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        6/02/15           Open           542,000           542,813   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        6/02/15           Open           925,000           926,388   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        6/02/15           Open           1,354,000           1,356,031   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        6/04/15           Open           506,550           507,479   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.71        6/10/15           Open           747,000           748,090   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.71        6/10/15           Open           565,000           565,825   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.71        6/10/15           Open           836,000           837,126   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        6/10/15           Open           768,750           769,441   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        6/10/15           Open           968,000           968,860   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.50        6/10/15           Open           331,000           331,377   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
50    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

As of August 31, 2015, reverse repurchase agreements outstanding were as follows (continued):

 

Counterparty      Interest
Rate
       Trade
Date
       Maturity
Date1
       Face Value        Face Value
Including
Accrued
Interest
 

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        6/10/15           Open         $ 2,865,000         $ 2,869,242   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        6/11/15           Open           370,650           371,199   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        6/11/15           Open           397,575           398,164   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        6/11/15           Open           507,450           508,201   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.42        6/12/15           Open           707,000           707,700   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.71        6/12/15           Open           570,000           570,885   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        6/12/15           Open           1,031,000           1,032,392   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       (1.00 %)         6/16/15           Open           221,160           220,687   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        6/18/15           Open           452,358           452,877   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.55        6/18/15           Open           307,605           307,958   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        6/19/15           Open           632,653           633,433   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        6/23/15           Open           747,000           747,799   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        6/30/15           Open           1,166,000           1,167,104   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        7/01/15           Open           2,764,000           2,766,856   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        7/01/15           Open           1,342,000           1,343,618   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        7/01/15           Open           446,000           446,538   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        7/01/15           Open           733,000           733,884   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        7/01/15           Open           899,000           900,084   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.70        7/01/15           Open           1,623,000           1,624,957   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.50        7/01/15           Open           99,000           99,085   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.50        7/01/15           Open           82,000           82,071   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.50        7/01/15           Open           102,000           102,088   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           188,000           188,243   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           373,000           373,482   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           240,000           240,310   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           422,000           422,545   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           273,000           273,353   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           267,000           267,345   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           191,000           191,247   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           233,000           233,301   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           465,000           465,601   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           190,000           190,245   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           290,000           290,375   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           294,000           294,380   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           426,000           426,550   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           262,000           262,338   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           291,000           291,376   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           234,000           234,302   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           238,000           238,307   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           225,000           225,291   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           215,000           215,278   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           204,000           204,264   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           218,000           218,282   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           205,000           205,265   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           184,000           184,238   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           291,000           291,376   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           305,000           305,394   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           382,000           382,493   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           328,000           328,424   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           222,000           222,287   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           305,000           305,394   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/01/15           Open           262,000           262,338   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           236,000           236,325   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           228,000           228,314   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           261,000           261,360   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           253,000           253,349   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           232,000           232,320   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           251,000           251,346   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           216,000           216,298   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           240,000           240,331   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           214,000           214,295   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.80        7/01/15           Open           233,000           233,321   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.85        7/01/15           Open           262,000           262,384   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    51


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

As of August 31, 2015, reverse repurchase agreements outstanding were as follows (concluded):

 

Counterparty      Interest
Rate
       Trade
Date
       Maturity
Date1
       Face Value        Face Value
Including
Accrued
Interest
 

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.85        7/01/15           Open         $ 191,000         $ 191,280   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.85        7/01/15           Open           206,000           206,302   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        7/08/15           Open           902,200           903,165   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.42        7/09/15           Open           4,110,000           4,112,360   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.75        7/16/15           Open           131,110           131,246   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

       0.40        7/23/15           Open           1,477,500           1,478,157   

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       0.71        8/03/15           Open           412,830           413,043   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        8/03/15           Open           900,405           900,840   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        8/04/15           Open           157,511           157,591   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        8/06/15           Open           455,567           455,781   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.60        8/11/15           Open           298,096           298,200   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        8/12/15           Open           700,930           701,202   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        8/12/15           Open           737,000           737,225   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.39        8/13/15           Open           396,000           396,082   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        8/13/15           Open           1,580,876           1,581,418   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.60        8/18/15           Open           553,329           553,458   

UBS Securities LLC

       0.35        8/19/15           Open           1,023,268           1,023,397   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        8/20/15           Open           431,000           431,101   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.75        8/24/15           Open           1,063,568           1,063,745   

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       0.65        8/24/15           Open           1,609,205           1,609,437   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.75        8/28/15           Open           838,000           838,070   

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       0.55        8/31/15           Open           654,410           654,410   

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       0.70        8/31/15           Open           299,000           299,006   
RBC Capital Markets LLC        0.75        8/31/15           Open           251,835           251,835   

Total

                    $ 263,367,571         $ 264,036,460   
                   

 

 

      

 

 

 

1    Certain agreements have no stated maturity and can be terminated by either party at any time.

       

    

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of August 31, 2015

Financial Futures Contracts

 

Contracts
Long (Short)
    Issue   Exchange   Expiration   Notional Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
  (7   German Euro BOBL Futures   Eurex   September 2015     USD    1,021,393      $ 4,315   
  (2   German Euro-Bund Futures   Eurex   September 2015     USD       343,580        4,498   
  (193   2-Year U.S. Treasury Note   Chicago Board of Trade   December 2015     USD  42,164,469        48,111   
  231      5-Year U.S. Treasury Note   Chicago Board of Trade   December 2015     USD  27,590,063        (149,571
  (327   10-Year U.S. Treasury Note   Chicago Board of Trade   December 2015     USD  41,549,438        145,558   
  (116   Long U.S. Treasury Bond   Chicago Board of Trade   December 2015     USD  17,936,500        442,258   
  16      Ultra Long U.S. Treasury Bond   Chicago Board of Trade   December 2015     USD    2,534,500        (12,867
  (4   Long Gilt Future   NYSE Liffe   December 2015     USD       719,312        2,389   
  Total              $ 484,691   
         

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency

Purchased

      

Currency

Sold

       Counterparty   Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
      
AUD        2,190,000         CAD        2,058,797         Goldman Sachs International     9/16/15      $ (7,413  
AUD        2,200,000         CAD        2,074,569         Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC     9/16/15        (12,290  
CAD        2,088,723         AUD        2,190,000         BNP Paribas S.A.     9/16/15        30,159     
CAD        2,151,818         GBP        1,030,000         JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     9/16/15        55,118     
EUR        1,437,500         GBP        1,013,416         Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     9/16/15        58,458     
EUR        1,437,500         GBP        1,057,224         Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     9/16/15        (8,759  
EUR        2,820,000         JPY        390,646,140         UBS AG     9/16/15        (57,736  
GBP        1,030,000         CAD        2,098,755         Goldman Sachs International     9/16/15        (14,786  
GBP        1,010,000         CAD        2,065,496         Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC     9/16/15        (20,195  
GBP        1,038,336         EUR        1,465,000         Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     9/16/15        (51,088  
GBP        1,008,947         EUR        1,410,000         Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     9/16/15        (34,451  
GBP        970,000         USD        1,502,263         Citibank N.A.     9/16/15        (13,922  
GBP        2,060,000         USD        3,206,980         Goldman Sachs International     9/16/15        (46,173  
JPY        389,116,854         EUR        2,820,000         Toronto Dominion Bank     9/16/15        45,120     
NZD        2,440,000         USD        1,592,954         Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     9/16/15        (48,189  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
52    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (concluded)

 

Currency

Purchased

      

Currency

Sold

       Counterparty   Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
      
USD        1,600,000         CAD        2,088,540         Barclays Bank PLC     9/16/15      $ 12,574     
USD        1,612,696         EUR        1,390,000         Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC     9/16/15        52,593     
USD        1,616,791         GBP        1,030,000         Citibank N.A.     9/16/15        36,387     
USD        1,608,631         NZD        2,440,000         Commonwealth Bank of Australia     9/16/15        63,866     
EUR        1,000,000         USD        1,101,321         Royal Bank of Scotland PLC     10/20/15        21,650     
USD        1,089,645         CAD        1,407,000         Westpac Banking Corp.     10/20/15        20,304     
USD        568,427         EUR        515,000         Credit Suisse International     10/20/15        (9,903  
USD        16,899,548         EUR        15,312,000         UBS AG     10/20/15        (295,391  
USD        20,445,096         GBP        13,141,000         HSBC Bank PLC     10/20/15        285,478     
USD        156,042         GBP        100,000         HSBC Bank PLC     10/20/15        2,632     
USD        633,935         GBP        405,000         State Street Bank and Trust Co.     10/20/15        12,625       
Total                         $ 76,668     
                       

 

 

OTC Options Purchased

 

Description    Put/
Call
     Counterparty      Expiration
Date
       Strike Price        Contracts        Value  

Marsico Parent Superholdco LLC

   Call      Goldman Sachs & Co.        12/14/19           USD    942.86           46             

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

 

Fixed
Rate
  Floating
Rate
  Clearinghouse      Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount (000)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
      
2.54%1   3-month LIBOR   Chicago Mercantile Exchange      9/04/24        USD    18,700      $ 576,757    
2.60%2   3-month LIBOR   Chicago Mercantile Exchange      9/04/24        USD    18,700        (580,667 )    
Total                 $ (3,910  
               

 

 

1    Fund pays the floating rate and receives the fixed rate.

       

 

2    Fund pays the fixed rate and receives the floating rate.

       

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps — Buy Protection

 

Issuer/Index   Pay Fixed Rate     Counterparty   Expiration
Date
  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Value     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    1.00   Deutsche Bank AG   9/20/17     USD    1      $ (7   $ 6      $ (13

Westpac Banking Corp.

    1.00   Deutsche Bank AG   9/20/17     USD    1        (6     7        (13

Abengoa S.A.

    5.00   Citibank N.A.   9/20/20     EUR    6        3,437        3,553        (116 )

Abengoa S.A.

    5.00   Citibank N.A.   9/20/20     EUR    3        1,718        1,776        (58

Abengoa S.A.

    5.00   Goldman Sachs Bank USA   9/20/20     EUR  10        5,728        6,029        (301 )

Abengoa S.A.

    5.00   Goldman Sachs Bank USA   9/20/20     EUR    6        3,437        3,488        (51

Louis Dreyfus Commodities BV

    5.00   Goldman Sachs Bank USA   9/20/20     EUR  10        (945     (1,046     101   

Total

          $ 13,362      $ 13,813      $ (451
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps — Sold Protection

 

Issuer/Index   Receive
Fixed Rate
    Counterparty   Expiration
Date
  Credit
Rating3
    Notional
Amount
(000)4
    Value     Premiums
Received
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

Glencore International AG

    1.00   Citibank N.A.   9/20/20     BBB        EUR    30      $ (4,060   $ (2,927   $ (1,133 )

Glencore International AG

    1.00   Citibank N.A.   9/20/20     BBB        EUR    20        (2,704     (1,952     (752 )

Glencore International AG

    1.00   Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC   9/20/20     BBB        EUR    10        (1,351     (1,018     (333

Total

            $ (8,115   $ (5,897   $ (2,218
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

3    Using S&P’s rating of the issuer or the underlying securities of the index, as applicable.

       

4    The maximum potential amount the Fund may pay should a negative credit event take place, as defined under the terms of the agreement.

       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    53


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

 

 

Transactions in Options Written for the Year Ended August 31, 2015

 

     Calls          Puts  
     Contracts    

Notional

(000)

   

Premium

Received

         Contracts    

Notional

(000)

   

Premium

Received

 

Outstanding options, beginning of year

        —      $ 18,700      $ 93,500               $ 18,700      $ 93,500   

Options written

                                           

Options exercised

                                           

Options expired

                                  (18,700     (93,500

Options closed

           (18,700     (93,500                       
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Outstanding options, end of year

                                           
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure      

The following is a summary of the Fund’s derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure. For information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

As of August 31, 2015, the fair values of derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

      Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location  

Commodity

Contracts

   

Credit

Contracts

   

Equity

Contracts

   

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

   

Interest

Rate

Contracts

    Total  
Derivative Financial Instruments — Assets                                          

Financial futures contracts

   Net unrealized apppreciation1                               $ 647,129      $ 647,129   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts                        $ 696,964               696,964   

Swaps — OTC

   Unrealized appreciation on OTC swaps; Swap premiums paid          $ 14,960                             14,960   

Swaps — centrally cleared

   Net unrealized appreciation1                                 576,757        576,757   
                $ 14,960             $ 696,964      $ 1,223,886      $ 1,935,810   
              
Derivative Financial Instruments — Liabilities                                          

Financial futures contracts

   Net unrealized depreciation1                               $ 162,438      $ 162,438   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts                        $ 620,296               620,296   

Swaps — OTC

   Unrealized depreciation on OTC swaps; Swap premiums received          $ 9,713                             9,713   

Swaps — centrally cleared

   Net unrealized depreciation1                                 580,667        580,667   
                $ 9,713             $ 620,296      $ 743,105      $ 1,373,114   

1    Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on financial futures contracts and centrally cleared swaps, if any, as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

        

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statement of Operations was as follows:

 

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

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

                          

Financial futures contracts

                                          $ (2,368,111      $ (2,368,111

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                                $ 8,901,963                     8,901,963   

Options purchased2

                                            (201,693        (201,693

Options written

                                            93,500           93,500   

Swaps

            $ (243                            (380,578        (380,821
 

 

 

 

Total

            $ (243                $ 8,901,963         $ (2,856,882      $ 6,044,838   
 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
54    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

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

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

                   

Financial futures contracts

                                          $ 578,253         $ 578,253   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                                $ (1,985,188                  (1,985,188

Options purchased2

                                            198,931           198,931   

Options written

                                            (11,948        (11,948

Swaps

            $ (2,626                            18,183           15,557   
 

 

 

 

Total

            $ (2,626                $ (1,985,188      $ 783,419         $ (1,204,395
 

 

 

 

2    Options purchased are included in net realized gain (loss) from investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.

       

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the average quarterly balances of outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

Financial futures contracts:       

Average notional value of contracts — long

  $ 16,116,945   

Average notional value of contracts — short

  $ 72,217,747   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

Average amounts purchased — in USD

  $ 67,157,398   

Average amounts sold — in USD

  $ 19,303,266   

Options:

 

Average notional value of swaption contracts purchased

  $ 32,725,000 3 

Average notional value of swaption contracts written

  $ 9,350,000 3 

Credit default swaps:

 

Average notional value-buy protection

  $ 10,819   

Average notional value-sell protection

  $ 16,832   
Interest rate swaps:  

Average notional value — pays fixed rate

  $ 18,700,000   

Average notional value — receives fixed rate

  $ 29,263,354   

3    Average amounts for the period are shown due to limited outstanding derivative financial instruments as of each quarter.

       

 

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of August 31, 2015

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

 

     Assets     Liabilities  
Derivative Financial Instruments:    

Financial futures contracts

  $ 145,924      $ 38,884   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    696,964        620,296   

Swaps — Centrally cleared

    16,884        16,815   

Swaps — OTC4

    14,960        9,713   
 

 

 

 

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

    874,732        685,708   

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

    (162,808     (55,699
 

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

  $ 711,924      $ 630,009   
 

 

 

 

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

       

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

 

Counterparty        Derivative Assets
Subject to an MNA
by  Counterparty
    Derivatives
Available for
Offset5
    Non-cash
Collateral
Received
    Cash Collateral
Received
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Assets6
 

Barclays Bank PLC

    $ 12,574                           $ 12,574   

BNP Paribas S.A.

      30,159                             30,159   

Citibank N.A.

      41,716      $ (20,860                   20,856   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

      63,866                             63,866   

Deutsche Bank AG

      13        (13                     

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

      9,618        (1,398                   8,220   

HSBC Bank PLC

      288,110                             288,110   

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

      55,118                             55,118   

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

      52,593        (32,485                   20,108   

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

      80,108        (80,108                     

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    55


Schedule of Investments (continued)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

Counterparty        Derivative Assets
Subject to an MNA
by  Counterparty
    Derivatives
Available for
Offset5
    Non-cash
Collateral
Received
    Cash Collateral
Received
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Assets6
 

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

    $ 12,625                           $ 12,625   

Toronto Dominion Bank

      45,120                             45,120   

Westpac Banking Corp.

      20,304                             20,304   
   

 

 

 

Total

    $ 711,924      $ (134,864                 $ 577,060   
   

 

 

 
Counterparty        Derivative Liabilities
Subject to an MNA
by Counterparty
    Derivatives
Available  for
Offset5
    Non-cash
Collateral
Pledged
    Cash  Collateral
Pledged7
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Liabilities8
 

Citibank N.A.

    $ 20,860      $ (20,860                     

Credit Suisse International

      9,903                           $ 9,903   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

      1,351                             1,351   

Deutsche Bank AG

      26        (13            (13       

Goldman Sachs International

      68,372                             68,372   

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

      1,398        (1,398                     

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

      32,485        (32,485                     

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

      142,487        (80,108                   62,379   

UBS AG

      353,127                             353,127   
   

 

 

 

Total

    $ 630,009      $ (134,864            (13   $ 495,132   
   

 

 

 

 

5   

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

 

6   

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

 

7   

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

 

8   

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

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of August 31, 2015      

The following tables summarize the Fund’s investments and derivative financial instruments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy:

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets:

                
Investments:                 

Long-Term Investments:

                

Asset-Backed Securities

            $ 85,774,621         $ 57,724,413         $ 143,499,034   

Common Stocks

  $ 1,395,013           576,265           620,087           2,591,365   

Corporate Bonds

              329,524,254           2,293,812           331,818,066   

Floating Rate Loan Interests

              214,152,356           11,940,990           226,093,346   

Foreign Agency Obligations

              11,611,010                     11,611,010   

Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

              85,541,961                     85,541,961   

Other Interests

                        144,283           144,283   

Preferred Securities

    11,596,121           54,109,549           112,143           65,817,813   

U.S. Government Sponsored Agency Securities

              10,447,543                     10,447,543   

Warrants

                        26,648           26,648   

Short-Term Securities

    5,757,976                               5,757,976   

Liabilities:

                

Unfunded Floating Rate Loan Interests

              (208                  (208
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

  $ 18,749,110         $ 791,737,351         $ 72,862,376         $ 883,348,837   
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
                
     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  
Derivative Financial Instruments9                 

Assets:

                

Credit rate contracts

            $ 101                   $ 101   

Foreign currency exchange contracts

              696,964                     696,964   

Interest rate contracts

  $ 647,129           576,757                     1,223,886   

Liabilities:

                

Credit rate contracts

              (2,770                  (2,770

Foreign currency exchange contracts

              (620,296                  (620,296

Interest rate contracts

    (162,438        (580,667                  (743,105
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

  $ 484,691         $ 70,089                   $ 554,780   
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
9   

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
56    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Schedule of Investments (concluded)

  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of August 31, 2015, such assets and/or liabilities are categorized within the disclosure hierarchy as follows:

 

     Level 1        Level 2        Level 3      Total  

Assets:

                

Cash pledged for financial futures contracts

  $ 871,710                        $ 871,710   

Cash pledged as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements

    2,380,000                          2,380,000   

Cash pledged as collateral for OTC derivatives

    90,000                          90,000   

Cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps

    1,270                          1,270   

Foreign currency at value

    397,444                          397,444   

Liabilities:

                

Bank overdraft

            $ (41,790             (41,790

Reverse repurchase agreements

              (264,036,460             (264,036,460
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  $ 3,740,424         $ (264,078,250           $ (260,337,826
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

    

 

 

 

During the year ended August 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

 

     Asset-Backed
Securities
    Common
Stocks
    Corporate
Bonds
    Floating Rate
Loan Interests
    Other
Interests
    Warrants     Preferred
Stocks
    Unfunded
Floating Rate
Loan Interest
(Liabilities)
    Grand Total  

Opening balance, as of August 31, 2014

  $ 14,418,405      $ 2,748,166      $ 8,907,388      $ 33,197,391      $ 8,750                    $ (175   $ 59,279,925   

Transfers into Level 31

                         4,431,905             $ 14,419                      4,446,324   

Transfers out of Level 32

    (9,168,663                   (14,318,184                                 (23,486,847

Accrued discounts/premiums

    (107,625            (1,135     39,948                                    (68,812

Net realized gain (loss)

    (785,210            (3,138,641     (1,623,116                                 (5,546,967

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)3,4

    144,990        (2,334,577     3,022,280        902,958        135,533        12,229      $ 647        175        1,884,235   

Purchases

    55,443,320        206,498        173,920        4,343,508                      111,496               60,278,742   

Sales

    (2,220,804            (6,670,000     (15,033,420                                 (23,924,224

Closing Balance, as of August 31, 2015

  $ 57,724,413      $ 620,087      $ 2,293,812      $ 11,940,990      $ 144,283      $ 26,648      $ 112,143             $ 72,862,376   
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 20154

  $ 156,506      $ (2,334,575   $ (49,661   $ (563,549   $ 135,533      $ 12,229      $ 647             $ (2,642,870
 

 

 

 

1    As of August 31, 2014, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2015, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments with a beginning of period value of $4,446,324 transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 in the disclosure hierarchy.

         

2    As of August 31, 2014, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of August 31, 2015, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments with a beginning of period value of $23,486,847 transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 in the disclosure hierarchy.

 

3    Included in the related net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Statement of Operations.

 

4    Any difference between net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at August 31, 2015 is generally due to investments no longer held or categorized as Level 3 at period end.

          

       

         

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    57


Statements of Assets and Liabilities     

 

August 31, 2015   BlackRock
Defined
Opportunity
Credit Trust
(BHL)
    BlackRock
Floating Rate
Income Strategies
Fund,  Inc.
(FRA)1
    BlackRock
Limited Duration
Income  Trust
(BLW)
 
     
Assets                        

Investments at value — unaffiliated2

  $ 170,232,342      $ 763,067,179      $ 877,591,069   

Investments at value — affiliated3

    254,052               5,757,976   

Cash

    4,641,589        9,531,960          

Cash pledged:

     

Centrally cleared swaps

    40,000        170,000        1,270   

Financial futures contracts

    11,700        45,000        871,710   

Collateral — OTC derivatives

                  90,000   

Collateral — reverse repurchase agreements

                  2,380,000   

Foreign currency at value4

    729        6,465        397,444   

Receivables:

     

Dividends

                  52   

Interest

    995,532        4,438,089        8,928,843   

Investments sold

    1,819,995        7,967,682        5,548,746   

Reverse repurchase agreements

                  906,245   

Swaps

                  1,531   

Swap premiums paid

                  14,859   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    11,340        65,118        696,964   

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swaps

                  101   

Variation margin receivable on financial futures contracts

    563        2,531        145,924   

Variation margin receivable on centrally cleared swaps

                  16,884   

Prepaid expenses

    3,749        8,210        8,878   

Other assets

                  258,043   
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    178,011,591        785,302,234        903,616,539   
 

 

 

 
     
Liabilities                        

Bank overdraft

                  41,790   

Reverse repurchase agreements

                  264,036,460   

Payables:

     

Investments purchased

    7,273,365        32,602,317        6,876,336   

Bank borrowings

    45,000,000        196,000,000          

Income dividends

    75,550        127,614        100,779   

Interest expense

    35,523        161,236          

Investment advisory fees

    287,782        959,730        857,403   

Offering costs

           785        785   

Officer’s and Directors’ fees

    1,821        7,994        321,214   

Other accrued expenses

    153,003        330,546        305,942   

Swaps

                  1,879   

Swap premiums received

                  6,943   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                  620,296   

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swaps

                  2,770   

Unrealized depreciation on unfunded floating rate loan interests

    116        519        208   

Variation margin payable on financial futures contracts

                  38,884   

Variation margin payable on centrally cleared swaps

    1,640        7,382        16,815   

Commitments and contingencies

           8      8 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    52,828,800        230,198,123        273,228,504   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 125,182,791      $ 555,104,111      $ 630,388,035   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
Net Assets Consist of                        

Paid-in capital5,6,7

  $ 128,319,712      $ 659,804,576      $ 701,298,221   

Undistributed net investment income

    88,186        101,791        2,805,013   

Accumulated net realized loss

    (1,093,327     (92,834,790     (59,409,589

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,131,780     (11,967,466     (14,305,610
 

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 125,182,791      $ 555,104,111      $ 630,388,035   
 

 

 

 

Net asset value per share

  $ 13.84      $ 14.91      $ 17.04   
 

 

 

 

1    Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     

2    Investments at cost — unaffiliated

  $ 172,368,741      $ 774,910,962      $ 892,705,025   

3    Investments at cost — affiliated

  $ 254,052             $ 5,757,976   

4    Foreign currency at cost

  $ 825      $ 6,508      $ 402,287   

5    Par value per share

  $ 0.001      $ 0.100      $ 0.001   

6    Shares outstanding

    9,044,041        37,232,488        37,003,854   

7    Shares authorized

    unlimited      $ 200 million        unlimited   

8    See Note 4 and Note 12 of the Notes to Financial Statements for details of commitments and contingencies.

     

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
58    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Statements of Operations     

 

Year Ended August 31, 2015   BlackRock
Defined
Opportunity
Credit Trust
(BHL)
    BlackRock
Floating Rate
Income Strategies
Fund, Inc.
(FRA)1
    BlackRock
Limited Duration
Income Trust
(BLW)1
 
     
Investment Income                        

Interest

  $ 8,914,075      $ 38,966,411      $ 49,854,892   

Dividends — unaffiliated

    35,678        168,390        679,643   

Dividends — affiliated

    315        513        2,697   

Foreign taxes withheld

           (1,371     (53
 

 

 

 

Total income

    8,950,068        39,133,943        50,537,179   
 

 

 

 
     
Expenses                        

Investment advisory

    1,770,536        5,882,332        5,139,379   

Professional

    108,088        209,669        253,411   

Custodian

    70,816        233,987        162,852   

Accounting services

    32,433        105,218        91,166   

Transfer agent

    27,969        66,089        79,612   

Offering

           59,411        62,188   

Printing

    21,756        31,752        34,671   

Officer and Directors

    10,827        47,937        17,265   

Registration

    9,201        13,690        13,072   

Miscellaneous

    29,959        58,177        97,521   
 

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding interest expense

    2,081,585        6,708,262        5,951,137   

Interest expense

    469,104        2,081,649        1,510,720   
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    2,550,689        8,789,911        7,461,857   

Less fees waived by the Manager

    (310     (519     (3,084

Less fees paid indirectly

                  (112
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or paid indirectly

    2,550,379        8,789,392        7,458,661   
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    6,399,689        30,344,551        43,078,518   
 

 

 

 
     
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)                        

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments

    (1,267,163     (10,878,184     (11,272,324

Financial futures contracts

    (5,430     (24,385     (2,368,111

Foreign currency transactions

    267,650        1,373,254        8,732,087   

Options written

                  93,500   

Short sales

    (218     (970       

Swaps

    (751     (3,377     (380,821
 

 

 

 
    (1,005,912     (9,533,662     (5,195,669
 

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:      

Investments

    (2,337,600     (7,696,249     (27,770,045

Financial futures contracts

    503        2,213        578,253   

Foreign currency translations

    (67,883     (261,140     (1,919,364

Options written

                  (11,948

Swaps

    (7,012     (31,556     15,557   

Unfunded floating rate loan interests

    6,111        26,974        2,312   
 

 

 

 
    (2,405,881     (7,959,758     (29,105,235
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,411,793     (17,493,420     (34,300,904
 

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

  $ 2,987,896      $ 12,851,131      $ 8,777,614   
 

 

 

 

1    Consolidated Statement of Operations.

       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    59


Statements of Changes in Net Assets    BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

 

    Year Ended August 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:   2015     2014  
   
Operations                

Net investment income

  $ 6,399,689      $ 6,953,558   

Net realized gain (loss)

    (1,005,912     1,555,241   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,405,881     (1,214,434
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    2,987,896        7,294,365   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
Distributions to Shareholders From1                

Net investment income

    (6,869,345     (7,542,730

Net realized gain

    (1,286,571       
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (8,155,916     (7,542,730
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
Net Assets                

Total decrease in net assets

    (5,168,020     (248,365

Beginning of year

    130,350,811        130,599,176   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 125,182,791      $ 130,350,811   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income, end of year

  $ 88,186      $ 466,939   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

       

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
60    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets    BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.  (FRA)

 

    Year Ended August 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:   2015     2014  
   
Operations                

Net investment income

  $ 30,344,551      $ 32,487,698   

Net realized gain (loss)

    (9,533,662     606,314   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (7,959,758     771,265   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    12,851,131        33,865,277   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
Distributions to Shareholders From1                

Net investment income

    (30,210,441     (33,203,943
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
Net Assets                

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (17,359,310     661,334   

Beginning of year

    572,463,421        571,802,087   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 555,104,111      $ 572,463,421   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income, end of year

  $ 101,791      $ (680,740
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

       

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    61


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

    Year Ended August 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:   2015     2014  
   
Operations                

Net investment income

  $ 43,078,518      $ 46,667,443   

Net realized gain (loss)

    (5,195,669     4,294,232   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (29,105,235     14,593,852   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    8,777,614        65,555,527   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
Distributions to Shareholders From1                

Net investment income

    (47,771,976     (45,292,717
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   
Net Assets                

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

    (38,994,362     20,262,810   

Beginning of year

    669,382,397        649,119,587   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 630,388,035      $ 669,382,397   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income, end of year

  $ 2,805,013      $ 553,777   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
62    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Statements of Cash Flows     

 

Year Ended August 31, 2015   BlackRock
Defined
Opportunity
Credit Trust
(BHL)
    BlackRock
Floating Rate
Income
Strategies
Fund, Inc.
(FRA)1
    BlackRock
Limited
Duration
Income Trust
(BLW)1
 
     
Cash Provided by Operating Activities                        

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 2,987,896      $ 12,851,131      $ 8,777,614   

Proceeds from sales of long-term investments

    84,628,096        369,238,444        467,910,997   

Purchases of long-term investments

    (71,591,714     (325,014,453     (444,431,714

Net proceeds from sales of short-term securities

    2,704,449        3,456,864        1,632,414   

(Increase) decrease in assets:

     

Cash Pledged:

     

Collateral — OTC derivatives

    400,000                 

Collateral — reverse repurchase agreements

                  (2,372,000

Centrally cleared swaps

    (40,000     (170,000     (1,270

Financial futures contracts

    (11,700     (45,000     (216,210

Receivables:

     

Dividends

                  1,644   

Interest

    29,401        (21,114     902,046   

Swaps

                  580,461   

Swap premiums paid

                  (14,840

Variation margin receivable on financial futures contracts

    (563     (2,531     (118,653

Variation margin receivable on centrally cleared swaps

                  (16,884

Prepaid expenses

    374        1,173        2,092   

Other assets

           38,072        7,889   

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

     

Cash received:

     

Collateral — reverse repurchase agreements

                  (502,000

Payables:

     

Investment advisory fees

    134,654        452,600        407,289   

Interest expense and fees

    (3,654     (13,808     9,719   

Other accrued expenses

    23,824        (18,418     43,236   

Officer’s and Directors’ fees

    (700     (3,132     (14,388

Swaps

                  (562,068

Variation margin payable on financial futures contracts

                  30,728   

Variation margin payable on centrally cleared swaps

    1,640        7,382        16,815   

Swap premiums received

                  6,070   

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on investments

    (290,930     (1,229,102     1,778,499   

Net realized loss on investments and options written

    1,312,978        10,992,580        13,935,099   

Net unrealized loss on investments, options written, swaps, foreign currency translations and unfunded floating rate loan interests

    2,399,372        7,930,415        29,679,578   

Premiums paid on closing options written

                  (93,500
 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    22,683,423        78,451,103        77,378,663   
 

 

 

 
     
Cash Used for Financing Activities                        

Net borrowing of reverse repurchase agreements

                  (30,769,230

Proceeds from bank borrowings

    54,000,000        226,000,000          

Payments for bank borrowings

    (64,000,000     (265,000,000       

Cash payments for offering costs

           (75,129     (75,129

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

    (8,152,519     (30,204,740     (47,762,603

Increase in bank overdraft

                  41,790   

Amortization of deferred offering costs

           59,411        62,188   
 

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

    (18,152,519     (69,220,458     (78,502,984
 

 

 

 
     
Cash Impact from Foreign Exchange Fluctuations                        

Cash impact from foreign exchange fluctuations

  $ (10   $ 281      $ 11,656   
 

 

 

 
     
Cash and Foreign Currency                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash

    4,530,894        9,230,926        (1,112,665

Cash and foreign currency at beginning of year

    111,424        307,499        1,510,109   
 

 

 

 

Cash and foreign currency at end of year

  $ 4,642,318      $ 9,538,425      $ 397,444   
 

 

 

 
     
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information                        

Cash paid during the year for interest expense

  $ 472,758      $ 2,026,823      $ 1,427,111   
 

 

 

 
  1   

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    63


Financial Highlights    BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL)

 

    Year Ended August 31,  
    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
         
Per Share Operating Performance                                        

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 14.41      $ 14.44      $ 14.12      $ 13.17      $ 13.55   
 

 

 

 

Net investment income1

    0.71        0.77        0.87        0.85        0.86   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.38     0.03        0.30        0.90        (0.45
 

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    0.33        0.80        1.17        1.75        0.41   
 

 

 

 

Distributions from:2

         

Net investment income

    (0.76     (0.83     (0.85     (0.80     (0.79

Net realized gain

    (0.14                            
 

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.90     (0.83     (0.85     (0.80     (0.79
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 13.84      $ 14.41      $ 14.44      $ 14.12      $ 13.17   
 

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 12.95      $ 13.84      $ 13.77      $ 13.94      $ 12.65   
 

 

 

 
         
Total Return3                                        

Based on net asset value

    2.80%        5.98%        8.52%        13.94%        2.93%   
 

 

 

 

Based on market price

    0.15%        6.75%        4.82%        17.12%        4.17%   
 

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets                                        

Total expenses

    2.01%        1.92%        1.92%        1.91%        2.02%   
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

    2.01%        1.92%        1.92%        1.91%        2.02%   
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense

    1.64%        1.60%        1.58% 4      1.61% 4      1.71%   
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    5.03%        5.31%        6.04%        6.24%        6.10%   
 

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data                                        

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $  125,183      $  130,351      $  130,599      $  127,455      $  118,897   
 

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 45,000      $ 55,000      $ 49,000      $ 55,000      $ 43,000   
 

 

 

 

Asset coverage, end of year per $1,000 of bank borrowings

  $ 3,782      $ 3,370      $ 3,665      $ 3,317      $ 3,765   
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    42%        59%        85%        53%        91%   
 

 

 

 

 

  1   

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

  2   

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

 

  3   

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

 

  4   

For the year ended August 31, 2013 and August 31, 2012, the total expense ratio after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense and borrowing cost was 1.57% and 1.52%, respectively.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
64    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


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

 

    Year Ended August 31,  
    20151     20141     20131     20121     2011  
         
Per Share Operating Performance                                        

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 15.38      $ 15.36      $ 14.98      $ 14.04      $ 14.36   
 

 

 

 

Net investment income2

    0.81        0.87        0.99        0.97        0.96   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.47     0.04        0.42        0.90        (0.36
 

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    0.34        0.91        1.41        1.87        0.60   
 

 

 

 

Distributions from:3

         

Net investment income

    (0.81     (0.89     (1.03     (0.93     (0.86

Net realized gain

                                (0.06
 

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.81     (0.89     (1.03     (0.93     (0.92
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 14.91 4    $ 15.38      $ 15.36      $ 14.98      $ 14.04   
 

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 12.94      $ 14.26      $ 14.96      $ 15.20      $ 13.33   
 

 

 

 
         
Total Return5                                        

Based on net asset value

    2.88% 4      6.45%        9.68%        13.91%        4.04%   
 

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (3.71)%        1.33%        5.28%        21.74%        (2.91)%   
 

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets                                        

Total expenses

    1.56%        1.48%        1.54% 6      1.67% 7      1.60%   
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

    1.56%        1.48%        1.52% 6      1.67% 7      1.60%   
 

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense

    1.19%        1.15%        1.15% 6,8      1.35% 7,8      1.30%   
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    5.39%        5.65%        6.49%        6.67%        6.44%   
 

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data                                        

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $  555,104      $  572,463      $  571,802      $  276,990      $  259,205   
 

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $ 196,000      $ 235,000      $ 214,000      $ 117,000      $ 93,000   
 

 

 

 

Asset coverage, end of year per $1,000 of bank borrowings

  $ 3,832      $ 3,436      $ 3,672      $ 3,367      $ 3,787   
 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    43%        58%        88%        53%        91%   
 

 

 

 

 

  1   

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

 

  2   

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

  3   

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

 

  4   

For financial reporting purposes, the market value of certain investments were adjusted as of report date. Accordingly, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share and total return performance presented herein are different than the information previously published on August 31, 2015.

 

  5   

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

 

  6   

Includes reorganization costs. Without these costs, total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense would have been 1.52%, 1.52% and 1.15%, respectively.

 

  7   

Includes reorganization costs. Without these costs, total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense would have been 1.61%, 1.61% and 1.29%, respectively.

 

  8   

For the year ended August 31, 2013 and August 31, 2012, the total expense ratio after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense and borrowing costs were 1.14% and 1.26%, respectively.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    65


Financial Highlights    BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW)

 

    Year Ended August 31,  
    20151     20141     20131     20121     2011  
         
Per Share Operating Performance                                        

Net asset value, beginning of year

  $ 18.09      $ 17.54      $ 17.38      $ 16.52      $ 16.79   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income2

    1.16        1.26        1.30        1.31        1.34   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (0.92     0.51        0.25        0.88        (0.37
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase from investment operations

    0.24        1.77        1.55        2.19        0.97   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income3

    (1.29     (1.22     (1.39     (1.33     (1.24 ) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

  $ 17.04 4    $ 18.09      $ 17.54      $ 17.38      $ 16.52   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market price, end of year

  $ 14.60      $ 16.81      $ 16.89      $ 18.00      $ 16.01   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Total Return5                                        

Based on net asset value

    2.23% 4      10.77%        9.13%        13.86%        5.85%   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Based on market price

    (5.74)%        6.89%        1.47%        21.68%        2.77%   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Ratios to Average Net Assets                                        

Total expenses

    1.15%        1.14%        1.12%        1.05%        1.01%   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly

    1.15%        1.14%        1.12%        1.05%        1.00%   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly and excluding interest expense

    0.92%        0.92%        0.90%        0.89%        0.87%   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    6.65%        7.00%        7.34%        7.82%        7.75%   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Supplemental Data                                        

Net assets, end of year (000)

  $ 630,388      $  669,382      $  649,120      $  642,391      $  609,818   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of year (000)

  $  264,036      $ 293,890      $ 273,347      $ 296,476      $ 244,120   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

    47%        57%        71%        54%        106% 6 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  1   

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

 

  2   

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

  3   

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

 

  4   

For financial reporting purposes, the market value of certain investments were adjusted as of report date. Accordingly, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share and total return performance presented herein are different than the information previously published on August 31, 2015.

 

  5   

Total returns based on market price, which can be significantly greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially different returns. Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions.

 

  6   

Includes mortgage dollar roll transactions. Excluding these transactions, the portfolio turnover rate would have been 87%.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.      
                
66    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Notes to Financial Statements     

 

1. Organization:

The following are registered under the 1940 Act as closed-end management investment companies and are referred to herein collectively as the “Funds”, or individually, a “Fund”:

 

Fund Name   Herein Referred To As     Organized     Diversification Classification  

BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust

    BHL        Delaware        Diversified   

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.

    FRA        Maryland        Diversified   

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

    BLW        Delaware        Diversified   

The Boards of Directors and Boards of Trustees of the Funds are collectively referred to throughout this report as the “Board of Directors” or the “Board,” and the directors/trustees thereof are collectively referred to throughout this report as “Directors”. The Funds determine and make available for publication the net asset value (“NAV”) of their Common Shares on a daily basis.

The Funds, together with certain other registered investment companies advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) or its affiliates, are included in a complex of closed-end funds referred to as the Closed-End Complex.

Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of FRA include the accounts of FRA Subsidiary, LLC (the “Taxable Subsidiary”), which is a wholly owned taxable subsidiary of FRA. The Taxable Subsidiary enables FRA to hold an investment in an operating company and satisfy Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) tax requirements. Income earned and gains realized on the investment held by the Taxable Subsidiary are taxable to such subsidiary. A tax provision for income, if any, is shown as income tax in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for FRA. A tax provision for realized and unrealized gains, if any, is included as a reduction of realized and/or unrealized gain (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for FRA. FRA may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Taxable Subsidiary. The net assets of the Taxable Subsidiary as of August 31, 2015 were $2,116,853, which is 0.4% of FRA’s consolidated net assets. Intercompany accounts and transactions, if any, have been eliminated. The Taxable Subsidiary is subject to the same investment policies and restrictions that apply to FRA.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of BLW include the accounts of BLW Subsidiary, LLC (the “BLW Taxable Subsidiary”). As of December 19, 2014, the BLW Taxable Subsidiary, which was wholly owned by the Fund, was dissolved. The BLW Taxable Subsidiary enabled BLW to hold an investment in an operating company and satisfy Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) tax requirements. Income earned and gains realized on the investment held by the BLW Taxable Subsidiary were taxable to such subsidiary. There was no tax provision required for income or realized gains during the period.

2. Significant Accounting Policies:

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

Foreign Currency: The Funds’ books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective date of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

The Funds do not isolate changes in the exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of investments held or sold for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the Statements of Operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. The Funds report realized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency related transactions as components of net realized gain (loss) for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are generally treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

Segregation and Collateralization: In cases where a Fund enters into certain investments (e.g., financial futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options written and swaps), or certain borrowings (e.g., reverse repurchase transactions) that would be treated as “senior securities” for 1940 Act purposes, a Fund may segregate or designate on its books and records cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s future obligations under such investments or borrowings. Doing so allows the investment or borrowing to be excluded from treatment as a “senior security.” Furthermore, if required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Fund may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments or obligations.

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 date. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded when the

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    67


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

Funds are informed of the ex-dividend date. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers, 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. Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, is recognized on the accrual basis.

Distributions: Distributions from net investment income are declared and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Under the Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) approved by each Fund’s Board, the independent Directors (“Independent Directors”) may defer a portion of their annual complex-wide compensation. Deferred amounts earn an approximate return as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in common shares of certain other BlackRock Closed-End Funds selected by the Independent Directors. This has the same economic effect for the Independent Directors as if the Independent Directors had invested the deferred amounts directly in certain other BlackRock Closed-End Funds.

The Plan is not funded and obligations thereunder represent general unsecured claims against the general assets of each Fund, if applicable. Deferred compensation liabilities are included in officer’s and directors’ fees payable in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and will remain as a liability of the Funds until such amounts are distributed in accordance with the Plan.

Recent Accounting Standard: In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance to improve the financial reporting of reverse repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance will require expanded disclosure for entities that enter into reverse repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. It is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Funds’ financial statement disclosures.

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

Other: Expenses directly related to a Fund are charged to that Fund. Other operating expenses shared by several funds are prorated among those funds on the basis of relative net assets or other appropriate methods.

The Funds have an arrangement with their custodian 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 custodian imposes fees on overdrawn cash balances, which can be offset by accumulated credits earned or may result in additional custody charges.

3. Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements:

Investment Valuation Policies: The Funds’ investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the financial statements) as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price the Funds would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Funds determine the fair values of their financial instruments using independent dealers or pricing services under policies approved by the Board. The BlackRock Global Valuation Methodologies Committee (the “Global Valuation Committee”) is the committee formed by management to develop global pricing policies and procedures and to provide oversight of the pricing function for the Funds for all financial instruments.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods (or “techniques”) and inputs are used to establish the fair value of each Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

 

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at the official close price each day, if available. For equity investments traded on more than one exchange, the official close price on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded is used. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day may be valued at the last available bid (long positions) or ask (short positions) price.

 

 

Bond investments are valued on the basis of last available bid prices or current market quotations provided by dealers or pricing services. Floating rate loan interests are valued at the mean of the bid prices from one or more brokers or dealers as obtained from a pricing service. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrixes, market transactions in comparable investments, various relationships observed in the market between investments and calculated yield measures. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are valued by independent pricing services using models that consider estimated cash flows of each tranche of the security, establish a benchmark yield and develop an estimated tranche-specific spread to the benchmark yield based on the unique attributes of the tranche.

 

                
68    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

 

 

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 the Funds’ net assets. Each business day, the Funds use a pricing service to assist with the valuation of certain foreign exchange-traded equity securities and foreign exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options (the “Systematic Fair Value Price”). Using current market factors, the Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities and foreign options at fair value as of the close of business on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

 

 

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

 

 

Investments in open-end registered investment companies are valued at NAV each business day.

 

 

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

 

 

Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined as of the close of business on the NYSE. Forward 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.

 

 

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

 

 

Swap agreements are valued utilizing quotes received daily by the Funds’ pricing service or through brokers, which are derived using daily swap curves and models that incorporate a number of market data factors, such as discounted cash flows, trades and values of the underlying reference instruments.

 

 

Certain centrally cleared swaps are valued at the price determined by the relevant exchange or clearinghouse.

If events (e.g., a company announcement, market volatility or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such instruments, or in the event that the application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, in accordance with a policy approved by the Board as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, seeks to determine the price that each Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, deems relevant consistent with the principles of fair value measurement, which include the market approach, income approach and/or in the case of recent investments, the cost approach, as appropriate. The market approach generally consists of using comparable market transactions. The income approach generally is used to discount future cash flows to present value and is adjusted for liquidity as appropriate. These factors include but are not limited to: (i) attributes specific to the investment or asset; (ii) the principal market for the investment or asset; (iii) the customary participants in the principal market for the investment or asset; (iv) data assumptions by market participants for the investment or asset, if reasonably available; (v) quoted prices for similar investments or assets in active markets; and (vi) other factors, such as future cash flows, interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, recovery rates, liquidation amounts and/or default rates. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. The Global Valuation Committee, or its delegate, employs various methods for calibrating valuation approaches for investments where an active market does not exist, including regular due diligence of the Fund’s pricing vendors, regular reviews of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis to compare unrealized gains and losses to realized gains and losses, reviews of missing or stale prices and large movements in market values and reviews of any market related activity. The pricing of all Fair Valued Investments is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof on a quarterly basis.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of investments and derivative financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial statement purposes as follows:

 

 

Level 1 — unadjusted price quotations in active markets/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access

 

 

Level 2 — other observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market–corroborated inputs)

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    69


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

 

 

Level 3 — unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available (including each Fund’s own assumptions used in determining the fair value of investments and derivative financial instruments)

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The significant unobservable inputs used by the Global Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments are typically categorized as Level 3. The fair value hierarchy for each Fund’s investments and derivative instruments has been included in the Schedules of Investments.

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the hierarchy. In accordance with each Fund’s policy, transfers between different levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred as of the beginning of the reporting period. The categorization of a value determined for investments and derivative financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the investments and derivative financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

4. Securities and Other Investments:

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities: Certain Funds may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are generally issued as pass-through certificates, which represent undivided fractional ownership interests in an underlying pool of assets, or as debt instruments, which are also known as collateralized obligations, and are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. The yield characteristics of certain asset-backed securities may differ from traditional debt securities. One such major difference is that all or a principal part of the obligations may be prepaid at any time because the underlying assets (i.e., loans) may be prepaid at any time. As a result, a decrease in interest rates in the market may result in increases in the level of prepayments as borrowers, particularly mortgagors, refinance and repay their loans. An increased prepayment rate with respect to an asset-backed security subject to such a prepayment feature will have the effect of shortening the maturity of the security. In addition, the Funds may subsequently have to reinvest the proceeds at lower interest rates. If a Fund has purchased such an asset-backed security at a premium, a faster than anticipated prepayment rate could result in a loss of principal to the extent of the premium paid.

Certain Funds may purchase certain mortgage pass-through securities. There are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government that issue mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. For example, mortgage-related securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by Ginnie Mae and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. However, mortgage-related securities issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, including Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates, which are solely the obligations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States, but are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury.

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities are securities issued by non-governmental issuers and have no direct or indirect government guarantees of payment and are subject to various risks. Non-agency mortgage loans are obligations of the borrowers thereunder only and are not typically insured or guaranteed by any other person or entity. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan is dependent upon the income or assets of the borrower. A number of factors, including a general economic downturn, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances, may impair a borrower’s ability to repay its loans.

Collateralized Debt Obligations: Certain Funds may invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), which include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CDO is an entity that is backed by a diversified pool of debt securities (CBOs) or syndicated bank loans (CLOs). The cash flows of the CDO can be split into multiple segments, called “tranches,” which will vary in risk profile and yield. The riskiest segment is the subordinated or “equity” tranche. This tranche bears the greatest risk of defaults from the underlying assets in the CDO and serves to protect the other, more senior, tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is shielded from defaults by the more junior tranches, a “senior” tranche will typically have higher credit ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and often receive investment grade ratings from one or more of the nationally recognized rating agencies. Despite the protection from the more junior tranches, senior tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to future defaults and the disappearance of one or more protecting tranches as a result of changes in the credit profile of the underlying pool of assets.

Multiple Class Pass-Through Securities: Certain Funds may invest in multiple class pass-through securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities. These multiple class securities may be issued by Ginnie Mae, U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities or by trusts formed by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. In general, CMOs are debt obligations of a legal entity that are collateralized by, and multiple class pass-through securities represent direct ownership interests in, a pool of residential or commercial mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (the “Mortgage Assets”), the payments on which are used to make payments on the CMOs or multiple pass-through securities. Classes of CMOs include interest only (“IOs”), principal only (“POs”), planned amortization classes and targeted amortization classes. IOs and POs are stripped mortgage-backed securities representing interests in a pool of mortgages, the cash flow from which has been separated into interest and

 

                
70    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

principal components. IOs receive the interest portion of the cash flow while POs receive the principal portion. IOs and POs can be extremely volatile in response to changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise and fall, the value of IOs tends to move in the same direction as interest rates. POs perform best when prepayments on the underlying mortgages rise since this increases the rate at which the principal is returned and the yield to maturity on the PO. When payments on mortgages underlying a PO are slower than anticipated, the life of the PO is lengthened and the yield to maturity is reduced. If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Funds may not fully recoup their initial investment in IOs.

Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities: Certain Funds may invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest (IOs) and principal (POs) distributions on a pool of Mortgage Assets. The Funds also may invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities that are privately issued.

Zero-Coupon Bonds: Certain Funds may invest in zero-coupon bonds, which are normally issued at a significant discount from face value and do not provide for periodic interest payments. Zero-coupon bonds may experience greater volatility in market value than other debt obligations of similar maturity which provide for regular interest payments.

Capital Trusts and Trust Preferred Securities: Certain Funds may invest in capital trusts and/or trust preferred securities. These securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The securities can be structured as either fixed or adjustable coupon securities that can have either a perpetual or stated maturity date. For trust preferred securities, the issuing bank or corporation will pay interest to the trust, which will then be distributed to holders of the trust preferred securities as a dividend. Dividends can be deferred without creating an event of default or acceleration, although maturity cannot take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met. The deferral of payments does not affect the purchase or sale of these securities in the open market. Payments on these securities are treated as interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes. These securities generally are rated below that of the issuing company’s senior debt securities and are freely callable at the issuer’s option.

Preferred Stock: Certain Funds may invest in preferred stock. 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.

Warrants: Warrants entitle each Fund to purchase a predetermined number of shares of common stock and are non-income producing. The purchase price and number of shares are subject to adjustment under certain conditions until the expiration date of the warrants, if any.

Floating Rate Loan Interests: Certain Funds may invest in floating rate loan interests. The floating rate loan interests held by the Funds are typically issued to companies (the “borrower”) by banks, other financial institutions, and privately and publicly offered corporations (the “lender”). Floating rate loan interests are generally non-investment grade, often involve borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or uncertain and companies that are highly leveraged. The Funds may invest in obligations of borrowers who are in bankruptcy proceedings. Floating rate loan interests may include fully funded term loans or revolving lines of credit. Floating rate loan interests are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. Floating rate loan interests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. The base lending rates are generally the lending rate offered by one or more European banks, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. Floating rate loan interests may involve foreign borrowers, and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. The Funds consider these investments to be investments in debt securities for purposes of its investment policies.

When the Funds purchase a floating rate loan interest, it may receive a facility fee and when it sells a floating rate loan interest, it may pay a facility fee. On an ongoing basis, the Funds may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit amount of a floating rate loan interest. Facility and commitment fees are typically amortized to income over the term of the loan or term of the commitment, respectively. Consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned. Prepayment penalty fees, which may be received by the Funds upon the prepayment of a floating rate loan interest by a borrower, are recorded as realized gains. The Funds may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan. A different series or tranche may have varying terms and carry different associated risks.

Floating rate loan interests are usually freely callable at the borrower’s option. The Funds may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans (“Participations”) or assignments (“Assignments”) of all or a portion of loans from third parties. Participations typically will result in the Funds having a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the borrower. The Funds will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Funds generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of offset against the borrower, and the Funds may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the Participation.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    71


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

As a result, the Funds will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the Participation. The Funds’ investment in loan participation interests involves the risk of insolvency of the financial intermediaries who are parties to the transactions. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the Participation, the Funds may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any offset between the lender and the borrower. Assignments typically result in the Funds having a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, and the Funds may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement.

In connection with floating rate loan interests, certain Funds may also enter into unfunded floating rate loan interests (“commitments”). In connection with these commitments, the Funds earn a commitment fee, typically set as a percentage of the commitment amount. Such fee income, which is included in interest income in the Statements of Operations, is recognized ratably over the commitment period. Unfunded floating rate loan interests are marked-to-market daily, and any unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Statements of Operations. As of August 31, 2015, the Funds had the following unfunded floating rate loan interests:

 

     Borrower   

Unfunded

Floating Rate

Loan Interest

    

Value of

Underlying

Floating Rate

Loan Interest

     Unrealized
Depreciation
 
BHL….   Universal Services of America LP, 2015 2nd Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan    $ 8,878       $ 8,789           
BHL….   Universal Services of America LP, 2015 Delayed Draw Term Loan    $ 34,965       $ 34,498       $ (116
FRA….   Universal Services of America LP, 2015 2nd Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan    $ 39,490       $ 39,095           
FRA….   Universal Services of America LP, 2015 Delayed Draw Term Loan    $ 155,755       $ 153,679       $ (519
BLW…   Universal Services of America LP, 2015 2nd Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan    $ 30,000       $ 29,700           
BLW…   Universal Services of America LP, 2015 Delayed Draw Term Loan    $ 62,583       $ 61,748       $ (208

Forward Commitments and When-Issued Delayed Delivery Securities: Certain Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase or sale commitment is made. The Funds may purchase securities under such conditions with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Funds may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the Funds are not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement. When purchasing a security on a delayed delivery basis, the Funds assume the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations. In the event of default by the counterparty, the Funds’ maximum amount of loss is the unrealized appreciation of unsettled when-issued transactions.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements: Certain Funds may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with qualified third party broker-dealers. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Funds sell securities to a bank or broker-dealer and agrees to repurchase the same securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The Funds receive cash from the sale to use for other investment purposes. During the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, the Funds continue to receive the principal and interest payments on the securities sold. Certain agreements have no stated maturity and can be terminated by either party at any time. Interest on the value of the reverse repurchase agreements issued and outstanding is based upon competitive market rates determined at the time of issuance. The Funds may utilize reverse repurchase agreements when it is anticipated that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the transaction. Reverse repurchase agreements involve leverage risk. If the Funds suffer a loss on its investment of the transaction proceeds from a reverse repurchase agreement, the Funds would still be required to pay the full repurchase price. Further, the Funds remain subject to the risk that the market value of the securities repurchased declines below the repurchase price. In such cases, the Funds would be required to return a portion of the cash received from the transaction or provide additional securities to the counterparty.

For financial reporting purposes, cash received in exchange for securities delivered plus accrued interest due to the counterparty is recorded as a liability in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at face value including accrued interest. Due to the short-term nature of the reverse repurchase agreements, face value approximates fair value. Interest payments made by the Funds to the counterparties are recorded as a component of interest expense in the Statements of Operations. In periods of increased demand for the security, a Fund may receive a fee for use of the security by the counterparty, which may result in interest income to the Funds.

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the average amount of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding and the daily weighted average interest rates for BLW were $286,683,989 and 0.53%, respectively.

Reverse repurchase transactions are entered into by the Funds under Master Repurchase Agreements (each, an “MRA”), which permit the Funds, under certain circumstances, including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset payables and/or receivables under the MRA with collateral held and/or posted to the counterparty and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. With reverse repurchase transactions, typically the Funds and the counterparties are permitted to sell, re-pledge, or use the collateral associated with the transaction. Bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of the MRA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Pursuant to the terms of the MRA, the Funds receive or post securities as collateral with a market value in excess of the repurchase price to be paid or received by the Funds upon the maturity of the transaction. Upon a bankruptcy or insolvency of the MRA counterparty, the Funds are considered an unsecured creditor with respect to excess collateral and, as such, the return of excess collateral may be delayed.

 

                
72    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

As of August 31, 2015, the following table is a summary of the BLW’s open reverse repurchase agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MRA on a net basis:

 

Counterparty        

Reverse Repurchase

Agreements

    

Fair Value of Non-cash

Collateral Pledged

Including Accrued
Interest1

    

Cash Collateral

Pledged

     Net Amount  

Barclays Capital, Inc.

     $ 18,193,459       $ (18,193,459                

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

       9,892,089         (9,892,089                

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

       11,266,587         (11,266,587                

Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.

       73,643,047         (73,643,047                

HSBC Securities (USA), Inc.

       55,808,435         (55,808,435                

RBC Capital Markets LLC

       50,009,371         (50,009,371                

UBS Securities LLC

       45,223,472         (45,223,472                
    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 264,036,460       $ (264,036,460                
    

 

 

 

 

  1   

Net collateral with a value of $295,027,898 has been pledged/received in connection with open reverse repurchase agreements. Excess of net collateral pledged to the individual counterparty is not shown for financial reporting purposes.

In the event the counterparty of securities under an MRA files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Funds’ use of the proceeds from the agreement may be restricted while the counterparty, or its trustee or receiver, determines whether or not to enforce the Funds’ obligation to repurchase the securities.

Commitments: BLW may enter into commitments, or agreements, to acquire an investment at a future date (subject to certain conditions) in connection with a potential public or non-public offering. Such agreements may obligate BLW to make future cash payments. As of August 31, 2015, BLW had outstanding commitments of $10,878,000. These commitments are not included in the net assets of the Fund as of August 31, 2015.

Short Sales: Certain Funds may enter into short sale transactions in which the Funds sells a security they do not hold in anticipation of a decline in the market price of that security. When the Funds make a short sale, they will borrow the security sold short (borrowed bond) and deliver the security to the counterparty to which they sold the security short. An amount equal to the proceeds received by the Funds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale. The Funds are required to repay the counterparty interest on the security sold short, which, if applicable, is shown as interest expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds are exposed to market risk based on the amount, if any, that the market value of the security increases beyond the market value at which the position was sold. Thus, a short sale of a security involves the risk that instead of declining, the price of the security sold short will rise. The short sale of securities involves the possibility of a theoretically unlimited loss since there is a theoretically unlimited potential for the market price of the security sold short to increase. A gain, limited to the price at which the Funds sold the security short, or a loss, unlimited as to the dollar amount, will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale if the market price is either less than or greater than the proceeds originally received. There is no assurance that the Funds will be able to close out a short position at a particular time or at an acceptable price.

5. Derivative Financial Instruments:

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

Financial Futures Contracts: Certain Funds invest in long and/or short positions in financial futures contracts and options on financial futures contracts to gain exposure to, or economically hedge against, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk), changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk). Financial futures contracts are agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and at a specified date. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, financial futures contracts are settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date.

Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Securities deposited as initial margin are designated on the Schedules of Investments and cash deposited, if any, is recorded on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged for financial futures contracts. 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 variation margin. Variation margin is recorded by the Funds as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and, if applicable, as a receivable or payable for variation margin in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

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 contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of financial futures contracts, interest or foreign currency exchange rates and the underlying assets.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: Certain Funds enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts as an economic hedge against either specific transactions or portfolio instruments or to obtain exposure to, or hedge exposure away from, foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    73


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

risk). A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a future date. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, when used by the Funds, help to manage the overall exposure to the currencies in which some of the investments held by the Funds are denominated. Non-deliverable forward foreign currency exchange contracts are settled with the counterparty in cash without the delivery of foreign currency. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Funds 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 forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies.

Options: Certain Funds purchase and write call and put options to increase or decrease their exposure to underlying instruments including equity risk and interest rate risk and/or, in the case of options written, to generate gains from options premiums. A call option gives the purchaser (holder) of the option the right (but not the obligation) to buy, and obligates the seller (writer) to sell (when the option is exercised) the underlying instrument at the exercise or strike price at any time or at a specified time during the option period. A put option gives the holder the right to sell and obligates the writer to buy the underlying instrument at the exercise or strike price at any time or at a specified time during the option period. 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. When the Funds write a put option, such option is covered by cash in an amount sufficient to cover the obligation.

Options on swaps (“swaptions”) are similar to options on securities except that instead of selling or purchasing the right to buy or sell a security, the writer or purchaser of the swaptions is granting or buying the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate or credit default swap agreement (interest rate risk and/or credit risk) at any time before the expiration of the option.

Certain Funds also purchase or sell listed or OTC foreign currency options, foreign currency futures and related options on foreign currency futures as a short or long hedge against possible variations in foreign exchange rates or to gain exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk). When foreign currency is purchased or sold through an exercise of a foreign currency option, the related premium paid (or received) is added to (or deducted from) the basis of the foreign currency acquired or deducted from (or added to) the proceeds of the foreign currency sold (receipts from the foreign currency purchased). Such transactions may be effected with respect to hedges on non-U.S. dollar denominated instruments owned by the Funds but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by the Funds.

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 a written option could result in the Funds purchasing or selling a security when it otherwise would not, or at a price different from the current market value.

Swaps: Certain Funds enter into swap agreements in which the Funds and a counterparty agree either to make periodic net payments on a specified notional amount or a net payment upon termination. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the OTC market and may be entered into as a bilateral contract (“OTC swaps”) or centrally cleared (“centrally cleared swaps”). Swaps are marked-to-market daily and changes in value are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation).

For OTC swaps, any upfront premiums paid are recorded as assets and any upfront fees received are recorded as liabilities and are shown as swap premiums paid and swap premiums received, respectively, in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and amortized over the term of the OTC swap. Payments received or made by the Funds for OTC swaps are recorded in the Statements of Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. When an OTC swap is terminated, the Funds will record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Funds’ basis in the contract, if any. Generally, the basis of the contract is the premium received or paid.

In a centrally cleared swap, immediately following execution of the swap agreement, the swap agreement is novated to a central counterparty (the “CCP”) and the Funds’ counterparty on the swap agreement becomes the CCP. The Funds are required to interface with the CCP through a broker. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap, the Funds are required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on the size and risk profile of the particular swap. Securities deposited as initial margin are designated on the Schedules of Investments and cash deposited is recorded on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps. The daily change in valuation of centrally cleared swaps is recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received from (paid to) the counterparty, including at termination, are recorded as realized gain (loss) in the Statements of Operations.

Swap transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of interest rate, credit and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of the contractual terms in the agreements, and that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates and/or market values associated with these transactions.

 

                
74    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

 

 

Credit default swaps — Certain Funds enter into credit default swaps to manage their exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce their risk exposure to defaults of corporate and/or sovereign issuers or to create exposure to corporate and/or sovereign issuers to which they are not otherwise exposed (credit risk). The Funds may either buy or sell (write) credit default swaps on single-name issuers (corporate or sovereign), a combination or basket of single-name issuers or traded indexes. Credit default swaps on single-name issuers are agreements in which the protection buyer pays fixed periodic payments to the seller in consideration for a guarantee from the protection seller to make a specific payment should a negative credit event take place with respect to the referenced entity (e.g., bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation accelerators, repudiation, moratorium or restructuring). Credit default swaps on traded indexes are agreements in which the buyer pays fixed periodic payments to the seller in consideration for a guarantee from the seller to make a specific payment should a write-down, principal or interest shortfall or default of all or individual underlying securities included in the index occur. As a buyer, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Funds will either (i) receive from the seller an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced security or underlying securities comprising the index, or (ii) receive a net settlement of cash equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the security or underlying securities comprising the index. As a seller (writer), if an underlying credit event occurs, the Funds will either pay the buyer an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced security or underlying securities comprising the index or pay a net settlement of cash equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the security or underlying securities comprising the index.

 

 

Interest rate swaps — Certain Funds enter into interest rate swaps to gain or reduce exposure to interest rates or to manage duration, the yield curve or interest rate risk by economically hedging the value of the fixed rate bonds, which may decrease when interest rates rise (interest rate risk). Interest rate swaps are agreements in which one party pays a stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating, for another party’s stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating, on the same notional amount for a specified period of time. In more complex swaps, the notional principal amount may decline (or amortize) over time.

Counterparty Credit Risk: A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

A Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally limited to the aggregate unrealized gain less the value of any collateral held by such Fund.

For OTC options purchased, each Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount of the premiums paid plus the positive change in market values net of any collateral held by such Fund should the counterparty fail to perform under the contracts. Options written by the Funds do not typically give rise to counterparty credit risk, as options written generally obligate the Funds, and not the counterparty, to perform, though the Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk with respect to options written to the extent the Funds deposit collateral with its counterparty to a written option.

With exchange-traded options purchased, futures and centrally cleared swaps, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency) of the clearing broker or clearinghouse. Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures and centrally cleared swaps with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between each Fund and a counterparty that governs certain OTC derivatives and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, each Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. Bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may restrict or prohibit the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency or other events. In addition, certain ISDA Master Agreements allow counterparties 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 their ISDA Master Agreements. The result would cause the Funds to accelerate payment of any net liability owed to the counterparty.

Collateral Requirements: For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Funds and the counterparty.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    75


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral and cash received as collateral, respectively. Non-cash collateral pledged by the Funds, if any, is noted in the Schedules of Investments. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a party has to exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (typically either $250,000 or $500,000) before a transfer is required, which is determined at the close of business of the Funds. Any additional required collateral is delivered to/pledged by the Funds on the next business day. Typically, the Funds and their counterparties are not permitted to sell, re-pledge or use the collateral they receive. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. Likewise, to the extent the Funds have delivered collateral to a counterparty and stand ready to perform under the terms of their agreement with such counterparty, the Funds bear the risk of loss from a counterparty in the amount of the value of the collateral in the event the counterparty fails to return such collateral. Based on the terms of agreements, collateral may not be required to all derivative contacts.

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements, if any, in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates:

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is the largest stockholder and an affiliate of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) for 1940 Act purposes.

Each Fund entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with 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 based on a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets plus the proceeds of any outstanding borrowings used for leverage at the following annual rates:

 

BHL

    1.00%   

FRA

    0.75%   

BLW

    0.55%   

The Manager voluntarily agreed to waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees each Fund pays to the Manager indirectly through its investment in affiliated money market funds. However, the Manager does not waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees paid in connection with each Fund’s investments in other affiliated investment companies, if any. These amounts are shown as fees waived by the Manager in the Statements of Operations.

The Manager provides investment management and other services to the Taxable Subsidiaries. The Manager does not receive separate compensation from the Taxable Subsidiaries for providing investment management or administrative services. However, each Fund pays the Manager based on the Fund’s net assets, which include the assets of the Taxable Subsidiaries.

Certain officers and/or Directors of the Funds are officers and/or directors of BlackRock or its affiliates. The Funds reimburse the Manager for a portion of the compensation paid to the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer, which is included in officer and directors in the Statements of Operations.

7. Purchases and Sales:

For the year ended August 31, 2015, purchases and sales of investments, including paydowns and excluding short-term securities, were as follows:

 

Purchases   BHL      FRA      BLW  

Non-U.S. Government Securities

  $ 74,968,375       $ 340,775,205       $ 427,705,916   

U.S. Government Securities

                    12,071,661   
 

 

 

 

Total Purchases

  $ 74,968,375       $ 340,775,205       $ 439,777,577   
 

 

 

 
       
Sales   BHL      FRA      BLW  

Non-U.S. Government Securities (includes paydowns)

  $ 85,194,466       $ 373,327,184       $ 447,444,553   

U.S. Government Securities

                    11,943,885   
 

 

 

 

Total Sales

  $ 85,194,466       $ 373,327,184       $ 459,388,438   
 

 

 

 

8. Income Tax Information:

It is the Funds’ 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 their taxable income to their shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required, except with respect to any taxes related to the Taxable Subsidiaries.

 

                
76    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

The Funds file U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Funds’ U.S. federal tax returns remains open for each of the four years ended August 31, 2015. The statutes of limitations on the Funds’ state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Funds as of August 31, 2015, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Funds’ financial statements.

U.S. GAAP require that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. As of August 31, 2015, the following permanent differences attributable to the accounting for swap agreements, amortization methods on fixed income securities, foreign currency transactions, non-deductible expenses, the expiration of capital loss carryforwards and liquidating distribution on a wholly-owned subsidiary were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

     BHL      FRA      BLW  

Paid-in capital

          $ (229,369    $ (2,029,606

Undistributed net investment income

  $ 90,903       $ 648,421       $ 6,944,694   

Undistributed net realized gain (Accumulated net realized loss)

  $ (90,903    $ (419,052    $ (4,915,088

The tax character of distributions paid was as follows:

 

             BHL      FRA      BLW  

Ordinary income

    8/31/2015       $ 6,869,345       $ 30,210,441       $ 47,771,976   
    8/31/2014       $ 7,542,730       $ 33,203,943       $ 45,292,717   

Long term Capital Gains

    8/31/2015       $ 1,286,571                   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    8/31/2015       $ 8,155,916       $ 30,210,441       $ 47,771,976   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    8/31/2014       $ 7,542,730       $ 33,203,943       $ 45,292,717   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2015 the tax components of accumulated net losses were as follows:

 

     BHL      FRA      BLW  

Undistributed ordinary income

  $ 655,125       $ 2,999,553       $ 5,490,718   

Capital loss carryforwards

    (1,098,340      (89,885,804      (58,887,414

Net unrealized gains (losses)1

    (2,693,706      (17,814,214      (17,513,490
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  $ (3,136,921    $ (104,700,465    $ (70,910,186
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  1   

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized losses were attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, amortization methods for premiums and discounts on fixed income securities, the accrual of income on securities in default, the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain futures and foreign currency contracts, the accounting for swap agreements, dividends recognized for tax purposes, the deferral of compensation to directors and investments in wholly owned subsidiaries.

As of August 31, 2015, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains through the indicated expiration dates as follows:

 

Expires   BHL      FRA      BLW  

2016

          $ 20,623,334       $ 284,006   

2017

            30,228,590         9,996,868   

2018

            27,716,009         37,509,275   

2019

            2,206,081           

No expiration date3

  $ 1,098,340         9,111,790         11,097,265   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  $ 1,098,340       $ 89,885,804       $ 58,887,414   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  3   

Must be utilized prior to losses subject to expiration.

As of August 31, 2015, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

     BHL      FRA      BLW  

Tax cost

  $ 173,172,876       $ 780,667,448       $ 900,797,475   
 

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

  $ 522,197       $ 3,254,895       $ 12,877,118   

Gross unrealized depreciation

    (3,208,679      (20,855,164      (30,325,548
 

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

  $ (2,686,482    $ (17,600,269    $ (17,448,430
 

 

 

 

9. Bank Borrowings:

BHL and FRA are party to a senior committed secured, 360-day rolling line of credit facility and a separate security agreement (the “SSB Agreement”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”). SSB may elect to terminate its commitment upon 360-days written notice to BHL and FRA, respectively. As of August 31, 2015, BHL and FRA have not received any notice to terminate. BHL and FRA have granted a security interest in substantially all of their assets to SSB.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    77


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

The SSB Agreement allows for the following maximum commitment amounts:

 

     Commitment
Amounts
 

BHL

  $ 64,000,000   

FRA

  $ 280,000,000   

Advances will be made by SSB to BHL and FRA, at BHL and FRA option of (a) the higher of (i) 0.80% above the Fed Funds rate and (ii) 0.80% above the Overnight LIBOR or (b) 0.80% above 7-day, 30-day, 60-day or 90-day LIBOR.

In addition, BHL and FRA pay a facility fee and utilization fee (based on the daily unused portion of the commitments). The commitment fees are waived if BHL and FRA meet certain conditions. The fees associated with each of the agreements are included in the Statements of Operations as borrowing costs. Advances to BHL and FRA as of August 31, 2015 are shown in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as bank borrowings payable. Based on the short-term nature of the borrowings under the line of credit and the variable interest rate, the carrying amount of the borrowings approximates fair value.

BHL and FRA may not declare dividends or make other distributions on shares or purchase any such shares if, at the time of the declaration, distribution or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding short-term borrowings is less than 300%.

For the year ended August 31, 2015, the average amount of bank borrowings and the daily weighted average interest rates for BHL and FRA, funds with loans under the revolving credit agreements were as follows:

 

     Average Amount of Bank
Borrowings
     Daily Weighted Average
Interest Rate
 

BHL

  $ 49,947,945         0.94%   

FRA

  $ 221,632,877         0.94%   

10. Principal Risks:

In the normal course of business, certain 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, including to pay principal and interest when due (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, 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 Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is generally approximated by their value recorded in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

Certain Funds may invest in securities that are rated below investment grade quality (sometimes called “junk bonds”), which are predominantly speculative, have greater credit risk and generally are less liquid and have more volatile prices than higher quality securities.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in fixed-income securities and/or use derivatives tied to the fixed-income markets. Changes in market interest rates or economic conditions may affect the value and/or liquidity of such investments. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. The Funds may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low rates.

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

11. Capital Share Transactions

BHL and BLW are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares, par value $0.001, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. FRA is authorized to issue 200 million shares, par value $0.10, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. The Board is authorized, however, to reclassify any unissued Common Shares without approval of Common Shareholders.

For the years ended August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, shares issued and outstanding remained constant.

FRA and BLW each filed a final prospectus with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) allowing them to issue an additional 3,050,000 and 3,750,000 Common Shares, respectively, through an equity shelf program (a “Shelf Offering”). Under the Shelf Offering, FRA and BLW, subject to

 

                
78    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Notes to Financial Statements (continued)     

 

market conditions, may raise additional equity capital from time to time in varying amounts and utilizing various offering methods at a net price at or above FRA and BLW’s NAV per Common Share (calculated within 48 hours of pricing). Please see Additional Information — Shelf Offering Program for additional information about the Shelf Offering.

Costs incurred by FRA and BLW in connection with the Shelf Offering are recorded as a deferred charge and amortized over 12 months.

12. Contingencies:

In May 2015, the Motors Liquidation Company Avoidance Action Trust, as the Trust Administrator and Trustee of the General Motors bankruptcy estate, began serving amended complaints on defendants, which include former holders of certain General Motors debt (the “Debt”), in an adversary proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. In addition to FRA, the lawsuit also names over five hundred other institutional investors as defendants, some of which are also managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC or its affiliates. The plaintiffs are seeking an order that FRA and other defendants return proceeds received in 2009 in full payment of the principal and interest on the Debt. The holders received a full repayment of a term loan pursuant to a court order in the General Motors bankruptcy proceeding with the understanding that the Debt was fully secured at the time of repayment. The plaintiffs contend that FRA and other defendants were not secured creditors at the time of the 2009 payments and therefore not entitled to the payments in full. FRA cannot predict the outcome of the lawsuit, or the effect, if any, on FRA’s net asset value. As such, no liability for litigation related to this matter is reflected in the financial statements. Management cannot determine the amount of loss that will be realized by FRA but does not expect the loss to exceed the payment received in 2009. The amount of the proceeds received in 2009 is $668,165.

13. Subsequent Events:

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

The Funds paid a net investment income dividend in the following amounts per share on September 30, 2015 to shareholders of record on September 15, 2015:

 

     Common
Dividend
Per Share
 

BHL

  $ 0.0583   

FRA

  $ 0.0674   

BLW

  $ 0.0995   

Additionally, the Funds declared a net investment income dividend on October 1, 2015 payable to Common Shareholders of record on October 15, 2015 as follows:

 

     Common
Dividend
Per Share
 

BHL

  $ 0.0510   

FRA

  $ 0.0610   

BLW

  $ 0.0870   

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    79


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. and to the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust and BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2015, and its related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, its 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 five years in the period then ended. We have also audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc., and the statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust, (collectively with the Fund mentioned above, the “Funds”), as of August 31, 2015, and their related consolidated statements of operations and consolidated cash flows for the year then ended, their consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and their consolidated financial highlights for the years ended August 31, 2015, August 31, 2014, August 31, 2013, and August 31, 2012, and their financial highlights for the year ended August 31, 2011. 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 August 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and agent banks; where replies were not received from brokers or agent banks, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust as of August 31, 2015, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the consolidated financial position of BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc., and the financial position of BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust, as of August 31, 2015, the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and their consolidated financial highlights for the years ended August 31, 2015, August 31, 2014, August 31, 2013, and August 31, 2012, and their financial highlights for the year ended August 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

October 26, 2015

 

Important Tax Information (Unaudited)     

The following information is provided with respect to the ordinary income distributions paid by the Funds during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015

 

          BHL     FRA     BLW  

Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals1

       

September 2014-December 2014

                    5.88%   

January 2015- August 2015

                    5.58%   

Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations1

       

September 2014-December 2014

                    4.94%   

January 2015- August 2015

                    4.17%   

Interest-Related Dividends for Non-U.S. Residents2

       

September 2014-December 2014

      79.71%        80.40%        79.73%   

January 2015- August 2015

        79.27%        78.58%        53.54%   

 

  1   

The Fund hereby designates the percentage indicated above or the maximum amount allowable by law.

 

  2   

Represents the portion of the taxable ordinary income dividends eligible for exemption from U.S. withholding tax for nonresident aliens and foreign corporations.

Additionally, BHL distributed long-term capital gains of $0.142256 per share to shareholders of record on December 31, 2014.

 

                
80    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements     

 

The Board of Directors or Trustees, as applicable, (each, a “Board,” collectively, the “Boards,” and the members of which are referred to as “Board Members”) of BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (“BHL”), BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc. (“FRA”) and BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (“BLW” and together with BHL and FRA, each a “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Funds”) met in person on April 30, 2015 (the “April Meeting”) and June 11-12, 2015 (the “June Meeting”) to consider the approval of each Fund’s investment advisory agreement (each, an “Advisory Agreement,” and, collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”) with BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”), each Fund’s investment advisor. The Manager is referred to herein as “BlackRock.” The Advisory Agreements are also referred to herein as the “Agreements.”

Activities and Composition of the Board

On the date of the April and June Meetings, the Board of each Fund consisted of eleven individuals, nine of whom were not “interested persons” of such Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Board Members”). The Board Members are responsible for the oversight of the operations of the Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the 1940 Act. The Independent Board Members have retained independent legal counsel to assist them in connection with their duties. The Chairman of each Board is an Independent Board Member. Each Board has established six standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Compliance Committee, a Performance Oversight Committee, an Executive Committee, and a Leverage Committee, each of which is chaired by an Independent Board Member and composed of Independent Board Members (except for the Executive Committee and the Leverage Committee, each of which also has one interested Board Member).

The Agreements

Pursuant to the 1940 Act, each Board is required to consider the continuation of its Advisory Agreement on an annual basis. The Boards have four quarterly meetings per year, each extending over two days, a fifth one-day meeting to consider specific information surrounding the consideration of renewing the Agreements and additional in-person and telephonic meetings as needed. In connection with this year-long deliberative process, the Boards assessed, among other things, the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by BlackRock, BlackRock’s personnel and affiliates, including, as applicable; investment management services, administrative, and shareholder services; the oversight of fund service providers; marketing services; risk oversight; compliance; and ability to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

The Boards, acting directly and through their respective committees, consider at each of their meetings, and from time to time as appropriate, factors that are relevant to their annual consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, including the services and support provided by BlackRock to the Funds and their shareholders. Among the matters the Boards considered were: (a) investment performance for one-year, three-year, five-year and/or since inception periods, as applicable, against peer funds, applicable benchmarks, and performance metrics, as applicable, as well as senior management’s and portfolio managers’ analysis of the reasons for any over-performance or underperformance relative to its peers, benchmarks, and other performance metrics, as applicable; (b) fees, including advisory, administration, if applicable, and other amounts paid to BlackRock and its affiliates by the Funds for services such as call center; (c) Fund operating expenses and how BlackRock allocates expenses to the Funds; (d) the resources devoted to, risk oversight of, and compliance reports relating to, implementation of the Funds’ investment objective(s), policies and restrictions, and meeting new regulatory requirements; (e) the Funds’ compliance with its 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 and risk and compliance oversight mechanisms; (h) BlackRock’s implementation of the proxy voting policies approved by the Boards; (i) execution quality of portfolio transactions; (j) BlackRock’s implementation of the Funds’ valuation and liquidity procedures; (k) an analysis of management fees for products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, closed-end fund and institutional account product channels, as applicable, and the similarities and differences between these products and the services provided as compared to the Funds; (l) BlackRock’s compensation methodology for its investment professionals and the incentives it creates, along with investment professionals’ investments in the fund(s) they manage; and (m) periodic updates on BlackRock’s business.

The Boards have engaged in an ongoing strategic review with BlackRock of opportunities to consolidate funds and of BlackRock’s commitment to investment performance. BlackRock also furnished information to the Boards in response to specific questions. These questions covered issues such as: BlackRock’s profitability; investment performance; funds trading at a discount; subadvisory and advisory relationships with other clients (including mutual funds sponsored by third parties); fund size; portfolio manager’s investments in the funds they manage; and management fee levels and breakpoints. The Boards further discussed with BlackRock: BlackRock’s management structure; portfolio turnover; BlackRock’s portfolio manager compensation and performance accountability; marketing support for the funds; services provided to the funds by BlackRock affiliates; and BlackRock’s oversight of relationships with third party service providers.

Board Considerations in Approving the Agreements

The Approval Process: Prior to the April Meeting, the Boards requested and received materials specifically relating to the Agreements. The Boards are continuously engaged in a process with their independent legal counsel and BlackRock to review the nature and scope of the information provided to better assist its deliberations. The materials provided in connection with the April Meeting included (a) information independently compiled and prepared by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”) on Fund fees and expenses as compared with a peer group of funds as determined by Lipper (“Expense Peers”) and the

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    81


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

investment performance of each Fund as compared with a peer group of funds as determined by Lipper1, and, with respect to BHL and FRA, a customized peer group selected by BlackRock, as well as the investment performance of BLW as compared with its custom benchmark; (b) information on the profits realized by BlackRock and its affiliates pursuant to the Agreements and a discussion of fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates; (c) a general analysis provided by BlackRock concerning investment management fees charged to other clients, such as institutional clients, sub-advised mutual funds, and open-end funds, under similar investment mandates, as applicable; (d) review of non-management fees; (e) the existence, impact and sharing of potential economies of scale; (f) a summary of aggregate amounts paid by each Fund to BlackRock and (g) if applicable, a comparison of management fees to similar BlackRock closed-end funds, as classified by Lipper.

At the April Meeting, the Boards reviewed materials relating to their consideration of the Agreements. As a result of the discussions that occurred during the April Meeting, and as a culmination of the Boards’ year-long deliberative process, the Boards presented BlackRock with questions and requests for additional information. BlackRock responded to these requests with additional written information in advance of the June Meeting.

At the June Meeting, each Board, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreement between the Manager and its Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2016. In approving the continuation of the Agreements, the Boards considered: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BlackRock; (b) the investment performance of the Funds 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 the Funds; (d) the Funds’ costs to investors compared to the costs of Expense Peers and performance compared to the relevant performance comparison as previously discussed; (e) the sharing of potential economies of scale; (f) fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates as a result of its relationship with the Funds; and (g) other factors deemed relevant by the Board Members.

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

A. Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by BlackRock: The Boards, 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 the Funds. Throughout the year, the Boards compared the Funds’ performance to the performance of a comparable group of closed-end funds, relevant benchmark, and performance metrics, as applicable. The Boards met with BlackRock’s senior management personnel responsible for investment activities, including the senior investment officers. Each Board also reviewed the materials provided by its Fund’s portfolio management team discussing the Fund’s performance and the Fund’s investment objective(s), strategies and outlook.

The Boards considered, among other factors, with respect to BlackRock: the number, education and experience of investment personnel generally and their Funds’ portfolio management teams; BlackRock’s research capabilities; investments by portfolio managers in the funds they manage; portfolio trading capabilities; use of technology; commitment to compliance; credit analysis capabilities; risk analysis and oversight capabilities; and the approach to training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel. The Boards engaged in a review of BlackRock’s compensation structure with respect to the Funds’ portfolio management teams and BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain high-quality talent and create performance incentives.

In addition to advisory services, the Boards considered the quality of the administrative and other non-investment advisory services provided to the Funds. BlackRock and its affiliates provide the Funds with certain services (in addition to any such services provided to the Funds by third parties) and officers and other personnel as are necessary for the operations of the Funds. In particular, BlackRock and its affiliates provide the Funds with the following administrative services including, among others: (i) preparing disclosure documents, such as the prospectus and the statement of additional information in connection with the initial public offering and periodic shareholder reports, and with respect to FRA and BLW, registration statements in connection with the Fund’s equity shelf program; (ii) preparing communications with analysts to support secondary market trading of the Funds; (iii) oversight of daily accounting and pricing; (iv) preparing periodic filings with regulators and stock exchanges; (v) overseeing and coordinating the activities of other service providers; (vi) organizing Board meetings and preparing the materials for such Board meetings; (vii) providing legal and compliance support; (viii) furnishing analytical and other support to assist the Boards in their consideration of strategic issues such as the merger, consolidation or repurposing of certain closed-end funds; and (ix) performing other administrative functions necessary for the operation of the Funds, such as tax reporting, fulfilling regulatory filing requirements and call center services. The Boards reviewed the structure and duties of BlackRock’s fund administration, shareholder services, legal and compliance departments and considered BlackRock’s policies and procedures for assuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

B. The Investment Performance of the Funds and BlackRock: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, also reviewed and considered the performance history of its Fund. In preparation for the April Meeting, the Boards worked with their independent legal counsel, BlackRock and Lipper to develop a template for, and were provided with reports independently prepared by Lipper, which included a comprehensive analysis of each Fund’s

 

1   

Funds are ranked by Lipper in quartiles, ranging from first to fourth, where first is the most desirable quartile position and fourth is the least desirable.

 

                
82    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements (continued)

 

performance. The Boards also reviewed a narrative and statistical analysis of the Lipper data that was prepared by BlackRock. In connection with its review, each Board received and reviewed information regarding the investment performance, based on net asset value (NAV), of its Fund as compared to other funds in its applicable Lipper category, and with respect to BHL and FRA, the customized peer group selected by BlackRock, and with respect to BLW, the investment performance of BLW as compared with its custom benchmark. The Boards were provided with a description of the methodology used by Lipper to select peer funds and periodically meets with Lipper representatives to review its methodology. Each Board and its Performance Oversight Committee regularly review, and meet with Fund management to discuss, the performance of its Fund throughout the year.

In evaluating performance, the Boards recognized that the performance data reflects a snapshot of a period or as of a particular date and that selecting a different performance period could produce significantly different results. Further, the Boards recognized that it is possible that long-term performance can be adversely affected by even one period of significant underperformance so that a single investment decision or theme has the ability to affect long-term performance disproportionately.

The Board of BLW noted that for each of the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, BLW exceeded its customized benchmark. BlackRock believes that performance relative to the customized benchmark is an appropriate performance metric for BLW.

The Board of BHL noted that for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, BHL ranked in the second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively, against its Customized Lipper Peer Group. BlackRock believes that the Customized Lipper Peer Group is an appropriate performance metric for BHL.

The Board of FRA noted that for the one-, three- and five-year periods reported, FRA ranked in the second, third and third quartiles, respectively, against its Customized Lipper Peer Group. BlackRock believes that the Customized Lipper Peer Group is an appropriate performance metric for FRA.

The Board of each of BHL and FRA also noted its respective Fund’s improved performance during the one-year period. The Board of each of BHL and FRA and BlackRock reviewed and discussed the reasons for its respective Fund’s underperformance during the three- and five-year periods. BHL’s and FRA’s Board was informed that, among other things, the two factors with the greatest impact on performance relative to each Fund’s peers during these periods were the Fund’s leverage utilization limit and the Fund’s portfolio management team’s higher quality investment style.

The Board of each of BHL and FRA and BlackRock also discussed BlackRock’s strategy for improving its respective Fund’s performance and BlackRock’s commitment to providing the resources necessary to assist the Fund’s portfolio managers in seeking to do so.

C. Consideration of the Advisory/Management Fees and the Cost of the Services and Profits to be Realized by BlackRock and its Affiliates from their Relationship with the Funds: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed its Fund’s contractual management fee rate compared with the other funds in its Lipper category. The contractual management fee rate represents a combination of the advisory fee and any administrative fees, before taking into account any reimbursements or fee waivers. Each Board also compared its Fund’s total expense ratio, as well as its actual management fee rate as a percentage of total assets, to those of other funds in its Lipper category. The total expense ratio represents a fund’s total net operating expenses, excluding any investment related expenses. The total expense ratio gives effect to any expense reimbursements or fee waivers that benefit a fund, and the actual management fee rate gives effect to any management fee reimbursements or waivers that benefit a fund. The Boards considered the services provided and the fees charged by BlackRock and its affiliates to other types of clients with similar investment mandates, as applicable, including institutional accounts and sub-advised mutual funds.

The Boards received and reviewed statements relating to BlackRock’s financial condition. The Boards reviewed BlackRock’s profitability methodology and were also provided with a profitability analysis that detailed the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by BlackRock for services provided to the Funds. The Boards reviewed BlackRock’s profitability with respect to the Funds and other funds the Boards currently oversee for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to available aggregate profitability data provided for the prior two years. The Boards reviewed BlackRock’s profitability with respect to certain other U.S. fund complexes managed by the Manager and/or its affiliates. The Boards 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 Boards recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers and expense reimbursements by the Manager, the types of funds managed, precision of expense allocations and business mix. As a result, calculating and comparing profitability at individual fund levels is difficult.

The Boards noted that, in general, individual fund or product line profitability of other advisors is not publicly available. The Boards reviewed BlackRock’s overall operating margin, in general, compared to that of certain other publicly-traded asset management firms. The Boards considered the differences between BlackRock and these other firms, including the contribution of technology at BlackRock, BlackRock’s expense management, and the relative product mix.

In addition, the Boards considered the cost of the services provided to the Funds by BlackRock, and BlackRock’s and its affiliates’ profits relating to the management of the Funds and the other funds advised by BlackRock and its affiliates. As part of its analysis, the Boards reviewed BlackRock’s methodology in allocating its costs to the management of the Funds. The Boards may periodically receive and review information from independent third parties as part of their annual evaluation. BlackRock retained an independent third party to evaluate its cost allocation methodologies in the context of BlackRock’s 1940 Act Fund business. The Boards considered the results of that evaluation in connection with BlackRock’s profitability reporting. The Boards also considered whether BlackRock has the financial resources necessary to attract and retain high quality investment management personnel to perform its

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    83


Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreements (concluded)

 

obligations under the Agreements and to continue to provide the high quality of services that is expected by the Boards. The Boards further considered factors including but not limited to BlackRock’s commitment of time, assumption of risk and liability profile in servicing the Funds in contrast to what is required of BlackRock with respect to other products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, ETF, closed-end fund, sub-advised mutual fund and institutional account product channels, as applicable.

The Board of BHL noted that BHL’s contractual management fee rate ranked in the second quartile, and that the actual management fee rate and total expense ratio each ranked in the second quartile, relative to the Fund’s Expense Peers.

The Board of each of FRA and BLW noted that its respective Fund’s contractual management fee rate ranked in the first quartile, and that the actual management fee rate and total expense ratio each ranked in the first quartile, relative to the Fund’s Expense Peers.

D. Economies of Scale: Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of its Fund increase. Each Board also considered the extent to which its Fund benefits from such economies and whether there should be changes in the advisory fee rate or breakpoint 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.

Based on the Boards’ review and consideration of the issue, the Boards concluded that most closed-end funds do not have fund level breakpoints because closed-end funds generally do not experience substantial growth after the initial public offering. They are typically priced at scale at a fund’s inception. The Board of each of FRA and BLW noted that although FRA and BLW may from time-to-time make additional share offerings pursuant to its equity shelf program, the growth of the Fund’s assets will occur primarily through the appreciation of the Fund’s investment portfolio.

E. Other Factors Deemed Relevant by the Board Members: The Boards, including the Independent Board Members, also took into account other ancillary or “fall-out” benefits that BlackRock or its affiliates may derive from their respective relationships with the Funds, both tangible and intangible, such as BlackRock’s ability to leverage its investment professionals who manage other portfolios and risk management personnel, an increase in BlackRock’s profile in the investment advisory community, and the engagement of BlackRock’s affiliates as service providers to the Funds, including securities lending and cash management services. The Boards also considered BlackRock’s overall operations and its efforts to expand the scale of, and improve the quality of, its operations. The Boards also noted that BlackRock may use and benefit from third party research obtained by soft dollars generated by certain registered fund transactions to assist in managing all or a number of its other client accounts. The Boards further noted that it had considered the investment by BlackRock’s funds in exchange traded funds (i.e., ETFs) without any offset against the management fees payable by the funds to BlackRock.

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

The Boards noted the competitive nature of the closed-end fund marketplace, and that shareholders are able to sell their Fund shares in the secondary market if they believe that the Fund’s fees and expenses are too high or if they are dissatisfied with the performance of the Fund.

The Boards also considered the various notable initiatives and projects BlackRock performed in connection with its closed-end fund product line. These initiatives included the redemption of AMPS for the BlackRock closed-end funds with AMPS outstanding; developing equity shelf programs; efforts to eliminate product overlap with fund mergers; ongoing services to manage leverage that has become increasingly complex; share repurchases and other support initiatives for certain BlackRock funds; and continued communications efforts with shareholders, fund analysts and financial advisers. With respect to the latter, the Independent Board Members noted BlackRock’s continued commitment to supporting the secondary market for the common shares of its closed-end funds through a comprehensive secondary market communication program designed to raise investor and analyst awareness and understanding of closed-end funds. BlackRock’s support services included, among other things: continuing communications concerning the redemption efforts related to AMPS; sponsoring and participating in conferences; communicating with closed-end fund analysts covering the BlackRock funds throughout the year; providing marketing and product updates for the closed-end funds; and maintaining and enhancing its closed-end fund website.

Conclusion

Each Board, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreement between the Manager and its Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2016. Based upon its evaluation of all of the aforementioned factors in their totality, each Board, including the Independent Board Members, was satisfied that the terms of the Agreement were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of its Fund and its shareholders. In arriving at its decision to approve the Agreement for its Fund, 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 the Funds 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. As a result, the Board Members’ conclusions may be based in part on their consideration of these arrangements in prior years.

 

                
84    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plans     

 

Pursuant to each Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Reinvestment Plan”), Common Shareholders are automatically enrolled to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Reinvestment Plan Agent”) in the respective Fund’s shares pursuant to the Reinvestment Plan. Shareholders who do not participate in the Reinvestment Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check and mailed directly to the shareholders of record (or if the shares are held in street name or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Reinvestment Plan Agent, which serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Reinvestment Plan.

After the Funds declare a dividend or determine to make a capital gain distribution, the Reinvestment Plan Agent will acquire shares for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the following circumstances, either (i) through receipt of unissued but authorized shares from the Funds (“newly issued shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding shares on the open market or on the Fund’s primary exchange (“open-market purchases”). If, on the dividend payment date, the net asset value per share (“NAV”) is equal to or less than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition often referred to as a “market premium”), the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in newly issued shares acquired on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the NAV on the date the shares are issued. However, if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the dividend payment date, the dollar amount of the dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the dividend payment date. If, on the dividend payment date, the NAV is greater than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition often referred to as a “market discount”), the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open-market purchases. If the Reinvestment Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases, or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Reinvestment Plan Agent will invest any un-invested portion in newly issued shares. Investments in newly issued shares made in this manner would be made pursuant to the same process described above and the date of issue for such newly issued shares will substitute for the dividend payment date.

Participation in the Reinvestment Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Reinvestment Plan Agent prior to the dividend record date. Additionally, the Reinvestment Plan Agent seeks to process notices received after the record date but prior to the payable date and such notices often will become effective by the payable date. Where late notices are not processed by the applicable payable date, such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution.

The Reinvestment Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be paid by each Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Reinvestment Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

Each Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Reinvestment Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Reinvestment Plan. However, each Fund reserves the right to amend the Reinvestment Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Participants that request a sale of shares are subject to a $2.50 sales fee and a $0.15 per share fee. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Reinvestment Plan Agent is required to pay. All correspondence concerning the Reinvestment Plan should be directed to Computershare Trust Company, N. A. through the internet at http://www.computershare.com/blackrock, or in writing to Computershare, P. O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170, Telephone: (800) 699-1236. Overnight correspondence should be directed to the Reinvestment Plan Agent at Computershare, 211 Quality Circle, Suite 210, College Station, TX 77845.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    85


Officers and Directors     

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
 

Position(s)

Held with
Funds

  Length
of Time
Served as a
Director3
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   Number of BlackRock-
Advised Registered
Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen
  Public
Directorships
Independent Directors2               

Richard E. Cavanagh

 

1946

  Chair of the Board and Director  

Since

2007

  Trustee, Aircraft Finance Trust from 1999 to 2009; Director, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America since 1998; Director, Arch Chemical (chemical and allied products) from 1999 to 2011; Trustee, Educational Testing Service from 1997 to 2009 and Chairman thereof from 2005 to 2009; Senior Advisor, The Fremont Group since 2008 and Director thereof since 1996; Faculty Member/Adjunct Lecturer, Harvard University since 2007; President and Chief Executive Officer, The Conference Board, Inc. (global business research organization) from 1995 to 2007.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  None

Karen P. Robards

 

1950

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

Since

2007

  Partner of Robards & Company, LLC (financial advisory firm) since 1987; Co-founder and Director of the Cooke Center for Learning and Development (a not-for-profit organization) since 1987; Investment Banker at Morgan Stanley from 1976 to 1987.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  AtriCure, Inc. (medical devices); Greenhill & Co., Inc.; Care Investment Trust, Inc. (health care real estate investment trust) from 2007 to 2010

Michael J. Castellano

 

1946

  Director and Member of the Audit Committee  

Since

2011

  Chief Financial Officer of Lazard Group LLC from 2001 to 2011; Chief Financial Officer of Lazard Ltd from 2004 to 2011; Director, Support Our Aging Religious (non-profit) from 2009 to June 2015; Director, National Advisory Board of Church Management at Villanova University since 2010; Trustee, Domestic Church Media Foundation since 2012; Director, CircleBlack Inc. (financial technology company). since 2015.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  None

Frank J. Fabozzi4

 

1948

  Director and Member of the Audit Committee  

Since

2007

  Editor of and Consultant for The Journal of Portfolio Management since 2006; Professor of Finance, EDHEC Business School since 2011; Visiting Professor, Princeton University from 2013 to 2014; Professor in the Practice of Finance and Becton Fellow, Yale University School of Management from 2006 to 2011.  

109 RICs consisting of

235 Portfolios

  None

Kathleen F. Feldstein

 

1941

  Director  

Since

2007

  President of Economics Studies, Inc. (private economic consulting firm) since 1987; Chair, Board of Trustees, McLean Hospital from 2000 to 2008 and Trustee Emeritus thereof since 2008; Member of the Board of Partners Community Healthcare, Inc. from 2005 to 2009; Member of the Corporation of Partners HealthCare since 1995; Trustee, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston since 1992; Member of the Visiting Committee to the Harvard University Art Museum since 2003; Director, Catholic Charities of Boston since 2009.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  The McClatchy Company (publishing)

James T. Flynn

 

1939

  Director and Member of the Audit Committee  

Since

2007

  Chief Financial Officer of JPMorgan & Co., Inc. from 1990 to 1995.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  None

Jerrold B. Harris

 

1942

  Director  

Since

2007

  Trustee, Ursinus College from 2000 to 2012; Director, Waterfowl Chesapeake (conservation) since 2014; Director, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (conservation) since 2013; Director, Troemner LLC (scientific equipment) since 2000; Director of Delta Waterfowl Foundation from 2010 to 2012; President and Chief Executive Officer, VWR Scientific Products Corporation from 1990 to 1999.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  BlackRock Capital Investment Corp. (business development company)

R. Glenn Hubbard

 

1958

  Director   Since
2007
  Dean, Columbia Business School since 2004; Faculty member, Columbia Business School since 1988.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  ADP (data and information services); Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (insurance)

 

                
86    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Officers and Directors (continued)     

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
 

Position(s)

Held with
Funds

  Length
of Time
Served as a
Director3
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years   Number of BlackRock-
Advised Registered
Investment Companies
(“RICs”) Consisting of
Investment Portfolios
(“Portfolios”) Overseen
  Public
Directorships
Independent Directors2 (concluded)                    

W. Carl Kester

 

1951

  Director and Member of the Audit Committee  

Since

2007

  George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School since 2008, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs from 2006 to 2010, Chairman of the Finance Unit, from 2005 to 2006, Senior Associate Dean and Chairman of the MBA Program from 1999 to 2005; Member of the faculty of Harvard Business School since 1981.  

76 RICs consisting of

76 Portfolios

  None
 

1   The address of each Director and Officer is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

 

2   Independent Directors serve until their resignation, retirement, removal or death, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 74. The maximum age limitation may be waived as to any Director by action of a majority of the Directors upon finding of good cause thereof. The Board has unanimously approved further extending the mandatory retirement age for Mr. James T. Flynn until December 31, 2015, which the Board believes is in the best interest of shareholders.

 

3   Date shown is the earliest date a person has served for 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, those Directors first became members of the boards of other legacy MLIM or legacy BlackRock funds as follows: Richard E. Cavanagh, 1994; Frank J. Fabozzi, 1988; Kathleen F. Feldstein, 2005; James T. Flynn, 1996; Jerrold B. Harris, 1999; R. Glenn Hubbard, 2004; W. Carl Kester, 1995 and Karen P. Robards, 1998.

 

4   For purposes of this chart, “RICs” refers to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act and “Portfolios” refers to the investment programs of the BlackRock-advised funds. The Closed-End Complex is comprised of 76 RICs. Mr. Perlowski, Dr. Fabozzi and Ms. Novick are also board members of a complex of BlackRock registered open-end funds. Mr. Perlowski is also a board member of the BlackRock Equity-Bond Complex, and Ms. Novick and Dr. Fabozzi are also board members of the BlackRock Equity-Liquidity Complex.

Interested Directors5               

Barbara G. Novick

1960

 

Director

 

Since

2014

 

Vice Chairman of BlackRock since 2006; Chair of BlackRock’s Government Relations Steering Committee since 2009; Head of the Global Client Group of BlackRock, Inc. from 1988 to 2008.

 

109 RICs consisting of 235 Portfolios

  None

John M. Perlowski

1964

 

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Since

2014

 

Managing Director of BlackRock since 2009; Head of BlackRock Global Fund Services since 2009; Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Global Product Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. from 2003 to 2009; Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds from 2003 to 2009 and Senior Vice President thereof from 2007 to 2009; Director of Goldman Sachs Offshore Funds from 2002 to 2009; Director of Family Resource Network (charitable foundation) since 2009.

 

104 RICs consisting of 174 Portfolios

  None
 

5   Mr. Perlowski and Ms. Novick are both “interested persons,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Funds based on their positions with BlackRock and its affiliate. Mr. Perlowski and Ms. Novick are also board members of a complex of BlackRock registered open-end funds. Mr. Perlowski is a board member of the BlackRock Equity-Bond Complex and Ms. Novick is a board member of the BlackRock Equity-Liquidity Complex. Interested Directors serve until their resignation, removal or death, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 72. The maximum age limitation may be waived as to any Director by action of a majority of the Directors upon a finding of good cause thereof.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    87


Officers and Directors (concluded)     

 

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Funds
  Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
Officers2               

John M. Perlowski

 

1964

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer  

Since
2011

  Managing Director of BlackRock since 2009; Head of BlackRock Global Fund Services since 2009; Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Global Product Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. from 2003 to 2009; Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds from 2003 to 2009 and Senior Vice President thereof from 2007 to 2009; Director of Goldman Sachs Offshore Funds from 2002 to 2009; Director of Family Resource Network (charitable foundation) since 2009.

Robert W. Crothers

 

1981

  Vice President   Since
2012
  Director of BlackRock since 2011; Vice President of BlackRock from 2008 to 2010.

Neal Andrews

 

1966

  Chief Financial Officer   Since
2007
  Managing Director of BlackRock since 2006; Senior Vice President and Line of Business Head of Fund Accounting and Administration at PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. from 1992 to 2006.

Jay Fife

 

1970

  Treasurer   Since
2007
  Managing Director of BlackRock since 2007; Director of BlackRock in 2006; Assistant Treasurer of the MLIM and Fund Asset Management, L.P. advised funds from 2005 to 2006; Director of MLIM Fund Services Group from 2001 to 2006.

Charles Park

 

1967

  Chief Compliance Officer   Since
2014
  Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer for the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Equity-Bond Complex, the Equity-Liquidity Complex and the Closed-End Complex from 2014 to 2015; Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRock Advisors, LLC and the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Equity-Bond Complex, the Equity-Liquidity Complex and the Closed-End Complex since 2014; Principal of and Chief Compliance Officer for iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC since 2012 and BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for the BFA-advised iShares exchange traded funds since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. since 2012.

Janey Ahn

 

1975

  Secretary   Since
2012
  Director of BlackRock since 2009; Vice President of BlackRock from 2008 to 2009; Assistant Secretary of the Funds from 2008 to 2012.
 

1    The address of each Officer is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

   

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

 

Effective September 18, 2015, Robert W. Crothers resigned as a Vice President of the Funds and Jonathan Diorio became a Vice President of the Funds.

 

       

Investment Advisor

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Accounting Agent and Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA 02110

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, MA 02116

  Address of the Funds 100 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
 

Transfer Agent

Common Shares

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Canton, MA 02021

 

Legal Counsel

Skadden, Arps, Slate,

Meagher & Flom LLP

Boston, MA 02116

 

 

                
88    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Additional Information     

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on July 29, 2015 for shareholders of record on June 1, 2015, to elect director nominees for each Fund. There were no broker non-votes with regard to any of the Funds.

Approved the Directors as follows:

 

     

Frank J. Fabozzi1

  

James T. Flynn1

  

Barbara G. Novick2

      Votes For    Votes
Withheld
   Abstain    Votes For    Votes
Withheld
   Abstain    Votes For    Votes
Withheld
   Abstain

BHL

   8,406,555    57,374    0    8,392,001    71,928    0    8,405,328    58,601    0

BLW

   32,593,416    451,435    0    32,552,527    492,324    0    32,594,388    450,463    0
    

John M. Perlowski3

  

Karen P. Robards1

              
      Votes For    Votes
Withheld
   Abstain    Votes For    Votes
Withheld
   Abstain               

BHL

   8,405,328    58,601    0    8,405,803    58,126    0         

BLW

   32,599,520    445,331    0    32,559,145    485,706    0               

For the Funds listed above, Directors whose term of office continued after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders because they were not up for election are Michael J. Castellano, Richard E. Cavanagh, Kathleen F. Feldstein, Jerrold B. Harris, R. Glenn Hubbard and W. Carl Kester.

 

  1   

Class II

 

  2   

Class III

 

  3   

Class I

Approved the Directors as follows:

 

             Votes For        Votes Withheld        Abstain  
FRA   Michael J. Castellano        32,403,178           1,224,526           0   
  Kathleen F. Feldstein        32,365,055           1,262,649           0   
  R. Glenn Hubbard        32,378,251           1,249,453           0   
  John M. Perlowski        32,383,857           1,243,846           0   
  Richard E. Cavanaugh        32,383,374           1,244,329           0   
  James T. Flynn        32,366,262           1,261,441           0   
  W. Carl Kester        32,388,654           1,239,050           0   
  Karen P. Robards        32,407,971           1,219,733           0   
  Frank J. Fabozzi        32,373,143           1,254,560           0   
  Jerrold B. Harris        32,379,246           1,248,457           0   
    Barbara G. Novick        32,414,020           1,213,683           0   

 

Fund Certification

Certain Funds are listed for trading on the NYSE and have filed with the NYSE their annual chief executive officer certification regarding compliance with the NYSE’s listing standards. The Funds filed with the SEC the certification of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer required by section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

Dividend Policy

Each Fund’s dividend policy is to distribute all or a portion of its net investment income to its shareholders on a monthly basis. In order to provide shareholders with a more stable level of dividend distributions, the distributions paid by the Funds for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income earned by the Funds during such month. The portion of distributions that exceeds a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, which are measured on a tax basis, will constitute a nontaxable return of capital. Distributions in excess of a Fund’s taxable income and net capital gains, but not in excess of a Fund’s earnings and profits, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income and will not constitute a nontaxable return of capital. The Funds’ current accumulated but undistributed net investment income, if any, is disclosed in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, which comprises part of the financial information included in this report.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    89


Additional Information (continued)     

 

 

General Information

BHL does not make available copies of its Statement of Additional Information because BHL’s shares are not continuously offered, which means that BHL’s Statement of Additional Information has not been updated after the completion of BHL’s offering and the information contained in BHL’s Statement of Additional Information may have become outdated.

BLW and FRA’s respective Statements of Additional Information include additional information about their respective Boards and are available, without charge upon request by calling (800) 882-0052.

During the period, there were no material changes in the Funds’ investment objectives or policies or to the Funds’ charters or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control of the Funds that were not approved by shareholders or in the principal risk factors associated with investment in the Funds. There have been no changes in the persons who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios.

Quarterly performance, semi-annual and annual reports, current net asset value and other information regarding the Funds may be found on BlackRock’s website, which can be accessed at http://www.blackrock.com. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this report.

Electronic Delivery

Shareholders can sign up for e-mail notifications of quarterly statements, annual and semi-annual reports by enrolling in the electronic delivery program. Electronic copies of shareholder reports are available on BlackRock’s website.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

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

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

Householding

The Funds will mail only one copy of shareholder documents, including annual and semi-annual reports and proxy statements, to shareholders with multiple accounts at the same address. This practice is commonly called “householding” and is intended to reduce expenses and eliminate duplicate mailings of shareholder documents. Mailings of your shareholder documents may be householded indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please call the Funds at (800) 882-0052.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The Funds files their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the 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, DC. Information on how to access documents on the SEC’s website without charge may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be obtained upon request and without charge by calling (800) 882-0052.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available upon request and without charge (1) by calling (800) 882-0052; (2) at http://www.blackrock.com; and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Availability of Proxy Voting Record

Information about how the Funds voted proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge (1) at http://www.blackrock.com or by calling (800) 882-0052 and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Availability of Fund Updates

BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Funds on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of http://www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Funds. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this report.

 

                
90    ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015   


Additional Information (concluded)     

 

 

Section 19(a) Notices

BLW’s amounts and sources of distributions reported are estimates and are provided to you pursuant to regulatory requirements and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the year and may be subject to changes based on the tax regulations. The Fund will provide a Form 1099-DIV each calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Section 19(a) notices for the Fund, as applicable, are available on the BlackRock website http://www.blackrock.com.

 

August 31, 2015                                                                  
            Total Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative
Distributions by Character
    Percentage of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative
Distributions by Character
 
     Ticker     Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
Short Term
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
Long Term
   

Return

of

Capital

   

Total

Per
Common
Share

    Net
Investment
Income
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
Short Term
    Net Realized
Capital Gains
Long Term
    Return of
Capital
    Total Per
Common
Share
 

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

    BLW      $ 1.216503                    $ 0.074497      $ 1.291000        94     0     0     6     100

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than the amount of earned income and net realized gains; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the shareholder’s investment in a Fund is returned to the shareholder. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect a Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income.’ When distributions exceed total return performance, the difference will incrementally reduce the Funds’ net asset value per share.

 

Shelf Offering Program

From time-to-time, each Fund may seek to raise additional equity capital through an equity shelf program (a “Shelf Offering”). In a Shelf Offering, a Fund may, subject to market conditions, raise additional equity capital by issuing new Common Shares from time to time in varying amounts at a net price at or above the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per Common Share (calculated within 48 hours of pricing). While any such Shelf Offering may allow a Fund to pursue additional investment opportunities without the need to sell existing portfolio investments, it could also entail risks — including that the issuance of additional Common Shares may limit the extent to which the Common Shares are able to trade at a premium to NAV in the secondary market. BHL has not filed a registration statement with respect to any Shelf Offerings. This report is not an offer to sell Fund Common Shares and is not a solicitation of an offer to buy Fund Common Shares. If a fund files a registration statement with respect to any Shelf Offering, the prospectus contained therein will contain more complete information about BHL and should be read carefully before investing.

BLW and FRA each have filed a final prospectus with the SEC in connection with its Shelf Offering. This report and the prospectuses of BLW and FRA are not an offer to sell BLW or FRA Common Shares or a solicitation of an offer to buy BLW or FRA Common Shares in any jurisdiction where such offers or sales are not permitted. The prospectuses of BLW and FRA contain important information about such Funds, including their investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Investors are urged to read the prospectuses of BLW and FRA carefully and in their entirety before investing. Copies of the final prospectuses for BLW and FRA can be obtained from BlackRock at http://www.blackrock.com.

 

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.

 

                
   ANNUAL REPORT    AUGUST 31, 2015    91


This report is intended for current holders. It is not a prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be considered a representation of future performance. The Funds have leveraged their Common Shares, which creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares, and the risk that fluctuations in short-term interest rates may reduce the Common Shares’ yield. Statements and other information herein are as dated and are subject to change.

 

LOGO

 

CEFT-BK3-8/15-AR    LOGO


Item 2 – Code of Ethics – The registrant (or the “Fund”) has adopted a code of ethics, as of the end of the period covered by this report, applicable to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. During the period covered by this report, the code of ethics was amended to update certain information and to make other non-material changes. During the period covered by this report, there have been no waivers granted under the code of ethics. The registrant undertakes to provide a copy of the code of ethics to any person upon request, without charge, by calling 1-800-882-0052, option 4.

 

Item 3 – Audit Committee Financial Expert – The registrant’s board of directors (the “board of directors”), has determined that (i) the registrant has the following audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee and (ii) each audit committee financial expert is independent:

 

   Michael Castellano
   Frank J. Fabozzi
   James T. Flynn
   W. Carl Kester
   Karen P. Robards

 

   The registrant’s board of directors has determined that W. Carl Kester and Karen P. Robards qualify as financial experts pursuant to Item 3(c)(4) of Form N-CSR.

 

   Prof. Kester has a thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as well as audit committee functions. Prof. Kester has been involved in providing valuation and other financial consulting services to corporate clients since 1978. Prof. Kester’s financial consulting services present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the registrant’s financial statements.

 

   Ms. Robards has a thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as well as audit committee functions. Ms. Robards has been President of Robards & Company, a financial advisory firm, since 1987. Ms. Robards was formerly an investment banker for more than 10 years where she was responsible for evaluating and assessing the performance of companies based on their financial results. Ms. Robards has over 30 years of experience analyzing financial statements. She also is a member of the audit committee of one publicly held company and a non-profit organization.

 

   Under applicable securities laws, a person determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and board of directors in the absence of such designation or identification. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not affect the duties, obligations, or liability of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.

 

2


Item 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

   The following table presents fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”) in each of the last two fiscal years for the services rendered to the Fund:

 

     (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 Floating Rate Income

Strategies Fund, Inc.

  $74,688   $67,688   $4,000   $0   $25,056   $24,800   $0   $0

The following table presents fees billed by D&T that were required to be approved by the registrant’s audit committee (the “Committee”) for services that relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund and that are rendered on behalf of BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“Investment Adviser” or “BlackRock”) and entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with BlackRock (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser) that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Fund Service Providers”):

 

      Current Fiscal Year End    Previous Fiscal Year End

(b) Audit-Related Fees1

   $0    $0

(c) Tax Fees2

   $0    $0

(d) All Other Fees3

   $2,391,000    $2,555,000

1 The nature of the services includes 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 includes tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

3 Aggregate fees borne by BlackRock in connection with the review of compliance procedures and attestation thereto performed by D&T with respect to all of the registered closed-end funds and some of the registered open-end funds advised by BlackRock.

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

The Committee has adopted policies and procedures with regard to the pre-approval of services. Audit, audit-related and tax compliance services provided to the registrant on an annual basis require specific pre-approval by the Committee. The Committee also must approve other non-audit services provided to the registrant and those non-audit services provided to the Investment Adviser and Fund Service Providers that relate directly to the operations and the financial reporting of the registrant. Certain of these non-audit services that the Committee believes are (a) consistent with the SEC’s auditor independence rules and (b) routine and recurring services that will not impair the independence of the independent accountants may be approved by the Committee without consideration on a specific case-by-case basis (“general pre-approval”). The term of any general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of the pre-approval, unless the Committee provides for a different period. Tax or other non-audit services provided to the registrant which have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the registrant will only be deemed pre-approved provided that any individual project does not exceed $10,000 attributable to the registrant or $50,000 per project. For this purpose, multiple projects will be aggregated to determine if they exceed the previously mentioned cost levels.

Any proposed services exceeding the pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Committee, as will any other services not subject to general pre-approval (e.g.,

 

3


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 Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception in paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

  (f) Not Applicable

 

  (g) The aggregate non-audit fees paid to the accountant for services rendered by the accountant to the registrant, the Investment Adviser and the Fund Service Providers were:

 

Entity Name

  

Current Fiscal Year

End

  

Previous Fiscal Year

End

BlackRock Floating Rate Income

Strategies Fund, Inc.

   $25,056    $24,800

 

  Additionally, SSAE 16 Review (Formerly, SAS No. 70) fees for the current and previous fiscal years of $2,391,000 and $2,555,000, respectively, were billed by D&T to the Investment Adviser.

 

  (h) The Committee has considered and determined that the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the Investment Adviser, and the Fund Service Providers that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5 – Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

  (a) The following individuals are members of the registrant’s separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)):  

 

    Michael Castellano
    Frank J. Fabozzi
    James T. Flynn
    W. Carl Kester
    Karen P. Robards

 

  (b) Not Applicable

 

Item 6 – Investments
  (a) The registrant’s Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

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

 

Item 7 – Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – The board of directors has delegated the voting of proxies for the Fund’s portfolio securities to the Investment Adviser pursuant to the Investment Adviser’s proxy voting guidelines. Under these guidelines, the Investment Adviser will vote proxies related to Fund securities in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders. From time to time, a vote may present a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s stockholders, on the one hand, and those of the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person of the Fund or the Investment Adviser, on the other. In such event, provided that the Investment Adviser’s Equity Investment Policy Oversight Committee, or a sub-committee thereof (the “Oversight Committee”) is aware of the real or potential conflict or material non-routine matter and if the Oversight Committee does not reasonably believe it is able to follow its general voting guidelines (or if the particular proxy matter is not addressed in the guidelines) and vote impartially, the Oversight Committee may retain an independent fiduciary to advise the Oversight Committee on how to vote or to cast votes on behalf of the Investment Adviser’s clients. If the Investment Adviser determines not to retain an independent fiduciary, or does not desire to follow the advice of such independent fiduciary, the Oversight Committee shall determine how to vote the proxy after consulting with the Investment Adviser’s Portfolio Management Group and/or the Investment Adviser’s Legal and Compliance Department and concluding that the vote cast is in its client’s best interest notwithstanding the conflict. A copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are attached as Exhibit 99.PROXYPOL. Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, (i) at www.blackrock.com and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Item 8 – Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies – as of August 31, 2015.

 

  (a)(1) The registrant is managed by a team of investment professionals comprised of Leland Hart, Managing Director at BlackRock, and C. Adrian Marshall, Director at BlackRock. Each is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the registrant’s portfolio, which includes setting the registrant’s overall investment strategy, overseeing the management of the registrant and/or selection of its investments. Messrs. Hart and Marshall have been members of the registrant’s portfolio management team since 2009.

 

Portfolio Manager    Biography
Leland Hart   

Managing Director of BlackRock since 2009; Partner of R3 Capital Partners (“R3”) in 2009; Managing Director of R3 from 2008 to 2009; Managing Director of Lehman Brothers from 2006 to 2008; Executive Director of Lehman Brothers from 2003 to 2006.

 

C. Adrian Marshall   

Director of BlackRock since 2007; Vice President of BlackRock from 2004 to 2007.

 

 

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  (a)(2) As of August 31, 2015:

 

    

(ii) Number of Other Accounts Managed

and Assets by Account Type

 

(iii) Number of Other Accounts and

Assets for Which Advisory Fee is

Performance-Based

(i) Name of

  Portfolio Manager  

 

Other

Registered

Investment

Companies

 

Other Pooled

Investment

Vehicles

 

Other

Accounts

 

Other

Registered

Investment

Companies

 

Other Pooled

Investment

Vehicles

 

Other

Accounts

Leland Hart

  6   23   11   0   5   0
    $4.86 Billion   $6.71 Billion   $1.31 Billion   $0   $21.61 Million   $0

C. Adrian Marshall

  6   23   15   0   4   0
    $4.86 Billion   $6.67 Billion   $2.07 Billion   $0   $1.22 Million   $0

 

(iv) Portfolio Manager Potential Material Conflicts of Interest

BlackRock has built a professional working environment, firm-wide compliance culture and compliance procedures and systems designed to protect against potential incentives that may favor one account over another. BlackRock has adopted policies and procedures that address the allocation of investment opportunities, execution of portfolio transactions, personal trading by employees and other potential conflicts of interest that are designed to ensure that all client accounts are treated equitably over time. Nevertheless, BlackRock furnishes investment management and advisory services to numerous clients in addition to the Fund, and BlackRock may, consistent with applicable law, make investment recommendations to other clients or accounts (including accounts which are hedge funds or have performance or higher fees paid to BlackRock, or in which portfolio managers have a personal interest in the receipt of such fees), which may be the same as or different from those made to the Fund. In addition, BlackRock, Inc., its affiliates and significant shareholders and any officer, director, shareholder or employee may or may not have an interest in the securities whose purchase and sale BlackRock recommends to the Fund. BlackRock, Inc., or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders, or any officer, director, shareholder, employee or any member of their families may take different actions than those recommended to the Fund by BlackRock with respect to the same securities. Moreover, BlackRock may refrain from rendering any advice or services concerning securities of companies of which any of BlackRock, Inc.’s (or its affiliates’ or significant shareholders’) officers, directors or employees are directors or officers, or companies as to which BlackRock, Inc. or any of its affiliates or significant shareholders or the officers, directors and employees of any of them has any substantial economic interest or possesses material non-public information. Certain portfolio managers also may manage accounts whose investment strategies may at times be opposed to the strategy utilized for a fund. It should also be noted that Messrs. Hart and Marshall may be managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, or may be part of a team managing hedge fund and/or long only accounts, subject to incentive fees. Messrs. Hart and Marshall may therefore be entitled to receive a portion of any incentive fees earned on such accounts.

As a fiduciary, BlackRock owes a duty of loyalty to its clients and must treat each client fairly. When BlackRock purchases or sells securities for more than one account, the trades must be allocated in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duties. BlackRock attempts to allocate investments in a fair and equitable manner among client accounts, with no account receiving preferential treatment. To this end, BlackRock, Inc. has adopted policies that are intended to ensure reasonable efficiency in client transactions and provide BlackRock with sufficient flexibility to allocate investments in a manner that is consistent with the particular investment discipline and client base, as appropriate.

 

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(a)(3) As of August 31, 2015:

Portfolio Manager Compensation Overview

The discussion below describes the portfolio managers’ compensation as of August 31, 2015.

BlackRock’s financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The principal components of compensation include a base salary, a performance-based discretionary bonus, participation in various benefits programs and one or more of the incentive compensation programs established by BlackRock.

Base compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base compensation based on their position with the firm.

Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is a function of several components: the performance of BlackRock, Inc., the performance of the portfolio manager’s group within BlackRock, the investment performance, including risk-adjusted returns, of the firm’s assets under management or supervision by that portfolio manager relative to predetermined benchmarks, and the individual’s performance and contribution to the overall performance of these portfolios and BlackRock. In most cases, these benchmarks are the same as the benchmark or benchmarks against which the performance of the Funds or other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are measured. Among other things, BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officers make a subjective determination with respect to each portfolio manager’s compensation based on the performance of the Funds and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager relative to the various benchmarks. Performance of fixed income funds is measured on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis over various time periods including 1-, 3- and 5- year periods, as applicable. With respect to these portfolio managers, such benchmarks for the Fund and other accounts are: a combination of market-based indices (e.g., S&P Leveraged All Loan Index), certain customized indices and certain fund industry peer groups.

Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation. Discretionary incentive compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a combination of cash and BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units which vest ratably over a number of years. For some portfolio managers, discretionary incentive compensation is also distributed in deferred cash awards that notionally track the returns of select BlackRock investment products they manage and that vest ratably over a number of years. The BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units, upon vesting, will be settled in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. Typically, the cash portion of the discretionary incentive compensation, when combined with base salary, represents more than 60% of total compensation for the portfolio managers. Paying a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in BlackRock, Inc. stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given year “at risk” based on BlackRock’s ability to sustain and improve its performance over future periods. Providing a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in deferred cash awards that notionally track the BlackRock investment products they manage provides direct alignment with investment product results.

Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards — From time to time long-term incentive equity awards are granted to certain key employees to aid in retention, align their interests with long-term shareholder interests and motivate performance. Equity awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that, once vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. The portfolio managers of this Fund have unvested long-term incentive awards.

 

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Deferred Compensation Program — A portion of the compensation paid to eligible United States-based BlackRock employees may be voluntarily deferred at their election for defined periods of time into an account that tracks the performance of certain of the firm’s investment products. Any portfolio manager who is either a managing director or director at BlackRock with compensation above a specified threshold is eligible to participate in the deferred compensation program.

Other Compensation Benefits. In addition to base salary and discretionary incentive compensation, portfolio managers may be eligible to receive or participate in one or more of the following:

Incentive Savings Plans — BlackRock, Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock, Inc. employees are eligible to participate, including a 401(k) plan, the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The employer contribution components of the RSP include a company match equal to 50% of the first 8% of eligible pay contributed to the plan capped at $5,000 per year, and a company retirement contribution equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation up to the Internal Revenue Service limit ($265,000 for 2015). The RSP offers a range of investment options, including registered investment companies and collective investment funds managed by the firm. BlackRock, Inc. contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, absent participant investment direction, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock, Inc. common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the purchase date. All of the eligible portfolio managers are eligible to participate in these plans.

(a)(4) Beneficial Ownership of Securities – As of August 31, 2015.

 

Portfolio Manager    Dollar Range of Equity Securities
of the Fund Beneficially Owned
Leland Hart    $100,001-$500,000
C. Adrian Marshall    $10,001-$50,000

 

  (b) Not Applicable
Item 9 –   Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers – Not Applicable due to no such purchases during the period covered by this report.
Item 10 –   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – There have been no material changes to these procedures.
Item 11 –   Controls and Procedures

 

8


 

(a) – The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in

Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(b) – There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in

Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the 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
  (a)(1) – Code of Ethics – See Item 2
  (a)(2) – Certifications – Attached hereto
  (a)(3) – Not Applicable
  (b) – Certifications – Attached hereto

 

9


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 Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.
By:   

/s/ John M. Perlowski

  
   John M. Perlowski   
   Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of
   BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.
Date: November 3, 2015   

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 Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.
Date: November 3, 2015   
By:   

/s/ Neal J. Andrews

  
   Neal J. Andrews   
   Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) of
   BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund, Inc.
Date: November 3, 2015   

 

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