N-CSRS 1 d443666dncsrs.htm BLACKROCK CREDIT STRATEGIES FUND BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

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: 811-23380

 

Name of Fund:   BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Fund Address:   100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809

Name and address of agent for service: John M. Perlowski, Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund, 50 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

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

Date of fiscal year end: 12/31/2023

Date of reporting period: 06/30/2023


Item 1 – Report to Stockholders

(a) The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.

 


 

LOGO

  JUNE 30, 2023

 

 

  

2023 Semi-Annual Report

(Unaudited)

 

 

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • No Bank Guarantee


The Markets in Review

Dear Shareholder,

Despite an uncertain economic landscape during the 12-month reporting period ended June 30, 2023, the resilience of the U.S. economy in the face of ever tighter financial conditions provided an encouraging backdrop for investors. Inflation remained elevated as labor costs grew rapidly and unemployment rates reached the lowest levels in decades. However, inflation moderated substantially as the period continued, while ongoing strength in consumer spending backstopped the economy.

Equity returns were strong, as continued job growth eased investors’ concerns about the economy’s durability. The U.S. economy resumed growth in the third quarter of 2022 and continued to expand thereafter. Most major classes of equities advanced significantly, including large- and small-capitalization U.S. stocks and international equities from developed markets. Emerging market equities also gained, although at a substantially slower pace, pressured by high interest rates and falling commodities prices.

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

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), acknowledging that inflation has been more persistent than expected, raised interest rates seven times. Furthermore, the Fed wound down its bond-buying programs and incrementally reduced its balance sheet by not replacing securities that reach maturity. However, the Fed declined to raise interest rates at its June 2023 meeting, which made it the first meeting without a rate increase since the tightening cycle began in early 2022.

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

While we favor an overweight to developed market equities in the long term, we prefer an underweight stance in the near term. Expectations for corporate earnings remain elevated, which seems inconsistent with macroeconomic constraints. Nevertheless, we are overweight on emerging market stocks in the near-term as growth trends for emerging markets appear brighter. We also believe that stocks with an A.I. tilt should benefit from an investment cycle that is set to support revenues and margins. We are neutral on credit overall amid tightening credit and financial conditions, however there are selective opportunities in the near term. For fixed income investing with a six- to twelve-month horizon, we see the most attractive investments in short-term U.S. Treasuries, U.S. inflation-linked bonds, U.S. mortgage-backed securities, and emerging market bonds denominated in local currency.

Overall, our view is that investors need to think globally, position themselves to be prepared for a decarbonizing economy, and be nimble as market conditions change. We encourage you to talk with your financial advisor and visit 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 June 30, 2023

 

    

 

 6-Month 

 

 

 

 12-Month 

 

 

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

 

  16.89%    19.59%

 

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

 

  8.09      12.31  

 

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

 

  11.67       18.77  

 

Emerging market equities
(MSCI Emerging Markets Index)

 

  4.89     1.75

 

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

 

  2.25     3.60

 

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

 

  1.70     (3.97)

 

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

 

  2.09     (0.94)

 

Tax-exempt municipal bonds
(Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index)

 

  2.67     3.19

 

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

 

  5.38     9.07

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

 

2  

T H I S   P A G E   I S   N O T   P A R T   O F   Y O U R   F U N D   R E P O R T


Table of Contents

 

      Page  

The Markets in Review

     2  

Semi-Annual Report:

  

The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging

     4  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     4  

Fund Summary

     5  

About Fund Performance

     7  

Disclosure of Expenses for Continuously Offered Closed-End Funds

     7  

Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

     9  

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     40  

Consolidated Statement of Operations

     42  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     43  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

     44  

Financial Highlights

     46  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     50  

Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements

     63  

Additional Information

     66  

Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

     68  

 

 

  3


The Benefits and Risks of Leveraging   

 

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

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

To illustrate these concepts, assume the 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 Fund 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 Fund’s return on assets purchased with leverage proceeds, income to shareholders is lower than if the Fund had not used leverage. Furthermore, the value of the Fund’s 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 amount of the Fund’s obligations under its leverage arrangement generally does not fluctuate in relation to interest rates. As a result, changes in interest rates can influence the Fund’s 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 Fund’s intended leveraging strategy will be successful.

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

The Fund may utilize leverage through a credit facility or reverse repurchase agreements as described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, if applicable.

Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund is permitted to borrow money (including through the use of TOB Trusts) or issue debt securities up to 33 1/3% of its total managed assets. The Fund may voluntarily elect to limit its leverage to less than the maximum amount permitted under the 1940 Act. In addition, the 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.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may invest in various derivative financial instruments. These instruments are used to obtain exposure to a security, commodity, index, market, and/or other assets without owning or taking physical custody of securities, commodities and/or other referenced assets or to manage market, equity, credit, interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, commodity and/or other risks. Derivative financial instruments may give rise to a form of economic leverage and involve risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of a derivative financial instrument and the underlying asset, possible default of the counterparty to the transaction or illiquidity of the instrument. Pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, among other things, the Fund must either use derivative financial instruments with embedded leverage in a limited manner or comply with an outer limit on fund leverage risk based on value-at-risk. The Fund’s successful use of a derivative financial instrument depends on the investment adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements accurately, which cannot be assured. The use of these instruments may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment and/or may result in lower distributions paid to shareholders. The Fund’s investments in these instruments, if any, are discussed in detail in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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Fund Summary  as of June 30, 2023    BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Investment Objective

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund’s (the “Fund”) investment objective is to seek to provide high income and attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its managed assets in fixed income securities, with an emphasis on public and private corporate credit.

The Fund’s common shares are not listed on any securities exchange. The Fund is designed for long-term investors, and an investment in the common shares, unlike an investment in a traditional listed closed-end fund, should be considered illiquid.

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

Net Asset Value Per Share Summary

 

     06/30/23     12/31/22     Change     High     Low  

Net Asset Value — Institutional

  $ 8.60     $ 8.48       1.42   $ 8.76     $ 8.48  

Net Asset Value — Class A

    8.63       8.50       1.53       8.78       8.50  

Net Asset Value — Class U

    8.63       8.50       1.53       8.78       8.50  

Net Asset Value — Class W

    8.63       8.50       1.53       8.78       8.50  

Performance

Returns for the period ended June 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

                             Average Annual Total Returns(a)  
          

 

 

 
                             1 Year     Since
Inception(b)
 
          

 

 

   

 

 

 
             Standardized
30-Day Yields
    Unsubsidized
30-Day Yields
    6-Month
Total
Returns
    Without
Sales
Charge
    With
Sales
Charge
    Without
Sales
Charge
    With
Sales
Charge
 

Institutional(c)

       10.84     10.84     5.53     8.50     N/A       3.36     N/A  

Class A(c)

       9.85       9.85       5.24       7.82       5.12     2.64       2.04

Class U(c)

       10.12       10.12       5.24       7.82       N/A       2.63       N/A  

Class W(c)

       9.75       9.75       5.24       7.82       4.04       2.63       1.79  

Morningstar LSTA Leveraged Loan Index(d)

                   6.48       10.71       N/A       4.20       N/A  

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

                         5.38       9.07       N/A       2.96       N/A  

 

  (a)

Assuming maximum sales charges, if any. Average annual total returns with and without sales charges reflect reductions for distribution and service fees. See “About Fund Performance” for a detailed description of share classes, including any related sales charges and fees, and how performance was calculated for certain share classes.

 
  (b)

The Fund commenced operations on February 28, 2019.

 
  (c)

All returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and/or distributions at NAV on the payable date. Performance results reflect the Fund’s use of leverage, if any.

 
  (d)

Morningstar LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (formerly S&P®/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index), an unmanaged market value-weighted index designed to measure the performance of the U.S. leveraged loan market based upon market weightings, spreads and interest payments.

 
  (e)

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

 

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

Performance results may include adjustments made for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

The Fund is presenting the performance of one or more indices for informational purposes only. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to track or replicate the performance of any index. The index performance shown is not intended to be indicative of the Fund’s investment strategies, portfolio components or past or future performance.

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

What factors influenced performance?

Private credit exposure continued to lead positive contributions to the Fund’s performance, providing an attractive yield premium versus public markets as a result of trends such as tightening lending standards and heightened cost of capital. Within the portfolio’s liquid assets, high yield corporate bonds and floating rate exposure in the form of bank loans and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) further contributed to returns.

The Fund’s stance with respect to duration and corresponding interest rate sensitivity detracted from performance, along with exposure to equity downside hedges and preferred securities.

The Fund utilizes various derivatives positions as part of its investment strategy, including employing leverage, forward contracts to hedge foreign currency exposure of non-U.S. positions back to U.S. dollars, interest rate futures to adjust duration positioning tactically as needed, and credit default swaps to gain access to or to hedge broad market exposure. The use of derivatives had a positive impact on performance.

 

 

F U N D    S U M M A R Y

  5


Fund Summary  as of June 30, 2023 (continued)    BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Describe recent portfolio activity.

The Fund marginally increased exposure to floating rate assets, specifically CLOs and Bank Loans. Additionally, the Fund selectively increased its allocation to emerging markets corporate credit, while reducing its global high yield corporate exposure, most notably in the United States and Europe.

Describe portfolio positioning at period end.

The Fund maintained a conservative positioning at period-end based on uncertainty over the timing of when central banks will believe they have tamed inflation and in anticipation of continued volatility as economic data is released and any “higher-for-longer” interest rate scenarios drive market weakness. The Fund ended the period with a continued tilt toward floating rate assets such as private credit, bank loans and CLOs, which continued to offer attractive yields as of period end. While the portfolio is up-in-quality given heightened near-term risks, it remains positioned to tactically deploy into idiosyncratic opportunities. Despite the relative outperformance and lower volatility that private credit has recently provided, the asset class is not insulated from the higher cost-of-capital and slowing economic growth environment, and the Fund was selectively positioned there with a focus on deals with strong lender protections.

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.

Overview of the Fund’s Total Investments

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

 

   
Asset Type(a)   Percentage of
Total Investments
 

Floating Rate Loan Interests

    64.4

Corporate Bonds

    23.2  

Asset-Backed Securities

    7.7  

Preferred Securities

    2.7  

Common Stocks

    1.2  

Other*

    0.8  

CREDIT QUALITY ALLOCATION

 

 

   
Credit Rating(a)(b)   Percentage of
Total Investments
 

AAA/Aaa

    0.3

AA/Aa

    1.4  

A

    4.2  

BBB/Baa

    7.1  

BB/Ba

    8.5  

B

    23.3  

CCC/Caa

    9.0  

CC

    (c) 

C

    (c) 

D

    0.1  

N/R(d)

    46.1  
 

 

(a)

Excludes short-term securities.

(b)

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

(c)

Rounds to less than 0.1% of total investments.

(d)

The investment adviser evaluates the credit quality of unrated investments based upon certain factors including, but not limited to, credit ratings for similar investments and financial analysis of sectors and individual investments. Using this approach, the investment adviser has deemed certain of these unrated securities as investment grade quality. As of June 30, 2023, the market value of unrated securities deemed by the investment adviser to be investment grade represents less than 1.0% of the Fund’s total investments.

*

Includes one or more investment categories that individually represents less than 1.0% of the Fund’s total investments. Please refer to the Consolidated Schedule of Investments for details.

 

 

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About Fund Performance   

 

Institutional Shares are not subject to any sales charge. These shares bear no ongoing distribution or service fees but are only available through the Fund’s distributor or an asset-based fee program sponsored by a registered broker-dealer or registered investment adviser (also known as a “wrap fee” program) that has an agreement with the Fund’s distributor.

Class A Shares are subject to a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 2.50% and servicing and distribution fee of 0.75% per year. A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.50% is assessed on Fund repurchases of Class A Shares made within 18 months after purchase where no initial sales load was paid at the time of purchase as part of an investment of $250,000 or more. Class A Shares performance shown prior to the Class A Shares inception date of April 1, 2020 is that of Institutional Shares (which have no distribution or service fees) and was restated to reflect Class A Shares fees.

Class U Shares are not subject to any sales charge. These shares are subject to a servicing and distribution fee of 0.75% per year. These shares are available only to clients of financial intermediaries with which the Fund has a selling agreement to distribute such shares. Class U Shares performance shown prior to the Class U Shares inception date of July 12, 2021 is that of Institutional Shares (which have no distribution or service fees) and was restated to reflect Class U Shares fees.

Class W Shares are subject to a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 3.50% and servicing and distribution fee of 0.75% per year. These shares are available only through brokerage, transactional-based accounts. Class W Shares performance shown prior to the Class W Shares inception date of July 12, 2021 is that of Institutional Shares (which have no distribution or service fees) and was restated to reflect Class W Shares fees.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. As a result, current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Refer to blackrock.com to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Figures shown in the performance table(s) assume reinvestment of all distributions, if any, at net asset value (“NAV”) on the ex-dividend date or payable date, as applicable. Investment return and principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Distributions paid to each class of shares will vary because of the different levels of service, distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to each class, which are deducted from the income available to be paid to shareholders.

BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually and/or voluntarily agreed to waive and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund’s expenses. Without such waiver(s) and/or reimbursement(s), the Fund’s performance would have been lower. With respect to the Fund’s voluntary waiver(s), if any, the Manager is under no obligation to waive and/or reimburse or to continue waiving and/or reimbursing its fees and such voluntary waiver(s) may be reduced or discontinued at any time. With respect to the Fund’s contractual waiver(s), if any, the Manager is under no obligation to continue waiving and/or reimbursing its fees after the applicable termination date of such agreement. See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on waivers and/or reimbursements.

The standardized 30-day yield includes the effects of any waivers and/or reimbursements. The unsubsidized 30-day yield excludes the effects of any waivers and/or reimbursements.

Disclosure of Expenses for Continuously Offered Closed-End Funds

Shareholders of the Fund may incur the following charges: (a) transactional expenses, including sales charges and early withdrawal fees; and (b) operating expenses, including investment advisory fees, and other fund expenses. The example below (which is based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) is intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in the Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

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

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

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

 

 

A B O U T  F U N D  P E R F O R M A N C E

  7


Disclosure of Expenses for Continuously Offered Closed-End Funds  (continued)

 

Expense Example for Continuously Offered Closed-End Funds

 

    Actual           Hypothetical 5% Return                    
                Expenses Paid During the
Period
                Including Interest
Expense
and Fees
          Excluding Interest
Expense
and Fees
          Annualized Expense Ratio  
     


Beginning
Account
Value
(01/01/23)
 
 
 
 
   


Ending
Account
Value
(06/30/23)
 
 
 
 
   


Including
Interest
Expense
and Fees(a)
 
 
 
 
   


Excluding
Interest
Expense
and Fees(a)
 
 
 
 
           


Beginning
Account
Value
(01/01/23)
 
 
 
 
   


Ending
Account
Value
(06/30/23)
 
 
 
 
   



Expenses
Paid
During
the
Period(a)
 
 

 
 
           


Ending
Account
Value
(06/30/23)
 
 
 
 
   



Expenses
Paid
During
the
Period(a)
 
 

 
 
           


Including
Interest
Expense
and Fees
 
 
 
 
   


Excluding
Interest
Expense
and Fees
 
 
 
 

Institutional

    $ 1,000.00       $ 1,055.30       $ 11.52       $   7.34         $ 1,000.00       $ 1,013.59       $ 11.28         $ 1,017.65       $   7.19         2.26     1.44

Class A

    1,000.00       1,052.40       15.01       10.79         1,000.00       1,010.17       14.70         1,014.28       10.57         2.95       2.12  

Class U

    1,000.00       1,052.40       15.11       10.89         1,000.00       1,010.07       14.80         1,014.18       10.67         2.97       2.14  

Class W

    1,000.00       1,052.40       14.96       10.79               1,000.00       1,010.22       14.65               1,014.28       10.57               2.94       2.12  

 

(a)

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

 

 

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  

Asset-Backed Securities

                                                   

AGL CLO 12 Ltd., Series 2021-12A, Class B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.60%), 6.85%, 07/20/34(a)(b)

    USD       1,000     $ 982,892  

AIG CLO LLC, Series 2020-1A, Class CR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.00%), 7.26%, 04/15/34(a)(b)

      2,000       1,939,382  

Anchorage Capital CLO 11 Ltd., Series 2019-11A, Class A, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.30%), 7.57%, 07/22/32(a)(b)

      1,000       979,225  

Bain Capital Credit CLO Ltd.(a)(b)

     

Series 2019-2A, Class CR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.10%), 7.36%, 10/17/32

      1,000       954,266  

Series 2021-4A, Class B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.65%), 6.90%, 10/20/34

      1,000       963,558  

Series 2021-6A, Class B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.65%), 6.91%, 10/21/34

      1,500       1,429,815  

Battalion CLO X Ltd., Series 2016-10A, Class BR2, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.05%), 7.32%, 01/25/35(a)(b)

      1,000       951,958  

CarVal CLO II Ltd., Series 2019-1A, Class DR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.20%), 8.45%, 04/20/32(a)(b)

      1,000       925,341  

CarVal CLO IV Ltd., Series 2021-1A, Class D, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.25%), 8.50%, 07/20/34(a)(b)

      1,000       929,480  

CIFC Funding I Ltd., Series 2015-1A, Class CRR, (3- mo. LIBOR US + 1.90%), 7.17%, 01/22/31(a)(b)

      1,000       966,646  

CIFC Funding Ltd., Series 2019-1A, Class CR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.05%), 7.30%, 04/20/32(a)(b)

      1,000       983,812  

CIFC Funding V Ltd., Series 2019-5A, Class A2RS, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 7.01%, 01/15/35(a)(b)

      800       796,501  

Cook Park CLO Ltd., Series 2018-1A, Class C, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 7.01%, 04/17/30(a)(b)

      250       237,328  

Elmwood CLO I Ltd., Series 2019-1A, Class DR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 4.40%), 9.65%, 10/20/33(a)(b)

      1,000       998,928  

Flatiron CLO 21 Ltd., Series 2021-1A, Class D, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.90%), 8.17%, 07/19/34(a)(b)

      1,000       970,359  

Golub Capital Partners 48 LP, Series 2020-48A, Class C, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.80%), 8.06%, 04/17/33(a)(b)

      900       903,709  

Greywolf CLO V Ltd., Series 2015-1A, Class CR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.00%), 8.26%, 01/27/31(a)(b)

      500       456,098  

HalseyPoint CLO 4 Ltd., Series 2021-4A, Class C, (3- mo. LIBOR US + 2.15%), 7.40%, 04/20/34(a)(b)

      750       709,417  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 45 Ltd., Series 2021-45A, Class A, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.13%), 6.38%, 10/14/35(a)(b)

      1,500       1,471,500  

NYACK Park CLO Ltd., Series 2021-1A, Class C, (3- mo. LIBOR US + 1.95%), 7.20%, 10/20/34(a)(b)

      1,250       1,199,965  

OHA Credit Funding 2 Ltd., Series 2019-2A, Class DR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.30%), 8.56%, 04/21/34(a)(b)

      1,000       953,700  

OHA Loan Funding Ltd.(a)(b)

     

Series 2013-1A, Class DR2, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.05%), 8.32%, 07/23/31

      750       715,635  

Series 2015-1A, Class DR3, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.20%), 8.47%, 01/19/37

      1,000       940,662  

Palmer Square CLO Ltd.(a)(b)

     

Series 2022-1A, Class D, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.05%), 8.10%, 04/20/35

      1,000       933,928  

Series 2022-4A, Class C, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.95%), 7.21%, 10/15/34

      1,000       973,000  

Post CLO Ltd., Series 2022-1A, Class D, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.20%), 8.25%, 04/20/35(a)(b)

      1,000       927,594  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  

Asset-Backed Securities (continued)

 

Rad CLO 15 Ltd., Series 2021-15A, Class D, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.05%), 8.30%, 01/20/34(a)(b)

    USD       1,000     $ 920,535  

Regatta X Funding Ltd., Series 2017-3A, Class D, (3- mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 8.01%, 01/17/31(a)(b)

      250       237,453  

Signal Peak CLO 5 Ltd., Series 2018-5A, Class D, (3- mo. LIBOR US + 2.65%), 7.91%, 04/25/31(a)(b)

      700       635,375  

Signal Peak CLO 8 Ltd., Series 2018-8A, Class C, (3- mo. LIBOR US + 2.00%), 7.25%, 04/20/33(a)(b)

      1,000       975,123  

Sixth Street CLO XIX Ltd., Series 2021-19A, Class D, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.00%), 8.25%, 07/20/34(a)(b)

      1,000       923,626  

TCW CLO Ltd., Series 2021-1A, Class D2, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.88%), 9.13%, 03/18/34(a)(b)

      1,000       909,658  

TICP CLO XIII Ltd., Series 2019-13A, Class DR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.15%), 8.41%, 04/15/34(a)(b)

      1,000       951,852  

Webster Park CLO Ltd., Series 2015-1A, Class CR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.90%), 8.15%, 07/20/30(a)(b)

      690       613,460  

Whitebox CLO I Ltd., Series 2019-1A, Class ANBR, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 1.70%), 6.97%, 07/24/32(a)(b)

      2,000       1,965,617  

Whitebox CLO II Ltd., Series 2020-2A, Class CR, (3- mo. LIBOR US + 2.20%), 7.47%, 10/24/34(a)(b)

      640       623,594  
     

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities  8.1%
(Cost: $34,818,841)

        33,950,992  
     

 

 

 
            Shares         
Common Stocks                  
Biotechnology  0.1%                  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(c)

      50,000       553,000  
     

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering  0.0%                  

McDermott International Ltd.(c)

      2,158       388  
     

 

 

 
Financial Services  0.0%                  

NMG Parent LLC

      78       9,620  
     

 

 

 
Hotel & Resort REITs  0.5%                  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc

      157,000       2,012,740  
     

 

 

 
Household Durables  0.5%                  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.(c)

      43,000       2,097,110  
     

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals  0.1%                  

Milestone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(c)

      188,713       537,832  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks  1.2%
(Cost: $5,116,438)

        5,210,690  
     

 

 

 
            Par
(000)
        
Corporate Bonds                  
Aerospace & Defense  0.3%                  

Bombardier, Inc.(b)

     

7.50%, 03/15/25

    USD       2       2,003  

7.13%, 06/15/26

      172       170,841  

7.88%, 04/15/27

      79       78,797  

6.00%, 02/15/28

      182       172,009  

7.50%, 02/01/29

      48       47,441  

Rolls-Royce PLC, 5.75%, 10/15/27(b)

      166       162,307  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  9


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Aerospace & Defense (continued)                                                    

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.(b)

     

7.50%, 04/15/25

    USD       4     $ 3,952  

9.38%, 11/30/29

      100       107,057  

TransDigm, Inc.

     

6.25%, 03/15/26(b)

      262       260,720  

6.38%, 06/15/26

      13       12,831  

7.50%, 03/15/27

      16       16,023  

6.75%, 08/15/28(b)

      267       268,012  

Triumph Group, Inc., 9.00%, 03/15/28(b)

      131       133,756  
     

 

 

 
        1,435,749  
Automobile Components  0.2%                  

Clarios Global LP, 6.75%, 05/15/25(b)

      45       45,028  

Clarios Global LP/Clarios U.S. Finance
Co.(b)

     

6.25%, 05/15/26

      80       79,485  

8.50%, 05/15/27

      466       466,762  

Dealer Tire LLC/DT Issuer LLC, 8.00%, 02/01/28(b)

      33       30,062  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

     

5.00%, 07/15/29

      12       10,821  

5.63%, 04/30/33

      12       10,447  

Titan International, Inc., 7.00%, 04/30/28

      11       10,284  
     

 

 

 
        652,889  
Automobiles (b)  0.0%                  

Ken Garff Automotive LLC, 4.88%, 09/15/28

      24       21,108  

LCM Investments Holdings II LLC, 4.88%, 05/01/29

      39       33,374  

Lithia Motors, Inc., 3.88%, 06/01/29

      23       19,984  

MajorDrive Holdings IV LLC, 6.38%, 06/01/29

      44       34,937  
     

 

 

 
        109,403  
Banks  1.5%                  

Axis Bank Ltd./Gandhinagar, (5-year CMT + 3.32%), 4.10%(a)(d)(e)

      200       174,618  

Bangkok Bank PCL, (5-year CMT + 1.90%), 3.73%, 09/25/34(a)(e)

      200       170,366  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, 3.75%, 03/30/26(e)

      200       184,328  

China CITIC Bank International Ltd., (5-year CMT + 2.10%), 4.80%(a)(d)(e)

      250       241,263  

Chong Hing Bank Ltd., (5-year CMT + 3.86%), 5.70%(a)(d)(e)

      250       242,565  

Citigroup, Inc., (1-day SOFR + 2.66%), 6.17%, 05/25/34

      1,030       1,038,974  

HDFC Bank Ltd., (5-year CMT + 2.93%), 3.70%(a)(d)(e)

      200       173,420  

Kasikornbank PCL, (5-year CMT + 1.70%), 3.34%, 10/02/31(a)(e)

      200       176,600  

Krung Thai Bank PCL, (5-year CMT + 3.53%), 4.40%(a)(d)(e)

      200       183,522  

Macquarie Bank Ltd., 6.80%, 01/18/33(b)

      2,070       2,077,014  

Nanyang Commercial Bank Ltd., (5-year CMT + 3.51%), 6.50%(a)(d)(e)

      250       242,927  

Truist Financial Corp., (1-day SOFR + 2.05%), 6.05%, 06/08/27

      1,340       1,340,556  
     

 

 

 
        6,246,153  
Beverages (b)  0.2%                  

ARD Finance SA, (6.50% Cash or 7.25% PIK), 6.50%, 06/30/27(f)

      200       162,029  

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC, 4.00%, 09/01/29

      200       158,399  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Beverages (continued)                                                    

Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co.

     

7.88%, 08/15/26

    USD       384     $ 381,507  

9.25%, 04/15/27

      14       12,922  

Trivium Packaging Finance BV, 5.50%, 08/15/26

      200       192,031  
     

 

 

 
        906,888  
Broadline Retail (b)  0.6%                  

LSF9 Atlantis Holdings LLC/Victra Finance Corp., 7.75%, 02/15/26

      2,894       2,694,464  

NMG Holding Co., Inc./Neiman Marcus Group LLC, 7.13%, 04/01/26

      27       25,131  
     

 

 

 
        2,719,595  
Building Materials (b)  0.1%                  

Camelot Return Merger Sub, Inc., 8.75%, 08/01/28

      30       28,350  

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc.

     

5.25%, 07/15/28

      36       32,761  

9.75%, 07/15/28

      19       18,329  

Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete LLC, 6.00%, 11/01/28

      176       165,976  

Standard Industries, Inc.

     

4.38%, 07/15/30

      34       29,447  

3.38%, 01/15/31

      11       8,855  
     

 

 

 
        283,718  
Building Products  0.4%                  

Foundation Building Materials, Inc., 6.00%, 03/01/29(b)

      18       15,030  

GYP Holdings III Corp., 4.63%, 05/01/29(b)

      55       48,400  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc., 5.63%, 04/15/53

      1,200       1,199,281  

Specialty Building Products Holdings LLC/SBP Finance Corp., 6.38%, 09/30/26(b)

      26       24,565  

SRS Distribution, Inc.(b)

     

4.63%, 07/01/28

      119       106,240  

6.13%, 07/01/29

      55       47,500  

6.00%, 12/01/29

      135       116,512  

White Cap Buyer LLC, 6.88%, 10/15/28(b)

      186       168,562  

White Cap Parent LLC, (8.25% Cash or 9.00% PIK), 8.25%, 03/15/26(b)(f)

      64       61,308  
     

 

 

 
        1,787,398  
Capital Markets  0.2%                  

AG TTMT Escrow Issuer LLC, 8.63%, 09/30/27(b)

      30       30,749  

Blackstone Private Credit Fund, 3.25%, 03/15/27

      15       12,962  

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, 5.25%, 04/15/29(b)

      47       41,196  

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc., 3.25%, 01/15/32

      120       96,890  

Icahn Enterprises LP/Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.

     

6.25%, 05/15/26

      73       66,438  

5.25%, 05/15/27

      57       49,157  

4.38%, 02/01/29

      12       9,428  

Knight Castle Investments Ltd., 7.99%, 01/23/23(c)(g)

      300       210,000  

NFP Corp.(b)

     

4.88%, 08/15/28

      158       141,123  

6.88%, 08/15/28

      234       203,117  

7.50%, 10/01/30

      27       26,142  

Owl Rock Core Income Corp.

     

5.50%, 03/21/25

      30       28,868  

3.13%, 09/23/26

      7       6,032  

7.75%, 09/16/27(b)

      50       49,747  
     

 

 

 
        971,849  
 

 

 

10  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Chemicals  0.2%                                                    

Chemours Co.(b)

     

5.75%, 11/15/28

    USD       25     $ 22,972  

4.63%, 11/15/29

      10       8,451  

Element Solutions, Inc., 3.88%, 09/01/28(b)

      102       88,982  

HB Fuller Co., 4.25%, 10/15/28

      36       32,042  

Herens Holdco SARL, 4.75%, 05/15/28(b)

      200       155,000  

Illuminate Buyer LLC/Illuminate Holdings IV, Inc., 9.00%, 07/01/28(b)

      87       75,808  

Kobe U.S. Midco 2, Inc., (9.25% Cash or 10.00% PIK), 9.25%, 11/01/26(b)(f)

      82       54,120  

LSF11 A5 HoldCo LLC, 6.63%, 10/15/29(b)

      26       21,715  

SK Invictus Intermediate II SARL, 5.00%, 10/30/29(b)

      82       65,160  

WR Grace Holdings LLC(b)

     

4.88%, 06/15/27

      106       98,308  

5.63%, 08/15/29

      178       145,836  

7.38%, 03/01/31

      35       34,299  
     

 

 

 
        802,693  
Commercial Services & Supplies (b)  0.2%  

ADT Security Corp., 4.88%, 07/15/32

      38       32,490  

APX Group, Inc.

     

6.75%, 02/15/27

      33       32,339  

5.75%, 07/15/29

      37       32,113  

Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC

     

6.50%, 10/01/25

      52       51,229  

9.75%, 08/01/27

      22       22,721  

5.50%, 05/01/28

      114       104,311  

Garda World Security Corp., 9.50%, 11/01/27

      14       13,525  

Hertz Corp.

     

4.63%, 12/01/26

      22       19,855  

5.00%, 12/01/29

      24       19,839  

LABL, Inc., 9.50%, 11/01/28

      93       94,617  

Metis Merger Sub LLC, 6.50%, 05/15/29

      20       17,252  

NESCO Holdings II, Inc., 5.50%, 04/15/29

      57       51,015  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc., 6.25%, 01/15/28

      210       196,728  

Sotheby’s/Bidfair Holdings, Inc., 5.88%, 06/01/29

      200       155,500  

Williams Scotsman International, Inc., 4.63%, 08/15/28

      46       42,047  
     

 

 

 
        885,581  
Communications Equipment (b)  0.1%                  

CommScope Technologies LLC, 6.00%, 06/15/25

      102       95,071  

CommScope, Inc.

     

6.00%, 03/01/26

      91       84,810  

7.13%, 07/01/28

      40       28,400  

4.75%, 09/01/29

      41       32,324  

Viasat, Inc., 5.63%, 09/15/25

      46       44,574  
     

 

 

 
        285,179  
Construction & Engineering  0.1%                  

Celestial Miles Ltd., (5-year CMT + 8.21%), 5.75%(a)(d)(e)

      200       196,814  
     

 

 

 
Construction Materials (b)  0.0%                  

BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc., 7.63%, 05/01/27

      53       49,290  

Resideo Funding, Inc., 4.00%, 09/01/29

      8       6,637  
     

 

 

 
        55,927  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Consumer Discretionary (b)  0.3%                                                    

APi Group DE, Inc.

     

4.13%, 07/15/29

    USD       24     $ 20,700  

4.75%, 10/15/29

      18       16,211  

Carnival Corp.

     

10.50%, 02/01/26

      65       68,329  

7.63%, 03/01/26

      35       34,279  

5.75%, 03/01/27

      85       78,250  

9.88%, 08/01/27

      68       70,831  

4.00%, 08/01/28

      41       36,347  

6.00%, 05/01/29

      80       71,427  

Carnival Holdings Bermuda Ltd., 10.38%, 05/01/28

      222       242,808  

CoreLogic, Inc., 4.50%, 05/01/28

      102       82,237  

Legends Hospitality Holding Co. LLC/Legends Hospitality Co.-Issuer, Inc., 5.00%, 02/01/26

      25       22,500  

Life Time, Inc.

     

5.75%, 01/15/26

      11       10,720  

8.00%, 04/15/26

      54       53,319  

Lindblad Expeditions LLC, 6.75%, 02/15/27

      57       54,292  

NCL Corp. Ltd.

     

5.88%, 03/15/26

      58       54,263  

8.38%, 02/01/28

      10       10,449  

7.75%, 02/15/29

      8       7,598  

NCL Finance Ltd., 6.13%, 03/15/28

      29       26,101  

Neptune Bidco U.S., Inc., 9.29%, 04/15/29

      65       59,671  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

     

11.50%, 06/01/25

      19       20,159  

4.25%, 07/01/26

      10       9,179  

5.50%, 08/31/26

      50       47,406  

5.38%, 07/15/27

      20       18,701  

11.63%, 08/15/27

      15       16,312  

5.50%, 04/01/28

      15       13,988  

8.25%, 01/15/29

      23       24,150  

9.25%, 01/15/29

      44       46,878  

7.25%, 01/15/30

      56       56,719  

Viking Cruises Ltd.

     

5.88%, 09/15/27

      22       20,221  

9.13%, 07/15/31

      80       80,800  

Viking Ocean Cruises Ship VII Ltd., 5.63%, 02/15/29

      29       26,535  
     

 

 

 
        1,401,380  
Consumer Finance  0.9%                  

American Express Co., (5-year CMT + 2.85%), 3.55%(a)(d)

      440       365,200  

Capital One Financial Corp., (1-day SOFR + 2.64%), 6.31%, 06/08/29(a)

      645       640,655  

Global Payments, Inc.

     

2.90%, 05/15/30

      265       224,608  

5.95%, 08/15/52

      1,395       1,334,804  

Navient Corp.

     

5.50%, 03/15/29

      37       31,545  

9.38%, 07/25/30

      31       30,834  

OneMain Finance Corp.

     

6.88%, 03/15/25

      101       100,003  

6.63%, 01/15/28

      35       33,014  

5.38%, 11/15/29

      16       13,602  

4.00%, 09/15/30

      15       11,550  

Sabre Global, Inc.(b)

     

9.25%, 04/15/25

      7       6,528  

7.38%, 09/01/25

      29       25,741  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  11


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Consumer Finance (continued)                                                    

Shift4 Payments LLC/Shift4 Payments Finance Sub, Inc., 4.63%, 11/01/26(b)

    USD       110     $ 103,155  

Shriram Finance Ltd., 4.40%, 03/13/24

      200       195,744  

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

      494       495,528  
     

 

 

 
        3,612,511  
Consumer Staples Distribution &
Retail 
0.0%
                 

United Natural Foods, Inc., 6.75%, 10/15/28(b)

      15       12,433  
     

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging  0.1%                  

Clydesdale Acquisition Holdings, Inc.(b)

     

6.63%, 04/15/29

      136       129,703  

8.75%, 04/15/30

      91       80,328  

LABL, Inc., 5.88%, 11/01/28(b)

      36       32,741  

Trident TPI Holdings, Inc., 12.75%, 12/31/28

      18       18,666  
     

 

 

 
        261,438  
Diversified Consumer Services  0.3%                  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp.(b)

     

6.63%, 07/15/26

      200       189,789  

9.75%, 07/15/27

      261       230,712  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp./Atlas Luxco 4 SARL, 4.63%, 06/01/28(b)

      200       169,294  

Clarivate Science Holdings Corp.(b)

     

3.88%, 07/01/28

      109       96,622  

4.88%, 07/01/29

      110       97,582  

Garda World Security Corp.(b)

     

4.63%, 02/15/27

      7       6,405  

7.75%, 02/15/28

      60       59,557  

Macquarie Airfinance Holdings Ltd., 8.38%, 05/01/28

      16       16,223  

Sotheby’s, 7.38%, 10/15/27(b)

      442       397,531  
     

 

 

 
        1,263,715  
Diversified REITs  0.3%                  

American Tower Corp.

     

3.10%, 06/15/50

      743       484,837  

2.95%, 01/15/51

      859       541,682  

Brookfield Property REIT, Inc./BPR Cumulus LLC/BPR Nimbus LLC/GGSI Sellco LLC, 4.50%, 04/01/27(b)

      28       23,580  

HAT Holdings I LLC/HAT Holdings II LLC, 3.38%, 06/15/26(b)

      28       25,095  

Iron Mountain, Inc., 5.63%, 07/15/32(b)

      33       29,521  

MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp., 4.63%, 08/01/29

      92       69,548  

RHP Hotel Properties LP/RHP Finance Corp., 7.25%, 07/15/28

      13       13,133  

RLJ Lodging Trust LP, 4.00%, 09/15/29(b)

      17       14,237  

Service Properties Trust, 7.50%, 09/15/25

      10       9,820  
     

 

 

 
        1,211,453  
Diversified Telecommunication Services  0.6%  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.(b)

     

3.40%, 03/01/27

      109       92,487  

3.63%, 01/15/29

      15       8,996  

10.50%, 05/15/30

      144       146,107  

Lumen Technologies, Inc., 4.00%, 02/15/27(b)

      96       71,540  

Telecom Italia Capital SA, 6.38%, 11/15/33

      11       9,331  

Verizon Communications, Inc. 2.88%, 11/20/50

      150       97,723  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)  

Verizon Communications, Inc. (continued)
3.70%, 03/22/61

    USD       247     $ 179,623  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.(b)

     

4.00%, 03/01/27

      2,567           1,812,955  

6.13%, 03/01/28

      122       76,234  
     

 

 

 
        2,494,996  
Electric Utilities  0.5%                  

Dominion Energy, Inc., Series C, (5-year CMT + 3.20%), 4.35%(a)(d)

      355       298,243  

Edison International, Series A, (5-year CMT + 4.70%), 5.38%(a)(d)

      350       305,865  

Greenko Solar Mauritius Ltd., 5.55%, 01/29/25

      200       192,706  

JSW Hydro Energy Ltd., 4.13%, 05/18/31(e)

      168       141,416  

Mong Duong Finance Holdings BV, 5.13%, 05/07/29(e)

      250       218,965  

Pacific Gas and Electric Co., 4.20%, 06/01/41

      310       230,858  

Southern California Edison Co., 5.88%, 12/01/53

      600       611,919  

Star Energy Geothermal Wayang Windu Ltd., 6.75%, 04/24/33(e)

      162       159,001  
     

 

 

 
        2,158,973  
Electrical Equipment  0.0%                  

Gates Global LLC/Gates Corp., 6.25%, 01/15/26(b)

      76       74,784  

GrafTech Finance, Inc., 4.63%, 12/15/28(b)

      21       17,063  

Pearl Holding II Ltd., (6.00% Cash or 8.00% PIK), 6.00%(d)(e)(f)

      95       2,568  
     

 

 

 
        94,415  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments &
Components (b)
 0.0%
                 

Imola Merger Corp., 4.75%, 05/15/29

      88       76,534  

Vertiv Group Corp., 4.13%, 11/15/28

      91       81,989  
     

 

 

 
        158,523  
Energy Equipment & Services  0.2%                  

Archrock Partners LP/Archrock Partners Finance Corp.(b)

     

6.88%, 04/01/27

      58       55,680  

6.25%, 04/01/28

      121       113,602  

Enerflex Ltd., 9.00%, 10/15/27(b)

      53       51,567  

Noble Finance II LLC, 8.00%, 04/15/30

      61       62,018  

USA Compression Partners LP/USA Compression

     

Finance Corp.

     

6.88%, 04/01/26

      84       82,286  

6.88%, 09/01/27

      102       97,399  

Valaris Ltd., 8.38%, 04/30/30

      109       109,366  

Weatherford International Ltd.(b)

     

6.50%, 09/15/28

      39       39,168  

8.63%, 04/30/30

      47       47,716  
     

 

 

 
        658,802  
Environmental, Maintenance & Security Service  0.1%  

Covanta Holding Corp.

     

4.88%, 12/01/29(b)

      22       19,030  

5.00%, 09/01/30

      15       12,722  

Tervita Corp., 11.00%, 12/01/25(b)

      18       19,095  

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

      210       194,670  
     

 

 

 
        245,517  
 

 

 

12  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Financial Services  1.1%                                                    

Ally Financial, Inc., Series B, (5-year CMT + 3.87%), 4.70%(a)(d)

    USD       550     $ 387,750  

Enact Holdings, Inc., 6.50%, 08/15/25(b)

      73       71,710  

Global Aircraft Leasing Co. Ltd.(b)(f)

     

(6.50% Cash or 7.25% PIK), 6.50%, 09/15/24

      35       31,845  

Series 2021, (6.50% Cash or 7.25% PIK), 7.25%, 09/15/24

      51       46,478  

Home Point Capital, Inc., 5.00%, 02/01/26(b)

      114       102,211  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., (1-day SOFR + 2.58%), 5.72%, 09/14/33(a)

      2,235       2,267,392  

Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP/Ladder Capital Finance Corp.(b)

     

5.25%, 10/01/25

      7       6,610  

4.75%, 06/15/29

      13       10,580  

MGIC Investment Corp., 5.25%, 08/15/28

      32       30,184  

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc.(b)

     

6.00%, 01/15/27

      28       26,048  

5.13%, 12/15/30

      24       19,469  

Rocket Mortgage LLC/Rocket Mortgage Co-Issuer, Inc., 2.88%, 10/15/26(b)

      37       32,745  

Spectrum Brands, Inc.(b)

     

5.00%, 10/01/29

      17       15,174  

5.50%, 07/15/30

      13       11,862  

UBS Group AG, (1-year CMT + 1.55%), 4.49%, 05/12/26(a)(b)

      885       855,590  

WeWork Cos LLC, 11.00%, 08/15/27

      2,018       814,382  
     

 

 

 
        4,730,030  
Food Products (b)  0.1%                  

Aramark Services, Inc.

     

6.38%, 05/01/25

      40       39,963  

5.00%, 02/01/28

      80       75,403  

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

      249       247,758  

Simmons Foods, Inc./Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc./Simmons Pet Food, Inc./Simmons Feed, 4.63%, 03/01/29

      22       17,627  
     

 

 

 
        380,751  
Gas Utilities  0.0%                  

Howard Midstream Energy Partners LLC, 8.88%, 07/15/28

      35       35,175  

Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy Finance Corp., 5.00%, 06/01/31(b)

      17       14,231  
     

 

 

 
        49,406  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (b)  0.0%  

Embecta Corp., 6.75%, 02/15/30

      12       10,754  

Garden Spinco Corp., 8.63%, 07/20/30

      44       47,289  
     

 

 

 
        58,043  
Health Care Providers & Services  0.3%  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.(b)

     

5.50%, 07/01/28

      23       21,996  

5.00%, 04/15/29

      7       6,455  

AdaptHealth LLC(b)

     

6.13%, 08/01/28

      14       12,127  

5.13%, 03/01/30

      5       4,050  

AHP Health Partners, Inc., 5.75%, 07/15/29(b)

      77       66,392  

Cano Health LLC, 6.25%, 10/01/28(b)

      31       19,375  

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.(b)

     

5.63%, 03/15/27

      85       74,905  

6.00%, 01/15/29

      45       37,856  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)                           

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.(b) (continued)
5.25%, 05/15/30

    USD                 165     $ 129,975  

Legacy LifePoint Health LLC(b)

     

6.75%, 04/15/25

      57       52,943  

4.38%, 02/15/27

      32       24,760  

Medline Borrower LP, 5.25%, 10/01/29(b)

      351       304,562  

ModivCare, Inc., 5.88%, 11/15/25(b)

      23       21,301  

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc.(b)

     

6.75%, 07/01/25

      185       184,341  

10.00%, 04/15/27

      75       76,688  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

     

4.88%, 01/01/26

      31       30,194  

6.25%, 02/01/27

      112       110,854  

4.63%, 06/15/28

      17       15,878  

6.13%, 10/01/28

      24       23,105  

6.75%, 05/15/31

      14       14,034  
     

 

 

 
        1,231,791  
Health Care Technology  0.0%                  

AthenaHealth Group, Inc., 6.50%, 02/15/30(b)

      233       196,102  
     

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure  1.6%                  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(b)

     

6.25%, 07/01/25

      81       80,625  

8.13%, 07/01/27

      220       225,163  

4.63%, 10/15/29

      112       97,800  

CCM Merger, Inc., 6.38%, 05/01/26(b)

      13       12,610  

Champion Path Holdings Ltd., 4.50%, 01/27/26(e)

      200       175,266  

Codere Finance 2 Luxembourg SA, (8.00% Cash and 3.00% PIK), 11.00%, 09/30/26(e)(f)

    EUR       154       134,403  

Constellation Merger Sub, Inc., 8.50%, 09/15/25(b)

    USD       3,469       2,844,580  

Fertitta Entertainment LLC/Fertitta Entertainment Finance Co., Inc.(b)

     

4.63%, 01/15/29

      19       16,672  

6.75%, 01/15/30

      21       17,872  

Fortune Star BVI Ltd.(e)

     

5.95%, 10/19/25

      200       158,978  

5.00%, 05/18/26

      200       146,142  

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., 9.00%, 05/15/28

      50       50,731  

Melco Resorts Finance Ltd.

     

4.88%, 06/06/25(e)

      200       188,790  

4.88%, 06/06/25(b)

      200       188,790  

5.63%, 07/17/27(e)

      200       179,720  

Merlin Entertainments Ltd., 5.75%, 06/15/26(b)

      200       192,749  

MGM China Holdings Ltd.(e)

     

5.38%, 05/15/24

      200       197,310  

5.88%, 05/15/26

      200       190,432  

Midco GB SASU, (8.50% Cash or 7.75% PIK), 7.75%, 11/01/27(e)(f)

    EUR       150       152,200  

Midwest Gaming Borrower LLC/Midwest Gaming Finance Corp., 4.88%, 05/01/29(b)

    USD       43       37,971  

Premier Entertainment Sub LLC/Premier Entertainment Finance
Corp.(b)

     

5.63%, 09/01/29

      21       15,906  

5.88%, 09/01/31

      21       15,493  

Raptor Acquisition Corp./Raptor Co.-Issuer LLC, 4.88%, 11/01/26(b)

      31       29,217  

Sands China Ltd.

     

5.63%, 08/08/25

      200       194,298  

5.90%, 08/08/28

      200       190,125  

Scientific Games International, Inc.(b)
7.00%, 05/15/28

      16       15,915  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  13


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)                           

Scientific Games International, Inc.(b) (continued)
7.25%, 11/15/29

    USD       33     $ 33,041  

Studio City Finance Ltd., 6.00%, 07/15/25(e)

                200       184,320  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., 4.38%, 08/15/28(b)

      14       12,785  

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp., 5.25%, 05/15/27(b)

      36       34,101  

Wynn Macau Ltd.

     

4.88%, 10/01/24(e)

      300       291,312  

5.63%, 08/26/28(b)

      200       172,500  

5.63%, 08/26/28(e)

      200       172,500  

Wynn Resorts Finance LLC/Wynn Resorts Capital Corp.(b)

     

5.13%, 10/01/29

      74       66,318  

7.13%, 02/15/31

      40       39,758  
     

 

 

 
        6,756,393  
Household Durables  0.2%                  

Ashton Woods USA LLC/Ashton Woods Finance Co.(b)

     

6.63%, 01/15/28

      10       9,558  

4.63%, 08/01/29

      43       36,646  

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc./Brookfield Residential U.S. LLC, 5.00%, 06/15/29(b)

      37       29,627  

Installed Building Products, Inc., 5.75%, 02/01/28(b)

      18       16,953  

K Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., 7.75%, 02/15/26(b)

      36       35,280  

Mattamy Group Corp., 5.25%, 12/15/27(b)

      20       18,638  

NCR Corp.(b)

     

5.00%, 10/01/28

      21       18,741  

5.13%, 04/15/29

      38       33,640  

Newell Brands, Inc., 6.00%, 04/01/46

      650       514,240  

SWF Escrow Issuer Corp., 6.50%, 10/01/29(b)

      81       48,602  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc., 5.70%, 06/15/28

      11       10,626  
     

 

 

 
        772,551  
Household Products  0.0%                  

Central Garden & Pet Co.

     

4.13%, 10/15/30

      2       1,675  

4.13%, 04/30/31(b)

      35       28,856  
     

 

 

 
        30,531  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers  0.4%  

Azure Power Solar Energy Pvt Ltd., 5.65%, 12/24/24(e) .

      200       168,502  

Calpine Corp.(b)

     

5.13%, 03/15/28

      72       64,253  

4.63%, 02/01/29

      22       18,561  

Enviva Partners LP/Enviva Partners Finance Corp., 6.50%, 01/15/26(b)

      675       531,562  

Greenko Dutch BV, 3.85%, 03/29/26(e)

      188       168,503  

Greenko Power II Ltd., 4.30%, 12/13/28(e)

      185       161,096  

NRG Energy, Inc., 7.00%, 03/15/33(b)

      45       45,373  

ReNew Power Pvt Ltd., 5.88%, 03/05/27(e)

      200       186,602  

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., (5-year CMT + 9.20%), 7.00%(a)(d)(e)

      200       170,496  

Talen Energy Supply LLC, 8.63%, 06/01/30

      22       22,770  

TransAlta Corp., 7.75%, 11/15/29

      23       23,678  
     

 

 

 
        1,561,396  
Insurance  0.3%                  

Acrisure LLC/Acrisure Finance, Inc., 6.00%, 08/01/29(b).

      25       21,645  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC/Alliant Holdings Co- Issuer(b)

     

4.25%, 10/15/27

      141       126,533  

6.75%, 10/15/27

      491       461,540  

AmWINS Group, Inc., 4.88%, 06/30/29(b)

      54       48,761  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Insurance (continued)                                                    

FWD Group Ltd., 5.75%, 07/09/24(e)

    USD       200     $ 195,662  

GTCR AP Finance, Inc., 8.00%, 05/15/27(b)

      92       90,182  

HUB International Ltd.(b)

     

7.00%, 05/01/26

      143       142,622  

7.25%, 06/15/30

      3       3,098  

Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management, Inc.(b)

     

8.50%, 03/15/30

      92       93,859  

10.50%, 12/15/30

      26       26,080  

Ryan Specialty Group LLC, 4.38%, 02/01/30(b)

      24       21,245  
     

 

 

 
        1,231,227  
Interactive Media & Services  0.6%                  

Arches Buyer, Inc., 4.25%, 06/01/28(b)

      23       20,015  

Northwest Fiber LLC/Northwest Fiber Finance Sub, Inc., 4.75%, 04/30/27(b)

      37       32,678  

Vnet Group, Inc., 0.00%, 02/01/26(h)(i)

      3,000       2,310,000  
     

 

 

 
        2,362,693  
Internet Software & Services (b)  0.1%                  

Match Group Holdings II LLC, 5.63%, 02/15/29

      75       70,321  

Uber Technologies, Inc.

     

8.00%, 11/01/26

      95       96,815  

7.50%, 09/15/27

      54       55,234  

4.50%, 08/15/29

      105       96,642  
     

 

 

 
        319,012  
IT Services  1.1%                  

Ahead DB Holdings LLC, 6.63%, 05/01/28(b)

      31       25,211  

CA Magnum Holdings, 5.38%, 10/31/26(e)

      200       178,632  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp., 5.00%, 12/15/29(b)

      237       208,970  

McAfee Corp., 7.38%, 02/15/30(b)

      4,194       3,645,020  

Presidio Holdings, Inc., 4.88%, 02/01/27(b)

      9       8,443  

Science Applications International Corp., 4.88%, 04/01/28(b)

      47       43,712  

Twilio, Inc., 3.63%, 03/15/29

      33       28,075  

West Technology Group LLC, 8.50%, 04/10/27(b)

      318       267,120  

ZoomInfo Technologies LLC/ZoomInfo Finance Corp., 3.88%, 02/01/29(b)

      50       43,004  
     

 

 

 
        4,448,187  
Machinery  0.2%                  

Chart Industries, Inc.(b)

     

7.50%, 01/01/30

      156       159,160  

9.50%, 01/01/31

      24       25,464  

GrafTech Global Enterprises, Inc., 9.88%, 12/15/28

      36       35,730  

Husky III Holding Ltd., (13.00% Cash or 13.75% PIK), 13.00%, 02/15/25(b)(f)

      23       20,930  

Madison IAQ LLC, 5.88%, 06/30/29(b)

      110       89,090  

OT Merger Corp., 7.88%, 10/15/29(b)

      21       13,125  

Titan Acquisition Ltd./Titan Co.-Borrower LLC, 7.75%, 04/15/26(b)

      182       165,165  

TK Elevator U.S. Newco, Inc., 5.25%, 07/15/27(b)

      295       272,543  
     

 

 

 
        781,207  
Media  1.2%                  

Altice Financing SA, 5.75%, 08/15/29(b)

      200       154,932  

AMC Networks, Inc., 4.25%, 02/15/29

      26       13,977  

Cable One, Inc.

     

0.00%, 03/15/26(h)(i)

      13       10,628  

4.00%, 11/15/30(b)

      12       9,375  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.(b)

     

4.50%, 08/15/30

      27       22,483  

4.25%, 02/01/31

      117       94,649  

7.38%, 03/01/31

      304       296,227  
 

 

 

14  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)                                                    

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.(b) (continued)

     

4.25%, 01/15/34

    USD       164     $ 123,946  

Cengage Learning, Inc., 9.50%, 06/15/24(b)

      70       70,179  

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital

     

3.70%, 04/01/51

      105       66,347  

4.40%, 12/01/61

      600       405,030  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.(b)

     

5.13%, 08/15/27

      265       240,592  

7.75%, 04/15/28

      126       98,910  

7.50%, 06/01/29

      74       54,758  

CMG Media Corp., 8.88%, 12/15/27(b)

      46       32,239  

Comcast Corp.

     

3.75%, 04/01/40

      110       92,679  

2.94%, 11/01/56

      54       35,166  

Connect Finco SARL/Connect U.S. Finco LLC, 6.75%, 10/01/26(b)

      385       373,957  

CSC Holdings LLC

     

5.25%, 06/01/24

      9       8,370  

11.25%, 05/15/28(b)

      200       193,946  

4.50%, 11/15/31(b)

      200       139,443  

Directv Financing LLC/Directv Financing Co-Obligor, Inc., 5.88%, 08/15/27(b)

      37       33,509  

DISH DBS Corp.

     

5.25%, 12/01/26(b)

      69       55,350  

5.75%, 12/01/28(b)

      51       37,933  

5.13%, 06/01/29

      82       38,076  

DISH Network Corp., 11.75%, 11/15/27(b)

      85       82,952  

Frontier Communications Holdings LLC(b)

     

5.88%, 10/15/27

      51       46,806  

5.00%, 05/01/28

      49       42,278  

8.75%, 05/15/30

      194       189,611  

Globe Telecom, Inc., (5-year CMT + 5.53%), 4.20%(a)(d)(e)

      200       185,420  

Iliad Holding SASU, 7.00%, 10/15/28(b)

      289       266,355  

Ligado Networks LLC, (15.50% PIK), 15.50%, 11/01/23(b)(f)

      2,079       734,355  

Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC, 5.50%, 04/15/29(b)

      77       55,763  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(b)

     

4.88%, 11/01/24

      6       5,907  

6.50%, 05/15/27

      79       79,421  

4.75%, 10/15/27

      115       107,237  

3.75%, 01/15/28

      18       16,065  

Network i2i Ltd., (5-year CMT + 4.27%), 5.65%(a)(d)(e)

      200       193,732  

Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital Corp.(b)

     

5.00%, 08/15/27

      54       49,016  

4.25%, 01/15/29

      49       41,178  

4.63%, 03/15/30

      22       18,328  

Radiate Holdco LLC/Radiate Finance,
Inc.(b)

     

4.50%, 09/15/26

      42       33,485  

6.50%, 09/15/28

      98       57,189  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 4.13%, 12/01/30(b)

      111       72,705  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 5.00%, 08/01/27(b)

      23       21,339  

Stagwell Global LLC, 5.63%, 08/15/29(b)

      48       41,075  

TEGNA, Inc., 4.75%, 03/15/26(b)

      7       6,684  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)                                                    

Univision Communications, Inc.(b)

     

6.63%, 06/01/27

    USD       34     $ 32,863  

7.38%, 06/30/30

      13       12,378  
     

 

 

 
        5,094,843  
Metals & Mining  0.5%                  

ABJA Investment Co. Pte. Ltd., 5.95%, 07/31/24(e)

      200       198,744  

Arconic Corp., 6.13%, 02/15/28(b)

      132       133,637  

Big River Steel LLC/BRS Finance Corp., 6.63%, 01/31/29(b)

      244       241,027  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

     

6.38%, 07/15/28

      5       4,900  

7.63%, 03/15/30

      38       38,429  

Constellium SE, 5.88%, 02/15/26(b)

      250       244,933  

ERO Copper Corp., 6.50%, 02/15/30(b)

      32       27,528  

JSW Steel Ltd., 3.95%, 04/05/27(e)

      200       177,094  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.(b)

     

4.63%, 03/01/28

      24       20,989  

4.50%, 06/01/31

      89       70,949  

New Gold, Inc., 7.50%, 07/15/27(b)

      100       93,378  

Novelis Corp.(b)

     

3.25%, 11/15/26

      81       73,319  

4.75%, 01/30/30

      99       87,982  

3.88%, 08/15/31

      107       88,019  

Periama Holdings LLC, 5.95%, 04/19/26(e)

      250       239,863  

Roller Bearing Co. of America, Inc., 4.38%, 10/15/29(b)

      22       19,710  

Vedanta Resources Finance II PLC, 13.88%, 01/21/24(e)

      412       375,072  
     

 

 

 
        2,135,573  
Multi-Utilities  0.1%                  

AmeriGas Partners LP/AmeriGas Finance Corp., 9.38%, 06/01/28(b)

      43       43,672  

ENN Clean Energy International Investment Ltd., 3.38%, 05/12/26(e)

      200       184,244  
     

 

 

 
        227,916  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels  3.6%                  

Aethon United BR LP/Aethon United Finance Corp., 8.25%, 02/15/26(b)

      101       99,233  

Antero Resources Corp., 7.63%, 02/01/29(b)

      19       19,278  

Apache Corp., 5.35%, 07/01/49

      11       8,553  

Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ARU Finance Corp.(b)

     

9.00%, 11/01/27

      84       104,430  

8.25%, 12/31/28

      100       98,340  

5.88%, 06/30/29

      82       73,156  

Baytex Energy Corp., 8.50%, 04/30/30

      31       30,274  

Buckeye Partners LP

     

4.13%, 03/01/25(b)

      5       4,750  

5.85%, 11/15/43

      28       20,720  

5.60%, 10/15/44

      18       12,960  

Callon Petroleum Co.

     

8.25%, 07/15/25

      7       6,948  

6.38%, 07/01/26

      42       40,882  

8.00%, 08/01/28(b)

      71       70,213  

7.50%, 06/15/30(b)

      164       154,795  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.(b)

     

5.88%, 02/01/29

      5       4,749  

6.75%, 04/15/29

      65       64,495  

CITGO Petroleum Corp.(b)

     

7.00%, 06/15/25

      32       31,400  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  15


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)                           

CITGO Petroleum Corp.(b) (continued)

     

6.38%, 06/15/26

    USD       51     $ 49,088  

Civitas Resources, Inc.(b)

     

5.00%, 10/15/26

      7       6,600  

8.38%, 07/01/28

                102       103,153  

8.75%, 07/01/31

      85       86,173  

CNX Midstream Partners LP, 4.75%, 04/15/30(b)

      49       41,561  

CNX Resources Corp., 7.38%, 01/15/31(b)

      25       24,323  

Comstock Resources, Inc., 6.75%, 03/01/29(b)

      99       90,580  

CQP Holdco LP/BIP-V Chinook Holdco LLC, 5.50%, 06/15/31(b)

      342       305,034  

Crescent Energy Finance LLC(b)

     

7.25%, 05/01/26

      142       133,268  

9.25%, 02/15/28

      67       65,006  

Crestwood Midstream Partners LP/Crestwood Midstream Finance
Corp.(b)

     

5.63%, 05/01/27

      11       10,428  

6.00%, 02/01/29

      35       32,681  

8.00%, 04/01/29

      23       23,285  

CrownRock LP/CrownRock Finance, Inc.(b)

     

5.63%, 10/15/25

      104       102,461  

5.00%, 05/01/29

      7       6,554  

Diamondback Energy, Inc., 6.25%, 03/15/33

      885       915,504  

DT Midstream, Inc., 4.38%, 06/15/31(b)

      46       39,618  

Dycom Industries, Inc., 4.50%, 04/15/29(b)

      22       19,980  

Earthstone Energy Holdings LLC

     

8.00%, 04/15/27(b)

      73       70,504  

9.88%, 07/15/31

      40       39,538  

Energy Transfer LP

     

5.40%, 10/01/47

      150       132,206  

Series G, (5-year CMT + 5.31%),
7.13%(a)(d)

      159       134,820  

Series H, (5-year CMT + 5.69%),
6.50%(a)(d)

      74       67,216  

EnLink Midstream Partners LP

     

5.60%, 04/01/44

      24       20,093  

5.45%, 06/01/47

      8       6,576  

EQM Midstream Partners LP(b)

     

6.50%, 07/01/27

      40       39,451  

7.50%, 06/01/30

      15       15,179  

FTAI Infra Escrow Holdings LLC, 10.50%, 06/01/27(b)

      11       10,803  

Genesis Energy LP/Genesis Energy Finance Corp.

     

6.50%, 10/01/25

      17       16,742  

8.00%, 01/15/27

      13       12,676  

8.88%, 04/15/30

      41       40,057  

Gulfport Energy Corp., 8.00%, 05/17/26(b)

      7       7,033  

Harvest Midstream I LP, 7.50%, 09/01/28(b)

      12       11,897  

Hess Corp., 5.80%, 04/01/47

      248       240,939  

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co.(b)

     

6.25%, 11/01/28

      44       41,417  

5.75%, 02/01/29

      24       21,732  

ITT Holdings LLC, 6.50%, 08/01/29(b)

      59       49,706  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating LLC/Magnolia Oil & Gas Finance Corp., 6.00%, 08/01/26(b)

      8       7,737  

Matador Resources Co., 6.88%, 04/15/28

      45       44,541  

Medco Oak Tree Pte. Ltd., 7.38%, 05/14/26(e)

      200       196,562  

MPLX LP, 4.95%, 03/14/52

      400       339,718  

Nabors Industries Ltd.(b)

     

7.25%, 01/15/26

      64       59,745  

7.50%, 01/15/28

      36       31,502  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)                                                    

Nabors Industries, Inc.

     

5.75%, 02/01/25

    USD       67     $ 64,837  

7.38%, 05/15/27(b)

      158       150,342  

New Fortress Energy, Inc.(b)

     

6.75%, 09/15/25

      3,400       3,189,319  

6.50%, 09/30/26

      1,243       1,112,108  

NGL Energy Operating LLC/NGL Energy Finance Corp., 7.50%, 02/01/26(b)

      46       45,304  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

     

8.13%, 03/01/28(b)

      199       195,020  

8.75%, 06/15/31

      65       63,863  

NuStar Logistics LP, 6.00%, 06/01/26

      68       66,239  

Permian Resources Operating LLC(b)

     

7.75%, 02/15/26

      50       50,213  

6.88%, 04/01/27

      38       37,430  

5.88%, 07/01/29

      85       80,071  

Rockcliff Energy II LLC, 5.50%, 10/15/29(b)

      36       33,208  

Shelf Drilling North Sea Holdings Ltd., 10.25%, 10/31/25(b)

      3,000       3,006,150  

SM Energy Co.

     

5.63%, 06/01/25

      31       30,293  

6.75%, 09/15/26

      30       29,241  

6.63%, 01/15/27

      2       1,943  

6.50%, 07/15/28

      43       41,280  

Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 9.00%, 10/15/26(b)(j)

      1,596       1,550,115  

Tallgrass Energy Partners LP/Tallgrass Energy Finance Corp.(b)

     

7.50%, 10/01/25

      2       1,996  

6.00%, 03/01/27

      6       5,630  

6.00%, 12/31/30

      4       3,524  

6.00%, 09/01/31

      20       17,209  

Tap Rock Resources LLC, 7.00%, 10/01/26(b)

      137       141,110  

Transocean Titan Financing Ltd., 8.38%, 02/01/28(b)

      45       45,956  

Transocean, Inc.(b)

     

7.50%, 01/15/26

      35       33,250  

11.50%, 01/30/27

      31       32,124  

8.75%, 02/15/30

      160       162,400  

Venture Global LNG, Inc.(b)

     

8.13%, 06/01/28

      176       178,752  

8.38%, 06/01/31

      270       272,205  

Vermilion Energy, Inc., 6.88%, 05/01/30(b)

      29       26,729  

Western Midstream Operating LP, 5.50%, 02/01/50

      75       61,430  
     

 

 

 
        15,288,154  
Passenger Airlines  0.1%                  

Allegiant Travel Co., 7.25%, 08/15/27(b)

      29       28,893  

American Airlines, Inc.(b)

     

11.75%, 07/15/25

      174       190,796  

7.25%, 02/15/28

      15       14,911  

American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd.(b)

     

5.50%, 04/20/26

      47       46,378  

5.75%, 04/20/29

      49       47,534  

Hawaiian Brand Intellectual Property Ltd./HawaiianMiles Loyalty Ltd., 5.75%, 01/20/26(b)

      35       33,178  

Spirit Loyalty Cayman Ltd./Spirit IP Cayman Ltd., 8.00%, 09/20/25(b)

      43       42,740  

United Airlines Pass-Through Trust, Series 2020-1, Class B, 4.88%, 07/15/27

      10       9,807  
 

 

 

16  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Passenger Airlines (continued)                                                    

United Airlines, Inc., 4.63%, 04/15/29(b)

    USD       128     $ 116,629  

VistaJet Malta Finance PLC/Vista Management Holding, Inc.(b)

     

7.88%, 05/01/27

      21       18,867  

6.38%, 02/01/30

      24       19,326  
     

 

 

 
        569,059  
Pharmaceuticals  0.2%                  

Option Care Health, Inc., 4.38%, 10/31/29(b)

      42       36,966  

Organon & Co./Organon Foreign Debt Co-Issuer BV, 5.13%, 04/30/31(b)

      200       165,005  

Pfizer Investment Enterprises Pte. Ltd., 5.30%, 05/19/53

      650       675,793  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, 3.15%, 10/01/26

      22       19,594  
     

 

 

 
        897,358  
Real Estate Management & Development  1.1%  

Agile Group Holdings Ltd., (5-year CMT + 11.29%), 7.88%(a)(d)(e)

      200       24,492  

China SCE Group Holdings Ltd., 5.95%, 09/29/24(e)

      200       31,014  

Country Garden Holdings Co. Ltd.(e)

     

5.40%, 05/27/25

      200       72,410  

7.25%, 04/08/26

      300       103,965  

4.80%, 08/06/30

      200       57,000  

Cushman & Wakefield U.S. Borrower LLC, 6.75%, 05/15/28(b)

      62       56,110  

Fantasia Holdings Group Co. Ltd.(c)(g)

     

11.75%, 04/17/22(e)

      710       42,600  

12.25%, 12/31/79

      200       12,000  

Modern Land China Co. Ltd., (9.00% Cash or 9.00% PIK), 9.00%, 12/30/26(c) (e) (f) (g)

      239       11,982  

New Metro Global Ltd., 4.80%, 12/15/24(e)

      200       132,916  

NWD Finance BVI Ltd., (5-year CMT + 7.89%), 5.25%(a)(d)(e)

      200       171,446  

NWD MTN Ltd., 4.13%, 07/18/29(e)

      200       163,508  

Pakuwon Jati Tbk PT, 4.88%, 04/29/28(e)

      200       178,994  

PCPD Capital Ltd., 5.13%, 06/18/26(e)

      200       156,508  

Realogy Group LLC/Realogy Co.-Issuer Corp.(b)

     

5.75%, 01/15/29

      61       45,641  

5.25%, 04/15/30

      24       17,056  

RKPF Overseas Ltd., Series 2019-A, 6.00%, 09/04/25(e)

      225       127,964  

Shui On Development Holding Ltd., 5.50%, 03/03/25(e) .

      200       163,732  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc., 4.38%, 01/15/27(b)

      12       10,335  

Theta Capital Pte. Ltd., 8.13%, 01/22/25(e)

      200       166,246  

VICI Properties LP, 5.13%, 05/15/32

      990       926,288  

VLL International, Inc., 5.75%, 11/28/24(e)

      200       192,978  

WeWork Cos LLC, 15.00%, 08/15/27

      1,608       1,414,840  

Yanlord Land HK Co. Ltd., 6.80%, 02/27/24(e)

      200       194,000  
     

 

 

 
        4,474,025  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (b)  0.3%  

Broadcom, Inc., 3.75%, 02/15/51

      1,765       1,297,953  

Synaptics, Inc., 4.00%, 06/15/29

      59       49,464  
     

 

 

 
        1,347,417  
Software  2.2%                  

Alteryx, Inc., 8.75%, 03/15/28(b)

      48       47,150  

Boxer Parent Co., Inc.(b)

     

7.13%, 10/02/25

      91       91,081  

9.13%, 03/01/26

      134       133,330  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Software (continued)                                                    

Capstone Borrower, Inc., 8.00%, 06/15/30

    USD       44     $ 43,450  

Central Parent, Inc./CDK Global, Inc., 7.25%, 06/15/29(b)

      137       135,464  

Cloud Software Group, Inc.

     

6.50%, 03/31/29(b)

      3,257       2,899,970  

9.00%, 09/30/29

      1,486       1,297,924  

Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.(b)

     

6.00%, 10/15/26

      13       11,797  

6.50%, 10/15/28

      15       12,825  

Elastic NV, 4.13%, 07/15/29(b)

      66       56,937  

Iron Mountain Information Management Services, Inc., 5.00%, 07/15/32(b)

      4       3,453  

MicroStrategy, Inc., 6.13%, 06/15/28(b)

      3,489       3,128,220  

Oracle Corp., 3.95%, 03/25/51

      630       476,357  

Veritas U.S., Inc./Veritas Bermuda Ltd., 7.50%, 09/01/25(b)

      1,381       1,120,565  
     

 

 

 
        9,458,523  
Specialized REITs  0.0%                  

Uniti Group LP/Uniti Group Finance, Inc./CSL Capital LLC, 10.50%, 02/15/28(b)

      100       99,206  
     

 

 

 
Specialty Retail  0.5%                  

Arko Corp., 5.13%, 11/15/29(b)

      32       26,005  

Calceus Acquisition, Inc., 9.75%, 02/12/25(k)

      1,934       1,910,307  

Staples, Inc., 7.50%, 04/15/26(b)

      28       23,126  
     

 

 

 
        1,959,438  
Technology Hardware, Storage &
Peripherals (b)
 0.0%
                 

Coherent Corp., 5.00%, 12/15/29

      56       50,546  

Seagate HDD Cayman

     

8.25%, 12/15/29

      47       49,090  

8.50%, 07/15/31

      61       63,970  
     

 

 

 
        163,606  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods  0.1%                  

Crocs, Inc.(b)

     

4.25%, 03/15/29

      13       11,052  

4.13%, 08/15/31

      22       17,765  

European TopSoho SARL, Series SMCP, 4.00%, 09/21/21(c) (e) (g) (h)

    EUR       300       283,533  

Hanesbrands, Inc.(b)

     

4.88%, 05/15/26

    USD       20       18,671  

9.00%, 02/15/31

      60       60,472  

Kontoor Brands, Inc., 4.13%, 11/15/29(b)

      18       15,031  
     

 

 

 
        406,524  
Tobacco  0.0%                  

BAT Capital Corp., 4.54%, 08/15/47

      100       73,587  
     

 

 

 
Transportation Infrastructure (e)  0.1%                  

Delhi International Airport Ltd., 6.13%, 10/31/26

      200       193,996  

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., 4.25%, 10/27/27

      200       176,988  
     

 

 

 
        370,984  
Wireless Telecommunication Services (b)  0.9%        

Altice France SA/France, 5.13%, 07/15/29

      200       141,974  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  17


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

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

Digicel International Finance Ltd./Digicel International Holdings Ltd., 8.75%, 05/25/24

    USD              3,901     $ 3,572,717  

Vmed O2 U.K. Financing I PLC, 4.75%, 07/15/31

      200       166,300  
     

 

 

 
        3,880,991  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds  24.3%
(Cost: $109,581,545)

        102,270,516  
     

 

 

 
Fixed Rate Loan Interests                  
Specialty Retail  0.1%                  

Razor Group GmbH, Fixed Term Loan, 3.50%, 09/30/23(k)

      424       427,200  
     

 

 

 
Wireless Telecommunication Services  0.0%  

Ligado Networks LLC, 2023 Super Priority First Out Term Loan, 15.50%, 11/01/23(k)

      77       76,318  
     

 

 

 

Total Fixed Rate Loan Interests  0.1%
(Cost: $472,859)

 

      503,518  
     

 

 

 
Floating Rate Loan Interests(a)                  
Aerospace & Defense  0.8%                  

Atlas CC Acquisition Corp.

     

Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.25%), 9.78%, 05/25/28

      2,816       2,438,042  

Term Loan C, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.25%), 9.78%, 05/25/28

      509       440,994  

Bleriot U.S. Bidco, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%), 9.50%, 10/31/26

      15       15,258  

Cobham Ultra SeniorCo SARL, USD Term Loan B, (6- mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.56%, 08/03/29

      34       33,081  

Dynasty Acquisition Co., Inc.

     

2020 CAD Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.70%, 04/06/26

      37       36,969  

2020 Term Loan B1, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.70%, 04/06/26

      54       53,117  

NORDAM Group, Inc., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 5.60%), 10.70%, 04/09/26

      24       20,347  

Peraton Corp.

     

2nd Lien Term Loan B1, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 7.75%), 12.98%, 02/01/29

      95       92,191  

Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.95%, 02/01/28

      162       158,851  

TransDigm, Inc., 2023 Term Loan I, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.25%), 8.49%, 08/24/28

      134       133,385  
     

 

 

 
        3,422,235  
Automobile Components  0.0%                  

Adient U.S. LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.25%), 8.47%, 04/10/28

      38       37,973  

Clarios Global LP, 2023 Incremental Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.75%), 8.85%, 05/06/30

      125       124,570  
     

 

 

 
        162,543  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Automobiles  0.0%                                                    

Dealer Tire Financial LLC, Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.60%, 12/14/27

    USD       94     $ 93,507  
     

 

 

 
Beverages  0.1%                  

Naked Juice LLC

     

2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 6.00%), 11.34%, 01/24/30

      139       109,601  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.59%, 01/24/29

      224       207,753  
     

 

 

 
        317,354  
Broadline Retail  1.5%                  

Fanatics Commerce Intermediate Holdco LLC, Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.61%, 11/24/28

      76       75,238  

LSF9 Atlantis Holdings LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 7.25%), 12.49%, 03/31/29

      1,642       1,619,042  

Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC, 2022 PIK Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.85%, 1.50% PIK), 5.96%, 06/30/27(f)

      130       112,858  

PUG LLC

     

2021 Incremental Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.45%, 02/12/27(k)

      30       27,412  

EUR Term Loan B, (1-mo. EURIBOR + 3.50%),
6.92%, 02/12/27

    EUR       4,250       4,084,011  

USD Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%),
8.72%, 02/12/27

    USD       192       170,082  

Sally Holdings LLC, 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.50%), 7.60%, 02/28/30(k)

      29       28,891  

Woof Holdings, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.95%, 12/21/27(k)

      19       18,516  
     

 

 

 
        6,136,050  
Building Products  0.1%                  

AZZ, Inc., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.41%, 05/13/29

      33       32,482  

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%),
8.50%, 04/12/28

      9       8,962  

CP Atlas Buyer, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 8.95%, 11/23/27

      83       78,290  

CPG International LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.50%), 7.70%, 04/28/29

      45       44,523  

IPS Corp., 2021 2nd Lien Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 7.00%), 12.20%, 10/01/29(k)

      115       89,700  

Jeld-Wen, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.25%), 7.47%, 07/28/28

      61       60,067  

Wilsonart LLC, 2021 Term Loan E, (6-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 3.50%), 8.71%, 12/31/26

      95       93,918  
     

 

 

 
        407,942  
 

 

 

18  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Capital Markets  2.3%                                                    

Advisor Group, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 4.50%), 9.69%, 07/31/26

    USD       63     $ 63,443  

Ascensus Holdings, Inc.

     

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 6.50%), 11.69%, 08/02/29

      51       45,262  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.72%, 08/02/28

      160       157,559  

Astra Acquisition Corp.

     

2021 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 5.25%), 10.44%, 10/25/28

      5,018       3,481,521  

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 8.88%), 14.09%, 10/25/29

      4,702       2,527,480  

Bluefin Holding LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.23%, 09/04/26(k)

      294       285,906  

Castlelake Aviation Ltd., Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 8.30%, 10/22/26

      75       74,257  

Castlelake Aviation One DAC, 2023 Incremental Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 8.00%, 10/22/27

      32       31,654  

Focus Financial Partners LLC

     

2021 Term Loan B4, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.50%), 7.60%, 06/30/28

      78       77,197  

2023 Term Loan B6, 06/30/28(l)

      43       42,688  

Foreside Financial(k)

     

Incremental Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.35%), 10.49%, 09/30/27

      7       6,624  

Incremental Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.50%), 10.91%, 09/30/27

      1,657       1,612,550  

Revolver, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 5.50%),
10.82%, 09/30/27

      26       25,727  

GC Champion Acquisition LLC(k)

     

1st Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 11.78%, 08/21/28

      49       47,686  

1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 11.78%, 08/21/28

      175       170,813  

ION Trading Finance Ltd., 2021 USD Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 4.75%), 10.09%, 04/03/28

      16       15,350  

LHS Borrower LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, 02/16/29(l)

      264       219,008  

OpCo Borrower, LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.50%), 11.84%, 08/19/27(k) .

      169       168,519  

Pico Quantitative Trade Holding LLC, Term Loan, (3- mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.50% Floor + 7.25%), 12.65%, 02/07/25(k)

      492       442,851  

Press Ganey Holdings, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.97%, 07/24/26

      112       108,155  
     

 

 

 
        9,604,250  
Chemicals  0.7%                  

Arc Falcon I, Inc., 2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.00%), 12.20%, 09/30/29

      91       77,805  

Aruba Investments Holdings LLC, 2020 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 7.75%), 12.94%, 11/24/28

      45       39,600  

Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.75%), 9.99%, 08/27/26

      93       90,896  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Chemicals (continued)                                                    

CPC Acquisition Corp., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 9.25%, 12/29/27

    USD       14     $ 10,495  

Discovery Purchaser Corp., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.38%), 9.62%, 10/04/29

      40       37,949  

Element Solutions, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B1, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.00%), 7.10%, 01/31/26

      47       46,853  

HB Fuller Co., 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.50%), 7.60%, 02/15/30

      16       16,003  

INEOS U.S. Finance LLC, 2023 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.70%, 02/18/30

      30       29,802  

Lonza Group AG, USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.93%), 9.27%, 07/03/28

      35       29,627  

LSF11 A5 Holdco LLC, Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.72%, 10/15/28

      91       90,163  

Messer Industries GmbH, 2018 USD Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.50%), 8.00%, 03/02/26

      54       54,261  

Momentive Performance Materials USA LLC, 2023 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.50%),
9.60%, 03/29/28

      79       76,701  

Nouryon USA LLC, 2023 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%), 9.32%, 04/03/28

      30       29,672  

Olympus Water U.S. Holding Corp., 2023 Incremental Term Loan, 11/09/28(l)

      30       28,944  

OQ Chemicals Corp., 2017 USD Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.60%), 8.74%, 10/14/24

      97       94,926  

PQ Corp., 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.50%), 7.65%, 06/09/28

      63       62,583  

SCIH Salt Holdings, Inc., 2021 Incremental Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 4.00%), 9.19%, 03/16/27

      49       47,885  

Sparta U.S. HoldCo LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.25%), 8.54%, 08/02/28

      96       95,054  

Starfruit Finco BV, 2018 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 7.90%, 10/01/25

      4       4,497  

Supplyone, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.02%, 02/01/24(k)

      1,960       1,932,672  

W.R. Grace Holdings LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 9.31%, 09/22/28

      45       44,987  
     

 

 

 
        2,941,375  
Commercial Services & Supplies  4.2%                  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC, 2021 USD Incremental Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 8.95%, 05/12/28

      227       220,035  

Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC, 2022 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%), 9.15%, 02/15/29(k)

      32       30,802  

Aramark Services, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B6, 06/22/30(k)(l)

      32       31,960  

Comet Bidco Ltd., 2018 USD Term Loan B, (6-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.00%), 10.44%, 09/30/24

      2,940       2,775,281  

Fusion Holding Corp.(k)

     

Revolver, 09/15/27(l)

      19       18,657  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.25%), 11.55%, 09/15/29

      230       227,772  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  19


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Commercial Services & Supplies (continued)                           

GFL Environmental, Inc., 2023 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.15%, 05/28/27

    USD       34     $ 33,985  

INH Buyer, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.34%, 06/28/28(k) .

             2,738       2,263,926  

LABL, Inc., 2021 USD 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 5.10%), 10.20%, 10/29/28

      80       79,323  

PECF USS Intermediate Holding III Corp., Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.52%, 12/15/28

      52       42,773  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 2.75%), 7.94%, 09/23/26

      76       75,700  

Security Services Acquisition Sub Corp., Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.20%, 02/15/24(k)

      2,273       2,241,861  

Syndigo LLC, 2020 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 8.00%), 13.55%, 12/15/28(k)

      2,000       1,680,000  

Tempo Acquisition LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.00%), 8.10%, 08/31/28

      234       234,173  

Terraboost Media, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.54%, 08/21/26(k)

      2,563       2,350,297  

Thrasio LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.50%, 12/18/26

      2,977       2,233,090  

Thunder Purchaser, Inc.(k)

     

2021 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.14%, 06/30/28

      83       79,507  

2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.14%, 06/30/28

      263       252,056  

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.14%, 06/30/28

      572       549,107  

Revolver, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 10.88%, 06/30/27

      172       165,293  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.14%, 06/30/28

      2,167       2,078,921  

TruGreen LP, 2020 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%), 9.20%, 11/02/27

      100       91,356  

Viad Corp., Initial Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 5.00%), 10.22%, 07/30/28

      49       47,164  
     

 

 

 
        17,803,039  
Communications Equipment  0.0%                  

Ciena Corp., 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.50%), 7.59%, 01/18/30

      12       11,970  

ViaSat, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.60%, 03/02/29

      45       43,700  
     

 

 

 
        55,670  
Construction & Engineering  0.6%                  

Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., 2017 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 4.25%), 9.41%, 06/21/24

      63       62,506  

Corestates, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.50%, 03/31/28(k)

      332       321,245  

Geo Parent Corp., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 5.25%), 10.17%, 12/19/25(k)

      965       930,970  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Construction & Engineering (continued)                                                    

Pueblo Mechanical and Controls LLC(k)
2022 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term

     

SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.15%, 08/23/28

    USD       394     $ 387,143  

2022 Revolver, (Prime + 5.00%), 13.25%, 08/23/27

      47       46,208  

2022 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.16%, 08/23/28

      719       707,420  

USIC Holdings, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 3.50%), 8.69%, 05/12/28

      65       61,255  
     

 

 

 
        2,516,747  
Construction Materials  0.5%                  

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., 2019 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.00%), 7.20%, 01/15/27

      30       30,026  

Kellermeyer Bergensons Services LLC(k)

     

2019 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.27%, 11/07/26

      414       382,184  

2020 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.27%, 11/07/26

      91       84,084  

2021 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.27%, 11/07/26

      126       116,463  

New AMI I LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 6.00%), 11.10%, 03/08/29

      34       28,373  

Oscar AcquisitionCo. LLC, Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.84%, 04/29/29

      57       55,847  

Standard Industries, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.50%), 7.69%, 09/22/28

      62       61,687  

Thermostat Purchaser III, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 7.25%), 12.66%, 08/31/29(k)

      1,388       1,293,435  
     

 

 

 
        2,052,099  
Consumer Finance  0.5%                  

WorldRemit Ltd., Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 9.25%), 14.68%, 01/27/25(k)

      2,000       1,986,000  
     

 

 

 
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail  0.2%  

JP Intermediate B LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.50%), 10.77%, 11/20/25(k)

      1,613       725,830  

U.S. Foods, Inc.

     

2019 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.00%), 7.22%, 09/13/26

      26       25,937  

2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 7.97%, 11/22/28

      100       99,558  
     

 

 

 
        851,325  
Containers & Packaging  0.1%                  

Charter Next Generation, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.97%, 12/01/27

      111       109,626  

Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%), 9.16%, 08/14/26 .

      51       50,795  

Reynolds Group Holdings, Inc., 2020 Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.25%), 8.47%, 02/05/26 .

      9       9,315  

Trident TPI Holdings, Inc., 2021 Incremental Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 4.00%), 9.54%, 09/15/28

      47       46,347  
     

 

 

 
        216,083  
 

 

 

20  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Distributors  0.0%                                                    

PAI Holdco, Inc., 2020 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 9.02%, 10/28/27

    USD       69     $ 63,968  
     

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services  2.4%                  

2U, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.32%, 12/28/26

      351       336,246  

Ascend Learning LLC

     

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 5.75%), 10.95%, 12/10/29

      129       109,112  

2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.70%, 12/11/28

      42       39,743  

BW Holding, Inc., 2021 First Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.00%), 12.91%, 12/14/28(k)

      3,079       2,694,073  

Chronicle Bidco, Inc., 2022 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 80.35%, 05/18/29(k)

      2,934       2,892,837  

Employ, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 8.00%), 13.07%, 07/15/29(k)

      250       244,128  

KUEHG Corp., 2023 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 5.00%), 10.24%, 06/12/30

      59       58,336  

Laseraway Intermediate Holdings II LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 5.75%), 11.01%, 10/14/27

      1,486       1,454,867  

MSM Acquisitions, Inc.(k)

     

2021 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.26%, 12/09/26

      162       155,019  

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.26%, 12/09/26

      349       333,993  

Revolver, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.27%, 12/09/26

      117       111,532  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.26%, 12/09/26

      1,058       1,012,899  

Sotheby’s, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.76%, 01/15/27

      158       154,017  

SSH Group Holdings, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%), 9.24%, 07/30/25 .

      33       32,368  

Veritas U.S., Inc., 2021 USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.00%), 10.22%, 09/01/25

      115       93,711  

Wand NewCo 3, Inc., 2020 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 7.41%, 02/05/26

      144       142,277  

WCG Intermediate Corp., 2019 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 4.00%), 9.22%, 01/08/27

      62       60,936  
     

 

 

 
        9,926,094  
Diversified REITs  0.0%                  

RHP Hotel Properties, LP, 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 7.85%, 05/18/30

      55       54,782  
     

 

 

 
Diversified Telecommunication Services  0.6%  

Altice Financing SA

     

2017 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 8.01%, 07/15/25(k)

      7       6,560  

USD 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 8.01%, 01/31/26

      81       79,391  

Connect Finco SARL, 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 3.50%), 8.70%, 12/11/26

      188       187,339  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Diversified Telecommunication Services (continued)                           

Consolidated Communications, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.50%), 8.72%, 10/02/27

    USD       19     $ 16,972  

Iridium Satellite LLC, 2021 Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 2.50%), 7.70%, 11/04/26

      58       57,624  

Level 3 Financing, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 6.97%, 03/01/27

      90       83,644  

Lumen Technologies, Inc., 2020 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.25%), 7.47%, 03/15/27

      99       76,299  

Orbcomm, Inc., Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 4.25%), 9.58%, 09/01/28

      65       52,306  

Radiate Holdco LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.25%), 8.47%, 09/25/26

      149       123,907  

Telesat Canada, Term Loan B5, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 8.03%, 12/07/26

      13       7,790  

Virgin Media Bristol LLC, 2020 USD Term Loan Q, (1- mo. LIBOR US + 3.25%), 8.44%, 01/31/29

      78       77,582  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc., USD Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.00%), 8.22%, 03/09/27

             2,096       1,640,630  
     

 

 

 
        2,410,044  
Electric Utilities  0.0%                  

Calpine Construction Finance Co. LP, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.00%), 7.19%, 01/15/25

      13       12,943  
     

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment (k)  0.4%                  

Arcline FM Holdings LLC, 2021 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.75%), 10.25%, 06/23/28

      64       61,869  

Emerald Electronics Manufacturing Services, Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.25%), 11.66%, 12/29/27

      1,435       1,363,656  

Emerald Technologies (U.S.) Acquisition., Inc., Revolver, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 6.00%),
11.20%, 12/29/26

      322       295,552  
     

 

 

 
        1,721,077  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components  0.1%  

Coherent Corp., 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 7.97%, 07/02/29

      58       57,932  

ESO Solutions, Inc., Revolver, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.33%, 05/03/27(k)

      182       174,738  
     

 

 

 
        232,670  
Energy Equipment & Services  0.0%                  

Lealand Finance Co. BV

     

2020 Make Whole Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.00%), 8.22%, 06/28/24

      1       614  

2020 Take Back Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 1.00%, 3.00% PIK), 6.19%, 06/30/25(f)

      5       2,951  

Oryx Midstream Services Permian Basin LLC, 2023 Incremental Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.54%, 10/05/28

      132       131,617  
     

 

 

 
        135,182  
Entertainment  0.8%                  

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 3.00%), 8.22%, 04/22/26

      99       77,373  

Cirque Du Soleil Holding USA Newco, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.49%, 03/08/30

      50       49,408  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  21


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Entertainment (continued)                                                    

City Football Group Ltd., Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.27%, 07/21/28

    USD       96     $ 93,623  

Creative Artists Agency LLC, 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.60%, 11/27/28

      76       75,564  

Delta 2 Lux SARL, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.10%, 01/15/30

      60       59,970  

Equinox Holdings, Inc., 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3- mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 3.00%), 8.73%, 03/08/24

      2,385       2,208,766  

Gympass, Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%, 4.00% PIK), 4.63%, 06/24/27(f)(k)

      260       257,061  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Term Loan B4, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 6.93%, 10/17/26

      94       93,296  

NEP/NCP Holdco, Inc., 2018 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.00%), 12.22%, 10/19/26

      141       101,363  

Playtika Holding Corp., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 7.94%, 03/13/28

      52       51,719  

SMG U.S. Midco 2, Inc., 2020 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.50%), 7.77%, 01/23/25

      33       32,833  

Streamland Media Midco LLC, 2022 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 12.06%, 07/28/25(k)

      75       72,413  

UFC Holdings LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 2.75%), 8.05%, 04/29/26

      44       43,751  

William Morris Endeavor Entertainment LLC, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 7.95%, 05/18/25

      160       159,842  

WMG Acquisition Corp., 2021 Term Loan G, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.13%), 7.33%, 01/20/28

      138       138,003  
     

 

 

 
        3,514,985  
Financial Services  12.2%                  

2-10 HBW, Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.20%, 03/26/26(k)

      2,115       2,075,841  

ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC

     

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 6.00%), 11.20%, 12/20/29

      13       12,025  

2021 Term Loan B1, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.70%, 12/21/28

      32       31,736  

AHF Parent Holding, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.25%), 11.75%, 02/01/28

      1,875       1,793,756  

Altice France SA, 2023 USD Term Loan B14, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 5.50%), 10.49%, 08/15/28

      85       75,413  

ARAS Corp.(k)

     

Revolver, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.50%), 11.71%, 04/13/27

      101       97,573  

Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.24%, 04/13/27

      2,231       2,157,294  

Arrow Purchaser, Inc.(k)

     

Revolver, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 12.18%, 04/15/26

      102       101,315  

Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 12.23%, 04/15/26

      912       903,156  

Belron Finance U.S. LLC

     

2019 USD Term Loan B3, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.25%), 7.56%, 10/30/26

      40       40,462  

2021 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 2.43%), 7.80%, 04/13/28

      110       109,318  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Financial Services (continued)                                                    

Belron Luxembourg SARL, 2023 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 7.83%, 04/18/29

    USD       22     $ 21,986  

Bynder Holding BV, Term Loan Tranche A, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.25%), 12.05%, 01/26/29(k)

      15       14,580  

CBI-Gator Acquisition LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 5.75%), 149.88%, 10/25/27(k)

      2,769       2,555,594  

CivicPlus LLC(k)

     

2022 Holdco Notes, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.75%), 12.23%, 06/09/34

      660       649,494  

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 4.00%), 9.48%, 08/24/27

      366       360,064  

Revolver, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.15%, 08/24/27

      25       24,242  

Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 4.25%, 2.50% PIK), 4.86%, 08/24/27(f)

      780       768,137  

Deerfield Dakota Holding LLC

     

2020 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 3.75%), 8.99%, 04/09/27

      261       253,013  

2021 USD 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.75%), 12.29%, 04/07/28

      130       120,412  

Freedom Financial Network Funding LLC(k)

     

1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 9.00%), 14.54%, 09/21/27

      375       360,000  

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 9.00%), 14.20%, 09/21/27

      125       120,000  

FSK Pallet Holding Corp., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.25% Floor + 6.00%), 11.04%, 12/23/26(k) .

      99       96,494  

GC Waves Holdings, Inc.(k)

     

2020 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.70%, 08/13/26

      876       854,530  

2021 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.70%, 08/13/26

      2,179       2,124,305  

Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.70%, 08/13/26

      881       858,946  

Greystone Affordable Housing Initiatives LLC(k)

     

2022 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 6.50%), 11.72%, 03/08/27

      1,636       1,615,706  

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 6.00%), 11.14%, 07/01/26

      2,800       2,769,200  

HowlCo LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.82%, 10/23/26(k)

      1,092       1,064,973  

International Textile Group, Inc., 2022 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 8.50%), 14.04%, 02/14/27(k)

      2,600       2,600,000  

IT Parent LLC(k)

     

2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.25%), 11.44%, 10/01/26

      312       288,956  

Revolver, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.25%), 11.46%, 10/01/26

      299       276,734  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.25%), 11.45%, 10/01/26

      2,448       2,266,448  

Job & Talent USA, Inc.(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 8.75%), 13.96%, 01/27/25

      500       496,000  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 8.75%), 13.96%, 01/27/25

      1,500       1,488,000  
 

 

 

22  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Financial Services (continued)                                                    

Job & Talent USA, Inc.(k) (continued)

     

Term loan 3, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 8.75%), 13.96%, 02/17/25

    USD       2,000     $ 1,984,000  

Kid Distro Holdings LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.29%, 10/01/27(k)

      1,291       1,261,791  

LBM Acquisition LLC, Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.94%, 12/17/27

      7       7,119  

Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.25%), 7.45%, 03/24/25

      78       78,180  

LJ Avalon Holdings LLC(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, 02/01/30(l)

      23       22,694  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.25%), 11.51%, 02/01/30

      57       55,838  

Lucky US Buyerco LLC, Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.50%), 12.39%, 04/01/29(k)

      87       84,334  

Money Transfer Acquisition Inc., 2022 Term Loan, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR + 8.25%), 13.45%, 11/15/27(k) .

      456       450,398  

Oak Purchaser, Inc.(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.39%, 04/28/28

      579       561,762  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.36%, 04/28/28

      2,159       2,096,127  

Oasis Financial LLC, 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 8.50%), 13.71%, 07/05/26(k)

      2,000       1,956,000  

Porcelain Acquisition Corp., Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.34%, 04/30/27(k)

      1,232       1,200,587  

PTSH Intermediate Holdings LLC(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.75%), 11.15%, 12/17/27

      98       96,771  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.75%), 11.14%, 12/17/27

      2,495       2,466,105  

Serrano Parent, LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.50%), 11.59%, 05/13/30(k) .

      90       88,380  

Showtime Acquisition LLC (World Choice), Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.50%), 12.67%, 08/07/28(k)

      89       86,139  

Sotera Health Holdings LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 8.02%, 12/11/26

      110       108,025  

Superman Holdings LLC(k)

     

2021 Incremental Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 10.99%, 08/31/27

      1,119       1,095,379  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 10.99%, 08/31/27

      563       550,878  

Supplyone, Inc., Incremental Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.50%), 10.77%, 02/01/24(k)

      1,244       1,224,506  

Travelport Finance SARL, 2023 Consented Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 8.50%), 13.74%, 05/29/26(k)

      60       36,883  

UPC Financing Partnership, 2021 USD Term Loan AX, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.93%), 8.12%, 01/31/29

      63       61,836  

Wealth Enhancement Group LLC, 2021 August Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 6.00%), 11.43%, 10/04/27(k)

      1,194       1,168,370  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Financial Services (continued)                                                    

WEX, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.25%), 7.47%, 03/31/28

    USD       22     $ 22,444  

Wharf Street Rating Acquisition LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.36%, 12/10/27(k)

      3,911       3,758,296  

White Cap Buyer LLC, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.75%), 8.85%, 10/19/27

      64       63,305  

Zilliant, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.00%, 4.50% PIK), 3.58%, 12/21/27(f)(k)

      1,587       1,505,902  
     

 

 

 
        51,537,752  
Food Products  0.2%                  

8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc.

     

2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.75%), 8.97%, 10/01/25

      41       37,929  

2021 Incremental Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.75%), 9.97%, 10/01/25

      111       102,929  

B&G Foods, Inc., 2019 Term Loan B4, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.50%), 7.65%, 10/10/26

      5       4,808  

Chobani LLC, 2020 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 3.50%), 8.72%, 10/25/27

      164       162,340  

Froneri International Ltd., 2020 USD Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.25%), 7.45%, 01/29/27

      126       125,308  

H-Food Holdings LLC

     

2018 Term Loan B, (6-mo. LIBOR US + 3.69%),
9.27%, 05/23/25

      206       180,807  

2020 Incremental Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.00%), 10.58%, 05/23/25

      11       9,381  

Nomad Foods U.S. LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 8.56%, 11/12/29

      32       31,960  

Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (3- mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 3.50%), 8.77%, 06/08/28

      129       127,425  

Triton Water Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor), 5.24%, 03/31/28

      98       94,214  

UTZ Quality Foods LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.00%), 8.22%, 01/20/28

      126       125,841  
     

 

 

 
        1,002,942  
Ground Transportation  0.1%                  

AIT Worldwide Logistics Holdings, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 4.75%), 9.93%, 04/06/28

      53       51,278  

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC, 2020 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 6.97%, 08/06/27

      66       64,928  

SIRVA Worldwide, Inc., 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR + 5.50%), 10.79%, 08/04/25

      27       24,171  

Uber Technologies, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 8.01%, 03/03/30

      83       82,519  
     

 

 

 
        222,896  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies  1.9%  

Appriss Health LLC, Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 11.90%, 05/06/27(k)

      1,410       1,355,098  

Chariot Buyer LLC, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.45%, 11/03/28

      158       153,963  

Femur Buyer, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 4.50%), 10.00%, 03/05/26

      36       32,655  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  23


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)                           

Insulet Corp., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.25%), 8.47%, 05/04/28

    USD       31     $ 31,145  

Medline Borrower LP, USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.47%, 10/23/28

      239       236,044  

Team Services Group, Second Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 9.00%), 14.27%, 12/18/28

      2,264       2,106,108  

Touchstone Acquisition, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.20%, 12/29/28(k)

             4,444       4,301,305  
     

 

 

 
        8,216,318  
Health Care Providers & Services  1.6%  

Alcami Corp., 2022 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.20%, 12/21/28(k) .

      71       70,168  

Aveanna Healthcare LLC

     

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 7.00%), 12.48%, 12/10/29

      1,189       728,569  

2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 9.23%, 07/17/28

      1,920       1,634,921  

BW NHHC Holdco, Inc.

     

2022 1st Lien Second Out Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 2.00% Floor + 9.00%), 14.24%, 01/15/26

      1,993       1,513,652  

2022 2nd Lien Third Out Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 12.00%), 17.24%, 11/15/26

      1,483       593,214  

2022 Super Priority Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 2.00% Floor + 7.50%), 12.74%, 01/15/26

      426       426,043  

CBI-Gator Acquisition LLC, Revolver, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 11.13%, 10/25/27(k)

      232       213,841  

CHG Healthcare Services, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.44%, 09/29/28

      56       55,915  

CNT Holdings I Corp., 2020 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.50%), 8.46%, 11/08/27

      79       78,457  

Electron BidCo, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.22%, 11/01/28

      158       156,885  

Envision Healthcare Corp., 2022 Second Out Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 4.25%), 9.49%, 03/31/27

      41       8,413  

EyeCare Partners LLC, 2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3- mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 6.75%), 12.25%, 11/15/29

      76       50,378  

MED ParentCo LP, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 4.25%), 9.47%, 08/31/26

      54       50,103  

Medical Solutions Holdings, Inc., 2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 7.00%), 12.36%, 11/01/29

      80       70,700  

Option Care Health, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 7.94%, 10/27/28

      64       63,506  

PetVet Care Centers LLC, 2021 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 3.50%), 8.69%, 02/14/25

      2       1,905  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Health Care Providers & Services (continued)                           

Quorum Health Corp., 2020 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 8.25%), 13.24%, 04/29/25

    USD              1,254     $ 848,353  

Reverb Buyer, Inc., 2021 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.61%, 11/01/28

      —  (m)      43  

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.90%, 08/31/26

      27       26,991  

Vizient, Inc., 2022 Term Loan B7, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.25%), 7.44%, 05/16/29

      37       37,563  
     

 

 

 
        6,629,620  
Health Care Technology  0.4%                  

AthenaHealth Group, Inc., 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.59%, 02/15/29

      143       137,145  

Polaris Newco LLC, USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 4.00%), 9.54%, 06/02/28

      220       202,393  

Verscend Holding Corp.

     

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 7.00%), 12.22%, 04/02/29(k)

      1,309       1,309,098  

2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 4.00%), 9.22%, 08/27/25

      63       62,869  
     

 

 

 
        1,711,505  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure  1.6%                  

Aimbridge Acquisition Co., Inc., 2019 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 3.75%), 8.94%, 02/02/26

      89       85,876  

Alterra Mountain Co., 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.75%), 8.95%, 05/31/30(k)

      8       7,980  

Bally’s Corp., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.40%, 10/02/28

      64       62,490  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.45%, 02/06/30

      33       32,888  

Carnival Corp., USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.00%), 8.22%, 06/30/25

      128       128,287  

Churchill Downs, Inc., 2021 Incremental Term Loan B1, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.00%), 7.20%, 03/17/28

      75       74,061  

ClubCorp Holdings, Inc., 2017 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 8.29%, 09/18/24

      1,889       1,807,786  

Fertitta Entertainment LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.00%), 9.10%, 01/27/29

      206       203,403  

Flutter Financing BV, 2022 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.75%, 07/22/28

      37       36,598  

Four Seasons Hotels Ltd., 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.45%, 11/30/29

      110       110,065  

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, 2019 Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 6.94%, 06/22/26

      46       46,209  

IRB Holding Corp., 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.00%), 8.20%, 12/15/27

      109       108,194  

Oravel Stays Singapore Pte. Ltd., Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 8.25%), 13.79%, 06/23/26

      4,275       3,607,079  
 

 

 

24  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)                           

Packers Holdings LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.25%), 8.44%, 03/09/28

    USD                   54     $ 37,363  

Penn Entertainment, Inc., 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 7.95%, 05/03/29

      93       93,122  

Playa Resorts Holding BV, 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.34%, 01/05/29

      22       21,810  

Scientific Games International, Inc., 2022 USD Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.25%, 04/14/29

      102       101,699  

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.25%, 08/25/28

      30       29,727  

Station Casinos LLC, 2020 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.25% Floor + 2.25%), 7.45%, 02/08/27

      63       62,550  

Whatabrands LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.47%, 08/03/28

      112       111,033  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.25%), 7.45%, 05/24/30

      16       15,728  
     

 

 

 
        6,783,948  
Household Durables  1.3%                  

ACProducts Holdings, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.75%, 05/17/28

      86       72,171  

Colony Display LLC, Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term

     

SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.50%), 11.74%, 06/30/26(k) .

      1,315       1,182,227  

HomeRenew Buyer, Inc.(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.50%), 11.70%, 11/19/27

      1,304       1,247,490  

Revolver, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.50%), 11.69%, 11/23/27

      451       432,031  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.50%), 11.70%, 11/23/27

      2,127       2,035,384  

Hunter Douglas, Inc., USD Term Loan B1, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.67%, 02/26/29

      135       127,509  

Sunset Debt Merger Sub, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.00%), 9.22%, 10/06/28

      77       62,121  

Weber-Stephen Products LLC, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.25%), 8.47%, 10/30/27

      170       149,333  
     

 

 

 
        5,308,266  
Household Products  0.0%                  

Diamond BC BV, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 8.06%, 09/29/28

      96       96,083  
     

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates  0.7%                  

Patriot Home Care, Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 6.00%), 11.19%, 05/05/28(k)

      2,934       2,881,544  

Stitch Aquisition Corp., Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.75%), 12.29%, 07/28/28

      118       87,246  
     

 

 

 
        2,968,790  
Insurance  3.0%                  

Alera Group Holdings, Inc.(k)

     

2021 1st Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 6.00%), 11.20%, 10/02/28

      525       511,464  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Insurance (continued)                                                    

Alera Group Holdings, Inc.(k) (continued)

     

2021 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 6.00%), 11.20%, 10/02/28

    USD       863     $ 841,790  

2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.20%, 10/02/28

      3,038       2,962,076  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC

     

2021 Term Loan B4, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.65%, 11/06/27

      111       110,175  

2023 Term Loan B5, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.65%, 11/05/27

      229       227,930  

AmWINS Group, Inc.

     

2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 2.25%), 7.44%, 02/19/28

      113       111,706  

2023 Incremental Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 2.75%), 7.83%, 02/19/28

    .       24       23,796  

AssuredPartners, Inc.

     

2020 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.72%, 02/12/27

      90       89,262  

2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.72%, 02/12/27

      40       39,478  

Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc., 2021 1st Amendment Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.25%), 10.45%, 11/25/26(k)

      2,452       2,441,982  

HUB International Ltd.

     

2022 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.00%), 9.07%, 11/10/29

      33       32,785  

2023 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.25%), 9.34%, 06/20/30

      170       169,892  

Integrity Marketing Acquisition LLC(k)

     

2021 4th Amendment Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.05%), 11.41%, 08/27/25

      (m)      1  

2021 6th Amendment Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.05%), 11.41%, 08/27/25

      985       972,533  

Peter C. Foy & Associates Insurance Services LLC(k)

     

2021 First Lien Delayed Draw Term loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.22%, 11/01/28

      587       567,921  

2021 First Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.22%, 11/01/28

      2,114       2,044,516  

2022 1st Amendment Delayed Draw Term loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.00%), 11.22%, 11/01/28

      1,144       1,106,286  

Ryan Specialty Group LLC, Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.00%), 8.20%, 09/01/27

      134       133,941  

USI, Inc.

     

2019 Incremental Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.25%), 8.79%, 12/02/26

      5       4,819  

2022 Incremental Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 8.99%, 11/22/29

      137       136,307  
     

 

 

 
        12,528,660  
Interactive Media & Services  0.7%                  

Acuris Finance U.S., Inc., 2021 USD Term Loan B, (3- mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.00%), 9.39%, 02/16/28

      36       35,743  

Camelot Finance SA, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.00%), 8.22%, 10/30/26

      101       101,109  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  25


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

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

Camelot U.S. Acquisition LLC, 2020 Incremental Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 3.00%), 8.22%, 10/30/26

    USD       88     $ 87,226  

GoodRx, Inc., 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 7.94%, 10/10/25

      32       32,106  

Grab Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 4.50%), 9.70%, 01/29/26

      46       45,581  

Research Now Group, Inc.

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (4-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.50%), 10.80%, 12/20/24

      3,530       2,489,576  

2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 9.50%), 14.80%, 12/20/25

      500       250,000  
     

 

 

 
        3,041,341  
IT Services  9.9%                  

Acquia, Inc.(k)

     

Revolver, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.38%, 10/31/25

      28       28,041  

Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.34%, 10/31/25

      481       480,902  

Aerospike, Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.50%), 12.72%, 12/29/25(k)

             1,713       1,690,609  

Aerospike Inc., 2023 Second Amendment Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.50%), 12.72%, 12/29/25(k)

      88       86,656  

Alphasense, Inc., 2022 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.19%, 03/11/27(k) .

      500       499,664  

Asurion LLC

     

2020 Term Loan B8, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.25%), 8.79%, 12/23/26

      39       37,137  

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 5.25%), 10.51%, 01/31/28

      144       122,131  

2023 Term Loan B11, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.25%), 9.45%, 08/19/28

      43       40,432  

Bullhorn, Inc.(k)

     

2020 Revolver, (3-mo. LOC + 5.75%), 5.75%, 09/30/26

      134       130,295  

2020 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.75%), 10.95%, 09/30/26

      2,399       2,351,159  

Delivery Hero Finco LLC, USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 5.75%), 10.85%, 08/12/27

      4,764       4,712,317  

Edifecs, Inc.(k)

     

2021 1st Amendment Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 5.60%), 10.85%, 09/21/26

      375       366,667  

2021 2nd Amendment Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.85%, 09/21/26

      1,546       1,510,322  

Tranche B Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.35%, 09/21/26

      1,030       1,040,410  

Ensono LP, 2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 8.00%), 13.22%, 05/25/29(k)

      3,000       2,721,000  

Epicor Software Corp.

     

2020 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.75%), 12.95%, 07/31/28

      31       31,291  

2020 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.25%), 8.47%, 07/30/27

      48       47,203  

ESO Solutions, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.25%, 05/03/27(k) .

      3,696       3,544,770  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
IT Services (continued)                                                    

Gainwell Acquisition Corp.

     

2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 8.00%), 13.04%, 10/02/28(k)

    USD       994     $ 979,889  

Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.00%), 9.34%, 10/01/27

      126       123,866  

Go Daddy Operating Co. LLC, 2022 Term Loan B5, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.00%), 8.10%, 11/09/29 .

      70       69,744  

Grey Orange Interrnational, Inc.(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.25%), 12.58%, 05/01/25

      250       250,000  

Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 7.25%), 12.58%, 05/01/25

      250       250,000  

Hyphen Solutions LLC(k)

     

2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.50%), 10.70%, 10/27/26

      1,485       1,418,068  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.50%), 10.70%, 10/27/26

      1,470       1,404,011  

Integratecom, Inc.(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.19%, 12/15/27

      100       96,438  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.19%, 12/15/27

      1,574       1,517,706  

Madison Logic Holdings, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.24%, 12/30/28(k)

      88       86,057  

OpenMarket, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.25%), 11.79%, 09/17/26(k)

      4,421       4,356,581  

Pico Quantitative Trade Holding LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.50% Floor + 7.25%), 12.65%, 02/07/25(k)

      492       491,769  

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.75%), 8.85%, 02/17/28

      160       158,715  

Sellerx Opco GmbH, Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 8.00%) , 13.54%, 10/22/25(k)

      2,506       2,505,702  

Skopima Merger Sub, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 7.50%), 12.69%, 05/14/29(k)

      3,000       2,931,000  

Smarsh, Inc.(k)

     

2022 Delayed Draw Term loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.84%, 02/16/29

      190       184,190  

2022 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.84%, 02/16/29

      1,524       1,473,524  

Spartan Bidco Pty. Ltd., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 0.75%, 6.25% PIK), 2.98%, 01/24/28(f)(k)

      1,917       1,888,081  

Venga Finance SARL, 2021 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.75%), 10.28%, 06/28/29

      23       22,196  

VT Topco, Inc., 2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.75%), 11.97%, 07/31/26

      623       591,276  

West Technology Group LLC, 2023 Term Loan B3, (3- mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 4.00%), 9.30%, 04/10/27

      1,494       1,345,720  
     

 

 

 
        41,585,539  
 

 

 

26  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Leisure Products  0.0%                                                    

Fender Musical Instruments Corp., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.00%), 9.19%, 12/01/28(k)

    USD       64     $ 60,901  

Peloton Interactive, Inc., Term Loan, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 6.50%), 12.26%, 05/25/27

      48       48,267  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.70%, 03/15/30

      53       52,779  
     

 

 

 
        161,947  
Life Sciences Tools & Services  0.1%                  

Avantor Funding, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B5, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.25%), 7.45%, 11/08/27

      72       71,582  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 2.00%), 7.19%, 02/22/28

      55       53,836  

Curia Global, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.90%, 08/30/26

      9       7,896  

eResearchTechnology, Inc., 2020 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 4.50%),
9.72%, 02/04/27

      64       61,182  

Fortrea Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, 06/12/30(l)

      18       17,991  

ICON Luxembourg SARL, LUX Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.25%), 7.75%, 07/03/28

      104       103,631  

IQVIA, Inc., 2018 USD Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 7.29%, 06/11/25

      47       46,753  

Maravai Intermediate Holdings LLC, 2022 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.03%, 10/19/27

      77       77,553  

Parexel International Corp., 2021 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.35%, 11/15/28

      113       111,885  

PRA Health Sciences, Inc., US Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.25%), 7.75%, 07/03/28

      26       26,019  
     

 

 

 
        578,328  
Machinery  1.2%                  

Albion Financing 3 SARL, USD Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 5.25%), 10.52%, 08/17/26(k)

      94       92,751  

Filtration Group Corp.

     

2021 Incremental Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.72%, 10/21/28

      60       60,000  

2023 USD Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.33%, 10/21/28

      97       96,748  

Gardner Denver, Inc., 2020 USD Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 6.95%, 03/01/27

      44       44,186  

Gates Global LLC, 2021 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 2.50%), 7.70%, 03/31/27

      45       44,987  

Ingersoll-Rand Services Co., 2020 USD Spinco Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 6.95%, 03/01/27

      93       93,233  

Madison IAQ LLC, Term Loan, (6-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.30%, 06/21/28

      193       188,587  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Machinery (continued)                                                    

Roper Industrial Products Investment Co., USD Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.50%), 9.74%, 11/22/29

    USD       107     $ 106,199  

Sonny’s Enterprises LLC, 2023 Restatement Date Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.75%), 11.96%, 08/05/28(k)

      3,855       3,782,001  

SPX Flow, Inc., 2022 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.70%, 04/05/29

      86       84,511  

Titan Acquisition Ltd., 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.00%), 8.73%, 03/28/25

      144       140,365  

Vertical U.S. Newco, Inc., Term Loan B, (6-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.60%, 07/30/27

      136       134,854  

Vertiv Group Corp., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 7.94%, 03/02/27

      121       120,012  
     

 

 

 
        4,988,434  
Media  1.9%                  

AP Core Holdings II LLC, High-Yield Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.72%, 09/01/27(k)

      1,500       1,447,500  

AVSC Holding Corp.

     

2020 Term Loan B1, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 3.50%, 0.25% PIK), 8.68%, 03/03/25(f)

      65       63,087  

2020 Term Loan B3, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 15.00%), 7.50%, 10/15/26

      33       36,775  

Cable One, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B4, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.00%), 7.19%, 05/03/28

      62       60,463  

Charter Communications Operating LLC, Class A, 2019 Term Loan B1, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 6.80%, 04/30/25

      —  (m)      447  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 3.50%), 8.81%, 08/21/26

      161       153,783  

CSC Holdings LLC

     

2017 Term Loan B1, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.25%), 7.44%, 07/17/25

      50       47,963  

2019 Term Loan B5, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.50%), 7.69%, 04/15/27

      85       73,850  

DirecTV Financing LLC, Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.00%), 10.22%, 08/02/27

      133       130,138  

E.W. Scripps Co., 2020 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 2.75%), 7.97%, 01/07/28

      17       16,815  

ECL Entertainment LLC, Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 7.50%), 12.72%, 05/01/28

      66       65,824  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA, 2021 Exit Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.44%, 02/01/29

      3,718       3,699,209  

Learfield Communications LLC, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 3.25%), 8.77%, 12/01/23

      65       50,389  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 3.00%), 8.20%, 04/01/28

      10       8,447  

Suited Connector LLC(k)

     

Revolver, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 8.00%), 13.58%, 12/01/27

      367       267,017  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  27


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Media (continued)                                                    

Suited Connector LLC(k) (continued)

     

Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 8.00%, 2.00% PIK), 6.66%, 12/01/27(f)

    USD       2,224     $ 1,619,198  

Voyage Digital Ltd., USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.36%, 05/11/29(k)

      47       46,507  

Ziggo Financing Partnership, USD Term Loan I, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.50%), 7.69%, 04/30/28

      54       53,029  
     

 

 

 
        7,840,441  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels  0.1%                  

Freeport LNG Investments LLLP, Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.75%, 12/21/28

      173       168,924  

M6 ETX Holdings II Midco LLC, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.68%, 09/19/29

      11       10,815  

Medallion Midland Acquisition LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 9.25%, 10/18/28

      94       93,505  
     

 

 

 
        273,244  
Passenger Airlines  0.2%                  

AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 4.75%), 10.00%, 04/20/28

      92       93,394  

Air Canada, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 3.50%), 8.84%, 08/11/28

      93       93,245  

American Airlines, Inc.

     

2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (6-mo. LIBOR US + 3.50%), 7.00%, 01/29/27

      68       65,956  

2023 Term Loan B, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 8.15%, 02/15/28

      120       117,683  

Kestrel Bidco, Inc., Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 3.00%), 8.25%, 12/11/26

      70       67,655  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC, 2020 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 5.25%), 10.76%, 06/21/27

      125       129,904  

United Airlines, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 9.29%, 04/21/28

      88       88,236  
     

 

 

 
        656,073  
Personal Care Products  0.4%                  

Sunshine Luxembourg VII SARL, 2021 Term Loan B3, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 9.09%, 10/01/26

      315       313,108  

Supergoop LLC(k)

     

Revolver, (Prime + 4.75%), 13.00%, 12/22/27

      24       23,676  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.75%), 10.95%, 12/29/28

      1,182       1,160,226  
     

 

 

 
        1,497,010  
Pharmaceuticals  0.2%                  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.72%, 05/04/25

      65       63,006  

Amynta Agency Borrower, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR + 5.00%), 10.20%, 02/28/28

      41       39,796  

Bausch Health Cos., Inc., 2022 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 5.25%), 10.43%, 02/01/27

      60       45,470  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Pharmaceuticals (continued)                                                    

Elanco Animal Health, Inc., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 1.75%), 7.01%, 08/01/27

    USD       63     $ 61,484  

Jazz Financing Lux SARL, USD Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.69%, 05/05/28

      113       112,574  

Organon & Co., USD Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.25%, 06/02/28

      73       72,771  

Precision Medicine Group LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.00%), 8.34%, 11/18/27(k)

      64       60,832  

Traack Technologies, Inc., Term Loan, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.50%), 13.15%, 09/15/25(k)

      500       484,695  
     

 

 

 
        940,628  
Professional Services  1.1%                  

Accordion Partners LLC(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 6.50%), 11.74%, 08/29/29

      16       15,430  

Delayed Draw Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.49%, 08/29/29

      19       19,074  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 6.25%), 11.49%, 08/29/29

      176       173,848  

AlixPartners LLP, 2021 USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.50%), 7.72%, 02/04/28

      63       62,592  

CoreLogic, Inc.

     

2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 6.50%), 11.75%, 06/04/29

      190       152,475  

Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.75%, 06/02/28

      186       167,788  

DTI Holdco, Inc., 2022 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 7.75%), 12.80%, 04/26/30(k)

      4,000       3,440,000  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp.

     

2022 Incremental Term Loan B2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.25%), 8.33%, 01/18/29

      65       64,931  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.25%), 8.43%, 02/06/26

      241       241,196  

Element Materials Technology Group U.S. Holdings, Inc.

     

2022 USD Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.59%, 07/06/29

      20       19,323  

2022 USD Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.59%, 07/06/29

      43       41,867  

Galaxy U.S. Opco, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.75%), 9.85%, 04/29/29(k)

      81       76,038  

Trans Union LLC, 2021 Term Loan B6, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.25%), 7.47%, 12/01/28

      163       162,460  

VS Buyer LLC, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.25%), 8.52%, 02/28/27

      47       46,049  
     

 

 

 
        4,683,071  
 

 

 

28  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Real Estate Management & Development  0.7%  

Cushman & Wakefield U.S. Borrower LLC

                                                   

2020 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 7.97%, 08/21/25

    USD       45     $ 44,312  

2023 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.45%, 01/31/30(k)

      96       93,038  

SitusAMC Holdings Corp., 2021 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.50%), 10.84%, 12/22/27(k)

      2,962       2,903,250  
     

 

 

 
        3,040,600  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment  0.0%  

MKS Instruments, Inc., 2022 USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 7.94%, 08/17/29

      75       74,512  
     

 

 

 
Software  8.0%                  

Anaconda, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.50%), 12.73%, 07/27/27(k)

      100       98,100  

Applied Systems, Inc.

     

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.75%), 11.99%, 09/17/27

      27       26,554  

2022 Extended 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.74%, 09/18/26

      31       31,469  

Backoffice Associates Holdings LLC(k)

     

First Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.75%), 12.64%, 04/30/26

      57       57,206  

Revolver, (Prime + 6.75%), 15.00%, 04/30/26

      288       288,062  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.75%), 13.03%, 04/30/26

      2,085       2,075,489  

Barracuda Networks, Inc., 2022 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.55%, 08/15/29

      97       93,927  

Bynder Holding BV, Term Loan Tranche B, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.25%), 12.05%, 01/26/29(k)

      54       52,853  

CCC Intelligent Solutions, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.25%), 7.33%, 09/21/28

      78       78,207  

Central Parent, Inc., 2022 USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.49%, 07/06/29

      61       60,485  

Cloud Software Group, Inc.

     

2022 USD Term Loan, (2-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.84%, 03/30/29

      281       262,659  

2022 USD Term Loan A, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.50%), 9.84%, 09/29/28

      1,540       1,437,688  

Cloudera, Inc., 2021 Second Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 6.00%), 11.08%, 10/08/29(k)

      51       45,900  

Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 9.25%, 10/16/28

      66       61,069  

Cybergrants Holdings LLC(k)

     

Revolver, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.25%), 12.25%, 09/08/27

      194       188,662  

Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.25%), 11.79%, 09/08/27

      3,188       3,017,490  

Delta TopCo, Inc., 2020 2nd Lien Term Loan, (6-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 7.25%), 12.57%, 12/01/28

      14       12,728  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Software (continued)                                                    

Elastic Path Software, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 7.50%), 12.70%, 01/05/26(k)

    USD       1,342     $ 1,338,406  

Genesys Cloud Services Holdings II LLC, 2020 USD Term Loan B4, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.00%), 9.19%, 12/01/27

      151       150,015  

Informatica LLC, 2021 USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 2.75%), 8.00%, 10/27/28

      107       106,737  

Inmoment, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 5.00%, 2.00% PIK), 4.92%, 06/08/28(f)(k)

      4,081       3,982,956  

Instructure Holdings, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 7.85%, 10/30/28

      16       15,662  

Keep Truckin, Inc.(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.25%), 12.81%, 04/08/25

      988       978,213  

Delayed Draw Term Loan 2, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.25%), 12.33%, 04/08/25

      1,512       1,496,787  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.25%), 12.81%, 10/05/24

      2,000       1,980,000  

Kong, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.50%, 3.25% PIK), 5.39%, 11/01/27(f)(k)

      102       100,649  

Lightspeed Solution LLC(k)

     

Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.43%, 03/01/28

      12       11,999  

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.37%, 03/01/28

      386       375,812  

Magenta Buyer LLC

     

2021 USD 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 4.75%), 10.03%, 07/27/28

      2,484       1,861,785  

2021 USD 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 8.25%), 13.53%, 07/27/29

      2,197       1,416,860  

McAfee Corp., 2022 USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 9.01%, 03/01/29

      175       167,271  

MH Sub I LLC

     

2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 6.25%), 11.35%, 02/23/29

      98       84,664  

2023 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.25%), 9.35%, 05/03/28

      342       327,715  

NortonLifeLock, Inc., 2022 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.00%), 7.20%, 09/12/29

      80       79,327  

Oversight Systems, Inc.(k)

     

2018 Incremental Term Loan, 09/24/26(l)

      45       44,636  

Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 5.25%), 11.20%, 09/23/26

      962       943,236  

PERCHHQ LLC, Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.17%, 10/15/25(k)

      3,135       2,623,933  

Persado, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 7.00%), 12.66%, 02/03/27(k)

      150       141,792  

Planview Parent, Inc., 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 7.25%), 12.59%, 12/18/28

      76       66,880  

Pluralsight, Inc.(k)

     

Revolver, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 8.00%), 13.20%, 04/06/27

      96       91,181  
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  29


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Software (continued)                                                    

Pluralsight, Inc.(k) (continued)

     

Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 8.00%), 13.04%, 04/06/27

    USD       3,309     $ 3,156,638  

Proofpoint, Inc.

     

1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.47%, 08/31/28

      86       83,859  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 6.25%), 11.47%, 08/31/29

      106       102,555  

RealPage, Inc.

     

1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.00%), 8.22%, 04/24/28

      258       251,829  

2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.69%, 04/23/29

      140       134,827  

Reveal Brainspace, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 5.00%), 10.22%, 03/10/28(k)

      500       487,470  

SEP Raptor Acquisition, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 4.50%), 13.06%, 03/28/27(k)

      1,726       1,707,778  

Severin Acquisition LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.00%), 8.05%, 08/01/25

            1  

Sophia LP

     

2020 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 8.00%), 13.20%, 10/09/28

      165       164,175  

2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 9.04%, 10/07/27

      57       56,726  

Syntellis Performance Solutions LLC, Term Loan, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.50%), 11.60%, 08/02/27(k)

      1,260       1,232,164  

UKG, Inc., 2021 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 5.25%), 10.27%, 05/03/27

      62       60,349  

Ultimate Software Group, Inc., 2021 Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.25%), 8.27%, 05/04/26

      91       89,116  

Voyage Australia Pty. Ltd., USD Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.81%, 07/20/28

      24       24,028  

ZoomInfo LLC, 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.75%), 7.95%, 02/28/30

      17       16,883  
     

 

 

 
        33,843,462  
Specialty Retail  1.7%                  

Calceus Acquisition, Inc., Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US + 5.50%), 11.04%, 02/12/25

      262       252,504  

EG America LLC, 2018 USD Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.00%), 9.16%, 02/07/25

      132       129,744  

Hanna Andersson LLC, Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 6.00%), 11.15%, 07/02/26(k)

      3,207       2,953,532  

Mavis Tire Express Services Corp., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 4.00%), 9.22%, 05/04/28

      128       126,926  

PetSmart, Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.95%, 02/11/28

      159       158,440  

Pilot Travel Centers LLC, 2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.00%), 7.20%, 08/04/28

      74       74,055  

Razor Group GmbH, Delayed Draw Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 9.00%), 14.97%, 04/23/25(k)

      3,754       3,625,846  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Specialty Retail (continued)                                                    

Restoration Hardware, Inc., Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.50%), 7.69%, 10/20/28

    USD       41     $ 39,255  

RVR Dealership Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.97%, 02/08/28

      9       8,506  
     

 

 

 
        7,368,808  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals  1.3%  

Electronics for Imaging, Inc., Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 5.00%), 10.21%, 07/23/26

      2,401       1,620,570  

SumUp Holdings, 2021 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3- mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 7.00%), 12.37%, 12/20/28(k)

      3,771       3,718,629  
     

 

 

 
        5,339,199  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods  1.0%  

Crocs, Inc., Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.70%, 02/20/29

      48       48,321  

Hanesbrands, Inc., 2023 Term Loan B, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 3.75%), 8.85%, 03/08/30(k)

      25       25,000  

James Perse Enterprises, Inc., Term Loan, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR at 1.00% Floor + 6.25%), 11.38%, 09/02/27(k)

      4,000       4,020,532  
     

 

 

 
        4,093,853  
Trading Companies & Distributors  0.1%  

Core & Main LP, 2021 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 2.50%), 7.69%, 07/27/28

      125       123,738  

SRS Distribution, Inc.

     

2021 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US at 0.50% Floor + 3.50%), 8.69%, 06/02/28

      138       133,667  

2022 Incremental Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR + 3.50%), 8.70%, 06/02/28

      88       85,635  

TMK Hawk Parent Corp.(k)

     

2020 Super Priority First Out Term Loan A, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 9.50%), 15.00%, 05/30/24

      22       21,990  

2020 Super Priority Second Out Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR US at 1.00% Floor + 3.50%), 9.00%, 08/28/24

      70       42,457  
     

 

 

 
        407,487  
Transportation Infrastructure  0.0%  

Apple Bidco LLC, 2022 Incremental Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 4.00%), 9.10%, 09/22/28

      38       37,668  

KKR Apple Bidco LLC, 2021 Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.50% Floor + 2.75%), 7.97%, 09/23/28

      44       43,898  

OLA Netherlands BV, Term Loan, (1-mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 6.25%), 11.43%, 12/15/26

      112       104,259  

Rand Parent LLC, 2023 Term Loan B, (3-mo. CME Term SOFR + 4.25%), 9.49%, 03/17/30

      15       14,027  
     

 

 

 
        199,852  
Wireless Telecommunication Services  0.0%  

Digicel International Finance Ltd., 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 3.25%), 8.98%, 05/28/24

      40       36,947  
 

 

 

30  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

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

GOGO Intermediate Holdings LLC, Term Loan B, (1- mo. CME Term SOFR at 0.75% Floor + 3.75%), 8.97%, 04/30/28

    USD       45     $ 44,528  

SBA Senior Finance II LLC, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR US + 1.75%), 6.95%, 04/11/25

      23       23,212  
     

 

 

 
        104,687  
     

 

 

 

Total Floating Rate Loan Interests  67.5%
(Cost: $297,509,785)

 

      284,363,260  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Agency Obligations

     

Mongolia  0.0%

                                                   

Mongolia Government International Bond, 5.13%, 04/07/26(e)

      200       186,480  
     

 

 

 
Pakistan  0.0%                  

Pakistan Government International Bond(e)

     

6.00%, 04/08/26

      300       144,312  

7.38%, 04/08/31

      200       90,660  
     

 

 

 
        234,972  
Sri Lanka  0.1%                  

Sri Lanka Government International Bond(c)(e)(g)

     

6.35%, 06/28/24

      310       136,946  

6.85%, 11/03/25

      200       92,472  

6.83%, 07/18/26

      200       91,120  

6.20%, 05/11/27

      200       87,000  
     

 

 

 
        407,538  
Vietnam  0.1%                  

Vietnam Government International Bond, 4.80%, 11/19/24(e)

      250       244,805  
     

 

 

 

Total Foreign Agency Obligations  0.2%
(Cost: $1,528,809)

 

      1,073,795  
     

 

 

 
            Shares         
Investment Companies                  
Fixed Income Funds  0.4%                  

iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF(n)(o)

      18,476       1,598,914  
     

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies  0.4%
(Cost: $1,998,205)

        1,598,914  
     

 

 

 
            Par
(000)
        
Preferred Securities                  

Capital Trusts  1.6%(a)

     
Banks  0.7%                  

Bank of East Asia Ltd., 5.88%(d)(e)

    USD       250       227,827  

Citigroup, Inc., Series P, 5.95%(d)

      575       551,441  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., 3.20%(d) (e) .

      400       372,308  
Security          Par
(000)
    Value  
Banks (continued)                                                    

ING Groep NV, 3.88%(d)

    USD       372     $ 264,785  

Toronto-Dominion Bank, 8.13%, 10/31/82

      1,526       1,550,233  
     

 

 

 
        2,966,594  
Financial Services  0.9%                  

Barclays PLC, 8.00%(d)

      4,150       3,707,610  
     

 

 

 
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity
Producers (b) (d)
 0.0%
 

NRG Energy, Inc., 10.25%

      92       86,753  

Vistra Corp., 7.00%

      43       37,518  
     

 

 

 
        124,271  
     

 

 

 
                6,798,475  
     

 

 

 
            Shares         
Preferred Stocks  1.2%                  
Broadline Retail  0.9%                  

StubHub(k)

      3,000       3,593,279  
     

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies  0.0%  

Verscend Intermediate Holding(k)

      33       43,279  
     

 

 

 
Financial Services  0.0%                  

Alliant Holdings, Inc.(k)

      55       52,255  
     

 

 

 
Hotel & Resort REITs (d)  0.0%                  

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

     

Series D

      1,531       26,894  

Series F

      1,794       27,619  

Series G

      473       7,563  

Series H

      3,060       47,736  

Series I

      2,658       41,545  

Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Series B(h)

      2,909       40,726  
     

 

 

 
        192,083  
IT Services  0.3%                  

ByteDance Ltd., Series E-1, (Acquired 11/11/20, Cost: $744,776)(k)(p)

      6,797       1,194,940  
     

 

 

 
        5,075,836  
     

 

 

 

Total Preferred Securities  2.8%
(Cost: $11,471,806)

 

      11,874,311  
     

 

 

 

Warrants

     

Capital Markets  0.0%

     

Pico Quantitative Trade Holding LLC, (Issued 02/07/20, Expires 02/07/30)(c)(k)

      142       31,641  
     

 

 

 
Consumer Discretionary  0.0%                  

Service King (Carnelian Point), (Expires 06/30/27, Strike Price USD 10.00)(c)

      202      
     

 

 

 
Consumer Finance  0.0%                  

WorldRemit Ltd., Series D, (Issued/Exercisable 02/11/21, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 02/11/31, Strike Price USD 37.59)(c)(k)

      1,596       17,754  
     

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services  0.0%                  

PERCHHQ LLC, (Issued/Exercisable 05/17/22, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 10/15/27, Strike Price USD 0.01)(c)(k)(q)

      21,736       22,487  
     

 

 

 
 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  31


Consolidated Schedule of Investments  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

(Percentages shown are based on Net Assets)

 

Security          Shares     Value  
Electrical Equipment  0.1%                                                    

Razor Group GmbH, (Issued/Exercisable 04/08/21, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 04/30/28, Strike Price EUR 1,617.28)(c)(k)

      46     $ 140,132  
     

 

 

 
IT Services (c) (k)  0.0%                  

Grey Orange, (Issued/Exercisable 05/06/22, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 05/06/32, Strike Price USD 28.93)

      460       1,713  

SellerX Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Series B, (Issued/Exercisable 11/22/21, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 11/22/28, Strike Price USD 7,848.30)

      19       41,426  
     

 

 

 
        43,139  
Media  0.0%                  

Suited Connector LLC, (Issued/Exercisable 03/06/23, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 03/06/33, Strike Price USD 33.71)(c)(k)

      2,618        
     

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels  0.0%                  

California Resources Corp., (Issued/Exercisable 11/03/20, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 10/27/24, Strike Price USD 36.00)(c)

      20       237  
     

 

 

 
Specialty Retail  0.0%                  

Razor Group GmbH, (Issued/Exercisable 03/24/23, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 03/24/30, Strike Price EUR 6,306.84)(c)(k)

      14       79,468  
     

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods(c)(k)  0.0%  

Elevate Brands Holdco, Inc., (Issued/Exercisable 03/14/22, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 03/14/32, Strike Price USD 2.83)

      10,931       8,354  

Elevate Textiles, Inc., (Issued/Exercisable 03/14/22, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 03/14/32, Strike Price USD 3.54)

      21,862       10,371  
     

 

 

 
        18,725  
     

 

 

 

Total Warrants  0.1%
(Cost: $33)

        353,583  
     

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments  104.7%
(Cost: $462,498,321)

        441,199,579  
     

 

 

 

Short-Term Securities

     
Money Market Funds  0.3%                  

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund, Institutional Class, 4.98%(n)(r)

      1,083,871       1,083,871  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Securities  0.3%
(Cost: $1,083,871)

        1,083,871  
     

 

 

 

Options Purchased  0.1%
(Cost: $559,507)

        340,853  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments Before Options Written  105.1%
(Cost: $464,141,699)

 

    442,624,303  
     

 

 

 

Options Written  (0.0)%
(Premiums Received: $(208,324))

        (54,555
     

 

 

 

Total Investments, Net of Options Written  105.1%
(Cost: $463,933,375)

 

    442,569,748  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets  (5.1)%

 

    (21,338,220
     

 

 

 

Net Assets  100.0%

      $ 421,231,528  
     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Variable rate security. Interest rate resets periodically. The rate shown is the effective interest rate as of period end. Security description also includes the reference rate and spread if published and available.

(b) 

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

(c) 

Non-income producing security.

(d) 

Perpetual security with no stated maturity date.

(e) 

This security may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

(f) 

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

(g) 

Issuer filed for bankruptcy and/or is in default.

(h) 

Convertible security.

(i) 

Zero-coupon bond.

(j) 

Step-up bond that pays an initial coupon rate for the first period and then a higher coupon rate for the following periods. Rate as of period end.

(k) 

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

(l) 

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

(m) 

Rounds to less than 1,000.

(n)

Affiliate of the Fund.

(o) 

All or a portion of the security has been pledged and/or segregated as collateral in connection with outstanding exchange-traded options written.

(p) 

Restricted security as to resale, excluding 144A securities. The Fund held restricted securities with a current value of $1,194,940, representing 0.3% of its net assets as of period end, and an original cost of $744,776.

(q) 

All or a portion of the security is held by a wholly-owned subsidiary. See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the wholly-owned subsidiary.

(r)

Annualized 7-day yield as of period end.

 

 

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

 

 

32  

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

   BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Affiliates

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

 

Affiliated Issuer    Value at
12/31/22
     Purchases
at Cost
     Proceeds
from Sales
     Net
Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
     Value at
06/30/23
     Shares
Held at
06/30/23
     Income      Capital Gain
Distributions
from
Underlying
Funds
 

BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund, Institutional Class

   $ 3,149,181      $      $ (2,065,310 )(a)     $      $      $ 1,083,871        1,083,871      $ 60,593      $  

iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF

     1,562,885                             36,029        1,598,914        18,476        32,421         
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 
            $      $ 36,029      $ 2,682,785         $ 93,014      $  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Represents net amount purchased (sold).

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount (000)
     Value/
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Long Contracts

           

10-Year U.S. Ultra Long Treasury Note

     177        09/20/23      $ 20,980      $ (220,567

U.S. Long Bond

     8        09/20/23        1,017        623  

5-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     472        09/29/23        50,570        (1,001,263
           

 

 

 
              (1,221,207
           

 

 

 

Short Contracts

           

Russell 2000 E-Mini Index

     166        09/15/23        15,801        101,398  

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     24        09/15/23        5,386        (87,008

10-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     476        09/20/23        53,461        1,299,231  

Ultra U.S. Treasury Bond

     22        09/20/23        2,997        (21,522

2-Year U.S. Treasury Note

     202        09/29/23        41,085        684,492  
           

 

 

 
              1,976,591  
           

 

 

 
            $ 755,384  
           

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Currency Purchased        Currency Sold      Counterparty    Settlement Date      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

USD

     10,938        EUR      10,000      Goldman Sachs International      07/17/23      $ 19  

USD

     132,783        EUR      121,000      BNP Paribas SA      09/20/23        243  

USD

     4,121,555        EUR      3,756,000      Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC      09/20/23        7,335  
                   

 

 

 
                      7,597  
                   

 

 

 

USD

     21,832        EUR      20,000      BNP Paribas SA      07/17/23        (5

USD

     540,722        EUR      500,000      State Street Bank and Trust Co.      07/17/23        (5,193

USD

     12,575        GBP      10,000      State Street Bank and Trust Co.      07/17/23        (126
                   

 

 

 
                      (5,324
                   

 

 

 
                    $ 2,273  
                   

 

 

 

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  33


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Exchange-Traded Options Purchased

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Exercise Price     

Notional

Amount (000)

     Value  

Call

                    

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

     601        08/18/23        USD        455.00        USD        26,641      $ 192,320  

3-Month SOFR Future

     147        03/15/24        USD        95.50        USD        34,874        107,494  
                    

 

 

 
                       299,814  
                    

 

 

 

Put

                    

Euro Stoxx 50 Index

     242        07/21/23        EUR        4,225.00        EUR        10,646        24,030  

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

     493        07/21/23        USD        410.00        USD        21,854        17,009  
                    

 

 

 
                       41,039  
                    

 

 

 
                     $ 340,853  
                    

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Options Written

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
     Expiration
Date
     Exercise Price     

Notional

Amount (000)

     Value  

Call

                    

3-Month SOFR Future

     147        03/15/24        USD        97.00        USD        34,874      $ (35,831
                    

 

 

 

Put

                    

Euro Stoxx 50 Index

     242        07/21/23        EUR        4,050.00        EUR        10,646        (9,110

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

     493        07/21/23        USD        390.00        USD        21,854        (9,614
                    

 

 

 
                       (18,724
                    

 

 

 
                     $ (54,555
                    

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps — Buy Protection

 

Reference Obligation/Index    Financing
Rate Paid
by the Fund
     Payment
Frequency
     Termination
Date
     Notional
Amount (000)
     Value      Upfront
Premium
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1

     5.00      Quarterly        06/20/28        USD 42,300      $ (1,257,829    $ (257,773    $ (1,000,056
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances Reported in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Centrally Cleared Swaps and Options Written

 

Description    Swap
Premiums
Paid
     Swap
Premiums
Received
     Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
Depreciation
     Value  

Centrally Cleared Swaps(a)

   $  —      $ (257,773    $      $ (1,000,056    $  

Options Written

     N/A        N/A        153,769               (54,555

 

  (a) 

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on centrally cleared swaps, as reported in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and is net of any previously paid (received) swap premium amounts.

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

 

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

Assets — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 101,398      $      $ 1,984,346      $      $ 2,085,744  

 

 

34  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure (continued)

 

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

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                    

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

   $      $      $      $ 7,597      $      $      $ 7,597  

Options purchased

                    

Investments at value — unaffiliated(b)

                   233,359               107,494               340,853  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $      $ 334,757      $ 7,597      $ 2,091,840      $      $ 2,434,194  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities — Derivative Financial Instruments

                    

Futures contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts(a)

   $      $      $ 87,008      $      $ 1,243,352      $      $ 1,330,360  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                    

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          5,324                      5,324  

Options written

                    

Options written at value

                   18,724               35,831               54,555  

Swaps — centrally cleared

                    

Unrealized depreciation on centrally cleared swaps(a)

            1,000,056                                    1,000,056  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ 1,000,056      $ 105,732      $ 5,324      $ 1,279,183      $      $ 2,390,295  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

 
  (b) 

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

For the period ended June 30, 2023, 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
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

Net Realized Gain (Loss) from:

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ (1,063,746    $      $ (559,645    $      $ (1,623,391

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          (29,946                    (29,946

Options purchased(a)

                   (903,243                           (903,243

Options written

                   380,137                             380,137  

Swaps

            (369,079                                  (369,079
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ (369,079    $ (1,586,852    $ (29,946    $ (559,645    $      $ (2,545,522
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

                    

Futures contracts

   $      $      $ 14,390      $      $ 527,411      $      $ 541,801  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                          12,476                      12,476  

Options purchased(b)

                   (178,092             (14,094             (192,186

Options written

                   136,176               4,281               140,457  

Swaps

            (888,358                                  (888,358
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $      $ (888,358    $ (27,526    $ 12,476      $ 517,598      $      $ (385,810
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

  (b) 

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

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  35


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

 

   

Futures contracts:

  

Average notional value of contracts — long

   $ 61,445,449  

Average notional value of contracts — short

   $ 104,620,551  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts:

  

Average amounts purchased — in USD

   $ 4,599,450  

Average amounts sold — in USD

   $ 187,931  

Options:

  

Average value of option contracts purchased

   $ 170,426  

Average value of option contracts written

   $ 27,278  

Credit default swaps:

  

Average notional value — buy protection

   $ 42,300,000  

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

Derivative Financial Instruments — Offsetting as of Period End

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

 

      Assets      Liabilities  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     

Futures contracts

   $ 93,364      $ 229,207  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     7,597        5,324  

Options

     340,853 (a)       54,555  

Swaps — centrally cleared

            316,520  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

     441,814        605,606  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

     (434,217      (600,282
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

   $ 7,597      $ 5,324  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a)

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

 

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

 

Counterparty     



Derivative
Assets
Subject to an
MNA by
Counterparty
 
 
 
 
 
    

Derivatives
Available
for Offset
 
 
(a) 
    

Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Received
 
 
 
    


Net
Amount of
Derivative
Assets
 
 
 
(b)(c) 

BNP Paribas SA

   $ 243      $ (5    $      $      $ 238  

Goldman Sachs International

     19                             19  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

     7,335                             7,335  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,597      $ (5    $      $      $ 7,592  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Counterparty     



Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to an
MNA by
Counterparty
 
 
 
 
 
    

Derivatives
Available for
Offset
 
 
(a) 
    

Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
 
 
    

Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 
 
(b)(d) 

BNP Paribas SA

   $ 5      $ (5    $      $      $  

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

     5,319                             5,319  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,324      $ (5    $      $      $ 5,319  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

  (b) 

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

  (c) 

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

  (d) 

Net amount represents the net amount payable due to counterparty in the event of default. Net amount may be offset further by the options written receivable/payable on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

36  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

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

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments above.

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Assets

                 

Investments

                 

Long-Term Investments

                 

Asset-Backed Securities

   $        $ 33,950,992        $        $ 33,950,992  

Common Stocks

                 

Biotechnology

     553,000                            553,000  

Construction & Engineering

              388                   388  

Financial Services

              9,620                   9,620  

Hotel & Resort REITs

     2,012,740                            2,012,740  

Household Durables

     2,097,110                            2,097,110  

Pharmaceuticals

     537,832                            537,832  

Corporate Bonds

                 

Aerospace & Defense

              1,435,749                   1,435,749  

Automobile Components

              652,889                   652,889  

Automobiles

              109,403                   109,403  

Banks

              6,246,153                   6,246,153  

Beverages

              906,888                   906,888  

Broadline Retail

              2,719,595                   2,719,595  

Building Materials

              283,718                   283,718  

Building Products

              1,787,398                   1,787,398  

Capital Markets

              971,849                   971,849  

Chemicals

              802,693                   802,693  

Commercial Services & Supplies

              885,581                   885,581  

Communications Equipment

              285,179                   285,179  

Construction & Engineering

              196,814                   196,814  

Construction Materials

              55,927                   55,927  

Consumer Discretionary

              1,401,380                   1,401,380  

Consumer Finance

              3,612,511                   3,612,511  

Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail

              12,433                   12,433  

Containers & Packaging

              261,438                   261,438  

Diversified Consumer Services

              1,263,715                   1,263,715  

Diversified REITs

              1,211,453                   1,211,453  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

              2,494,996                   2,494,996  

Electric Utilities

              2,158,973                   2,158,973  

Electrical Equipment

              94,415                   94,415  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

              158,523                   158,523  

Energy Equipment & Services

              658,802                   658,802  

Environmental, Maintenance & Security Service

              245,517                   245,517  

Financial Services

              4,730,030                   4,730,030  

Food Products

              380,751                   380,751  

Gas Utilities

              49,406                   49,406  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

              58,043                   58,043  

Health Care Providers & Services

              1,231,791                   1,231,791  

Health Care Technology

              196,102                   196,102  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

              6,756,393                   6,756,393  

Household Durables

              772,551                   772,551  

Household Products

              30,531                   30,531  

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers

              1,561,396                   1,561,396  

Insurance

              1,231,227                   1,231,227  

Interactive Media & Services

              2,362,693                   2,362,693  

Internet Software & Services

              319,012                   319,012  

IT Services

              4,448,187                   4,448,187  

Machinery

              781,207                   781,207  

Media

              5,094,843                   5,094,843  

Metals & Mining

              2,135,573                   2,135,573  

Multi-Utilities

              227,916                   227,916  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

              15,288,154                   15,288,154  

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  37


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End (continued)

 

      Level 1        Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Corporate Bonds (continued)

                 

Passenger Airlines

   $        $ 569,059        $        $ 569,059  

Pharmaceuticals

              897,358                   897,358  

Real Estate Management & Development

              4,474,025                   4,474,025  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

              1,347,417                   1,347,417  

Software

              9,458,523                   9,458,523  

Specialized REITs

              99,206                   99,206  

Specialty Retail

              49,131          1,910,307          1,959,438  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

              163,606                   163,606  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     283,533          122,991                   406,524  

Tobacco

              73,587                   73,587  

Transportation Infrastructure

              370,984                   370,984  

Wireless Telecommunication Services

              3,880,991                   3,880,991  

Fixed Rate Loan Interests

                       503,518          503,518  

Floating Rate Loan Interests

              84,679,574          199,683,686          284,363,260  

Foreign Agency Obligations

              1,073,795                   1,073,795  

Investment Companies

     1,598,914                            1,598,914  

Preferred Securities

                 

Capital Trusts

              6,798,475                   6,798,475  

Preferred Stocks

     192,083                   4,883,753          5,075,836  

Warrants

     237                   353,346          353,583  

Short-Term Securities

                 

Money Market Funds

     1,083,871                            1,083,871  

Options Purchased

                 

Equity Contracts

     233,359                            233,359  

Interest Rate Contracts

     107,494                            107,494  

Unfunded Floating Rate Loan Interests(a)

                       15,021          15,021  

Liabilities

                 

Unfunded Floating Rate Loan Interests(a)

              (681        (321,324        (322,005
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 8,700,173        $ 226,588,839        $ 207,028,307        $ 442,317,319  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments(b)

                 

Assets

                 

Equity Contracts

   $ 101,398        $        $        $ 101,398  

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

              7,597                   7,597  

Interest Rate Contracts

     1,984,346                            1,984,346  

Liabilities

                 

Credit Contracts

              (1,000,056                 (1,000,056

Equity Contracts

     (105,732                          (105,732

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

              (5,324                 (5,324

Interest Rate Contracts

     (1,279,183                          (1,279,183
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
   $ 700,829        $ (997,783      $        $ (296,954
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

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

  (b) 

Derivative financial instruments are swaps, futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and options written. Swaps, futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument and options written are shown at value.

 

The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of period end, bank borrowings payable of $36,150,000 are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

A reconciliation of Level 3 financial instruments is presented when the Fund had a significant amount of Level 3 investments and derivative financial instruments 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:

 

      Corporate
Bonds
     Fixed
Rate Loan
Interests
     Floating
Rate Loan
Interests
     Preferred
Stocks
     Unfunded
Rate Loan
Interests
     Warrants      Total  

Assets/Liabilities

                    

Opening balance, as of December 31, 2022

   $ 1,771,094      $      $ 202,600,348      $ 4,690,451      $ (596,398    $ 421,148      $ 208,886,643  

Transfers into Level 3(a)

                   11,137,079                             11,137,079  

Transfers out of Level 3(b)

                   (9,345,938                           (9,345,938

Other(c)

            431,612        (431,612                            

Accrued discounts/premiums

     6,488        2,684        229,496                             238,668  

 

 

38  

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


Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

 

      Corporate
Bonds
     Fixed
Rate Loan
Interests
     Floating
Rate Loan
Interests
     Preferred
Stocks
     Unfunded
Rate Loan
Interests
     Warrants      Total  

Net realized gain (loss)

   $      $      $ 116,780      $      $      $      $ 116,780  

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

     132,725        173        (371,118      193,302        290,095        (67,802      177,375  

Purchases

            69,049        9,466,190                             9,535,239  

Sales

                   (13,717,539                           (13,717,539
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance, as of June 30, 2023

   $ 1,910,307      $ 503,518      $ 199,683,686      $ 4,883,753      $ (306,303    $ 353,346      $ 207,028,307  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at June 30, 2023(e)

   $ 132,725      $ 173      $ (422,020    $ 193,302      $ 103,567      $ (67,802    $ (60,055
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

As of December 31, 2022, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of June 30, 2023, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments at beginning of period value were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 in the disclosure hierarchy.

 
  (b) 

As of December 31, 2022, the Fund used significant unobservable inputs in determining the value of certain investments. As of June 30, 2023, the Fund used observable inputs in determining the value of the same investments. As a result, investments at beginning of period value were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 in the disclosure hierarchy.

 
  (c) 

Certain Level 3 investments were re-classified between Floating Rate Loan Interests and Fixed Rate Loan Interests.

 
  (d) 

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

 
  (e) 

Any difference between net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held at June 30, 2023 is generally due to investments no longer held or categorized as Level 3 at period end.

 

The following table summarizes the valuation approaches used and unobservable inputs utilized by the BlackRock Valuation Committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to determine the value of certain of the Fund’s Level 3 financial instruments as of period end. The table does not include Level 3 financial instruments with values based upon unadjusted third-party pricing information in the amount of $10,191,774. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of such Level 3 financial instruments.

 

       Value       
Valuation
Approach
 
 
    
Unobservable
Inputs
 
 
    


Range of
Unobservable
Inputs
Utilized
 
 
 
(a) 
    



Weighted
Average of
Unobservable
Inputs Based
on Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 

Assets

              

Corporate Bonds

   $ 1,910,307        Income        Discount Rate        11%         

Floating Rate Loan Interests

     189,303,140        Income        Discount Rate        10% - 29%        13%  
        Market        Revenue Multiple        0.55x         

Fixed Rate Loan Interests

     427,200        Market        Revenue Multiple        2.00x         
           Time to Exit        1.8 years         
           Volatility        65%         

Preferred Stocks

     4,883,753        Income        Discount Rate        12% - 45%        13%  
        Market        Revenue Multiple        2.25x - 3.45x        2.85x  

Warrants

     312,133        Market        Revenue Multiple        0.55x - 15.30x        2.66x  
           Time to Exit        1.0 - 4.3 years        2.3 years  
           Volatility        55% - 65%        63%  
  

 

 

             
   $ 196,836,533              
  

 

 

             

 

  (a) 

A significant change in unobservable input would have resulted in a correlated (inverse) significant change to value.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

C O N S O L I D A T E D   S C H E D U L E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T S

  39


 

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited)

June 30, 2023

 

     BlackRock Credit
Strategies Fund

ASSETS

 

Investments, at value — unaffiliated(a)

    $ 439,941,518

Investments, at value — affiliated(b)

      2,682,785

Cash

      2,131,656

Cash pledged:

   

Futures contracts

      3,019,000

Centrally cleared swaps

      2,637,000

Foreign currency, at value(c)

      164,360

Receivables:

   

Investments sold

      12,508,832

Capital shares sold

      1,083,399

Dividends — unaffiliated

      30,963

Dividends — affiliated

      11,602

Interest — unaffiliated

      6,171,203

Due from broker

      600,000

Variation margin on futures contracts

      93,364

Unrealized appreciation on:

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

      7,597

Unfunded floating rate loan interests

      15,021

Prepaid expenses

      315,835
   

 

 

 

Total assets

      471,414,135
   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Due to broker

      145,963

Options written, at value(d)

      54,555

Payables:

   

Investments purchased

      9,512,791

Accounting services fees

      38,428

Bank borrowings

      36,150,000

Capital shares redeemed

      27,986

Deferred capital gain tax

      16,483

Income dividend distributions

      2,098,260

Interest expense and fees

      206,765

Investment advisory fees

      773,872

Other accrued expenses

      45,634

Professional fees

      160,430

Service and distribution fees

      78,384

Variation margin on futures contracts

      229,207

Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

      316,520

Unrealized depreciation on:

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

      5,324

Unfunded floating rate loan interests

      322,005
   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

      50,182,607
   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

   

NET ASSETS

    $ 421,231,528
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

   

Paid-in capital

    $ 494,689,260

Accumulated loss

      (73,457,732 )
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

    $ 421,231,528
   

 

 

 

(a) Investments, at cost — unaffiliated

    $ 461,059,622

(b) Investments, at cost — affiliated

    $ 3,082,077

(c)  Foreign currency, at cost

    $ 164,159

(d) Premiums received

    $ 208,324

 

 

40  

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


Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) (continued)

June 30, 2023

 

     BlackRock Credit
Strategies Fund

NET ASSET VALUE

   
Institutional    

Net assets

    $ 287,608,285
   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

      33,448,050
   

 

 

 

Net asset value

    $ 8.60
   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

      Unlimited
   

 

 

 

Par value

    $ 0.001
   

 

 

 
Class A    

Net assets

    $ 92,533,443
   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

      10,727,175
   

 

 

 

Net asset value

    $ 8.63
   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

      Unlimited
   

 

 

 

Par value

    $ 0.001
   

 

 

 
Class U    

Net assets

    $ 40,884,613
   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

      4,739,724
   

 

 

 

Net asset value

    $ 8.63
   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

      Unlimited
   

 

 

 

Par value

    $ 0.001
   

 

 

 
Class W    

Net assets

    $ 205,187
   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

      23,787
   

 

 

 

Net asset value

    $ 8.63
   

 

 

 

Shares authorized

      Unlimited
   

 

 

 

Par value

    $ 0.001
   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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

  41


 

Consolidated Statement of Operations  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

 

     BlackRock Credit
Strategies Fund

INVESTMENT INCOME

   

Dividends — unaffiliated

    $ 66,956

Dividends — affiliated

      93,014

Interest — unaffiliated

      25,784,778
   

 

 

 

Total investment income

      25,944,748
   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

   

Investment advisory

      2,353,193

Service and distribution — class specific

      509,402

Professional

      197,625

Custodian

      144,763

Transfer agent — class specific

      134,852

Registration

      47,965

Trustees and Officer

      47,347

Accounting services

      41,561

Printing and postage

      19,724

Miscellaneous

      26,418
   

 

 

 

Total expenses excluding interest expense

      3,522,850

Interest expense and fees

      1,747,326
   

 

 

 

Total expenses

      5,270,176

Less:

   

Fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager

      (8,912 )
   

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

      5,261,264
   

 

 

 

Net investment income

      20,683,484
   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

   

Investments — unaffiliated

      (7,575,277 )

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

      (29,946 )

Foreign currency transactions

      53,961

Futures contracts

      (1,623,391 )

Options written

      380,137

Swaps

      (369,079 )
   

 

 

 
      (9,163,595 )
   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

   

Investments — unaffiliated(a)

      11,124,922

Investments — affiliated

      36,029

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

      12,476

Foreign currency translations

      (1,270 )

Futures contracts

      541,801

Options written

      140,457

Swaps

      (888,358 )

Unfunded floating rate loan interests

      401,637
   

 

 

 
      11,367,694
   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

      2,204,099
   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    $ 22,887,583
   

 

 

 

(a) Net of reduction in deferred foreign capital gain tax of

    $ 16,232

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

42  

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


 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    BlackRock Credit
Strategies Fund
     Six Months Ended
06/30/23
(unaudited)
  Year Ended
12/31/22

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

       

OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income

    $ 20,683,484     $ 30,309,195

Net realized loss

      (9,163,595 )       (45,123,213 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

      11,367,694       (24,661,825 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      22,887,583       (39,475,843 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(a)

       

Institutional

      (11,615,006 )       (22,591,727 )

Class A

      (3,456,865 )       (7,027,288 )

Class U

      (1,465,780 )       (2,367,084 )

Class W

      (7,431 )       (14,156 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

      (16,545,082 )       (32,000,255 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

       

Shares sold and issued

      25,682,166       132,686,996

Reinvestment of distributions

      4,308,984       8,401,447

Redemption of shares resulting from repurchase offers

      (45,085,597 )       (67,853,052 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

      (15,094,447 )       73,235,391
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

       

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (8,751,946 )       1,759,293

Beginning of period

      429,983,474       428,224,181
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 421,231,528     $ 429,983,474
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

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

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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

  43


 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  (unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

 

     BlackRock Credit
Strategies Fund

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    $ 22,887,583

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Proceeds from sales of long-term investments and principal paydowns/payups

      123,648,240

Purchases of long-term investments

      (86,059,825 )

Net proceeds from sales of short-term securities

      423,482

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on investments and other fees

      (1,712,385 )

Premiums paid on closing options written

      (378,225 )

Premiums received from options written

      942,164

Net realized loss on investments and options written

      7,195,140

Net unrealized appreciation on investments, options written, swaps, foreign currency translations and unfunded floating rate loan interests

      (11,698,019 )

(Increase) Decrease in Assets

   

Receivables

   

Dividends — affiliated

      (2,777 )

Dividends — unaffiliated

      21,059

Interest — unaffiliated

      (78,869 )

Variation margin on futures contracts

      (10,051 )

Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

      3,214

Prepaid expenses

      (107,118 )

Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities

   

Due to broker

      145,963

Payables

   

Accounting services fees

      6,657

Custodian fees

      (23,200 )

Deferred capital gain tax

      (16,232 )

Interest expense and fees

      (30,590 )

Investment advisory fees

      356,911

Trustees’ and Officer’s fees

      (378 )

Other accrued expenses

      18,309

Professional fees

      (18,351 )

Service and distribution fees

      (4,607 )

Variation margin on futures contracts

      137,971

Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

      316,520
   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

      55,962,586
   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

      (12,358,485 )

Payments for bank borrowings

      (93,700,000 )

Net payments on redemption of capital shares including change in redemptions payable

      (45,322,380 )

Proceeds from bank borrowings

      74,000,000

Proceeds from issuance of capital shares

      25,975,068
   

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

      (51,405,797 )
   

 

 

 

CASH IMPACT FROM FOREIGN EXCHANGE FLUCTUATIONS

   

Cash impact from foreign exchange fluctuations

      (1,921 )
   

 

 

 

CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY

   

Net increase in restricted and unrestricted cash and foreign currency

      4,554,868

Restricted and unrestricted cash and foreign currency at beginning of period

      3,997,148
   

 

 

 

Restricted and unrestricted cash and foreign currency at end of period

    $ 8,552,016
   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OFCASH FLOW INFORMATION

   

Cash paid during the period for interest expense

    $ 1,777,916
   

 

 

 

NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   

Reinvestment of distributions

    $ 4,308,984
   

 

 

 

 

 

44  

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  (unaudited) (continued)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

 

     BlackRock Credit
Strategies Fund
 

RECONCILIATION OF RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED CASH AND FOREIGN CURRENCY AT THE END OF PERIOD TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Cash

  $ 2,131,656  

Cash pledged

 

Futures contracts

    3,019,000  

Centrally cleared swaps

    2,637,000  

Foreign currency at value

    164,360  

Due from broker

    600,000  
 

 

 

 
  $ 8,552,016  
 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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

  45


Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund
    Institutional
     

Six Months Ended

06/30/23

(unaudited


(a)

)

     
Year Ended
12/31/22

(a) 
     
Year Ended
12/31/21

      
Year Ended
12/31/20

      

Period from
02/28/19

to 12/31/19


(b)

 
                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 8.48     $ 9.96     $ 10.41      $ 10.24      $ 10.00
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net investment income(c)

      0.43       0.63       0.55        0.53        0.38

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

      0.04       (1.43 )       (0.28 )        0.25        0.35
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      0.47       (0.80 )       0.27        0.78        0.73
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

                     

From net investment income

      (0.35 )       (0.68 )       (0.67 )        (0.49 )        (0.45 )

From net realized gain

                  (0.05 )        (0.12 )        (0.04 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.35 )       (0.68 )       (0.72 )        (0.61 )        (0.49 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 8.60     $ 8.48     $ 9.96      $ 10.41      $ 10.24
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

                     

Based on net asset value

      5.53 %(f)       (8.17 )%       2.58 %        8.09 %        7.41 %(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

                     

Total expenses(h)

      2.27 %(i)       2.20 %(j)       2.12 %        2.90 %        3.44 %(i)(k)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

      2.26 %(i)       2.19 %(j)       2.11 %        2.59 %        1.84 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees

      1.44 %(i)       1.57 %(j)       1.66 %        1.66 %        1.47 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net investment income

      9.99 %(i)       7.09 %       5.30 %        5.40 %        4.45 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

                     

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 287,608     $ 293,515     $ 285,729      $ 128,769      $ 105,796
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of period (000)

    $ 36,150     $ 55,850     $ 73,250      $ 39,500      $ 16,000
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Asset coverage, end of period per $1,000 of bank borrowings

    $ 12,652     $ 8,699     $ 6,846      $ 5,432      $ 7,612
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

      18 %       55 %       55 %        77 %        43 %
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

(b)

Commencement of operations.

(c) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(d)

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

(e) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. The Fund is a continuously offered closed-end fund, the Shares of which are offered at net asset value. No secondary market for the Fund’s Shares exists.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

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

(h) 

Includes recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees. Excluding the recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees, the expense ratios were as follows:

 

      

Six Months Ended
06/30/23

(unaudited)

 
(a)  

 

    
Year Ended
12/31/22
 
(a) 
    
Year Ended
12/31/21
 
 
    
Year Ended
12/31/20
 
 
    

Period from
02/28/19

to 12/31/19

 
(b)  

 

Expense ratios

     N/A        2.13      1.93      N/A        N/A  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(i) 

Annualized.

(j) 

Includes non-recurring expenses of offering costs. Without these costs, total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees would have been 2.18%, 2.18% and 1.55%, respectively.

 
(k) 

Audit and offering costs were not annualized in the calculation of the expense ratio. If these expenses were annualized, total expenses would have been 3.62%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

46  

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


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund (continued)
    Class A
       

Six Months Ended
06/30/23

(unaudited


(a)

)

     
Year Ended
12/31/22

(a) 
     
Year Ended
12/31/21

     

Period from
04/01/20

to 12/31/20


(b)

 
              

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 8.50     $ 9.97     $ 10.42     $ 8.48
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(c)

      0.40       0.57       0.47       0.33

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

      0.04       (1.44 )       (0.28 )       2.03
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      0.44       (0.87 )       0.19       2.36
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

               

From net investment income

      (0.31 )       (0.60 )       (0.59 )       (0.30 )

From net realized gain

                  (0.05 )       (0.12 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.31 )       (0.60 )       (0.64 )       (0.42 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 8.63     $ 8.50     $ 9.97     $ 10.42
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

               

Based on net asset value

      5.24 %(f)       (8.87 )%       1.82 %       28.09 %(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

               

Total expenses(h)

      2.95 %(i)       2.87 %(j)       2.84 %       3.35 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

      2.95 %(i)       2.87 %(j)       2.82 %       3.25 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees

      2.12 %(i)       2.25 %(j)       2.39 %       2.38 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      9.31 %(i)       6.34 %       4.57 %       4.45 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 92,533     $ 97,062     $ 116,182     $ 46,313
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of period (000)

    $ 36,150     $ 55,850     $ 73,250     $ 39,500
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Asset coverage, end of period per $1,000 of bank borrowings

    $ 12,652     $ 8,699     $ 6,846     $ 5,432
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

      18 %       55 %       55 %       77 %
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

(b) 

Commencement of operations.

(c) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(d) 

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

(e) 

Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions. The Fund is a continuously offered closed-end fund, the Shares of which are offered at net asset value. No secondary market for the Fund’s Shares exists.

(f)

Not annualized.

(g) 

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

(h) 

Includes recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees. Excluding the recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees, the expense ratios were as follows:

 

      

Six Months Ended
06/30/23

(unaudited)

 
(a)  

 

    
Year Ended
12/31/22
 
(a) 
    
Year Ended
12/31/21
 
 
    

Period from
04/01/20

to 12/31/20

 
(b)  

 

Expense ratios

     N/A        2.80      2.65      N/A  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(i)

Annualized.

(j) 

Includes non-recurring expenses of offering costs. Without these costs, total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees would have been 2.85%, 2.85% and 2.23%, respectively.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  47


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund (continued)
    Class U
       

Six Months Ended
06/30/23

(unaudited


(a)

)

     
Year Ended
12/31/22

(a) 
     

Period from
07/12/21

to 12/31/21


(b)

 
           

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 8.50     $ 9.97     $ 10.51
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(c)

      0.40       0.58       0.20

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

      0.04       (1.45 )       (0.38 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      0.44       (0.87 )       (0.18 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

           

From net investment income

      (0.31 )       (0.60 )       (0.31 )

From net realized gain

                  (0.05 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.31 )       (0.60 )       (0.36 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 8.63     $ 8.50     $ 9.97
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

           

Based on net asset value

      5.24 %(f)       (8.87 )%       (1.74 )%(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

           

Total expenses(h)

      2.98 %(i)       2.88 %(j)       2.80 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

      2.97 %(i)       2.88 %(j)       2.80 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees

      2.14 %(i)       2.24 %(j)       2.47 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      9.28 %(i)       6.54 %       4.23 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 40,885     $ 39,203     $ 26,076
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of period (000)

    $ 36,150     $ 55,850     $ 73,250
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Asset coverage, end of period per $1,000 of bank borrowings

    $ 12,652     $ 8,699     $ 6,846
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

      18 %       55 %       55 %(k)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

(b) 

Commencement of operations.

(c) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(d) 

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

(e) 

Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. The Fund is a continuously offered closed-end fund, the Shares of which are offered at net asset value. No secondary market for the Fund’s Shares exists.

 
(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

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

(h) 

Includes recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees. Excluding the recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees, the expense ratios were as follows:

 

      

Six Months Ended
06/30/23

(unaudited)

 
(a)  

 

    
Year Ended
12/31/22
 
(a) 
    

Period from
07/12/21

to 12/31/21

 
(b)  

 

Expense ratios

     N/A        2.82      2.54
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(i)

Annualized.

(j) 

Includes non-recurring expenses of offering costs. Without these costs, total expenses, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees would have been 2.87%, 2.86% and 2.23%, respectively.

 
(k)

Portfolio turnover rate is representative of the Fund for the entire year.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

48  

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


Financial Highlights  (continued)

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund (continued)
    Class W
       

Six Months Ended
06/30/23

(unaudited


(a)

)

     
Year Ended
12/31/22

(a) 
     

Period from
07/12/21

to 12/31/21


(b)

 
           

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 8.50     $ 9.97     $ 10.51
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income(c)

      0.40       0.57       0.22

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

      0.04       (1.44 )       (0.40 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) from investment operations

      0.44       (0.87 )       (0.18 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions(d)

           

From net investment income

      (0.31 )       (0.60 )       (0.31 )

From net realized gain

                  (0.05 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

      (0.31 )       (0.60 )       (0.36 )
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 8.63     $ 8.50     $ 9.97
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Return(e)

           

Based on net asset value

      5.24 %(f)       (8.87 )%       (1.74 )%(f)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets(g)

           

Total expenses(h)

      2.95 %(i)       2.87 %(j)       2.70 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed

      2.94 %(i)       2.87 %(j)       2.70 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees

      2.12 %(i)       2.25 %(j)       2.45 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      9.30 %(i)       6.35 %       4.64 %(i)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000)

    $ 205     $ 202     $ 237
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Borrowings outstanding, end of period (000)

    $ 36,150     $ 55,850     $ 73,250
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Asset coverage, end of period per $1,000 of bank borrowings

    $ 12,652     $ 8,699     $ 6,846
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

      18 %       55 %       55 %(k)
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

(b) 

Commencement of operations.

(c) 

Based on average shares outstanding.

(d) 

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

(e) 

Where applicable, excludes the effects of any sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of distributions. The Fund is a continuously offered closed-end fund, the Shares of which are offered at net asset value. No secondary market for the Fund’s Shares exists.

(f) 

Not annualized.

(g) 

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

(h) 

Includes recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees. Excluding the recoupment of past waived and/or reimbursed fees, the expense ratios were as follows:

 

      

Six Months Ended
06/30/23

(unaudited)

 
(a)  

 

    
Year Ended
12/31/22
 
(a) 
    

Period from
07/12/21

to 12/31/21

 
(b)  

 

Expense ratios

     N/A        2.80      2.37
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(i) 

Annualized.

(j) 

Includes non-recurring expenses of offering costs. Without these costs, total expense, total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed, and total expenses after fees waived and/or reimbursed and excluding interest expense and fees would have been 2.86, 2.85% and 2.24%, respectively.

 
(k) 

Portfolio turnover rate is representative of the Fund for the entire year.

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

  49


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund is registered as a diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to operate as an interval fund. The Fund is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund engages in a continuous offering of shares and will offer to make quarterly repurchases of shares at net asset value (“NAV”), reduced by any applicable repurchase fee. The Fund determines and makes available for publication the NAV of its shares on a daily basis. The Fund’s shares are offered for sale daily through its Distributor (defined below) at the then-current NAV plus any applicable sales load. The price of the shares during the Fund’s continuous offering will fluctuate over time with the NAV of the shares. The sales load payable by each investor depends upon the amount invested in each share class by the investor in the Fund but may range from 0.00% to 3.50%.

The Fund offers four classes of shares designated as Institutional Shares, Class A Shares, Class U Shares and Class W Shares. Each class of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and will be subject to the same terms and conditions, except that Class A, Class U and Class W Shares bear expenses related to the shareholder servicing and distribution of such shares.

The Fund, together with certain other registered investment companies advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) or its affiliates, is included in a complex of funds referred to as the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the account of CREDX Subsidiary, LLC (the “Taxable Subsidiary”), which is a wholly-owned taxable subsidiary of the Fund. The Taxable Subsidiary enables the Fund to hold investments that may produce non-qualifying income for tax purposes and satisfy regulated investment company 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 the Fund. 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 the Fund. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Taxable Subsidiary. The net assets of the Taxable Subsidiary as of period end were $22,487, which is less than 0.1% of the Fund’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 the Fund.

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. Below is a summary of significant accounting policies:

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition: For financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are executed. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend dates at fair value. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend dates may have passed are subsequently recorded when the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend dates. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax at various rates may be imposed on capital gains, dividends and interest. Upon notification from issuers, a portion of the dividend income received from a real estate investment trust may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment and/or realized gain. Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, and payment-in-kind interest is recognized daily on an accrual basis. Income, expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets. For convertible securities, premiums attributable to the debt instrument are amortized, but premiums attributable to the conversion feature are not amortized.

Foreign Currency Translation: The Fund’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Purchases and sales of investments are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the investments denominated in that currency will lose value; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. dollar falls in relative value.

The Fund does not isolate the portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of investments held or sold for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the effects of changes in exchange rates on investments are not segregated in the Consolidated Statement of Operations from the effects of changes in market prices of those investments, but are included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments. Realized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency related transactions are reported as components of net realized gain (loss) for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are generally treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund has elected to treat realized gains (losses) from certain forward foreign currency exchange contracts as capital gain (loss) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Collateralization: If required by an exchange or counterparty agreement, the Fund may be required to deliver/deposit cash and/or securities to/with an exchange, or broker-dealer or custodian as collateral for certain investments.

Distributions: Distributions from net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend dates and made at least annually. The character and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Under the Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”), the trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”), may defer a portion of their annual complex-wide compensation. Deferred amounts earn an approximate return as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in common shares of certain funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex selected by the

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Independent Trustees. This has the same economic effect for the Independent Trustees as if the Independent Trustees had invested the deferred amounts directly in certain funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

The Plan is not funded and obligations thereunder represent general unsecured claims against the general assets of the Fund, as applicable. Deferred compensation liabilities, if any, are included in the Trustees’ and Officer’s fees payable in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and will remain as a liability of the Fund until such amounts are distributed in accordance with the Plan. Net appreciation (depreciation) in the value of participants’ deferral accounts is allocated among the participating funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex and reflected as Trustees and Officer expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Trustees and Officer expense may be negative as a result of a decrease in value of the deferred accounts.

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

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

 

3.

INVESTMENT VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Investment Valuation Policies: The Fund’s investments are valued at fair value (also referred to as “market value” within the consolidated financial statements) each day that the Fund is open for business and, for financial reporting purposes, as of the report date. U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price a fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Board has approved the designation of the Fund’s Manager as the valuation designee for the Fund. The Fund determines the fair values of its financial instruments using various independent dealers or pricing services under the Manager’s policies. If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately represent the fair value of the security, the security will be valued in accordance with the Manager’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value. The Manager has formed a committee (the “Valuation Committee”) to develop pricing policies and procedures and to oversee the pricing function for all financial instruments, with assistance from other BlackRock pricing committees.

Fair Value Inputs and Methodologies: The following methods and inputs are used to establish the fair value of the Fund’s assets and liabilities:

 

   

Equity investments traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at that day’s official closing price, as applicable, on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. Equity investments traded on a recognized exchange for which there were no sales on that day may be valued at the last available bid (long positions) or ask (short positions) price.

 

   

Fixed-income investments for which market quotations are readily available are generally valued using the last available bid price or current market quotations provided by independent dealers or third-party pricing services. Floating rate loan interests are valued at the mean of the bid prices from one or more independent brokers or dealers as obtained from a third-party pricing service. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but a fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. The pricing services may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values, including transaction data (e.g., recent representative bids and offers), market data, credit quality information, perceived market movements, news, and other relevant information. Certain fixed-income securities, including asset-backed and mortgage related securities may be valued based on valuation models that consider the estimated cash flows of each tranche of the entity, establish a benchmark yield and develop an estimated tranche specific spread to the benchmark yield based on the unique attributes of the tranche. The amortized cost method of valuation may be used with respect to debt obligations with sixty days or less remaining to maturity unless the Manager determines such method does not represent fair value.

 

   

Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end funds traded on a recognized securities exchange are valued at that day’s official closing price, as applicable, on the exchange where the stock is primarily traded. ETFs and closed-end funds 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.

 

   

Investments in open-end U.S. mutual funds (including money market funds) are valued at that day’s published NAV.

 

   

Futures contracts are valued based on that day’s last reported settlement or trade price on the exchange where the contract is traded.

 

   

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices and are determined as of the close of trading on the NYSE based on that day’s prevailing forward exchange rate for the underlying currencies.

 

   

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.

 

   

Swap agreements are valued utilizing quotes received daily by independent pricing services 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.

Generally, trading in foreign instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Each business day, the Fund uses current market factors supplied by independent pricing services to value certain foreign instruments (“Systematic Fair Value Price”). The Systematic Fair Value Price is designed to value such foreign securities at fair value as of the close of trading on the NYSE, which follows the close of the local markets.

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

If events (e.g., market volatility, company announcement or a natural disaster) occur that are expected to materially affect the value of such investment, or in the event that application of these methods of valuation results in a price for an investment that is deemed not to be representative of the market value of such investment, or if a price is not available, the investment will be valued by the Valuation Committee in accordance with the Manager’s policies and procedures as reflecting fair value (“Fair Valued Investments”). The fair valuation approaches that may be used by the Valuation Committee include market approach, income approach and cost approach. Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow, use of market comparables and matrix pricing are types of valuation approaches and are typically used in determining fair value. When determining the price for Fair Valued Investments, the Valuation Committee seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive or pay from the current sale or purchase of that asset or liability in an arm’s-length transaction. Fair value determinations shall be based upon all available factors that the Valuation Committee deems relevant and consistent with the principles of fair value measurement.

For investments in equity or debt issued by privately held companies or funds (“Private Company” or collectively, the “Private Companies”) and other Fair Valued Investments, the fair valuation approaches that are used by the Valuation Committee and third-party pricing services utilized by the Valuation Committee include one or a combination of, but not limited to, the following inputs.

 

     Standard Inputs Generally Considered By The Valuation Committee And Third-Party Pricing Services

Market approach

 

(i)  recent market transactions, including subsequent rounds of financing, in the underlying investment or comparable issuers;

(ii) recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure; and

(iii)   market multiples of comparable issuers.

Income approach

 

(i)  future cash flows discounted to present and adjusted as appropriate for liquidity, credit, and/or market risks;

(ii) quoted prices for similar investments or assets in active markets; and

(iii)   other risk factors, such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, recovery rates, liquidation amounts and/or default rates.

Cost approach

 

(i)  audited or unaudited financial statements, investor communications and financial or operational metrics issued by the Private Company;

(ii) changes in the valuation of relevant indices or publicly traded companies comparable to the Private Company;

(iii)   relevant news and other public sources; and

(iv)   known secondary market transactions in the Private Company’s interests and merger or acquisition activity in companies comparable to the Private Company.

Investments in series of preferred stock issued by Private Companies are typically valued utilizing market approach in determining the enterprise value of the company. Such investments often contain rights and preferences that differ from other series of preferred and common stock of the same issuer. Enterprise valuation techniques such as an option pricing model (“OPM”), a probability weighted expected return model (“PWERM”), current value method or a hybrid of those techniques are used as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. The use of these valuation techniques involve a determination of the exit scenarios of the investment in order to appropriately allocate the enterprise value of the company among the various parts of its capital structure.

The Private Companies are not subject to the public company disclosure, timing, and reporting standards applicable to other investments held by the Fund. Typically, the most recently available information by a Private Company is as of a date that is earlier than the date the Fund is calculating its NAV. This factor may result in a difference between the value of the investment and the price the Fund could receive upon the sale of the investment.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. These inputs to valuation techniques are categorized into a fair value hierarchy consisting of three broad levels for financial reporting purposes as follows:

 

   

Level 1 – Unadjusted price quotations in active markets/exchanges for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access;

 

   

Level 2 – Other observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market–corroborated inputs); and

 

   

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available (including the Valuation Committee’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments).

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the fair value hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Investments classified within Level 3 have significant unobservable inputs used by the Valuation Committee in determining the price for Fair Valued Investments. Level 3 investments include equity or debt issued by Private Companies that may not have a secondary market and/or may have a limited number of investors. The categorization of a value determined for financial instruments is based on the pricing transparency of the financial instruments and is not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities.

 

4.

SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities: Asset-backed securities are generally issued as pass-through certificates or as debt instruments. Asset-backed securities issued as pass-through certificates represent undivided fractional ownership interests in an underlying pool of assets. Asset-backed securities issued as debt instruments, which are also known as collateralized obligations, are typically issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. The yield characteristics of certain

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

asset-backed securities may differ from traditional debt securities. One such major difference is that all or a principal part of the obligations may be prepaid at any time because the underlying assets (i.e., loans) may be prepaid at any time. As a result, a decrease in interest rates in the market may result in increases in the level of prepayments as borrowers, particularly mortgagors, refinance and repay their loans. An increased prepayment rate with respect to an asset-backed security will have the effect of shortening the maturity of the security. In addition, a fund may subsequently have to reinvest the proceeds at lower interest rates. If a fund has purchased such an asset-backed security at a premium, a faster than anticipated prepayment rate could result in a loss of principal to the extent of the premium paid.

For mortgage pass-through securities (the “Mortgage Assets”) there are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government that issue mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. For example, mortgage-related securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by Ginnie Mae and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. However, mortgage-related securities issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, including Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates, which are solely the obligations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States, but are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury.

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities are securities issued by non-governmental issuers and have no direct or indirect government guarantees of payment and are subject to various risks. Non-agency mortgage loans are obligations of the borrowers thereunder only and are not typically insured or guaranteed by any other person or entity. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan is dependent upon the income or assets of the borrower. A number of factors, including a general economic downturn, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances, may impair a borrower’s ability to repay its loans.

Collateralized Debt Obligations: Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), including collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), are types of asset-backed securities. A CDO is an entity that is backed by a diversified pool of debt securities (CBOs) or syndicated bank loans (CLOs). The cash flows of the CDO can be split into multiple segments, called “tranches,” which will vary in risk profile and yield. The riskiest segment is the subordinated or “equity” tranche. This tranche bears the greatest risk of defaults from the underlying assets in the CDO and serves to protect the other, more senior, tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is shielded from defaults by the more junior tranches, a “senior” tranche will typically have higher credit ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and often receive investment grade ratings from one or more of the nationally recognized rating agencies. Despite the protection from the more junior tranches, senior tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to future defaults and the disappearance of one or more protecting tranches as a result of changes in the credit profile of the underlying pool of assets.

Multiple Class Pass-Through Securities: Multiple class pass-through securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities, may be issued by Ginnie Mae, U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities or by trusts formed by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. In general, CMOs are debt obligations of a legal entity that are collateralized by a pool of residential or commercial mortgage loans or Mortgage Assets. The payments on these are used to make payments on the CMOs or multiple pass-through securities. Multiple class pass-through securities represent direct ownership interests in the Mortgage Assets. Classes of CMOs include interest only (“IOs”), principal only (“POs”), planned amortization classes and targeted amortization classes. IOs and POs are stripped mortgage-backed securities representing interests in a pool of mortgages, the cash flow from which has been separated into interest and principal components. IOs receive the interest portion of the cash flow while POs receive the principal portion. IOs and POs can be extremely volatile in response to changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise and fall, the value of IOs tends to move in the same direction as interest rates. POs perform best when prepayments on the underlying mortgages rise since this increases the rate at which the principal is returned and the yield to maturity on the PO. When payments on mortgages underlying a PO are slower than anticipated, the life of the PO is lengthened and the yield to maturity is reduced. If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a fund’s initial investment in the IOs may not fully recoup.

Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities: Stripped mortgage-backed securities are typically issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest (IOs) and principal (POs) distributions on a pool of Mortgage Assets. Stripped mortgage-backed securities may be privately issued.

Zero-Coupon Bonds: Zero-coupon bonds are normally issued at a significant discount from face value and do not provide for periodic interest payments. These bonds may experience greater volatility in market value than other debt obligations of similar maturity which provide for regular interest payments.

Capital Securities and Trust Preferred Securities: Capital securities, including trust preferred securities, are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics. In the case of trust preferred securities, an affiliated business trust of a corporation issues these securities, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The securities can be structured with either a fixed or adjustable coupon that can have either a perpetual or stated maturity date. For trust preferred securities, the issuing bank or corporation pays interest to the trust, which is then distributed to holders of these securities as a dividend. Dividends can be deferred without creating an event of default or acceleration, although maturity cannot take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met. The deferral of payments does not affect the purchase or sale of these securities in the open market. These securities generally are rated below that of the issuing company’s senior debt securities and are freely callable at the issuer’s option.

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

Warrants: Warrants entitle a fund to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock and are non-income producing. The purchase price and number of shares are subject to adjustment under certain conditions until the expiration date of the warrants, if any. If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the strike price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and a fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant. Thus, investments in warrants may involve more risk

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

than investments in common stock. Warrants may trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however, the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.

Floating Rate Loan Interests: Floating rate loan interests are typically issued to companies (the “borrower”) by banks, other financial institutions, or privately and publicly offered corporations (the “lender”). Floating rate loan interests are generally non-investment grade, often involve borrowers whose financial condition is troubled or uncertain and companies that are highly leveraged or in bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, transactions in floating rate loan interests may settle on a delayed basis, which may result in proceeds from the sale not being readily available for a fund to make additional investments or meet its redemption obligations. Floating rate loan interests may include fully funded term loans or revolving lines of credit. Floating rate loan interests are typically senior in the corporate capital structure of the borrower. Floating rate loan interests generally pay interest at rates that are periodically determined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium. Since the rates reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the NAV of a fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate loan interests. The base lending rates are generally the lending rate offered by one or more European banks, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), the prime rate offered by one or more U.S. banks or the certificate of deposit rate. Floating rate loan interests may involve foreign borrowers, and investments may be denominated in foreign currencies. These investments are treated as investments in debt securities for purposes of a fund’s investment policies.

When a fund purchases a floating rate loan interest, it may receive a facility fee and when it sells a floating rate loan interest, it may pay a facility fee. On an ongoing basis, a fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit amount of a floating rate loan interest. Facility and commitment fees are typically amortized to income over the term of the loan or term of the commitment, respectively. Consent and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned. Prepayment penalty fees, which may be received by a fund upon the prepayment of a floating rate loan interest by a borrower, are recorded as realized gains. A fund may invest in multiple series or tranches of a loan. A different series or tranche may have varying terms and carry different associated risks.

Floating rate loan interests are usually freely callable at the borrower’s option. A fund may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans (“Participations”) or assignments (“Assignments”) of all or a portion of loans from third parties. Participations typically will result in a fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the borrower. A fund has the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, a fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of offset against the borrower. A fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the Participation. As a result, a fund assumes the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the Participation. A fund’s investment in loan participation interests involves the risk of insolvency of the financial intermediaries who are parties to the transactions. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the Participation, a fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any offset between the lender and the borrower. Assignments typically result in a fund having a direct contractual relationship with the borrower, and a fund may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement.

In connection with floating rate loan interests, the Fund may also enter into unfunded floating rate loan interests (“commitments”). In connection with these commitments, the fund earns a commitment fee, typically set as a percentage of the commitment amount. Such fee income, which is included in interest income in the Consolidated Statement 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 Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of period end, the Fund had the following unfunded floating rate loan interests:

 

Fund Name   Borrower    Par      Commitment
Amount
     Value     

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

  2-10 HBW    $ 105,332        $105,332      $ 103,399      $ (1,933)  
  Accordion Partners LLC      15,476        15,476        15,259        (217)  
  Acquia, Inc.      7,909        7,850        7,909        59   
  Alcami Corp.      9,498        9,498        9,403        (95)  
  Alcami Corp.      5,936        5,936        5,877        (59)  
  Appriss Health LLC      94,478        94,479        90,794        (3,685)  
  ARAS Corp.      50,451        50,451        48,786        (1,665)  
  AthenaHealth Group, Inc.      17,565        17,566        16,885        (681)  
  Bullhorn, Inc.      132,085        128,801        128,801        —   
  Bynder Holding BV      1,215        1,215        1,181        (34)  
  Bynder Holding BV      4,410        4,410        4,287        (123)  
  CBI-Gator Acquisition LLC      14,788        14,788        13,649        (1,139)  
  CivicPlus LLC      112,172        112,172        110,435        (1,737)  
  Corestates, Inc.      54,645        53,775        52,896        (879)  
  Corestates, Inc.      109,290        108,197        105,792        (2,405)  
  Cybergrants Holdings LLC      331        332        322        (10)  
  Cybergrants Holdings LLC      617,684        614,933        600,338        (14,595)  
  Emerald Technologies (U.S.) Acquisition., Inc.      195,315        174,586        179,442        4,856   
  ESO Solutions, Inc.      121,472        121,472        116,492        (4,980)  
  Foreside Financial      75,254        75,254        73,222        (2,032)  
  Foreside Financial      224,576        224,576        219,411        (5,165)  
  Giving Home Health Care      15,625        15,625        15,613        (12)  
  HomeRenew Buyer, Inc.      112,861        112,861        108,008        (4,853)  
  Integratecom, Inc.      133,333        133,333        128,584        (4,749)  
  Integratecom, Inc.      166,667        166,667        160,730        (5,937)  
  International Textile Group, Inc.      2,000,000        1,991,195        2,000,000        8,805   

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Fund Name   Borrower    Par      Commitment
Amount
     Value     

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund (continued)

  IT Parent LLC    $ 59,770      $ 59,110      $ 55,347      $ (3,763)  
  James Perse Enterprises, Inc.      500,000        500,000        500,000        —   
  Kid Distro Holdings LLC      116,769        115,019        114,157        (862)  
  Kroll Bonds Rating Agency, Inc.      397,059        397,059        381,553        (15,506)  
  Lightspeed Solution LLC      109,612        109,612        106,592        (3,020)  
  LJ Avalon Holdings LLC      9,310        9,310        9,078        (232)  
  Lucky US Buyerco LLC      11,117        11,117        10,798        (319)  
  Madison Logic Holdings, Inc.      6,363        6,363        6,192        (171)  
  MSM Acquisitions, Inc.      26,455        26,455        25,317        (1,138)  
  MSM Acquisitions, Inc.      544,189        544,189        520,789        (23,400)  
  MSM Acquisitions, Inc.      1,716,306        1,716,308        1,630,490        (85,818)  
  Oak Purchaser, Inc.      860,614        852,008        835,656        (16,352)  
  Oak Purchaser, Inc.      287,831        284,952        279,484        (5,468)  
  Oversight Systems, Inc.      45,547        44,667        44,677        10   
  Patriot Home Care      1,129,074        1,129,074        1,106,026        (23,048)  
  Peter C. Foy & Associates Insurance Services LLC      99,374        99,374        96,095        (3,279)  
  Pluralsight, Inc.      95,577        95,578        91,181        (4,397)  
  PTSH Intermediate Holdings LLC      375,789        370,186        371,477        1,291   
  Pueblo Mechanical and Controls LLC      104,750        104,750        102,982        (1,768)  
  Pueblo Mechanical and Controls LLC      70,500        70,500        69,312        (1,188)  
  Razor Group GmbH      344,329        344,823        332,622        (12,201)  
  Sellerx Opco GmbH      2,906,778        2,906,778        2,906,778        —   
  SEP Raptor Acquisition, Inc.      184,668        182,353        181,344        (1,009)  
  Serrano Parent, LLC      9,000        9,000        8,838        (162)  
  Showtime Acquisition LLC (World Choice)      5,063        5,063        4,922        (141)  
  Showtime Acquisition LLC (World Choice)      6,329        6,329        6,153        (176)  
  Smarsh, Inc.      190,476        188,572        184,191        (4,381)  
  Smarsh, Inc.      95,238        93,698        92,095        (1,603)  
  Spartan Bidco Pty. Ltd.      230,769        230,769        227,242        (3,527)  
  Supergoop LLC      136,680        134,597        134,162        (435)  
  Superman Holdings LLC      69,807        68,867        68,341        (526)  
  Thermostat Purchaser III, Inc.      237,485        237,486        221,336        (16,150)  
  Thunder Purchaser, Inc.      32,126        32,126        30,817        (1,309)  
  Thunder Purchaser, Inc.      148,837        148,837        142,773        (6,064)  
  Wealth Enhancement Group LLC      80,316        79,723        78,560        (1,163)  
  Zilliant, Inc.      148,148        148,148        140,593        (7,555)  
  Zilliant, Inc.      370,370        370,370        351,481        (18,889)  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
              $ (306,984)  
             

 

 

 

 

5.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Fund engages in various portfolio investment strategies using derivative contracts both to increase the returns of the Fund and/or to manage its exposure to certain risks such as credit risk, equity risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk or other risks (e.g., inflation risk). Derivative financial instruments categorized by risk exposure are included in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. These contracts may be transacted on an exchange or over-the-counter (“OTC”).

Futures Contracts: Futures contracts are purchased or sold to gain exposure to, or manage exposure to, changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) and changes in the value of equity securities (equity risk) or foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

Futures contracts are exchange-traded agreements between the Fund and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and on a specified date. Depending on the terms of a contract, it is settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash amount on the settlement date. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on a contract’s size and risk profile. The initial margin deposit must then be maintained at an established level over the life of the contract. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged for futures contracts in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments and cash deposited, if any, are shown as cash pledged for futures contracts in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in market value of the contract (“variation margin”). Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on futures contracts in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the notional amount of the contract at the time it was opened and the notional amount at the time it was closed. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of an imperfect correlation in the movements in the price of futures contracts and interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or underlying assets.

 

 

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  55


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are entered into to gain or reduce exposure to foreign currencies (foreign currency exchange rate risk).

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a specified date. These contracts help to manage the overall exposure to the currencies in which some of the investments held by the Fund are denominated and in some cases, may be used to obtain exposure to a particular market. The contracts are traded OTC and not on an organized exchange.

The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When a contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Non-deliverable forward foreign currency exchange contracts are settled with the counterparty in cash without the delivery of foreign currency. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that the value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract changes unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies, and such value may exceed the amount(s) reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Cash amounts pledged for forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered restricted and are included in cash pledged as collateral for OTC derivatives in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. A Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally limited to the aggregate unrealized gain netted against any collateral held by the Fund.

Options: The Fund may purchase and write call and put options to increase or decrease its exposure to the risks of underlying instruments, including equity risk, interest rate risk and/or commodity price risk and/or, in the case of options written, to generate gains from options premiums.

A call option gives the purchaser (holder) of the option the right (but not the obligation) to buy, and obligates the seller (writer) to sell (when the option is exercised) the underlying instrument at the exercise or strike price at any time or at a specified time during the option period. A put option gives the holder the right to sell and obligates the writer to buy the underlying instrument at the exercise or strike price at any time or at a specified time during the option period.

Premiums paid on options purchased and premiums received on options written, as well as the daily fluctuation in market value, are included in investments at value –unaffiliated and options written at value, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When an instrument is purchased or sold through the exercise of an option, the premium is offset against the cost or proceeds of the underlying instrument. When an option expires, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations to the extent of the premiums received or paid. When an option is closed or sold, a gain or loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations to the extent the cost of the closing transaction exceeds the premiums received or paid. When the Fund writes a call option, such option is typically “covered,” meaning that it holds the underlying instrument subject to being called by the option counterparty. When the Fund writes a put option, cash is segregated in an amount sufficient to cover the obligation. These amounts, which are considered restricted, are included in cash pledged as collateral for options written in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

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

Swaps: Swap contracts are entered into to manage exposure to issuers, markets and securities. Such contracts are agreements between the Fund and a counterparty to make periodic net payments on a specified notional amount or a net payment upon termination. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the OTC market and may be entered into as a bilateral contract (“OTC swaps”) or centrally cleared (“centrally cleared swaps”).

For OTC swaps, any upfront premiums paid and any upfront fees received are shown as swap premiums paid and swap premiums received, respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and amortized over the term of the contract. The daily fluctuation in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on OTC Swaps in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or paid are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. When an OTC swap is terminated, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Fund’s basis in the contract, if any. Generally, the basis of the contract is the premium received or paid.

In a centrally cleared swap, immediately following execution of the swap contract, the swap contract is novated to a central counterparty (the “CCP”) and the CCP becomes the Fund’s counterparty on the swap. The Fund is required to interface with the CCP through the broker. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap, the Fund is required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities in an amount that varies depending on the size and risk profile of the particular swap. Securities deposited as initial margin are designated in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments and cash deposited is shown as cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Amounts pledged, which are considered restricted cash, are included in cash pledged for centrally cleared swaps in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker variation margin. Variation margin is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and shown as variation margin receivable (or payable) on centrally cleared swaps in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received from (paid to) the counterparty are amortized over the term of the contract and recorded as realized gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, including those at termination.

 

   

Credit default swaps — Credit default swaps are entered into to manage exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce risk exposure to defaults of corporate and/or sovereign issuers or to create exposure to corporate and/or sovereign issuers to which a fund is not otherwise exposed (credit risk).

The Fund may either buy or sell (write) credit default swaps on single-name issuers (corporate or sovereign), a combination or basket of single-name issuers or traded indexes. Credit default swaps are agreements in which the protection buyer pays fixed periodic payments to the seller in consideration for a promise from the protection seller to make a specific payment should a negative credit event take place with respect to the referenced entity (e.g., bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration, repudiation, moratorium or restructuring). As a buyer, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Fund 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 Fund will

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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.

Swap transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of interest rate, credit and market risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of the contractual terms in the agreements, and that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates and/or market values associated with these transactions.

Master Netting Arrangements: In order to define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help it mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a 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, a 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. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency or other events.

Collateral Requirements: For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty.

Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral and cash received as collateral, respectively. Non-cash collateral pledged by the Fund, if any, is noted in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty is subject to a certain minimum transfer amount threshold before a transfer is required, which is determined at the close of business of the Fund. Any additional required collateral is delivered to/pledged by the Fund on the next business day. Typically, the counterparty is not permitted to sell, re-pledge or use cash and non-cash collateral it receives. The Fund generally agrees not to use non-cash collateral that it receives but may, absent default or certain other circumstances defined in the underlying ISDA Master Agreement, be permitted to use cash collateral received. In such cases, interest may be paid pursuant to the collateral arrangement with the counterparty. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from the counterparties are not fully collateralized, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance. Likewise, to the extent the Fund has delivered collateral to a counterparty and stands ready to perform under the terms of its agreement with such counterparty, the Fund bears the risk of loss from a counterparty in the amount of the value of the collateral in the event the counterparty fails to return such collateral. Based on the terms of agreements, collateral may not be required for all derivative contracts.

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

 

6.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Investment Advisory: The Fund entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Manager, the Fund’s investment adviser and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), to provide investment advisory and administrative services. The Manager is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio and provides the personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operations of the Fund.

For such services, the Fund pays the Manager a monthly fee at an annual rate equal to 1.00% of the average daily value of the Fund’s managed assets. For purposes of calculating this fee, “managed assets” are determined as total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to money borrowed for investment purposes) less the sum of its accrued liabilities (other than money borrowed for investment purposes).

The Manager provides investment management and other services to the Taxable Subsidiary. The Manager does not receive separate compensation from the Taxable Subsidiary for providing investment management or administrative services. However, the Fund pays the Manager based on the Fund’s net assets, plus the proceeds of any debt securities or outstanding borrowings used for leverage which includes the assets of the Taxable Subsidiary.

The Manager entered into sub-advisory agreements with BlackRock Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“BCIA”), BlackRock International Limited (“BIL”) and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (“BSL”), each an affiliate of the Manager. The Manager pays BCIA, BIL and BSL for services they provide for that portion of the Fund for which BCIA, BIL and BSL, respectively, acts as sub-adviser a monthly fee that is equal to a percentage of the investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Manager.

Service and Distribution Fees: The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with BlackRock Investments, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of the Manager, to provide for distribution of the common shares. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor will sell, and will appoint financial intermediaries to sell, common shares on behalf of the Fund on a reasonable efforts basis. The Fund has adopted a distribution and servicing plan (the “Distribution and Servicing Plan”) with respect to certain classes of the common shares and in doing so has voluntarily complied with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, as if the Fund were an open-end investment company, and will be subject to an ongoing distribution fee and shareholder servicing fee (together, the “Distribution and Servicing Fee”) in respect of the classes of common shares paying such Distribution and Servicing Fee. The maximum annual rates at which the Distribution and Servicing Fees may be paid under the Distribution and Servicing Plan (calculated as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the classes of common shares paying such Distribution and Servicing Fee) is 0.75%. 0.25% of such fee is a shareholder service fee and the remaining portion is a distribution fee. Institutional Shares are not subject to a distribution fee or shareholder servicing fee.

 

 

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

  57


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the following table shows the class specific service and distribution fees borne directly by each share class of the Fund:

 

     Class A      Class U      Class W      Total  

Service and distribution fees — class specific

  $ 357,450      $ 151,185      $ 767      $ 509,402  

Transfer Agent: Pursuant to written agreements, certain financial intermediaries, some of which may be affiliates, provide the Fund with sub-accounting, recordkeeping, sub-transfer agency and other administrative services with respect to servicing of underlying investor accounts. For these services, these entities receive an asset-based fee or an annual fee per shareholder account, which will vary depending on share class and/or net assets. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Fund did not pay any amounts to affiliates in return for these services.

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the following table shows the class specific transfer agent fees borne directly by each share class of the Fund:

 

     Institutional      Class A      Class U      Class W      Total  

Transfer agent fees — class specific

  $ 119,172      $ 7,375      $ 8,290      $ 15      $ 134,852  

Other Fees: For the six months ended June 30, 2023, affiliates received CDSCs of $2,140 for Class A Shares.

Expense Limitations, Waivers, Reimbursements, and Recoupments: With respect to the Fund, the Manager contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees the Fund pays to the Manager indirectly through its investment in affiliated money market funds (the “affiliated money market fund waiver”) through June 30, 2024. The contractual agreement may be terminated upon 90 days’ notice by a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The amount of waivers and/or reimbursements of fees and expenses made pursuant to the expense limitation described below will be reduced by the amount of the affiliated money market fund waiver. This amount is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the amount waived was $1,053.

The Manager contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fee with respect to any portion of the Fund’s assets invested in affiliated equity and fixed-income mutual funds and affiliated exchange-traded funds that have a contractual management fee through June 30, 2024. The agreement can be renewed for annual periods thereafter, and may be terminated on 90 days’ notice, each subject to approval by a majority of the Fund’s Independent Trustees. This amount is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Manager waived $7,859 in investment advisory fees pursuant to these arrangements.

The Manager contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse certain operating and other expenses of the Fund in order to limit certain expenses to 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily value of the net assets of each share class (“expense limitation”). Expenses covered by the expense limitation include without limitation, custodial, accounting and administrative services, any ongoing organizational expenses, and all initial and ongoing offering expenses (other than any applicable sales load). Expenses excluded from the expense limitation are limited to the investment advisory fee, service and distribution fees, interest expense, portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including acquired fund fees and expenses, commitment fees on leverage, prime broker fees and dividend expense) and certain other fund expenses, which constitute extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. The Manager has agreed not to reduce or discontinue the contractual expense limitations through June 30, 2024. This amount is included in fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, there were no fees waived and/or reimbursed by the Manager pursuant to this arrangement.

With respect to the contractual expense limitation, if during the Fund’s fiscal year the operating expenses of a share class, that at any time during the prior two fiscal years received a waiver and/or reimbursement from the Manager, are less than the current expense limitation for that share class, the Manager is entitled to be reimbursed by such share class up to the lesser of: (a) the amount of fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed during those prior two fiscal years under the agreement and (b) an amount not to exceed either the current expense limitation of that share class or the expense limitation of the share class in effect at the time that the share class received the applicable waiver and/or reimbursement, provided that:

 

  (1)

the Fund, of which the share class is a part, has more than $50 million in assets for the fiscal year, and

 

  (2)

the Manager or an affiliate continues to serve as the Fund’s investment adviser or administrator.

This repayment applies only to the contractual expense limitation on net expenses and does not apply to the contractual investment advisory fee waiver described above or any voluntary waivers that may be in effect from time to time. Effective March 1, 2026, the repayment arrangement between the Fund and the Manager pursuant to which such Fund may be required to repay amounts waived and/or reimbursed under the Fund’s contractual caps on net expenses will be terminated.

Trustees and Officers: Certain trustees and/or officers of the Fund are directors and/or officers of BlackRock or its affiliates. The Fund reimburses the Manager for a portion of the compensation paid to the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, which is included in Trustees and Officer in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

7.

PURCHASES AND SALES

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, were $86,685,491 and $132,156,701, respectively.

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

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

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

The Fund files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Fund’s U.S. federal tax returns generally remains open for a period of three years after they are filed. The statutes of limitations on the Fund’s state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction.

Management has analyzed tax laws and regulations and their application to the Fund as of June 30, 2023, inclusive of the open tax return years, and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2022, the Fund had non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains and qualified late-year losses as follows:

 

Fund Name   Non-Expiring
Capital Loss
Carryforwards(a)
    Qualified
Late-Year
Losses(b)
 

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

  $ (42,896,078   $ (16,311
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Amounts available to offset future realized capital gains.

 
  (b) 

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

 

As of June 30, 2023, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost of investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Fund Name   Tax Cost      Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
     Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

  $ 467,546,971      $ 7,920,808      $ (32,932,105   $ (25,011,297
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9.

BANK BORROWINGS

The Fund has entered into a credit agreement with Société Générale (the “Lender”) that established a revolving credit facility with an initial commitment of up to $150 million (the “Facility”). The Facility may be increased to a maximum of $450 million. The Facility has the following terms: an unused commitment fee of 0.25% per annum when amounts borrowed is greater than $75 million or 0.30% per annum when amounts borrowed is less than $75 million and interest at a rate equal to Daily Simple SOFR on the date the loan is made plus 1.75% and a 0.10% credit spread adjustment per annum on amounts borrowed. The agreement expires on September 30, 2025 unless extended or renewed. The Fund’s borrowings, if any, are secured by eligible securities held in its portfolio of investments.

During the period, the Fund paid the commitment fee based on the daily unused portion of the Facility and an extension fee for a two-year extension. The fees associated with the agreement are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as interest expense and fees, if any. Advances to the Fund as of period end, if any, are shown in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as bank borrowings. 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. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the maximum amount borrowed, the average daily borrowing and the weighted average interest rate, if any, under the credit agreement were as follows:

 

Fund Name   Maximum
Amount Borrowed
     Average Amount
Outstanding
     Daily Weighted Average
Interest Rate
 

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

  $ 74,850,000      $ 47,430,663        6.54

 

10.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, the Fund invests in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject the Fund to various risks, including among others, fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of an issuer to meet all of its obligations. The value of securities or other instruments may also be affected by various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the general economy; (ii) the overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; or (iv) currency, interest rate and price fluctuations. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. The Fund’s prospectus provides details of the risks to which the Fund is subject.

The Fund may invest without limitation in illiquid or less liquid investments or investments in which no secondary market is readily available or which are otherwise illiquid, including private placement securities. The Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise funds to meet its obligations. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of investments, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s NAV and ability to make dividend distributions. Privately issued debt securities are often of below investment grade quality, frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as investing in below investment grade public debt securities.

Market Risk: The Fund may be exposed to prepayment risk, which is the risk that borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled during periods of declining interest rates, which would force the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. The Fund may also be exposed to reinvestment risk, which is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed-income securities at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate.

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

Valuation Risk: The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. The Fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause the Fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of the Fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests.

The price the Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation technique or a price provided by an independent pricing service. Changes to significant unobservable inputs and assumptions (i.e., publicly traded company multiples, growth rate, time to exit) due to the lack of observable inputs may significantly impact the resulting fair value and therefore the Fund’s results of operations. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by the Fund, and the Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. The Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

Counterparty Credit Risk: The Fund may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Fund manages counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that 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 Fund to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Fund’s exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Fund.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

For OTC options purchased, the Fund bears the risk of loss in the amount of the premiums paid plus the positive change in market values net of any collateral held by the Fund should the counterparty fail to perform under the contracts. Options written by the Fund do not typically give rise to counterparty credit risk, as options written generally obligate the Fund, and not the counterparty, to perform. The Fund may be exposed to counterparty credit risk with respect to options written to the extent the Fund deposits collateral with its counterparty to a written option.

With exchange-traded options purchased and exchange-traded futures and centrally cleared swaps, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Fund since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, the Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures and centrally cleared swaps with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Fund.

Geographic/Asset Class Risk: A diversified portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with a fund’s objectives, minimizes the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of a fund. The investment concentrations within the Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in high yield securities. High yield securities that are rated below investment-grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) or are unrated may be deemed speculative, involve greater levels of risk than higher-rated securities of similar maturity and are more likely to default. High yield securities may be issued by less creditworthy issuers, and issuers of high yield securities may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations. High yield securities are subject to extreme price fluctuations, may be less liquid than higher rated fixed-income securities, even under normal economic conditions, and frequently have redemption features.

The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities and/or uses derivatives tied to the fixed-income markets. Changes in market interest rates or economic conditions may affect the value and/or liquidity of such investments. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will decrease as interest rates rise and increase as interest rates fall. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the period of historically low interest rates that ended in March 2022. The Federal Reserve has recently been raising the federal funds rate as part of its efforts to address inflation. There is a risk that interest rates will continue to rise, which will likely drive down the prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities, and could negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers located in the United States. A decrease in imports or exports, changes in trade regulations, inflation and/or an economic recession in the United States may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. economy and the securities listed on U.S. exchanges. Proposed and adopted policy and legislative changes in the United States may also have a significant effect on U.S. markets generally, as well as on the value of certain securities. Governmental agencies project that the United States will continue to maintain elevated public debt levels for the foreseeable future which may constrain future economic

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

LIBOR Transition Risk: The Fund may be exposed to financial instruments that are tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that a majority of USD LIBOR settings will no longer be published after June 30, 2023. All other LIBOR settings and certain other interbank offered rates ceased to be published after December 31, 2021. SOFR has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. The Federal Reserve Board adopted regulations that provide a fallback mechanism by identifying benchmark rates based on SOFR that will replace LIBOR in certain financial contracts after June 30, 2023. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Fund is uncertain.

 

11.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. The par value for the Fund’s Common Shares is $0.001.

Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
06/30/23
    Year Ended
12/31/22
 
Fund Name / Share Class   Shares     Amounts     Shares     Amounts  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

       

Institutional

       

Shares sold

    2,504,338     $ 21,644,120       11,086,508     $ 101,945,743  

Shares issued from dividend reinvestment

    189,387       1,636,025       361,932       3,214,888  

Shares redeemed in repurchase offers

    (3,853,206     (33,493,460     (5,520,633     (48,804,990
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (1,159,481   $ (10,213,315     5,927,807     $ 56,355,641  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class A

       

Shares sold

    113,865     $ 986,938       1,039,703     $ 9,733,623  

Shares issued from dividend reinvestment

    288,366       2,500,166       582,337       5,186,559  

Shares redeemed in repurchase offers

    (1,090,163     (9,488,284     (1,864,057     (16,578,161
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (687,932   $ (6,001,180     (242,017   $ (1,657,979
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class U

       

Shares sold

    351,146     $ 3,051,108       2,273,962     $ 21,007,630  

Shares issued from dividend reinvestment

    20,022       172,793              

Shares redeemed in repurchase offers

    (241,979     (2,103,853     (278,784     (2,469,901
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    129,189     $ 1,120,048       1,995,178     $ 18,537,729  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    (1,718,224   $ (15,094,447     7,680,968     $ 73,235,391  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Fund will make offers to purchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding shares at approximate 3 month intervals. Repurchase offer results for the periods shown were as follows:

 

     Commencement
Date of Tender
Offer Period(a)
     Valuation
Date
     Number of
Shares
Tendered
     Tendered
Shares
as a
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
    Number of
Tendered
Shares
Purchased
     Tendered
Shares
Purchased
as a
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
    Purchase
Price
     Total
Amount of
Purchases
 

Institutional

    01/09/23        02/08/23        2,957,747        8.44     2,078,409        5.93   $ 8.72      $ 18,123,720  

Class A

    01/09/23        02/08/23        608,674        5.29       427,776        3.72       8.74        3,738,762  

Class U

    01/09/23        02/08/23        82,501        1.74       57,883        1.22       8.74        505,896  

Class W

    01/09/23        02/08/23                                          

Institutional

    04/10/23        05/10/23        1,774,797        5.21       1,774,797        5.21       8.66        15,369,740  

Class A

    04/10/23        05/10/23        662,387        5.89       662,387        5.89       8.68        5,749,522  

Class U

    04/10/23        05/10/23        184,096        3.84       184,096        3.84       8.68        1,597,957  

Class W

    04/10/23        05/10/23                                          

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (unaudited) (continued)

 

     Commencement
Date of Tender
Offer Period(a)
     Valuation
Date
     Number of
Shares
Tendered
     Tendered
Shares
as a
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
    Number of
Tendered
Shares
Purchased
     Tendered
Shares
Purchased
as a
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
    Purchase
Price
     Total
Amount of
Purchases
 

Institutional

    01/07/22        02/07/22        476,764        1.57     476,764        1.57   $ 9.70      $ 4,624,611  

Class A

    01/07/22        02/07/22        376,008        3.14       376,008        3.14       9.71        3,651,042  

Class U

    01/07/22        02/07/22        26,393        0.82       26,393        0.82       9.71        256,272  

Class W

    01/07/22        02/07/22                                          

Institutional

    04/08/22        05/09/22        1,752,087        5.04       1,752,087        5.04       9.11        15,961,512  

Class A

    04/08/22        05/09/22        234,476        1.93       234,476        1.93       9.12        2,138,424  

Class U

    04/08/22        05/09/22        76,616        1.97       76,616        1.97       9.13        699,501  

Class W

    04/08/22        05/09/22                                          

Institutional

    07/08/22        08/09/22        1,456,156        4.08       1,456,156        4.08       8.79        12,799,607  

Class A

    07/08/22        08/09/22        631,143        5.15       631,143        5.15       8.80        5,554,063  

Class U

    07/08/22        08/09/22        87,441        2.01       87,441        2.01       8.81        770,357  

Class W

    07/08/22        08/09/22                                          

Institutional

    10/07/22        11/08/22        1,835,626        5.16       1,835,626        5.16       8.40        15,419,260  

Class A

    10/07/22        11/08/22        622,430        5.23       622,430        5.23       8.41        5,234,632  

Class U

    10/07/22        11/08/22        88,334        1.92       88,334        1.92       8.42        743,771  

Class W

    10/07/22        11/08/22                                          

 

  (a) 

Date the repurchase offer period began.

 

The amount of the repurchase offers is shown as redemptions of shares resulting from repurchase offers in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

As of June 30, 2023, shares owned by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., an affiliate of the Fund, were as follows:

 

Fund Name   Institutional      Class A      Class U      Class W  

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

    9,800,000        58,962        23,787        23,787  

 

12.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management’s evaluation of the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund’s consolidated financial statements was completed through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and the following items were noted:

The Fund conducted a quarterly repurchase offer for up to 5% of its issued and outstanding common shares. The results of the Fund’s repurchase offer were as follows:

 

     Commencement
Date
     Valuation
Date
     Number of
Shares
Tendered
     Tendered
Shares
as a
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
    Number of
Tendered
Shares
Purchased
     Tendered
Shares
Purchased
as a
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
    Purchase
Price
     Total
Amount of
Purchases
 

Institutional

    07/10/23        08/09/23        1,540,620        4.51     1,540,620        4.51   $ 8.65      $ 13,326,359  

Class A

    07/10/23        08/09/23        250,029        2.30       250,029        2.30       8.68        2,170,254  

Class U

    07/10/23        08/09/23        93,356        1.96       93,356        1.96       8.68        810,332  

Class W

    07/10/23        08/09/23                                          

 

 

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Disclosure of Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory  Agreements

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board,” the members of which are referred to as “Board Members”) of BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund (the “Fund”) met on May 4, 2023 (the “May Meeting”) and June 1, 2023 (the “June Meeting”) to consider the approval to continue the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between the Fund and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”), the Fund’s investment adviser. The Board also considered the approval to continue the sub-advisory agreements (the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) between (1) the Manager, BlackRock International Limited (“BIL”) and the Fund, (2) the Manager, BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (“BRS”) and the Fund and (3) the Manager, BlackRock Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“BCIA” and collectively with BIL and BRS, the “Sub-Advisors”) and the Fund. The Manager and the Sub-Advisors are referred to herein as “BlackRock.” The Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements are referred to herein as the “Agreements.”

The Approval Process

Consistent with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Board considers the approval of the continuation of the Agreements on an annual basis. The Board members who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, are considered independent Board members (the “Independent Board Members”). The Board’s consideration entailed a year-long deliberative process during which the Board and its committees assessed BlackRock’s various services to the Fund, including through the review of written materials and oral presentations, and the review of additional information provided in response to requests from the Independent Board Members. The Board had four quarterly meetings per year, as well as additional ad hoc meetings and executive sessions throughout the year, as needed. The committees of the Board similarly met throughout the year. The Board also had an additional one-day meeting to consider specific information regarding the renewal of the Agreements. In considering the renewal of the Agreements, the Board assessed, among other things, the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by BlackRock, BlackRock’s personnel and affiliates, including (as applicable): investment management services; accounting oversight; administrative and shareholder services; oversight of the Fund’s service providers; risk management and oversight; and legal, regulatory and compliance services. Throughout the year, including during the contract renewal process, the Independent Board Members were advised by independent legal counsel, and met with independent legal counsel in various executive sessions outside of the presence of BlackRock’s management.

During the year, the Board, acting directly and through its committees, considered information that was relevant to its annual consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, including the services and support provided by BlackRock to the Fund and its shareholders. BlackRock also furnished additional information to the Board in response to specific questions from the Board. Among the matters the Board considered were: (a) investment performance for one-year, three-year, five-year, and/or since inception periods, as applicable, against peer funds, relevant benchmarks, and other performance metrics, as applicable, as well as BlackRock senior management’s and portfolio managers’ analyses of the reasons for any outperformance or underperformance relative to its peers, benchmarks, and other performance metrics, as applicable; (b) leverage management, as applicable; (c) fees, including advisory, administration, if applicable, and other amounts paid to BlackRock and its affiliates by the Fund for services; (d) Fund operating expenses and how BlackRock allocates expenses to the Fund; (e) the resources devoted to risk oversight of, and compliance reports relating to, implementation of the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, and meeting regulatory requirements; (f) BlackRock’s and the Fund’s adherence to applicable compliance policies and procedures; (g) the nature, character and scope of non-investment management services provided by BlackRock and its affiliates and the estimated cost of such services, as available; (h) BlackRock’s and other service providers’ internal controls and risk and compliance oversight mechanisms; (i) BlackRock’s implementation of the proxy voting policies approved by the Board; (j) execution quality of portfolio transactions; (k) BlackRock’s implementation of the Fund’s valuation and liquidity procedures; (l) an analysis of management fees paid to BlackRock for products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, closed-end fund, sub-advised mutual fund, collective investment trust and institutional separate account product channels, as applicable, and the similarities and differences between these products and the services provided as compared to the Fund; (m) BlackRock’s compensation methodology for its investment professionals and the incentives and accountability it creates, along with investment professionals’ investments in the fund(s) they manage; and (n) periodic updates on BlackRock’s business.

Prior to and in preparation for the May Meeting, the Board received and reviewed materials specifically relating to the renewal of the Agreements. The Independent Board Members are continuously engaged in a process with their independent legal counsel and BlackRock to review the nature and scope of the information provided to the Board to better assist its deliberations. The materials provided in connection with the May Meeting included, among other things: (a) information independently compiled and prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), based on either a Lipper classification or Morningstar category, regarding the Fund’s fees and expenses as compared with a peer group of funds as determined by Broadridge (“Expense Peers”) and the investment performance of the Fund as compared with a peer group of funds (“Performance Peers”); (b) information on the composition of the Expense Peers and Performance Peers and a description of Broadridge’s methodology; (c) information on the estimated profits realized by BlackRock and its affiliates pursuant to the Agreements and a discussion of fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates; (d) a general analysis provided by BlackRock concerning investment management fees received in connection with other types of investment products, such as institutional accounts, sub-advised mutual funds, closed-end funds, and open-end funds, under similar investment mandates, as applicable; (e) a review of non-management fees; (f) the existence, impact and sharing of potential economies of scale, if any, with the Fund; (g) a summary of aggregate amounts paid by the Fund to BlackRock; and (h) various additional information requested by the Board as appropriate regarding BlackRock’s and the Fund’s operations.

At the May Meeting, the Board reviewed materials relating to its consideration of the Agreements and the Independent Board Members presented BlackRock with questions and requests for additional information. BlackRock responded to these questions and requests with additional written information in advance of the June Meeting.

At the June Meeting, the Board concluded its assessment of, among other things: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by BlackRock; (b) the investment performance of the Fund as compared to its Performance Peers and to other metrics, as applicable; (c) the advisory fee and the estimated cost of the services and estimated profits realized by BlackRock and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund; (d) the Fund’s fees and expenses compared to its Expense Peers; (e) the existence and sharing of potential economies of scale; (f) any fall-out benefits to BlackRock and its affiliates as a result of BlackRock’s relationship with the Fund; and (g) other factors deemed relevant by the Board Members.

The Board also considered other matters it deemed important to the approval process, such as other payments made to BlackRock or its affiliates relating to securities lending and cash management, and BlackRock’s services related to the valuation and pricing of Fund portfolio holdings. The Board noted the willingness of BlackRock’s personnel to engage in open, candid discussions with the Board. The Board Members evaluated the information available to them on a fund-by-fund basis. The following paragraphs provide more information about some of the primary factors that were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board Members did not identify any particular information, or any single factor as determinative, and each Board Member may have attributed different weights to the various items and factors considered.

 

 

D I S C L O S U R E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T   A D V I S O R Y   A G R E E M E N T   A N D   S U B - A D V I S O R Y   A G R E E M E N T S

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

 

A. Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services Provided by BlackRock

The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the nature, extent and quality of services provided by BlackRock, including the investment advisory services, and the resulting performance of the Fund. Throughout the year, the Board compared Fund performance to the performance of a comparable group of closed-end funds, relevant benchmarks, and performance metrics, as applicable. The Board met with BlackRock’s senior management personnel responsible for investment activities, including the senior investment officers. The Board also reviewed the materials provided by the Fund’s portfolio management team discussing the Fund’s performance, investment strategies and outlook.

The Board considered, among other factors, with respect to BlackRock: the experience of investment personnel generally and the Fund’s portfolio management team; research capabilities; investments by portfolio managers in the funds they manage; portfolio trading capabilities; use of technology; commitment to compliance; credit analysis capabilities; risk analysis and oversight capabilities; and the approach to training and retaining portfolio managers and other research, advisory and management personnel. The Board also considered BlackRock’s overall risk management program, including the continued efforts of BlackRock and its affiliates to address cybersecurity risks and the role of BlackRock’s Risk & Quantitative Analysis Group. The Board engaged in a review of BlackRock’s compensation structure with respect to the Fund’s portfolio management team and BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain high-quality talent and create performance incentives.

In addition to investment advisory services, the Board considered the nature and quality of the administrative and other non-investment advisory services provided to the Fund. BlackRock and its affiliates provide the Fund with certain administrative, shareholder and other services (in addition to any such services provided to the Fund by third parties) and officers and other personnel as are necessary for the operations of the Fund. In particular, BlackRock and its affiliates provide the Fund with administrative services including, among others: (i) responsibility for disclosure documents, such as the prospectus and statement of additional information, and periodic shareholder reports; (ii) oversight of daily accounting and pricing; (iii) responsibility for periodic filings with regulators; (iv) overseeing and coordinating the activities of third-party service providers including, among others, the Fund’s custodian, fund accountant, transfer agent, and auditor; (v) organizing Board meetings and preparing the materials for such Board meetings; (vi) providing legal and compliance support; (vii) furnishing analytical and other support to assist the Board in its consideration of strategic issues; and (viii) performing or managing administrative functions necessary for the operation of the Fund, such as tax reporting, expense management, fulfilling regulatory filing requirements, and shareholder call center and other services. The Board reviewed the structure and duties of BlackRock’s fund administration, shareholder services, and legal and compliance departments and considered BlackRock’s policies and procedures for assuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Board considered the operation of BlackRock’s business continuity plans.

The Board noted that the engagement of the Sub-Advisors with respect to the Fund facilitates the provision of investment advice and trading by investment personnel out of non-U.S. jurisdictions. The Board considered that this arrangement provides additional flexibility to the portfolio management team, which may benefit the Fund and its shareholders.

B. The Investment Performance of the Fund and BlackRock

The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed and considered the performance history of the Fund throughout the year and at the May Meeting. In preparation for the May Meeting, the Board was provided with reports independently prepared by Broadridge, which included an analysis of the Fund’s performance as of December 31, 2022, as compared to its Performance Peers. The performance information is based on net asset value (NAV), and utilizes Lipper data. Lipper’s methodology calculates a fund’s total return assuming distributions are reinvested on the ex-date at a fund’s ex-date NAV. Broadridge ranks funds in quartiles, ranging from first to fourth, where first is the most desirable quartile position and fourth is the least desirable. In connection with its review, the Board received and reviewed information regarding the investment performance of the Fund as compared to its Performance Peers and, in light of the Fund’s outcome-oriented investment objective, certain performance metrics (“Outcome-Oriented Performance Metrics”). The Board and its Performance Oversight Committee regularly review and meet with Fund management to discuss the performance of the Fund throughout the year.

The Board noted that while it found the data provided by Broadridge generally useful, it recognized the limitations of such data, including in particular, that notable differences may exist between a fund and its Performance Peers (for example, the investment objectives and strategies). Further, the Board recognized that the performance data reflects a snapshot of a period as of a particular date and that selecting a different performance period could produce significantly different results. The Board also acknowledged that long-term performance could be impacted by even one period of significant outperformance or underperformance, and that a single investment theme could have the ability to disproportionately affect long-term performance.

The Board reviewed and considered the Fund’s performance relative to the Fund’s Outcome-Oriented Performance Metrics including a total return target. The Board noted that for each of the one-year, three-year and since-inception periods reported, the Fund underperformed its total return target. The Board noted that BlackRock believes that the Outcome-Oriented Performance Metrics are an appropriate performance metric for the Fund, and that BlackRock has explained its rationale for this belief to the Board. The Board and BlackRock reviewed the Fund’s underperformance relative to its total return target during the applicable periods.

C. Consideration of the Advisory/Management Fees and the Estimated Cost of the Services and Estimated Profits Realized by BlackRock and its Affiliates from their Relationship with the Fund

The Board, including the Independent Board Members, reviewed the Fund’s contractual management fee rate compared with those of its Expense Peers. The contractual management fee rate represents a combination of the advisory fee and any administrative fees, before taking into account any reimbursements or fee waivers. The Board also compared the Fund’s total expense ratio, as well as its actual management fee rate as a percentage of managed assets, which is the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to money borrowed for investment purposes) minus the sum of the Fund’s accrued liabilities (other than money borrowed for investment purposes) to those of its Expense Peers. The total expense ratio represents a fund’s total net operating expenses, excluding any investment related expenses. The total expense ratio gives effect to any expense reimbursements or fee waivers, and the actual management fee rate gives effect to any management fee reimbursements or waivers. The Board considered that the fee and expense information in the Broadridge report for the Fund reflected information for a specific period and that historical asset levels and expenses may differ

 

 

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

 

from current levels, particularly in a period of market volatility. The Board considered the services provided and the fees charged by BlackRock and its affiliates to other types of clients with similar investment mandates, as applicable, including institutional accounts.

The Board received and reviewed statements relating to BlackRock’s financial condition. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s profitability methodology and was also provided with an estimated profitability analysis that detailed the revenues earned and the expenses incurred by BlackRock for services provided to the Fund. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s estimated profitability with respect to the Fund and other funds the Board currently oversees for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to available aggregate estimated profitability data provided for the prior two years. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s estimated profitability with respect to certain other U.S. fund complexes managed by the Manager and/or its affiliates. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s assumptions and methodology of allocating expenses in the estimated profitability analysis, noting the inherent limitations in allocating costs among various advisory products. The Board recognized that profitability may be affected by numerous factors including, among other things, fee waivers and expense reimbursements by the Manager, the types of funds managed, precision of expense allocations and business mix. The Board thus recognized that calculating and comparing profitability at the individual fund level is difficult.

The Board noted that, in general, individual fund or product line profitability of other advisors is not publicly available. The Board reviewed BlackRock’s overall operating margin, in general, compared to that of certain other publicly traded asset management firms. The Board considered the differences between BlackRock and these other firms, including the contribution of technology at BlackRock, BlackRock’s expense management, and the relative product mix.

The Board considered whether BlackRock has the financial resources necessary to attract and retain high quality investment management personnel to perform its obligations under the Agreements and to continue to provide the high quality of services that is expected by the Board. The Board further considered factors including but not limited to BlackRock’s commitment of time and resources, assumption of risk, and liability profile in servicing the Fund, including in contrast to what is required of BlackRock with respect to other products with similar investment mandates across the open-end fund, closed-end fund, sub-advised mutual fund, collective investment trust, and institutional separate account product channels, as applicable.

The Board noted that the Fund’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 fourth quartile relative to the Expense Peers. The Board also noted, however, that given the comparability limitations of the Expense Peers, BlackRock provided the Board a supplemental peer group consisting of funds that BlackRock believes are generally similar to the Fund. The Board noted that relative to the supplemental peer group the Fund’s management fee rate ranked in the first quartile and the total expense ratio ranked in the second quartile. In addition, the Board noted that, the Fund is party to an expense limitation agreement pursuant to which BlackRock has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse certain operating and other expenses to a specified amount of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

D. Economies of Scale

The Board, including the Independent Board Members, considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as the assets of the Fund increase. The Board also considered the extent to which the Fund benefits from such economies of scale in a variety of ways, and whether there should be changes in the advisory fee rate or breakpoint structure in order to enable the Fund to more fully participate in these economies of scale. The Board considered the Fund’s asset levels and whether the current fee was appropriate.

E. Other Factors Deemed Relevant by the Board Members

The Board, including the Independent Board Members, also took into account other ancillary or “fall-out” benefits that BlackRock or its affiliates may derive from BlackRock’s respective relationships with the Fund, both tangible and intangible, such as BlackRock’s ability to leverage its investment professionals who manage other portfolios and its 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 Fund, including for administrative, securities lending and cash management services. With respect to securities lending, during the year the Board also considered information provided by independent third-party consultants related to the performance of each BlackRock affiliate as securities lending agent. The Board also considered BlackRock’s overall operations and its efforts to expand the scale of, and improve the quality of, its operations. The Board also noted that, subject to applicable law, BlackRock may use and benefit from third-party research obtained by soft dollars generated by certain registered fund transactions to assist in managing all or a number of its other client accounts.

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

Conclusion

At the June Meeting, in a continuation of the discussions that occurred during the May Meeting, and as a culmination of the Board’s year-long deliberative process, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreement between the Manager and the Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2024, and the Sub-Advisory Agreements among the Manager, the Sub-Advisors, and the Fund for a one-year term ending June 30, 2024. Based upon its evaluation of all of the aforementioned factors in their totality, as well as other information, the Board, including the Independent Board Members, was satisfied that the terms of the Agreements were fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. In arriving at its decision to approve the Agreements, the Board did not identify any single factor or group of factors as all-important or controlling, but considered all factors together, and different Board Members may have attributed different weights to the various factors considered. The Independent Board Members were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the deliberative process.

 

 

D I S C L O S U R E   O F   I N V E S T M E N T   A D V I S O R Y   A G R E E M E N T   A N D   S U B - A D V I S O R Y   A G R E E M E N T S

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Additional Information

 

General Information

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about its Board and is available, without charge upon request by calling (800) 882-0052.

The following information is a summary of certain changes since December 31, 2022. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have occurred since you purchased the Fund.

Except if noted otherwise herein, there were no changes to the Fund’s charter or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control of the Fund that were not approved by the shareholders.

In accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund may from time to time purchase shares of its common stock in the open market or in private transactions.

Quarterly performance, semi-annual and annual reports, current net asset value and other information regarding the Fund may be found on BlackRock’s website, which can be accessed at blackrock.com. Any reference to BlackRock’s website in this report is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Fund 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 shareholder reports and prospectuses by enrolling in the electronic delivery program. Electronic copies of shareholder reports and prospectuses are available on BlackRock’s website.

To enroll in electronic delivery:

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

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

Householding

The Fund will mail only one copy of shareholder documents, including prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, Rule 30e-3 notices and proxy statements, to shareholders with multiple accounts at the same address. This practice is commonly called “householding” and is intended to reduce expenses and eliminate duplicate mailings of shareholder documents. Mailings of your shareholder documents may be householded indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please call the Fund at (800) 882-0052.

Availability of Quarterly Schedule of Investments

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Additionally, the Fund makes its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year available at blackrock.com/fundreports.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policies, Procedures and Voting Records

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information about how the Fund voted proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request (1) by calling (800) 882-0052; (2) on the BlackRock website at blackrock.com; and (3) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

Availability of Fund Updates

BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Fund on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of 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 Fund. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Fund and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this report.

BlackRock Privacy Principles

BlackRock is committed to maintaining the privacy of its current and former fund investors and individual clients (collectively, “Clients”) and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information BlackRock collects, how we protect that information and why in certain cases we share such information with select parties.

If you are located in a jurisdiction where specific laws, rules or regulations require BlackRock to provide you with additional or different privacy-related rights beyond what is set forth below, then BlackRock will comply with those specific laws, rules or regulations.

BlackRock obtains or verifies personal non-public information from and about you from different sources, including the following: (i) information we receive from you or, if applicable, your financial intermediary, on applications, forms or other documents; (ii) information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others; (iii) information we receive from a consumer reporting agency; and (iv) from visits to our websites.

 

 

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Additional Information  (continued)

 

BlackRock Privacy Principles (continued)

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.

Fund and Service Providers

 

Investment Adviser

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Wilmington, DE 19809

Sub-Adviser

BlackRock Capital Investment Advisors, LLC

Wilmington, DE 19809

BlackRock International Limited

Edinburgh, EH3 8BL

United Kingdom

BlackRock (Singapore) Limited

079912 Singapore

Accounting Agent and Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, MA 02114

Transfer Agent

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

Wilmington, DE 19809

Distributor

BlackRock Investments, LLC

New York, NY 10001

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, MA 02116

Legal Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

New York, NY 10019

Address of the Fund

100 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

 

 

A D D I T I O N A L   I N F O R M A T I O N

  67


Glossary of Terms Used in this Report

 

Currency Abbreviation

EUR    Euro
GBP    British Pound
USD    United States Dollar

Portfolio Abbreviation

CLO    Collateralized Loan Obligation
CMT    Constant Maturity Treasury
CR    Custodian Receipt
DAC    Designated Activity Company
ETF    Exchange-Traded Fund
EURIBOR    Euro Interbank Offered Rate
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
LOC    Letter of Credit
MTN    Medium-Term Note
PCL    Public Company Limited
PIK    Payment-in-Kind
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust
S&P    Standard & Poor’s
SOFR    Secured Overnight Financing Rate
SPDR    Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipt

 

 

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Want to know more?

blackrock.com | 877-275-1255

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

CRST-06/23-SAR

 

LOGO

  LOGO


(b) Not Applicable

 

Item 2 –

Code of Ethics – Not Applicable to this semi-annual report

 

Item 3 –

Audit Committee Financial Expert – Not Applicable to this semi-annual report

 

Item 4 –

Principal Accountant Fees and Services – Not Applicable to this semi-annual report

 

Item 5 –

Audit Committee of Listed Registrants – Not Applicable

 

Item 6 –

Investments

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

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

 

Item 7 –

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not Applicable to this semi-annual report

 

Item 8 –

Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

(a) Not Applicable to this semi-annual report

(b) As of the date of this filing, there have been no changes in any of the portfolio managers identified in the most recent annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 9 –

Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers – Not Applicable

 

Item 10 –

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – There have been no material changes to these procedures.

 

Item 11 –

Controls and Procedures

(a) The 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 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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

 

Item 12 –

Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not Applicable to this semi-annual report

 

Item 13 –

Exhibits attached hereto

(a)(1) Code of Ethics – Not Applicable to this semi-annual report

(a)(2) Section 302 Certifications are attached


(a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 – Not Applicable

(a)(4) Change in Registrant’s independent public accountant – Not Applicable

(b) Section 906 Certifications are attached


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 Credit Strategies Fund

 

 

By:

    

/s/ John M. Perlowski                            

      

John M. Perlowski

      

Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of

      

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

Date: August 25, 2023

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By:

    

/s/ John M. Perlowski                            

      

John M. Perlowski

      

Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) of

      

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

Date: August 25, 2023

 

 

By:

    

/s/ Trent Walker                                     

      

Trent Walker

      

Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) of

      

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

Date: August 25, 2023